Dean Colin Godfrey of Wichita Falls has worked in the legal field as an attorney of estate planning law, probate law, criminal defense law, and mediation. Here, Dean Godfrey has a firsthand experience helping individuals in various stages of recovery navigate their legal woes. In the following article, Dean Colin Godfrey discusses how individuals can find strength, determination, and the unwavering pursuit of a brighter tomorrow, on the path to recovery.
Addiction doesn’t discriminate.
It impacts children, seniors and everyone in between. Addiction can tear families and communities apart. It is often a silent epidemic, skillfully hidden from loved ones.
Dean Godfrey explains that addiction is surprisingly commonplace. Nearly 140 million people 12 and older have used illicit drugs at some point in their lives, according to the National Center for Drug Abuse Statistics. The same number of Americans 12 and older drink alcohol. There have been an estimated 1 million drug overdose deaths in the U.S. since 2000.
The numbers are devastating and scary — but there is hope through addiction recovery tailored to an individual’s history and vital needs. Recovery is never easy, but it’s always the best path forward.
Dean Godfrey of Wichita Falls on Treatment vs. Cure
Addiction is considered a medical disorder that is treatable. Many treatment approaches are based on decades of research and scientific discoveries. Decades of research have led to numerous successful recovery methods for a range of addictions.
Dean Godfrey notes however, there is no cure for addiction, and treatment plans are ways to address the fundamental roots of addiction and develop effective ways to manage the condition throughout one’s life. The most effective forms of addiction treatment and recovery are lifelong approaches to prevent relapses and help former addicts live productive, happy lives.
Recovery Stages
Overcoming addiction does not happen overnight. There are carefully designed steps to aid recovery in both the short and long term.
The first recovery stage is the most important: abstinence. Those suffering from addiction must begin their recovery journey by quitting the substance followed by complete abstinence from use. It’s more complex than just not using again.
Dean Godfrey says that abstinence also includes personal acceptance of an addiction, practicing self-care, actively participating in support groups, and developing skills to cope with addiction cravings.
The next step is often called “repair,” referring to the work needed to fix the damage an addiction has caused personally and professionally. This step can also take several years and is particularly challenging as it requires individuals to overcome strong feelings of guilt, find ways to feel joy again and work to fix damaged relationships stemming from addiction.
The final step is typically referred to as “growth.” Dean Colin Godfrey says that during this recovery stage, individuals focus deeply on developing the best skills to prevent addiction in the future. Goals include being honest about damaging behavior and thought patterns, and establishing boundaries with people or places once prominent during an addiction. Dean Godfrey of Wichita Falls says that growth also requires one to evaluate their life goals occasionally and adjust as needed.
Forms of Effective Treatments
Recovery treatment and services vary depending on the type and length of addiction, as well as the age of the patient. According to the National Institutes of Health, addiction treatment should often begin with medication, especially when there is an addition to drugs such as fentanyl or opioids like pain relievers.
Dean Colin Godfrey explains that many recovery specialists combine medication with other forms of treatment, such as counseling or behavioral therapy. There are also medications designed for addiction to substances such as nicotine and alcohol and medication designed to help addicts detoxify. Often, withdrawal from substances and their emotional and physical symptoms. Preventing relapse is also a priority during recovery treatment.
There are many pathways to recovery from addiction, including care programs that focus on long-term chronic care management, such as outpatient care, recovery coaching, and special housing. Community services also offer, and practice emotional support through approaches like aid groups and in-person recovery checkups.
Dean Godfrey of Wichita Falls reports that many communities have sponsored recreational and social recovery programs that provide an outlet for social activities that do not include drugs and alcohol. These include creative arts classes and sports leagues, as well as cafes specially designed to support recovery.
Recovery Resources
There are numerous state and federal government programs, as well as independent recovery centers and nonprofits, all dedicated to recovery from addiction. These include:
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration
Dean Colin Godfrey of Wichita Falls notes that a part of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, SAMHSA offers a free national helpline that is always reachable to help with treatment referrals and other resources for those with addiction disorders, as well as their families.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Another federal government agency, the CDC offers comprehensive information on signs of addiction, potential medications, links to local recovery assistance programs, and a searchable map of U.S. health centers.
Recovery Resources
Dean Colin Godfrey of Wichita Falls also notes that a well-regarded addiction recovery service based in Ohio, Recovery Resources offers not just treatment and recovery services in person and virtually but provides employment and housing assistance as well.
