My approach to therapy is grounded in compassion, empathy, and a deep understanding of the unique experiences and perspectives of each of my clients . I utilize a person-centered approach to my clients to help empower change within themselves. • Revealing and treating the root causes of addiction, including trauma, mental health issues and social factors. It encourages individuals to develop healthy coping mechanisms, life skills, and habits that enhance resilience and emotional well-being.• Recovery is seen as a lifelong journey rather than a destination. It involves ongoing effort, adaptation, and self-reflection as individuals in recovery continue to navigate their lives post-addiction.

While usually used interchangeably, these concepts represent distinct aspects of overcoming addiction. Essentially, being sober means refraining from alcohol consumption, illicit drug use, or any other addictive behavior. Simply put, it’s like starting over without the negative influences that once held you back. Recovery allows you to make positive changes and deeply examine your feelings, beliefs and behaviors. People in recovery have the greatest chance of maintaining long-term sobriety.

Our upscale facility caters to the unique needs of our patients, offering a range of amenities and services for families and loved ones. The decision between inpatient and outpatient treatment depends on several factors. It’s essential to consider the severity of addiction, personal responsibilities, and the level of support needed to achieve sobriety. Inpatient alcohol rehab is ideal for individuals with severe addiction, co-occurring mental health disorders, or those who have struggled with multiple relapses. Inpatient alcohol treatment programs are intensive and structured plans where individuals stay at a residential facility during their recovery.

What is the difference between inpatient and outpatient alcohol treatment?

Discover how to help your son with drug dependence through support, prevention, and effective therapies. Explore the connection between sleep and addiction, and how better sleep can support recovery. Discover what Vivitrol is and how it aids recovery, from effectiveness to long-term sobriety benefits.

We learned that many of those demons only grew stronger with the passage of time. Therefore it is so important to make a sharp distinction between abstinence and recovery. Otherwise, we will labor under the false assumption that one will recover through the passage of time. The bad news is that recovery is hard work; the good news is that recovery is hard work. That is, they never effectively address the issues that drove them to drink.

Ideas to Help You Give Up Alcohol

In addition, you’ll establish relationships with a sponsor and supportive, sober family members. These are people you can call when you experience cravings, need advice, or could use a sober companion for a potentially triggering social gathering. You will ensure your own accountability and preserve your hard-won sobriety. I have over four years of experience helping individuals, couples, and families navigate life’s challenges, including mental health issues, addiction, trauma, grief, and other issues individuals may experience. I graduated from the University of Maryland, Baltimore County with my Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work and then pursued my Masters in Clinical Social Work at the University of Maryland, Baltimore, School of Social Work. I have experience working in psychiatric hospitals, inpatient, outpatient, detox, and partial hospitalization programs providing clinical social work services.

The Difference Between Abstinence and Recovery

In summary, prior reviews on the adult SUD continuing care literature found on average relatively small positive effects, which appeared to mask a fair amount of heterogeneity in results across studies. People in recovery can develop healthy mechanisms to fill the void alcohol and drugs left in their life. They can develop the ability to handle their feelings and urges in therapy. People in recovery develop strong support groups and a network of people who get what they are dealing with.

Substance Use, Abuse, and Chemical Dependency Uncovered

So while many of us can put the drugs and alcohol down and become sober or clean, that doesn’t necessarily mean that we are in recovery. Recovery is the active practice of working towards your betterment, not just abstaining from a substance. It’s important for individuals in recovery to recognize that setbacks and relapses are a normal part of the process. It’s not uncommon for individuals to experience setbacks along their recovery journey. The key is to learn from these setbacks and use them as an opportunity for growth and self-reflection.

Moreover, among participants with some substance use, those in MBRP and RP had fewer days of substance use and heavy drinking than did those in TAU. Conversely, MBRP produced fewer days of reported substance use and heavy drinking at 12 months than did RP and TAU. Due to the recognition that substance use disorder can be a chronic, long-term disorder, there has been an increase in research on how to improve the effectiveness of continuing care. The review begins with a brief summary of prior reviews (published through 2014) of SUD continuing care research. First, however, this review presents a conceptual model of continuing care and its principal goals with regard to the promotion of extended recovery. Participating in drug and alcohol treatment, individuals learn that drug and alcohol use is a symptom of the underlying issues.

The mindset that allows you to grow and develop your self awareness, the mindset that allows you to see beyond the surface and question many things in life like relationships and boundaries. White knuckling your sobriety means you are trying to manage your addiction without help. You are using your will power or trying to fix yourself with your mind. Decide what kind of person you want to be and what kind of life you want to have, and make the choices that get you there.

Impact of Continuing Care on Recovery From Substance Use Disorder

Several residential programs have developed continuing care interventions based on this model. Currently enrolled in a master’s program for Social Work, he is committed to expanding his knowledge and providing comprehensive care. Inspired by his upbringing in Bolivia, marked by poverty, unaddressed mental health, and substance use, he brings a unique perspective to his role as a Primary Therapist at the Freedom Center.

• Sydney Tubbs is a driven and compassionate Operations Director at The Freedom Center.
• I realized that it was about SO much more than just ditching the booze.
• In acknowledging these root causes, you can overcome the obstacles that led you to your addictions, and therefore avoid transferring that addiction to another vice.
• For some individuals, achieving sobriety may be the first step towards recovery.
• You find acceptance, you know you don’t want it in your life, it’s not doing you any favors and you’re feeling really good without it.

Community and Family Involvement in Aftercare

Discover five herbs to aid in the recovery process and support your healing journey with herbal wisdom. Practicing mindfulness and gratitude can also help shift focus away from past mistakes, allowing for celebration of progress and a positive outlook on the future. Embracing Sober House Rules: A Comprehensive Overview understanding and acceptance significantly enhances the recovery journey. If your substance use is impacting your well-being or daily life, it may be time to seek help and explore recovery options.

Judy is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor in the State of Maryland, and a National Certified Counselor. She earned her Master’s Degree in Clinical Counseling from Johns Hopkins University with an undergraduate degree in Psychology from the University of Maryland. Judy is a Primary Therapist who provides services to clients with dual-diagnosis disorders and is skilled in providing Trauma-Informed Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, and Eating Disorders. She has served in both clinical and leadership positions in a number of roles, in inpatient and outpatient settings, as a Primary Therapist and Clinical Supervisor.