When life is disrupted by a substance use disorder, either yours or that of a loved one, the concept of drug addiction treatment may seem daunting. It is certainly an intense process, but a therapy program built on the foundation of the three pillars of addiction recovery can lead to lifelong sobriety.
The Three Pillars of Drug Addiction Treatment
A major tenet of a successful drug addiction treatment program is to overcome the stigma of substance use disorder with empathy, knowledge, and understanding. These align well with the three pillars: Therapy, Support, and Education.
The Importance of Therapy
Everyone can benefit from some type of therapy, whether it be formal sessions with a professional or a day at the beach for some sea salt therapy. When someone is going through recovery, therapy is essential.
Substance use disorder has a biopsychosocial effect on the brain. Your brain has to be reset to steer thought processes toward positivity and sobriety and away from negative interpretations and relapse. Individual therapy sessions will also help you learn to identify triggers and develop coping mechanisms.
Typical programs are usually in-patient residential, intensive out-patient, or medication-assisted. Different types of therapies that may be used include:
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
- Acceptance and Commitment Therapy
- Dialectical Behavior Therapy
- Family Counseling
- Individual Therapy
- Group Therapy
A crucial part of your therapy will be the development of your Contingency Management Therapy, or aftercare plan to help you maintain sobriety and avoid relapse.
Success with Support
We all need support. As a matter of fact, the absence of it can be a major factor leading to a substance use issue. Support gives us comfort. Support lets us know we matter. Support is our safety net when times get tough. A strong support system can be the pivotal factor between sobriety and relapse.
Addiction recovery is a time of tremendous growth, so you want to assemble and nurture a healthy support system. A blend of peer groups, family, and friends can create a healthy foundation of understanding.
The Benefits of Peer Groups
Examples of peer groups are Alcoholics Anonymous, Narcotics Anonymous, and church and community groups. Benefits of peer groups can include:
- Less clinical than formal therapy
- Opportunity to discuss shared experiences
- Empathetic audience
- Neutral third parties to personal struggles
The Benefits of Family Support
Whenever possible, include all members of the family, regardless of age. Anyone can be affected by a substance use disorder, and everyone has the ability to provide helpful insight. By involving the family in the recovery process, you can:
- Increase engagement
- Boost confidence
- Solidify commitment
- Enhance healing
Longevity through Education
All three pillars are blended and used concurrently. The support of family is an important part of therapy, and the education of family helps them offer better support. Education is a constant in a quality drug addiction treatment and aftercare program.
You have the power to recover, and knowledge adds to that power. You will learn about:
- Your disease of substance use disorder
- Your drug or drugs of choice
- The global impact and ill-effects of drug use
You will learn on your own, from your therapist, and through group encounters as others share their stories.
Education continues to have a powerful impact as you move from treatment to aftercare. You will want to share your knowledge with your support group so they better understand, while you listen and learn from them. It is very important to discuss the expectations of both sides of the recovery process.
Education goes beyond the topic of addiction recovery. As you regain your power, you can embrace education and occupy your mind with new ideas and activities. Replacement activities like hobbies or exercise will always involve education. Learning new things makes you feel good and mastering them is a glorious accomplishment.
Most importantly, you will learn to love yourself.
Start Building That Foundation
Contact Pinnacle Treatment Centers today to begin building a life of sobriety.
