Can addicts recover?

Can addicts recover?
Actually, yes. Addiction can be successfully treated in most adults and adolescents alike, even when it is far advanced. Successful treatment is based on simple principles:

The addict must learn enough about addiction to recognize the disease and diagnose it within themselves;

The addict must learn at least some new tools-recovery groups, lifestyle changes, even hobbies, etc.

The main point here? The addict MUST take personal responsibility for their own recovery.

So, what about "Success Rates?"

Don't be misled by purported "success rates." Effective treatment of alcoholism and addiction depends on the individual's willingness to achieve sobriety and recovery. A program provides the individual with the education, therapies, and necessary coping tools in a structured environment.

Cure? No Cure?

Use caution when considering a drug rehab program that claims to be able to "cure" addiction to drugs and/or alcoholism. There very well maybe a cure...I haven't experienced one or seen one personally... it's just that the facts up until now support a relapse rate well over 50% for a "first-timer." That's not a judgement. I'm sober awhile now, 5-10-25 tries later. So if you're having problems with it all you're in the MAJORITY...it's just that some of the "healed" talk so damn much you end up believing you're doing "it" wrong. Fuck em. Get up and keep trying. And the path you choose better be yours, not theirs.

If I don't take responsibility for my addiction, I will be unable to take responsibility for my recovery. In other words, (my words anyway), while help is welcome and most of the time necessary, this is my deal...and I better deal with it.

Here's a few thousand people always available to talk. Really.

Addicts, Alkies, Friends and Family: 24 Hours A Day

And some more:

Whose Your Buddy?

And one more...

From Coast to Coast...from Sea to Shining Sea...

You're OK...you just don't know it yet.