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Guest editorial by Tilda Moore
Indispensable Value of a Healthy Environment in Substance Abuse Recovery
Embarking on the complex path of recovery from substance use disorder (SUD) requires more than sheer willpower; it demands a comprehensive support system. A conducive living environment is a crucial aspect that can significantly influence one’s progress in this journey. In this article from Red Shoes Rock, we’ll dig deeper into why these supportive settings play a decisive role in achieving a full and lasting recovery.
Create Emotional Stability and Alleviate Stress
One of the most compelling reasons for the necessity of a supportive living environment is the emotional security it offers. A stable home reduces stress and promotes emotional well-being, which are essential for anyone striving to overcome substance use disorder). Living situations like sober houses, for instance, often foster a sense of community and belonging, crucial elements that can mitigate the anxiety and isolation frequently associated with recovery. Moreover, when stress, a common trigger for relapse, is effectively managed, individuals find it easier to stick to their treatment plans.
Opt for Suitable Rehab Facilities for Continuity in Support
While emotional grounding is critical, so is professional help, especially if a relapse occurs. Researching treatment options, staff credentials, and in-state treatment options is paramount for choosing a suitable rehabilitation facility. Facilities that offer sliding scale fees or accept Medicaid can alleviate financial stress, allowing the individual to focus more on their recovery. Given the prevalence of co-occurring disorders, it’s important to select a facility that offers a well-rounded approach to treatment, continuing the emotional and mental support that began in the initial supportive living environment.
Establish Daily Routines for Enhanced Discipline
Transitioning from the rehab facility back into regular life can be challenging, but a supportive living environment can ease this process by providing necessary structure and routine. Having a predictable daily schedule can be remarkably reassuring for someone in recovery. Activities like group workouts or guided relaxation sessions offer not just structure but also avenues for positive reinforcement, contributing to overall well-being.
Develop Focus on Future Endeavors
Once the foundation of emotional stability and routine is laid, the next natural step is to focus on future plans. Supportive living environments are excellent catalysts in this regard. They often provide resources for education and skill development. For example, some transitional homes offer workshops on financial literacy or resume-building, aiding individuals in aiming for and achieving long-term goals like career growth and relationship building.
Ensure Safety for Uninterrupted Recovery
The feeling of safety cannot be compromised during the recovery process. A supportive living environment assures individuals that they can focus solely on their healing journey without the nagging worries of danger or hostility. Sober living homes that have strict regulations on visitors and regular monitoring serve as examples of settings where safety is assured, allowing the resident to concentrate solely on their recovery.
Access to Therapeutic Resources
Last but not least, being in a stable living situation simplifies the logistics of attending therapy and counseling sessions. Supportive environments usually have connections to or information on various kinds of therapies, including group sessions and individual counseling. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), for instance, is a widely acknowledged method for treating substance use disorder, works often for neurotypical individuals. Be aware these common approaches may not be effective for persons with prenatal alcohol exposure.
According to Jerrod Brown, there are problems with cognitive-based treatments for persons with prenatal exposure to alcohol. Individuals with FASD have cognitive (e.g., memory, understanding cause-and-effect), social (e.g., comprehending social cues) and adaptive (e.g., problem-solving ability, generalizing skills) deficits that complicate their participation in cognitive-based treatment. Likewise, insight-based therapy approaches are not encouraged with this population. Therapeutic approaches that incorporate modeling, coaching, teaching and skill building may be most effective with these individuals.
Jodee Kulp who has worked with home-based and animal behavioral supports shares she has found, hobbies, nature, arts, and animal based therapies may be most effective in established new healthy roots that can carry into a quality of life future.
All therapies become far more accessible when one resides in a stable, supportive environment
The labyrinthine journey of substance use recovery is riddled with challenges that can test the resolve of even the strongest individuals. A conducive living environment, however, can serve as a reliable compass guiding one through this maze. Offering emotional security, structure, and easy access to essential resources, these environments are non-negotiable assets for anyone serious about overcoming addiction. Thus, investing in creating and maintaining such supportive spaces should be a high priority in the broader agenda of addiction recovery.
Red Shoes Rock is a global awareness campaign giving voice and support to those affected by prenatal alcohol exposure. Visit us online to learn more
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