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.

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