As you set out on your journey of sobriety, you will find that individual care is very important. Benefiting from individualized care in recovery is not meant to exclude or reduce the importance of group therapies. Instead, individual care works together with group therapies to zero in on a patient’s different needs.
Every Recovery Journey is Different
Indeed, every individual’s addiction story is different. Currently, your situation is a mix of personal experiences and influences. Therefore, there is no one size fits all way to recovery. The best fit for you will not be the best for another person. Although people often find meaningful support in group therapy, individual treatment plans are necessary.
Once you have chosen to lead a life of sobriety, you must make a recovery plan. Unfortunately, the potential for relapse will always exist. However, having a thorough recovery plan can help you avoid possible pitfalls. Your counselors and doctors will help you create a plan that should include:
- Developing a routine and setting attainable recovery goals
- Listing specific steps with time frames to keep you on track
- Knowing the people that are willing and able to be a part of your support system
- Making a list of crisis contacts including therapists, sponsors, and 24-hour intervention hotlines
- A list of healthy rewards for reaching goals
- Writing your plan down and sharing it with your support system
Benefiting From Individualized Care In Recovery
Undeniably, individual, group and family counseling play necessary roles in any recovery plan. Still, the top focus of any treatment should be the needs of the self. Folks entering rehab often have several issues beyond the addiction. In addition to addiction, patients enter rehab with other medical or emotional problems, as well as work issues and legal matters.
Moreover, an individual’s gender, sexual orientation, age, ethnicity, finances, trauma history, and culture will play a part in addiction, such as if they are a part of the LGBTQ community. Likewise, they will determine the right approach to recovery. The things that make a person special are the things that require individualized care in rehabilitation.
Reviewing Individual Recovery Plans
Most importantly, recovery is all about progress and growth. Consequently, individual recovery plans need to be re-visited from time to time. Progressing through self-discovery, we will often find that early-stage plans need adjustment. Certainly, the person entering rehab on day one is not the same person that leaves 30+ days later. A year into recovery, ideally, patients will find they are ready to tackle even greater goals. Success in recovery should lead to greater confidence. As a result, hopes for the future unfold, and imagining a life of greater purpose becomes achievable.
Individualized Dual Diagnosis Treatment
It’s not uncommon for addiction to develop in individuals with diagnosed or undiagnosed mental illness. Unfortunately, self-medicating can quickly become a habit and hide underlying psychological issues. Consequently, folks suffering from bipolar disorder, anxiety disorder, depression, and PTSD, if left undiagnosed and untreated, will find sobriety more challenging. To treat co-occurring disorders, individual recovery plans should include:
- Detox in a dual-diagnosis treatment facility
- Follow-up care in an inpatient program
- Diagnosis of co-occurring conditions
- Discussion of treatment options including medications
- Individual and group therapy
- Continued monitoring of symptoms and behaviors
Patients benefiting from individualized care in recovery are likely to find more success in recovery. While still appreciating and understanding the role that family and support groups play. A quality rehab program that focuses on individual needs can help you regain control of your life. Contact us today. We are here to help you find the path to recovery that is best for you.
Dr. Deena is the Chief Clinical Officer of Westwind Recovery®, an award-winning outpatient treatment center in Los Angeles where she oversees the clinical and administrative program and treatment methods. Dr. Deena is a doctor of psychology and licensed clinical social worker since 1993. LCSW #20628. Originally from the East Coast, Dr. Deena has worked running treatment centers, worked as a therapist in psychiatric hospitals as well as school settings and currently has a thriving private practice in the LA area. Dr. Deena has appeared regularly on the Dr. Phil Show as an expert since 2003. She has also been featured on many other TV shows, podcasts and has contributed to written publications as well as podcasts.
