Overcoming an addiction is not easy. After all, it’s not just about building up the willpower to change, addiction is actually a brain disorder that involves long-term changes to the way the brain functions. Just as with other types of diseases and disorders, the likelihood of developing an addiction can vary from person to person. Likewise, the chances of a successful recovery are also dependent on the willingness to obtain professional help and the strong desire to change.
At Blair Wellness Group, we understand that deciding to get help for an addiction can be intimidating and overwhelming. Where should you start? Are there certain strategies that are more successful than others? To help answer these questions, we’re going to take a look at the difference between the terms treatment, treatment, and recovery as they relate to drug or alcohol addiction. If, after reading this, you have additional questions or would like to get help from a licensed and experienced addiction psychologist in Los Angeles, we encourage you to give us a call.
Addiction Treatment
Treatment for drug or alcohol addiction is often used to describe the formal process for going to a facility to get help. In the initial stages, the person seeking treatment will usually need to undergo detoxification to rid the body of the substance. Depending on the severity of the addiction, medically assisted detox may be required for those who might experience life-threatening complications when trying to stop abruptly.
Addiction Treatment
Once a person has gone through detox, it doesn’t mean that they are “healed” or won’t want to engage in the addictive substance again. On the contrary — their journey is only just beginning. Addiction treatment is the next step in an ongoing process to help recovering users understand the cause of their addiction and to better equip themselves with the skills needed to cope with feelings, triggers, and challenges to their sobriety.
Recovery
People often use the term “in recovery” to describe the ongoing and oftentimes lifelong process of managing addiction and staying sober. Recovery can include formal treatment, addiction treatment, support groups, as well as other self-help strategies. The important thing to remember is that everyone’s recovery journey is unique and doesn’t end after a particular amount of time has passed or a particular program has been completed. Recovery is about making mental, physical, and lifestyle changes that support ongoing sobriety.
Behavioral Treatment As a Component of Recovery
Behavioral treatment is a form of psychotherapy that focuses on modifying thoughts and behaviors to overcome maladaptive behaviors and reinforce positive ones. It is an essential part of recovery that helps people understand the roots of their addiction, identify and manage their triggers, and develop the skills necessary to stay sober.
At Blair Wellness Group, we not only use various types of behavioral treatment such as cognitive behavior treatment and emotion-focused treatment, but we also teach effective self-help tools such as meditation, mindfulness. and guided imagery to quiet the mind, reduce anxiety, and provide healthy ways to cope with feelings. Treatment is only the first step to overcoming addiction — if you want to initiate positive and lasting change, behavioral treatment is the key to success and the best way to stay in recovery.
For an addiction psychologist in Los Angeles who can offer you the personalized support you deserve, please contact Blair Wellness Group at 310.999.4996 to schedule an appointment.
