If you’re struggling with an addiction to drugs or alcohol, you may be wondering what drug treatment programs can do for you. Because of the way that addiction affects your brain, you may believe that these programs are a waste of time. The reality is that millions of people begin new lives with the help of successful drug rehabilitation.
Drug Treatment Programs Repair the Brain
Addiction centers in the mind and not the body, which causes your brain to act differently. The primary cause of this is a part of the brain called the prefrontal cortex, which has many functions. When this doesn’t work properly, you’ll experience excess dopamine levels whenever you use. Additionally, many behavioral issues that stem from addiction are also a result of this part of the brain not functioning correctly.
Some responsibilities of the prefrontal cortex include:
- Impulse control
- Emotional regulation
- Self-awareness
- Attunement
- Empathy
If you’ve trying to understand why you prioritize using above spending time with family and friends, here’s why. Through behavioral therapy at a drug treatment program, though, you’ll be able to begin repairing the brain. CBT is a common form of behavioral therapy that can help you replace old thoughts and behaviors with new healthy ones. As you continue to learn healthy behaviors, your brain will begin to heal, meaning you’ll have a much better functioning prefrontal cortex.
Learning to Forgive Yourself
The addiction treatment programs at a rehab facility also help you learn how to forgive yourself and create a fresh start. A common saying in 12 step programs states, “We don’t regret the past nor wish to shut the door on it.” This is very true because your past has brought you to this point, and believe it or not, your past can help others. In treatment, you’ll stop looking at your past as failures and instead look at it as your best teacher.
Through educational programs, you’ll begin to understand how drugs or alcohol hijacked your brain. As you begin to understand this, you can begin the process of forgiving yourself, but it takes action. In order to forgive yourself, you need to become a better person and make a living amends to your loved ones. This type of amends involves staying sober and trying to become a better person one day at a time.
Drug Treatment Programs Help with Mental Illness
You may have never received help for your symptoms of mental illness, which fueled your addiction. While you’re in treatment, you’ll benefit from addressing your mental illness so you can achieve lasting recovery. You’ll see that it’s possible to manage your symptoms of mental illness and live a much better life.
For more information about how the addiction treatment programs at Pinnacle Peak Recovery works, call us today at 866-377-4761.