The legendary basketball coach Phil Jackson famously said, “The strength of the team is each individual member. The strength of each member is the team.” This is emblematic of what it means to work together in recovery. It is important to remember that recovery is not an individual process. No, it takes a village. It is also helpful to work with a rehab specialist who has been through the process themselves. Remember, recovery is a “We” process, never a “Me” process.
From Recovery to Rehab Specialist: The Benefits of ‘Been There’
When it comes to addiction, the reality is that you really don’t know what it’s like unless you have been there. Now, that doesn’t mean that a recovery professional has to be a person in recovery. Absolutely not. However, it does mean that the people who have gone through the struggle of addiction have a certain insight that can be invaluable.
A rehab specialist who has been through active addiction knows the depth and darkness that comes with it. They know the specific emotions and loneliness that come with the disease. Also, and this is key, they know the behaviors that might stop someone from committing to their recovery. This is because they most likely experienced it themselves. This is critical because it can help reduce the chances of a relapse.
Many people don’t realize just how common relapses are. According to the peer-reviewed journal Current Psychiatry Reports, “It has long been known that addictive disorders are chronic and relapsing in nature. Recent estimates from clinical treatment studies suggest that more than two-thirds of individuals relapse within weeks to months of initiating treatment.” Also, “For 1-year outcomes across alcohol, nicotine, weight, and illicit drug abuse, studies show that more than 85% of individuals relapse and return to drug use within 1 year of treatment.” These statistics are a stark reminder of how important getting the right help from a rehab specialist can be.
Who Is a Rehab Specialist?
Now, “rehab specialist” is a broad term, and there are many professionals who fall under that umbrella. A rehab specialist may be a medical doctor who has specialized in addiction medicine. A rehab specialist may also mean someone who counsels people with alcohol and drug dependency. There are also support staff who work with new people and help them connect to programs like 12-Step recovery.
Now, it is important to understand that one person is not going to be able to “cure” you from addiction. Even a rehab specialist is not that powerful. However, they can work as a team and work to connect you with the right tools to help you get and stay sober. Many of them have also been through active addiction themselves, which can be a boon for your recovery.
The Importance of ‘Shared Experience’
There is a popular hashtag that stands for “if you know, you know” (#IYKYK). This can be especially pertinent in the recovery field. If you have been through active addiction and subsequent recovery, then you know all of the intense emotions and mental tenacity that go along with it.
A rehab specialist who has gone through addiction recovery themselves is also aware of all of the pitfalls that can occur in early sobriety. For example, they may be better able to recognize someone who is struggling with the process than someone who has never experienced addiction themselves.
The reality is that people in early recovery are often more trusting of individuals who have been there themselves. These rehab specialists can also be unique motivators because they are also prime examples of how well recovery can work. It is the “if they can do it, so can I” mentality.
The Importance of Accountability in Recovery
A rehab specialist who has been through it themselves can also help to keep you accountable in your recovery. They know what it takes to recover, and they can ensure that you do the same.
They may also act as a helpful mentor, leading up to getting you into a recovery program, such as a 12-Step program. This can be helpful because it can better set you up for success when you begin to work a program that requires a sponsor/sponsee relationship. You will be ready to have the type of intimate relationship that can help you stay sober for the long term. They may have even inspired you to help other people in their journey. This is the successful cycle of addiction recovery.
A Focus on Long-Term Success at Lantana Recovery
Here at Lantana Recovery, we believe in long-term success over short-term “fixes.” This is why we have some of the best recovery and rehab specialists in the country on our staff. It is also why all of our plans are individualized and comprehensive, with a focus on the future.
If you are ready for the next amazing chapter of your life, then the time to recover is now. You can do this! We can help.
Many people who work in the addiction field and recovery industry are in recovery themselves. Many people don’t realize the benefits of working with people who have also experienced what active addiction feels like. The good news is that there are many effective means, methods, and modalities that can help you recover at the cellular level. If you feel like you or a loved one is struggling with addiction, mental illness, or both, we can help get you on the right road to long-term recovery right away. You don’t have to go through this process alone. For more information about the benefits of working with others, please reach out to Lantana Recovery today at (866) 997-2870.
