Category: Articles

AA/12 Step, CBT, Motivational Enhancement, Psychotherapy

Happiness can be understood differently from different perspectives of substance abuse treatment.

Happiness as the Goal in Recovery

The goal for most people who give up an addiction will be for them to reach a state of happiness. Initially the individual may be happy just to have the pain of their addiction cease, but in order to stay on the sober path they will usually want more. It is often said that recovery is a process and not an event. This refers to the idea that giving up alcohol or drugs may make the pain stop, but it is probably not enough by itself to lead to happiness. In other words the individual will have more work to do if they wish to achieve this. The different paths that people take in recovery can be viewed as different routes to happiness.

Defining Happiness

Happiness is something that most people claim to be looking for in life. It is one of the most commonly used words in the English language yet there is no clear idea to what it is actually referring to. This is because the word happiness is highly subjective. The most usually way to define happiness would be to say that it is a state of well being and contentment. It can also be described as possession or attainment of what would be considered good. It can be difficult to pin happiness down exactly and this is why the different recovery paths have slightly different understandings of what the word means.

Happiness in AA/12 Steps

The ultimate aim of the 12 step program is for the individual to experience a spiritual awakening. What is being referred to here is not really some supernatural event but instead means that the individual has managed to completely turn their life around so that they are now living a good life – to family and friends this may indeed appear like a miracle. The 12 steps can be viewed as a journey to lasting happiness. The Big Book describes how those who follow this path will experience a new freedom and a new happiness on page 83 – How it Works. This refers to the development of serenity which is probably the most lasting form of happiness that any human can achieve. Serenity does not mean walking around full of bliss all the time, but it does mean that the individual enjoys an almost constant experience of inner peace no matter what is happening externally.

Happiness and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

Cognitive behavioral therapy uses oral communications to solve problems related to dysfunctional emotions, behaviors, and cognitions. It is based on the idea that the way people act and feel is a result of their thinking. This means that by changing the way they think it will be possible to eliminate undesirable behavior and negative emotions. According to this approach happiness is achieved by the elimination of dysfunctional behaviors, thinking and emotions – it is the absence of these that would be viewed as happiness within the CBT approach.

Happiness and Motivational Enhancement

Motivational enhancement therapy uses motivational interviewing to encourage clients to transform any undesirable behavior. It works be addressing the individual’s ambivalence towards addiction recovery in a non confrontational way. This means that the individual finds within themselves the motivation to give up alcohol or drugs. They can then once again take charge of their own life and move in a more positive direction. From this perspective happiness is viewed as having vision and focus in life. It is the purposeful seeking of positive goals that gives life its real value and leads to happiness.

Happiness and Psychotherapy

Psychotherapy refers to a number of different techniques that aim to increase the individual’s own sense of well being. It does this by helping people develop a greater understanding of their own motives, thoughts, feelings, perceptions, and actions. It is the hidden things in the individual’s inner world that can be the source of their unhappiness. From this perspective happiness occurs when those negative things become visible so that they can be dealt with. Each human creates their own personal narrative, and if this contains too much negativity it can lead to suffering.

How to Achieve Happiness in Recovery from Addiction

The different treatment options available to people in recovery use various interpretations of what happiness means and how it is achieved. The one thing that all of these approaches agree upon that it is possible for each individual to create happiness for themselves – although they may need some assistance to maximize their efforts. Other ideas for how people can achieve happiness in recovery include:

• Keeping away from mind altering chemicals is vital for people in recovery who want to achieve real happiness. Those who relapse back to their addiction are right back on the downward circle to misery.
• Maintain a positive outlook on life. If people are always expecting the worse to happen it saps their motivation, and they can create self-fulfilling prophesies.
• Spend plenty of time with friends and family. The biggest regret that people have on their deathbed is not spending more time with their loved ones – very few people regret not making more money.
• Helping other people is probably the most powerful way for the individual to develop happiness. These demonstrations of compassion benefits everyone in the transaction – in many instances the person offering the help will benefit the most.
• Spend time with positive, happy, and successful people. Humans are highly influenced by those they spend their time with – peer pressure can be positive as well as negative.
• Let go of anger, hatred, and resentment. These negative emotions are highly self destructive and prevent people from ever achieving happiness in life.
• It has been suggested that smiling frequently (even when people do not feel like smiling) increases happiness. This is why in 12 Step groups they will often advise newcomers to fake it to make it.
• Happiness is not achieved by obtaining things but by people being satisfied with what they already have. Those who put conditions on their inner feelings of well-being are preventing themselves from being happy now – for example, they say they will be satisfied when they own a fancy car.
• Those individuals who have a balanced life are more likely to find happiness than those who just focus on one aspect. The key to success is to have a good mix of interests that includes things that are physical, mental, and spiritual.
• If people lack meaning and purpose in their life it can be extremely difficult for them to achieve any type of happiness. Everybody will have their own idea of what gives life meaning – for some it may be spiritual pursuits while for others it could be their friendships.
• Dogmatism and narrow-mindedness can get in the way of finding peace in life. The best way to approach life is with a beginner’s mind so that current beliefs and opinions do not stop the individual from learning new things.
• The only time that people have is right now. Those who are always thinking about the past or worrying about the future will miss out on their life.
• Techniques such as mindfulness meditation can help people develop the ability to live in the present moment.

