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finally realise that they are addicted and they do need help, perhaps after failed attempts at stopping themselves. For many addicts, this will be when they seek out the help of doctors, clinics, etc.

Make no mistake, addiction, although seen as a disease, is a pattern of learned behaviours. And in the same way that those behaviours were learned they can be unlearned and new patterns of behaviour and coping strategies learnt. This is stage three. If the addict can get successfully through withdrawal they can then start to learn the tools that will assist them in later stages. For many this will be achieved in rehabilitiation centres or clinics. This is where the addict will start to recognise triggers, situations that put them in trouble and in danger of a relapse or lapse. Addiction, although a huge problem, is only a symptom of a greater underlying issue. The addict will be encouraged to look at the underlying reasons for their substance misuse and tackle any problems arising from that. This is also where they will learn the difference between those two words - relapse and lapse. A relapse is a full blown return to old behaviours and habits and in most cases there will be a number of relapses before full recovery takes effect. A lapse however is a short term return to old habits, maybe a one time use or a couple of days back on the old horse, so to speak.

The latter stage would probably be aftercare - this would be when the addict is supported by systems such as Narcotics Anonymous and drop in meetings after leaving rehab. The addict will be encouraged to attend meetings with the assistance of a mentor or sponsor and they will become a member of a group that have similar histories and experiences that can assist with any difficulties. With good support systems in place, it's surprising how many addicts will successfully go on to recover from substance abuse.

Full blown recovery is a long term process. For a lot of addicts it can go on for 10 years or more. Some addicts will still be monitoring their behaviors 20 years clean. The saying is 'once an addict, always an addict'. This is true, however, an addict in recovery takes one day at a time and makes the decision not to use substances and return to old ways. Recovery is difficult and takes immense inner strength and any addict that is in 'long term recovery' needs saluting, not condemnation.

Learn more about this author, Wayne Clist.
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