Recovery is not something that only a few experience in their lifetime, as everyone can and will do so in some way or another. Whether mild or severe, recovery has been best described as the resilient and beautiful flower that blooms from what can only be seen as complete destruction of a seed. Recovery is often associated with drug or alcohol abuse, but there is an ever expanding variety of use disorders growing at a terrifying pace. Technology has opened the doors to new forms of blue screen addictions, while also providing new avenues for misuse such as gambling and sex addictions. In fact, according to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, 8.5 million American adults suffered from both a mental health disorder and a substance use disorder, or co-occurring disorders in 2017. And while we all have our own ways of recovering from a hard experience or situation, there are some paths of recovery that require professional support and guidance. People in recovery centers will find that there are many types of addiction, and with that also experienced professionals that can help. Discovering the different types of people in recovery can help answer the most important question a confused and struggling individual can ask themselves- Which type are you?
The Different Types Of People In Recovery
There are many different types of addiction, or rather different types of people in recovery centers as of today. Most often we think of drugs, alcohol, and depression when a recovery center comes to mind. But, high end and experienced centers, such as Maui Recovery, offer clients support for recovery from video game, social media, trauma, codependency, and sex addictions alike. Below are some of the most common types of addiction and/or examples of different types of people in recovery:
Alcohol Addiction: Alcoholism is one of the most severe and persistent substance abuse related issues throughout the United States. Most people engage in heavy drinking, which is the consumption of two or more alcoholic beverages on a daily basis. Included is binge drinking, which is defined as the consumption of five or more drinks over the course of one sitting. Over 88,000 people die from alcohol-related deaths annually, making alcohol the third leading preventable cause of death.
Codependency: Typically characterized by being involved in a dysfunctional, one-sided relationship where one person gets all their emotional and self-esteem needs met by the other person. Codependent relationships can include irresponsible, addictive, or underachieving behavior where one person relies heavily on the other for meeting their daily needs.
Drug Addiction: Defined as a chronic, relapsing disorder characterized by compulsive drug seeking, continued use despite harmful consequences, and long-lasting changes in the brain. It is considered both a complex brain disorder and a mental illness. Drugs often misused leading to addiction can include; marijuana, cocaine, amphetamine, methamphetamine, opioids, and even psychedelics.
Eating Disorder: Defined as psychological conditions that can range in different unhealthy eating habits to develop for an individual. Most often this type of disorder sometimes starts as an obsession with food, body weight, or body shape. In severe cases, eating disorders can cause serious health consequences and may even result in death if left untreated.
Gambling Addiction: Also called compulsive gambling, it typically involves repeated problematic gambling behavior that causes significant problems or distress. Many factors can contribute to a gambling addiction, including desperation for money, the desire to experience thrills and highs, the social status associated with being a successful gambler, and the entertaining atmosphere of the mainstream gambling scene.
Sex Addiction: Described as a compulsive need to perform sexual acts in order to achieve the kind of “fix” that a person with alcohol use disorder gets from a drink, or someone with opiate use disorder gets from using opiates. Indications or “symptoms” of distressing experiences can include misuse of pornography, consistent interaction with prostitutes, engagement in risky relationships, withholding sex from your partner, carrying past sexual traumas, or struggling with your sexual identity.
Social Media Addiction: A behavioral addiction that is defined by being overly concerned about social media, driven by an uncontrollable urge to log on to or use social media, and devoting so much time and effort to social media that it impairs other important life areas. The feeling of anxiety with lack of internet, use of devices, or social media platforms are most often associated with social media addiction.
Video Game Addiction: also known as gaming disorder or internet gaming disorder, is generally defined as the problematic, compulsive use of video games that results in significant impairment to an individual’s ability to function in various life domains over a prolonged period of time. Such disorders can be diagnosed when an individual engages in gaming activities at the cost of fulfilling daily responsibilities or pursuing other interests without regard for the negative consequences.
What People In Recovery Centers Look For In Support
Just as there are different types of addiction, there are also different types of support and resources for individuals struggling. The things that people in recovery centers look for in support can include; a safe and tranquil environment, around-the-clock care, experienced staff members, optimal food and health options, private or grouped housing, affordable payment options, and most of all successful treatment modalities. While recovery may seem like the same overall path for every individual experiencing addiction or struggle, it is in fact unique to each individual. Different types of people in recovery will often use treatment options such as; Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Motivational Interviewing, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), and Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR). Unique forms of therapy offered by excellent recovery centers, such as Maui Recovery, also include Adventure Therapies such as Equine Therapy, Surf Therapy, and Nature Immersion. It’s important for people in recovery centers to find a facility that best speaks to their wants and needs.
Maui Recovery Is Here For Different Types Of People In Recovery
At Maui Recovery we know first hand the pain and suffering that comes from active addiction. Which is why so many different types of people in recovery come to us first, no matter the various types of addiction. In fact, our understanding is so much that we have created a Recovery Program combining Holistic Wellness, Best-Practice Care, Nature & Transformative Experiences in order to achieve lasting Recovery. On the tranquil and beautiful Island of Maui, each struggling addicted individual undertakes their own Hero’s Journey to overcome their struggles. Helping them to find the purpose and passion of their lives, all while in a safe, nurturing, and healing environment. One that provides a space for individuals to find the serenity to do the meaningful inner work, while growing spiritually as part of a supportive family community. Our clients get to go inward and dispel the false messages that have been running their lives and discover the truth about who they really are. No matter which type of person in recovery you are, you have a home with Maui Recovery. Our experienced and qualified staff are here for our clients, each and every step of the way!
