Understanding the Principles Behind a 12-Step Program

A 12-Step program is simultaneously well-known and mysterious to the average person. Many people have seen a 12-Step program parodied in movies and cartoons, so they have an idea that it’s a program that helps those struggling with addiction. However, the inner workings of a 12-Step program are not well known unless a person or their family member has been involved with it. Understanding what are the uniting principles behind 12-Step programs allows those who are struggling or have a family member struggling with an addiction to make informed decisions about their care. 

12-Step programs are effective enough to be essential parts of addiction treatment facilities. Driftwood Recovery is no exception by using a 12-Step program as part of comprehensive addiction treatment. The specific one used for each client depends on their wishes, as clients have the right to choose the programs they feel meet their values the most. No matter which program is chosen, clients can expect to receive peer support and tools to assist them in their recovery journey. 

To further understand the principles that make these programs so effective, we must first examine what a 12-Step program entails. 

What Is a 12-Step Program?

12-Step programs originated from Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) as a spiritual foundation for recovery from alcoholism, so they are named after the program’s Twelve Steps to recovery. It’s designed as a way for a person not just to help themselves but also to help the family, friends, and community that their alcoholism may have harmed. The goal is to encourage clients to help themselves by seeking out and attending meetings. This model has been adapted and used for other addiction recovery groups. The original AA 12-Step program encourages individuals to surrender to a higher power as a source of strength. 

However, some people in the mental health care community do not agree with the original message of being powerless or embracing a higher power, as it’s believed it could isolate or discourage some people from seeking help. Secular versions such as SMART Recovery have been developed as an alternative to the AA 12-Step program model. SMART Recovery, especially, is commonly used in addiction treatment facilities. 

Though different, the goal of providing peer support and personal accountability is still the same regardless of the specific program. 

The Principles of a 12-Step Program

A 12-Step program operates on, of course, twelve guiding principles or traditions to encourage recovery. To summarize, a person utilizing a 12-Step program must:

• Be honest about their addiction and recognize how their behaviors impact themselves and those around them
• Accept that this is a battle they cannot win alone and seek help
• Take responsibility for their actions by making contact with those they are wronged and make sincere amends for any harm caused to them
• Find spiritual support and have faith in a higher being to give them strength to overcome addiction
• Perform acts of service to their peers and community
• Maintain their sobriety by attending meetings and practicing coping skills

Overall, 12-Step programs focus on the power of faith, forgiveness, and personal service as a way to remain in recovery. AA and other 12-Step programs based on it have the philosophy that addiction is a manageable chronic disease but ultimately a lifelong affliction. SMART Recovery, however, does not view addiction as a disease, only as behaviors that can be corrected. Instead of Twelve Steps, SMART Recovery utilizes a four-point program, which involves:

• Building and maintaining motivation so you can resolve to remain sober
• Coping with urges by identifying triggers and reducing or coping with them
• Manage thoughts, feelings, and behaviors to avoid relapse and find self-acceptance
• Living a balanced life by making healthy, realistic changes to promote recovery

Clients may use one or both program types to receive support during their recovery journey. Regardless of which program a client ultimately chooses, multiple studies have shown both programs to be effective for recovery. 

Finding Lifelong Support at Driftwood Recovery

The staff at Driftwood Recovery is just as diverse as its client base. People from all walks of life come to Driftwood Recovery to find a safe and secure place to heal. With a holistic treatment philosophy, great care is taken to be sure a wide range of treatment options is available. This includes the choice to participate in a 12-Step program, SMART Recovery, both, or neither. The power of choice is a fundamental human right. A right that Driftwood Recovery seriously upholds.

If choosing a traditional 12-Step program, clients will have meetings with their fellow peers. These meetings help clients take responsibility for their actions and make honest life changes. The Courageous Family program often goes hand in hand with a 12-Step program. They both work as a way for the client and their family to rebuild their relationships. SMART Recovery also features meetings where clients can practice and discuss the coping skills they have learned in treatment.

Regardless of the program chosen, clients are encouraged to support each other and help their communities. Alumni in the alumni program often become mentors to others. This shows the person being mentored that healthy sober living is possible and gives them a person they can call for help when they need strength. Of course, sober living and social skills are taught as part of treatment. However, going off on your own can be a frightening time that is made better with a supportive mentor. 

The goal of every mental health care and addiction treatment facility is for its clients to be successful in their recovery. With the help of a 12-Step program and SMART Recovery, clients find the community they need to be successful. Though treatment can feel overwhelming, it gets easier with each step forward. 

To an average person, the idea of a 12-Step program conjures images of people sitting in a room as they admit that they have an addiction. The truth is that a 12-Step program is much more complex than that. These programs assist clients in changing their lives and taking responsibility for their actions. For many, it’s another step in their recovery that can bring immense healing. That’s why at Driftwood Recovery in Driftwood and Austin, Texas, clients have access to 12-Step programs as an essential part of addiction treatment. Everyone, including yourself and those you love, can recover from addiction with the right treatment. So don’t wait to start your healing journey; call (512) 759-8330 today.

Recovery is a lifelong process of change, and rebuilding your life does not happen overnight. However, you can rebuild your life and recover the self by fostering purpose and meaning. You can find purpose and meaning by working on the different domains of your life that may have been disrupted by substance abuse and other mental health challenges. Power in education, in particular, can be incredibly valuable to support your ability to rebuild and thrive in other domains of life, like work.

At Driftwood Recovery, we know access to support through services and resources in an alumni program can turn clinical insight into action. The action of clinical insight is not born solely out of treatment but the willingness to open yourself to learning and growing in every domain of life. Thus, power in education can be an integral part of the recovery process. Through the power of education, you gain access to tools that can help you unlock deeper recesses of the inner self. With greater self-understanding comes positive change inside and out to help you heal and lead a self-directed life.

Despite the potential advantages found in power in education, pursuing education can be daunting. You may have previous experience in school settings that left you feeling stressed and overwhelmed. In some cases, school-related stress may have contributed to your self-medicating with substances to cope. Thus, concerns about putting your recovery in jeopardy if you return or start your education are understandable. However, with the support of alumni, you can reduce the risk factors found in educational settings and thrive in power in education.

Expanding your awareness of stress and co-occurring disorders on college campuses is an important step toward building a healthy plan for your education.

Stressed Out: Impact of Stress on Recovery

Stress is a common trigger for addiction relapse and mental distress. Yet, stress is a normal part of life and even works as a useful survival skill. Thus, it is impossible to lead a stress-free life as stress pops up in your home, work, and school life. However, stress becomes a problem and a risk factor when you lack the tools for healthy coping. College, in particular, can be a significant source of stress as you navigate deadlines, social relationships, and exposure to substances. 

