The Benefits of Going to an Addiction Treatment Center

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If you're struggling with a substance abuse problem, you may have tried to quit using on your own. If that's the case and you ended up relapsing, it's important to recognize that you're not alone. The majority of addicts in recovery have tried unsuccessfully to quit without help before they enrolled in a recovery program at an addiction treatment center. The many benefits that this type of structured program provides will significantly increase your chances for a prolonged recovery.

Identify Co-Occurring Conditions

Once you enroll in one of the many accredited California addiction treatment centers in your area, you'll go through a comprehensive intake process. In part, this process will involve a psychological evaluation. This is necessary because it helps the facility's staff determine if you will also need treatment for a co-occurring mental health condition, such as depression or bipolar disorder. Often, people become addicted to drugs or alcohol as a means of self-medicating for a pre-existing mental illness. While they don't realize that this is what they're doing, addicts use the substance to alleviate the symptoms of their disorder. If they don't receive treatment for their mental illness in rehab, they will relapse once they leave the facility. Again, their drug or alcohol use will become an unintentional crutch for helping them cope with the mental illness.

Get Support From Other Recovering Addicts

The first few weeks in rehab will be intimidating in that you won't be permitted to receive visitors or communicate with loved ones. This period of isolation is necessary for a couple reasons, including helping you to adjust to the structure of the addiction treatment program. While you won't be able to communicate with your family, you also won't be alone. You'll begin participating in peer group meetings, where you can get to know the other recovering addicts in the facility. You'll find that the meetings provide you with support and insight from others who are familiar with your situation. These will be the first friendships you'll form in your new sober lifestyle.

Recognize the Reasons You Use

One aspect of addiction treatment will include attending one on one meetings with a licensed counselor. During these meetings, you'll explore your past and talk about your substance use history. This is a necessary step because it will help you and your counselor discover the triggers that prompted you to drink or use drugs. Each person has had different experiences with substance abuse, and they also have different triggers for using. For some, it might be a means of alleviating chronic pain. Typically, alcoholics drink to dull emotional pain or because their friends are drinking. Once you know your triggers, you'll be able to avoid them.

Learn Healthier Coping Mechanisms

One of the most enjoyable aspects of an addiction treatment program is that you'll get to engage in a variety of activities that you find stimulating, entertaining, or pleasurable. Resisting drug or alcohol cravings will largely depend on occupying your time with healthier coping mechanisms. Recovering addicts are especially encouraged to participate in exercise and yoga since these practices help release the same "feel good" neurotransmitters that are simulated through drug or alcohol use. Other activities include meditation, playing games, and learning new hobbies. You may also be introduced to deep tissue massage, acupuncture, chiropractic care, and other forms of physical therapy that will alleviate pain and relax the body.

Rebuild Important Relationships

As you struggled with addiction, you undoubtedly strained some relationships that were important to you. While you might not have meant to push your loved ones away, you're probably not as close with your parents, siblings, spouse, or children. Later in your recovery program, you'll have a chance to mend those relationships. Your family will be asked to join you in group therapy sessions, where you can work on the problems that your addiction and subsequent behavior caused. This can help you rebuild stronger relationships as you work out the problems that weaken those relationship ties.

Conclusion

If you do have a substance abuse problem, the first step is to admit that you have a problem with addiction. Once you realize that you need help, you'll benefit from the therapy, guidance, and support that a structured recovery program will provide. With the help of your counselors, therapists, and fellow addicts in recovery, you can start on a path towards a healthier and clean lifestyle.