modern-drug-rehab-computer

Use for:

• Evidence-based treatment modality information
• Coping strategies and grounding techniques
• Recovery resource navigation
• Understanding medications (MAT, Suboxone, etc.)
• Family dynamics and communication
• Lifestyle and wellness guidance
• Meeting/support group information
• Trigger management strategies

NOT for:

• Prescribing or adjusting medications → consult your medical team
• Active overdose/medical emergency → call 911 immediately
• Replacing your counselor or therapist
• Making treatment decisions → discuss with your care team
• Suicidal ideation → contact 988 (Suicide & Crisis Lifeline)

```

┌─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐

│ CRISIS NUMBERS - SAVE THESE │

├─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┤

│ 911 - Medical emergency/overdose │

│ 988 - Suicide & Crisis Lifeline │

│ 1-800-662-4357 - SAMHSA National Helpline (24/7) │

│ 1-800-662-HELP - Treatment referral │

│ Your sponsor's number - [Add to your phone] │

│ Facility crisis line - [Get from your treatment center] │

└─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘

```

Evidence-Based Approaches

| Modality | What It Is | Best For | Key Skills Learned |

|----------|-----------|----------|-------------------|

| CBT | Cognitive Behavioral Therapy | Thought pattern change | Identifying distortions, thought challenging |

| DBT | Dialectical Behavior Therapy | Emotional regulation | Distress tolerance, interpersonal effectiveness |

| MI | Motivational Interviewing | Building motivation | Resolving ambivalence, finding internal motivation |

| EMDR | Eye Movement Desensitization | Trauma processing | Processing traumatic memories safely |

| MAT | Medication-Assisted Treatment | Opioid/alcohol use | Reducing cravings, preventing withdrawal |

| CM | Contingency Management | Building healthy habits | Positive reinforcement for behaviors |

| MBT | Mentalization-Based Therapy | Relationship issues | Understanding self and others |

12-Step vs. Alternative Programs

```

┌─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐

│ RECOVERY PROGRAM OPTIONS │

├─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┤

│ 12-Step (AA/NA/CA) │

│ ├─ Spiritual foundation (Higher Power concept) │

│ ├─ Sponsor relationship │

│ ├─ Steps and traditions framework │

│ └─ Widespread availability, community │

│ │

│ SMART Recovery │

│ ├─ Science-based (CBT/REBT) │

│ ├─ Self-empowerment focus │

│ ├─ 4-Point Program │

│ └─ No spiritual requirement │

│ │

│ Refuge Recovery / Recovery Dharma │

│ ├─ Buddhist-inspired, mindfulness-based │

│ ├─ Meditation practice │

│ └─ Eightfold Path framework │

│ │

│ LifeRing Secular Recovery │

│ ├─ Secular, self-directed │

│ ├─ "Sober self" concept │

│ └─ Peer support focus │

└─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘

Note: These can complement each other. Many people use multiple programs.

```

Immediate Craving Response (HALT + STOP)

```

When craving hits, check HALT:

├── H - Hungry? (eat something nutritious)

├── A - Angry? (process the emotion)

├── L - Lonely? (reach out to someone)

└── T - Tired? (rest if possible)

Then STOP:

├── S - Stop what you're doing

├── T - Take a breath

├── O - Observe what you're feeling

└── P - Proceed mindfully

```

Grounding Techniques (5-4-3-2-1)

```

For anxiety, dissociation, or overwhelming cravings:

5 things you can SEE

├── Look around, name them out loud

4 things you can TOUCH

├── Feel textures, temperatures

3 things you can HEAR

├── Ambient sounds, near and far

2 things you can SMELL

├── Notice scents in your environment

1 thing you can TASTE

├── Focus on current taste in your mouth

```

DBT Distress Tolerance (TIP Skills)

```

For high-intensity emotional moments:

T - Temperature

├── Hold ice cubes, cold water on face

├── Activates dive reflex, calms nervous system

I - Intense Exercise

├── Run in place, jumping jacks, stairs

├── Burns off stress hormones

P - Paced Breathing

├── Breathe out longer than in (4-7-8 pattern)

├── Activates parasympathetic system

P - Progressive Muscle Relaxation

├── Tense and release muscle groups

├── Releases physical tension

```

Urge Surfing

```

Instead of fighting the craving, ride it like a wave:

1. Notice the urge (don't judge it)
2. Rate its intensity (1-10)
3. Observe where you feel it in your body
4. Breathe into that area
5. Watch the intensity rise...
6. ...peak...
7. ...and fall (cravings typically last 15-30 minutes)
8. Rate the intensity again

Key insight: Cravings are temporary. You don't have to act on them.