The Presence of Co-Occurring Disorders in College

Attending college can be a stressful time for any student, but there has been a surge in reported mental health disorders among college students. According to “College and University Response to Mental Health Crises” from Mental Health America (MHA), an estimated 26% of people 18 and older in the U.S. have a diagnosable mental health condition. Academic performance and well-being are greatly diminished by untreated mental conditions. For many students, challenges with stress and mental illness also contribute to substance misuse. 

As noted in “Monitoring the Future” from the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), young adults had a historically high prevalence of substance misuse like vaping and alcohol. The prevalence of substance use during college is tied to multiple contributors, including party culture, academic stress, and mental illness. Thus, the risk for relapse among students in recovery makes addressing co-occurring disorders paramount. Some of the ways colleges are supporting mental health and substance use disorder (SUD) challenges include:

• Communication about mental health and SUD
  • University-wide emails
  • Social media 
  • Educational and social events
• Integrated training for faculty and staff
• Community-based services
• Collegiate recovery programs (CRPs)

Colleges are taking important steps toward supporting students both in and not in recovery with resources like CRPs.

Finding Power in Education With College Recovery Programs

Yet, what are CRPs? According to the Journal of American College Health, CRPs are campus-based communities of students in SUD recovery. With professional support, CRPs create a peer-driven network of students committed to maintaining their recovery and achieving their educational goals. At the university level, CRPs can support power in education through seamless access to resources like:

• Sober events
• Peer support
• Sober housing
• Stress management
• Relapse prevention
• Mutual support meetings
• Crisis support
• Financial benefits
• Academic benefits

No matter where you are on your recovery journey, an alumni program can support your recovery. Through recovery high schools, CRPs, and stress management, you can thrive in recovery.

Learning to Manage Stress Through Power in Education

Whether you are ready to pursue a GED or higher education, there is space to grow. Leaning on the support of an alumni program can help you find power in education in other domains of life, like stress management. Listed below are some of the ways you can manage stress in school and your daily life:

• Sleep routine
• Eat nutritious food
• Physical movement
• Do hobbies and activities
• Deep breathing
• Meditation
• Spend time with loved ones
• Plan ahead
• Chunk tasks into manageable pieces
• Seek professional support

While stress is a normal part of life and college, it does not have to jeopardize your recovery and well-being. With support, you can pursue your life goals, like higher education, to lead a meaningful and purposeful life.

Fostering Power in Education With Alumni at Driftwood Recovery

At Driftwood Recovery, we believe access to a wide variety of services and resources strengthens our therapeutic impact for lasting recovery. Alone, recovery can feel daunting, and it can be difficult to figure out how to move forward in other domains of life. However, with support, you can be empowered by education to thrive in recovery. Therefore, access to resources like CRPs and stress management is made possible by services in our alumni program. 

We believe in your ability to do courageous things for yourself, your loved ones, and the wider community. Thus, we provide access to resources like education consultants through our compassionate peer-driven network. Whether you want to pursue higher education, employment, or build relationships, you can find support to achieve your life goals with a vibrant alumni community.

Rebuilding your life in recovery can feel daunting, especially if you want to pursue higher education. College life can expose you to greater stress, substances, and mental health disorders that can increase your risk for relapse. However, you can find power in education with support resources and services like collegiate recovery programs (CRPs). Through a strong treatment alumni program, you have access to a peer-driven network and resources like education consultants to build a meaningful and purposeful life in recovery. At Driftwood Recovery, we are dedicated to providing a wide range of services and resources to meet you where you are on your recovery journey. Call us at (512) 759-8330 to learn how our alumni program can support you.

As we grow and mature, we learn several life skills to function as successful adults. Unfortunately, some slip through the cracks and don’t get the opportunity to learn these essential skills. There are many reasons why this may be the case. A person may have been isolated in their early development and youth, which prevented them from practicing social skills with their peers. Others may have struggled with underlying mental health conditions, which may have prevented them from successfully learning and practicing these skills. No matter the reason, everyone needs to learn these skills to succeed, especially those in treatment and recovery.

That’s why at Driftwood Recovery, every client has the opportunity to learn and practice these essential life skills. With the help of knowledgeable and compassionate mental health care professionals, clients also gain much-needed confidence. These skills don’t just make adult life easier for those who learn them. They also keep alumni in recovery and help those in treatment find success in their efforts.

Life skills, however, are a little more complicated than most people would think. 

What Are Some Common Life Skills?

When people think of life skills, they often think of a person being able to accomplish tasks such as cooking and writing a resume. These skills are, of course, vital to living a healthy and independent life and are important. However, these skills can be learned easily enough through online tutorials, school, or community resources. The life skills needed for recovery are a little more tricky to learn if they are not directly taught when young. 

To be specific, life skills in this context refer to a person’s ability to adapt positively to difficulties and navigate relationships healthily. Relationship-wise, a healthy person should be able to handle criticism, effectively community, assert their needs, cooperate, and display empathy. When it comes to difficulties, a person should be flexible and resilient, think critically, make healthy decisions, and problem-solve. A person should also be self-aware and be able to think creatively, recognize their emotions, and manage themselves and their time.

This applies not just to life but to treatment and recovery as well. Skills such as mental wellness, stress management, and relapse prevention are all considered life skills. It’s also important for clients to be able to reflect on their recovery journey and be honest with their treatment provider. Of course, not everyone goes into life or treatment automatically learning these skills. This is why, at Driftwood Recovery, clients receive instruction on how to utilize these skills during and after treatment. 

How Does Driftwood Recovery Teach These Life Skills?

Driftwood Recovery utilizes several therapies and programs to teach clients essential life skills for recovery. There is traditional psychotherapy, or talk therapy, that is effective in helping clients break through the walls they put up around themselves. This also helps clients connect to themselves and be more self-aware of their actions and choices. Clients also learn how to care for themselves by learning about nutrition, exercise, and wellness to maintain a healthy body. Learning to work with others and gain confidence is also important, so clients participate in activities that foster teamwork, communication, and understanding,

The goal at Driftwood Recovery is not to force clients into learning these skills. Instead, clients learn these skills organically through activities that encourage these skills. Of course, some skills, such as relapse prevention, require an active workshop and teaching to get correct. However, clients learn important communication skills through interacting with their peers and alumni. Programs such as the courageous family Program further help interpersonal skills by providing healing for struggling families. 

