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Colusa County Recovery
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Therapy and Support Meetings in Maximizing Recovery Outcomes
Research has found that individuals who participate in both Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and support meetings are more likely to have long-term recovery outcomes. CBT is a form of psychotherapy that helps individuals identify negative thought patterns and behaviors and replace them with positive ones. By addressing both the cognitive and behavioral aspects of addiction, CBT can be an effective tool in helping individuals manage their addiction and maintain sobriety.
Support meetings can provide individuals with a sense of purpose and meaning in recovery. Many support meetings, such as those based on the 12-step model, incorporate spiritual or higher power beliefs that can help individuals develop a greater sense of self-awareness and motivation. However, it's important to recognize that everyone's recovery journey is unique and what works for one person may not work for another.
Some individuals may find the spiritual or higher power aspects of the 12-step model to be helpful in their recovery, while others may feel more comfortable with a secular or non-spiritual approach. That's why it's important to offer individuals a range of options and choices when it comes to support meetings and recovery models. This includes 12-step programs like Alcoholics Anonymous, but also secular models like SMART Recovery and LifeRing.
"Ultimately, the objective of support meetings is to provide individuals with a sense of community and social support, regardless of the model they choose," says Susan Wagenaar, founder of Colusa County Recovery. "Through these meetings, individuals can connect with others who understand their struggles and provide support and encouragement along the way."
"By addressing both the cognitive and behavioral aspects of addiction and providing individuals with a supportive community, individuals can have a better chance of achieving long-term recovery outcomes," reports Wagenaar, who herself overcame a substance use disorder in 2019 with the help of CBT and regular attendance at support meetings.
Cognitive-behavioral therapy has been proven to be effective for a range of conditions including depression, anxiety disorders, substance use disorders and more.
TOOL SHED
Clean and Sober Nation is a nationwide drug and alcohol recovery-support group on Facebook that was founded by Colusa County Recovery.
The Importance of Mental and Emotional Health in Sobriety
(Colusa County Recovery) - Achieving and maintaining sobriety is a complex journey that requires ongoing commitment and support. While abstaining from substance use is a critical component of recovery, it is equally important to address the underlying issues that may have led to addiction in the first place. This is where mental and emotional health comes into play.
According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), "Recovery from mental disorders and substance use disorders is a process of change through which individuals improve their health and wellness, live a self-directed life, and strive to reach their full potential." In other words, true recovery goes beyond simply stopping substance use; it involves healing and growth in all areas of life.
One of the most important aspects of mental and emotional health in sobriety is developing personal resilience. This includes building coping skills and healthy habits to manage stress, anxiety, and other difficult emotions that can trigger a relapse. As Susan Wagenaar, founder of Colusa County Recovery, points out, "In order to achieve long-term sobriety, individuals must focus on their well-being and personal resilience, which involves developing healthy habits that support their recovery journey."
“In addition to building resilience, addressing mental and emotional health issues through therapy, drug counseling, and support groups can also be crucial in maintaining sobriety,” says Wagenaar. “This can help individuals process past traumas or negative experiences that may have contributed to their addiction, as well as develop healthy communication skills and coping strategies.”
Ultimately, the journey to sobriety is a unique and personal one, but it is important to remember that mental and emotional health are integral components of the recovery process. With the right support, resources, and focus on mental and emotional health, individuals can achieve lasting sobriety and live their best life.
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What Is Moral Reconation Therapy (MRT) ?
MRT is a type of behavioral therapy designed to decrease the likelihood of someone returning to using chemical substances, including alcohol. It teaches people with substance use disorders how to focus on the moral aspects of their addiction, and the social consequences associated with using drugs and alcohol. MRT is generally conducted in a group setting and can easily be combined with one-on-one counseling, and 12-step or secular recovery meetings for extra layers of support. Which we highly recommend. Learn More
Screening Tools
In 2014, Mental Health America (MHA) launched its online mental health screening: a collection of online, free, confidential, anonymous, and scientifically validated screening tools to help individuals understand and learn more about their mental health. Since then, over 15 million screens have been taken—over 5 million in 2021 alone. Over 15,000 are taken per day. This makes this the largest data set ever collected from a help-seeking population.