The Benefits of Dual Diagnosis Treatment

A therapist works with a client in a dual diagnosis treatment program.

According to the SAMHSA, around 21.5 million adults in the U.S. have a co-occurring disorder. A co-occurring disorder is when an individual is struggling with both a mental illness and substance use disorder. Left untreated, a co-occurring disorder can lead to life-threatening consequences. This is why seeking the right care to treat both conditions at the same time is essential. In this article, you’ll learn more about the benefits of dual diagnosis treatment and why it’s so critical to get the right care.

 

At Veritas Detox, we are a leading drug and alcohol detox center committed to helping patients safely and effectively overcome addiction and achieve long-lasting sobriety. We understand that each patient’s recovery journey is uniquely different. That’s why we offer a comprehensive range of treatments, from dual diagnosis treatment to drug and alcohol detox treatment, to support you along your road to recovery. Ready to start your recovery journey? Contact us today!

5 Benefits of Dual Diagnosis Treatment 

Dual diagnosis treatment is essential for individuals struggling with a co-occurring disorder. Unfortunately, sometimes co-occurring disorders can be difficult to spot. This is why seeking a professional diagnosis is important if you suspect you’re struggling with a mental illness and addiction.

If you are struggling with a co-occurring, below are several benefits of dual diagnosis treatment.

1. Treats Both Conditions at the Same Time

First, dual diagnosis treats both a mental illness and substance use disorder at the same time. This is essential to ensure individuals suffering from a co-occurring disorder get the right care that they need to best recover and lead a healthier life. Failure to treat one condition, but not the other condition can increase your risk of relapsing. This is why if you suspect you may be struggling with a co-occurring disorder you seek a treatment center that offers dual diagnosis treatment. 

2. Reduces Risk of Relapse

As mentioned above, failure to treat a co-occurring disorder effectively can increase your risk of relapse in the future. For example, if an individual is struggling with alcohol addiction and PTSD, if that individual treats their addiction and gets sober, but doesn’t address their PTSD, then their mental health disorder will increase their risk of relapsing with drugs or alcohol in the future. This is because the individual will have a difficult time coping with their PTSD symptoms because they likely turned to alcohol to relieve these symptoms. 

3. Improves Overall Mental Health and Well-Being

Next, since dual diagnosis treatment addresses both addiction and mental illness, this inevitably helps improve an individual’s mental health and well-being. Many people struggling with untreated mental health disorders may oftentimes turn to drugs or alcohol as a means to try and cope with their mental illness. However, rather than managing their mental illness symptoms, consistent drug abuse only leads to dependency and addiction. 

4. Offers a More Personalized Treatment Plan

Dual diagnosis treatment also offers tailored treatment so you can receive the best possible care to treat both conditions simultaneously. It’s crucial you receive the right care for your co-occurring disorder because, as discussed previously, a failure to treat both conditions can increase your likelihood of relapse. 

5. Improves Overall Quality of Life

Finally, dual diagnosis treatment improves your overall health and quality of life for the better long-term. If you are struggling with a co-occurring disorder, you need to treat both conditions at the same time. You cannot ignore one condition hoping that getting sober will inevitably cure your mental illness. This is why comprehensive dual diagnosis treatment that helps you overcome addiction while managing your mental illness symptoms is so important. 

Ready to Lead a Healthier, Happier Life? 

As you can see, there are several benefits of dual diagnosis treatment for those struggling with a co-occurring disorder. Failure to treat both conditions at the same time can greatly increase your risk of relapse. This is why it’s critical to not only seek treatment if you are struggling with addiction and mental illness but also seek the right treatment to effectively overcome addiction and manage your mental illness symptoms. 

At Veritas Detox, our team of compassionate addiction specialists is here to help you every step of the way along your road to recovery. We understand how debilitating a disease addiction is. That’s why we offer a wide range of treatment options and programs to ensure you receive the tailored care you need to best support your recovery journey. Contact us today to learn more about how we can best support your sobriety journey. 

The Role of Peer Support in Addiction Recovery

A man talks in a peer support group for addiction recovery.

Addiction can be a very isolating disease. Not only does it fracture relationships with loved ones, but it can also destroy your sense of self and self-confidence. Substance abuse treatment programs can help you overcome addiction by equipping you with valuable coping skills, but one of the most important tools it can provide is peer support. In an addiction treatment program, you’ll be surrounded by peers who share similar struggles and experiences as you, and their support can be crucial to helping to maintain your sobriety. Keep reading to learn more about the role of peer support in addiction recovery. 

