Early recovery is a critical period when it comes to overcoming addiction. A great deal of emphasis is placed on the first 90 days, but at Northbound, we strive to help clients celebrate a year of continuous sobriety. It takes time to incorporate and adapt to change and to figure out what you want for your future. During this time, having ongoing support is essential.
Addiction recovery is a process that keeps building upon itself. You start with detox, then shift to an intensive inpatient program, move into an outpatient program, and then continue to engage in activities that support relapse prevention. Many programs end after 90 days, but a full continuum of care is key. Recovery continues beyond inpatient and even outpatient care.
Maintaining continuous sobriety requires change. At Northbound, we support clients in multiple aspects of their lives. You not only learn how to become healthier physically and mentally, you can also further your education to help you achieve your goals. As you become more independent and reach each milestone you set for yourself, it can enhance your confidence and motivation.
In the first year of recovery, having a strong support system is important. When you face challenges or obstacles, you can push through knowing that you have people to turn to who believe in you and want to see you succeed. People who have been at the same place in their lives and were able to overcome. Stumbling blocks don’t have to negate the progress you’ve made and can be lessons you learn from.
With each new day, you can gain hope and confidence. A life that you thought was out of your reach is suddenly unfolding before you. Addiction does not have to control your future. Participating in an addiction treatment program like Northbound that offers a full continuum of care and works with you along every step of the way can help you reach not only a year of continuous sobriety, but set you up for success for many years to come.
Leave a comment and let us know what you found most helpful in achieving a year of continuous sobriety.
Author
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Paul Alexander is the CEO, President & Founder of Northbound Treatment Network in Newport Beach, California. He believes wholeheartedly in transformational leadership, organizational health and effective, fully integrated substance use disorder and mental health treatment. With over 27 years of experience in behavioral healthcare, Paul has extensive knowledge of “in vivo” treatment modalities, clinical development, operations, strategy, marketing and financial planning. He has been widely recognized for his development of collegiate-based residential treatment programs for students in recovery and authored a research study at The University of California confirming this modality’s effectiveness.
Paul’s comprehensive professional experience, willingness to innovate, and emphasis on organizational health are vital factors in Northbound’s continued success. Paul received his Certified Addiction Treatment Specialist training at Saddleback College in Mission Viejo, CA, and was awarded Outstanding Alumni Service Award in 2002. Paul holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Criminology, Law and Society, Summa Cum Laude, from University of California, Irvine, and a Juris Doctorate degree from Loyola Law School of Los Angeles. Paul currently serves on The National Association of Addiction Treatment Providers (NAATP) board. In addition, he serves on The Family Recovery Foundation board and The CarePossible board in Orange County; both organizations are committed to raising funds for family recovery and treatment for former military personnel. Paul is in recovery himself and lives in Orange County with his wife Silvana and his two young sons, Noah and Dean.
