Are you seeking professional addiction help for you or a loved one? A simple Google search for addiction treatment yields a staggering 2 billion results. This number can be dizzying and overwhelming for anyone.
Let’s be honest. In a time of acute crisis, you don’t have the time (or energy) for extensive research. You also don’t want to make a potentially life-threatening mistake. But with limitless options, how are you supposed to discern quality addiction treatment from the rest?
We all know that addiction can be fatal. Nobody has the luxury of wasting time with subpar treatment. Unfortunately, many places advertise themselves as highly professional and reputable- only to dramatically miss the mark. Let’s get into the anatomy of a top-notch program.
Individualized and Personalized Treatment
Everyone is unique, and everyone responds to treatment differently. Many facilities attempt to provide cookie-cutter interventions to all their clients. They believe what works for one person needs to work for everyone, but it’s both unethical and dangerous to assume that everyone should subscribe to one particular model.
Quality addiction treatment programs understand the nuances of human behavior. They consider a variety of factors when developing comprehensive treatment plans. These factors may include:
One’s past history with treatment
Co-occurring mental illnesses
Individual preferences
Lifestyle considerations
Daily responsibilities (work, children, legal issues)
Family support
If everyone’s treatment plan looks the same, it’s a problem! That means the program likely focuses on a single method for recovery. They don’t take the time to truly understand their clients’ needs, histories, and personalities.
While a particular method may work for some, it’s downright unrealistic to expect that it works for everyone. As a result, those who do not adhere to this subscribed model tend to have a higher potential for relapsing.
Psychotherapy
Addiction is complex and chronic, and substance use tends to be a reaction to other problems, such as mental illness, trauma, dysfunctional family dynamics, or low self-esteem. Often, once someone stops using drugs or alcohol, they find that those issues come back with a vengeance. If you don’t address the underlying triggers, you’re susceptible to relapse or other forms of emotional decompensation.
Individual psychotherapy can help you address issues related to:
Resolving past or current trauma
Coping with significant life transitions
Building a healthy support system
Improving self-esteem (and identifying roadblocks that hinder it)
Learning healthier ways to think about yourself and others
Finding acceptance of the world around you
Decreasing other compulsive behaviors (gambling, shopping, overeating)
In therapy, you will learn healthier ways to cope with your distress. Best of all? You will have a safe place to explore your thoughts and feelings without judgment. Your therapist will act as your ally and cheerleader during this rocky time.
Family Support Options
Addiction is often said to be a family disease. Its consequences can ravage even the healthiest support systems. Quality treatment programs understand this complicated dynamic, and, when possible, they infuse the individual’s family throughout their care- and beyond.
While you are responsible for your recovery, your family can be an undeniable asset in this process. Toxic behaviors like enabling, denying, or minimizing addiction can perpetuate addiction problems. On the other hand, if your family learns (and implements) healthier ways to intervene, you have a higher chance for long-term success.
Life Skills Training
Many people struggling with addiction also struggle with overall life functioning. Think about it. If you’ve been drinking or using for several years, you may lack the skills needed to hold a job, build friendships, live on your own, or even fill a medication prescription.
You’re not a failure. You just need support, education, and encouragement. Unfortunately, most treatment centers fail to address this “real-world” component. They focus so heavily on the individual’s abstinence that they neglect the importance of reintegration into society.
Quality addiction treatment focuses on creating sustainable recovery by enhancing one’s overall well-being. That means teaching, helping, and supporting you with the life skills you need to flourish and thrive.
Passionate Professionals
It’s normal to feel humiliated, ashamed, and afraid when seeking help for addiction. Maybe you’ve been rejected by others in the past. Perhaps you’ve never felt understood by anyone, and you’re not sure if even the “professionals” can help you.
The best treatment programs are built on their employees. Passionate professionals have the necessary education, expertise, and credentials to support you on your journey. Additionally, they also have positive personalities, high energy, and dedicated motivation to inspire, change, and encourage you to keep going.
Passion is essential when it comes to quality treatment. You need dedicated, hard-working professionals who can act as your mentors during this vulnerable time.
Quality Addiction Treatment: Getting The Help You Need
Unfortunately, quality addiction treatment isn’t always so easy to find. Numerous facilities have beautiful websites and seemingly impressive testimonials, but that’s not enough. Take the time to dig a little deeper. Ask questions. Get clarification. Don’t be afraid to voice your concerns.
At The Resurface Group, we pride ourselves on providing unique, dynamic, and effective treatment for individuals struggling with addiction and mental illness issues. We are here for you unconditionally. Contact us today to learn more.