Do’s and Don’ts After Your Loved One Returns from Addiction Treatment

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Seeing a loved one return from addiction treatment can be an emotional experience. Many friends and family members justifiably want to do all they can to support their loved ones during their time of need. Despite these good intentions, caution is needed as the wrong type of support can significantly harm an individual’s addiction recovery, erasing months of substantial progress and increasing the likelihood of a relapse. 

If you have a loved one coming home from their substance addiction treatment, you must be mindful of the impact of your actions and be aware of what to do — and don’t do — during this period. 

Do: Encourage New Hobbies

Old habits are difficult to break, even after extensive addiction treatment. Upon returning from treatment, your loved one can quickly revert to their previous destructive lifestyle because of the free time now available to them. Helping them find new interests can prevent this from occurring, as it can keep their mind occupied and away from cravings and pessimistic thoughts. Exploring new hobbies will also take up much of their time, leaving little room for substance use. 

Don’t: Consume Substances Around Them

You and others around your loved one must avoid drinking or using any substances when in their presence. Seeing those closest to them consume drugs or alcohol can signal to your loved one that this is acceptable behavior and can tempt them into relapse. Instead, try promoting positive behavior and habits to set a good example for your loved one that they can follow to maintain their sobriety. 

Do: Support Ongoing Care

Addiction is a lifelong battle that doesn’t end even after your loved one comes home from a rehab center. Encourage any efforts by your loved one to pursue additional addiction treatment, so they can continue getting the help they need to stay on track with their recovery. Many rehab facilities like Twin Town Treatment Centers offer aftercare sessions for those who complete their initial addiction treatment to ensure long-term sobriety and a life without dependency. 

Don’t: Make Them Feel Excluded

The period after returning home from addiction treatment is a crucial time for your loved one, and they’ll need all the support they can get. While there are many ways to provide support, it’s vital that your loved one feels welcome and wanted by those closest to them, as this can help maintain their positive frame of mind.  

Transitioning back to everyday life is already a challenging process that can be made even more difficult if your loved one starts to feel lonely and left out because of their past behaviors. Work to include your loved one in as many social activities as possible to let them know that you appreciate them and recognize all their progress. 

Addiction is always present; fully recovering from it will take time and continued support from professionals and loved ones. Get the right help and support by contacting Twin Town Treatment Centers and visiting one of our five drug addiction treatment centers throughout Orange County and the Los Angeles metropolitan area. We accompany patients through every step of their addiction recovery journey, providing support through personalized resources like our intensive outpatient treatment (IOP) programs and drug addiction treatments that have proven effective in facilitating healing and development. Get in touch today by calling us at (866) 594-8844 or filling out our online form to get started. Our team of drug addiction treatment professionals will provide you with a no-cost interview and assessment for alcohol and drug issues.

5 Powerful Benefits of Intensive Outpatient Treatment

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Substance addiction is a far-reaching disease that can deal immeasurable physical and mental harm to those suffering from it. The disease’s severity means that any efforts to recover from addiction will be difficult, if not impossible, without guidance from a qualified addiction treatment facility with solutions that fit your circumstances. 

As there are many substance addiction treatment options, each with its distinct approaches and techniques, those seeking help must consider their needs and what they’re most comfortable with. For many unable or unwilling to pursue traditional inpatient treatment, an intensive outpatient program can be a viable solution because of its numerous benefits that make overcoming addiction more manageable. 

Structure and Focus

An intensive outpatient program offers patients much-needed structure, as they are expected to attend regularly scheduled meetings and follow established rules and guidelines. Structure and organization are beneficial for addiction recovery because patients have a clear idea of what to do to stay on track with their recovery and can focus on fulfilling these obligations.  

Reliable Access to Support

Through resources like group therapy sessions and personal counseling, intensive outpatient programs allow patients to find support from medical professionals and others with similar addiction experiences. Support can make a meaningful difference in substance addiction recovery, helping those going through the process maintain sobriety and overcome the many challenges they’re likely to encounter. 