At Veritas Detox, we are a leading drug and alcohol detox center in California that helps patients break free from the chains of addiction so they can lead a healthier, happier life. Whether you are struggling with addiction or a dual diagnosis, our drug rehab is here to help you every step of the way to regain control of your life Contact us today to learn more about how we can best support your road to recovery.  

Five Roles of Peer Support in Addiction Recovery

Research has found peer support groups to be promising in addiction treatment. Below are several roles peer support serves in addiction recovery. 

1. Accountability

First, peer support provides a sense of accountability and motivation to maintain your progress in your recovery journey. Many of the peers you meet in addiction recovery likely share stories, struggles, and experiences similar to your own. This makes you feel less alone in your recovery journey, and it provides a sense of accountability to not fall victim to triggers or urges to abuse drugs. 

2. Emotional Support

Next, peer support offers emotional support, which is critical along your road to recovery. Many people who struggle with addiction also may be facing other hardships, such as mental illness, family challenges, financial struggles, and more. Peer support allows you to be open and honest about your emotions with other people who can typically relate to what you are going through. For example, group therapy sessions can be a great opportunity for you to open up about your struggles, as well as listen to other peers who may be facing similar struggles.

3. Inspiration

Peer support also provides a sense of inspiration and hope that you are not alone in your fight against addiction. It can be extremely helpful to know someone who has once been in the same situation. For example, having a mentor or knowing someone who has effectively overcome addiction and maintained sobriety can be an inspiration and help give you hope and motivation that you can overcome addiction and maintain long-term sobriety, too. 

4. Meaningful Connection

Peer support also provides an opportunity to build meaningful connections with others. This is because sharing your struggles with addiction can be quite vulnerable. However, this vulnerability provides an opportunity to connect with others who understand your struggles. It allows you to build a connection founded on being open and honest about what you may be going through. 

5. Community

The role of peer support in addiction recovery is also to help you build a community you can lean on for support in recovery and beyond. Not only is it beneficial to be surrounded by people who understand what you’re going through in addiction recovery, but it’s also helpful to feel like you belong in a group or community. Unfortunately, many people in recovery may have lost relationships with loved ones because of their addiction. Peer support allows them to start rebuilding relationships while also forming new friendships with peers in recovery. 

Break Free of Addiction Once and For All

Now you know more about the role of peer support in addiction recovery. Peer support can greatly help your road to recovery. Not only does peer support create a sense of community that you are not alone in your fight against addiction, but it also provides a sense of accountability to maintain your sobriety journey.

If you or someone you know is struggling with addiction, it’s critical you seek professional support on your road to recovery. At Veritas Detox, we are here to help you overcome addiction and achieve life-long sobriety. Our addiction treatment center offers a range of programs, including detox services and inpatient care. Contact us today to learn how you can lead a healthier, happier life.

What to Expect in Life After Addiction Treatment

A smiling woman hugs her husband in a display of support, a key component to maintain sobriety in life after addiction treatment.

Seeking professional addiction treatment can be a highly effective way to achieve long-lasting sobriety. However, it’s important to recognize that treatment doesn’t guarantee sobriety for the rest of your life. Addiction recovery is a lifelong journey. In this article, we’ll explore life after addiction treatment so you can discover ways to thrive post-treatment without jeopardizing your sobriety. 

Veritas Detox is a top-rated drug and alcohol detox center that’s committed to helping clients safely and effectively achieve long-term sobriety. Our drug rehab offers a variety of treatment options and programs to ensure you receive the best possible care. Ready to start your road to recovery? Contact us today!

How to Rebuild Your Life After Addiction Treatment

Overcoming addiction and seeking addiction treatment is just the beginning of your road to recovery. Addiction recovery is a life-long journey that can be filled with many ups and downs. Keep reading to learn what you can expect with life after addiction treatment below.

Prioritizing Long-Term Sobriety 

In order to continue to thrive after addiction treatment, you must continue to prioritize your sobriety. Unfortunately, addiction treatment doesn’t guarantee life-long sobriety. In fact, around 40-60% of people who are treated for substance use disorders relapse. This statistic highlights the importance of using healthy coping skills in life after addiction treatment. It’s also important to avoid any triggers that may increase your risk of falling back into old unhealthy habits. 

