Journey to Self-Discovery
Getting medically detoxed is the first step when entering a substance abuse center; the mind and emotions come next. If your addiction makes feel ashamed of your past, unworthy of love, alone, or depressed, it is vital to take care of yourself. When you take these steps, you will begin your journey of self-discovery in recovery. Many entering recovery ask the question, “Who am I?”
When living with addiction, we are not able to see our true selves. Entering into a drug and alcohol treatment center where we are to cleanse not only our bodies but also our minds helps start our self-discovery process. The professionals at substance abuse centers can support individuals through therapy by helping to dig deep into their pasts and childhoods, revealing the experiences that shaped them…both the good and the bad. It helps individuals to realize what their beliefs are so they can practice principles to live by. The effects of this process include happiness, fulfillment, and clarity. The journey of self-discovery and recovery is not always an easy path. It may also include fear, confusion, and re-visiting some of your choices in life. It is important to rely on the support network you have created in your recovery process and a professional during these challenging times. However, it is important to remember that with each new challenge comes a learning experience and a chance to grow.
Substance abuse is a highly complex disease that affects an individual’s thoughts and behaviors. It takes a toll on the body, mind, and spirit. Substance abuse almost always has underlying causes like childhood trauma, sexual and physical abuse, and disorders like depression, which can all affect the view of the self. The root causes of the addiction must be addressed by a professional or in an addiction treatment program for individuals to reach recovery. Entering a substance abuse program, you will learn about new tools and resources like yoga, mediations, and effective communication skills. Working with a professional at an addiction treatment center, you will learn different approaches that help you create self-awareness.
Dealing with Depression
Dealing with addiction is never easy. It becomes even more difficult when you are struggling with a mental health disorder such as depression, but there is hope. Treatment is available. When you have both an addiction and a mental health disorder such as depression, bipolar disorder, or anxiety, it is called a co-occurring disorder or dual diagnosis. Given the complex ways that addiction and co-occurring disorders like depression can affect your life and complicate your recovery, it is essential to receive professional help from a drug abuse program. With the right treatment, you can overcome a co-occurring disorder and reclaim your sense of self.
Victory Park Recovery Center learned through extensive research that the best way to treat depression is to use a holistic approach, including medication management, various types of therapies, and sometimes even experiential treatments. Victory Park Recovery Center is a leading substance abuse recovery center that offers multiple proven therapy modalities such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), individual therapy, and group therapy. We can also provide additional tools to improve your recovery through non-traditional approaches such as 12-step meetings, guided meditation, art programming, or spiritual therapy.
Getting to Know Yourself
Recovery is a time to look inward. This process does not end with a therapy session; rather it is an ongoing process. This may seem like a daunting task to those in early recovery, but in reality, this process allows us to continue to grow and learn about ourselves.
Journaling is one tool that allows you to reflect on your problems, questions, and the directions your life is taking. According to the University of Rochester Medical Center, writing in a journal provides “an opportunity for positive self-talk and identifying negative thoughts and behaviors.”
Journaling can be helpful to start journaling while in a drug treatment center. In early recovery, you will be trying to find yourself and asking yourself the question, “Who am I?” As you think about your life while in a drug treatment program, some significant insights about your life may arise. You may have found that your job did not give you purpose, your relationship has challenges that need to be addressed, or there are specific goals you want to attain. Journaling is a record of your development through sobriety and a record of the person you are striving to become. It also allows you to track your progress and manage your goals throughout your recovery process.
Deeping Self-Understanding
Art heals. Art therapy has been used since the 1950s. It has been an integral part of the substance abuse treatment program field for many individuals since it can be a creative expression to process and externalize emotions. Whether it is alcohol abuse, cocaine abuse, or any other substance use disorder – each one involves a combination of cognitive, behavioral, and physiological symptoms. Substance abuse centers art therapists are aware of the cognitive and behavioral aspects.
Being creative is well-known to be extremely beneficial in substance abuse recovery of all types and it is not confined to one type of art. Some of the ways of expressing yourself are:
- Painting
- Drawing
- Sculpting
- Singing
- Playing an Instrument
- Creative Writing
- Writing Poetry
- Dancing
- Drama
- Gardening
- Photography
- Cooking
For many individuals working to overcome addiction, the addictive behavior is driven by the desire to alleviate any emotional suffering. In drug abuse centers, art therapy is used to give a voice to those feelings and past experiences in a healthy way. This process can become a way of regulating and improving feelings, giving you an excellent resource for self-care.
Yoga
Yoga is the use of physical postures to learn how to connect with the mind, body, and breath to gain self-awareness and focus attention inward. According to data published by US News & World Report, around 21 million Americans practice yoga, a number that has doubled in the past 10 years. Yoga has many benefits, including:
- Stress Relief
- Self-Reflection and Increased Self-Awareness
- Healthier Exercise and Eating Habits
- Heightened Self-Confidence and Improved Self-Image
- Emotional Healing
- Overall Health and Wellness Improvement
Yoga is increasingly being used in alcohol abuse programs and drug addiction programs to provide a healthy outlet to cope with potential triggers and daily life stressors. The benefits of yoga go far beyond stretching. When used in conjunction with other forms of traditional therapy practices, yoga can be a wonderful addition that individuals can practice throughout their lifetime to calm themselves and improve clarity.
Developing Self-Acceptance
DBT refers to Dialectical Behavioral Therapy. It is an approach to therapy that can help you learn to cope with difficult emotions. Today, drug treatment programs are using Dialectical Behavioral Therapy as an approach to treat a range of conditions, including:
- Eating Disorders
- Self-Harm
- Depression
- Substance Use Disorders
Victory Park Recovery Center offers a skills-based DBT group. Individuals are given the opportunity to have working knowledge of what DBT can offer. Group therapy sessions are held once a week and are focused on learning about Dialectics and Mindfulness, Interpersonal Effectiveness, Emotion Regulation, and Distress Tolerance. The group then focuses on each module of DBT with an emphasis on specific DBT skills. Individuals are encouraged to identify skills they believe would be most beneficial for them and to practice these skills in a group and on their own. Individuals have the opportunity to learn what skills they need the most and how to practice these skills for proficiency.
Understanding Your Individualized Needs
Each individual’s recovery process is different. Some individuals may require outpatient substance abuse treatment longer than others. Meanwhile, others may need more mental health treatment. Entering a drug abuse center is not an easy decision, but it is the perfect opportunity to take some time to get to know who you really are and what you believe in. Recovery can be overwhelming at first as you are discovering a new way to live, many new things about yourself, and everything that comes with it. It is important to go at your own pace and understand your needs.
Whether you are looking for inpatient or outpatient treatment, there are many options out there for anyone looking to take their life back from addiction. If you would like to learn more about drug and alcohol treatment center options available, please contact our Admissions Team Member at Victory Park Recovery Center at (833)-232-3638. Victory Park Recovery Center’s Admission Team Members are available 24/7 and free of charge to provide treatment options.
