Establishing a healthy relationship with oneself is an essential and effective part of healing from substance addiction. As substance use can strip an individual of their sense of self-worth, rebuilding self-worth is a vital component of a successful recovery. Fortunately, there are multiple therapeutic methods available that can help individuals strengthen their self-awareness and self-confidence during treatment.
Understanding Addiction
It’s crucial to understand what addiction is in order to understand how treatment works. Addiction is more than the desire to use substances. Drug addiction is characterized by drug-seeking and drug-using behaviors despite the direct and harmful consequences it can cause in an individual’s life. Substance use is often chronic and compulsive, and unfortunately, some may be predisposed to it. However, it is important to understand that addiction is treatable.
If you struggle with addiction or substance use disorder (SUD), drug use is being prioritized over your well-being. In other words, you are more connected to drug use than you are to yourself.
How Addiction Impacts Your Connection With Yourself
In order to turn the tide, you need to understand how substance abuse or misuse is altering your connection to yourself. Initially, drug use creates a high or a sense of euphoria that is only temporary. The more you rely on a substance, the less your brain responds to this heightened sensation. In turn, your brain prompts you to use more drugs in greater frequencies to achieve the same, desired effect. Ultimately, this leads you to become dependent on substances to function.
When you are unable to access emotions without substances, you become disconnected. Fortunately, it is possible to “rewire” your brain through practicing healthy habits and attaining reconnection. Addiction recovery allows you to enjoy natural euphoria and reconnect with yourself.
Methods for Reconnecting With Yourself
West Coast Recovery Centers offers an abundance of tools for your recovery. Some valuable therapeutic modalities offered by WCRC include:
Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy
Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) examines the relationships between your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. This one-on-one work with a therapist will help you uncover the unhealthy patterns that contribute to addiction.
Dialectical Behavior Therapy
Dialectal behavior therapy (DBT) employs CBT methods with a focus on mindfulness. Mindfulness helps clients to accept uncomfortable emotions rather than fighting them. Getting comfortable with being uncomfortable can take you a long way in healing.
SMART Recovery
Self-management and recovery training (SMART) is an alternative to the 12-Step approach. It relies on your inner strength and motivation to create lasting change in your life. In SMART recovery, you determine your own goals. You also enjoy the fellowship of others on their own recovery journeys.
Art Therapy
Art therapy at WCRC happens in groups. If you have a creative hobby you love, this option can bring it to the forefront. Our art therapy groups provide a safe place to engage difficult feelings while taking part in an activity you enjoy. If you have trouble putting words to your challenging feelings, expressing them creatively is a great option.
Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction
Mindfulness-based stress reduction influences your ability to regulate your emotions. Here, this therapy is offered through meditation and supports you in focusing on the present without judgment. Doing so can reduce symptoms of anxiety, chronic pain or stress, depression, and trauma.
Yoga
Yoga is another mindfulness-based stress reduction modality offered at WCRC. Through posture, you can connect to your body while noticing new or familiar sensations. Again, engaging without judgment supports you in reducing cravings, anxiety, and other symptoms related to drug and alcohol addiction.
Medication-Assisted Treatment
Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) utilizes medications that ease your addiction symptoms. Through MAT, certain medications are prescribed alongside therapy to treat mental health symptoms.
Music Therapy
This form of therapy is another powerful creative modality for when you have trouble putting words to your feelings. It has been used for centuries to ease various ailments, such as digestion and sleep. Music can create a voice for you when you need support.
Individual Therapy
One-on-one therapy pairs you with a mental health professional who can support and witness your addiction recovery. Together, you will work to uncover the roots of your addiction.
Group Therapy
Group therapy — facilitated by mental health professionals — places you in a safe setting with others on their addiction recovery journey. Being with a cohort of like-minded individuals can increase your motivation to heal.
WCRC Can Help
It’s not always clear what method will work best in recovery; that is why having a variety of options is beneficial. All of these therapies offer unique ways to address underlying issues of your addiction. If one does not work for you, another will. WCRC staff will work with you to discover the best treatment methods for your individual needs and help you reconnect with yourself to strengthen your recovery journey.
A strong relationship with yourself is a critical aspect of recovery. Addiction is a prominent contributor to unhealthy patterns. Re-establishing a healthy relationship with yourself can be frustrating when you feel your options for how to go about healing are limited to ineffective meetings or the 12-Step method, such as in Alcoholics Anonymous (AA). While those paths may work well for you and others, West Coast Recovery Centers offers several other routes to healing that include CBT, DBT, group therapy, self-compassion, and creative expression as tools for self-discovery. A variety of options in any treatment program allows you agency in determining what path is most helpful for your recovery. If you are unsure what type of treatment will work best for you, are ready to enter treatment, or would like to learn more about your recovery options, call West Coast Recovery Centers today at (760) 492-6509.