“I told you I was trouble. You know that I’m no good” - lyrics, Amy Winehouse
Beginning in the 1930ies Alcoholics Anonymous and (later on) other Twelve Step Programs, such as Narcotics Anonymous or Sex & Love Addicts Anonymous have been providing regular meetings where an addict could see that she is not alone with their existential discomfort. Some addicts are able to stay sober through utilizing the spiritual principles, behavioral directives, and group support given.
Since then we have come a long way. RTC (Residential Treatment) or PHP (Partial Hospitalization), IOP (Intensive Outpatient Treatment), group, family and individual psychotherapy (inpatient or outpatient) by professionals, specializing in addiction treatment are offered to addicts with co-occurring disorders. It is best to start out with a high level of care and gradually transition to a lower level, if at all possible; for example, detox in a hospital (typically a few days), then residential (30-90 days) or PHP (30-90 days while residing at a sober living facility), then IOP (30-180 days or more), while also participating in psychotherapy and 12-step program (long-term basis) as a tightly-knit program of recovery. If that seems like a lot... I don’t know what to tell you. It’s a lifesaver when you’re pulled down by the progressive and ultimately lethal undertow of relapse and destruction.
Addiction is considered a primary illness. However, an estimated 85% of addicts/alcoholics have suffered some ACE (Adverse Childhood Experiences) or trauma in childhood (or later). They experience intense anxiety, depression, anger, mood fluctuations (as in Bipolar Disorder), or panic and flashbacks (as in Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder). They may lack social and life skills, which also affects self-esteem, as well as self-confidence. There is constant stress and discomfort. Consequently, addicts feel compelled to seek relief, self-medicating with substances, eating disorders, and/or sex & love addiction (or other process addictions) to “make it through the night.” Saying “No” just doesn’t appear to be an option. Without ongoing professional treatment they have little or no chance at a good life with long-term sobriety - they remain lifelong hostages of thought patterns, which trigger suffering. Such patients can have a long history of failed attempts at recovery. They often consider themselves “chronic relapsers” which is another way of saying that underlying issues have never been addressed properly.
With chemical dependency treatment, patients have the chance to establish a solid foundation for ongoing recovery. Group therapy is typically offered for a variety of topics, such as emotion regulation, anger management, relationships, relapse prevention, and meditation. Psychosocial education helps to fill in gaps in socialization when important life skills have not been acquired. In many cases a process of “re-parenting” is the agent of change.
For a patient who is suffering from unresolved trauma, the non-committal peer support supplied in self-help programs may just not be sufficient for lasting stabilization. This is where psychotherapy can make all the difference. It takes time and attention, and in many cases a committed relationship in a safe and supportive environment to work through and (eventually) heal adverse childhood experiences (ACE). Ideally, trust is established with the help of an experienced professional. Otherwise, the addict won’t be willing to let go of their habit of instant relief for the mere promise of gradual recovery. Eventually, the truth comes into focus and old issues cease to dominate.
Early recovery can be an amazing time - full of hope, excitement and fun. Through liberation from the past they can make a new beginning and allow for happiness.
“In psychotherapy I got used to telling the truth to someone.
It helped to confide in a person I could trust” – quote, AA speaker
Jasmin Rogg at www.voiceofrecovery.blogspot.com