The Importance of Emotional Sobriety in Recovering from Addiction
The first thing that usually comes to mind when people hear “addiction recovery” is the process of detoxification. This involves the immediate removal of the substance causing the addiction, such as drugs or alcohol.
While it is correct that this is indeed a central component to recovery, it is not the only important element that must be addressed. To truly, successfully overcome addiction, the individual must first be able to recognize the root cause of their addictive tendencies.
A lot of this has to do with some previous emotional trauma, unresolved issues, and more. That is why every addiction recovery program involves therapy and counseling. Addiction, simply put, is not just a physiological condition that must be treated, but also a psychological and emotional one.
Addressing Emotional Issues
One of the more crucial elements of a successful rehabilitation program is being able to address the individual’s emotions. Sometimes, people turn to addictive substances because they are ill-equipped to process their emotions appropriately.
Instead of confronting them head-on or finding solutions to resolve it, they become withdrawn and hide within themselves. The drugs or alcohol then become their shield from this pain, distracting and numbing them from the real feelings they have. This is what breeds dependence and, ultimately, addiction.
In rehab, one of the goals is to help the individual identify their emotions so that they can properly address them. In 12-step AA meetings, for example, emotional sobriety is a primary focus to get to wellness. To be emotionally sober is to be “happy, joyous, and free.”
This means being free of the emotional baggage that has been bogging you down and clouding your mind with dark thoughts. This is also what could be driving a wedge in your relationships with your loved ones.
Achieving emotional sobriety is easier said than done, of course. It will take more than just a few sessions in order for real progress to be made, and it is normal for some to reject this process.
It’s a deeply personal process, which is why the program can only do so much to facilitate the progress. At the end of the day, it’s up to the person to acknowledge and accept the issues they have, so that they can work on resolving them properly.
Techniques for Emotional Sobriety
A rehab patient can expect to be given the know-how and tools that will allow them to practice emotional sobriety. With this knowledge, they can hopefully know what to do not only how to deal with situations involving temptations, but also in terms of handling their personal relationships.
Among the techniques that could be taught include behavioral therapy, emotional acceptance, and community support. Each of these is important in establishing a healthy relationship with oneself so that they could also be better able to reestablish healthier connections with their families and loved ones.
On the other hand, there are also steps that the family and loved ones can take to be ready as well for the behavioral transformation and improvement of the patient. Especially if they are found to be part of the root cause of their issues, the healing must go both ways.
That’s why there is a step included in the program which allows both parties to reconnect and address their issues together. They will have to continue working on this themselves in the future, and it may even require constant effort, but the price of having a better relationship makes it all worth it at the end of the day. Click here to learn more about rehab facilities that include emotional sobriety programs for the recovery of their addiction patients.
