A Conversation with Dr. VanessaA Conversation with Dr. Vanessa Kennedy | Driftwood Interviews

“I try to frame [a psychological assessment] as an opportunity to grow, as opposed to a process of labeling or judging. We aren’t saying ‘you are bad, because you have this.’ It’s more like: ‘you are human.’”

“[Your] Problems Could Be Linked to a Source of Strength”

This is the seventh in a series of posts introducing the people who make up Driftwood Recovery’s community of caregivers.

Through these conversations, you’ll get a chance to meet the people on Driftwood’s team—from its executives to its care coordinators. You’ll learn about the programs they facilitate, and about how their work serves Driftwood’s overall treatment philosophy. You’ll learn about the various paths that brought them here. And you might pick up a book or Austin restaurant recommendation.

In this post, Kuraĝo editor Matt Williamson talks with Driftwood’s Director of Psychology, Vanessa Kennedy, PhD.

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Matt Williamson: During the admissions process, you’re the person who administers psychological assessments, right?

Vanessa Kennedy: We’ve actually just had a licensed psychological associate come onboard named Michelle. She’ll be helping me out part-time and adding more expertise to our staff: assessing cognitive issues—neuropsychological testing, in particular. But yes, I do the psychological assessments.

MW: “Neuropsychological” meaning that she’ll focus on brain injuries and things like that?

VK: Brain injuries, early signs of dementia, and learning issues like ADHD. Sometimes people struggle in one area of functioning—like their visual skills. We look at a new resident’s different areas of intelligence and try to discover what their strengths and weaknesses are. That can be helpful in designing interventions, strategies, or therapies that are more helpful for them.

MW: But not everyone gets a psychological evaluation when they come to Driftwood? How do you decide who gets a psychological assessment?

VK: Usually, the reason we might recommend an evaluation is if we don’t quite know what a person’s diagnosis is, or we don’t have full clarity about the origins of somebody’s difficulties.

For example, if someone comes in and has had recently had a manic or psychotic episode—if they’ve experienced dramatic changes in mood or energy, or they weren’t sleeping, or have been acting impulsively—we’ll try to find out whether that was induced by drugs or alcohol, or was just natural to their brain chemistry. While that person detoxes off of whatever substances they were on, we get a clearer picture of how they’re functioning, and can start to tell whether the person has a mood disorder or a psychotic disorder that’s developing, or whether those episodes were strictly related to their drug and alcohol use.

MW: One unusual thing about Driftwood, I gather, is that it specializes not only in addiction—in getting people sober—but also in treating underlying disorders and problems.

VK: Yeah, absolutely. We are what would be considered a “dual diagnosis” program, but I think “dual” is a bit of a misnomer. It’s rare that someone comes in with only two issues. The traditional meaning of “dual diagnosis” would be a substance-use disorder plus a mental-health issue. So there are two categories, sure. But oftentimes, the mental health issues are quite complex. They might involve various things like anxiety and depression, or, for instance, an eating disorder.

MW: And people use drugs and alcohol to mask—or to survive—those other problems.

VK: A lot of people are self-medicating, yes.

MW: I have a friend in recovery who has a pretty severe anxiety disorder. It’s prevented her, at times, from leaving the house. I’m just thinking about how unhelpful it would have been for a program to help her stop drinking and then say: “Okay, so just keep doing this. Stay sober, and keep going to meetings.” That would have left her where she’d started years earlier, with this anxiety that was so intense that it was often incapacitating.

VK: Exactly, exactly. I often meet people here who have been trying for a long time to manage underlying mental health issues. Those issues could have started as far back as childhood or adolescence. They’ve been managing those issues for years without really knowing that that’s what they were doing.

MW: When you’re conducting an initial assessment, what are some of the specific tests that you use? How do they work?

VK: The tests I like to give, involve objective assessments and projective assessments. Objective assessments use normative samples of individuals to come up with specific cutoff scores for certain disorders. One objective assessment I use is the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory, or MMPI. Since the 1960s, it’s been given to countless people. The way people answer the questions reflects things about their behavior or the psychological symptoms they’re experiencing. That particular test is easy to explain because it gives me a line graph that shows a personality profile. It may show an elevation on a scale that measures depression and one that that measures anxiety, and I can show the person: okay, this is the severity level of this symptom for you.

MW: What kinds of questions are included on the MMPI?

VK: They’re all true/false questions. People are asked to agree or disagree with statements like: “most mornings, I wake up feeling fresh and rested.” “I cry easily.” “People have told me that at times, I’ve gotten too excited and too interested in too many things.” So they’re all questions that fit specific symptom categories. The first two I just mentioned, for instance, are for depression. The third was for more manic bipolar presentation. They also ask about patterns in your life. So they are geared toward looking at long term chronic issues that that person is dealing with.

MW: What are some of the other diagnoses that can come out of the MMPI?

VK: They include generalized anxiety disorder, major depressive disorder, psychotic disorder. People may describe paranoid symptoms—seeing visions, hearing hallucinations. The MMPI can also help me diagnose a personality disorder, which is kind of a chronic way of thinking, of processing your feelings and operating in relationships, that tends to create problems in your life. Someone with narcissistic personality disorder, for example, values their own thoughts and opinions much more highly than those of others, and is resistant to feedback or criticism. And that can create problems in their relationships and a lot of tension.

Borderline personality disorder is another one. The name captures the idea that the person is on the border between neurosis and psychosis. Sometimes they are not quite grounded in reality. They may dissociate—mentally escaping to remove themselves from things that are uncomfortable or painful. They may become slightly paranoid in their relationships. They may struggle to get a hold on these really intense fluctuations in their emotions. They may have really strong anxiety and fear of people leaving them and feeling abandoned. And then they might act on those feelings with behaviors like cutting or burning themselves, or doing things that are impulsive and self-destructive: using drugs, engaging in an eating disorder, spending a whole lot of money without regard for the consequences, things like that. But the core issue is that they’re trying to get a handle on the ups and downs in their mood.

MW: This is a “freshman psych” question, probably, but: all these things that you’re describing—I think anyone will recognize themselves in those descriptions, to some extent. How do you determine when someone requires treatment?

VK: The cool thing about an objective assessment like the MMPI is that it has 567 questions. Taking the test, you get a lot of opportunity to say true or false to these items. An average person may endorse two or three items of narcissism or two or three items of borderline personality, but they’re not going to endorse ten or fifteen. In the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, the differentiating factor for making a diagnosis is not just whether you meet the criteria for the disorder—but also whether it creates some kind of problem in your functioning, in your life? Are you able to meet obligations with work? Are you causing a lot of problems in your relationships? Are you able to meet your goals at school? Things like that.

MW: I feel like we all know people who are probably, like, a 10 out of 10, on some of those—but they’re high-functioning, and perceive themselves as happy, healthy, and successful.

VK: Exactly. Those people are not going to seek treatment.

MW: You also used the term “projective tests.”

VK: In a projective assessment, the person is projecting their own worldview, their own emotions, onto neutral pictures or inkblots. One of the projective tests I give is the TAT, the thematic apperception test. I show them images of ambiguous situations and the person tells me a story about what the people in the pictures are thinking and feeling. People tend to invoke their own ways of coping in these stories. I ask them at the end of the test: “How do you relate to these characters? Are there any that you that stand out to you?” And they’ll tell me: “This one reminds me of my childhood, because my parents were always forcing me to practice the violin when I didn’t want to.” And that might shed light on an ongoing dynamic that’s playing out in adult life.