Of course, the most important life skill learned at Driftwood Recovery is that each person matters. There is something special and strong within each person. Sometimes, it is difficult to see, but it becomes easier to recognize it with the support and encouragement of compassionate and understanding staff. 

Establishing a Foundation in Recovery

The life skills learned at Driftwood Recovery are useful not only in treatment but also in are essential in keeping someone in recovery so they can enjoy their sober lives. The introspective skills allow alumni to examine themselves and recognize when they require further help. Skills that involve communication and relationships allow one to maintain a healthy support network. Resilience allows one to choose healthy coping skills over unhealthy ones. All of these life skills come together to create a healthier and more robust individual. 

It’s also essential to help alumni recognize the dangers to their recovery and act accordingly. Peer pressure and toxic individuals can and will threaten a person’s sobriety if they are not careful. Recognizing your self-worth and being able to stand up for yourself does more to keep yourself in recovery than what you may have expected. 

Remember that it takes time to learn these life skills. Some people are lucky enough to have learned and practiced these skills while young. Learning them as an adult can be difficult but never impossible. Though it may be hard, never give up. In time, you will learn these skills and make them a daily part of your life. This effort is made much easier with the help of a mental health care professional. So, if you or a loved one is struggling, don’t wait. The best time to start is today. 

Life skills are essential to maintain a happy and healthy sober life during and after treatment. Sometimes, a person may fear being unprepared for life outside of treatment and worry about making mistakes or failing. To mitigate this issue, mental health care and treatment facilities work to make sure their clients are well-prepared for the challenges of life. Here at Driftwood Recovery in Driftwood and Austin, Texas, clients learn these life skills through several methods. Through practice, guided instruction, therapeutic techniques, and shared wisdom from peers, clients gain the skills they need to succeed in their recovery. To learn more about how Driftwood Recovery can help you or a loved one prepare for recovery, call (512) 759-8330 today.

Suicidal ideation and self-harming behaviors may cause setbacks in treatment and recovery for clients with substance use disorder (SUD). Many individuals with suicidal ideation experience intrusive thoughts or compulsions during periods of increased stress, including early treatment. Clients may hesitate to disclose these thoughts and behaviors with their care team. Understanding how suicidal ideation and self-harming behaviors may affect patterns of thought and behavior can help healthcare professionals effectively treat clients. Driftwood Recovery ensures all staff members know how to recognize the signs of suicidal ideation or self-harming behaviors. 

What Are Self-Harming Behaviors?

Everyone reacts differently to stress, trauma, and other factors that may contribute to self-harming behaviors. A person’s support network, coping skills, and mental health all play an integral role in their recovery from substance abuse. Healthcare professionals use comprehensive assessments to determine what factors may impact clients during rehabilitation. Some individuals may report self-harming behaviors or thoughts, including suicidal ideation.  

A few examples of self-harming behaviors clients may exhibit during treatment include: 

• Cutting 
• Scratching to the point of injury 
• Hair pulling 
• Burning 
• Hitting or banging 
• Ingesting harmful substances or self-poisoning
• Deliberately reopening wounds 
• Biting
• Scarification 
• Unsuccessful suicide attempts 

Clients may engage in non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) if they have difficulty processing or expressing intense emotions during treatment and continuing care. Part of treatment involves ensuring clients have the coping skills, tools, and resources to maintain emotional stability as they move through the various stages of recovery. 

Suicidal Ideation and Client Safety

Clients may find it challenging to discuss their self-harming or suicidal thoughts and urges. Studies have shown that “[i]f the person who has self-harmed finds it difficult to vocalise their distress when they are in need of care, support the person and their family members or carers (as appropriate) in trying alternative methods of communication (such as non-verbal language, letters, emotional wellbeing passports, and using agreed safe words, phrases or emojis).” 

Healthcare workers must recognize the warning signs and learn to communicate effectively with clients who struggle to speak about their intrusive thoughts or compulsive behaviors. Individuals working in healthcare find ways to effectively communicate with clients who struggle to talk about suicidal or self-harming thoughts. For example, clinicians may ask clients to write down their thoughts or journal about certain behaviors to establish a pattern. Recognizing the signs of client distress makes it easier for clients and clinicians to stay on the same page without causing additional stress. 

4 Indicators of Suicidal Ideation or Self-Harming Behaviors

Healthcare professionals receive training on how to identify signs of suicidal ideation or self-harming behaviors. However, sometimes, clients display subtle outward changes that indicate significant internal distress. Below are four potential warning signs of self-harming or suicidal thoughts and behaviors.

#1. Socially Withdrawing From Loved Ones

People who have close relationships with loved ones may begin to withdraw socially if they start to harm themselves or have thoughts of harming themselves. Individuals in treatment may avoid loved ones out of guilt or shame if they feel compelled to hurt themselves. Sudden social withdrawal may also indicate someone with chronic suicidal ideation has considered acting on their intrusive thoughts. Healthcare workers should carefully monitor client’s social interactions to make it easier for them to notice uncharacteristic self-isolating behaviors. 

#2. Frequently Talking About Dying

Individuals who frequently talk about death, dying, or wanting to die may have an increased risk of acting on suicidal or self-harming thoughts. Some clients may make throwaway or sarcastic comments about wishing they were dead or ways in which they may harm themselves. Healthcare workers should always take these comments at face value and monitor for other behavioral changes to determine if the client is a danger to themselves. 

#3. Secretive Behaviors Accompanied By Unexplained Injuries

Clients may begin harming themselves before or during treatment for substance abuse and mental health conditions. Often, clients try to hide when they hurt themselves due to guilt, shame, the stigma surrounding self-harm, or fear of getting into trouble. Staff members at Driftwood Recovery monitor client routines and behaviors to make spotting secretive behavior easier. 

Abrupt and unexplained changes in personal appearance are another possible warning sign of self-harming behaviors. Clients suddenly wearing layers or long shirts, even in warm weather, may be attempting to hide self-inflicted injuries. Often, clients provide excuses for the presence of bruises, cuts, burns, or other injuries. Staff members take a detailed client history during intake to ensure they can navigate conversations surrounding personal appearance and injuries without causing conflict. 

#4. Suicidal Ideation and Self-Harming Behaviors May Cause People to Give Away Prized Possessions

If someone with suicidal ideation or a history of self-harming behaviors begins to give away all of their prized possessions, it may indicate they plan to act on their thoughts. People who intend to seriously harm or kill themselves may see no point in holding on to cherished items, giving them away to loved ones or strangers. Some individuals who have attempted suicide reported giving away items with significant sentimental value very shortly before they took steps to end their lives.

