Detox is Not Enough: How Treatment and Counseling Support a Full Recovery

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If you or a loved one is struggling with addiction, know that this disease is treatable. Living a life of sobriety is an ongoing process that is supported by making good decisions. In this post, we will explain the importance of receiving addiction treatment and counseling in Montgomery County PA and the benefits you can expect.

Why Detox is Not Enough to Treat Addiction

Addiction treatment begins with detoxification, a process that removes drugs and toxins from the body. The detox process is uncomfortable, but it’s made more bearable in a medically supervised environment with medications like buprenorphine. Withdrawal lasts for a few days to several weeks, but it does not cure addiction.

Addiction is a chronic disease, and relapse occurs in 40% to 60% of recovering addicts. High relapse rates have forced treatment centers to re-examine their approach to treating addiction. In the past, treatment centers focused on the physical addiction. Modern substance abuse treatment is holistic and gives attention to social, emotional, physical, mental and spiritual healing. Sadly, only some are getting the help they need.

Drug Overdoses are a Leading Cause of Accidental Death

Drug overdoses are an epidemic in our country, killing more people than car crashes and guns. Detoxing the body is not enough to treat addiction and address underlying social, emotional and mental factors. According to the National Survey on Drug Use and Health, roughly 20.8 million American adults suffered from substance use disorders in 2015. Unfortunately, only 11% of these individuals received treatment at a specialized facility.

At Montco Recovery Center, we offer a full scope of addiction treatment and counseling in Montgomery County PA. Our three levels of care include partial hospitalization, intensive outpatient and general outpatient. A key component of our treatment program is counseling, which is tailored to each individual.

Importance of Counseling in Early Recovery

Addiction is more than a physical dependence on drugs and alcohol. After detox, recovering addicts are at a high risk for relapse. Some of the most common causes for relapse are stressful situations, negative social networks and cues in the environment. These situations can make it incredibly difficult to stay off drugs. The best way to learn how to manage cravings and cope with stressful moments is with counseling.

In early recovery, both group and individual counseling are recommended. Group counseling is important because it provides support for those going through drug rehab. Individual counseling is important because it gives you a chance to address mental illness and past trauma that could have led to the addiction.

When you are assessed at a treatment facility like Montco Recovery Center, a treatment plan will be created specifically for you. Other types of counseling that may be recommended include couples and family counseling, cognitive behavioral therapy and motivational interviewing. No matter what type of counseling you participate in, you can expect the following benefits:

  • Work through childhood insecurities. In some cases, insecurities from childhood can make people attached to drugs and alcohol. Identifying these issues and working through them can reduce the risk for relapse.
  • Change unhealthy responses to stress. Many addicts use drugs and alcohol to deal with stress. Although there are ways to reduce stress, it can’t be eliminated completely. Addiction treatment and counseling in Montgomery County PA teaches you new ways to manage stress.
  • Strengthen the family unit. Families often need support and guidance as they work to create a healthy home for their loved one. Counseling works to improve communication skills, avoid codependent tendencies, prevent enablement and more.
  • Form companionship and connection. For some addicts, the relationship with their therapist is one of their first healthy relationships in recovery. This relationship encourages trust, honesty and open communication.
  • Treat a dual diagnosis. Roughly half of people with a substance use disorder has a mental health disorder, too. Individual counseling addresses underlying mental health conditions like anxiety or bipolar depression.

Working with the Right Addiction Treatment Counselor

For addiction treatment and counseling in Montgomery County PA to be effective, you must trust your counselor. Your counselor should provide you with the resources and guidance needed to support a full recovery. This trust sometimes takes time to form, and that’s okay. If, after a few sessions, you don’t feel connected to your therapist, you can always see someone new.

Here are some signs of a great counselor.

  • Strong therapeutic alliance. A therapeutic alliance is when a counselor forms a strong bond with their client. Even though it takes time to develop trust, you should be comfortable speaking freely during your sessions, feel better when it’s complete and have a desire to return. Does your counselor show that they are interested in your well being? Do they act attentive during your sessions? Do they show empathy to your problems?
  • Encourages recovery. Even though your desire to change has to come from within, your counselor should support your recovery by enhancing motivation, recognizing problematic behaviors and taking action to change these behaviors. Any confrontational counseling will make things worse.
  • Understands your relapse prevention plan. When a program for addiction treatment and counseling in Montgomery County PA has been completed, you should leave with an aftercare plan. This plan offers suggestions on how to manage your time, cope with stressful situations and more. Your counselor should be familiar with your relapse prevention plan and help you follow through with the lifestyle changes.
  • Meets with family members. Addiction is not an individual disease. It affects the family unit as well as others close to you. A counselor that cares about your well being will be happy to speak with your family members about your progress and ways they can support your recovery. Recovery is a lifelong journey, so you need a strong support network.
  • Knowledge of outside support groups. Counseling is most effective when combined with other therapies. Your counselor should be able to refer you to 12-step groups like Alcoholics Anonymous or Narcotics Anonymous. Your counselor should also recognize if additional services are needed, such as help with employment or sober housing.

Detox is the first step in getting clean and sober. After this process is complete, you need addiction treatment and counseling in Montgomery County PA to continue your recovery. This is where you will learn essential skills and techniques to manage cravings, deal with stress and stay clean. Relapse rates are highest when first coming out of treatment, but they decrease over time.

To start your journey to recovery, call Montco Recovery Center. We have three levels of quality, affordable care that can start today.