MW: I’m looking at the picture of the child staring hard at the violin. You described the image as “neutral.” It really looks to me like the kid is bored, or unhappily putting off violin practice. I’m trying to imagine more positive interpretations. Maybe the boy is concentrating—trying to mentally walk through a musical performance. Do people ever look at this picture and say things like “the boy is gleeful?”

VK: Well, sometimes a picture is designed to evoke some kind of emotion. I mean, this one is ambiguous, but it’s certainly not neutral, right. Sometimes, when people see something negative in the picture—“he’s bored, he’s frustrated, he’s struggling”—they next offer a positive coping response to counteract that. So they might say, “he’s persevering, he’s going to get really good, and blow everyone away at the concert.” A strong desire to put a positive spin on every conflict might signal that a person is avoiding uncomfortable emotions. And then that avoidance becomes one of the issues that they can continue to look at in therapy.

Sometimes people also focus on features of the drawing, rather than on telling me a story about the people in the drawing. “I think the artist was trying to capture something here.” Or: “This shading suggests that the artist doesn’t have much skill.”

MW: Oh, interesting. What does that sort of response reveal?

VK: It might suggest that they tend to avoid talking about emotions or exploring their internal thought process. Or it could just be that they don’t have any exposure to psychological thinking. Sometimes it can be a nice springboard to talking about thoughts and feelings. “Oh, yeah, I guess I do avoid that.” “That’s the way I was raised. We never talked about anything in my family.”

MW: Do people ever mention the kid’s Bieber-esque haircut?

VK: I don’t think I’ve gotten that one. “This is a picture of Justin Bieber when he was a young man, busking on the streets of Toronto and posting videos on YouTube.”

MW: What are some other projective tests that you use?

VK: Another cool one that you’ve heard of is the Rorschach Inkblot Test. It’s kind of controversial. Some researchers have questioned its value. But there are things in the test that reveal useful information about how people function. I’ll show the person I’m interviewing these images—some are kind of abstract, some are black and white, some have color. I look at how a person reacts to color, how the person incorporates features of inkblots. Do they look at the whole inkblot and make it all one thing? Or do they look at little pieces? Do they identify the elements that people usually see? There are some popular answers for each card. I’m interested in seeing how far someone departs from the typical interpretation.

MW: And so, if someone is fixating on some unusual aspect of the color, for instance, what does that indicate?

VK: Let’s say a person is working with a card that’s mostly black with some red splotches. If they see those red splotches as formless, if they get really involved in describing the color—“wow, this red is really vivid; I can’t even see the black anymore.”—that might suggest that the person is getting flooded by intense emotions, and struggling to feel grounded. If they said something more like, “Oh, I see some splotches of red here, they kind of look like little butterflies”—if they give it more form or shape, that might mean they have coping resources when they’re facing intense emotions. If they don’t even mention color through the whole test, that might mean that they avoid emotions, that feelings are a kind of blind spot for them.

MW: I read and article recently saying that if you give people a series of images and ask them to summarize the story that the images tell, people typically assume that the pictures do tell a coherent narrative. They don’t respond by saying, “this is absurd, this is nonsense.” They’re more like “yeah, this makes sense. This happened, and this happened. And this happened, I get the story. The events are all causally linked.”

VK: Sometimes on the TAT, people will pull a character from one card into another picture. “This is the same person from that first card. They’ll start to draw some connections there.” I definitely notice that, because, of course, the cards aren’t related at all.

MW: On these projective assessments—what are some answers that a person could give that would indicate a robust state of mental health?

VK: Throughout the testing, if they’re able to show a nice balance between appreciating negative emotions, as well as positive emotions—if, when there are any conflicts, they can present solutions or coping responses to the conflicts—those are definitely signs of psychological health. If they’re able to use the color on something like the Rorschach, and you know, pay attention to it, bring it into their answers in a way that has some form to it, that can be a good sign.

MW: And while you’re administering these tests, you’re customizing a program of treatment for them?

VK: Definitely. The testing clarifies the work clients have ahead of them. It’s a first step toward gaining useful insights into psychological problems. In 30 days of individual and group therapy, people can really dive deep into these things, and make a lot of progress, if they’re ready.

MW: I can imagine feeling shame or anxiety on hearing for the first time that I had a personality disorder. How do you walk them through that process?

VK: I try to focus not only on negatives. If somebody feels vulnerable—that they’re under a microscope—it can be challenging for them to be receptive to intervention. So I really try to look in the testing for any signs of positive coping resilience. A person with narcissistic personality disorder might also be very social, gregarious, influential with other people. The person’s problems could be linked to a source of strength. Helping people see the potential to get back to those strengths and reconnect with their values is something that I try to instill when I’m giving testing feedback. Like: “Hey, this does not define you as a person. It’s giving you one piece of a puzzle. But that doesn’t mean that there aren’t a hundred other things that the testing is showing that are positives, resources that you have to work with.”

I try to separate out the moral judgment and stay very objective. Sometimes I’ll say to the person: “I have traits of three or four of these disorders—I’ve got obsessive compulsive personality traits, some borderline personality traits. These are things that we all have a mixture of.”

The assessment also presents an opportunity to get it all out on paper and come up with a plan of attack. How often in your life do you take a timeout to do that? To say: “these are some issues I’m dealing with. Here are some ways that I can look at those and improve my life. I try to frame it as an opportunity to grow, as opposed to a process of labeling or judging. We aren’t saying “you are bad, because you have this.” It’s more like: “you are human.”

There are people who find some relief in the initial assessment, because they’ve been suffering for a long time. Not really being able to put words to what they’re going through. And so sometimes getting an accurate diagnosis can help them feel more normal, and more connected to other people. And there are resources, and I can start directing them to things that will help them find more hope.

By tuning into your own thoughts and feelings, having compassion for yourself and self-awareness, you get more adept at catching those behaviors and asking: “is this serving me or not?”

The power of nature is something that many modern people have lost a connection with. It cannot be denied how important nature is to our mental and physical health. Sometimes, the absence of nature can leave behind a longing that can weigh heavily on our subconscious mind. That is why modern mental health care facilities work to harness the power of nature. Places like Driftwood Recovery choose places where the power of nature can be experienced. Even treatment facilities located in major metropolitan areas work to bring nature in as part of treatment. Exposure to nature promotes healing, inspires change, and provides comfort.

It can be difficult at first to understand how this power can help you and your loved ones. By examining how Driftwood Recovery utilizes nature, we can see why it’s so important to recovery.

How the Power of Nature Promotes Healing

Driftwood Recovery is located in the state of Texas. Most people think of barren deserts when they picture Texas, but that’s not the case. Texas has a wide range of biodiversity with a shifting, expansive landscape. From the deserts to the forests to the grasslands, it’s hard to be bored when exploring the Texan wilderness.

It may be surprising, but this environment promotes healing with the power of nature. Nature has many things to teach us. One such lesson is that there is beauty and wonder in everything, including yourself. Life is special, so why not also take care of yourself?

