One of the few people to be directly mentioned in the primary text of the 12-Step program Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) was William James. James, who is often considered one of the forefathers of psychology and a great contributor to modern addiction recovery in its early stages, discussed what it means to slowly recover rather than have an instantaneous “spiritual awakening.” This is one of the ways we approach treatment at The Phoenix Recovery Center.
Rather than rush a critical experience, we prepare our clients for the next steps of long-term recovery. The idea of “growth” is paramount at our recovery center. While initially turning the corner of reducing dependence from active addiction is essential, working on the root causes of one’s addiction is just as important.
At The Phoenix Recovery Center, we have the ability to not only present an unmatched rehab environment, but also have the programs in place to help our clients move on from our doors and into society. From here, our clients will be able to take the next right steps rather than step back into their old dangerous and detrimental behaviors.
Planning for Long-Term Recovery
William James also touted the importance of focused forward momentum in life and not dwelling on the past. He once stated, “Acceptance of what has happened is the first step to overcoming the consequences of any misfortune.” We believe that this declaration applies directly to our philosophy at our recovery center.
Our goal is not simply to help our clients “get sober.” We believe that when the focus is on sobriety rather than recovery, it can have unfortunate consequences down the road. What do we mean by “recovery rather than sobriety?” What we mean is that alcohol or substances are a symptom of the overall disorder.
We feel that treating the root causes that underly the behavior of addiction is critically important to long-term recovery. Yes, our state-of-the-art recovery center can get our clients sober, but if there is no plan to stay sober in a healthy and fulfilling way, then the chances of relapse can be relatively high.
Life After Treatment at The Phoenix Recovery Center
One of the primary tenets of recovery in 12-Step programs is “one person in recovery helping another.” We believe in this philosophy as well. Patients at the Phoenix undergo personal, individualized treatment, as well as group therapy to help them find peers and stay motivated through the recovery process.
But what do the next steps of a healthy life look like after leaving The Phoenix Recovery Center? The first step is determining a healthy living situation. Whether in a sober living facility or a healthy home environment, being around people who also care about recovery is crucial to maintaining sobriety.
One of the next steps is also making sure that the client has the tools and resources to stay connected to the recovery community. Whether through a 12-Step program, recovery companionship, or individual or group therapy, relating to others who specialize in addiction recovery or have been through it themselves can be incredibly helpful.
Maintaining a Healthy Recovery
To quote William James again, “Success or failure depends more upon attitude than upon capacity successful men act as though they have accomplished or are enjoying something. Soon it becomes a reality. Act, look, feel successful, conduct yourself accordingly, and you will be amazed at the positive results.” After leaving our recovery center, it is all about taking the next right action.
Understanding and avoiding the “people, places, and things” that can trigger craving and relapse is one of the best ways to maintain a healthy long-term recovery. Before leaving our recovery center, we try to impart what those things look like to each of our clients. We feel that taking a uniquely individualized approach to each of our clients also greatly increases their chances of recovery.
No one’s addiction journey is the same, and no one’s recovery should be the same, either. While it may seem contradictory, we try to impart that having an individual plan that involves the help of others is a great way to approach long-term recovery.
Utilizing Recovery to Help Others
Many people that enter a recovery center for alcohol or substance use disorder feel ashamed of their past behavior. This is understandable, as the life of active addiction can take us to negative places that we once thought unthinkable of going to.
However, after going through our treatment program, we hope that our clients understand that their personal story, which used to bring them shame, can now be used as their greatest asset in helping others. This is the amazing cycle of unified recovery.
James also said, “The greatest use of a life is to spend it on something that will outlast it.” This is why our primary purpose is to help our clients recover because we know that a life saved at our recovery center is also an opportunity to save many lives we will never see.
We understand that recovery does not end once a client leaves our care. That is why we make it a point to focus on the steps after the initial treatment program. Whether it is a sober living house, acquiring a recovery coach, or entering a group program, we can help get you where you need to be. For more information, call The Phoenix Recovery Center at (801) 438-3185.