Individuals experiencing substance use disorder or mental health issues have a higher risk of developing suicidal ideation or self-harming behaviors. In some cases, clients may not understand their own thoughts or behaviors. Healthcare workers must know what signs to look for and how to respond appropriately to ensure clients remain safe during treatment. Learning common warning signs of self-harming or suicidal thoughts and behaviors allows healthcare workers to intervene and provide support services. Driftwood Recovery ensures all clinicians and support staff know how to recognize the potential signs and how to effectively treat clients struggling with high-risk symptoms. To learn more about our programs and how we ensure client safety, call us today at (512) 759-8330.

According to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), an estimated 21.0 million adults in the U.S. experience a depressive episode. Moreover, depression often co-occurs with substance use disorder (SUD). While millions of people are impacted by depression and SUD, women are disproportionately impacted by depression. Women are twice as likely to experience depression, as NIMH notes 10.3% of females compared to 6.2% of males experience a major depressive episode. Addressing depression for women and peripartum depression stigma is vital for sustained recovery.

As the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) notes, about 1 in 10 women of reproductive age in the U.S. experience a major depressive episode. In addition, during and after pregnancy, about 1 in 8 women experience depression. Yet, the challenges women experience with depression rooted in gendered experiences like pregnancy and birth have often been overlooked. Mental Health America (MHA) notes that myths have led people to believe depression is a part of being a woman. Thus, understanding peripartum depression stigma can provide insight into the challenges women face in rebuilding their lives and maintaining recovery.

At Driftwood Recovery, we recognize how important a sober community is for building a strong foundation for sustained recovery. With our commitment to connection and community, you can find the support you need to thrive. Through a community of compassion, respect, and support, you are reminded that you are not alone on your recovery journey. You can use alumni services to dismantle peripartum depression stigma.

Expanding your understanding of depression and gendered experiences can support maintaining recovery as you pursue goals like becoming a parent.

Understanding Depression Recovery and Relapse

Due to your time in treatment, you are likely aware that challenges with co-occurring depression can complicate treatment and recovery. Similarly, withdrawal and abstinence in early recovery can increase your risk of experiencing depressive symptoms post-treatment. The thought of experiencing depressive symptoms during a vulnerable period of recovery can feel understandably scary. Moreover, you may be concerned about relapsing in your depression and or SUD. Some signs of a potential relapse can include low mood, irritability, fatigue, and social withdrawal. 

You may question how you can prevent a depression relapse. Recognizing triggers is an important first step in addressing depressive symptoms:

• Family changes
  • Loss of a loved one
• Health issues
  • Chronic illnesses
• Financial difficulties
  • Unemployment
  • Low income
• Hormonal changes
  • Pregnancy
  • Menopause

Looking at different potential depression triggers speaks to the various types of depression and their roots. 

Types of Depression

When people think of depression, they are often thinking of non-clinical depression, major depression, and seasonal depression. However, several different types of depression can impact well-being and recovery. Some of the different types of depression include:

• Major depressive disorder (MDD)
• Persistent depressive disorder (PDD)
• Seasonal affective disorder (SAD)
• Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD)
• Peripartum depression

PMDD and peripartum depression are examples of gender-related depression influenced by reproductive hormones. Thus, forms of depression like peripartum depression highlight fears of peripartum depression stigma in recovery. Yet, what exactly is peripartum depression? Is peripartum different than prenatal depression and postpartum depression?

What Is Peripartum Depression?

Peripartum depression highlights the presence of depression before, during, and after pregnancy rather than breaking them into prenatal and postpartum depression. According to “Perinatal Depression (Formerly Postpartum)” from the American Psychiatric Association (APA), perinatal or peripartum depression replaces the term postpartum to account for depression occurring during pregnancy and/or after childbirth. APA notes in “What Is Perinatal Depression?” the term perinatal recognizes that depression related to having a baby often begins during pregnancy rather than only after birth. 

As the Maternal and Infant Health Assessment (MIHA) states, unlike the baby blues, which is common after birth, peripartum depression is characterized by intense feelings of sadness, anxiety, or despair during or after pregnancy. The symptoms of peripartum depression can last for two weeks or longer and occur at any time, from conception to a year postpartum. Therefore, addressing peripartum depression sitgma is significant for supporting the health and well-being of you and your baby.

Addressing Peripartum Depression Stigma

Peripartum depression can be caused by factors like a family history, a difficult or traumatic pregnancy or birth, SUD, or lack of social support. Yet, peripartum depression stigma continues to stigmatize women and new parents. Images of pregnancy and parenthood often paint a beautiful picture of joy. 

Although pregnancy and parenthood can be joyful, they also have their stressors. Thus, many new parents are left feeling like they are failing when their feelings and experiences do not match the rosy images presented to them. Thoughts of failure and feelings of guilt coupled with peripartum depression stigma can make you feel too ashamed to reach out for support. As a result, peripartum depression stigma is a major barrier to help-seeking behaviors.

Impact of Peripartum Depression Stigma on Well-Being

According to Frontiers in Psychiatry, the possible impact of peripartum depression stigma on perinatal women can harm the well-being of you and your baby:

• Preeclampsia
• Low birth weight 
• Premature delivery 
• Cognitive and emotional development problems 
• Co-occurring mental health disorders

Thus, dismantling peripartum depression stigma is vital to well-being and preventing depression relapse in recovery.

Dismantling Peripartum Depression Stigma at Driftwood Recovery

The thought of peripartum depression and peripartum depression stigma in your recovery is understandably distressing. However, you can support your well-being and reduce the impact of peripartum depression stigma by engaging in help-seeking behaviors like a support group and therapy. At Driftwood Recovery, we know access to a peer-driven network can give you the tools and support you need to thrive in recovery. 

With a strong and vibrant sober community, you can find the service, accountability, and encouragement needed to meet and overcome the challenges life throws at you. Whether you are thinking about becoming a parent or are in the process of becoming a parent, being involved in an active alumni program can help you lead the courageous life you deserve. 

SUD and depression often co-occur, and depressive symptoms can return in early recovery. The risk of depressive symptoms in recovery can be particularly harmful to females, who are twice as likely to develop depression compared to males. Moreover, depression related to sex, like peripartum depression in pregnancy and birth, can increase concerns about depression relapse. The ability to reduce depression in recovery for women of reproductive age is compounded by peripartum depression stigma. However, with greater awareness and a strong support network, you can combat stigma, peripartum depression, and other types of depression to thrive in recovery. Therefore, at Driftwood Recovery, we are committed to providing a peer-driven community of alumni for sustained recovery. Call us at (512) 759-8330 today.

