The complex mental health disorder known as addiction requires continual recovery. While rehab treatment centers help, there is no instant cure for substance abuse. This doesn’t have to be disheartening, as ample resources outside addiction treatment exist to help.

Once you or a loved one has exited drug addiction treatment, it’s best to set up a strategy that works for you to prevent relapse. This is what we consider aftercare, and Torrance residents seeking a fulfilling after-treatment life will benefit from the tips below.

Like other chronic diseases, addiction treatment concerns lifestyle choices over instant cures. Read on to learn about rehab treatment aftercare’s benefits and best practices.   

Benefits of Aftercare to Recovery

Individuals who participate in regular aftercare following their exit from rehab treatment centers can reduce their risk of relapse. This reduction occurs for a variety of reasons. 

Aftercare paves the path to long-term sobriety by helping you or a loved one develop a system that works for them. This system can include counseling, a 12-step fellowship, or even IOP (intensive outpatient treatment) for the initial period following recovery.

Aftercare is often focused on implementing coping mechanisms that help persons with substance abuse disorder manage the symptoms they’ll encounter throughout their daily lives.

Considering Outpatient Treatments

A common first step following addiction treatment in rehab centers is outpatient rehab. It’s an extension of inpatient treatment that aids in the transition between treatment centers and daily life. 

Outpatient treatment programs take place several times a day and consist mainly of therapy sessions. Group therapy sessions are beneficial as they provide peer support and an ability to connect with those who share substance abuse disorder.

OP is a safe space where persons with drug addiction can turn when they encounter difficulties in treatment. This support system reduces the likelihood of relapse by introducing you to those who can join you on your recovery journey, sometimes for years. 

Join a 12-Step Fellowship

Another opportunity to find community and support in the journey to recovery is in 12-step fellowship programs such as AA (Alcoholics Anonymous) and NA (Narcotics Anonymous). The spiritual foundation of these groups offers a sense of purpose, support, and guidance.

Another benefit of these programs is they offer a chance to meet with similar individuals with the same purpose and hear relatable stories of recovery and substance abuse. This adds emotional support as well as a sense of community.

These programs are designed with a 12-step process each individual must complete, usually alongside a sponsor who acts as a coach, mentor, and supportive listener. These altruistic groups have an impressive reputation for helping persons with substance abuse disorder rebuild themselves following time in rehab treatment centers. 

Therapy: A Tried and True Method

Mental health challenges can often increase the likelihood of someone experiencing a substance use disorder. For this reason, therapy and counseling are a beneficial part of addiction treatment aftercare.

One-on-one therapy with a licensed professional allows individuals to discuss issues or experiences they may not be comfortable sharing in a group setting. They can receive guidance and helpful tools to aid in their recovery.

Therapy helps prevent relapsing by providing proper coping mechanisms facilitated by professionals as a method to help with mental health challenges. These challenges often drive people to abuse substances to find solace. By providing a different, healing outlet, you’ll reduce the likelihood of relapse.

The Ongoing Journey of Addiction Treatment

Inpatient addiction treatment is the first step in recovery. Aftercare strategies are recommended to prevent relapse and lead a fulfilling life beyond addiction. 

These include 12-step fellowship programs, one-on-one counseling and intensive outpatient treatment. These strategies aim to provide a support system and tools that can guide persons with substance use disorder as they move forward in their lives.

Twin Town Treatment Centers provide comprehensive, personalized outpatient treatment to help you or a loved one transition from a rehab center to daily life. Contact us at 866-594-8844 or online for addiction treatment. Our Torrance and Sherman Oaks are one of our six facilities in Southern California equipped and ready to support you or a loved one in the journey to recovery.

Alcohol is by far the most frequently abused substance in the United States. It’s estimated that 1 in 8 adults meets the qualifications for alcohol dependence, and alcohol-related deaths are the third leading preventable cause of death in the country. 

