Greater Utica Chamber of Commerce : RECOVERY FROM ADDICTION IS POSSIBLE

For many, the struggles of overcoming an addiction are difficult to understand, and it's easy to fall into the trap of believing someone can 'just quit.' For most, especially someone who has lived the pain of withdrawal and who maybe hasn't had the tools to deal with the daily hurdles of everyday life, it's far more complicated than 'just' quitting. Recovery begins with understanding the science behind addiction and the physical changes that occur in the brain with long term use.
Ambi Daniel, former clinical counselor in the field of addiction, offers frequent workshops on the science of addiction. In her current role as Family Support Navigator at the Center for Family Life and Recovery, Inc., she works to educate area residents in recovery, their family members, health professionals, and the community at large. 'It's a common misconception that someone dealing with a substance use disorder can just walk away and be that they should know better. It's important to understand that using drugs and alcohol impacts the actual function of the brain. If there are mind-altering substances being used, natural dopamine release is altered.

Our brain relies on this reward/memory system for our basic primitive needs and is driven by it. The brain looks for this release.' The brain can take 18 months to heal. Retraining the brain to recognize that and to begin functioning normally takes time. That's where both
short-term interventions and long-term recovery methods can help someone get through intense withdrawal and onto a path of recovery.
'Without a solid recovery plan in place for addressing routines of home, health, purpose and community changes, it's easy for someone to fall back to other methods of comfort and release,' Ambi said. 'Relapsing back to those substances is far easier in the short term. In the long run, though, recovery gives people a new lease on life that leads to better fulfillment and joy within the hard work of life.'
Typically, addiction treatment programs can last from a few months to several years. 'In fact,' she pointed out, 'recovery is ongoing, and while the intensity decreases, recovery is life-long.'
Following the initial detox, treatment options range from day treatment to outpatient to long-term residential programs. It can include stabilization services, medical treatment, mental health services, and more. But, how does someone who needs help get help?
According to Gina Hobika, Director of Community Relations at CNY Services / Milestones, 'We are very fortunate in the Mohawk Valley to have a variety of resources available. We have an array of local agencies and organizations who offer addiction treatment, stabilization and recovery services. All of our community's agencies work well together in their referral process and strive to provide a warm hand-off where an individual feels safe and not like they're getting lost in the system.'

'Someone in need of services can walk into any of the treatment facilities, doctors' offices, hospital emergency rooms, churches, counseling centers, or any human service agency and they will be referred to the appropriate program,' Gina said. 'We also have the 211 helpline that is a great resource. We are all united to support our community's needs.' Gina's 10 years of experience in the field has included assessments and counseling for both individuals and groups and offering her a unique perspective on our community's capacity to continue building prevention, treatment and ongoing recovery services for the individuals and family members impacted by the disease of addiction.
When Gina and Ambi were asked to define a 'perfect world' recovery continuum, they both focused on individualized treatment plans and recovery plans. 'Recovery is about the individual's process and plans; no two people are alike. Recovery plans are about a person's whole life, not just services,' Ambi said.
Gina added, 'A 24-hour open access center would be ideal in order to meet someone where they are at the moment. When someone is motivated to enter treatment, they are in the 'here and now,' not tomorrow or the next day or next week.'
They both stressed the need for an individualized plan that includes treatment, mental health services, medical care, case management, vocational / educational wrap-around services, social skills, spirituality, self-help groups, managing responsibilities, and fun activities that help with rebuilding a life worth living.
'No matter how good it gets, life throws us curveballs, and we all need to learn coping mechanisms for when life is hard,' Ambi shared. 'That's not addiction, that's life.'
Gina added, 'Each one of us is in recovery of self. We all struggle, and we all learn to cope in different ways. We just need to learn to cope in healthier ways as we move forward in our lives.'

Community Coalitions across New York State are teaming together for the month of January to raise awareness and gather support in the fight against substance use. Locally, the Communities That Care Coalition, Mohawk Valley Prevention & Recovery Collaborative, and Friends of Recovery - Mohawk Valley are inviting interested residents to join them in combatting addiction and promoting a life of recovery. For more information, contact Kathy Peters, Advocacy Coordinator, at Center for Family Life and Recovery, Inc., 315.733.1709.

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