Another lesson is to use the power of nature to find peace. The world is vast and amazing, but people often miss it because their conditions keep them trapped in misery. By literally expanding your horizons, you begin to see that your conditions do not define you. It’s a humbling and uplifting experience to finally understand that you are capable of feeling and experiencing happiness.

The physical power of nature is also useful in the healing process. Exposure to sunlight has been proven to boost our mood. Fresh air can help refocus our thoughts so we do not become trapped in dangerous, circular, negative thoughts. Physical activity also improves our mood, lowers stress, and provides a healthy emotional outlet. The power of nature can be a catalyst for healing and change, but only if we know how to use it.

Reconnecting With Nature at Driftwood Recovery

Part of treatment at Driftwood Recovery is reconnecting with nature. Many clients come from the city, where their interactions with nature are rare to nonexistent. Clients at Driftwood Recovery spend time on campus, where they can freely interact with the nature around them. Regardless of whether clients are in a residential or outpatient treatment program, they are encouraged to feel the power of nature in their daily lives.

Driftwood Recovery also acts as a launch board for further interactions with the power of nature. Texas is full of wilderness parks that everyone can explore. By spending time at Driftwood Recovery, clients gain the confidence they need to expand their experiences by spending time at Driftwood Recovery. For example, a client struggling with depression may at first see little point in leaving the house. With time and treatment, the same client may find the confidence to go outside a little at a time. Eventually, they can find the power in themselves to experience a natural wonder, such as the monarch butterfly migration. Being able to witness such an event would not be possible if they couldn’t reconnect with the power of nature.

The Power of Nature in Mental Health Treatment

Most therapies and treatments at Driftwood Recovery utilize the power of nature. Those struggling with conditions such as addiction, mood disorders, and chronic pain especially find healing in these therapies. Perhaps the most looked forward to therapy is therapeutic recreation. This therapy uses activities to build confidence and find joy in healthy activities. It may look like simple play, but it can play a big part in health and recovery. Experiential therapy is similar to therapeutic recreation but has the added goal of replacing painful memories with new, exciting experiences.

Clients are also encouraged to move their bodies as a part of holistic treatment. This treatment philosophy encourages treatment for all aspects of a person, including physical health. Clients are guided into an exercise regimen that suits their physical ability and needs. With the oversight of professional and proper equipment, clients can exercise safety. Other activities, such as outdoor guided meditation and yoga, provide care to one’s spiritual self as well. Therapies such as art therapy also make use of the outdoors. It’s not uncommon to see clients enjoying the outdoors with a sketchbook or pocket paint set in hand.

Driftwood Recovery encourages clients to use the power of nature even after treatment is finished. With an extensive alumni program and community, new alumni find fellowship in their fellow peers. It’s common for alumni to meet up and enjoy an outdoor activity together. Texas is full of streams for kayaking, trails to hike, and stars to gaze at. These activities give alumni common ground and a support network that can protect and nurture their continuous recovery.

The power of nature exists in every step of treatment at Driftwood Recovery, which gives clients a level of healing they may not have experienced before. Even at times of rest when a client can simply sit outside and enjoy the sunshine contributes to the healing process. This healing persisted during treatment and can continue long after treatment as long as you continue to use the power of nature.

Nature can be a powerful healing force for those struggling with addiction, chronic pain, and other mental health conditions. It’s important enough that many treatment facilities, such as Driftwood Recovery in Driftwood and Austin, Texas, are built in such a way to provide clients with the healing power of nature. Clients at Driftwood Recovery are encouraged to utilize this power by enjoying the beautiful campus and participating in outdoor therapeutic activities. Under the instruction of professionals, clients learn to find joy in places they have missed, a skill that will help in the recovery process. If you or a loved one needs help, contact Driftwood Recovery today by calling (512) 759-8330.

Individuals in treatment for substance use disorder (SUD) and mental health conditions benefit from participating in a thriving recovery community. Creating an inclusive space focused on successful recovery helps clients grow and develop essential life skills. According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), “Recovery-oriented care and recovery support systems help people with mental and substance use disorders manage their conditions successfully, sustain long-term recovery, and lead full lives in our communities.” The mental health and addiction experts at Driftwood Recovery use compassion, peer engagement, and evidence-based treatments to create an inclusive community where people heal and thrive.

What Makes an Inclusive Community?

Every person working in a treatment facility plays an essential role in making the space comfortable, welcoming, and inclusive. Clinicians, management, and support staff collaborate to create an environment where clients and their families feel safe engaging with others and opening up about their own struggles.

Some of the tools healthcare workers use to foster a welcoming environment include:

• Nonverbal cues like open body language, smiling, and eye contact
• Mindful and trauma-informed language
• Program policies and procedures aimed at providing clients with a safe space
• Active listening, honest communication, and transparency
• Encouraging peer support through community events and activities

Every client has unique medical needs, personal preferences, recovery expectations, and cultural or religious beliefs. Healthcare workers must identify factors impacting each client’s treatment and recovery. Driftwood Recovery uses comprehensive assessments and other tools to identify and address all factors contributing to a person’s mental, physical, and spiritual well-being. The personalized approach makes clients and their loved ones feel heard and valued. People who feel respected are more likely to show respect to others, creating a supportive community.

Providing Personalized Care

Meeting clients where they are today by providing personalized care helps create a welcoming and inclusive environment. Healthcare workers experienced in providing addiction and mental health treatment create customized treatment plans designed to provide the best outcomes. According to Frontiers in Psychiatry, “Knowledge of long-term recovery after substance use disorder (SUD) is essential to personalized care.” Staff members work together to create a cohesive and positive treatment experience for clients. Personalizing therapy and other aspects of treatment allow clients to become more active in their own treatment by providing preferences and goals.

Tailored treatment plans may include the following:

• Self-help groups
• Prescription medication
• Individual and group therapy
• Alternative holistic treatments
• Aftercare planning
• Case management

Staff use practical methods to personalize the client experience. Clinicians collaborate with clients and their loved ones to determine what services may provide the best outcomes. Focusing on a whole-person approach to treatment helps foster a sense of community by delivering tailored support to individuals in recovery.

The Benefits of an Inclusive Community

Social isolation and a sense of alienation are common for individuals recovering from substance abuse or mental health issues. The symptoms and side effects of their condition may cause people to feel separated from their peers. Inclusive communities help people develop a sense of belonging. Interacting with others who share similar life experiences provides clients with nonjudgmental social support.

Some of the benefits of creating a welcoming community include:

• Reduced stress for clients and clinicians
• Clients have additional opportunities to communicate their needs
• Staff approach clients with a sense of curiosity and compassion

A community environment motivates people to take a larger role in directing their treatment. In addition, many clients find it easier to ask for assistance during moments of emotional distress if they have developed a genuine relationship with peers and the care team. Healthcare workers promote a healthy environment by normalizing conversations about mental health and addiction recovery.

Better Treatment Outcomes and Fewer Relapses During Continuing Care

People often experience a relapse if they lack social support or the skills to successfully manage their condition. Staff members are responsible for identifying potential relapse triggers and finding positive ways to address them. Clients are provided with resources, psychoeducation, and skill development during every level of care. Social engagement improves the outcome of treatment programs by offering clients real-world situations where they can practice self-care and coping skills. In addition, peers hold clients accountable for their choices and reduce the risk of relapse by motivating people to utilize the tools they learn in treatment.

How Does Driftwood Recovery Create an Inclusive Community?

