Influential Factors of Recovery
Time is best predictor of recovery success. The longer the individual remains abstinent, the better their chance of success at long term recovery. Specific numbers and percentages measuring success are inconsistent and involve many different variables. The one thing that all statistics agree on, is the inverse correlation that time has with chance of relapse. Basically, the longer a person remains abstinent, the less the chance of relapse. Numerous studies have shown that, staying abstinent over a year, is a significant factor in chance of relapse. Some studies have suggested, that with a strong recovery program and weekly meetings, 90% of those reaching the one year mark are likely to continue abstinence throughout the remainder of their lives.
Environment is perhaps the most predominate reason for relapse for those coming out of treatment programs today. Many recovering individuals return to the exact same environment that they left to go to treatment. For someone in recovery to have a chance at success, it is extremely important that they do not return to the life they left prior to treatment. Many individuals do not see themselves as having any other options available to support their program. They think that the people around them will change and support their program of recovery. They do not realize the significant number of triggers that they will be faced with by returning to the same environments. Regardless of the reason, recovering individuals end up relapsing within the first month of completing treatment simply because they returned to the same environment that they left. A recovery program that allows the individual the option of carrying on with their recovery life, with the people they love, in a free and encouraging recovery community, will greatly increase their chance of success.
Support is paramount for recovery success. Support from family and friends, people that they love and trust, has a major influence on an individual's recovery program. Words of encouragement from this group of people can go a long way in maintaining motivation. Displays of love and affection are extremely important for someone in recovery to feel connected and to stem the effects of loneliness that permeate their psyche. Social support is also important, as many individuals will have damaged their lives so much that they require the support of many people within their communities. Social programs will help someone in recovery maintain stability in their lives both from a financial aspect as well as a living aspect. Recovery peer support is the other aspect of support that is required to maintain abstinence. Having friends is important but having clean and sober friends that have also lived through addiction, is perhaps even more important. People in recovery can relate to each other in ways that no one else can can. 12-step programs have been built on this idea and one cannot discount the value whether they are actively engaged in a 12-step program or not. It is important that anyone in recovery has some form of peer support, with other people in recovery, that they can reach out to in times of need.
Purpose is perhaps the most overlooked factor that influences recovery success. Every person on earth needs a purpose to their life in order to enjoy life. Discovering this purpose for those in recovery can sometimes be a difficult and timely process. Encouraging individuals to try many different things, completion of goals and following their passions must be the cornerstone of their program. Individuals that find meaning in their lives not only provides motivation for continued recovery, but more importantly allows them to enjoy their new life.
