Substance abuse treatment programs offer the opportunity to heal from drug and alcohol abuse and co-occurring mental health conditions that contribute to addiction. Of the millions of Americans affected by addiction, a significant portion of them sadly never choose to seek readily available professional help. For others, it can take several attempts at recovery to find success. Deciding to get the treatment you need is a decision that does not come lightly.
Addiction is a complex disease from which it takes a concerted effort on your part to recover. If you have decided to reclaim your life by attending substance abuse treatment, Westwind Recovery® is here to help. Call us at 855.340.8832.
Effective Substance Abuse Treatment Takes Commitment
Addiction is a chronic and lifelong disease. Getting sober in a sober living program is only the first step in the recovery process. To maintain your sobriety, you need to uncover and address the factors that contributed to your addiction. In today’s society, we have become accustomed to instant gratification. In substance abuse treatment, though, there is no such thing as a quick fix. Successful recovery relies on your total commitment to the process, and the process takes time.
For many, short-term addiction treatment, typically 30 days, is the only logistically and financially feasible option. If this is the case for you, remember that any treatment is better than none at all. Further, for people with milder levels of addiction, short-term treatment followed by aftercare planning can be sufficient. That said, research indicates that the most effective treatment outcomes are found with programs that last 90 days or longer. At Westwind Recovery®, we understand that this can seem like an impossible amount of time, but we believe that a lifetime of recovery is worth the commitment. Remember, your addiction did not come about overnight, and you cannot recover overnight either.
Tips for Getting the Most Out of Your Time in Substance abuse Treatment
Substance abuse treatment at Westwind Recovery® is an opportunity for you to gain insight into the roots of your addiction, become educated about the disease, learn new skills to help cope with previously unmanageable emotions, and address past trauma. All of this will result in your improved well-being and help you live a happier, healthier, and more satisfying life. Following are some tips to help you get the most out of your substance abuse treatment:
- Go into treatment with an open mind. Understandably, you might not be happy about going to rehab, and it can be embarrassing, painful, and even frightening. Know that no one is judging you. Being open to all treatment options will help your treatment team guide you in finding your best course of treatment.
- Follow the rules. No one likes being told how to dress or conduct themselves in general. However, the structure and guidelines of your program are there to help break unhealthy patterns of behavior and learn to function as part of a community.
- Participate in group therapy sessions. It cannot be overstated that you will only get out of treatment what you put into it. Active participation in group sessions will improve your communication and interpersonal skills and help build relationships.
- Trust your therapist. Developing trust is a cornerstone of effective treatment. Your therapist’s only goal is to help you heal. Trusting in the process will empower you to address experiences, thoughts, and behaviors that contributed to your addiction.
If you have committed to addiction treatment, you want something in your life to change. Take advantage of the opportunities treatment presents, and do not give up on yourself.
Start Your Recovery Journey at Westwind Recovery®
Getting the most out of your substance abuse treatment takes more than just showing up. For treatment to be effective and for you to develop the skills needed to enjoy a lifetime of sobriety, you must fully commit to the process. The professional team of addiction specialists at Westwind Recovery® has years of experience in helping thousands of clients find salvation from addiction and co-occurring mental health disorders. To learn more about how we can help you, call 855.340.8832.
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.