Staff members at Driftwood Recovery practice honesty, integrity, and transparency when communicating with clients and their loved ones. Creating a solid foundation of trust and understanding is the first step in developing an inclusive and welcoming community. Clients and staff are encouraged to share their thoughts, experiences, and concerns. Individualized care provides clients with additional support and an opportunity to collaborate with peers and clinicians.

Ensuring Healthcare Workers and Clients Feel Heard

Healthcare workers cannot establish a welcoming and inclusive treatment environment unless they feel comfortable and supported in their roles. Driftwood Recovery reinforces this inclusive environment through community events, staff meetings, and other activities. Staff members have the opportunity to provide input on policy changes to ensure a more cohesive treatment experience. Management considers each staff member’s preferences, goals, and skills when developing community events and activities. Everyone plays a role in creating a family-like environment where staff and clients feel heard and supported.

A sense of community helps individuals heal from the effects of substance abuse. Positive interactions with peers and the care team facilitate skill development and personal growth. Most people participating in treatment programs have symptoms or co-occurring disorders impacting their ability to make social connections. A healthy and nurturing community environment provides people with a safe space to practice social and communication skills. Driftwood Recovery encourages clients to become part of a thriving recovery community. Spending time with others who share similar life experiences can improve the effectiveness of treatment and reduce the risk of relapse or future mental health issues. To learn more about how we create a welcoming community, call us today at (512) 759-8330.

Recovery is a dynamic process that incorporates multiple experiences to engage in self-awareness and self-understanding. As noted by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), recovery is a highly personal and holistic process with many different pathways. Through a holistic approach to recovery, healing addresses the whole of your parts, like health, home, community, and purpose. Thus, learning how to build and foster healing spaces throughout your life is vital to recovery.

At Driftwood Recovery, we are a legacy program built on a sanctuary-informed model. Through a sanctuary-informed model, we consider how challenges like chronic stress and trauma impact the parts of the whole. We recognize and acknowledge that real healing from substance use disorder (SUD) and other mental health disorders is informed by the entire system. Recovery is not only about the individual but the community in which they exist. Therefore, understanding the impact of your environment on your recovery is important for maintaining recovery.

However, you may question how healing spaces can influence your recovery after treatment. Looking at the relationship between SUD and environmental factors will showcase the value of healing spaces for sustained recovery.

Understanding Environmental Risk Factors for SUD

According to the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, researchers have long since identified environmental factors like neighborhood environments as influential. From human development to health, environmental factors can contribute to a variety of poor health outcomes. Further, the influence of environmental factors has expanded to include challenges with SUD. Risky substance use environments can impact the initiation, continued use, and abuse of substances. In addition, the challenge of risky substance use environments also creates barriers to help-seeking behaviors and sustained recovery.

Listed below are some of the risky substance use environments that impair recovery:

• Access to substances: Easy access to substances lowers barriers to using substances
  • Proximity to locations that sell substances like alcohol and tobacco
  • There is a higher residential proximity and density of stores in low-income communities
• Disadvantaged neighborhoods: Characterized by low income, low educational attainment, and high unemployment
  • Poor access to economic, pro-social, and environmental resources
    • Libraries, parks, and medical and social services
  • Exposes you to chronic stress that can lead to substance use
  • A history of racism, restrictive land use, and development policies encourage a higher prevalence of racial and ethnic minorities living in disadvantaged environments
• Neighborhood disorder: Disorder environments highlight a lack of social control over the environment like dilapidated buildings, violence, and crime
  • Exposes you to chronic stress from the trauma of continuous economic strife, violence, and crime
    • Encourages self-medicating with substances

Looking at the risk factors for SUD highlights that many challenges with fostering healing spaces in recovery are tied to other disparities. Specifically, racial and socioeconomic inequality factors have created risky substance use environments that impede healing spaces. As a result, environmental and moderating racial and socioeconomic factors showcase the importance of healing spaces for recovery.

The Importance of Healing Spaces for Recovery

Despite the adaptive strategies and skills you gain in treatment, frequent exposure to risky substance use environments can impede your efforts to heal. Moreover, sustaining your recovery in risky environments is made more difficult when you lack inadequate access to support resources. Therefore, building healing spaces beyond your time in treatment is vital to leading an independent life in recovery.

Important healing spaces are not only where you live but where you work and play, too. According to Global Advances in Health and Medicine, healing spaces make way for cohesion in mind, body, and spirit. Thus, healing spaces can work to reduce stress and harm and create a supportive space where real healing can happen.

Fostering healing spaces in environments like your workplace and neighborhood can feel daunting. However, taking small steps can lead you to the healing spaces you deserve. With support, you can use your home to start taking small steps to build healing spaces in your life for sustained recovery.

Maintaining Recovery at Home With Healing Spaces

A healing space should help reduce stress, make you feel good, and bring your close community together to support health and well-being. Therefore, your healing space will be unique to your needs to feel comfortable and safe in your living space. Listed below are some of the ways you can build healing spaces in your home:

• Fill your space with meaningful pieces like photos of loved ones
• Invite nature into your space with plants and nature photographs or paintings
• Soothing music and soundscapes
• Natural light or mimic natural light

You can also take examples from building healing spaces at home into your workspace like plants, music, or a diffuser or vaporizer. However, unlike your home and workspace, creating healing spaces in your community can feel daunting.

Ways to Build Healing Spaces in Your Community

Recovery is not something accomplished in isolation but rather a process built on the combined efforts of an entire community. Therefore, access to resources through programs like alumni is vital to dismantling risky substance use environments to foster healing spaces. Some of the ways healing spaces can flourish in communities include:

• Community partnerships
• Access to libraries, recreational centers, medical and social services, parks, playgrounds, and other green spaces
• Greater access to housing, food, education, and employment programs

Looking at the types of community programs that can support healing spaces for recovery showcases the importance of resource access.

Healing Beyond Treatment at Driftwood Recovery

At Driftwood Recovery, we believe access to a peer-driven network in our alumni program gives you the support and resources you need to thrive. With an engaged and supportive alumni program, we can help you reintegrate into your community. Our strong and vibrant community offers the service, accountability, and encouragement needed to foster healing spaces in every part of your life. From opportunities to deepen connections with peers and family to giving back to your community, Driftwood can support you in leading a courageous life in recovery.

Maintaining your recovery after treatment can be disrupted by environmental factors. Factors like racial and socioeconomic inequalities can create risky substance use environments. In risky substance use environments, you may have easier access to substances, exposure to chronic stress, and higher rates of poverty that increase the risk for relapse. However, building healing spaces in your home and community can support reduced stress and sustained recovery. Therefore, at Driftwood Recovery, we are dedicated to providing an active alumni program in which you have access to countless support resources and services. Through a vibrant peer-driven network, you can find the support and connection you need to thrive. Call us at (512) 759-8330 to learn more today.

Finding the right treatment program can feel a little intimidating at first. Some conditions, such as addiction, require more intensive care compared to a condition like seasonal affective disorder. All conditions are serious and require specialized care to recover from. When you find the right treatment program, it offers several benefits. It saves time, lowers stress, and provides the accurate care you need to recover.

Many addiction and mental health care treatment facilities, such as Driftwood Recovery, offer various treatment programs. As each client is different and has different needs, care is taken to ensure these needs are met. Sometimes, clients will move from one treatment program to another as they recover. By having a robust selection of treatment programs, more clients can be helped.