Tailored Addiction Treatment Methods

Like other severe diseases, recovering from substance addiction is greatly aided by treatment from a professional care provider. Intensive outpatient programs are particularly helpful for addiction recovery because many offer personalized addiction treatments that have been shaped to provide patients with care best suited for them and their specific needs. These treatments often include counseling, therapy, and other substantiated practices that have been proven effective in spurring addiction recovery progress. 

Increased Understanding of Addiction

Receiving treatment from an intensive outpatient program can be an informative experience that gives patients a better understanding of themselves and their addiction. Being knowledgeable about substance addiction and its causes makes it easier for an individual to adjust their behavior and form new healthier habits that allow them to avoid relapsing. 

Clinically Proven Resources

An intensive outpatient program gives patients access to numerous therapeutic resources and services that help facilitate their long-term healing and development. These resources are usually wide-ranging care that helps with each stage of the recovery process, ensuring that patients have the assistance they need for every part of their journey to sobriety. 

Intensive outpatient programs and their benefits can make a substantial difference in addiction recovery, especially from a rehab center with an evidence-based, compassionate approach like Twin Town Treatment Centers. At every one of our five drug addiction treatment centers throughout Orange County and the Los Angeles metropolitan area, we oversee our patients’ recovery journey from start to finish with personalized resources like our intensive outpatient treatment (IOP) programs and drug addiction treatments that provide the support and guidance needed to transition to a healthy, sober lifestyle. Get in touch today by calling us at (866) 594-8844 or filling out our online form to get started. Our team of drug addiction treatment professionals will provide you with a no-cost interview and assessment for alcohol and drug issues.

5 Ways You Can Benefit from Alcohol Addiction Treatment

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Alcohol addiction is a severe disease and has significant consequences for a person even beyond its devastating physical and mental repercussions. It can deteriorate relationships, cause problems at work, and eventually lead to complete social isolation. Recovering from a substance use disorder won’t be easy, but attending an alcohol addiction treatment program can provide the support and guidance needed to transition away from a life of dependency. 

Cleansing Out Alcohol

Being involved in an addiction treatment program allows patients to cleanse their bodies of alcohol and be free of it for a lengthy period. This time without alcohol can be physically and mentally transformative for a person who has long depended on the substance. Meaningful healing can occur as the effects alcohol has had on the individual begin to wane. 

A Chance to Reflect

Alcohol addiction treatment provides an environment for those struggling with substance use to insulate themselves from outside distractions and self-reflect. Whether it’s thinking about previous behavior, future goals or their current frame of mind, self-reflection can be therapeutic and can strengthen a patient’s long-term resolve. Addiction treatment’s isolated setting and time spent self-reflecting will also help a patient keep their entire focus on their recovery.  

Confront Underlying Issues

Part of addiction treatment involves identifying and confronting the issues most responsible for a patient’s alcohol dependence and harmful behavior. Those who previously struggled to address the underlying problems that led to their addiction are supported with treatment programs like behavioral therapy and group therapy that make the process easier for the patient. 

Develop Healthy Behavior and Habits

Transitioning to a lifestyle free of dependency isn’t possible until the destructive habits contributing to a person’s sustained alcohol addiction are broken, and new healthier ones are formed. Alcohol addiction treatment helps patients develop better behavior and practices that allow them to break free of the harmful cycle they’ve been trapped in, reducing the likelihood of a relapse.   

Establish Healthy Boundaries 

Those who suffer from alcohol addiction often struggle to establish healthy boundaries for themselves from the substance. Alcohol addiction treatment is beneficial as an emphasis is placed on helping patients develop a safe space to create a distance between themselves and alcohol. Through this process, patients will also gain more self-confidence and self-respect, allowing further healing to occur. 

Get the help you or your loved one requires by attending an alcohol addiction treatment program at a rehab center with an evidence-based, compassionate approach like Twin Town Treatment Centers. At any one of our five drug addiction treatment centers throughout Orange County and the Los Angeles metropolitan area, patients receive professional care that effectively facilitates their healing and development. We work with our patients through each stage of their addiction recovery, overseeing their transition to a happier, sober lifestyle with personalized resources like our intensive outpatient treatment (IOP) programs and drug addiction treatments designed to address their specific needs. Get in touch today by calling us at (866) 594-8844 or filling out our online form to get started. Our team of drug addiction treatment professionals will provide you with a no-cost interview and assessment for alcohol and drug issues.

