Addiction recovery, also known as rehabilitation, is a process in which individuals are taught and guided through overcoming an addiction.
Generally, addictions are thought to be toward drugs such as alcohol and heroin, but it is also possible to be addicted to a behaviour such as being on the internet, shopping, gambling, or sex.
For the purposes of this article, however, the focus will mainly be on drug addictions and how best these individuals can overcome the physical and mental health effects of this.
Typically, addiction recovery is recommended to take place within a specialised recovery centre or through a set programme of treatments. However, in some cases, it is also possible to draw from an individual’s surroundings, rehabilitating from alcohol in Wiltshire.
For this article, the focus is on Wiltshire and how an individual may choose to recover from their addiction in and around their local area.
Who is addiction recovery suitable for?
In general, addiction recovery is suitable for those who are struggling from addiction and therefore require support.
However, this is difficult to judge in some cases; some individuals may be far more ‘functional’ when struggling with addiction when compared to others.
In addition, rehabilitation is something that only the individual themselves can adhere to, regardless of the advice and suggestions that they receive from those around them.
This can be challenging, but it is vital that individuals struggling with addiction seek suitable rehabilitative care as soon as they are able to in order to avoid the ongoing and long-term consequences of this behaviour – an addiction that is always changing and affecting the body in different ways (1).
The process of addiction recovery – the essential three stages
To have the best chance at a full and effective recovery, most health services (as well as specific addiction recovery referral services) will recommend that individuals follow the three stages of recovery.
These are:
- Detoxification
- Therapy/treatment
- Aftercare
Each of these stages serves a unique purpose in an individual’s recovery and will contribute to the overall effectiveness of these stages of a recovery programme. These stages are highlighted in further detail over the next few paragraphs.
1. Detoxification – physical recovery
As stated in the heading, the detoxification stage is the one in which an individual will overcome their addiction in a physical sense.
This means that these individuals are required to quit consumption of the substance(s) that they are addicted to, either as one sudden change or as a slow and assisted process.
For example, cannabis is a non-physically addictive substance meaning that most individuals will be able to stop consumption of the substance all of a sudden and will not suffer any extreme health issues.
However, substances such as alcohol and heroin are physically addictive, meaning that most individuals will have to slowly quit consumption of the substance, often using ‘tapering’ substances to alleviate the negative consequences of a full drug withdrawal process.
2. Therapy/treatment – mental recovery
No matter where an individual chooses to undertake their rehabilitation process, therapy often makes up the bulk of an individual’s time in drug rehabilitation.
This is because this is the stage in which an individual overcomes the mental health impacts of their addiction – something which can take a long period of time without the proper commitment and motivation toward recovery.
There are many different types of therapy that an individual may experience during this portion of recovery as each therapy type can be specified to an individual’s unique needs and requirements of recovery.
3. Aftercare – ongoing care and treatment
As the third and ‘final’ stage of recovery, this is the stage in which an individual continues to receive care and support, participating in treatments, but without the ‘formalities’ of structured care and support.
For example, some individuals may attend groups such as Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) or Narcotics Anonymous (NA) as part of their ongoing care and support networks, but this is not a prescribed treatment programme that is a part of their recovery.
Generally, this stage of rehabilitation can be as ‘hands on’ or ‘hands off’ as an individual requires, often depending on their experience of therapy within rehabilitation and the need for ongoing care.
Utilising an individual’s local environment
As well as structured rehabilitation through rehab centres, specialised rehab programmes, and professional-approved treatment programmes, an individual undergoing rehabilitation should also strive to take advantage of their local area and the support available there.
Wiltshire, a county in Southwest England, for example, is a beautiful area of the UK, offering many different services and suppliers of support for those struggling with addiction, as well as for those who may need generally support within their lives.
The remainder of this article will cover some of the key activities in Wiltshire that an individual can partake in as a part of their recovery.
1. Talking therapy groups
Most areas of the UK (as well as the rest of the world), will provide some form of space or area in which talking therapy groups can occur.
Also known as group therapy, these groups include treatment groups such as AA and NA, as well as general support groups for addiction in general.
These groups are especially beneficial for those struggling with addiction as they allow individuals to meet others who may be in similar situations, therefore increasing the opportunity for individuals to share their experiences and to learn from others’.
Check these local groups’ availability and abundance across the specific groups’ websites or contact your local council/health services to find the ones nearest to you and most suitable for your needs.
2. Nature and getting outside
Though a far more informal approach to rehabilitation and something that is often much overlooked, it is important to consider the importance of getting outside into fresh air and green spaces when recovering from an addiction.
In Wiltshire specifically, individuals often have a huge range of options for getting about and about, with many unique sites, outdoor spaces, and an abundance of greenery in the countryside.
Specific studies have shown that engagement in exercise and physical activity can potentially prevent or delay the occurrence of mental health issues such as anxiety, schizophrenia, and dementia, as well as substance use disorders (SUDs) specifically (2).
3. Gloucester House
As a specific example for rehabilitation and general areas of support, Wiltshire is also the home of Gloucester House.
As an addiction recovery centre, Gloucester House has been treating individuals for more than 60 years and offers a comprehensive and supported 12-step programme for individuals to begin their rehabilitation journey.
Take a look at their specific webpages or contact an addiction referral service to find out more about the services offered and if this is suitable for you and your needs.
Getting further support and advice for addiction recovery in Wiltshire
There is no ‘one size fits all’ approach to rehabilitation, and every individual case will require a different approach to care depending on the individual’s unique and specialised needs.
To start your rehabilitation journey today, contact your local health services, as well as getting in touch with an addiction referral service to find the most suitable type of care for you or someone you know.
