In 2018, approximately 20.3 million people aged 12 or older had a substance use disorder (SUD) related to their use of alcohol or illicit drugs in the past year, according to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). Despite the high number of Americans living with addiction, the stigma of substance abuse often prevents us from considering that our family, friends, and neighbors may be struggling to find a path to recovery.
Support is crucial for recovery. To better understand drug addiction and recovery for yourself or others, it’s important to act with compassion and consider a few key facts. Additionally, if you or a family member are looking for help with drug addiction recovery in Tampa, Phoenix House Florida is standing by with more information.
Related: Encouraging a Loved One to Seek Treatment for Substance Abuse
Addiction is a Disease
Addiction is not a moral failing nor is it a sign that someone is a bad person. Rather, addiction is a disease, just like asthma or diabetes. The stigma of seeking treatment for addiction is often what holds people back from getting the help they need. But, just as people who enter a hospital for treatment of lung disease or an autoimmune disease receive emotional support, so should those who enter an addiction recovery program.
There is No “Cure” for Addiction
Whether you are entering a drug rehab in Tampa yourself or are supporting a friend or family member, it is important to remember that there is no cure for addiction. Rehab will provide the tools to manage the disease and to put the person in “remission” so-to-speak, but recovery is a lifelong road. An addict will become a “recovering addict” rather than a “cured addict”, but that does not mean that the work of recovery is any less worthwhile.
Related: Where Can I Turn for Addiction Treatment in Tampa?
Relapse Is Not Another Word for Failure
Relapse is frustrating, heartbreaking, and disappointing. Whether you are a recovering addict or are the friend or family member of someone in recovery, these feelings are normal. However, it is important to recognize that relapse does not equal failure. Relapse does not mean that recovery did not work or that you are a failure. Relapse only means that it’s time to reach out to a network of support and continue to work on recovery.
If you or a loved one are struggling with substance abuse and need drug rehab in Tampa, help is available. In-person and virtual recovery meetings as well as telehealth services are available through Phoenix House Florida. If you are concerned for a loved one, we can help break through any resistance blocking the path to treatment and work to heal the damaged family dynamic throughout treatment as soon as you reach out to our team of healthcare providers.
If you or a loved one is struggling with addiction, speak with a treatment specialist about drug addiction recovery in Tampa. To schedule a consultation with Phoenix House Florida, please request an appointment today.
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