4 Signs of an Effective Intensive Outpatient Program

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Recovering from a disease as complex and challenging as substance addiction will require attending an outpatient treatment program at a proven professional rehab center. The right addiction treatment center can help spur substantial addiction recovery progress and help ease the transition to a sober, healthier lifestyle. 

However, as many treatment facility options are available to those suffering from substance use disorder, the right rehab center isn’t always easy to find. Fortunately, reliable addiction treatment facilities all tend to have shared characteristics and services that allow them to foster the development and healing of their patients effectively. 

Substantiated Treatment Programs

Addiction’s severity as a disease demands an evidence-based treatment approach that you know works. As overcoming drug or alcohol addiction won’t be easy, any treatments for it should be backed by extensive research and proven successful. Trustworthy outpatient programs will often feature substantiated treatment options, like:

  • Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy
  • Group Therapy
  • Family Education and Counseling
  • Individual Therapy

A Personalized Approach

Substance addiction treatment that works well for one patient may not be effective with another. Not everyone will be receptive to certain forms of therapy. As addiction can be experienced in many ways, successful rehab centers know that a personalized treatment approach that adapts to a patient’s unique needs is the best way to achieve desired results. When assessing your treatment center options, you want one that has solutions for your specific challenges. 

Mental Health Services

While the physical impact of addiction cannot be acknowledged enough, the disease’s effect on mental health cannot be ignored. Mental health issues are common amongst those suffering from substance addiction, often driven by drug or alcohol use. 

Any intensive outpatient program that hopes to achieve significant recovery progress with its patients will have specific services focused entirely on mental health. Addiction recovery is much more achievable when an individual is in a positive state of mind and mentally healthy.

Case Management

Along with a personalized approach, an effective outpatient program will usually feature case management as part of its treatment, giving patients a sense of autonomy over their recovery. Case managers will often collaborate with patients on an individualized treatment plan that accounts for their circumstances and specific needs. Many case managers will continually check in on their patients throughout the addiction recovery process to encourage their progress and help them maintain sobriety. In most instances, case management has been shown to enhance the chances of long-term recovery.

 

Those in need of an effective outpatient program don’t have to look far to find a qualified rehab center capable of delivering such care in Twin Town Treatment Centers. At each of our five drug addiction treatment centers throughout Orange County and the Los Angeles metropolitan area, we provide meaningful support to patients on their addiction recovery journey. We expertly oversee the transition to a happier, sober lifestyle that all our patients take by delivering personalized resources like our intensive outpatient treatment (IOP) programs and drug addiction treatments that will directly address their specific needs. Get in touch today by calling us at (866) 594-8844 or filling out our online form to get started. Our team of drug addiction treatment professionals will provide you with a no-cost interview and assessment for alcohol and drug issues.

The 5 Most Common Topics in Group Addiction Treatment Therapy

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Alcohol or substance addiction treatment centers often feature group therapy as part of their addiction treatment. As group therapy usually entails sharing deeply personal anecdotes and experiences of substance abuse with strangers, many initially go into it nervously and reluctantly. Expressing vulnerabilities is undoubtedly a challenge, and these are perfectly normal feelings. 

Group therapy, however, can be especially beneficial for addiction recovery as it can help spur breakthroughs and encourage healing and development by discussing topics in a unique setting with patients of similar backgrounds. 

Stories of Recovery after Addiction Treatment

Initial group therapy sessions often ask participants to tell their stories of recovery and how they arrived at their current point. Recovery stories serve as an introductory topic that allows members of the group to learn about each other and the similarities they share. It’s also a good marker of progress that can be built upon, as willingly discussing one’s struggles with addiction isn’t easy and shows strength and awareness. 

Family Problems

Substance abuse addiction affects many aspects of a person’s life, including their relationships with their family. As family dynamics and support play a significant role in addiction recovery, it’s a topic often brought up in group therapy and can make for a lively discussion because of the unique stories that every participant has. 

