Updated on 3/10/2023
Taking time to focus on yourself, your addiction and your choice to give up an unhealthy habit is important for your long-term sobriety and health for the rest of your life. Learning what to expect in treatment and about the right program for you (residential treatment, outpatient treatment or beginning with a detox program) can help the process. You can let go of addiction by committing to yourself.
Across the globe, many people give up something for Lent, the 40 days before Easter. Once Easter passes, some resume the habit they gave up. Not everyone returns to old habits; some replace their former practice with a healthy alternative. The choice to give up an unhealthy habit is a commitment to your well-being.
Take some time to think about a pattern of behaviors or addiction that has taken control of your daily routine. Similar to the idea of Lent, imagine what your life would be like if you knew how to replace a harmful habit like substance addiction with healthy alternatives. The power behind Lent is the belief that you can invest in yourself by letting go of unnecessary habits.
Invest in Yourself through Treatment
The first days of your treatment are filled with emotions. You are taking the opportunity to invest in yourself. You can live a sober life, but not without the proper coping skills. You can participate in various therapeutic activities like yoga, meditation, art therapy, individual or group therapy. While you are learning about your triggers, addressing a mental health disorder or your substance addiction, you are also beginning to integrate healthy coping skills into your daily routine. Activities like yoga or meditation guide you to reflect on an event, listen to your mind and thoughtfully respond. Therapy sessions delve into your past, family history or the roles your friends and family play in your well-being. Often you can ask your family to participate in family therapy to bring awareness and understanding of addiction, mental health and how others can influence behaviors. It’s a lot of work, but it’s worth the investment.
What to Expect in Treatment
Before you begin treatment, you can have an assessment to determine what level of care you require. If you have an addiction that can cause health problems during withdrawal, you can enter a detoxification (detox) program before beginning addiction treatment.
Level of Care: Detox
You should enter a detoxification program instead of trying to detox alone. Detox centers with a medical staff knowledgeable about the body’s process while withdrawing from a substance. Substances like heroin, opioids, cocaine, psychedelic drugs or alcohol can rise and fall in use; therefore, it is essential to know how to administer the proper medications needed to assist you through withdrawal without complications. While you detox, the medical staff focuses on your physical health needs. Therapies like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) or Interpersonal Therapy are available at the residential and outpatient levels of care. Once you safely complete the detox process, you can transition to a different level of care.
Level of Care: Residential Treatment
Residential treatment is when you live at a treatment center for 30 or more days. A more extended amount of time spent in treatment can increase your success in your recovery journey. Your individual needs can determine the amount of time you can fully benefit from treatment.
Your adjustment period to residential treatment can vary from another person’s. Don’t compare yourself to another while you are in treatment. Substance or mental health therapy is a supportive, educational and caring environment that can increase your well-being. Give yourself the time you need to establish healthy habits before you leave treatment.
While you’re in residential treatment, your day is often structured. You can attend group sessions, individual sessions with your therapist and groups that focus on therapy’s psycho-educational aspect. There are opportunities to do holistic therapy and some centers have supplemental courses such as Conscious Recovery.
Residential treatment allows you the opportunity to learn healthy coping skills, participate in family therapy sessions and discuss your fears about leaving treatment. Your therapist will help you build a discharge plan that includes coping skills before you leave residential treatment.
Level of Care: Intensive Outpatient Treatment
A comprehensive assessment determines eligibility for an intensive outpatient treatment program (IOP). IOPs are structured, but you can live at home. You are required to attend individual and group sessions at least three days a week for several hours.
Before treatment begins, you can meet with your care coordinator to understand what treatment entails and answer any questions you can have regarding your therapy. You can then meet with your therapist and discuss your psychological and social needs before developing a treatment plan. After you complete this part of your program, you can meet with your psychiatrist. If you need medication, you can meet with your psychiatrist at least once a month.
The Power of Letting Go
Beginning a healthier life can start with letting go of something negative. Finding what feels good for you is an essential part of giving up harmful habits.
Sobriety is a day-to-day process. Dedicating 40 days to heal yourself is a sign you are committed to your mental and physical health. Forty days of sobriety means you can take each day after you leave treatment to continue your commitment to sobriety.
Forty days of sobriety is a decision to give up a habit in observance of your belief you are worthy of love and support. You can choose to believe in yourself by giving up substances or the negative feelings you associate with your mental health. Substance addiction or mental health therapy guides you to learn how to cope with triggers or emotions linked with mental health disorders. Casa Palmera is here to help guide you to a substance-free life, one that supports your belief in yourself. Our mental health and substance addiction therapists are here to help you create a treatment plan that recognizes your unique needs. Call (855) 508- 0473.
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