Discovering which treatment program is right for you requires an understanding of what happens within these programs. Every treatment facility will focus on how it conducts treatment. For example, Driftwood Recovery focuses on a holistic method of treatment. However, there are some universal standards that clients can expect in their treatment program.

What Can I Expect From a Treatment Program?

Before a client starts a treatment program, they must first be assessed. Assessment is a process in which specialists examine a client to determine their needs. As mentioned before, some clients will need more intensive care compared to others. This is a collaborative process, and clients work closely with their treatment providers to develop an accurate treatment plan.

A client in a treatment plan, regardless of type, follows a schedule. This schedule includes receiving treatment, practicing self-care, taking care of responsibilities, and taking time to relax. Having a properly balanced schedule allows clients time to care for themselves while also enjoying some recreational time. Being in a treatment plan involves a lot of hard work. However, care is taken to make sure the client gets plenty of rest and downtime.

Again, a treatment program is a collaborative process. Clients often check in with their treatment providers to see if there have been improvements or concerns. The exact contents of a treatment program can change as needed, especially if a treatment or therapy is shown to be ineffective.

Inpatient vs Outpatient Treatment

There are two main forms of treatment programs found at most treatment facilities. These are inpatient and outpatient programs. Inpatient programs require clients to stay in a hospital or on campus, where they reside to receive treatment. Outpatient programs allow clients to receive treatment during the day and then go home once the treatment is over. Both play different roles in the recovery process. For example, many clients struggling with addiction begin their recovery journey in residential treatment before moving to an outpatient treatment program.

Inpatient treatment is most commonly used for those struggling with addiction and other severe conditions. Clients in inpatient residential treatment stay on campus to find sanctuary away from common life stressors. Residential treatment is also helpful for those who require medical or medication assistance. These clients find comfort and safety in knowing that there are on-staff medical professionals ready to assist. Residential treatment has a set timetable with programs lasting between 30 and 90 days. Because of this, clients must make arrangements before starting residential treatment.

An outpatient treatment program is best for those with conditions that require less intensive care. How frequently a client needs to meet for treatment during the week, and for how long, depends on the condition. Those needing intensive outpatient treatment meet for four to five days a week for three to five hours a day. This treatment program is best for clients who need extra support, such as those recovering from addiction.

Those who need help but not as intensely as others can utilize a regular outpatient treatment program. This less intense treatment program typically meets between one to three days a week for an hour or two at a time for treatment. Outpatient programs are flexible, allowing clients to resume responsibilities at home, work, and school.

Finding the Right Treatment Program for You

Which treatment program is right for you depends on your needs and conditions. If you are struggling with addiction and require medical detox, a residential treatment program may be best for you. However, if you struggle with mild depression but can still maintain your home and work life, an outpatient program may be best. The important thing is to be honest with your treatment provider. That way, they can provide the best care possible for you.

Sometimes, a person may need time to fully recover. Residential treatment lasts a set amount of time. However, for outpatient treatment, a client can use them as long as it’s needed. Clients spend an average of a few months in an outpatient treatment program. However, it’s not unheard of for some clients to need a year or more of treatment to fully recover. Treatment is not a race, and clients should not feel like a failure for needing extra time to recover.

Deciding on which treatment program will help you the most is ultimately between you and your treatment provider. This guide serves to give you an idea of what you can expect from inpatient and outpatient treatment programs. Every treatment facility is different, so it’s important to do your research and ask for assistance to be sure it’s the right fit. At Driftwood Recovery, potential clients are always welcome to call and ask questions. By working together, you are sure to find the right treatment program that can improve or even save your life.

Every person will have different needs which require the right treatment to address. Discovering which treatment program is right for you is an essential part of recovery. However, it can be hard for some to decide which program will best meet their needs. With the help of a mental health care professional, clients can make this choice with minimal stress. At Driftwood Recovery in Driftwood and Austin, Texas, all clients undergo an assessment process designed to accurately identify and examine their needs. Clients are then guided to the programs that are best able to help them heal and achieve recovery. To learn more about the treatment programs offered at Driftwood Recovery, call (512) 759-8330 today.

Everyone deserves to be treated with respect and dignity. Healthcare professionals see clients at their most vulnerable and have access to private medical information. The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA) is a federal law healthcare providers must comply with to protect sensitive client information. According to the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), “The HIPAA Rules are designed to protect the privacy of all of an individuals’ identifiable health information and to ensure that health information is available when needed for treatment and other appropriate purposes.” Every staff member at Driftwood Recovery practices HIPAA compliance to ensure a positive treatment experience for clients in recovery.

Why Is HIPAA Compliance Essential to Client Care?

Clients are more likely to give an accurate medical history, raise concerns, report changes in their status, and reach out to the care team for help if they know their information is kept private and safe. HIPAA compliance shows clients their personal information is secure and confidential. Clients often feel more comfortable following the guidance of their care team if they believe the staff has their best interest at heart.

HIPAA guidelines do the following:

• Ensure only qualified individuals have access to private medical records
• Give clients control over who can access their records
• Ensure all clinicians and support staff working with the client have the same information
• Makes it easier to share client information with outside medical professionals for referrals

Celebrities and people well-known to the public often have a more difficult time trusting strangers with the private details of their lives. Educating those individuals on their protections under HIPAA can reduce stress and strengthen the client-clinician relationship. Federal, state, and local laws, including HIPAA, protect clients while ensuring their healthcare providers can access essential records and provide appropriate treatment.

HIPAA Guidelines Ensure Client Medical Information Remains Secure

Healthcare providers, insurance companies, healthcare contractors, and others playing a role in a person’s medical care must comply with HIPAA laws. Staff members can only divulge protected client information if they have a court order, the client’s safety or the safety of others is in jeopardy, or the client provides written authorization. Every staff member at Driftwood Recovery follows policies and procedures that are put in place to ensure HIPAA compliance. Clients provide written consent if they want their information shared with outside health professionals, family members, or others involved in their care.

HIPAA protections cover a person’s individually identifiable health information. According to the HHS, “‘Individually identifiable health information’ is information, including demographic data, that relates to:

• the individual’s past, present or future physical or mental health or condition,
• the provision of health care to the individual, or
• the past, present, or future payment for the provision of health care to the individual,

and [details that identify] the individual or for which there is a reasonable basis to believe it can be used to identify the individual.” Staff members keep client records and information strictly protected and confidential. HIPAA compliance builds trust with clients by reassuring them their information is safe and secure.

Improving Treatment Outcomes

Building client trust results in better treatment outcomes. People are more likely to open up with their therapist and trust other care team members if they feel confident the things they do and say will remain private. Healthcare workers can also provide better treatment with consistent guidelines to help them navigate client interactions.

HIPAA Compliance and Interacting With Client Families

Client families often want to be part of the treatment process. In some cases, family dynamics cause tension, conflict, or stress for individuals in recovery. Families are not entitled to know anything about their loved one’s treatment or diagnosis unless the client grants permission. According to the HHS, HIPPA “sets boundaries on the use and release of health records” and “empowers individuals to control certain uses and disclosures of their health information.” In most cases, family members need client authorization to access records or receive updates on their recovery.

