Recovery is multidimensional
Recovery may involve changes in substance use, coping, relationships, mental health, physical health, routines, social environment and long-term relapse-prevention skills.
Level of care matters
Some patients are appropriate for outpatient treatment; others require medical stabilization, residential/inpatient care or specialist services.
What to recognize
- Increasing time spent obtaining, using or recovering from substances
- Continued use despite health, legal, family or occupational consequences
- Cravings or loss of control
- Withdrawal symptoms or using to avoid withdrawal
- Repeated unsuccessful attempts to reduce use
Practical next steps
- Begin with a substance-use assessment
- Identify medical and withdrawal concerns
- Involve supportive family members when appropriate and consented
- Develop a continuing-care plan rather than treating recovery as a single event
When professional assessment may help
Assessment is particularly important when use is escalating, previous treatment has not held, withdrawal is possible, mental-health symptoms coexist or functioning is deteriorating.
Suspected overdose, seizure, severe withdrawal, delirium/confusion, loss of consciousness, serious breathing problems or immediate danger require emergency/hospital care.
Related Therapy House services
Educational notice: This article provides general education and is not a diagnosis, individualized treatment plan, medication instruction or emergency service.