Being able to reflect on family issues that have emerged as a consequence of addiction is a helpful reminder to those in the group that the disease doesn’t just affect them but also those closest to them.  

Traumatic Experiences

Trauma is frequently discussed during group therapy, as traumatic experiences are common among those suffering from addiction. The personal nature of the subject means that although it can be difficult, discussions in which participants share their experiences with trauma with one another tend to be mentally healthy exercises that create a sense of camaraderie and serve as a chance to learn and grow. 

Forgiveness for Past Mistakes

Group therapy commonly explores the concept of forgiveness and how patients can personally benefit from it. Forgiveness is central to addiction recovery, and progress is only achievable if unhealthy attachments like pain, betrayal and hurt are released. Substantial growth and development can begin once forgiveness has been granted.  

Emotional and Psychological Triggers

Anyone suffering from substance abuse has triggers that can lead to them reusing and relapsing. Triggers can put people in a negative emotional space of frustration, distress and anger, so openly talking about them can be therapeutic.  

Group therapy sessions centered on triggers can be especially helpful as coping strategies are usually introduced during these conversations, giving members a greater understanding of their triggers and what they can do to further progress with their addiction recovery. 

As evidenced by the effectiveness of group theory, addiction recovery doesn’t have to be done alone. The support of loved ones and professional care from a compassionate rehab treatment center that addresses your specific needs, like Twin Town Treatment Centers, can effectively facilitate your healing. Visit one of our five drug addiction treatment centers throughout Orange County and the Los Angeles metropolitan area, where we support our patients with personalized resources like our intensive outpatient treatment (IOP) programs and drug addiction treatments to help them transition to a happier, sober lifestyle. Get in touch today by calling us at (866) 594-8844 or filling out our online form to get started. Our team of drug addiction treatment professionals will provide you with a no-cost interview and assessment for alcohol and drug issues.

4 Signs of an Effective Rehab Treatment Center

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Recovering from a disease as severe as alcohol or drug addiction requires qualified treatment from a professional rehab center. The right addiction treatment center can help facilitate significant healing and development and meaningful recovery. However, as everyone’s needs are unique and their circumstances differ, research will have to be done on every available treatment option to ensure that your loved one gets the best help for them. 

Qualified Staff 

Effective addiction treatment is often the result of a high-quality staff with the experience and expertise needed to provide addiction care. When considering your addiction treatment center options, ask questions about the facility’s staff and discover if they have the qualifications to properly oversee your loved one’s addiction recovery. 

As addiction can also be physically debilitating and give rise to numerous health complications, it’s vital to confirm that a treatment center has a professional medical team on hand at all hours. Having a qualified medical team present throughout your loved one’s time at a rehab center will help keep them safe from harm.  

A Comfortable Environment

With the substantial amount of time your loved one will spend at a rehab center receiving treatment, you want to ensure that the facility’s environment is comfortable and conducive to healing and development. 

Although flashy accommodations like gyms and pools are undoubtedly nice to have, what’s most important is whether or not your loved one feels comfortable and supported at a rehab facility. Being in a supportive environment is much more valuable for a patient’s addiction recovery than features that ultimately are insignificant in the long run. 

Multiple Levels of Care

Overcoming substance abuse addiction is a lengthy process that will take time and continued professional support. The best rehab center for your loved one is a facility that offers multiple levels of care and treatment spanning all the stages of addiction recovery. 

Ideally, you want a rehab facility that provides detox services and extended care, as the more addiction treatment your loved one receives, the better it is for their recovery. Getting treatment and progressing through addiction recovery with the same staff and environment, instead of bouncing around multiple settings, can only help your loved one.  

Family Involvement

Although professional addiction treatment is vital for a patient’s addiction recovery, support from family and close friends will also be needed. Your loved one won’t be able to do it alone and will require a robust support system to overcome setbacks and the challenging moments of addiction recovery. 

Your loved one’s rehab treatment center should recognize the necessity of having a proper outside support structure and prioritize incorporating family and friend involvement with the care they provide. 