Some exceptions exist, including if a family member has power of attorney (POA) to act on a client’s behalf. Driftwood Recovery provides each client with details about how and when their information may be shared. The care team also ensures clients understand their rights and protections under HIPAA.

Professionalism and Information Security

Driftwood Recovery has policies and procedures in place to ensure staff act professionally and comply with HIPAA. Everyone has the right to privacy and deserves to be treated with dignity. Staff members follow HIPAA and other federal, state, and local laws to ensure clients and their loved ones have a positive treatment experience. Driftwood Recovery keeps all records secure and encourages an environment of self-accountability in the workplace. Staff members act with professionalism at all times and prioritize the safety and security of client information.

Some people avoid treatment for substance abuse and mental health disorders out of fear their private medical information may be shared with others. Clients may be afraid of how their family, friends, or community will react to their diagnosis and decision to get treatment. Healthcare professionals have a legal obligation to protect client data. HIPAA laws require healthcare professionals to follow specific guidelines when gathering and sharing client information. The experts at Driftwood Recovery understand the importance of treating clients with dignity, respect, and compassion. Every staff member follows strict policies and procedures regarding client records. To learn more about how we protect our clients and provide a high-quality treatment experience, call us today at (512) 759-8330.

Healthcare professionals play an essential role in helping clients and families feel comfortable engaging in treatment programs for substance use disorder (SUD) and mental health conditions. According to BMC Psychology, “Trust and respect may be an important component of client-provider relationships.” Building trust with clients increases the effectiveness of treatment and reduces emotional distress for people struggling with mental health disorders. The experts at Driftwood Recovery create positive connections with clients by fostering compassion and providing personalized care.

Fostering Compassion Improves the Effectiveness of Treatment Programs

Treatment for SUD and mental health disorders requires clients to be vulnerable and open themselves up to making sometimes difficult lifestyle changes. Fostering compassion in everyday interactions with clients helps build a foundation of kindness, patience, trust, and support. Clients and their loved ones are more likely to make progress in treatment if they feel heard, valued, and understood. A compassionate approach to client care ensures healthcare workers give clients their complete focus and support. Each person is valued and allowed to express their needs and preferences.

A compassionate approach to care benefits healthcare workers and clients by doing the following:

• Improving communication and collaboration
• Increasing client engagement in treatment
• Reducing stress by providing clients with a welcoming space for self-exploration and healing

Chronic substance abuse causes changes in the brain, affecting empathy. Compassionate treatment programs help clients develop empathy and social skills. According to Pharmacology Biochemistry and Behavior, “Preclinical and clinical research alike continues to find an overlap between the underlying behavior and neural substrates that regulate both empathy and addiction.” Researchers report that treatment programs with “strong social support networks are more effective.” Driftwood Recovery understands the importance of modeling positive social interactions for clients and their families. Staff members practice kindness and compassion in every client interaction.

Creating a Welcoming and Inclusive Space for Healing

Driftwood Recovery offers clients a welcoming and inclusive space where they can feel comfortable collaborating with their care team. A trusting client-clinician relationship ensures more positive treatment outcomes. Studies have shown that “collaboration is also the key to serving the client in the broadest possible context.” Clients have distinct motivations, goals, and underlying issues affecting their ability to recover from SUD. Staff members benefit from doing a deep dive into the client’s needs, experiences, and concerns. Open and honest communication is essential to creating an inclusive space for people to heal.

Healthcare professionals create a welcoming environment by doing the following:

• Learning each client’s needs and personal preferences
• Treating coworkers and clients with respect and dignity
• Practicing honesty and transparency
• Being mindful of potential client triggers
• Holding clients and coworkers accountable for their behaviors

Individuals in treatment for SUD and mental health disorders may have a limited support system and less developed social skills. Staff members are responsible for modeling positive social behaviors to help guide clients through developing essential coping skills for managing their condition.

The Importance of Fostering Compassion During Interactions With Clients, Families, and Coworkers

Clients and their families benefit from participating in treatment programs where staff members treat them with respect and understanding.

Fostering compassion does the following:

• Creates a space where people feel comfortable asking for help and providing support to peers
• Allows healthcare workers to provide care and support without taking on a client’s stress or trauma
• It opens up lines of communication between clients and the care team

Healthcare workers encounter many unexpected and challenging situations while treating clients. Being compassionate with workers builds a healthier workplace and improves treatment outcomes for clients. Driftwood Recovery prioritizes teamwork and integrative care to enhance the treatment experience for clients and staff members. Clinicians and support staff meet daily to communicate workplace needs, connect on a human level, and address any challenges they encounter.

How Healthcare Professionals Show Compassion

Most people who work in healthcare want to make a difference in their clients’ lives. Addiction recovery and mental health experts show compassion through their words and actions. According to Frontiers in Psychology, “Compassion is among the most important virtues in medicine, expected from medical professionals and anticipated by patients.”

Healthcare workers show compassion by doing the following:

• Actively listening to client needs
• Modeling healthy behaviors for struggling clients
• Taking the time to get to know clients on a deeper level
• Smiling and using eye contact or other body language cues

Every day, staff members have an opportunity to help someone turn their life around. This critical work makes it vital for healthcare workers to practice compassion with clients, coworkers, and themselves.

Fostering Compassion at Driftwood Recovery

Driftwood Recovery fosters compassion by providing staff members with continuing training, resources, and support. People working with vulnerable populations often experience emotional burnout unless they practice self-care. Directing compassion to clients and coworkers can reduce workplace stress and help healthcare workers feel more comfortable setting healthy work-life boundaries. Showing kindness to others can inspire, motivate, and uplift. Self-compassion and self-care improve the quality of treatment healthcare workers provide to clients and their families.

Clients come from all backgrounds and walks of life. Driftwood Recovery has policies and procedures in place to ensure clients and their loved ones have access to compassionate and evidence-based treatment. Compassionate care provides clients with the best possible treatment outcomes. Healthcare workers must work together to create an environment where clients feel safe and supported. The client-clinician relationship is integral to long-term recovery from substance abuse and mental health disorders. Driftwood Recovery provides staff with the resources and training to ensure they provide clients with the best treatment services. Healthcare professionals also have an opportunity to learn and grow during every interaction with clients. To learn more about how we support clients, call us today at (512) 759-8330.

According to Addiction Relapse Prevention by Nicholas Guenzel and Dennis McChargue, approximately 50% of people relapse within the first 12 weeks after treatment. The high prevalence of addiction relapse following treatment highlights the importance of support in early recovery. Early recovery is a vulnerable time when your ability to maintain recovery is tested. Therefore, access to support tools like a crisis plan can be invaluable to sustained recovery.

At Driftwood Recovery, we know how important community integration and support are to recovery. With a person-centered model of community integration, you can reconnect and use tools like a crisis plan to execute life goals. Through community integration, you can find support and accountability to live a life committed to healing the whole self. Thus, learning how to build a crisis plan can help you overcome challenges in early recovery and thrive.

Yet, you may still question what a crisis plan means in addiction recovery. You may be aware of or familiar with a crisis plan in the context of suicide prevention. Similarly, an addiction crisis plan is designed to support you in those moments when you are your most vulnerable.

What Is a Crisis Plan?

