Individuals grappling with addiction often head to rehab centers across America and the world, hoping to reorient their lives. Thankfully, most do – according to a study by the CDC, roughly 75% of people battling addiction eventually recover.
Some of these individuals end up at a facility such as the Last Resort Recovery Center – a drug rehab Austin residents recommend. The facility’s care providers strive to help patients overcome substance abuse through holistic and evidence-based treatments. Well then, what role does rehabilitation play in the battle against addiction? Keep reading for details.
1. Breaking the Cycle
If you’ve ever suffered from addiction, you know firsthand how difficult it is to break the cycle of substance abuse. For a start, substance use disorder increases the risk of developing mental health issues. This can lead to many complications, including depression, delirium, tremors, anxiety, and suicidal thoughts.
Rehabilitation helps individuals break the cycle in various ways. For instance, your treatment program may include one-on-one counseling sessions with professionals. That way, you can talk about your addiction and related issues, thereby receiving advice from experienced counselors on how to stay sober.
2. Dealing with Underlying Issues
Often, various underlying issues contribute to addiction. For example, a person may experience grief following the death of a loved one or suffer from childhood trauma. Likewise, some people fall through the cracks and get addicted to drugs while seeking approval. Genetics also plays a role in some cases.
Rehab is the ideal place to unearth issues that would otherwise stay buried. A counselor can help identify the root of an individual’s addiction through group therapy or individualized therapy. By so doing, they help patients learn to cope without relying on drugs or alcohol.
3. Providing A Supportive Environment
A battle waged single-handedly is hard to win. For a start, the frustration, anxiety, self-doubt, and depression that accompanies recovery can be challenging to manage. As such, it’s easy to lose the will to keep battling.
A supportive environment allows individuals in rehab to stay focused on the prize. Besides, it helps to know you’re surrounded by people committed to helping you recover.
What’s more, peer support goes a long way toward encouraging individuals to stay on the path to recovery by promoting accountability. Thus, should a patient face an obstacle along the way, they know they have a support network of care providers – medical staff and fellow patients – to get them back on track.
Ongoing support also comes in handy during the transition from treatment to life outside the facility. During this period, individuals must learn how to live a substance-free life. And should they struggle to cope with cravings, they can turn to their rehab center for help. Such support significantly reduces the likelihood of relapse caused by post-acute withdrawal symptoms (which may last up to 18 months following detox or treatment).
4. Nurturing New Habits
Making changes isn’t easy, especially as you grapple with addiction. Rehabilitation is about helping you build new habits and set new goals that can help change your life. It offers you the tools to create positive and lasting change. And by developing new habits, you can replace negative behaviors with healthier ones.
Generally, addiction leads to poor discipline and lack of structure, which can derail recovery efforts. Moreover, you may desire to alter bad habits, only to fall prey to old ones. This can dampen self-confidence and reduce motivation.
At a rehab facility, however, you can build intrinsic motivation to stay on the path of recovery. You also learn to control your feelings, reframe negative thought patterns, and become more mindful through various activities.
Rehab centers also focus on goals to improve your physical, social, emotional, spiritual, and mental health. And as you learn new habits, you can better cope with the curveballs life tosses post-treatment. That way, they reshape your life and boost your odds of successful, long-term recovery.
5. Creating Structure
Routine is a crucial component of successful rehabilitation as addiction can lead to a chaotic life without structure or discipline. Establishing a rehab routine helps patients regain control and stability, which is critical in the recovery process.
Rehab programs include routines customized to meet each patient’s needs. The daily schedule typically includes individual and group therapy sessions, exercise, meditation, and recreational activities. Patients also have a set time for meals, rest, and personal hygiene.
The routine is designed to help you establish healthy habits that can carry over into your life post-treatment. Studies show that people who establish healthy routines have a better chance of maintaining long-term sobriety.
Adhering to a set schedule also makes you less likely to give in to your cravings. Thus, a structured routine helps you maintain focus and avoid triggers that may lead to a relapse.
To overcome addiction, you need a strategic approach. Rehabilitation provides the necessary components to help you maintain a lifestyle without substances. And as outlined, it’s an invaluable part of the recovery process. Hence, seek help and take your first steps toward achieving lasting sobriety.
