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How to Make the Most Out of Addiction Treatment

Addiction is a chronic and progressive disease that requires hard work, dedication, and professional help to recover. If you suffer from addiction, the best way to gain and maintain long-term recovery is to attend a professional addiction treatment program. But how do you make the most out of drug rehab? 

Deciding to enter a substance abuse treatment program is one of the most important decisions you can make. But you also have to choose to dedicate yourself to your recovery. Knowing how to fully immerse yourself in an addiction treatment program is key to making the most out of your time, but this can be difficult when you’ve never attended treatment before. 

If you are going to an addiction treatment center, it is important to know exactly how to make the most out of it.  

Why is Professional Addiction Treatment So Important?

While many people believe that they can overcome addiction on their own, it is not that easy. Drug cravings and withdrawal symptoms often prevent individuals from maintaining long-term recovery. That is where professional addiction treatment comes in. 

First, addiction can be extremely dangerous. With the current opioid epidemic and the frequency of fentanyl-laced drugs, being in active addiction can cost you your life.

According to the CDC, “there were an estimated 100,306 drug overdose deaths in the United States during a 12-month period ending in April 2021, an increase of 28.5% from the 78,056 deaths during the same period the year before.”[1]

A professional addiction treatment program can help you prevent yourself from experiencing a life-threatening overdose.

How Can You Make the Most Out of Your Addiction Treatment Experience?

Choosing to go to rehab is only the first step. Once you’ve made that decision, you also have to decide how you are going to make the most out of your experience. This can be difficult for someone who has never gone to treatment before or has not had a good experience in the past. 

Some of the best ways to make the most out of addiction treatment include:

Choose an Inpatient Program

Inpatient rehab centers offer the most intensive form of treatment available when it comes to substance abuse recovery. These programs usually offer longer, more intensive treatment plans than other types of treatment like outpatient rehab. And, studies show that spending more time in a treatment program offers individuals a higher chance of maintaining long-term recovery. 

According to the NIDA, “research indicates that most addicted individuals need at least 3 months in treatment to significantly reduce or stop their drug use and that the best outcomes occur with longer durations,”[2] 

Fully Participate in Therapy Sessions 

During treatment, you will be asked to participate in individual and group therapy sessions. While bearing your heart and soul to total strangers can be scary, it can allow you to make important connections that help you foster a strong foundation of recovery. 

Because of this, it is extremely important that you fully participate in every individual therapy and group counseling session you are offered. 

Don’t Give Up 

Addiction treatment can be difficult, especially in the beginning. While you got used to soothing uncomfortable emotions with drugs in the past, now you have to work through them naturally. This can make you want to give up and leave treatment early, putting you at a high risk of relapsing. 

Instead of giving up, lean into the uncomfortable feelings. When you are uncomfortable with something, that means you have an opportunity to grow and learn. Sticking with your treatment program will help you make the most out of your rehab experience.

Go Into Treatment With an Open Mind 

No one wants to have to go to addiction treatment. This can cause you to feel embarrassed or even closed off when you enter your program. Unfortunately, being closed off will ensure that you do not reap the benefits of your program. 

Instead of being closed-minded, try going into treatment with an open mind. While going to therapy and participating in group counseling can be scary and uncomfortable, the benefits greatly outweigh the feelings of anxiety and nervousness that are common in the early stages of treatment. 

Pick a Program That Suits Your Needs 

Lastly, you must pick a program that suits your unique needs. Do you suffer from co-occurring disorders? Choose a dual diagnosis treatment program that can help you recover from your mental health condition as well as your substance use disorder. 

Would you benefit from a gender-specific rehab? How about a rehab specific to LGBTQ+ individuals? All of these are things you should consider before choosing a rehab center. 

Get Connected With a Top-Rated Addiction Treatment Program

If you or a loved one suffer from addiction, it is important that you make the most out of your recovery experience during professional rehab. The best way to ensure that you receive effective treatment is by picking a reputable program.

At Mandala Healing Center, we use evidence-based practices and individualized treatment plans to ensure that every patient gets the help they need. Contact us today for more information on how to get started. 

References:

  1. https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/pressroom/nchs_press_releases/2021/20211117.htm
  2. https://www.va.gov/HOMELESS/nchav/resources/docs/interventions/contingency-management/NIDA-principles-of-drug-addiction-treatment-a-research-based-guide-third-edition-508.pdf