Get Clean – Call us today!

Is It Possible to Recover Without Treatment?

There is an old saying, “Anything is possible.” Many believe this is true and perhaps it is. When it comes to addiction and whether someone can recover without treatment, a better question would be, “Is it probable”? From our experience, it is unlikely that a person can fully recovery without treatment.

When we refer to recovery from addiction, we do not mean simply stopping the use of drugs or alcohol. There are people who have simply stopped, some for long periods of time. What we usually find is that these people are often miserable.

White knuckling

Why? The reason is because for a time, drugs and alcohol were their solution. They used substances to medicate feelings of restlessness, irritability, fear, anger, and frustration. When they stopped, those feelings remained but their “medication” was gone. People who have stopped on their own often say they “white-knuckled it,” meaning it was a struggle.

We find that the vast majority of addicts and alcoholics who stop by using the “white-knuckle” approach relapse sooner or later. After they have relapsed, we often find their use skyrockets in a short period of time. Why is this? The primary reason is that the disease and the underlying conditions that may have largely contributed to the addiction have not been treated.

 

Centers in the mind

Addiction is a disease that largely centers in the mind. People with addiction in their family, as well as depression, anxiety, and other psychological challenges, tend to be more susceptible to this disease.

When these people start using drugs or drinking, they often find that these underlying conditions subside for a period of time while they are using. But in short order, many find themselves addicted physically and psychologically to the substances they have been consuming.

Treating depression, anxiety or other mental challenges with illicit drugs and alcohol is the worst possible thing anyone can do, regardless of whether they become addicted or not. These substances actually make these underlying conditions much worse. For example, alcohol is a depressant. If the person has depression and consumes large amounts of alcohol, the depression will become much worse.

 

Therapy a must

To truly “recover” from addiction and not white-knuckle it, we believe some form of therapy is required. It is necessary to treat the addiction and any underlying conditions that may exist. This requires a reprogramming of the mind as it heals through the recovery process. In many instances, non-addictive medications may also be required, at least short term.

Most people who seek treatment go through some form of addiction treatment therapy. In our experience, combining effective clinical therapy with a traditional 12 step approach tends to work quite well.

 

Good decision-making

Regardless of the approach to treatment, what is essential is that the brain be reprogrammed through the carving of new healthy neural pathways. When a person sees a hot stove, they do not think they are making a decision not to touch it but consciously, or sub-consciously they are. Through a strong recovery process, drugs and alcohol and all the associated negative consequences turn into that hot stove they don’t want to touch!

As the areas of the brain responsible for judgment begin to wake up and heal, it needs positive experiences to contrast with the horrible experiences of active addiction. When this happens, the areas of the brain responsible for judgment begin to recognize the difference between the positive outcomes of recovery versus the incredibly negative outcomes of active addiction.

In short, the brain starts to actually help the person continue on their recovery journey.

Recent Posts

Alcohol and Hydroxyzine

You have been dealing with anxiety since you were a teen, but your parents never believed you needed any help. They would say things like “get over it,” or “what you say you are feeling isn’t real.” Your sister was at the top of the class, a perfect student, and...

Alcohol and Depression

You didn’t ask for it to be this way. You were brought into a family that was, unfortunately, dysfunctional. Your father was always yelling and abusing your mom, your sister, and yourself. He was never without a drink in hand, and he made sure to impose just enough...

How Much Fentanyl Does It Take to Overdose

You knew the rumors, heard all the news stories, and kept up with the latest statistics about fentanyl on campus. Still, you wanted to have the college experience like you saw in the movies, and when you visited your brother on his college campus. Life seemed so fun,...

What is Freebasing?

You were always popular and hung out with people from different cliques. You played sports, acted in the school play, and even tried some substances here and there. Nothing crazy, some alcohol here and some weed there.So when your burnout friend says they are going...

Cocaine vs Crack

Your husband has been using cocaine for as long as you can remember. He said the rush helped him get through his fast-paced factory job. You really didn’t mind it too much, he only did it for work and was a great husband and father. This was his only vice and you...