Addiction recovery is best overseen by a qualified rehab center with an evidence-based, compassionate approach like Twin Town Treatment Centers. You won’t find more effective professional care for your loved one than at one of our five drug addiction treatment centers throughout Orange County and the Los Angeles metropolitan area. We support our patients throughout their addiction recovery, helping them transition to a happier, sober lifestyle with personalized resources like our intensive outpatient treatment (IOP) programs and drug addiction treatments that will directly address their specific needs. Get in touch today by calling us at (866) 594-8844 or filling out our online form to get started. Our team of drug addiction treatment professionals will provide you with a no-cost interview and assessment for alcohol and drug issues.

3 Important Facts about Addiction Treatment for Persons with Disabilities

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Substance abuse addiction is a disease that touches all groups of people, including those with physical or sensory disabilities. Individuals with disabilities encounter many physical and emotional challenges that can drive some to turn to long-term alcohol or drug use as a solution. 

However, unlike other groups, it can be difficult for those with disabilities to find effective addiction treatment that can accommodate their specific needs. Addiction recovery for persons with disabilities is a much different process than patients typically experience due to various unique factors and circumstances. 

How Addiction Affects Persons with Disabilities

Although there is still some debate amongst experts over the exact number of individuals with disabilities who suffer from addiction, we know that substance addiction profoundly affects the lives of those with it. When someone has an addiction and disability, it can:

  • Hinder their muscle control and coordination
  • Disrupt their cognitive abilities 
  • Affect their financial and housing situation
  • Lead to the deterioration of their relationships and cause isolation
  • Result in dangerous interactions with the medications they’re taking

Addiction Risk Factors For Persons with Disabilities

While anyone can suffer from addiction, individuals with disabilities face unique risk factors that can lead to long-term alcohol or drug use and dependence, such as:

  • Chronic pain and other medical issues
  • Higher likelihood of social isolation
  • Greater access to prescription pain medications
  • Less access to substance addiction preventive resources
  • Increased risk of mental illness, like depression and anxiety

Barriers to Addiction Treatment for Persons with Disabilities

Over recent years, increased efforts have been made to enhance addiction treatment accessibility for those with disabilities. However, many barriers still prevent individuals with disabilities from getting the help they need. 

Whether it’s hallways that are too narrow for wheelchair users or missing navigational features for the visually impaired, treatment facilities often lack the necessary accommodations for those with physical and sensory disabilities to use their programs.

Along with physical barriers, other factors make addiction treatment difficult for individuals with disabilities, like: 

  • Lack of experience amongst doctors to recognize signs of addiction within the disability community 
  • Reluctance from some individuals with disabilities to reveal their addiction status out of fear of possibly losing disability benefits
  • Lack of training and experience among addiction treatment counselors on how to best work with individuals with disabilities 

At Twin Town Treatment Centers, we offer professional, inclusive care that will benefit your addiction recovery journey, no matter your circumstances. We recognize that everyone has unique needs and do our best to accommodate them every step of the process. Visit one of our five drug addiction treatment centers throughout Orange County and the Los Angeles metropolitan area, where we offer personalized support to our patients through resources like our intensive outpatient treatment (IOP) programs and drug addiction treatments that have been shaped to give you the specific help you need. Get in touch today by calling us at (866) 594-8844 or filling out our online form to get started. Our team of drug addiction treatment professionals will provide you with a no-cost interview and assessment for alcohol and drug issues.

4 Ways to Stay Sober and Maintain Recovery During the Summer

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The arrival of the summer season likely means you will spend more time outside and at social events. This can be a pivotal time for patients exiting addiction treatment, as attending social events can help a person reintegrate into society and everyday life. 

However, while social gatherings can benefit addiction recovery, they also pose a risk for patients. Whether it’s a wedding or a backyard BBQ, social events often feature the presence of alcohol. This is less than ideal for anyone recovering from alcohol addiction and could lead to a potential relapse for some. 

Although undoubtedly challenging, maintaining sobriety while frequently socializing is possible and can be achieved by taking the proper steps and measures.  

Plan Out Your Summer

It never hurts to be prepared and ready for what lies ahead. Consider creating a plan for all the places you expect to be at this summer and a list of items you can bring along that will make you feel more comfortable and at ease. 