Psychosis treatment is a mystery to most people. For many, the only places they have seen psychosis is within the media. There, those struggling with psychosis are often depicted as violent people. Popular media is also where the term “psycho” comes from when referring to someone behaving irrationally. Because of this, those who are struggling with conditions that cause symptoms of psychosis may be afraid to seek help. Countless people struggle in silence, which may include yourself and the people you love. 

Education about mental health and its symptoms is vital to our health as a nation. Mental health care and treatment facilities such as Driftwood Recovery have staff that work tirelessly to debunk harmful myths and combat stigma. The goal is not just to spread awareness about this misunderstood symptom but also to inspire hope in those who need psychosis treatment. 

To further this goal, here are some debunked common myths surrounding psychosis, how psychosis is treated, and who may experience psychosis in their lifetime. 

Myth: Psychosis Only Happens to ‘Bad’ People

Psychosis is a symptom that can occur in anyone at any time, regardless of sex, social status, and other factors. According to the psychosis fact sheet published by the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), it’s estimated that between 15 to 100 people out of 100,000 develop psychosis each year. The causes of psychosis vary and can be caused by:

• Exposure to extreme stress and trauma
• Genetics and differences in brain development
• Mental health disorders and conditions, such as schizophrenia
• Drug and substance abuse
• Sleep deprivation 
• Some prescription medications
• Diseases of older age, such as dementia

As you can see, psychosis is a symptom of an underlying cause. It is never the result of a person being ‘bad’ or a moral failing on their part. 

Myth: Clients Are Always Locked up and Cannot Leave in Psychosis Treatment

Those who enroll in a treatment program for psychosis treatment are not prisoners. Clients in outpatient treatment go to treatment centers during the day and then return home once treatment is completed for the day. Those in residential treatment programs live on campus during the duration of treatment, but they can still leave should they wish to. Most choose to remain on campus so they can get the most out of their treatment and relax away from the bustle of society. Driftwood Recovery especially focuses on having a private and safe environment that encourages healing and comfort. 

Clients are not simply locked up and never allowed to leave. This is a common treatment myth surrounding other conditions as well. The truth is that clients have rights that cannot be infringed upon, one of them being free to choose to leave if they truly want to. 

Myth: Psychosis Treatment Is All About Medicating You Into Compliance

The process of psychosis treatment may involve medication and medication management, but that’s not all that it is. Clients struggling with psychosis symptoms might utilize other treatment methods, such as psychotherapy, recreational therapy, and many more. 

In psychosis treatment, clients work to understand what triggers their symptoms of psychosis. They receive treatment for underlying conditions that increase the risk of psychotic episodes. The goal, in the end, is to give clients strategies that they can use to reduce or completely stop potential future psychotic episodes. 

Myth: All People With Psychosis Symptoms Are Inherently Dangerous

Perhaps one of the most dangerous myths of all is that people experiencing psychotic episodes are violent and dangerous. This is mainly the result of horror movies such as Psycho and many others. The fact is that psychosis is a temporary disconnect from reality. This means that a person experiencing a psychotic episode may hear voices or see (hallucinate) things that are not real. They may be convinced that something is true that is not. This unusual behavior may be frightening to others, which may make them fear that the person undergoing the psychotic episode may turn violent. 

Psychosis is more dangerous to the person undergoing the psychotic episode than it would be to another individual. Someone undergoing a psychotic episode may be unaware of the dangers and hazards that they would normally recognize. It’s easy for someone who is disconnected from reality to get seriously injured, especially those who are elderly or otherwise impaired. Psychosis treatment is essential to helping those who struggle with psychosis protect themselves from danger.

Myth: Psychosis Treatment Is Impossible

It’s possible for anyone, no matter who they are, to recover from the underlying causes of psychosis. Even those with a life-long condition can find the treatment they need to help them manage their condition. People can and do live full and happy lives while also living with a chronic condition. Psychosis is a scary condition, but with psychosis treatment, it can be managed or even eliminated. 

However, this state of recovery cannot be achieved without first asking for and accepting help. It’s valid to feel afraid or nervous to seek help. Mental health care professionals, though, work hard to provide a safe and welcoming environment to those in need of help. They will never judge, belittle, or harm you. Their goal is to help you, either by pointing you toward needed resources or enrolling you in a treatment program. 

Psychosis and psychotic episodes may be scary to an outsider, but it’s important to be understanding and empathetic to those who experience them. If you or a loved one is experiencing psychotic episodes, it’s okay to seek help. By debunking harmful myths and spreading awareness, we don’t just help ourselves. We also help those who are looking for help but need to know that recovery is possible, as shown by your example. 

Psychosis is a frightening symptom that can result from many different conditions. Those who experience psychosis often face stigma and fear due to its portrayal in popular media. Understanding what psychosis truly is educates the public and encourages those most in need of help to seek it. These symptoms, though scary, can be managed and recovered from. There is always hope, especially for yourself and your loved ones. Here at Driftwood Recovery in Driftwood and Austin, Texas, clients struggling with symptoms of psychosis find compassionate and comprehensive treatment. With a kind and understanding staff on board, no client has to fear judgment or belittlement. If you or a loved one is struggling, don’t wait. Call (512) 759-8330 today. 

According to Substance Abuse: Research and Treatment, substance use disorder (SUD) often results in little or no social support. Moreover, you are more likely to experience isolation, intimate partner violence (IPV), and other forms of relationship conflict. The aftermath of SUD can impede romantic relationships and leave you feeling too ashamed to repair an existing relationship or foster a new relationship. Therefore, addressing the challenges of SUD and recovery is valuable for supporting healthy romance in recovery.

At Driftwood Recovery, we recognize how important social connection is in reintegrating into the community. Without connection and community, it can be difficult to rediscover your sense of belonging and support your well-being. Moreover, romance in recovery can feel impossible when SUD has fractured your relationship with your partner(s). Further, the sense of shame and the work of recovery can make you feel like romance in recovery is impossible. You may question how any current or new partner(s) could love you. However, you are more than your SUD and deserve love in both platonic and romantic relationships. 