```

Understanding Your MAT Options

| Medication | Used For | How It Works | Key Considerations |

|------------|----------|--------------|-------------------|

| Suboxone (buprenorphine/naloxone) | Opioid use | Partial agonist, blocks cravings | Must be in withdrawal to start |

| Sublocade | Opioid use | Monthly injection of buprenorphine | Steady levels, no daily dosing |

| Methadone | Opioid use | Full agonist, daily dosing | Clinic visits required |

| Vivitrol | Opioid/alcohol | Blocks receptors, monthly injection | Must be opioid-free 7-14 days |

| Naltrexone (oral) | Opioid/alcohol | Blocks receptors, daily pill | Reduces "high" from use |

| Antabuse | Alcohol | Creates nausea if drinking | Deterrent effect |

| Campral | Alcohol | Balances brain chemistry | Reduces cravings |

MAT Myths vs. Facts

```

MYTH: "MAT is just trading one drug for another"

FACT: MAT is evidence-based medicine that normalizes brain function,

reduces cravings, and saves lives. It's no different than using

insulin for diabetes.

MYTH: "You're not really sober if you're on MAT"

FACT: Recovery is not defined by the absence of medication.

Stability, function, and quality of life are what matter.

MYTH: "You should get off MAT as soon as possible"

FACT: Research shows longer MAT duration = better outcomes.

The decision to taper should be made with your doctor when stable.

```

Residential Treatment

```

Making the Most of Residential:

├── Engage fully in programming

├── Build relationships with peers and staff

├── Follow the structure (it's there for a reason)

├── Be honest in groups and with your counselor

├── Use free time productively

├── Start planning for aftercare early

└── Practice skills in a safe environment

```

IOP/PHP (Outpatient - Living at Home)

```

Commuting to Treatment Challenges:

├── Returning home to triggers daily

├── Managing home responsibilities + treatment

├── Partners/family who don't understand

├── Work/childcare conflicts

├── Isolation between sessions

└── Access to substances

Strategies:

├── Secure your home environment (remove substances)

├── Communicate with family about boundaries

├── Build structure into non-treatment hours

├── Attend extra meetings on non-treatment days

├── Keep your counselor informed of home challenges

├── Have phone numbers ready for crisis moments

└── Consider sober living if home isn't safe

```

Communicating with Partners/Family

```

What families need to understand:

├── Addiction is a brain disease, not a moral failing

├── Recovery is a process, not an event

├── Their role: support, not control

├── Boundaries are healthy for everyone

├── Al-Anon/Nar-Anon exists for them too

What you can communicate:

├── "I'm in treatment and taking this seriously"

├── "This is what I need from you right now: [specific request]"

├── "I understand I've hurt you. I'm working on making amends"

├── "Recovery is my responsibility. I need your support, not your management"

├── "Let's work on this together with a family counselor"

```

Couples Therapy in Recovery

```

Why couples therapy matters:

├── Addiction affects the whole relationship

├── Communication patterns need rebuilding

├── Trust takes time and structured work

├── Both partners have healing to do

├── Codependency patterns need addressing

When to start:

├── Usually after initial stabilization (30-90 days)

├── When both partners are willing

├── With a therapist who understands addiction

├── As complement to individual work, not replacement

```

Daily Recovery Structure

```

Morning Routine:

├── Gratitude list (3 things)

├── Meditation/prayer (5-15 min)

├── Healthy breakfast

├── Review daily intentions

└── Morning meeting (if helpful)

Throughout Day:

├── Regular check-ins with self

├── Meals at consistent times

├── Movement/exercise

├── Connection with recovery support

└── Practice skills from treatment

Evening Routine:

├── Review the day (what went well?)

├── 10th step inventory (if in 12-step)

├── Prepare for tomorrow

├── Wind-down activities (no screens)

└── Consistent bedtime

```

Nutrition & Sleep

```

Nutrition in Recovery:

├── Regular meals stabilize blood sugar and mood

├── Protein helps rebuild neurotransmitters

├── Reduce sugar/caffeine (can trigger cravings)

├── Stay hydrated

└── Consider consulting nutritionist

Sleep Hygiene:

├── Consistent sleep/wake times

├── No screens 1 hour before bed

├── Cool, dark room

├── Limit caffeine after noon

├── Address sleep issues with your doctor

└── Many in recovery have disrupted sleep initially - it improves

```

"I feel like I don't fit in at meetings"

```

Options:

├── Try different meetings (they vary widely)

├── Try different programs (SMART, Refuge, LifeRing)

├── Look for specialized meetings (LGBTQ+, young people, professionals)

├── Online meetings offer more variety

├── Focus on similarities, not differences

└── Give it time - connection builds gradually

```

"My family doesn't trust me"

```

Understanding:

├── Trust is rebuilt through consistent action over time

├── It's not about proving yourself - it's about being yourself

├── Their caution is protective, not punishing

├── Focus on what you CAN control (your behavior)

Actions:

├── Be where you say you'll be

├── Follow through on commitments

├── Accept accountability without defensiveness

├── Let time and consistency work

└── Consider family therapy when appropriate

```

"I'm bored without substances"

```

The Science:

├── Dopamine system is recalibrating

├── Things will feel less pleasurable for a while

├── This is temporary (neuroplasticity!)

Solutions:

├── Exercise (natural dopamine boost)

├── New hobbies (guitar, art, gaming, sports)

├── Service work (helping others)

├── Social connection (even when you don't feel like it)

├── Accept boredom as part of healing

└── Structure your time intentionally

```

• sober-addict-protector: Daily protection strategies
• partner-text-coach: Communication with partners/family
• jungian-psychologist: Shadow work and deeper psychological exploration
• hrv-alexithymia-expert: Emotional awareness and regulation

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Core Philosophy: Recovery is possible. You are more than your addiction. This skill exists to provide information and support - but your treatment team, your sponsor/supports, and YOUR commitment are what make recovery real. Use this as a resource, not a replacement for human connection and professional care.