DARA is currently seeking a suitably qualified and experienced counselor to work at our center in Thailand. Please send your résumé to info@alcoholrehab.com.

This is the fourth and final installment in the series examining the 20 research facts about addiction rehabilitation published by Addiction Today, the National Addiction Centre and eATA. This final set of five facts breaks down the fundamentals of a successful rehab clinic. It weighs the comparative benefits of daycare, residential programs and aftercare, and offers insight into determining the role that medication, staff-client rapport and organization play in recovery.

These are the last five research facts about drug and alcohol rehab:

16. Residential and Daytime Programs Both Have Their Place

For those seeking alcohol rehabilitation, a primary consideration is whether to enroll in a daycare program or a full-time residential program. In the most severe cases of alcohol dependence, holding down a job becomes next to impossible. In this case, enrolling in a residential program is an obvious choice. Meanwhile, those with less severe problems may be tempted to enroll in a part-time rehabilitation program to avoid taking a leave from work.

Full-time rehab is especially recommended for those suffering from the following complications:

• Social isolation
• Unsupportive home situations
• Psychiatric illness
• Homelessness
• Severe personality disorders
• Severe drug or alcohol dependency

Admitting to the world that they have a problem can be humiliating, which is another reason problem drinkers prefer to enroll in a program that lets them go on with daily life. Even so, evidence suggests that a residential program brings about more significant results. This is especially true if a previous round of daycare-oriented rehab was unsuccessful.

Opposite this, a daycare program can supply exactly what is needed after a round of intensive full-time alcohol rehab. In this case, part-time support serves to extend the benefits of rehab over a longer period of time.

17. Medication Can Make a Difference

Pharmaceuticals have been shown to accomplish relatively little in the way of recovery when used by themselves. However, medication can be highly beneficial as an adjunct to treatment. For alcoholics,disulfiram is a particularly well-reviewed pharmaceutical. Addiction counselors at alcoholrehabilitation centers may recommend this medication to clients.

Beyond this, clients who are also struggling with psychiatric illness are strongly advised to seek medication in addition to routine dependency counseling. In some cases, the only way that a person can even begin to move toward recovery and sobriety is by first addressing underlying psychiatric problems. Trying to eliminate a drinking problem without getting help with mental illness is next to futile.

18. Aftercare and Self-Help Programs Boost Results

Research suggests that full-time and part-time rehab services are practically worthless without dedicated follow-up. The only way that a client can hope to avoid relapse and continuing implementing strategies developed during rehab is with ongoing professional and family support.

The most successful aftercare programs are offered on a professional basis. It is important for recovering alcoholics to entrust themselves to the care and guidance of trained counselors. Self-help groups, while proven less helpful than professional aftercare, can also play a role. In situations where aftercare is not possible due to logistical or financial reasons, enrollment in a self-help group is highly recommended.

19. Treatment Staff Are Essential

Any well-regarded addiction rehab center will have expert staff on hand. These include professionals in psychiatry and addiction counseling. However, more than this is needed. A high staff:client ratio plays heavily into the favor of recovering alcoholics. It is important that staff members are well trained and closely supervised. They also need to display genuine empathy for their clients.

There is some debate about whether the effectiveness of staff members and attendants depends on their own history with dependence. Some insist that staff-client empathy is only possible where the staff come from a background of addiction, as this is the only way they can truly understand what clients are going through. This aside, some research suggests that the most successful teams are more eclectic than this. Ideally, some staff members will be in recovery; others will have no history of substance abuse.