Since alcohol is legal and socially accepted, it is more difficult for those who suffer from alcohol abuse to overcome their addiction — or even recognize that they have an abuse problem in the first place. However, with so many long-lasting physical and mental effects, it’s important that alcohol abuse disorder is identified and treated to avoid the risk of life-ending consequences.

If you or someone you know is ready to discuss alcohol addiction treatment, keep reading to learn more about alcohol addiction treatment centers and how they can help you or your loved one regain control and overcome addiction.

What Is an Alcohol Addiction Treatment Center?

An alcohol addiction treatment center is a form of drug & alcohol rehabilitation that specializes in helping individuals overcome their dependence on alcohol. These treatment centers offer a range of treatment options to address the physical, psychological, and emotional aspects of addiction. They provide a safe and supportive environment for individuals to detox, receive therapy and counseling, and learn essential coping skills to maintain sobriety.

Alcohol rehabilitation programs and services that an alcohol addiction treatment center may provide include medication-assisted treatments, individual and group therapy, trauma treatment, case management, alumni support, and family therapy. Whenever possible, your treatment center will work with other support networks at home, school, and/or work to make the transition to sobriety as comfortable and likely to succeed as possible.

When Do You Need Alcohol Addiction Treatment?

Since alcohol can be consumed legally and at an acceptable level, it can be more difficult to determine where healthy levels stop and addiction begins. To assess whether you or a loved one may have alcohol use disorder, ask yourself the following questions:

• Do you drink more often than usual or daily?
• Do you experience withdrawal symptoms when not under the influence of alcohol, such as trouble sleeping, irritability, anxiety, depression, nausea, or sweating?
• Have you repeatedly had times when you ended up drinking more than you intended?
• Have you tried to cut down or stop drinking in the past, but couldn’t?
• Have you experienced a strong need or urge to drink?
• Have you found that drinking often interferes with taking care of yourself, your home, or your family?
• Have you given up activities that were important to you in order to drink?
• Have you repeatedly gotten into situations while drinking that increased your chances of getting hurt or hurting others?

If you answered yes to any of these questions or recognize these signs, it’s advised that you speak to an alcohol addiction treatment center for diagnosis and help. No matter how moderate or severe your symptoms seem, the vast majority of people with alcohol dependence can benefit from treatment if they choose to accept it.

What Happens During Addiction Treatment?

Alcohol addiction treatment involves medical, holistic, and behavioral therapies that work together to help the patient overcome their addiction for good. Treatment typically begins with detoxification, cleansing the body from alcohol. Once detox is completed, patients will undergo individualized treatment plans that include therapy, medication, and evidence-based interventions.

At Twin Town Treatment Centers, we encourage the patient to develop helpful and trusting relationships while practicing new ideas and behaviors that promote sobriety. Cognitive-behavioral therapy and social practices help the sufferer cope with the emotional distress and withdrawals that are common in new sobriety. We encourage them to practice recreational, avocational, social, and spiritual activities that can replace alcohol-related pastimes. By providing each patient with the tools needed to restructure and reprioritize their lives in a healthier way, we increase their chances of long-term sobriety and success.

What Are the Benefits of Alcohol Addiction Treatment?

Alcohol addiction treatment will help you overcome your addiction, starting you on a path toward a healthier and happier life. Although you may not think you’re suffering severe detrimental effects of alcohol consumption, almost all treatment center patients see clear benefits after seeking help, including:

• Regained control of their alcohol consumption and life
• Improved physical and mental health
• Greater support systems
• Better tools and coping mechanisms for life challenges, helping maintain life-long sobriety

If you or someone you love is struggling with substance abuse and wants to seek treatment, Twin Town Treatment Centers offers comprehensive outpatient treatment programs. Whatever your struggle, we have a team of experts ready to support you, and we’ll work closely with your family, friends, and wider support system to give you the well-rounded care you need to achieve lifelong health and happiness. To get started with an initial assessment in Los Alamitos, CA, give us a call at 866-594-8844 or contact us online.