Just because you completed professional addiction treatment doesn’t mean you no longer can ask for help. If you find you are struggling with cravings or urges to abuse drugs, you can consider seeking outpatient treatment or attending a support group to keep you accountable on your recovery journey. 

Joining Support Groups

As mentioned above, joining a support group can be a great way to help maintain your sobriety. Support groups allow you to connect with peers who share struggles and experiences similar to yours. This can help you form healthy relationships with others who understand what you are going through. Support groups also serve as an important source of motivation and accountability as you progress along your sobriety journey. 

Rebuilding Relationships with Loved Ones

Addiction often can fracture relationships with loved ones. Therefore, after addiction treatment, it’s critical you make strides to rebuild these relationships you may have hurt while you were struggling with addiction. It’s important to understand that rebuilding relationships may take time. This can include asking for forgiveness and showing your friends and family members just how meaningful they are to you and your life. Your friends and family members will likely become your greatest supporters that you can lean on throughout your recovery journey. 

Healthy Lifestyle Changes

After addiction treatment, it’s important to continue to prioritize healthy lifestyle changes, such as maintaining a consistent exercise routine, eating a balanced diet, and getting quality sleep. Although cravings to abuse drugs may be unavoidable (even after treatment), these healthy lifestyle changes can help you build your physical and mental strength and well-being so you are best equipped to resist the urge to fall back to old unhealthy habits. 

Forgiveness and Giving Back to Others

Finally, life after addiction treatment will include forgiveness. Not only will you be asking for forgiveness from those you may have hurt as you struggled with your addiction, but you will also be forgiving others who may have hurt you in the past. Forgiveness is a critical component on your road to recovery so that you can let go of the past and forge a healthier, happier future.  

Top-Rated Drug Rehab in California

Life after addiction treatment is exciting. However, it’s essential that you prioritize your sobriety journey, even after treatment. This may look like joining a support group to keep you accountable, as well as incorporating healthy lifestyle habits and changes into your daily life. If you or someone you know is struggling with addiction, it’s critical you seek professional support to break free of addiction once and for all. 

At Veritas Detox, our team of compassionate addiction specialists is here to help you every step of the way on your road to recovery, from detox to aftercare planning. Our luxury residential inpatient rehab offers a wide range of programs to help you find sustainable recovery.

Contact us today to learn more.

Overcoming Stigma in Treatment

People hug in a group therapy session, providing support to overcome stigma in treatment.

Millions of Americans struggle with addiction each year. Unfortunately, drug addiction is a common disease. And yet, many people struggling with addiction face stigma from the world for their condition, which can ultimately hinder many people from seeking the professional help they need to safely overcome addiction and achieve sobriety. In this article, you’ll learn more about how overcoming stigma in treatment is possible, so you can focus on breaking free of your addiction once and for all. 

Veritas Detox is a leading drug and alcohol detox center in California that provides personalized treatment to help you break free of addiction for good. Addiction is an isolating disease that is difficult to overcome all on your own. That’s why our drug rehab offers a wide range of treatment options and programs to help you safely detox and progress along your road to recovery. Contact us today to learn more about how we can best support your recovery journey. 

How to Overcome Stigma in Treatment 

Many people struggling with substance abuse issues face stigma and judgment from others regarding their addiction. This stigma can unfortunately keep many people from seeking the essential care they need out of fear of being judged by others. Keep reading to learn how overcoming stigma in treatment is possible so you can effectively progress along your road to recovery. 

1. Ask for Help

First, don’t be afraid to ask for help in treatment and beyond. While you are receiving treatment, be upfront and honest about your struggles. You should never let fear of judgment keep you from getting all the help you need to effectively overcome addiction. Being honest about your struggles and asking for help opens up the conversation that addiction is a common condition that many people struggle with. 

2. Don’t Listen to Negative Self-Talk

Judgment and stigma don’t just come from other people–they can also come from your own thoughts. Therefore, don’t listen to negative self-talk during treatment that may be hindering your recovery journey. Negative self-talk can keep you from achieving long-term sobriety and can also hurt your mental health and well-being. 

3. Join a Support Group 

Joining a support group is another highly effective way to overcome stigma in treatment and beyond. Whether you join a support group or attend group therapy in treatment, these programs give you the opportunity to connect with others who share similar experiences and struggles. This is essential so you can feel less alone about your personal struggles with addiction. Plus, discussing your addiction in a group setting like a support group opens up the conversation and makes people feel more comfortable and safe talking about their addiction struggles without the fear of being judged.