As noted in “Crisis Plans in Mental Health” by Christine Cassivi et al., although there is no single definition of a crisis, it can typically be tied to psychological distress. Thus, a crisis is a subjective event in which you feel like you are not in control. A crisis also highlights that you lack the necessary resources or coping skills to deal with the crisis. As a result, a crisis plan is built in collaboration with your clinician to prevent or resolve future crises.

There are several different types of crisis plans, such as the joint crisis plan and safety plan. Each type of crisis plan focuses on different psychopathological crises like bipolar disorder and suicide prevention. Despite the specific pathology that different types of crisis plans follow, each crisis plan has the same general objective.

A crisis plan helps you identify triggers and find interventions to prevent or manage a crisis. Understanding your triggers and ways to prevent or manage them can support your mental well-being. Thus, the importance of mental well-being in a crisis plan speaks to the value of whole-person healing beyond treatment.

The Value of a Crisis Plan After Treatment

It is not that difficult to feel untouchable or invulnerable to relapse, especially in early recovery. The haze of early recovery can make you feel like you can conquer anything. Feeling confident in your sobriety can be a powerful and beautiful thing in recovery. However, assuming you no longer need to consider relapse is a disservice to all the work you have done.

The stresses and other types of crises that can contribute to a relapse crisis are often unexpected. Thus, having a crisis plan can give you a roadmap that helps you figure out how to get your life back on track. Moreover, having a crisis plan can help you feel more relaxed and prepared for any crisis. Further, one of the objectives of a crisis plan is to understand your triggers.

Deeper awareness of triggers can help you identify the root stressors that contribute to your symptoms. With more insight into yourself, you can utilize all your resources to move forward in recovery. Now you can learn how to build a proper crisis plan to help you sustain recovery throughout your life.

Ways to Build a Crisis Plan

A crisis plan is not a one-size-fits-all plan but rather a dynamic map to support your psychological well-being. As a result, your crisis plan will always be unique to you and your specific needs to work through a crisis. Your crisis plan will be built on finding and understanding what types of support would be helpful for you to prevent and or manage a crisis. Listed below are some of the important elements found in building a recovery crisis plan:

• Building a healthy support network
  • Who do you want to share your crisis plan with
  • What do you need from your trusted friends, family, and peers
    • This can include your typical responsibilities like childcare and housework
• Understanding what it looks like when you are feeling well
• Knowing how you feel when you are in crisis
• Clear communication about your needs
  • What coping tools do you want to use or not use

With a crisis plan in place, you cannot only work through a crisis but also learn how to live beyond it. Your crisis plan can help you better understand the support tools you need to build and achieve goals to lead a fulfilling life in long-term recovery.

Planning for Your Future: Learning to Thrive Beyond Crisis

As stated in “My Wellbeing Plan” from the National Health Service (NHS), a crisis can make it difficult to think about the future. Yet, building a plan to address challenges in recovery can support recovery by taking small steps every day. Even when you think it feels pointless or small, making a plan supports finding meaning and purpose in your recovery life. Recovery is a multifaceted process in which a crisis plan supports the deepening of self-awareness and understanding of yourself through your connections.

Building a Healing Foundation at Driftwood Recovery

Here at Driftwood Recovery, we believe an alumni program is vital to reintegration into everyday life. Through alumni, you have access to resources and peer support to build an independent life in sustained recovery. With a crisis plan, you can expand your understanding and your trusted loved ones’ understanding of your needs. Thus, at Driftwood Recovery, we are committed to providing an alumni program built on the value of community integration. With community integration, you can foster the connection and accountability you need to thrive.

The excitement in early recovery can cloud your alertness to the dangers of relapse. In your new independence, it is easier to convince yourself that you are not at risk for relapse. While confidence in your recovery is wonderful, relapse is still possible if you stop doing the work. Therefore, building a crisis plan is an important tool in your recovery toolbox. With a crisis plan, you can understand your triggers and build a roadmap that helps you prevent and manage the life stressors that contribute to crisis situations. At Driftwood Recovery, we are committed to community integration and providing countless resources through alumni to support connection and accountability for sustained recovery. Call us at (512) 759-8330 today.

Treatment myths can be a factor in why some choose not to seek treatment for their conditions. These myths mostly stem from two different sources. One source comes from the depictions of mental health care facilities in media and popular culture. The other comes from how mental health care was handled in the past. There are people still alive today who remember when lobotomies were used as a method of treatment. Times have changed, and there is now a focus on providing inclusive and compassionate treatment. Despite this shift, some negative treatment myths persist.

At Driftwood Recovery, care is taken to debunk these treatment myths by upholding values of transparency, honesty, and compassion. Clients who enroll at Driftwood Recovery can expect comfort and safety during their treatment. Sometimes, a treatment facility being a good example of quality care is enough to debunk these treatment myths. For some who need help, they may need further convincing.

To do so, we can start by examining some common treatment myths and debunking them with the truth.

Debunking Treatment Myths Surrounding Care

Many treatment myths center around treatment and how mental health care facilities operate. One of the most widely spread myths out there is that mental health care facilities are akin to prisons. Some believe that clients cannot leave and have no say over their treatment and care. Clients within are at the mercy of uncaring staff that will always abuse and treat them poorly.

These particular treatment myths are often perpetuated by media, which can depict treatment facilities as places needing to be escaped from by the protagonist. However, these can be debunked by a few simple truths. One is that enrollment in a treatment facility is a strictly voluntary decision. Nobody can force anyone into treatment if they don’t want to go. Even in cases of court-ordered rehab, a person can still refuse treatment.

It’s highly recommended, of course, that people seek treatment when they need it. Forced treatment, though, never works and only will cause further psychological harm. Clients are also free to leave treatment whenever they like. At Driftwood Recovery, clients have the right to stop treatment at any time. Family and friends are also allowed to visit their loved ones in treatment after an adjustment period has ended. This allows clients to settle into treatment without interruptions, allowing them to better receive visitors after they have had time to stabilize.

The idea that mental health care providers will harm you for fun is another myth. Of course, there will always be mean and abusive people. However, there are several safeguards in place to protect clients and reinforce their rights. Mental healthcare providers enter the field because they want to help people heal and recover. They would not spend years in specialized training if they genuinely hated the clients they wanted to help.

Debunking Treatment Myths About Recovery

Some treatment myths around recovery can prevent people from trying to seek help. These myths are self-defeating and only serve to keep those struggling with their conditions in a constant state of misery. Letting go of these treatment myths allows someone to seek the help they need with a renewed sense of hope.

One myth is that some conditions are too severe to be helped. This is not true, as the only time a person cannot be helped is if they are no longer alive. Many mental health care and addiction treatment facilities will specialize in specific conditions to better focus their resources. For example, a few conditions that clients at Driftwood Recovery can receive treatment for are fibromyalgia pain and heroin addiction. Calling any treatment facility will give you advice on where to go to get the treatment you need. You can also search the online treatment facility finder. This tool uses filters that can help you find the facilities that can meet your personal needs.

Another serious myth is that you will relapse regardless of what you do. The truth is that a relapse can happen, but care is taken to teach clients how to prevent them before they leave treatment. By avoiding personal triggers, setting boundaries, and practicing healthy coping skills, alumni can navigate their lives in such a way that they can avoid relapses.

It’s a fact that you can succeed in your treatment and recovery. You just need to acknowledge that you need help and be receptive to professional treatment.

