Addiction is a serious disease that needs to be treated by professionals. Treatment for addiction differs from many other kinds of treatment in that it often requires a significant mental and emotional effort on the part of the addict in order for treatment to be effective.
Choosing the right addiction recovery programmes is vital both in order to support the patient during treatment, and to increase the likelihood that the addiction treatment will be successful.
Before treatment can commence, addicts need to cease their addictive behaviour.
Successful treatment for addiction must address the underlying emotional and spiritual problems faced by the addict. Without tackling the underlying causes of addiction, treatment will not be successful in the long term.
This is why therapy is recommended for people who want to overcome their addiction. Therapy may take the form of individual or group sessions, or a combination of both.
Group therapy
Group therapy has the advantage of providing addicts with peer support and helping them to understand that they are not alone, and that their problems are not unique. This can be a tremendous source of comfort and emotional strength, which is particularity important during the initial, very difficult, stages of cessation.
While the support gained from a group therapy session is valuable, it is important that these sessions are coordinated trained professionals. Group therapy is not merely a talking shop – it is about confronting difficult emotional problems – so the therapy sessions need to be guided by experienced therapists.
12 Step recovery programme
Some addiction centres incorporate a 12 Step recovery programme into their programme. Not all treatment centres use a 12 Step programme, but there is evidence that including the programme in the treatment regimen leads to a better rate of success.
Following the principles of the 12 Step programme can help patients work through their difficulties and find purpose and motivations.
Experience shows the programme increases the chance of remaining clean and decreases the likelihood of relapse.
Achieving a balanced lifestyle
A good in-patient addiction treatment centre will probably supplement therapy sessions with workshops and lectures. But overcoming addiction is, in no small part, about finding a sense of balance. A holistic addiction recovery programme may also offer activities and excursions that help addicts to lead healthier, more balanced lives. A variety of fun activities can also make the treatment process less arduous.
Centres may offer sports or hikes, and may even include activities like yoga or tai chi. A healthy eating plan is also often considered integral to a holistic treatment programme.
A tranquil, secluded environment can also be beneficial while experiencing treatment. Patients generally value the opportunity to step outside of everyday demands and focus on overcoming their addiction.
This is not because addiction recovery programmes are an escape from everyday life. On the contrary, the purpose of these programmes is to give patients the space and support to deal with their problems so that they can return as productive members of society.
Oasis Counselling Centre is an addiction treatment centre in Plettenberg Bay, South Africa.
Oasis offers provides holistic treatment for eating disorders,
including group therapy and a twelve step programme.