Recovery from addiction can seem to be a near-impossible mission. But with the proper support, most individuals get back on track. Case in point, Mcshin Foundation‘s recovery center is open year-round, allowing individuals to participate in various programs whenever needed. The organization also provides a safe, comfortable, and compassion-filled environment to help individuals build a strong foundation for lasting recovery.
That aside, what do such programs offer? Although every institution offers a distinct variation of addiction recovery programs, their aim is to help individuals lead a life of sobriety. They do this in the following ways:
1. Tackling Co-occurring Issues
People struggling with addiction often experience other issues, such as depression or trauma. A recovery program helps address underlying mental health concerns that could contribute to or exacerbate the addiction. Similarly, behavioral disorders require treatment as individuals grappling with them may find it challenging to break out of the cycle of addiction.
Through assessment, a recovery program helps individuals identify the root causes of their addiction. Thereafter, it’s easier to address them and work toward recovery. By also identifying these triggers, individuals are better equipped to avoid them in the future and make positive changes.
2. Professional Counseling
Addiction recovery programs provide individuals with a safe space to discuss their situation and its impact on their lives. To this end, counseling allows individuals to develop healthier ways of dealing with life’s challenges constructively. For instance, with a counselor’s help, individuals explore their fears and feelings, build self-esteem, explore ways to maintain sobriety, discuss their aspirations and the link between them and addiction, and more.
Mostly, it pays for individuals to understand their motivations for using drugs or engaging in other addictive behaviors. In so doing, they can explore ways to regain control of their lives. Moreover, opening up to a professional counselor is often more effective than talking to friends or family members.
Likewise, counseling equips individuals with the tools they need to identify problems that could lead them back into addiction. This enables them to create healthy boundaries in their personal relationships and make better decisions when faced with difficult situations.
3. Community Support
Recovery programs provide comprehensive support for individuals with addiction or mental health issues. For instance, patients access highly trained professionals such as psychiatrists ad therapists experienced in helping individuals successfully navigate recovery challenges. Plus, a supportive environment is instrumental to the well-being of people in recovery.
Recovering individuals can also draw strength and inspiration from others going through similar experiences. This helps them build a supportive community of peers who understand their struggles. Being surrounded by peers on a similar journey can make a huge difference, as these individuals can provide much-needed encouragement and support.
Whether you need medical care, psychological support, ongoing counseling, or a structured living environment, a recovery program can provide the necessary resources to heal and move forward. Likewise, it offers people who leave the program aftercare services for extra support as they transition to normal life. And since recovery isn’t a one-off journey, it helps to have a team of experts or alumni cheering you on and providing assistance.
4. Multi-faceted Therapies
Most recovery programs offer treatment that includes evidence-based and holistic therapies. Care providers often use a combination of modalities such as cognitive-behavioral therapy, psychodynamic therapy, 12-step work, mindfulness practice, art and music therapies, and experiential therapies to help patients.
These treatments are usually individualized to increase the likelihood of achieving long-term recovery. For instance, a patient may receive medication to manage co-occurring conditions while participating in group therapy to address social and behavioral issues.
Patients also receive a comprehensive assessment before admission before their care team creates a treatment plan. Such an approach helps address the physical, mental, emotional, social, and spiritual aspects of addiction.
5. Assistance in Addressing Withdrawal Symptoms
Individuals who’ve tried to quit drugs or alcohol often experience withdrawal symptoms that can make it difficult to stay sober. Recovery programs have medical staff and medications available to address such symptoms.
These professionals also supervise the patient’s detox process while providing physical and emotional support. And although some withdrawal symptoms can be life-threatening, medication can ease the transition and ensure safety. This often helps prevent relapses during the withdrawal period.
Similarly, by providing compassionate care, the care team helps individuals deal with specific challenges. For instance, their non-judgmental attitude helps patients feel less threatened, ensuring they receive help through one-on-one therapy sessions or group discussions.
A recovery program does more than help individuals recover from addiction. It also helps restore their sense of self-worth. And as this post has highlighted, when individuals feel empowered to break free from the cycle of addiction, they can achieve lasting recovery.