There is a saying that goes “If you keep doing the same things you have always done, you will keep getting the same things you have always gotten.” This applies to our thinking, as well. The thought processes we used which led us to substance abuse will naturally lead us back there unless we are willing to change them and try new ways of thinking and looking at the world. By changing the very way that we think, we are taking back our power. And that will help us to put the power in empowering.
The Power of Recovery
Recovery is more than just becoming sober. Recovery is re-training our minds and our bodies to live in a healthy, more fulfilling, and balanced way. We can do this by educating ourselves, learning new skills, and changing the way that we think. By changing the way that we view ourselves, the world, and addiction, we can be empowered to not only stop our substance use but to live more powerfully and effectively.
The Power of Multiple Modalities
Within recovery there are different methods, or modalities to promote change and healing. The ideal is to have access to as many different methods as possible. This gives the individual the ability to take what works and personalize recovery. When we take such a personally tailored approach to recovery, it increases our chances of success.
Below are a few of the methods available at AToN Center to power a personalized recovery:
- SMART Recovery is a holistic approach to recovery that uses a 4-point plan to change thoughts and behaviors and embrace positive change to enjoy a healthy and balanced lifestyle with complete abstinence from drugs and alcohol.
- 12-Step Recovery is the traditional recovery program involving 12 defined steps that are largely dependent upon surrender to a higher power in order to overcome addiction in which there are regular meetings and support in the form of a sponsor.
- Individual Therapy helps to talk with a trained professional about the emotions, beliefs, struggles and more during the recovery journey. Because therapists are trained and licensed, they can offer other specific forms of therapy as well, such as CBT, DBT, and EMDR.
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a problem-specific, goal-oriented therapy method of changing thought patterns to empower new behaviors and lifestyles. CBT can be used in a group or individual therapy setting.
- Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) focuses more specifically on emotional and social thought processes and behaviors with the goal of achieving balance. DBT may be used in individual or group therapy.
- Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is an interactive form of therapy in which traumatic or painful events are reprocessed quickly, allowing healing from childhood trauma, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), and more.
- Mindfulness Meditation is the practice of using relaxation and breathing to achieve focus and develop other mental skills that help us to be present and non-judgmental. Through consistent meditation, resiliency and strength are developed within the mind, which can help decrease cravings.
- Yoga involves breathing and basic meditation while moving the body into specific poses. This practice is powerful for both the body and the mind. More specifically, it has been associated with reduced cravings and better self-regulation along with improved physical health.
Other Recovery Powers
There are many facets to the recovery process, many skills we can learn to empower us. For example, we learn new communication techniques, including techniques to become more assertive. These skills are important as we learn about family dynamics. Many people with addictions to substance began abusing and/or continue to abuse their substances due to family dynamics and dysfunction. When we learn about family dynamics and are equipped with new communication skills, we are empowered to make positive changes in all of our relationships.
Because we are making holistic changes in our thinking and behaviors, a lot of things may come up within recovery. Grief processing helps when emotions come up surrounding a past or recent loss of someone. Grief is often intertwined with substance abuse, as the loss of someone important can lead to drinking or using drugs to cope. However, without even losing a person, many experience grief in recovery due to the loss of their substance use and lifestyle. Processing these powerful experiences and emotions empowers us to shed the weight of grief and move forward.
Last but certainly not least, we can learn about coping with cravings. Once we have completed detoxification, our bodies will still experience powerful cravings. We can learn methods to cope with them so they do not catch us off guard. Likewise, we can learn how to fortify ourselves against relapses. The hard work we do to make holistic changes within our lives should be protected with vigilance against relapse. That is why we are empowered during recovery with education and skills to prevent relapses.
We know where we stand with our lives right now. Continued substance abuse diminishes the power we should have in our lives, and ultimately puts our lives and the lives of others at risk. AToN Center can help you take your life back and empower you to live a more balanced, joyful, and fulfilling life. Discover how to put the power in empowering within your life.
AToN Center can help you navigate your life with power. Call (888) 813-5928 today to begin your new journey.
