Putting an addiction recovery plan into place isn’t something that happens at the end of detox. In fact, it’s something that therapists at a good-quality facility start as soon as you check in. What’s the importance of this plan? And what could it do for your goal of long-term sobriety today?
Recovery Starts with Detoxification
Detox breaks the physiological dependence on a chemical. It helps your body regain equilibrium. You can’t focus on psychotherapy and the other modalities of rehab until you complete it. Your body needs to stop telling you that it has to have a drug for survival.
Pharmacological support ensures that your withdrawal happens in safety and comfort. You don’t have to suffer pain during this time. Medical detox protects your health and overall well-being. The setup of a recovery plan helps you visualize the road to recovery.
What Goes into a Recovery Plan?
Excellent detox facilities do more than provide a tranquil setting with top-notch medical monitoring and amenities. These centers also offer a variety of treatments. Examples include:
- Dual diagnosis assessment and treatment for program participants who struggle with a co-occurring mental health condition
- Cognitive behavioral therapy that encourages you to recognize unhealthy patterns and provides tools for making changes
- Dialectical behavior therapy as a means for practicing emotional regulation in challenging situations
- Group therapy sessions, which let you try out coping mechanisms you learned in one-on-one psychotherapy sessions
- Family therapy that encourages healthy role definitions, communication styles, and boundary setting
In this therapeutic environment, you work with a therapist to create your recovery plan. Start with defining a set of activities that make you feel good. These may make you feel physically good or help you emotionally. Examples include eating healthy meals, establishing a regular bedtime, exercising, maintaining contact with drug-free peers, and journaling.
Next, create a daily schedule that incorporates these activities. Pay close attention to the dangerous times that you spent using drugs in the past. These times may be right after work, in the evenings, or when getting up in the morning. Structuring your schedule to include feel-good activities in these time slots is vital for continuous sobriety.
Set up another list for a weekly schedule as well as a monthly one. Write in reminders for check-ups, medication refills, and addiction counseling appointments. Doing so helps you get into the rhythm of sober living. Remember also to include a section for problem-solving.
Temptations to use will crop up. It doesn’t matter if you successfully finished an alcohol or benzo detox, triggers still affect you. Know what your triggers are and how to handle them. Finally, spell out who to contact when the urge to use gets overwhelming.
Take the First Step on the Road to Recovery Today
If you’ve been abusing drugs or alcohol and want to stop, there’s help. Envision yourself getting sober in as little as a week and setting a recovery plan. At Serenity House Detox & Recovery, caring therapists want to help you take that first step. Dial 866-294-5306 today to schedule an intake appointment.
