The biggest reason to seek out drug and alcohol treatment is that doing so can save your life. Each year, an estimated 88,000 people die from alcohol-related deaths, according to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism. In 2018, 67,367 people died from drug overdoses alone, not accounting for other deaths attributed to drug abuse, according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse. The only way to prevent these deaths is to stop using.
The List Goes On
However, the benefits of getting drug and alcohol treatment go much further than not dying. For many people, getting treatment helps them have the life they desire. Consider these ways treatment improves your life and empowers your future.
#1: It Creates Structure
One of the first things you’ll experience when you enter drug rehab treatment is the daily routine. If you are in residential treatment, your days will be structured around designated activities. Following this schedule will help to eliminate distractions while encouraging you to focus on healing. You’ll learn that structure can help you avoid thinking about or being tempted to use–a lesson that you’ll be able to apply to your life after you leave treatment.
#2: It Rebuilds Your Confidence
You’ll work one-on-one with a therapist and also participate in group therapy. Working with your therapist, you’ll learn a lot about yourself. You’ll explore reasons why you may have started using and all you’ve overcome to get back on track.
One of the benefits of looking at your past experiences is that you’ll learn you’re tougher than you think. That can give you confidence. You can get sober and stay sober. For many men and women, even a small boost of self-confidence can make all of the difference in the long term–not just in recovery, but in work and relationships.
#3: It Teaches You to Manage Emotions
From frustration and anger to fear and loneliness, life is full of emotions. You can’t make them stop. You can, however, learn to manage them better. Right now, your emotions may trigger relapse risks. During drug and alcohol treatment, you’ll learn how to process your emotions in healthy ways.
Managing emotions also makes you stronger. You may feel vulnerable right now when strong emotions begin to surface, but over time, you’ll learn how to use emotion to frame your life and experiences in a positive manner. You’ll learn how to appreciate what your emotions can teach you without getting attached to them.
#4: It Helps Heal Your Body
Many people with a substance use disorder face a number of health struggles. Nutritional deficiencies are one of them. You may also suffer from liver, heart, or kidney disease. Often, during treatment, you’ll start to see these improve. Once detox is over, the body begins to naturally heal. However, you’ll also be working with a medical doctor, as necessary, to help ensure you get the best possible outcome.
You’ll learn healthy, natural ways to alleviate chronic pain. You’ll learn how to eat healthy meals. You can explore exercise and physical activity. You’ll leave treatment as a stronger person in body and mind.
#5: It Creates New Thought Patterns
Negative thought patterns lead to drug and alcohol use–and make it difficult to stop on your own. The frustration, anger, and stress of life can lead a person to use substances to feel better. You now know the outcome of that, but you also need to learn strategies for changing thought patterns.
During addiction treatment, you’ll learn this through the use of programs such as cognitive behavioral therapy. It’s possible to change those negative thoughts as they are happening so they don’t cause negative behavior.
#6: It Addresses Mental Health Problems
Your therapist will work closely with you to address any underlying mental health disorders. These may include depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, and post-traumatic stress disorder. During treatment, you’ll learn you cannot just make these go away. Instead, you’ll learn how to manage them in healthy ways. That can help you feel empowered to not let your mental illness limit your future success.
#7: It Creates the Foundation of Your New Life
You also will work closely with your therapist to create a new foundation for your life. Life can be what you want it to be. Perhaps you want to go back to school, work in a new position, or restore healthy relationships. You’ll create plans for a healthy, happy future.
We’re Ready to Help
Are you ready to feel empowered? Take the first step by reaching out to DK Solutions Group to start learning about your addiction and your treatment options.