Across the board, it is agreed that talking about one's depression issues is a highly successful means of inner healing, especially when this is done with a trained therapist in a setting that feels "safe." Having a premise that is conducive to honesty without judgment is key. While many choose to work through depression issues with a therapist for a few months, others prefer to engage in therapy for years. Both methods can be enormously helpful by allowing patients to walk through their issues at their own pace.
Cognitive behavioral therapy is one of the methods used at The Canyon. Cognitive therapy helps you see how your thoughts, not external issues, feed your behavior. You will find that by helping you control some of your thought patterns you will have a greater ability to get through various situations without using drugs or alcohol. Interpersonal therapy is another method used by therapists that explores the relationship between how you interact with others and your behavior. By identifying these factors, healthier behavior patterns are developed. Other therapies like adventure therapy, equine assistance therapy, art therapy and more are also available at The Canyon.
Remembering that you do not have to be passive in your alcohol or drug treatment, there are several things you can do to help your recovery along. These include:
Start at home. Making lifestyle changes can go a long way toward helping you recover and heal. From eating right (lowering your sugar intake for starters) to moderate exercise, you can take small steps at home to help.
Make new friends. There is an old saying, "You are either like your friends or you are becoming like your friends." If your friends are heavy drug abusers or never have a kind word to say about your recovery, consider a change. It can be as simple as a short morning conversation with your neighbor over the fence.
Reduce stress. If you have family or roommates at home who can help you, be honest with them. Ask if they can ease the load of various household responsibilities that leave you feeling overwhelmed or apprehensive. Don't take on too much at work or allow anyone else to burden you with "extra" work either. See if there is a way you can organize your work day so that your work is more efficient and less stressful.
Honesty is key. If you're not honest with your therapist your time with him or her will not be well spent and it can hinder your recovery. Therapists offer a safe place to be honest without fear of rejection. If at any time you don't feel comfortable with your therapists means of treating you then tell them so. No two people are the same and what may work for one may not work for you. Your therapist will welcome your feedback since your inner healing is the goal.
Hang in there. There is no quick fix for depression and drug abuse. It didn't happen overnight, and it won't go away overnight, either. Give yourself time to heal and come out on the other side whole and healthy.
When you are admitted to The Canyon you will be assessed by licensed therapists who will walk with you in a professional and caring manner throughout your treatment. With the help of a psychologist, addictionologist and internist, your needs will be addressed as a whole, not just in part. Our focus is on every aspect of the issues you battle and treating them successfully and simultaneously. Your treatment program will be based on the initial assessments and reviewed weekly to insure progress and make changes as necessary for your benefit. The goal is not to adhere to a rigid program or model, but to build a method of treatment around your needs so that you can live a healthy, successful life on your own. Contact The Canyon today at for more information about dual diagnosis treatment.
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