Relapse, or the fear of relapse, is one of the most challenging aspects addicts face in maintaining recovery. Whether the individual has stopped drug or alcohol abuse, smoking, disordered eating or any number of harmful behaviors, the anxiety around starting up again is daunting. Following any type of recovery treatment or after one or more periods of abstinence, the stress around wanting to stay clean can sometimes drive the person back to their old habits. In some cases shame and guilt may even result in suicide attempts.
It is important to understand and accept that ‘slips’ are common and can be recognized as temporary setbacks, and that healing from a long term addiction is a process that requires effort and support.
During treatment – especially if the treatment takes place in a safe environment away from the triggers and temptations of home – individuals are surrounded by supportive caregivers who offer positive reinforcement. Here at the Paradise Valley Healing Center we offer a toolbox of coping skills that includes relaxation and meditation techniques, massage, yoga, physical exercise, healthy meals and plenty of rest, as well as appropriate therapy to help address the causes of the addiction. At the end of the treatment, recovering addicts leave with new ways of being with self and others, a new perspective and plan to establish new healthy patterns in their lives.
Once back home, however, people need to be very focused and determined to continue practicing their new ways of being with self and others on their path to full recovery. It is necessary to nurture the new lifestyle routines in order to give them a chance to become fully ingrained habits. The first few months are the most difficult. Along with a positive approach to living a new life, the support and love of family and good friends are keys to success.
Those who participate in the four-week treatment program here at the center, automatically become part of the continuing care program we have created to support guests to access weekly counseling in their community for 12 weeks. Follow this link for more information on the continuing care program available through our Center.
The Paradise Valley Healing Center helps people with addictive behaviors “re-wire” their reward circuitry and create a new memory free from harmful cravings. Referred to as neuroplasticity, this re-wiring of the nervous system enables the brain to reorganize itself, enabling human beings to create new neural pathways through new experiences.
Under the guidance of the professional staff at the Center, emotional pain can be identified and experienced with safety and support not previously possible. This “re-wiring” can produce new empowering, liberating experiences and new choices that nourish the mind, body and spirit, can be revealed, thus bringing about healing and transformation.
Learn more about the programs that Paradise Valley Healing Center offers to assist in learning and integrating new, healthy ways of being to overcome addiction for a lifetime.