With so many different drug rehab programs now available to choose from, how do you know which one is right for you? Here are a few different approaches to substance abuse treatment for you to take a closer look at:
The Twelve-Step Rehab Program:
This may be the most well know method, commonly mentioned in movies and TV shows where the storyline follows an addict through the recovery process… Remember 28 Days with Sandra Bullock? She plays an alcoholic named Gwen that basically ruins her sister's wedding and is forced into rehab. The movie follows Gwen to rehab where she is put through a 12 step program. In the movie, the 12 steps appear to be hugging, chanting, cleaning, climbing, singing, taking classes, and bonding… not sure that is the best reference.
A twelve-step rehab program really consists of a set of guiding principles that outline a course of action for recovery from substance abuse, addictions, compulsions and/or other behavioral problems. This was actually originally used by Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) as a program for alcohol addiction recovery. But, after it became popular the program became the foundation for other twelve-step programs such as Narcotics Anonymous, Overeaters Anonymous, Co-Dependents Anonymous and Debtors Anonymous.
The American Psychological Association states that the method/process involves the following:
These are the original Twelve Steps as published by Alcoholics Anonymous:
- We admitted we were powerless over alcohol—that our lives had become unmanageable.
- Came to believe that a Power greater than ourselves could restore us to sanity.
- Made a decision to turn our will and our lives over to the care of God as we understood Him.
- Made a searching and fearless moral inventory of ourselves.
- Admitted to God, to ourselves, and to another human being the exact nature of our wrongs.
- Were entirely ready to have God remove all these defects of character.
- Humbly asked Him to remove our shortcomings.
- Made a list of all persons we had harmed, and became willing to make amends to them all.
- Made direct amends to such people wherever possible, except when to do so would injure them or others.
- Continued to take personal inventory and when we were wrong promptly admitted it.
- Sought through prayer and meditation to improve our conscious contact with God as we understood Him, praying only for knowledge of His will for us and the power to carry that out.
- Having had a spiritual awakening as the result of these steps, we tried to carry this message to alcoholics, and to practice these principles in all our affairs.
Although the 12-Step Program is still very popular, there are many critics. People have been said to not believe in the "higher power" and therefore the 12 steps eluded them.
The Client Centered Approach:
Well known author Carl Rogers wrote an influential book called Client-Centered Therapy. In the book he suggests that there are 3 necessary steps for personal change:
- unconditional, positive regard
- accurate empathy
- genuineness
He believed that with these 3 items in the rehab process and/or relationship with the therapist, anyone could overcome basically any troublesome issue, including addiction. A study was done back in 1957 to compare the Client Centered Approach with a therapy based two-factor learning therapy and psychoanalytic therapy. The authors of the study actually were surprised to dine that the client-centered therapy proved to be the most effective out of the 3.
As always, there will be critics. Some argue that the findings in the case study may be skewed due to the therapist's outlook to the different approaches.
Here at Cliffside Malibu we believe in a custom tailored, personalized approach. We use cutting edge techniques, all evidence based – proven to have the highest success rate for guests that complete all 3 levels of care: Personalized Detox, Individual Rehab and an Aftercare Plan. Because all of our rehab programs are fully customizable, we believe our center stands out from the rest. This coupled with the fact that we provide luxurious amenities and around the clock service and support from an exceptional, highly trained staff.
Drug Rehab should be personal. We don`t believe that our guests should have to experience pain and suffering. We want to provide peace and comfort. When you come to us, you`ll sit with a trained counselor who will sit with you and your family and take the time needed to evaluate your personal needs before determining which treatments are appropriate for you. During your stay with us you will undergo Detox, if necessary, and based on the evaluation, you will be presented with an individual drug rehabilitation plan. Each plan is designed to meet the guest's specific needs to maximize the potential for success, while ensuring your stay is as comfortable as possible. Addictions are personal; shouldn't the rehabilitation process be personal as well?
This article was written by Jenny Stradling, a Director for CliffsideMalibu.com, who believes in the Cliffside Malibu Drug Rehab Program. For more information on the Alcohol and Drug Treatment Programs Cliffside Malibu offers, please visit CliffsideMalibu.com, e-mail admissions@cliffsidemalibu.com or for immediate help, please call 800-501-1988 24/7.
