Reality therapy is a crucial component of drug addiction treatment. Although evidence-based therapy is the most important part of drug addiction treatment, patients need extra help to bridge the gap between clinical rehab and real-life situations. Here are a few of the ways addiction specialists use reality therapy to help their patients.
Mimicking Real-World Environments
One of the biggest difficulties rehab patients have is applying the lessons they learn in clinical environments to the outside world. To address this issue, most clinics require their inpatients to perform daily tasks such as cleaning, cooking, and shopping for themselves. They also provide basic recreational amenities such as gyms, multimedia, and sports equipment.
By allowing patients to lead relatively normal lives as they receive intensive therapies, clinicians make for smoother transitions between clinical treatment and drug-free living. Addicts are already used to practicing their new lifestyles, and returning to society seems like less of a shock. Overall, this subtle treatment method helps thousands of addicts avoid relapse.
Lessons on Control
Another essential component of reality therapies is teaching addicts the difference between situations they can and cannot control. When they learn to identify these types of situations, they can make effective choices about the strategies they use to deal with drug cravings.
In situations which addicts can control, they usually choose to avoid their triggers altogether. However, uncontrollable and stressful environments require them to employ coping mechanisms and calming techniques to suppress cravings and avoid relapse.
Social Strategies for Healthy Friendships
Finally, reality therapy during a drug addiction treatment program helps addicts learn about healthy personal boundaries and acceptable social behaviors. With improved social skills, addicts can repair the friendships and familial relationships they damaged during active drug use. They can also form new friendships with people who will support their sobriety efforts and offer constructive criticism when necessary.