4. Share Your Personal Story

Similar to the last point, another powerful way you can overcome stigma in treatment is by sharing your personal story with addiction if you feel comfortable doing so. Sharing your personal struggles with addiction does two important things. First, it helps you make progress in your recovery journey, because you are talking openly about your addiction. Secondly, it helps others on their road to recovery, because it reduces the perceived feeling of shame or judgment that many people in recovery can feel. 

5. Educate Yourself and Others About the Dangers of Addiction

Finally, it’s important to educate yourself and others about the dangers of addiction. This includes discussing how prevalent addiction is in today’s world. Unfortunately, many people, especially young people, abuse and experiment with drugs because they don’t understand how dangerous they can be. However, spreading more awareness about the dangers of drug addiction can help dissuade others from abusing and experimenting with drugs themselves. 

Leading Addiction Treatment Center 

Overcoming stigma in treatment is crucial so you can get the help you need without fear of judgment from others. From asking for help from others to sharing your own personal story of addiction, there are several ways in which overcoming stigma in treatment is possible so you can help yourself, and others, achieve long-term sobriety without fear of shame or judgment.

Veritas Detox is an addiction treatment center that can help. We understand that each recovery journey is different. That’s why our compassionate team of addiction specialists is here to help you every step of the way to make sure you receive the right care to best support your recovery needs. 

Ready to find your path to recovery? Contact us today! 

The Impact of Trauma on Addiction and Recovery

According to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, about 13 million Americans had PTSD in 2020. Unfortunately, most people experience a traumatic event in their lifetime. Left untreated, trauma can hurt your health and quality of life. People suffering from unresolved trauma may turn to drugs or alcohol to cope. Keep reading to learn more about the impact of trauma on addiction and recovery so you can learn how to lead a healthier, happier life. 

Veritas Detox, we are a top-rated drug and alcohol detox center in California that provides individualized support so you can safely and effectively overcome addiction. Whether you are looking for a luxury alcohol rehab or drug abuse treatment, we provide a comprehensive range of treatment programs to best support your road to recovery. Contact us today to learn how we can help you break free of addiction. 

How Trauma Increases Your Risk of Addiction

Millions of people struggle with trauma. Unfortunately, many people ignore their trauma and push it aside, hoping it will just go away on its own with time. However, failure to heal from your trauma can often lead to greater consequences over time. This is because unresolved trauma can be painful and upsetting and could even lead some people to turn to drugs or alcohol to cope with their trauma. While this may help temporarily relieve feelings of pain and suffering, drugs and alcohol will never heal your trauma.

In fact, abusing drugs or alcohol may lead to eventual drug dependency and addiction, which can further harm your overall health and quality of life. That’s why it’s important that, if you are struggling with untreated trauma, you seek professional support to heal. Otherwise, your unresolved trauma can increase your potential risk of turning to drugs or alcohol to cope. 

Why You Need to Treat Trauma Along Your Recovery Journey

If you suspect you are struggling with unresolved trauma and addiction, it’s critical you seek professional treatment for both conditions at the same time. This is because the impact of trauma on addiction is significant, such that if you overcome addiction but still don’t address and heal your trauma, you are at a much greater risk of relapsing in the future. 

Therefore, if you are struggling with both trauma and drug addiction, it’s important you seek support from a drug rehab that offers treatment for both conditions. This way, you can receive the support you need. Additionally, you’ll learn more about potential triggers to avoid, as well as coping strategies you can use in everyday life to support your road to recovery. 

All in all, while unresolved trauma doesn’t guarantee that you’ll develop and struggle with drug addiction, trauma does significantly increase your risk of turning to drugs and alcohol, which can further impact your health and quality of life for the worse. 

Healing from Trauma and Addiction

Unfortunately, many people struggling with unresolved trauma may turn to drugs or alcohol to cope. While drugs may provide temporary relief, drug abuse can not only lead to addiction, but it also doesn’t treat the source of your trauma. That’s why it’s critical that, if you are suffering from trauma and addiction, you seek the right professional support to take back control over your health and quality of life. 

If you or someone you know is struggling with addiction, help is available! At Veritas Detox, our team of experienced addiction specialists is here to help you every step of the way on your road to recovery. Our aim is to help people struggling with addiction break free of addiction for good and achieve long-term sobriety so they can embrace a healthier, happier life. Contact us today to learn more about how our holistic treatment center in Los Angeles can help you regain control of your life.