Through a community-driven approach, we are dedicated to helping you reintegrate into society. With a vibrant, sober community, you can find the service, accountability, and encouragement needed to rebuild a connection with yourself and others. Whether you want to repair your current romantic relationship or you are ready to pursue romance in recovery, we are here to support you. With support, you can build the tools you need to thrive as an individual and in romance in recovery for a well-rounded life.

Looking at the value of close relationships can give you insight into how to approach healing and building connections in your life.

The Value of Repairing Close Relationships

It is important to recognize the impact your substance use has had on your loved ones. Many of your loved ones likely felt anger, fear, anxiety, and depression, among other emotions, before and during your treatment. Now that you are in recovery, your loved ones may still feel worried, angry, and/or resentful about your substance use. Although it can feel distressing to think about how your SUD impacted your loved ones and your relationships, it is an important step toward healing. 

Treatment and recovery are not only an opportunity for you to heal but also for the whole family to heal. As the American Journal of Lifestyle Medicine states, fostering social connection is critical to health and wellness. Your social connections with romantic partners, family, friends, neighbors, and colleagues are invaluable to recovery. 

Some of the ways building and or repairing your social connections can support healing include:

• Buffer for life stressors
• Empathy
• Self-awareness 
• Self-understanding
• Ssense of belonging

Looking at some of the benefits of social connection speaks to the value of healing your relationship for romance in recovery.

Supporting Established Romance in Recovery

According to the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, romantic relationships and experiences greatly influence you. Through romantic relationships, you can find an important source of emotional bonding, positive self-concept, and greater social integration. Listed below are some of the ways you can work on repairing your relationships to support romance in recovery:

• Lead with honesty, humility, and empathy
• Take accountability
• Exercise patience and realistic expectations
• Be trustworthy through words and actions
• Attend meetings and therapy 
• Be an active participant in your loved one’s life
• Practice healthy communication skills
• Make space for self-forgiveness

Having tools to rebuild healthy, close relationships can be a wonderful source of healing for you and your loved ones. However, you may question how you can apply repairing relationships to starting a new romance in recovery.

Addressing the Challenges of New Romance in Recovery

Starting a new romance in recovery is not advised when you are in early recovery. In your first year, romance in recovery presents numerous challenges. Post-treatment, romance in recovery can be a distraction from discovering the new sober you and increase your risk for relapse. However, romance in recovery does not have to be off the table forever. After you have taken the time to connect with yourself, build other meaningful relationships, and rebuild other domains of your life, a healthy romance can be a wonderful addition to your life. 

Yet, how do you start a new romance in recovery? How do you talk about your recovery with a new partner? Listed below are some ways to approach romance in recovery:

• Sharing recovery with your partner
  • Be honest and direct 
  • Expect questions
  • Share the importance of your recovery
  • Give them time to process
• Navigating romance in recovery
  • Set healthy boundaries
    • Make recovery a priority 
    • Take things slow
  • Healthy communication
  • Lean on your wider support network

Whether you are in an established relationship or a new relationship, you can build a healthy life together in recovery. Yet, how do you maintain a healthy relationship?

Ways to Support Healthy Romance in Recovery

Fostering healthy relationships, both romantic and otherwise, in your life is built on:

• Mutual respect
• Effective communication 
• Empathy
• Kindness
• Trust
• Honesty
• Problem-solving
• Teamwork
• Supportive
• Healthy boundaries
• Independence
• Gratitude 
• Commitment
• Quality time

Building healthy relationships with others takes work and patience, but you are not alone. With a vibrant alumni program, you can lean on your extended support network to navigate personal growth and romance in recovery.

Fostering Connection With Community at Driftwood Recovery

At Driftwood Recovery, we recognize how important rebuilding a connection to self and others is for healing. Through an attachment-based approach to recovery, you have learned how to foster healthy attachments to the self and others. Yet, it can be intimidating to put the insights you learned in treatment into practice. However, with access to an active alumni program, you can put those insights into your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors into action in your life and relationships. We are dedicated to providing a peer-driven network of alumni to help you strengthen your connection to the self and community.

Rebuilding your life and repairing your relationships in recovery can feel daunting. Moreover, repairing or pursuing new romantic relationships in recovery can feel intimidating. However, building both romantic and platonic close relationships in and outside of your sober community can be invaluable to healing and sustained recovery. Healthy social connections can provide a source of emotional, informational, and instrumental support. While starting a new romantic relationship in early recovery is not recommended, romance in recovery past early recovery is possible. Driftwood Recovery is dedicated to providing a compassionate, peer-driven network of alumni for you to lean on as you learn to navigate personal growth and your relationships in recovery. Call us at (512) 759-8330 to learn more today.

Personality disorders affect more people than an average person may think. According to a collection of 46 studies spanning six continents, there is a worldwide prevalence of any personality disorder of 7.8%, with higher rates in high-income countries, about 9.6%. Those who struggle with a personality disorder face stigma and distrust. This is the result of many factors, such as media depictions, the difficulty in forming and maintaining relationships, and a societal reluctance to discuss personality disorders. 

Perhaps the hardest part of struggling with a personality disorder is the higher likelihood of also struggling with addiction. Although both conditions are difficult to experience and live with, recovery is possible with the right treatment and willingness to make healthy life changes. Driftwood Recovery works to make the treatment process as smooth as possible for any condition. By providing a supportive and judgment-free environment, clients everywhere can recover in comfort. 

The first step to recovery is recognizing when one needs to seek help. By understanding the link between personality disorders and addiction, it becomes easier to recognize the signs of both. Education is always the key to encouraging those who need to seek help. It has a secondary effect of bringing awareness to those struggling that recovery is never impossible.

What Are Personality Disorders?

Personality disorders are a group of long-lasting mental health conditions. These conditions impose distinct patterns of negative thinking and behaviors on a person. This, in turn, greatly impacts their relationships with others. These conditions cause a person to deviate from societal and cultural norms, which causes great distress. They often impair a person’s ability to function and relate to others, which may affect their social and familial lives. People with personality disorders often struggle with understanding emotions, tolerating distress, or may act impulsively.

Many personality disorders currently exist. They are grouped into three distinct clusters. These are:

• Cluster A: These personality disorders are characterized by a lack of interest or suspicion of others due to a consistent dysfunctional pattern of thinking and behavior. Examples include schizoid personality disorder and paranoid personality disorder.
• Cluster B: These personality disorders are characterized by consistent, unpredictable, over-dramatic behavior and over-emotional thinking patterns. Examples include narcissistic personality disorder and borderline personality disorder (BPD).
• Cluster C: These personality disorders are characterized by consistent dysfunctional patterns of anxious thinking and behaviors. Examples include obsessive-compulsive personality disorder and avoidant personality disorder.

