Things to Consider When Starting and Staying on Your Recovery Journey

Recovery from opioid addiction can feel like a long journey. And, like other journeys, it may be helpful to have a map. Everyone’s experience is different, but there are some things to consider that can help guide your path no matter where you are in your story.

1) Seek Professional Help Early

Reach out and talk to a healthcare provider as soon as you can. They’re there to listen and to support you. A healthcare provider can diagnose opioid addiction, evaluate your treatment needs, and help to build you a personalized recovery plan that may include medicine along with lifestyle changes and professional treatment.
2) Know Your Treatment Options

Addiction is a treatable condition. Your healthcare provider will discuss treatment options that often include medicines to treat opioid addiction. These medicines are typically used with counseling and behavioral therapy to support your recovery journey. Research has shown that medicine is often used as the first line of treatment for opioid addiction. Knowing what your treatment options are is an important step in creating your recovery plan.
3) Learn Recovery Skills

Even after you’ve started your recovery journey, living with opioid addiction can be difficult. Therapy can help you understand your triggers, develop healthy coping skills, and rebuild relationships. There are several different types of therapy available to support you. Here are a few examples:
- Cognitive behavioral therapy helps people recognize, avoid, and cope with triggering situations
- Contingency management uses positive reinforcement to help avoid relapse and encourage recovery. Positive reinforcement means rewarding yourself for making healthy behavioral changes
- Group or family counseling involves you and your family members and can help improve overall family functioning and address influences on drug use patterns
4) Build a Support Network

A diverse safety net of friends, family, or community members can help support you on your recovery journey. This can include:
- Peer support groups
- Recovery coaches or sponsors
- Family and friends who respect your lifestyle goals