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They say, when you hit rock bottom, the only place you can look for hope is up. Dealing with an addiction is one of the most challenging trials of your life. Not only do you have to fight the urges, but the physical, emotional, and psychological imbalances that follow will make life unbearable. This may be a scary truth, but that’s how drug addiction is. It ties you up if you don’t break the habit.
The prevalence of addiction amongst people, particularly veterans, is only rising, and it’s becoming somewhat of an epidemic. Addiction therapy is known to help millions of addicts around the world overcome their issues and reclaim their lives. Having said that, we need to acknowledge that the road ahead isn’t easy and is extremely difficult to traverse. Here is how addiction therapy can help improve and reclaim your life.
Table of Contents
Counseling And Coping
One of the best ways to deal with addiction and impulse control disorders is to instill coping strategies in individuals which can sway them from using. Succumbing to the temptation of the substance is one of the most common reasons why people relapse after getting clean. It would be a pity if you went through the process, got clean, and then fell back into the same old cycle that you struggled to get out of.
Counseling through healthy coping has helped substance abuse patients throughout the world. Not only has it given them a positive coping mechanism, but it’s taught them to monitor their triggers and learn the cues that could set off an episode again. CBT and other behavioral therapy styles can help identify negative thoughts and change them into something more positive. With that said, make sure you go to a trained therapist who knows how to deal with addiction in particular.
Group Therapy And Catharsis
One of the best ways to make your way through the withdrawal phase is to enroll in a group program and learn from other people’s experiences. Hearing about the things that these people have gone through can be a game-changer when it comes to getting over your issues. Merely knowing that someone else has been through what you are going through can give you a sense of solace.
Moreover, speaking and voicing your opinions in a safe space is also extremely important. As much as you need to hear from others, you also need to come to terms with your emotions. A group therapy session provides a safe space in a comfortable environment with people who are there to listen and help you through the process. It may seem odd to initially open up in front of all these strangers, but we guarantee you, the benefits from this session could last a lifetime. Moreover, if you expect to break the habit, you may need to step out of your comfort zone and do things you might not be used to.
The Need For Rehab Facilities
Specially for veterans with PTSD and substance abuse issues, it would be best to house them in a rehab facility rather than continue with outpatient care. Dealing with both of these issues can be extremely complicated, and it’s best not to risk the patient being on their own. Manic outbreaks can lead the patient/client to act in ways that may hurt themselves and others around them. Moreover, when dealing with withdrawal, it’s common for clients to have mood outbursts. Coupled with existing PTSD, you may be in an extremely complicated situation. The physical effects that come with withdrawal can be extremely difficult to deal with, so it’s best to house the patient in the facility for as long as they need.
Dealing with withdrawal is bad enough; throw in PTSD, and you have an extremely volatile situation that could spark further issues. A rehab facility promoting addiction therapy is pretty much the only thing you can do to ensure the patient’s progress and positive health.
Things Start Looking Up
Many people report waking up one day and simply feeling the motivation to take life back into their own hands. It’s amazing what the human mind can do when it puts its mind to something. With that said, we would just like to tell you that things start looking up after a while. After you get through the first few weeks, it becomes easier, then when your emotions begin to regulate themselves, things begin to become even better. Some people draw on the love of their family. Others find religion, and others simply believe that they owe themselves more in life.
We have some common ways that addiction therapy can help, specially for veterans with substance abuse issues. It’s a tragedy that the men and women from the armed forces have to deal with something like this, but at least there is some hope in sight. We wish you all the best in your recovery ahead.
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