Inside the Treatment Journey: What You Need to Know
I have found in my experience that by working a program of recovery in addition to staying abstinent- okay, not just the abstinence, but, you know, putting down the drink and the drug and recognizing that a big part of the problem was my mindset right and my thinking, that, working on my thinking and my emotional intelligence, my emotional sobriety actually led to me becoming a better version of myself than I ever, ever, ever, would have been had I not experienced addiction in the first place.
Stepping into treatment for addiction can be daunting, especially with all the misconceptions floating around. In this episode of the 'Recovery Changes Everything Podcast', Dr. KJ Foster pulls back the curtain on what really happens during treatment. With years of experience as a clinician, Dr. Foster is here to clear up the confusion and provide a realistic picture of the treatment journey. Dr. Foster emphasizes the importance of finding a trustworthy referral when seeking treatment.
Not all centers have the client's best interests at heart, and it's crucial to choose wisely. The first week in treatment is often about getting settled, understanding the facility's routines, and crafting a personalized treatment plan. Dr. Foster also explains different levels of care, like partial hospitalization, which offers intensive treatment without requiring overnight stays. Family involvement plays a significant role in the recovery process.
Many centers offer family programs or designated family days to help loved ones support their recovering family member. Leaving treatment can be a tough decision, but focusing on personal recovery is essential. A key theme in this episode is emotional sobriety. Dr. Foster shares his insights on how maintaining a positive mindset and emotional intelligence are vital for long-term sobriety. He also touches on controversial topics like harm reduction and replacement substances, discussing their potential benefits and pitfalls.
Towards the end of the episode, Dr. Foster talks about when it might be safe to taper off from a recovery program. His advice? Keep a grateful attitude and focus on emotional growth to sustain your sobriety journey. Whether you're considering treatment for yourself or supporting someone else, this episode offers valuable insights that can help guide your decisions.