Organizing your summer can provide you with the needed structure to further progress in your recovery and maintain your summer sobriety.

Maintain a Solid Support System

While substance abuse addiction recovery will always require professional care and treatment, a robust support system is also needed for meaningful progress to be achievable. Your support system fulfills crucial functions like picking you up when you feel down and helping you move past failures and setbacks. 

Maintaining and turning to your support system of close friends and family throughout the summer will keep you on track and your sobriety intact. Whenever you encounter a trigger or stressful situation, they’ll be there to provide you with the needed support to help you overcome whatever you’re going through. 

Be Ready With Coping Strategies

Patients who attend a treatment program are provided with numerous coping strategies for overcoming triggers and situations that could tempt them to turn to alcohol once more. 

As you are likely to come across triggers while out and about this summer, it’s best to compile a set of coping mechanisms that you’re comfortable with that could be used if you find yourself in such a situation. Some coping strategies that you could employ are:

  • Exercising
  • Creative/Expressive Activities
  • Listening to Music
  • Meditative Practices or Yoga

Remember – Recovery is a Process

If you do happen to slip up this summer, it’s important to remember that addiction is a lifelong battle and that progress is not linear. Weeks of meaningful progress can be followed by a period of setbacks and frustrations. Mistakes can happen and are a part of every addiction recovery journey. 

What matters most is how you respond to your mistakes and whether you can learn from them to make the necessary adjustments and grow as a person. Keeping this perspective will help you further your healing and development, no matter what happens this summer.  

Maintaining your addiction recovery through the summer won’t be easy and will require the support of your loved ones and professional care from an effective rehab treatment center like Twin Town Treatment Centers. We’re with you every step of the way and can assure you that our addiction treatment will help your transition to a happier, sober lifestyle. Visit one of our five drug addiction treatment centers throughout Orange County and the Los Angeles metropolitan area, where we support our patients with personalized resources like our intensive outpatient treatment (IOP) programs and drug addiction treatments that will directly address your specific needs. Get in touch today by calling us at (866) 594-8844 or filling out our online form to get started. Our team of drug addiction treatment professionals will provide you with a no-cost interview and assessment for alcohol and drug issues.

 

3 Tips for Going Back to Work after Drug Addiction Treatment

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Leaving a rehab facility after completing an addiction treatment program is undoubtedly exciting for those recovering from substance abuse disorder. It signals that substantial progress has been made in the addiction recovery process and is an achievement that should be celebrated and recognized because of its significance. 

Reintegrating into society can be frightening and overwhelming for some, however. In particular, the prospect of returning to work and all of the uncertainty that comes with it is a common hurdle for those just returning from an addiction treatment center. 

Successfully transitioning back into the workplace after receiving addiction treatment won’t be easy. However, with the right mindset and plan, you can ensure a smooth return to work without much issue. 

Create a Plan

Rushing back into your job without a plan will leave you unprepared for what lies ahead. Sit down and take the time to establish a plan for how you’ll approach your return to work, so you know exactly what to do when the time arises.  

Upon returning to work, you’re likely to face questions about your absence and recovery from your coworkers. As your coworkers are likely unaware of your triggers, you may even find yourself in uncomfortable situations that will test your resolve. 

Your plan should include answers for how you’ll address these scenarios should they happen. Doing so will help you maintain a sense of control and avoid feeling overwhelmed by your new circumstances. 

Start New Habits and Routines

After completing your addiction treatment program, you’re likely to have plenty of free time on your hands, even with work. Finding a way to fill this time with positive activities can reduce the chances of a relapse and ease your transition back to work. 

Building a consistent daily routine of activities like reading books, meditating, and exercising will help you foster a healthier lifestyle and keep your mind away from substance use. Living healthy and remaining sober will make your work experience more productive and free of trouble. 

Avoid Triggers

If there’s one thing that can derail your return to work, it’s substance abuse. Decrease the chances of alcohol or drug use by avoiding potential triggers that may lead to you feeling tempted. 

