How Does Compassion Help with Substance Abuse Treatment?
Whether it be a friend, neighbor, or family member, many of us have someone in our lives that struggles with substance abuse. Sometimes, we may wonder what we can do to help them; others of us may actually feel resentment toward them, or question whether their support for that person is enabling their addiction. Finding substance abuse treatment is key to recovery. If your loved one has taken responsibility for their addiction by entering substance abuse treatment, the best thing you can do is show compassion for them, as treatment is not easy. In this article, we’ll explain compassion and how it can help someone in addiction treatment recover faster.
What Is Compassion?
Compassion is a fundamental human emotion. It involves recognizing the suffering of another person or people and feeling a genuine desire to help alleviate that suffering.
This goes beyond mere empathy, as it not only involves understanding the emotional state of another person but also actively seeking to provide support and assistance. This is the first prerequisite you need to help someone in treatment for substance abuse; by the same token, everyone in substance abuse treatment needs the people around them to show compassion so they can recover.
How Does Showing Compassion Help Substance Abuse Treatment?
Compassion is effective in substance abuse treatment because it addresses the root cause of addiction. Many people turn to drugs or alcohol as a way to cope with difficult emotions, trauma, or life circumstances. By showing compassion, we create a space where individuals feel accepted and supported, which can lead to a willingness to address these underlying issues.
What Is Substance Abuse Treatment?
Substance abuse treatment is a comprehensive approach to addressing the physical, emotional, and psychological aspects of addiction. It usually involves a combination of therapy to treat the roots of the addiction and any co-occurring mental illness with medication to suppress cravings or treat mental illness symptoms.
There are various therapeutic modalities, such as cognitive behavioral therapy, therapy for trauma, and dual diagnosis therapy for any co-occurring mental illness.
The primary goal of substance abuse treatment is to help individuals struggling with addiction develop healthy coping skills, overcome their dependency on substances, and maintain long-term sobriety.
South Coast Behavioral Health offers a variety of science-based-yet-compassionate substance abuse treatment programs in California.
Types of Substance Abuse Treatment Offered by SCBH
There are several types of substance abuse treatment offered by SCBH, including:
Inpatient Treatment
Our Residential Treatment in Costa Mesa, Irvine, and Huntington Beach provides a highly structured, supportive environment for individuals struggling with mental health or substance use disorders. Patients reside at the facility full-time, typically for a period of 30 to 90 days, and receive round-the-clock medical care and supervision.
These programs offer a range of therapies, including individual and group counseling, as well as medication management, recreational activities, and family support services.
Partial Hospitalization Programs (PHPs)
Partial Hospitalization Programs are a step down from inpatient treatment, offering a higher level of care than traditional outpatient programs. Patients who undertake Partial Hospitalization in Newport Beach typically receive treatment five to seven days a week, for several hours each day. They then return home later in the evening.
These programs provide intensive therapeutic interventions, such as group and individual therapy, skills training, and medication management, while enabling individuals to maintain some aspects of their daily routine and social support system.
Intensive Outpatient Programs (IOP)
Intensive Outpatient Programs are a less restrictive form of care, designed for those transitioning from inpatient residential treatment or partial hospitalization programs.
Patients receiving Intensive Outpatient Treatment in Newport Beach generally meet three to five days a week for a few hours per session, focusing on group therapy, individual counseling, and psychoeducation. This flexible treatment option allows participants to maintain their work or school commitments while receiving the support and therapeutic interventions necessary for recovery.
How Can I Help My Loved One Get Sober?
Here are some great ways you can help your loved one in getting sober:
- Educate yourself: Learn about substance abuse, addiction, and the recovery process. This
- knowledge will help you better understand what your loved one is going through and how you can best support them.
- Offer a listening ear: Be available to listen and offer emotional support without judgment. Active listening can go a long way in making your loved one feel heard and understood.
- Set boundaries: While it’s essential to support your loved one, you also need to take care of yourself. Establish healthy boundaries to protect your emotional well-being.
- Practice patience: Recovery is a long and challenging process that takes time. Be patient and understand that setbacks may occur, but with consistent support and compassion, your loved one can overcome addiction and achieve lasting sobriety.
While all of these are valid and compassionate ways to help your loved one, the best thing you can do is encourage him or her to seek substance abuse treatment. If you are struggling with drug and alcohol abuse, call us at 866-881-1184 or contact us here. Our highly qualified staff will be happy to help give you an idea of what to expect from substance abuse treatment and help with any other questions you may have.