How Mental Health Impacts Detox

Detoxing is the first necessary step in every individual’s recovery from drug and alcohol addiction. Detoxing without question can be difficult, both physically and mentally. Because detoxing can be so overwhelming on your mind and body, it’s important to realize how mental health impacts detox.

At Veritas Detox, we are a top-rated drug and alcohol detox center in California that provides clients with a personalized and holistic approach to breaking free of addiction once and for all. Whether you are looking for a drug and alcohol detox in Los Angeles or dual diagnosis treatment, we offer a range of treatments so you can receive the right care for your unique recovery needs. Contact us today to learn how you can start your road to recovery. 

Why Detoxing is Difficult for Your Mental Health

Detoxing is the first step toward overcoming addiction. Detoxing can be difficult on your physical and mental health. This is because you are going from abusing drugs to getting sober, which means your mind and body have to significantly adapt to getting clean. This can result in the client experiencing uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms ranging from physical symptoms like headaches or nausea to psychological symptoms like irritability or anxiety. Therefore, mental health impacts detox just as much as detoxing can temporarily impact your mental well-being. 

Although detoxing can be hard on your mental health temporarily due to uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms, it’s a necessary step all individuals struggling with addiction must take to overcome substance abuse. This is why it’s so important to seek professional help if you are looking to start your addiction recovery journey. Many people who try to detox on their own oftentimes struggle and relapse, which can only negatively impact their mental health even more. That’s why it’s critical you seek professional support to safely and effectively detox and progress along your sobriety journey. 

The Importance of Seeking Dual Diagnosis Treatment

It’s also important to seek the right treatment for your unique recovery needs. Some addicts who are detoxing may be struggling with a co-occurring disorder, which means they are struggling with both a mental and substance use disorder. Millions of people struggle with co-occurring disorders each year. This can make it that much more difficult for an individual to achieve sobriety. 

Therefore, it’s critical the individual seek dual diagnosis treatment to help them not only improve their mental health symptoms but also help them effectively progress along their road to sobriety. Otherwise, failure to treat your mental illness while you seek addiction treatment only increases your risk of relapsing and thus jeopardizes your likelihood of achieving long-term sobriety. 

Why Your Mental Health is Important During Recovery

Your mental health and well-being don’t just impact your detoxification process, but it also impacts every step of your recovery journey. This is why it is so important you address any underlying mental health issues you may be struggling with during treatment. Otherwise, your mental illness can raise your risk of relapsing as many people with untreated mental disorders often turn to drugs or alcohol to help relieve their symptoms. 

Many drug rehabs today offer both substance abuse treatment and mental health treatment so you can receive the right care you need to best support your recovery needs. Plus, improving your mental health and well-being will help you lead a healthier, happier life which inevitably supports your ability to achieve long-term sobriety. 

Help Is Available 

Your mental health impacts detox more than you might think. This is why it’s so critical that if you are struggling with both an underlying mental health issue and drug addiction you seek treatment for both conditions at the same time. Otherwise, an untreated mental disorder can impact your recovery journey and increase your risk of relapsing which can potentially lead to life-threatening consequences. 

At Veritas Detox, our team is here to help you every step of the way on your road to recovery. You should never feel too afraid or ashamed to ask for help in taking back control over your life. We offer a range of treatments to ensure our clients can safely and effectively overcome addiction and achieve long-lasting sobriety. Ready to start your recovery journey? Contact us today!

How Long is Medical Detox?

Detoxing is the first necessary step in every individual’s recovery from substance abuse. Detoxing can bring about uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms and, depending on the severity of your addiction, can potentially be life-threatening. That’s why medical detox is highly recommended, especially for those overcoming severe cases of addiction. In this article, you’ll learn more about what is medical detox, how long is medical detox, and so much more.

Veritas Detox is a top-rated drug and alcohol detox center in California that’s committed to helping patients safely and effectively achieve lasting sobriety. You should never feel afraid to ask for help in taking back control over your life. Contact us today to learn more about how we can best support your road to recovery. 

What is Medical Detox?

Before diving into the question “how long is medical detox,” it’s first important to understand what medical detox is. Detoxification entails ridding the body of the substance it has become addicted to. Depending on the severity of an individual’s substance use disorder, some people may experience life-threatening withdrawal symptoms. 

