It is painful to watch someone we love succumb to addiction. The damage from this affliction spreads out beyond the sufferer to affect the family, friends, jobs and more. No one chooses to become an addict. Many never saw when casual use started to become a “need” that could not be ignored. Both the addict and family can live in a state of denial for a long time. Wishing that things will get better, that “Today” will be different, until the pattern repeats itself.
There is good news: Just like many other disorders of the body and mind, it can be treated. Relationships can be mended and a life filled with purpose, hope, joy and love can be achieved. So what’s the catch you say? The catch is that it requires hard work, commitment and a complete lifestyle change. For the best chance at sustained recovery all aspects of a person needs to be addressed, mind, body and soul.
A quality recovery program will conduct a thorough individual assessment and design a program to treat the whole person, not just the addiction. Some things to look for include:
1. Group Counseling –building a support network of people who understand your challenges can help.
2. Individual Counseling – underlying issues need to be addressed in order to prevent relapses.
3. Family Group Counseling – When family members and addicts are allowed to speak in a group setting, they can see that they are not alone in their struggles. Counselor lead meetings can open clear lines of communication, allowing the healing to begin.
4. Education – Knowledge is power. The body and mind undergo numerous changes under the influence of chemical substances and naturally occurring events such as stress.
5. Lifestyle Enrichment – Exercise, meditation, and physical contact with therapy animals have all been shown to raise endorphin levels, lower blood pressure and instill a general sense of well-being.
6. Spiritual – We all need to feel that we are not alone in this world, that we have a greater connection to all that is. Spirituality can be simple or complex, depending on each person’s beliefs.
Everyone deserves the chance for a healthy, happy, purposeful life. You can get healthy!
Josephine Irwin is the founder of Rescue to Recover, an outpatient substance abuse recovery facility treating both adults and teens.
For more information, please call 661-877-4060.