Methamphetamine, commonly known as meth, is a strong stimulant that affects your central nervous system and has a high potential for misuse. This drug, which initially gained popularity for its euphoric effects, has devastated numerous lives due to its highly addictive nature. For those struggling with a meth use disorder in Sherman Oaks, understanding the depths of the addiction and knowing the directions for recovery is crucial.

What is Methamphetamine?

Methamphetamine is a powerful synthetic stimulant that affects the central nervous system. It appears in the form of a white, odorless, bitter-tasting crystalline powder that easily dissolves in water or alcohol. The drug can be ingested, snorted, smoked, or injected – providing users with an intense sensation of pleasure or increased energy. But with these short-term effects come long-term consequences, both mentally and physically. For a deeper understanding, visit our detailed guide on meth use disorder.

How Does Meth Addiction Occur?

Meth is known for its ability to create a rapid and intense high. With continued use, the brain starts depending on meth to release dopamine, a neurotransmitter associated with pleasure, reward, and motivation. Over time, the brain’s natural ability to produce dopamine diminishes, pushing users to consume more of the drug to achieve the same effect, leading to a vicious cycle of dependence.

Why is it Hard to Overcome Meth Use Disorder?

Meth addiction can be one of the most challenging substance abuse disorders to combat due to its impact on the brain’s structure and function. Chronic meth use alters the brain’s dopamine system, affecting both mood and pleasure. This alteration can lead to severe cognitive deficits and emotional imbalances, making the withdrawal process exceptionally challenging. The drug also has physical repercussions, from drastic weight loss to dental issues, which intensifies the complications of breaking free.

Seeking Help for Meth Use Disorder

Overcoming meth addiction requires a comprehensive approach. Intensive Outpatient Treatments (IOP) offer structured therapy sessions while allowing patients to stay in familiar environments. These programs combine counseling, behavioral therapies, and sometimes medication to combat cravings and address the root causes of addiction. It’s essential to seek help at a reputable rehab center, where experienced professionals can provide the guidance and support necessary for recovery.

The journey toward overcoming addiction is complex, necessitating personalized strategies tailored to individual needs. Twin Town Treatment Centers, one of the leading drug and alcohol rehabilitation centers in Los Alamitos, recognizes this diversity in patient experiences. 

We believe in the power of personalized treatment plans to address the unique challenges that come with substance abuse. The development of a successful addiction treatment plan typically unfolds across three core stages, each of them crucial in paving the way toward a healthier future.

Stage One: Assessment and Diagnosis

Every journey toward recovery begins with an accurate assessment and diagnosis. This is a meticulous process, incorporating a wide range of techniques to gain a comprehensive understanding of the individual’s substance abuse habits. This initial stage includes psychological evaluations, detailed medical tests and personal interviews. By doing so, professionals can delve into the individual’s unique struggles, their health history, and the personal circumstances surrounding their addiction. 

At Twin Town Treatment Centers, we offer an intensive outpatient treatment program. This not only includes an initial evaluation but also provides continuous monitoring throughout the treatment period to track progress and adjust strategies as needed.

Stage Two: Formulating the Treatment Plan

Upon acquiring an in-depth understanding of the individual’s situation, our team of skilled therapists, counselors and medical professionals collaborate to devise a personalized treatment plan. No two addiction experiences are the same; therefore, each plan is crafted to meet the unique needs of the individual. Factors such as the substance of choice, the severity of the addiction, mental health status, and an array of life circumstances are taken into account.

By adopting this multidisciplinary approach, we ensure that all aspects of the individual’s life are considered. The treatment aims to ensure a holistic recovery, catering to emotional, psychological, social, and environmental factors. 

A deeper dive into Twin Town Treatment Centers’ detailed program description offers insight into our commitment to holistic, custom-tailored treatment plans.