All individuals struggling with substance abuse experience withdrawal symptoms as their body adapts from using drugs to not taking them; however, the severity and duration of these withdrawal symptoms depend upon the severity of your addiction. For example, research on the complications of alcohol withdrawal details the range of uncomfortable and even life-threatening symptoms, from seizures to sleep disturbances, that can occur as you detox from alcohol. Medical detox helps people overcome addiction and uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms with the help of medical professionals.

During medical detox, you are under the supervision of medical professionals who can provide comfort and support as you overcome withdrawal symptoms. In some severe cases, you may be given medications to help your body adjust during the detoxification process. 

How Long is Medical Detox?

Now that you know what medical detox entails, you may be wondering “How long is medical detox?” Medical detox can vary depending on a wide variety of factors, from the severity of your addiction to your age and gender. Below are three key factors that can influence how long your medical detox will last. 

 

Severity of Your Addiction

One of the most important factors that impact the timeline of your medical detox is the severity of your addiction. For example, someone who’s only been addicted to drugs for a few months most likely will have a faster time transitioning through the withdrawal process than someone else who has been struggling with drug addiction for years. Typically, most recovering individuals take around one week to detox and overcome withdrawal symptoms. However, individuals struggling with more severe cases of addiction can struggle for up to two weeks or longer. 

 

General Health Factors

Next, general health and lifestyle factors are more variables that can impact the length of time you take to effectively detox. For example, factors like your age, gender, or metabolism can impact how fast (or slow) your body is able to overcome the withdrawal process so you can then progress along your path to recovery. 

 

Specific Detox Protocol 

Finally, your unique detox protocol will impact the length of your detoxification process. During your medical detox, you may be advised to gradually taper off the substance you abuse. While this can extend the length of time it takes for your body to detox, it can greatly help minimize withdrawal symptoms so your body isn’t completely shocked. Depending on your unique addiction history and treatment plan, your team of medical professionals will determine which path through the withdrawal process may be best suited to your recovery needs. 

Help Is Available 

Medical detox ensures that individuals struggling with a severe form of addiction can safely and effectively detox and overcome uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms so that they can take steps toward long-term recovery.

At Veritas Detox, we’re here to help you break free of your addiction once and for all. No longer do you have to remain chained to old unhealthy habits keeping you from being the healthiest, happiest version of yourself. Our drug and alcohol detox in Los Angeles can help you get through detox and transition to other levels of care at our luxury residential inpatient rehab. With a range of treatment options available, we’re here to help you every step of the way to regain control over your life. Contact us today!

The Benefits of Psychodrama Therapy in Addiction Recovery

Often, behind an individual’s addiction exists a range of hidden feelings, emotions, and traumatic experiences they have suppressed over the years. It can be extremely difficult to deal with negative emotions and trauma all on one’s own. Unfortunately, many people who do not effectively heal and address these negative feelings may turn to drugs or alcohol to cope. In this article, you’ll learn more about what is psychodrama and how psychodrama group therapy can help you work through strong feelings you may have suppressed so you can lead a healthier life.

At Veritas Detox, we are a premier drug and alcohol detox center in California that’s helped many patients break free of addiction. No two recovery journeys are ever the same. That’s why we offer personalized care to support your unique recovery needs. Our compassionate team at our San Fernando Valley drug rehab is here to help you every step of the way on your road to recovery. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you take back your life.  

What is Psychodrama?

Before diving into the many benefits of psychodrama group therapy for your recovery, it’s first essential to answer an important question: what is psychodrama? Psychodrama is a type of therapy that’s used to uncover root issues to promote healing in addiction recovery. Oftentimes, people turn to drugs and alcohol to find relief and cope with challenging emotions and circumstances in their lives. However, sometimes knowing why or what you are trying to suppress through drugs can be complicated and multi-faceted.

This is where psychodrama comes in. Psychodrama uses role-play and guided drama to help the individual work through traumatic experiences or strong feelings they may have suppressed. Trauma is extremely common, with one study finding that 70% of respondents reported being exposed to a traumatic event. Psychodrama helps process and heal trauma and other strong emotions in a healthy manner.

Because psychodrama involves role-playing, it is done in a group setting where a therapist guides the session among you and your peers with the goal of helping you heal from these suppressed negative experiences and feelings.

All in all, psychodrama aims to reenact certain experiences or circumstances of your past so you can heal and work through those struggles more effectively, rather than turning to drugs or alcohol to suppress them. 

