The Benefits Of Drug Treatment
One of the reasons why it’s hard to stay sober today is because the news about drug use is everywhere. Particularly in recent months, news articles and television programs are highlighting heroin, which is becoming one of the most abused drugs in America. And if it’s not an addiction to heroin, then there’s a story about someone with an addiction to painkillers.
However, studies show that staying closely held within a strong network of support and participating in drug treatment can be incredibly life changing.
For instance, a 12-step community can be a shield against the temptation of return to friends who use marijuana or heroin or alcohol. Having the support of a drug counselor, family, friends, therapist, doctor, and others who are in recovery can make all the difference in the world.
In addition to having a support network, there are forms of therapy that can help explore the unhealthy thoughts that might contribute to relapse or making other unhealthy choices.
One of the services sometimes provided at sober living homes is motivational interviewing. It’s a form of therapy that seeks to evoke an intrinsic desire to change. It does this by exploring the ambivalence to changing behavior, given the pros and cons of using drugs. Exploring and resolving this ambivalence is the goal of this type of therapy.
It does not use any coercive methods to change behavior or pressure that might induce feelings of guilt or shame. It simply and safely explores all the pros (such as healthier living and better relationships) and the cons (won’t have a coping mechanism to manage stress and missing the highs that come with getting drunk) to getting sober.
