Some drug rehab centers only focus on detox and sobriety. However, if you want the most significant chance of preventing relapse, look for an addiction treatment program that develops long-term skills for recovery. It’s paramount to develop life skills in rehab if you want to achieve long-term success.
Countless addicts develop a substance abuse disorder as a way to cope with stress and difficult emotions in their lives. Regrettably, drug and alcohol use can only dull the pain for so long before it becomes problematic.
Many addicts with severe addictions have become so consumed with their drug or alcohol addictions that they may have neglected many everyday responsibilities. Sometimes this neglect can occur for years on end. As a result, addicts often lack the life skills necessary to take care of themselves properly.
Learning How to Manage Your Emotions
One of the most apparent emotions to feel and express is anger. Generally, when we feel hurt, frustrated, or stressed, it looks like anger. In other words, anger is a secondary emotion. There is an underlying emotion that’s much harder to express, identify, and process than rage.
Typically due to years of abusing drugs and alcohol in an attempt to numb feelings altogether. One common denominator in early recovery is the lack of ability to identify emotions. One of the most effective tools for the development of life skills in drug rehab and early recovery is emotional regulation. Generally, using solution-focused therapy. This therapy allows patients to figure out solutions to their problems rather than stay in a negative feeling.
Additionally, they begin to learn about the thoughts that provoked negative emotions in the first place. Another therapy model, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), is widely used for anger management issues. This type of therapeutic modality helps a patient understand how an activating event causes a negative thought. As a result, a negative thought, in turn, leads to a negative feeling, and ultimately a negative behavioral outcome or consequence.
Developing Life Skills in Rehab
At Lighthouse Recovery Institute, we appreciate the differences that every patient has. Thus, each patient varies in their goals regarding life skills. During rehab, the staff works with each patient to assist in the development of a variety of life skills. It is essential for long-term recovery that each patient remains open-minded to the necessary skills that will help them on the journey into a self-sufficient life.
Development and Enhancement of Healthy Coping Skills
Generally, life skills in drug rehab will teach patients how to respond to stress and anxiety in a healthy capacity. Additionally, this includes working to solve personal and also interpersonal issues to reduce conflict, anger, and depression.
Independent Living Skills Training and Interventions
As a result of years of drug and alcohol addiction, many addicts lack the knowledge and skill set of similarly aged individuals. So, we provide the life skills inventory assessment to determine and plan for levels of competence in specific core areas of daily living to aid in the planning of treatment.
These skills include things like personal hygiene, managing money, time management, nutrition, personal growth, and problem-solving skills. While they might seem like everyday life activities, for recovering addicts it can make a huge difference in helping them stay sober.
Developing Employment Skills
Obtaining employment is a priority for patients. However, getting a job after drug rehab may be challenging. Especially true if an addict has gaps in employment or has moved due to treatment. As a result, our drug rehab focuses on developing employment skills. Staff can help patients write resumes and practice interview skills. Additionally, some patients may benefit from continuing their education and need assistance with the process.
It’s highly recommended to seek treatment facilities that offer rehab programs with case management services to help you enroll in different life skills training programs. The life skills you learn in rehab can serve as fundamental coping mechanisms that can help with long-term sobriety.
Life Skills Help Prevent Addiction Relapse
If you are in recovery, it is crucial to understand what triggers may lead to a relapse. Thus, identifying triggers is an essential part of programming during life skills in drug rehab. Addiction treatment will involve discovering how to cope when you find yourself triggered by situations, people, or emotions.
With these tools, each patient will be prepared for the difficulties they are sure to meet after treatment. As a result, the less likely they are to relapse once back into the community.
At our program, life skills development is part of the recovery process. Thus, creating healthy habits to ensure long-term sobriety. Some of these changes may seem like a radical shift. However, even tiny changes can make an enormous difference in your life over time. We support you in learning more about how life skills in drug rehab can change your life now.
Seek Substance Abuse Treatment Today
If you or someone you love is struggling with substance use disorders, ask for help immediately. Please, call Lighthouse Recovery Institute today and speak with our addiction specialists to learn more about our comprehensive and personalized addiction treatment programs.
Our addiction center offers unique and personalized treatment plans because we believe no two addictions are alike. The journey towards recovery is a long one, but together and with your family and friends’ support, we’ll make it.