Why Does Addiction Commonly Co-Occur With Personality Disorders?

There are several reasons why addiction is often prevalent in those who struggle with personality disorders. Personality disorders, for one, often bring a lot of stress and anguish to an individual. Since there is quite a lot of stigma surrounding personality disorders, a person may be afraid to reach out for help from a professional. To numb and manage these symptoms, a person may be tempted to self-medicate with substances and drugs, such as alcohol. Over time, the body will become tolerant to these substances. This forces the individual to need more of the substance to achieve the same effect. Once a person is dependent, it almost always leads to an addiction. 

Another reason why addiction is strongly linked to personality disorders is due to some of the common symptoms associated with these conditions. Those who have a personality disorder marked by impulsive or reckless behavior are more likely to abuse drugs or alcohol. Peer pressure and the desire to fit in or be “cool” contribute greatly to the impulse to use these substances. Of course, many drugs and substances are highly addictive and may only take a single use to form a chemical dependency.

There may be biological pathways that may be behind why some people have a higher likelihood of developing both conditions. Genetics that make up our bodies may be a major factor. How our brains are built may also be one, as a person with a slightly different prefrontal cortex may struggle with traits like impulsivity. Negative life experiences, such as trauma, may influence if a person develops one or more conditions. Family history may also be a significant risk factor as well. 

Despite these links, it’s important to remember that both these conditions are treatable with specialized care.

Finding Treatment and Healing at Driftwood Recovery

Driftwood Recovery, as a treatment facility, focuses on treating a wide range of conditions. Most of these conditions are co-occurring and require specialized treatment to address. These are called a dual diagnosis, as all conditions must be addressed at once to be properly treated. Personality disorders and addiction are all too common with a dual diagnosis, along with other conditions such as depression and anxiety. A dual diagnosis is treatable as long as the client is willing to ask for help and accept it.

The exact therapies vary depending on the individual and which addiction and personality disorder they are struggling with. However, some treatments are universal. Finding the underlying cause of both conditions is the first step, along with detoxing from the substance or drug being used. The next step is to treat the cause through various therapies, such as psychotherapy. Then, it teaches the client the skills needed to stay in recovery and achieve success post-treatment through various Driftwood Recovery programs. The courageous family program and alumni program are just a few programs used to build connections and healthy relationships with others. As personality disorders often impact a person’s relationships, such programs are vital to the recovery process. 

Perhaps the most important part of treatment at Driftwood Recovery is the realization that these conditions do not make someone a bad person. It’s a safe place to find understanding and respect, especially from fellow peers who are in the same situation. Though the link between addiction and personality disorders exists, it’s not a set in stone thing. It’s always okay to seek help before these conditions gain a stronghold over your life. So, if you are struggling, don’t wait. Reach out for help today. 

Personality disorders are as varied as the people who struggle with them. These struggles can be severe enough to lead to other conditions, including addiction. Struggling with both a personality disorder and addiction can feel overwhelming, but there is hope. Here at Driftwood Recovery in Driftwood and Austin, Texas, clients find the treatment they need to recover from addiction and manage their mental health disorders. The staff at Driftwood Recovery are committed to providing a safe and supportive environment for clients to find healing and understanding. If you or a loved one is struggling, don’t wait to seek help. Call Driftwood Recovery at (512) 759-8330 to begin your recovery journey today. 

Healthcare professionals must follow client privacy laws even at home when discussing work-related events with loved ones. Private conversations with a spouse or other family members may violate client rights unless staff adhere to laws protecting client confidentiality. According to the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) “requires appropriate safeguards to protect the privacy of protected health information and sets limits and conditions on the uses and disclosures that may be made of such information without an individual’s authorization.” Driftwood Recovery prioritizes client confidentiality and ensures all staff members follow strict privacy policies protecting client information. 

Client Privacy in the Workplace and at Home

Clients deserve to be treated and talked about with respect and dignity. Individuals participating in treatment build a bond of trust with their care team. Betraying that trust, even in the privacy of one’s home, may irreparably damage the client-clinician relationship. Being mindful during conversations with loved ones can help staff avoid mentioning information they should not share with unauthorized individuals.  

Sharing Your Emotional Reactions Without Violating Client Rights

Many traumatic, stressful, unusual, and emotionally challenging events happen to individuals in healthcare. Staff watch clients and coworkers go through difficult situations on a daily basis. The constant stress and pressure to meet sometimes unrealistic expectations make it essential for healthcare workers to discuss their thoughts and feelings with members of their support system, including loved ones. Sharing these experiences can help healthcare workers avoid emotional burnout and maintain positive mental health. However, client confidentiality must be maintained during conversations with others, regardless of when or where they occur. 

Client Privacy Laws in Healthcare

Clients have a right to confidentiality. Healthcare professionals and support staff ensure client records remain private and secure. Driftwood Recovery utilizes strict privacy policies to ensure client records and details remain safe and only available to authorized individuals. Healthcare workers must follow federal, state, and local laws protecting client records. Although employers should provide information on relevant laws, it is up to each healthcare worker to remain compliant with the latest privacy rules and regulations.

Some of the client information healthcare providers cannot disclose to unauthorized individuals include: 

• Medical records  
• Demographics
• Billing or payment records 
• Medical imaging 
• Laboratory tests, including blood tests and drug screens 
• Insurance details
• Personal identifying information  

Following client privacy laws helps healthcare professionals build trust with clients. Individuals are more likely to open up and share relevant personal information if they know their records and private conversations will not be shared with anyone outside the care team. 

HIPPA and Private Conversations With Loved Ones

The HIPPA privacy rule makes it illegal to share a client’s protected health information (PHI) with unauthorized individuals, including coworkers, client family members, and trusted friends. Studies have shown that “[t]he HIPAA privacy rule applies to almost every department in a medical facility, even when walking to the parking lot with a colleague or on your home internet, the confidentiality of PHI must be preserved.” Even private conversations with loved ones should not include identifying client information, including age, gender, name, and the specifics of their medical condition or treatment. 

Most people trust their friends and family and may feel comfortable disclosing information they know should not be discussed privately. Driftwood Recovery prioritizes keeping client records and medical details secure. Staff receive training to ensure they know how to avoid disclosing private information while discussing their work with loved ones. Even vaguely alluding to client circumstances may break the HIPAA privacy rule. 

