Substance Abuse Counseling in Denver
Lasting Recovery?
Welcome to this safe space to learn more about the more or less predictable growth of people overcoming substance abuse. Unless you’ve had moderate success with a mental health professional who has never abused a substance or been in intense pain you are saying, “Has she been an addict or an alcoholic?” I have to admit that for over a year of my life I had issues with alcohol, but was able to stop on my own. Many people can stop themselves, but for many, many reasons some people need additional support.
First of all, my experience in the last two years has been with people struggling with either Opiate Substance Use Disorder (SUD) or Alcohol SUD, severe or moderate. Many times people were also struggling with meth, cocaine, and illicit prescription use; and needed treatment for mental health issue such as anxiety, depression, bi-polar and schizophrenia. My credentials, MA and LAC, means that I can understand the latest research findings, that I have the education, training and skills from my experience as a Licensed Addictions Counselor to help you overcome Substance Use Disorder.
Let’s talk about your recovery. In simple words, what I’ve observed is people having a safe space to share and discover themselves enable them to move from lost relationships to initially re-establishing a healthy routine, setting healthy goals and caring about themselves. They step out of the fog and re-connect with their bodies, hearts, minds and souls. At the same time many start working again and rebuilding trust in their personal lives and at work. Finally clients will begin giving back to the community. There is a wonderful and amazing metamorphosis just waiting for you.
For more detailed phases the recovery process looks like this:
Orientation (weeks 1-2)
Experiencing weekly or bi-weekly counseling. Learning about addiction and recovery (ie coping skills, emotional regulation, 12-steps and other recovery programs). Having emotions, both comfortable and uncomfortable. Beginning to open up and share honestly in therapy or in groups with peers. Bringing exercise and healthier eating and living habits (i.e. sleep, hygiene, eating and self-care) into daily life. Completing a Relapse Prevention Plan.
Settling (weeks 3-4)
Adjusting to counseling weekly, new daily structure and routine. Creating daily recovery routine (i.e. prayer, meditation, inspirational reading, journaling, and exercise). Trying new coping skills in response to daily stress and uncomfortable emotions. Increased awareness and understanding of addiction. Reflection on impact that substance use had on your life and relationships. Exploring root causes of addiction (i.e. past trauma, unmet childhood needs, coping with pain). Experiencing more safety in individual and group sessions resulting in honesty and vulnerability. Feeling more comfortable in 12-step and other recovery meetings; working the steps.
Aftercare planning begins the first week of recovery by identifying your goals and needs. The plan supports your needs to live a life of recovery after completing treatment. The counselor assists all clients in obtaining continuing care services and support you may need.
Integrating (weeks 4-8)
Incorporating coping skills into daily life and developing consistency with recovery routines. Exploring root causes, developing distress tolerance, and compassionate presence with emotions, increasing internal motivation. Experiencing safety in group therapy, honest and vulnerable sharing, providing thoughtful feedback and reflections to peers. Actively working with a mentor or sponsor, participating in 12-step meetings, and becoming a role model for peers. Exploring family/relationship challenges and dynamics, possibility for starting family therapy sessions. Continue aftercare planning.
Transitioning (weeks 8-12)
Stepping down to less frequent therapy sessions and practicing all the good things you’ve been doing the last 8 weeks. Facilitating your relationship with yourself and your emotions with a focus on the root causes of substance use disorder and current manifestations of addictive behavior/thinking. Addressing daily life challenges as you integrate back into family, work and society. Finalizing all aftercare planning and clarifying long term goals. Continuing with individual and family therapy if needed.
Relapses
Clients may not come to sessions intoxicated. This is based on the honor system. You will be asked to reschedule and be billed for that session.
Conclusion
Wow, was that too much detail or what? Hopefully you are excited, you may be feeling a little overwhelmed, to begin your final journey of recovery. You will not be alone. You will have lots of resources, tools and I am there with you. Call 720- 577-5985 to schedule your free 15 minute consultation.
