What is Treatment?

Treatment can be used to help a person recover from addiction, injuries, personal loss, past issues and even physical or mental illness.

Treatment Centre’s help addicts prepare to re-enter society. Addictions often changes a person’s behavior, which can affect all aspects of his/her life, including work and relationships. In treatment individuals are given the tools to assist to regain their normal lives in a safe and healthy environment.

There are many different types of treatment and rehab. facilities. Some specialize in helping individuals with a specific addiction and others offer a broader range of addiction services.

Treatment Centre’s often carry the stigma that individuals are forced to stay. However, this stereotype is untrue. Individuals in treatment are free to leave anytime they choose to. Treatment can only be truly effective when the individual has the desire to be there and the desire to change his/her addictive habits and lifestyle. That being said, in instances where individuals are compelled (forced) to go to treatment– such as court ordered, CFS ordered– the treatment process can be somewhat effective, even if they were reluctant to go.

Treatment Centre facilities help individuals change their attitudes towards addictions. Many times addicts deny that they have an addiction and sometimes even claim that the alcohol, drugs or pills are not harmful and that they have control and can control their use. This is usually far from the truth. The first step in treatment is to help the individuals get past this denial so that they can make an effort to change.

While in treatment the individuals make/set goals for themselves. They commit to themselves and to their loved ones that they will strive to make positive changes in their lives. They make long-term and then short-term goals that help them along the way. The individual will also receive individual  counseling, which helps the individual discover and deal with any emotional factors that may have contributed to their addictions. It is important that these factors and any past issues are addressed, if an individual is to make a full recovery and move forward in their lives.

In addition to individual counseling, they will participate in group therapy. This process allows the individuals to see that they are not alone, form friendships and to have fellowship with one another. These friendships and supports aid the individual on their road to recovery.

Individuals in treatment learn to recognize situations that may trigger use. These triggers could be emotional, physical, part of  relationships, or simply part of their normal routines. Individuals learn how to combat those triggers and how to get out of circumstances that may lead them to use again. Once they learn to recognize triggers, they learn the skills needed to cope with them. Individuals develop their own personalized coping skills and aftercare plan. Individuals also work towards changing their negative habits that are related to their addictions. This could include changing their activities, careers or everyday life. The goal is to reduce the amount of stress and triggers in the individual’s life to keep him/her from relapsing.

Treatment Centre’s and counselor’s provide the individual with the tools to live a drug and alcohol free life; however, they will have to practice and live it.