Stage Three: Implementation and Adjustment

The final stage involves implementing the addiction treatment plan, characterized by a blend of individual therapy, group sessions, medication (when necessary) and holistic therapies. This stage is not static but involves frequent reassessment of the plan, refining strategies based on the client’s progress, and changing needs. This flexible approach ensures that the treatment remains responsive and adaptive, and continues to address the evolving challenges the individual may face. Our local rehab center in Los Alamitos is well-equipped to provide these comprehensive services, always keeping the individual’s well-being at the forefront.

At Twin Town Treatment Centers, we understand that a successful addiction treatment plan is a dynamic strategy that continually adapts to the patient’s journey toward recovery. If you or a loved one are grappling with substance abuse, please don’t hesitate to call us at 866-594-8844 or contact us online. Our compassionate team is committed to supporting you on your path to recovery, providing personalized care and professional expertise every step of the way.

The notion of self-love is frequently discussed in the mental health field. It encompasses an introspective view of oneself that acknowledges imperfection while embracing internal strengths. Following significant progress in the recovery journey from drug addiction, an individual may have a diminished sense of self due to the absence of the substance. It can feel like a fragment of their identity has been stripped away. 

At Twin Town Treatment Centers in Laguna Hills, CA, we wholeheartedly embrace the concept of self-love as an integral component of our approach to drug addiction treatment. By prioritizing healthy self-care practices, individuals can aspire to become the person they’ve always envisioned — a good father, a quality friend or a top performer at work. Should you find yourself on the path to healing after completing addiction treatment, this blog post may help you understand what good self-care looks like.

Invest in Positive Self-Care

Self-care looks unique for each individual — some prefer baths, while others seek serenity through walks on the beach. What’s important is building on habits that evoke a sense of happiness and fulfillment to rebuild lost dopamine levels.

Conversely, engaging in detrimental self-care practices proves counterproductive during drug rehab. It may appear at first that shopping for that expensive piece of jewelry is a “need,” when in reality, it is an impulsive desire. In this precarious territory, drug addiction can resurface, bringing someone struggling with a substance use disorder back to stage one and potentially replacing one addiction with another.

Why You Should Practice Self-Care in Addiction Recovery

Now that we have provided self-care’s essence, let’s discuss why it is important. Self-care invokes an overall sense of well-being. It revitalizes one’s energy reserves, enabling a greater capacity to fulfill the demands of daily life.

Consistently practicing self-care techniques establishes a solid foundation for personal success. It is often the initial hurdle that poses the greatest challenge. Not knowing where to begin on a diet or exercise routine can make you feel hopeless, but it’s about taking one step at a time. Twin Town Treatment Centers stands ready to extend a helping hand if you need guidance. We offer many recommendations for self-care and self-love practices that you can bring home to practice, especially in our Intensive Outpatient Programs (IOP).

How Self-Care Relates to Mental Health

You can’t properly dive into a drug addiction treatment program without focusing on your self-care routine. Without self-care, you will react negatively to every little setback that comes your way. Being in touch with your deepest emotions and heightening your self-awareness during challenging life events means feeling stronger and more in control when you encounter your triggers. 

When it comes to mental health, self-care can look like taking medication, actively participating in therapy or seeking support groups for people struggling with a substance use disorder. These all can contribute to a more well-rounded, emotionally intelligent person. 

If you ever find yourself believing that you’re unlovable or incapable of practicing self-care due to a substance use disorder, Twin Town Treatment Centers are here to change that perception. At our Laguna Hills, CA, drug rehab facility, we believe in embracing the ups and downs of life without sugarcoating the realities we face. Our state-of-the-art drug addiction treatment programs are specifically designed to provide compassionate, adaptive care for a wide range of substance use disorders, ensuring that your treatment plan is completely individualized. If you want to break free from your drug addiction and embrace self-love, call us at 866-594-8844 to set up an initial intake assessment or fill out our contact form.