Although it is possible to overcome a triggering event or emotion and feel comfortable even when confronted with it, you may not be ready at this stage, so avoiding them is usually the best way forward. 

Triggers can include:

  • High levels of stress
  • Hanging around people who drink or use drugs recreationally
  • Isolating yourself and avoiding social situations
  • Not getting enough sleep

Each step of addiction recovery will be difficult, but you don’t have to do it alone. With support from your loved ones and Twin Town Treatment Centers, you can make significant strides in your addiction treatment and your efforts to live a happier, sober life. Visit one of our five drug addiction treatment centers throughout Orange County and the Los Angeles metropolitan area, where we offer personalized support to our patients through resources like individualized intensive outpatient treatment (IOP) programs and drug addiction treatments that help foster their healing and development. Get in touch today by calling us at (866) 594-8844 or filling out our online form to get started. Our team of drug addiction treatment professionals will provide you with a no-cost interview and assessment for alcohol and drug issues.

4 Signs a Loved One Has Relapsed from Addiction Treatment and How to Prevent It

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Recovering from addiction is a lengthy, challenging process with its fair share of ups and downs. Days of meaningful progress can be followed by a period of setbacks and missteps. Many who suffer from substance abuse disorder end up relapsing during their addiction recovery.  

Falling back into a substance abuse addiction isn’t something that happens instantly – it is a gradual development that occurs over a lengthy course of time. As relapse isn’t an immediate occurrence, it is possible to avoid. 

Relapse prevention requires professional addiction treatment from qualified sources and the right support from close friends and family. While proper support can entail many things, it first starts with recognizing the early signs of potential relapse so that a patient’s behavior and habits can be modified to stop such an outcome.   

High Stress Levels

High stress levels are one of the more common causes of relapse. Feeling overwhelmed and stressed increases the likelihood of unhealthy behavior and mistakes from a patient. 

If you have a loved one in addiction treatment, it’s vital to keep an eye on them, especially during times of significant change or major events, as they are often the catalyst for increased stress. Pay particular attention to their reaction to minor inconveniences as it can indicate how they feel. An overreaction to a simple issue can reveal that a person is stressed and feeling overwhelmed. 

Reduced Socialization 

Socializing can be difficult for those recovering from addiction, particularly after leaving a treatment facility. However, it’s a worrying sign if your loved one is not making any effort to socialize or is actively avoiding doing so as it could lead to relapse. 

Reduced socialization can isolate patients from their support system and actively harm their recovery. Your loved one will need the support of their closest friends and family as they make their recovery. 

Bad Habits and Behavior

Much of the addiction treatment process is about transitioning to a healthier lifestyle and eliminating behavior that encourages substance use. A clear sign that a person is in danger of relapsing is if they begin to revert to their previous bad habits that led to their addiction in the first place.  

Detrimental decision-making like casual substance use or hanging out with social groups who are bad influences clearly shows that your loved one is struggling with recovery and may be relapsing. 

Decreased Enthusiasm 

Leaving a rehab treatment center and reintegrating into society can be exciting for those recovering from addiction. Most patients are enthusiastic during this period and fully committed to continuing to attend their support sessions and practicing the good habits they’ve learned. 

If you see that your loved one’s enthusiasm is starting to wane and their commitment to their recovery is not as strong as it once was, it’s crucial to note it as they could be at risk of a relapse. Your loved one must maintain the good behavior and habits that have allowed them to progress in their addiction recovery to decrease the likelihood of a relapse. 

Addiction is always present, and recovery is a long battle that continues even after leaving a drug addiction treatment facility. Twin Town Treatment Centers recognizes this, which is why we offer resources for relapse prevention and perform 9 to 12-month post-discharge follow-ups on patients who have attended any of our five drug addiction treatment centers throughout Orange County and the Los Angeles metropolitan area. Along with our aftercare, we also offer personalized support to our patients through individualized intensive outpatient treatment (IOP) programs and drug addiction treatments. Get in touch today by calling us at (866) 594-8844 or filling out our online form to get started. Our team of drug addiction treatment professionals will provide you with a no-cost interview and assessment for alcohol and drug issues.