Recovery happens after an individual completes their primary treatment and detox programs. Typically, the recovering individual moves to a transitional living facility like a sober living house. At the residence, therapists, trained staff, physicians, sponsors, and wellness experts help guide them through the various phases of recovery. There are a number of questions that can be helpful to address during recovery. In addiction treatment therapy, those in recovery can understand the underlying causes of addiction and develop a relapse prevention plan.
Recovery and Individual Talk Therapy
Talk therapy is one of the most beneficial forms of healing for those in recovery. Through the process, individuals will uncover issues that have been buried for a long time. Trained therapists help discover origins of drug or alcohol use, current feelings, traumatic experiences, reasons why they may have use drugs or alcohol as a means of escape, and how they feel they are handling their addiction today.
Therapists engage in therapeutic practices, which help clients unleash unacknowledged feelings or suppressed thoughts. Therapy is the place to let go of those heavy emotions. Therapists will often encourage the client to stay with it. Do not suppress tears. Express the feelings of anger that are rising up. Share how you feel, no matter how unpleasant or difficult it is. Tapping into those deep recesses is an important step in breaking addiction. Understanding why an escape was needed and how to live without using substances are questions that will be asked and answered in recovery.
Questions to Ask in Therapy
During recovery, individuals will complete therapy on their own and in group settings. Independent therapy is done alone with a therapist. Whether it is at a sober living facility or a therapist’s office, the environment is quiet and protected. Clients should feel comfortable asking questions and making the most of the one-on-one time.
Questions that individuals in recovery at a drug addiction treatment program might work through include:
- How do I get rid of my depression?
- How do I get rid of my shame over the things I’ve done while I was hooked on drugs or alcohol?
- How do I begin to repair my damaged relationships with others?
- What activities can I do that will replace my addiction?
Shame is one of drug and alcohol addiction’s biggest root causes. If left unidentified, shame can be incredibly dangerous. In therapy, shame must be discussed. By doing so, you take away its power and its hold over you. If shame goes unacknowledged, it can lead to relapse, but you must not let it. Actively sharing, asking questions, and listening in therapy are huge steps to prevent a potential relapse.
Understand that your addiction does not define you. Your addiction was an experience you went through. Your addiction is part of your past, and now recovery and healing are your future.
Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy
Based on the addiction, therapists will use different treatment modalities. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is a popular form of therapy used to help treat drug and alcohol addiction and a variety of other mental health ailments. CBT is extremely beneficial because it is adaptable in working with numerous issues.
CBT is an evidence-based approach that seeks to reverse negative and harmful thinking. CBT at a luxury rehab program in Los Angeles helps the client work on a plan to reverse or stop self-defeating behaviors, thoughts, and actions. Clean and sober living is the ultimate goal for any individual in recovery.
Sharing with Others and Asking Questions
Sharing your experiences through twelve-step meetings and among fellow peers is another big step towards healing. The place to be vulnerable, open, and honest is in recovery. Like in individual therapy, it is important to participate and listen actively. Sharing your emotions, struggles, and experiences with support groups is a way to achieve long-lasting sobriety.
Also, listen to their stories and ask questions as well. You may find common experiences, recognize their way of thinking, and understand other reasons for using drugs or alcohol. This process can be reassuring, lead to deeper awareness and understanding, and make you feel less alone on your journey.
Like drug and alcohol detox, which flushes the effects of drugs and alcohol from your body, therapy and talking with others eliminate toxic emotions, negativity, self-blame, and self-sabotaging behaviors.
Reach Out to Westwind Recovery® Today
Contact Westwind Recovery® in Los Angeles to learn more about our treatment programs. We offer a wide variety of evidence-based and holistic therapies where you can ask questions and learn about how you can sustain recovery long-term.
Reach out to our team at 855.340.8832 or contact us online to get started on your journey to recovery.
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.
