Throughout treatment and recovery, there are different pieces that come together to help a person learn more about themselves. One of the main pieces is the introspection process. This process is one of the hardest yet most rewarding aspects of recovery.
The Purpose of Treatment
An individual going through treatment is there for one purpose: To find and become the best version of themselves. Throughout treatment, the person is given opportunities to examine both the world around them and the world within themselves.
What Is the Introspection Process?
Introspection is the act of turning the mind inwards. It is a piece of the process that can be the most difficult. People do not wish to self-examine as it brings all flaws to the surface. Yet this is something that changes a person’s entire mindset. They are no longer the closed-off person they once were. Instead, they are now accepting the new person they want to be.
For those struggling with substance use disorder (SUD), the keyword is often denial. Without it, everyone would have a better understanding of themselves. Yet denial can have a strong hold on people, whether they realize it or not. A person who is able to recognize that they have flaws and pursue them until they are dealt with is a force to be reckoned with.
The introspection process takes years to fully develop, but its roots begin in treatment. Outpatient programs take this concept and usher clients into the post-treatment world.
Which Therapies Promote the Introspection Process?
There are a variety of therapies used in the treatment process. In the realm of outpatient programs, the therapies often depend on the specific recovery program. There are a number of effective therapies that can be used regardless of the program.
Individual Therapy
When a client enters into individual therapy, it is with the promise of being able to look across at another person who has their best interests in mind. The hardest part is that the other person is a medical professional with the tools to delve into their client’s psyche.
Meditation
One of the most effective ways of experiencing introspection is through meditation. Meditation is a practice that many people have never tried or even considered. This makes it a perfect concept for treatment. The goal is for people to take time from their day to sit in silence and allow their thoughts to clear. Undoubtedly, this can take time, especially for those who have a lot on their minds. However, in the hectic nature of the treatment and recovery process, it can be not just introspective but relaxing to attempt meditation.
People attempting meditation for the first time may be expecting a certain type of result. However, instructors will explain that each person will have a different outcome. Some may have running thoughts that need to be calmed down. Others may require personal focus. No matter the case, continued attempts will lead to healing and, ultimately, introspection.
Creative Group Therapy
Another great way to experience introspection is through creative group therapy. This involves taking part in creative tasks in an effort to utilize different parts of the brain. When individuals spend their time in recovery working through traditional group and individual therapy, it can become repetitive to the point of needing the occasional change. That is where creative group therapy can be most effective.
Clients will be given tasks that allow for creative expression. They may be given paint and asked to visualize their feelings toward their addictions. Or they may be given a journal and be asked to describe their ideal post-treatment life. It can run the gamut depending on the recovery center and program.
The difference is that once they have completed this exercise, they are asked to share the final product with the group. There is no judgment on style or talent. It is simply about conveying a different set of emotions from those that have been touched on in their traditional therapy sessions.
The Post-Treatment Effects of the Introspection Process
For people that have found their inner voice and are connected to their true selves, the post-treatment world may feel less frightening. There is something special about being able to look at one’s personality and desires in a clear, substance-free state.
West Coast Recovery Centers understands the role of introspection in the recovery process. That is why we offer so many different ways for clients to connect not just with others but with themselves. Just because a person has lost themselves to addiction does not mean that their personality is not salvageable.
Introspection creates a bond with oneself that serves to change their mind, body, and soul in ways that one may not have considered for quite a long time. West Coast Recovery Centers can assist with this process and begin to reintroduce clients to themselves. It is one of the best ways to begin the journey into recovery.
One of the most important things to remember about recovery is that it requires introspection. West Coast Recovery Centers understands this and seeks to pass on this knowledge to our clients. It is no secret that people who have been struggling with substance use disorder (SUD) have neglected their own well-being. At West Coast Recovery Centers, we aim to give people the tools to return to the proper mindset and look inwards. This will help them to begin defining themselves based not on their addictions but on their true feelings and sober personality. We want each client to leave knowing that they have spent their time thinking about what they truly need. Call us at (760) 492-6509.