20. Organizational Standards Make a Difference

Naturally, organization matters. A rehabilitation clinic with poor organizational structure will have a difficult time encouraging their clients to develop and implement long-term sobriety strategies. This may go without saying, but it is corroborated by strong evidence and certainly bears mentioning.

For an idea of what constitutes sound organizational standards, clients can take a look at theAuditing Standards set out by eATA or at QuADS, which was developed jointly by Alcohol Concern and DrugScope.

Conclusion

One of the main points of this study is the importance of comprehensive, flexible treatment that can be tailored to a particular client’s disposition. A program that is sensitive to the client’s background and works to incorporate relevant strategies has a much better chance of producing long-term results.

One of the surest ways to ensure that an alcoholic seeking recovery receives a tailor-made recovery plan is to enroll in an alcohol rehab center that promotes a variety of treatments. Centers that are well-staffed and well-versed in a range of treatment options can achieve better results for their clients.

Part two of this four-part series focused on the importance of working with the beliefs, thought patterns and attitudes of alcoholics in recovery. Part three looks at the role that contributing factors and illnesses can play in addiction. It goes on to explore the importance of treatment style, length of treatment and importance of keeping clients engaged.

A recurring theme in this research published by Addiction Today is the importance of tailoring an alcohol rehab program to the specific traits and needs of a client. Long-term recovery is much more likely to be successful in programs that begin with the assumption that every client is different. Furthermore, no program will reach its potential without truly engaging the client.

These are the next five facts about drug and alcohol rehab:

11. Factors Contributing to Addiction Must Be Addressed

Physical dependence is a major part of any drug or alcohol addiction, but there is almost always more to the story. Part of the addiction counselor’s task is to identify other factors in the client’s life that are contributing to the drinking problem. The following is a list of the most common problems that may contribute to an addiction.

• Medical conditions
• Psychological problems
• Social issues
• Problems at work

Problems in any of these areas could potentially complicate or exacerbate a drinking problem. It is important to identify these problem areas as early as possible in the treatment process so that they can be properly dealt with. In some cases, issues like this can be addressed during alcohol rehab. Others may need to be dealt with after the client has been discharged.

12. Psychiatric Disorders Must Be Addressed

As mentioned in the previous item, psychological problems can contribute to a drinking problem and make treatment more challenging. This particular issue deserves its own slot on the list, since it presents particular complications.

Counselors at alcohol rehab clinics have to remain vigilant when it comes to psychological disorders. Many alcoholics suffer from more than mere physical dependence brought on by substance abuse. If one or more psychiatric conditions play into the drinking problem, then rehabilitation will only be effective if it treats the mental health problem as well. In some cases, this may require specialized treatment from outside the clinic. For this reason, alcohol rehabilitation clinics that integrate psychological and substance abuse services are particularly successful.

13. Supportive Approaches Trump Aggression

This item reflects a gradual paradigm shift that has taken place at rehab centers across the world in recent years. In times past, most professionals believed that an aggressive or even confrontational style of treatment was most effective. Over time, this mode of thought has been replaced by a more conscientious approach to rehab, though some clinics still adhere to old-school standards.

For the most part, evidence suggests that a less aggressive treatment style achieves better long-term results. Counselors attempt to develop motivation on behalf of their clients. When motivation is internalized, then real change becomes more probable.

However, it should be mentioned that certain client behaviors warrant more aggressive techniques. Many times, addicts and alcoholics resort to manipulative behavior in order to keep the focus off their problem. In certain cases, defense mechanisms and inappropriate behavior like this can only be corrected through direct, confrontational means.

14. Clients Must Be Engaged and Completion Rates Maximized

Clients who are highly engaged in their treatment tend to enjoy longer-term sobriety. There are several ways to ensure that a client is fully engaged in their treatment. Most involve establishing relationships between clients, other enrollees and their counselors. Here are few proven variables that contribute to an atmosphere of engagement:

• The client’s confidence in the treatment
• Treatment plans that are clearly and explicitly outlined
• Provision of transport for those who have trouble making it to rehab or meetings
• Strong relationships between counselors and clients
• Strong secondary services and support

It is also important to note that partial treatment does not correlate to partial results. A client who completes 50 percent of a rehabilitation treatment plan is not likely to see half the results of someone who completes the entire regimen. Instead, the results they see will probably be much lower. A higher level of engagement encourages higher completion rates, which in turn leads to real, long-term results.