Benefits of Psychodrama Therapy in Recovery

Now that you know more about what psychodrama is, let’s explore the many benefits psychodrama therapy can have on your addiction recovery journey. 

Work Through Strong Emotions in a Safe Space

Uncovering strong emotions or traumatic experiences from your past can be extremely challenging and uncomfortable. Psychodrama provides a safe space among a therapist and peers you can trust so you can effectively work through those emotions with others.

Build Trust and Support in A Group Setting

As previously mentioned above, the group aspect of psychodrama provides support essential to uncovering and understanding your struggles more clearly. Not only is group involvement essential for the role-playing aspect of psychodrama, but it also gives you support and feedback from others who can help you uncover those strong emotions of your past. 

Use Real-Time Action to Work Through Issues

The whole point of suppressing emotions and experiences through drugs and alcohol is for you to try to forget those issues, rather than facing them head-on. Therefore, it can be difficult to fully heal these suppressed emotions through certain therapies, like talk therapy, all on its own. Psychodrama allows you to reenact certain experiences and issues through real-time action so you can work through those feelings in a healthy manner. Plus, it teaches you how you can handle those difficult situations in the future, rather than turning to drugs to cope. 

Ready to Start Your Road to Recovery?

Now you know more about how psychodrama group therapy can help you work through past trauma that is getting in the way of leading a healthy life. You should never feel like you need to hide, ignore, or abuse drugs to cope with negative experiences of your past. If you’re struggling with drug addiction, it’s critical you seek professional support to regain control of your life for the better.

At Veritas Detox, our team of caring addiction specialists is here to help you regain control of your health. Gone are the days of struggling in silence with your addiction. Our holistic treatment center in Los Angeles offers a comprehensive range of treatment options and programs so you can receive the right care for your unique recovery needs. Ready to start your recovery journey? Contact us today!

Navigating Sober Living with Chronic Pain

Learning how to manage chronic pain while overcoming addiction can be challenging. Unfortunately, many people who live with chronic pain are prescribed opioids to manage their pain. While opioids used short-term can help manage severe pain, opioids should never be used to address long-term pain. This is because opioids are a highly addictive substance that has the potential to lead to life-threatening consequences if abused. If you’re struggling to manage chronic pain in recovery, keep reading to learn how to navigate life with chronic pain.

Veritas Detox is a drug and alcohol detox center in California that has helped many patients achieve lasting sobriety. We understand that no two recovery journeys are the same. That’s why our San Fernando Valley drug rehab offers a range of treatment options so you can receive the right care for your personal recovery needs.

Ready to break free of addiction once and for all? Contact us today! 

Why Opioids Should Not Be Used to Manage Chronic Pain

Opioids are highly addictive substances that, if abused, can lead to serious consequences. Research estimates that around 16 million people worldwide struggle with opioid use disorder. Unfortunately, many people addicted to opioids started using opioids to treat chronic pain. However, opioids should never be used to manage long-term pain due to the addictive nature of the drug.

This does not mean you should live the rest of your life in pain. If you’ve been using opioids to reduce your chronic pain, there are several non-addictive treatment alternatives you can use to reduce pain while getting sober. Keep reading to learn more about how to navigate sober living with chronic pain.

5 Holistic Treatment Alternatives to Manage Chronic Pain

Navigating sober living with chronic pain can be difficult. Below are several holistic treatment alternatives you can use to better manage your chronic pain so you can progress along your recovery journey.

Physical Therapy

Physical therapy is a highly effective option you can use to treat chronic pain. This involves working with a trained physical therapist who can teach you certain movements and exercises you can practice to combat your feelings of chronic pain and discomfort. 

Mindfulness Meditation

Mindfulness meditation is another non-addictive treatment you can use to manage chronic pain. Mindfulness meditation can help improve your mental health and reduce feelings of anxiety. Plus, you can easily combine meditation with another treatment or two on this list to help supplement your chronic pain reduction treatment plan.

Counseling

You should never have to just deal with your chronic pain all on your own. Talking with a therapist or participating in group counseling can be a great way to learn more about your chronic pain from a different perspective. Plus, you can learn new exercises to help reduce your pain and discomfort. Oftentimes, negative thought patterns and rumination can make your pain worse; therefore, counseling can help promote positive self-talk so you can better manage your pain symptoms. 