Healthcare workers protect client privacy in personal conversations by doing the following: 

• Avoiding discussions about any unnecessary work details
• Ensuring all work devices, including phones, tablets, or computers, remain locked and secure at all times 
• Using general terms to discuss any workplace events or interactions 
• Educating friends and family members of the importance of confidentiality if they request additional information 
• Avoiding sharing any work-related information over social media or in public areas 

Professionals must protect their client’s safety and confidentiality at all times. Federal, state, and local laws apply at home and in public. If in doubt, staff may speak with a supervisor to clarify what information is confidential, what can be shared, or how to talk about workplace events with families and friends. 

Being Mindful of What Details You Share With Loved Ones

Healthcare professionals must remain mindful of word choices, including the specific language used to describe clients while discussing work events with loved ones. Everyone needs to destress sometimes, and talking through challenging experiences with loved ones can help staff cope with workplace stressors more effectively. However, professionals must maintain client privacy while having those vital discussions. Disclosing traumatic, stressful, humorous, or positive workplace situations with loved ones cannot involve disclosing any identifying information. Practicing mindfulness and remaining aware of privacy laws protects clients and staff members. 

Everyone needs to vent sometimes or share unusual situations they encounter at work. However, healthcare professionals must follow laws protecting client information, even during private conversations with family or friends. Without disclosing protected information, people can be honest with loved ones about work factors impacting their mental health and complex emotions related to client care. Healthcare professionals must remain vigilant about their words when describing clients or workplace situations. Coworkers must also practice discretion when discussing clients they are not actively treating. Client privacy takes precedence and should be supported at all times. Driftwood Recovery has policies in place to protect client confidentiality and privacy. To learn more about how we protect client information, call us today at (512) 759-8330.

Self-medicating is a self-destructive behavior that often leads to addiction. Sadly, it’s an all too common behavior that affects countless people, usually the most isolated and vulnerable among us. There are many reasons why a person may choose to self-medicate instead of seeking help. Stigma, lack of education about treatment, poverty, shame, and many more all contribute to the likelihood of someone self-medicating. Understanding these factors and helping those who are struggling are all ways to prevent addiction and other harmful behaviors from taking root.

That’s why mental health care and addiction treatment facilities, such as Driftwood Recovery, work to educate the public and provide compassionate and quality treatment. Awareness and education are key in helping people recognize when they are self-medicating or have developed an addiction. It’s important to remember that anyone can overcome addiction and harmful behaviors if they are willing to accept help. The more awareness is spread, the better the likelihood that a person can get the help they need.

But before a person can get help, they must recognize what self-medicating looks like. Part of this may also involve examining their families closely and how they cope with difficulties. Sometimes, self-medicating behaviors are learned from our loved ones, which makes it even more difficult to recognize and stop. 

What Is Self-Medicating?

When someone self-medicates, they are using a drug or substance without the oversight of a doctor to relieve a negative symptom, real or perceived. Doctors prescribe medication in the exact amounts needed to keep their patients safe. They also check in with their patients regularly to make sure they are okay. Self-medication is dangerous because, without the oversight of a medical professional, drug and substance abuse can cause serious harm.  

Most people self-medicate to deal with chronic conditions. Those living with chronic pain and anxiety disorders are particularly prone to self-medicating. For example, a person struggling with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) may self-medicate by drinking alcohol to numb their nervous system. Someone struggling with pain may self-medicate with opioids. Marijuana is another common substance used for self-medication as a form of stress relief. Regardless of the substance or drug being used, a person will eventually become dependent, which can lead to addiction. 

Being able to recognize the signs of self-medication before it leads to addiction is also essential. Ask yourself the following questions. 

• Do you find yourself turning to a drug or substance to deal with a problem?
• Is it hard to get through a day without using a drug or substances?
• Do you feel as though you must have that drug or substance to function normally?
• When out of a drug or substance, do you panic or feel fear until you can obtain more? 
• Do you use a drug or substance so you don’t have to think about painful memories, feelings, or bodily sensations? 

 Answering yes to any of these questions is a sign that you are self-medicating and should seek help. 

Understanding Why Self-Medicating Often Leads to Addiction

It’s important to remember that addiction is never the result of a moral failing or the mark of a bad person. Addictions work by hijacking essential brain functions and causing them to become chemically dependent on the drug or substance. All substances and drugs will eventually lose their potency over time as the individual develops a tolerance. This forces the user to consume more of the substance or drug to achieve the same effect as before. Over time, this becomes a dependency, which then leads to addiction. 

There is a chemical factor behind addiction that makes it difficult to overcome. However, the psychological factor behind self-medication is perhaps what keeps someone addicted longer. For example, a person struggling with trauma may be afraid to quit drinking because they don’t feel strong enough to face their trauma. Someone else might not know how to relax, so believe sincerely that they cannot relax otherwise without the use of substances or drugs. 

Finding Treatment Before Self-Medicating Leads to Addiction

It’s possible to find help before a negative situation leads to addiction. Preventative mental health care is just as important as medical checkups in terms of maintaining health. There are many treatment facilities, including Driftwood Recovery, that can help someone manage their conditions and stress before they are tempted to self-medicate. Like doctors, mental health care professionals are bound by laws to protect privacy. Those who worry that asking for help may cause problems have nothing to fear. Mental health care professionals will advise, not judge, your situation. Their goal is to lessen your struggles and direct you to the resources you need to seek help. 

If someone has already developed an addiction, they can still receive help. Enrolling in a specialized treatment program is the best way to recover from addiction, as clients will have access to vital services such as medical detox and medication management. There, clients also learn skills that negate the need for self-medicating and keep them in recovery. For example, they learn to build a support network or discover exciting sober activities that give them joy. These greatly reduce the urge to self-medicate during and after treatment. 

No matter if you are currently addicted, on the cusp of addiction, or want to prevent it, help will always be available to you. So don’t allow yourself or a loved one to continue with this struggle alone. No problem is too big or too small to be solved, especially at Driftwood Recovery.

Self-medicating is a harmful behavior that many people engage in. Using drugs or substances without the oversight of a doctor can result in several problems, such as injury, addiction, or even death. People often engage in self-medicating to feel relief from pain, both physical and psychological. Treating this underlying pain gives clients the means to find healing so that they can begin a healthier and sober life. Here at Driftwood Recovery in Driftwood and Austin, Texas, clients find the comprehensive and compassionate care needed to treat a wide range of conditions, bringing relief and healing to countless people. Anyone can recover from their mental health condition, including yourself and your loved ones. So don’t wait, call (512) 759-8330 today.