How To Overcome Addiction Once and For All

We’d like to thank Seasons in Malibu for sponsoring this important post.

The subject of addiction is controversial and can be an uncomfortable topic for many.

On the one hand, too many people assume the worst of addicts, which stops many addicts from seeking help.

Whether it’s alcohol, drugs, or tobacco, people who lose control of their substance use are viewed negatively.

Sometimes, even after rehabilitation, they’re rarely given a second chance at trying to rebuild their lives and careers.

On the other hand, addiction is now considered a disorder, whereby the individual repeatedly and compulsively seeks a substance (e.g., alcohol, drugs, tobacco) despite knowing the dangers or consequences associated with it.

This is why relapse is common.

This stance on addiction and recovery is much more supportive than the former, ultimately leading to better results.

As a chronic condition (similar to asthma, heart disease, and diabetes), addiction needs customized treatment for the patient to manage their condition.

People can overcome addiction with the right care, support system, and lifestyle.

3 Types of Treatment to Help Overcome Addiction

1. Recreational Activities

The saying ‘all work and no play applies not only to productive people but also to people trying to overcome addiction.

Most rehabilitation centers today offer plenty of recreational opportunities alongside traditional treatment.

Depending on the patient’s needs, the facility may offer fun pursuits such as:

• Yoga and meditation, to help decrease withdrawal symptoms.
• Exercise to help restore healthy levels of dopamine in the brain.
• Group activities to foster positive social ties.
• Creative hobbies like writing, arts, and crafts, help the patient remember fun activities he/she used to enjoy.

Recreational activities not only provide a distraction during treatment, but it also relaxes the mind, become an outlet for expression, and even help some people make friends.

For those who want tailor-made care and recreation during treatment, a drug rehab center may just be what one needs.

A good example would be Seasons in Malibu, a world-class, CARF-accredited, dual diagnosis addiction treatment center.

The experts at this facility specialize in helping those with various addictions, including alcoholism, cocaine, opiate, and prescription drug abuse.

This specific center offers one-on-one therapy sessions, customized aftercare, and a variety of treatment options based on individual needs.

These facilities are often very accommodating and private and have an incredibly dedicated staff to ensure patients can completely focus on improving.

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2. Behavioral Therapy

This is also done with other treatments to help patients modify their attitudes, thus helping them overcome addiction in the long run.

Behavioral therapy is meant to teach self-control, prevent relapse, and impart valuable life skills to assist patients in handling difficult or stressful situations later on in life.

Treatments can be customized depending on the patient’s circumstances, the level of dependency, and the substance involved in the addiction.

You will also enjoy our article on creative hobbies.

3. Adventure Therapy (Alternative Treatment)

This is an alternative form of treatment that’s popular for more active patients or those who seek more thrilling ways to heal.

This can include travel or exciting activities such as backpacking, mountain climbing, and wilderness expeditions (although there are also games done indoors).

For example, Seasons in Malibu integrates surfing, swimming, hiking, and camping alongside art therapy, martial arts, and cooking classes.

(“Adventure” therapy means something different to everyone!)

Adventure therapy mainly has two goals:

• The first is to help patients assess how they react to stressful situations;
• The second is the opportunity to quickly reflect on your responses to these struggles. If current therapy involves this activity, you can get real-time feedback from counselors.

Patients are free to try this type of treatment on their own (i.e., travel and seek out new adventures), OR ask a rehab facility for available options.

Conclusion

If you or someone you know wants to overcome addiction, you can begin your search online.

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) can also be reached at 1-800-662-HELP for drug addiction and alcoholism-related issues.

Remember: it’s NEVER too late.

No matter what you’re going through, there’s always a way to turn things around.

You can overcome any addiction, but the first step (and arguably the hardest) is admitting that you need help.