Healthy Lifestyle Changes

Living a healthier life is another practical alternative you can use to better manage your chronic pain. Lifestyle changes like eating a healthy diet, exercising consistently, and getting good-quality sleep each night are all factors that can help manage your chronic pain. 

Massage Therapy

Finally, depending on the type of chronic pain you struggle with, massage therapy may be another option you consider. Massage therapy can help relieve muscle pain and tension. Plus, massage therapy can be tailored to your unique needs to help reduce your current pain and prevent any further pain or discomfort. 

Your Road to Recovery Is Waiting 

Navigating sober living with chronic pain can be difficult. However, there are a range of holistic therapies and lifestyle changes you can try to help reduce your pain without turning to addictive substances like opioids. If you or someone you know is struggling with addiction, it’s critical you seek professional help to overcome your addiction.

Veritas Detox is a leading addiction treatment center in Los Angeles that’s helped many patients safely and effectively achieve long-term sobriety. Our compassionate team of addiction specialists is here to help you every step of the way so you can receive the personalized care you need for your recovery journey. Contact us today to learn more about how we can best support your road to recovery.

Effective Communication Skills in Addiction Recovery

Being able to communicate effectively is critical as you progress through your addiction recovery journey. From exercising forgiveness to practicing gratitude, there are several personal and interpersonal ways you can improve your communication skills in addiction recovery. Keep reading to learn more about these communication skills to build healthier, happier relationships with yourself and others.

At Veritas Detox, we provide premier drug and alcohol detox treatment in California to help clients achieve long-lasting sobriety. We offer a range of addiction treatment services at our Los Angeles addiction treatment center so you can receive the best possible care as you navigate your road to recovery. Ready to take the first step on your recovery journey? Contact us today!

5 Effective Communication Skills in Addiction Recovery

Developing effective communication skills is important. Below are several communication skills in addiction recovery you can use to help you achieve long-lasting sobriety. 

Active Listening

Being able to listen to yourself and others is an important communication skill that’s often overlooked. Communicating doesn’t just involve talking, but also being able to listen. It’s important you are able to listen to yourself and your body. For example, you should be aware if you are experiencing triggers or urges to abuse drugs so you can act proactively to cope with these cravings in a healthy manner.

Likewise, it’s important you are able to listen to others in addiction recovery. From listening to addiction specialists to loved ones, listening allows you to grow as a person and better understand yourself and those around you. 

Forgiveness

Forgiveness is another communication skill you need to be able to master on your road to recovery. You need to be able to forgive yourself and let go of the past in order to effectively progress along your recovery journey. Likewise, you must be able to ask for forgiveness and apologize to others you may have hurt in your life because of your addiction. This may look like apologizing to friends, family members, or peers you may have hurt because of your addiction. 

Boundary Setting

Another important communication skill is boundary setting and feeling comfortable with saying “no.” As you progress along your sobriety journey, you’ll inevitably be faced with certain places, situations, or people who may put your sobriety at risk. Therefore, it’s important that, when faced with a difficult situation, you are comfortable saying “no” and not falling into old habits that may jeopardize your recovery journey. 

Grace & Gratitude

Grace and gratitude are another critical part of progressing along your road to recovery. It’s important you are able to vocalize to yourself and others how grateful you are for where you are at in your recovery journey. This may look like showing your gratitude to friends or family members who have stuck by you as you’ve progressed in your addiction recovery journey. Or, this can look like giving yourself grace in how far you’ve come in recovery.

Speaking Up and Helping Others

As you progress further along your recovery journey, you can use what you’ve learned in your own recovery journey to support others. Therefore, it’s important you feel comfortable and confident speaking up for yourself and others. This may look like feeling comfortable talking during group therapy sessions or in a support group. By being able to effectively communicate your feelings and experiences you are not just helping yourself, but you may also be helping others around you, whether you realize it or not.

Leading Drug and Alcohol Detox in California

Improving your communication skills in addiction recovery is important so you can start rebuilding healthy relationships with yourself and others. Through practicing forgiveness, gratitude, boundary setting, and more, you are telling yourself and others that you are turning a new chapter and committed to leading a healthier, happier life free of the chains of addiction. If you or someone you know is struggling with addiction, it’s critical you seek professional support to effectively achieve sobriety.

Veritas Detox is a leading drug rehab in San Fernando Valley that’s helped many patients safely and effectively break free of addiction and achieve long-lasting sobriety. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you start your recovery journey.