Putting Your Fears to Rest

These treatment myths are purveying enough in society that it can be difficult to know the truth from fiction. People who need and are considering help can find out the truth by simply asking for it. Treatment facilities can be easily contacted by phone and email. Tours can be scheduled for those who wish to visit the facility. Potential clients are always welcome to ask questions and observe for themselves how these facilities operate. Speaking with real treatment providers can banish the treatment myths that are holding you back from care.

There is one last myth to discuss: the myth that once you finish treatment, you are left high and dry. The truth is that recovery continues after treatment by utilizing aftercare and alumni programs. At Driftwood Recovery, clients have a community they can always draw support and encouragement from. It’s common for alumni to forge long-lasting friendships with each other. With this level of support and companionship, it’s easy to see why Driftwood Recovery alumni are so successful.

Don’t allow yourself to be scared away from treatments that can improve or even save your life. By showing others that treatment is safe and effective, you become living proof that recovery is possible for anyone.

One of the many barriers preventing people from seeking help for their mental health is misinformation. Stigma and inaccurate portrayals in media have done a lot of damage by making life-saving treatment sound threatening and scary. The truth is that mental health care facilities value client rights and comfort, and the staff works hard to provide a supportive environment. At Driftwood Recovery in Driftwood and Austin, Texas, clients can expect quality and compassionate treatment for their mental health care needs. Everyone deserves to feel safe, especially when seeking and receiving help. If you or a loved one is struggling with their mental health, don’t wait. Ask about treatment at Driftwood Recovery today at (512) 759-8330.

According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), seven in ten and two in three adults consider themselves to be in recovery from substance use disorder (SUD) and other mental health disorders respectively. In the process of recovering, you uncover strengths, talents, coping skills, and the ability to lead a self-directed life. Thus, recovery is about more than abstaining from using substances in your life. Recovery is a dynamic process of change in which you discover hope. With hope, you can build the belief and tools you need to overcome challenges and lead a courageous life in recovery. Therefore, the recovery process highlights the need to understand the value of recovery milestones.

At Driftwood Recovery, we believe celebrating recovery milestones is integral to sustained recovery as it turns clinical insight into action. With recovery milestones, you can recognize the work you have put into your personal growth and change. Moreover, recovery milestones support the changes in thinking that have contributed to building resilience and healing. Thus, we are committed to providing a vibrant alumni program in which you can truly celebrate your recovery milestones.

Yet, you may question what recovery milestones are. How can an alumni program support maintaining your recovery by celebrating recovery milestones? Deepening your understanding of the value of recovery milestones can give you insight into the benefits of recovery milestones for long-term healing.

Celebration: Understanding the Value of Recovery Milestones

Throughout life, you celebrate many important events, holidays, and milestones like weddings, graduations, heritage months, birthdays, and anniversaries. Yet, celebrating milestones is not confined to dates marked on a calendar. As noted in “The Importance of Celebrating Milestones” from Maryville University, milestones come in all shapes and sizes. Whether you survived finals week, completed a project, or got out of bed, accomplishing something difficult for you should be celebrated. When you celebrate big, medium, and small milestones, they remind you that you are capable of doing difficult things.

The accomplishment of small goals drives you forward and encourages you to accomplish bigger goals. Thus, celebrating recovery milestones can be invaluable to sustained recovery. Recovery is a lifelong process, and the road from substance use to sobriety and long-term recovery can feel overwhelming. Sometimes, the challenge of overcoming addiction can feel like there is a giant, unmovable mountain that keeps growing as you climb it. However, with recovery milestones, you can see and celebrate those markers of progress in treatment and beyond. Listed below are some of the ways celebrating recovery milestones can support your well-being and recovery:

• Boost confidence
• Sustain motivation
• Reinforce commitment to recovery
• Improve self-esteem
• Reinforce resilience to relapse
• Empowers self-awareness and agency
  • Reflection and gratitude
• Support the power of community support

Setting realistic and attainable recovery milestones supports whole-person healing in every wellness domain. Yet, how can you celebrate your recovery and recovery milestones?

Ways to Celebrate Your Recovery Milestones

Celebrating recovery milestones is more than the anniversary of your sobriety. Rather, recovery milestones can encompass regularly going to therapy sessions, effectively using adaptive coping skills, getting a job, returning to school, and repairing relationships. There is a wide range of recovery milestones, from small to large, that you can and should celebrate. Some of the ways you can celebrate your recovery milestones include:

• Sharing your successes with peers
• Include your loved one in your celebration
  • Go out to eat
  • Host a sober birthday party
• Creating a milestone journal
• Make a reflection journal
• Engage in self-care
• Volunteer work
• Build a tradition to celebrate each year
  • Take a trip
  • Go hiking
  • Plant a tree
• Express gratitude to those who have supported you
  • Send a message
  • Spend time with them
  • Give them a meaningful gift

Looking at ways you can celebrate your recovery milestones highlights the importance of community in recovery.

Celebrating Recovery: Finding Gratitude for Sustained Recovery

Reflecting on your achievements and the people supporting you through your recovery is impactful. In particular, practicing gratitude during recovery milestones is invaluable to sustaining recovery. As the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs (VA) states, gratitude is one of the greatest contributing factors to overall happiness and well-being. With gratitude, you can improve happiness, hope, social connection, and motivation for self-improvement and positive change. Listed below are some of the ways you can practice gratitude:

• Reflect on the positive little and big things
• Allow yourself to enjoy those positive experiences
• Keep a gratitude journal
• Express gratitude to others
• Meditate

The practice of gratitude further showcases celebrating recovery milestones as valuable to supporting psychological well-being.

Disrupting Self-Stigma by Celebrating Recovery Milestones

One of the many challenges of SUD and recovery is the sense of shame and guilt you may feel from stigma. Public, structural, and self-stigma can contribute to difficulties in seeking treatment and maintaining recovery. In particular, self-stigma can lead to negative self-beliefs, impairing important components of well-being like self-esteem, motivation, and hope. However, celebrating recovery milestones can help dismantle negative self-beliefs to foster healthier thinking and behavior patterns. Although public and structural stigma cannot be changed overnight, celebrating recovery milestones can help you believe in yourself again.

Learning How to Celebrate You at Driftwood Recovery

At Driftwood Recovery, we recognize that connection and community in a vibrant alumni program are vital to sustained recovery. Thus, celebrating recovery milestones is one of the ways you can engage in connection and community for healing. Through recovery milestones, you foster and build upon a foundation of community in your peers and loved ones. Therefore, we are dedicated to providing resources like the Driftwood App to share your milestones with others and milestone dinners in our alumni program. With recovery milestones in our alumni program, you are reminded that you are not alone and recovery is something to take pride in and celebrate.

Recovery is a lifelong process that has highs and lows along the way. It is most often during the low periods that cravings and triggers can erode your resilience and put you at risk for relapse. Moreover, SUD and recovery stigma can increase self-stigma. Internalized stigma can increase negative self-beliefs and impair your self-esteem to overcome challenges and avoid maladaptive coping strategies. However, celebrating recovery milestones can empower you to overcome challenges throughout your recovery journey. By celebrating recovery milestones, you can grow and sustain your confidence and motivation for recovery. Therefore, at Driftwood Recovery, we are dedicated to providing an alumni program that supports celebrating recovery milestones for long-term recovery. Call (512) 759-8330 to start celebrating your recovery today.