15. Length of Treatment Matters

At this stage in rehab research, it has been well established that longer treatment terms correlate to better recovery results. A general milestone is 90 days. Treatment periods shorter than this are less likely to achieve long-term results.

But this does not mean that alcohol rehab is not worth trying for those with less than three months to spare. There is plenty of evidence to suggest that brief interventions have their place in treatment. Furthermore, remaining in treatment for 90 days does not necessarily mean staying sequestered away in rehab the entire time. After an initial period of intensive treatment, clients may be able to effectively wean themselves off of treatment by enrolling in aftercare services that gradually reduce in intensity.

The previous article outlined the role that alcohol rehabilitation and loved ones can play in an alcoholic’s life. It pointed out that accessibility of treatment programs make a difference. A string of failed rehab visits can still contribute to ultimate success. And total abstinence may not be necessary in every case.

This installment looks deeper into the beliefs and thought patterns of alcoholics according to research published by Addiction Today, the National Addiction Centre and eATA. For alcohol treatment to be effective, it has to be flexible. Programs that cater to specific belief patterns and personality traits enjoy much higher rates of success. When looking for an alcohol rehab program, it is important to look for those that customize treatment to meet each client’s needs and situations.

The second set of five facts about alcohol and drug rehab look specifically at how a client’s belief systems, attitudes and understanding of relapse play into long-term recovery:

6. Client’s Beliefs Have to Be Considered

One of the most encouraging findings about alcohol rehabilitation is that a range of approaches will work. With this in mind, it is important that the client and addiction counselor work together to create an effective treatment regimen.

Evidence suggests that recovery programs are more effective when the client’s beliefs and worldview are taken into account. If a client adheres to a particular religion, then it is completely appropriate to tailor a rehabilitation program that takes these religious tenets into account. Opposite this, a program that contradicts a client’s beliefs or worldview is less likely to succeed.

7. Customized Rehab Is More Effective

No two clients are the same, and an alcohol rehab program that fails to realize this is doomed from the outset. There are many variables to consider in treating alcoholism. The use of medication, length of treatment, therapeutic approach and setting should all be taken into account.

One client may flourish in a rehab setting that is close to home, where friends and family can visit. Others may see better results if they withdraw and spend time working through their drinking problem in a more private setting. Pushing for a one-size-fits-all approach is ill-advised, and the rehab programs that recognize this enjoy higher rates of success.

8. Motivation and Belief in Oneself Matter

Motivation matters when it comes to treating alcoholism. The previous article pointed out that initial motivation does not correlate to successful recovery. However, any alcohol rehab program that aims for success has to engender motivation as part of the process.

Luckily, motivation is something that can be inspired in the course of treatment. A client has to believe in their own ability to change, and the desire to achieve recovery is essential to ending an addiction. Rehabilitation programs can enhance a client’s motivation and self-efficacy, and those that do so are significantly more effective.

9. Obstacles to Recovery Have to Be Considered

Some of the biggest obstacles to long-term recovery are the attitudes and beliefs that alcoholics develop over time. In many cases, the client may not even be aware of their own destructive beliefs. Addiction counselors are trained to identify these attitudes and address them in a constructive, non-aggressive way.

There are a few common but destructive beliefs that most alcoholics and drug addicts live by. One is that drinking or using are necessary in order to cope with daily life. When stress piles up or tragedy strikes, some alcoholics truly believe that drinking is the only way they can get by. Similarly, some addicts believe that having a good time is impossible unless they are intoxicated. For the clean and sober, it is easy to see the fallacy of these beliefs. However, alcoholics often need guidance in understanding the fundamental problems with these views.

10. Preventing Relapse is Essential

Dealing with relapse is precarious. Research indicates that backsliding can be a natural part of long-term recovery, and that it does not equate to utter failure. However, clients who accept this too readily may be more prone to letting a momentary backslide turn into full-blown relapse.

The goal of any comprehensive alcohol rehabilitation program is encouraging clients to prepare for the possibility of relapse without resigning themselves to its inevitability. Successful programs set time aside to strategize. The client and counselor can talk about potential relapse scenarios and how to deal with them. Along the way, it is important to underline that preparing for the potential to backslide does not mean that relapse prevention is not possible.

Related posts:

1. Facts about Drug & Alcohol Rehab – Part 1
2. A Day in the Life at Drug & Alcohol Rehab Asia