There is no question about it — overcoming an addictive disorder and committing to a life of recovery is challenging. However, any obstacles a person faces during early recovery pale compared to the opposition they face while battling active addiction. Addiction strips people of health, happiness, and fulfillment. The chronic medical condition affects all areas of life. Interpersonal relationships are compromised, careers fall by the wayside, and people become hollow shells of who they once were.
Quitting drugs and alcohol can upend many of the problems caused by addiction. However, the benefits of a drug-free lifestyle include more than just “damage control.” These benefits not only prevent things from worsening. They also provide the possibility of a brighter and healthier future on the road to recovery ahead.
If you or someone you love has been battling addiction, you might be wondering whether or not recovery is worth the effort. Is the payoff worth the initial struggle? In short — yes. While early recovery can be challenging, you always have access to the support and guidance you need to overcome any obstacle. Once you find your footing, life becomes significantly easier. You have a fair shot at fulfillment and genuine happiness. Over time, the consequences associated with active addiction resolve.
At Spirit Mountain, we are committed to helping you every step of the way. To learn more about our addiction treatment program in Utah or to begin your journey of lifelong healing, contact us today.
Substance Use in Utah
Over the course of the past several years, Utah has been heavily impacted by substance use and dependence. Drug overdose death rates in Utah increased from 19.5 per 100,000 in 2011 to 21.1 per 100,000 in 2021. In 2021, there were 446 opioid overdose deaths in Utah. Opioid overdose deaths accounted for 67% of all drug overdose deaths in the state.
Rates of adolescent substance use in Utah are also high. The Utah Department of Health and Human Services and the Public Health Indicator Based Information System (IBIS) report, “Alcohol (8.1%) and marijuana (7.8%) were the most commonly abused substances among adolescents in grades 9-12 in Utah, 2021 from the Youth Risk Behavior (YRBS) survey. Data showed a rate of current alcohol use of 5.3% and a rate of current marijuana use of 5.9% Statewide in 2021 in grades 8, 10, and 12.”
At Spirit Mountain, we help Utah residents of all ages overcome addiction and go on to live the lives they deserve. Our comprehensive recovery program focuses on the unique needs of each individual client. We customize treatment plans to meet clinical needs, adjusting plans throughout of the recovery process. To learn more about addiction recovery in Utah, contact us today.
Benefits of a Drug-Free Lifestyle
The benefits of a drug-free lifestyle are truly endless. In order to fully grasp the benefits, it is a good idea to first consider the consequences of active addiction. Consequences vary on a person-to-person basis, though they often include:
- Strained interpersonal relationships/problems in relationships with family members and friends.
- Problems at work or school/problems keeping up with personal responsibilities and obligations.
- Compromised physical health/a range of health-related issues, from weight loss or weight gain to heart disease and stroke.
- The exacerbation of mental health issues like anxiety or depression, or the development of new mental health concerns.
- Emotional problems, including mood swings, unstable moods, and feelings of hopelessness, helplessness, and depressed mood.
- Financial and legal issues.
- An increase in risk-taking behaviors, which can lead to serious and potentially life-threatening consequences.
Committing to a drug-free lifestyle means working through these consequences. It is important to note that the negative impact of active addiction will not be remedied overnight. It takes time and effort to successfully sift through the “wreckage of the past.” Fortunately, people who are in recovery for substance use issues have access to a wide range of resources, services, and support networks.
Benefit #1: Improved Relationships with Friends and Family
One of the most significant benefits of a drug-free lifestyle is improved relationships with friends and family. Because addiction and denial often go hand-in-hand, people who struggle with addiction are typically defensive, hostile, and volatile. They work to protect their substance use at all costs, even if that means stepping on the toes of the people they love. Interpersonal relationships are compromised. Many close friends and family members distance themselves, deciding to protect their own mental and emotional well-being.
Entering into a life of recovery means improved relationships with loved ones. While actively engaged in treatment, clients learn to communicate in healthy and productive ways. They learn how to make amends for past wrongs and live principled lives. They learn what it means to show up for themselves and for those they care about.
Benefit #2: Improved Physical and Mental Health
Active addiction strips people of their physical and mental health. Physical and mental consequences of active addiction include:
- Changes to diet, which lead to malnutrition, weight loss, or weight gain
- Changes to sleep patterns which lead to chronic fatigue and exhaustion
- Increased risk of accidents which lead to serious injuries
- The development of mental health concerns like anxiety and depression
- The exacerbation of pre-existing mental health conditions
- Drug-induced psychosis
Committing to a life of recovery means improved physical and mental health. Once the chemical substance leaves the system and the person has been physically stabilized in a medical detoxification center, additional steps are taken to improve physical well-being. Any underlying mental health concerns are adequately addressed.
If a person has been struggling with a dual-diagnosis disorder, Spirit Mountain offers personalized mental health treatment plans. We address physical and mental health simultaneously, providing our clients with a range of evidence-based holistic and experiential therapies. We focus on the restoration of physical health, providing clients with nutrition planning services and custom-tailored exercise plans.
Benefit #3: A Genuine Shot at a Fulfilling and Meaningful Life
When a person is actively battling addiction, their entire life revolves around obtaining and using their substance of choice. Passions fall by the wayside and hobbies are discarded in lieu of drug use. Nothing is quite as important as the next fix.
When a person commits to overcoming drug addiction, they commit to a lifelong journey of self-betterment. Over time, they get to know themselves. They begin exploring the things that bring them authentic joy and happiness. They find fulfillment in life, working towards tangible goals and learning how to make a lasting impact in the lives of others. Addiction recovery is a truly beautiful and rewarding journey.
Addiction Recovery in Utah
Deciding to seek professional help for a substance use disorder is never easy. Fortunately, we are available to make the remainder of the process as straightforward as possible. As soon as you reach out to Spirit Mountain Recovery, you are connected with a compassionate team member who answers your questions and guides you through the admission process step by step.
Early recovery is a challenging time. Not only are you committing to positive change, but you are learning to thrive in your day-to-day life without chemical substances. Despite any challenges, there is nothing quite as rewarding as successfully overcoming addiction. We look forward to playing an integral role in your recovery journey.
Contact us today to begin your recovery journey.
