The First 30 Days of Outpatient Treatment
Considering treatment for addiction can sometimes be an overwhelming prospect. Treatment at The Walker Center begins with addressing the core issue that addiction is not a moral problem - addiction is a disease. Depending on your situation,
Outpatient Treatment may be the best option and can be accomplished in several ways. Outpatient therapy involves one-on-one meetings with an addiction counselor accompanied by group sessions multiple times a week, and individual sessions are crafted specifically to the individual and their needs.
To help you or your loved one feel comfortable about starting out, we’ve outlined some key points on the first 30 days of addiction treatment.
Recognizing the Problem
Sometimes, recognizing that you (or a loved one) are an addict can be the most difficult obstacle to overcome. The National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence lists several ways to recognize substance abuse or addiction.
When you have recognized the problem and are prepared to enter treatment, the first thing to expect is that you will be asked to fully admit you have an addiction. This may be difficult and emotional, but by recognizing that you are addicted, you have overcome the first roadblock in your path to recovery.
The Path to Recovery
Recovery is possible, and you can achieve it. The team at The Walker Center will help you plan out a road to recovery that is specific to your needs and your goals, and it will involve many different efforts in your first 30 days.
As an addition to the treatment received at The Walker Center, we also encourage patients to attend a 12-step program support group as part of outpatient treatment.Here are some suggestions we like to give in the first 30 days of outpatient treatment, to get you set out on the right track toward sobriety:
Complete Abstinence:
Stay away from any and ALL mind-altering substances while undergoing treatment. Our experience has shown that the use of any mind-altering substance can lead to relapse.
Environment:
It’s important to also stay away from people or environments where mind-altering substances are present.
Attend Meetings Regularly:
Especially in the first 30 days of recovery, we recommend that you attend both your Walker Center group sessions and additional 12-step program meetings regularly, as it will help you restructure your life around sobriety.
Additional meetings with a 12-step support group help you stay accountable and build a foundational support group and change your frame of mind toward your addiction.
Get a Sponsor:
Getting a sponsor through a 12-step program can be an immense help as part of your recovery. They can help you navigate the early days of your treatment, and they have been in your shoes with regards to struggles and sobriety challenges. Sponsors help you stay focused on healing when the pressures of the outside world seem too big.
Pick up The Phone:
In addition to the staff at The Walker Center and your sponsor, it’s important to build a network of family, friends and others who understand your path to recovery. There are many resources available to help keep you sober, and you can also call the State Helplines if you need to talk to someone right away.
Take Things One Day at A Time:
Nobody is perfect, and many times, making it through the day is a struggle in its own right. Set goals and stay focused on the program, but take things one day at a time and remain present in your path to recovery. Implementing an exercise program and practicing new ways of dealing with stress are also key factors in your treatment plan.
It’s important to know that the first 30 days of sobriety will likely be difficult, but we can promise you it’s worth it.
Outpatient treatment at The Walker Center, and additional 12-step support groups like Alcoholics Anonymous or Narcotics Anonymous, can help you stay focused on your goals and supported by others who empathize with your struggle.
If you have a general idea of what to expect in your first 30 days, you will be better prepared to succeed.If you or someone you know is struggling with substance abuse and needs help, reach out to The Walker Center and receive a confidential consultation.
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