Understanding Recovery Options
Written by UAGC Staff
People can decide to change their alcohol or drug use for a number of reasons. Making a change doesn鈥檛 require reaching 鈥渞ock bottom鈥 or experiencing something traumatic, like an injury or overdose. And there isn鈥檛 a single program that fits everyone or guarantees an outcome. Recovery is a process. At the core, this process is about making intentional changes that support our ongoing wellbeing and stability. For anyone considering a change, or supporting someone who is interested in making a change, what are the options?
What are some options?
When it comes to recovery, there isn鈥檛 one 鈥渞ight鈥 option that applies universally to everyone. Options for the type and level of care allow everyone to consider their needs and goals, the substances being used, severity of use, and personal health. Recovery can also be a combination of options. Some examples include:
- Individual Mental Health and Addiction Counseling 鈥 Individual counseling that includes a focus on substance use and addiction, alone or in addition to other mental health concerns, provided by a qualified and licensed mental health provider.
- Peer and Group Support 鈥 Accessing support alongside peers can be powerful, where members have a shared experience and goal of changing behavior related to substance use. This format often includes sharing experiences, discussing challenges, and utilizing both peer and program structure to facilitate behavior change.
- Outpatient 鈥 Treatment provided through a program while participants live outside the treatment setting. This allows participants to continue with their daily responsibilities in addition to attending appointments, accessing counseling, and engaging in other treatment services through the program. Attendance frequency and program length depend on individual needs and program structure.
- Residential and Inpatient 鈥 When additional structure and care are a fit, participants may benefit from programming that allows them to stay at a treatment setting while benefiting from services. These settings can provide more intensive programming, including medical services when increased access, care, or supervision is needed.
For more information about available options, check out resources including or the 鈥.
What鈥檚 the right level of support?
To understand which option, or combination, is the right fit, consider asking a few questions:
- Is alcohol or drug use affecting school, work, relationships, finances, or health?
- Have attempts to reduce or stop use been difficult?
- Have withdrawal symptoms been present when use was reduced or stopped?
- Is use connected to mental health or other stressors?
- What type of support feels like a fit, and is accessible?
It鈥檚 also important to remember that, like finding a mental health provider, it may take time to find the right option. Using these questions and gathering information about available programs can help with selecting, and changes may be needed along the way.
Starting the Change
It鈥檚 a common saying, but also true - sometimes the first step can be the hardest. But it doesn鈥檛 have to be signing up for a program or deciding to abstain immediately. It can be:
- Talking with a friend or family member and sharing that you鈥檙e considering a change.
- Taking time to explore the available resources and program options.
- Attending a support group or recovery meeting to see if it feels like a fit.
- Reaching out to the UAGC Student Advocate HELPline for assistance identifying resources and talking through the various options or previous efforts.
None of these steps require a commitment. They鈥檙e all about dipping a toe in the water and testing the temperature as we consider how to make this process meaningful and effective.
You are not alone 鈥 Support is Available
Choosing to change our use of alcohol and other drugs can be scary, overwhelming, uncertain, and more. For anyone interested in support, know that it鈥檚 available.
- 鈥 Connect with a Student Advocate for emotional support and assistance identifying resources. They can also support you with navigating academic questions or impacts resulting from use.
- 鈥 This resource is available to individuals and supporters for free, confidential 24/7 access to information and referrals related to mental health and substance use concerns.
- 鈥 Dialing or texting 988 connects individuals and their network to immediate and confidential support. Accessing support doesn鈥檛 require having thoughts of suicide. Trained counselors are available via phone, chat, or text 24/7.
- 911 and Local Emergency Services 鈥 Call 911 for suspected overdose, severe withdrawal symptoms, or symptoms including the loss of consciousness and/or difficulty breathing.
What鈥檚 Next?
For anyone considering or ready to make a change, consider the questions above and how to take your next step. If you鈥檙e worried about the use of a friend or family member, start a conversation, show you care, and raise awareness about the options available so they can access support that fits them as an individual.