Becoming serious about recovery

When someone is in treatment, it isn’t always by choice. Sometimes, family and friends have to rally together and stage an intervention in order for their loved one to see that they need help. They are given harsh guidelines and consequences should they choose not to go, and are often feeling like they were “forced” against their better wishes. Some people who enter in these circumstances do so reluctantly, hoping to just work through the motions and get out as quickly as possible. However, there is hope for a successful recovery for each and every client who enters treatment, including someone who doesn’t think they want it. If someone in this headspace is able to connect with their therapist, it becomes a turning point in which they can actually become serious about their recovery.

This can also be true for people who have entered treatment on their own accord, knowing that it is the best choice for them and their family. Even though they know treatment is the best thing for them, experiencing detoxification symptoms and all of the general discomfort of treatment can leave even the strongest-willed person questioning their choices. However, if they are able to connect with their therapist, it can make all the difference. Suddenly having someone to be accountable to and open up to allows clients to become more serious, are able to relax and can feel much more comfortable.

A safe space to share

Many times, clients who enter treatment have damaged a lot of relationships in their lives. This includes important family members, spouses, children and close friends. People have often lost their jobs, been in legal trouble or may have become physically or emotionally abusive to members of their families due to their addiction.

When someone enters treatment, the family is left behind to pick up the pieces from their addiction, and this can cause a lot of hurt and resentment. In these cases, it can be difficult to talk to the ones we love about sensitive information, especially when they aren’t too happy with us. Being able to have a safe space with a therapist to share how you are feeling will give you the peace you need to express yourself. Being able to connect with them will make you feel comfortable enough to share more, which will lead to much more personal growth than if you were to hold back.

Confidentiality

Addiction almost always has traumatic root causes, and working through those root causes can be very emotional and difficult. Often times when we open up to others about our deepest secrets or thoughts, they might be tempted to spread the news to family and the social circuit. This can be damaging to recovery and can often lead right back to a relapse. With a therapist, you will be able to rest assured that all the sensitive information you are sharing while in your vulnerable state will be kept confidential.

Learning new skills

Addiction treatment is so much deeper than just kicking a bad habit or putting down the drink for good. It is about completely changing your life, and adopting a new lifestyle. This can be a very scary thought for many people, since they don’t know how to go about it. Being able to have a connection with your therapist will allow you to more openly accept their guidance and suggestions. They have an extensive background and a specialty in treating addiction, so they know how to help you. Listen to them, connect with them, and carry their advice with you into your new life.

Making a real connection

One of the debilitating things that happens in the aftermath of addiction is the inability to truly connect with people. Addiction can leave a lot, if not all, of a client’s relationships damaged. Trust has fallen and walls have been built in order to protect oneself from any further damage or hurt caused by their addiction. In addition, living with an active addiction can cause a client’s social circle to change into fellow addicts, most of whom are untrustworthy types of people.

In addition, co-occurring depression and anxiety can cause people to isolate themselves and become antisocial. Being able to connect with a therapist in treatment will set the stage to eventually connect with others after leaving treatment, since it will be done in a safe environment with only their best interests in mind.

About Cliffside Malibu

You don’t have to go through treatment for your addiction alone. Our therapy staff is here for you to help teach you new coping skills and habits, as well as lead you with thoughtful guidance and be there for you whenever you need them.

Each patient is then matched with one of these five stages of the Transtheoretical Model: Precontemplation, Contemplation, Preparation, Action and Maintenance. An individualized treatment plan is created based on their current stage of change. This process is in place to ensure that all our patients receive the best treatment path possible for their own specific need. Our goal is to move individuals through their treatment by assessing their readiness for change and formulating stage-matched interventions in order to move them through their respective stage.

It is the policy of Cliffside Malibu to ensure that all individuals who present with chemical dependency issues are assessed for the appropriate level of care. We strive to provide continuum of care including medically supervised detox, residential treatment, day treatment and outpatient services. Services are provided to individuals with a primary diagnosis of substance abuse and/or alcohol addiction. Individuals seeking treatment are assessed by qualified staff to ensure program criteria are met and that each individual admitted is placed in the appropriate level of care for treatment. The program is designed and structured for individuals who are in need of a supportive environment in order to maintain Sobriety.

For more information on Cliffside Malibu, visit cliffsidemalibu.com