Secrets to Getting the Most Out of the 12-Step Program
Since it began in the 1930s, the 12-step program has changed millions of lives for the better. This set of guidelines has helped many individuals overcome their addiction, whether it be drugs, alcohol, or other vices. The 12 step program goes beyond advising individuals to attend an outpatient program, such as Alcoholics Anonymous; but emphasizes the importance of attendance, working with a sponsor, and going through the steps completely.
People who are early in their recovery and don’t know what their next step should be may benefit most from joining a 12-step program for recovery maintenance. Many treatment facilities incorporate some model of the 12-step program, including our drug treatment center in South Florida.
Although the program is a push in the right direction, attending meetings does not guarantee success. It’s important that you work hard to accomplish your personal goals.
So, how can you make the most out of the program? Here, we provide a few suggestions that we have seen work for other individuals.
Participation
When you attend the meetings, it’s important to listen to others and hear their stories. It will show that you are not alone in your struggle. Sobriety is a battle, but in these meetings, you have an army.
However, to get the most out of the program, it’s important to give back to the group. Share your own story of addiction. Not only will you better connect with the other members, but participation can also help you to grow. The medical staff at our drug treatment center in South Florida understands that recovery is difficult: spiritually, mentally, and physically. But if you don’t put in the work, you can significantly lessen your chance of success.
Find a Sponsor
Sponsorship is a fundamental part of the 12-step program. You need someone who has been in your shoes and is patient, compassionate, and can provide hope that better days will come. Much like in the meetings, your sponsor will share his/her personal story and experience, and you will do the same. The goal is that, with time, you will feel more confident about recovery and realize that you are not alone.
The sponsor/beneficiary exchange is a relationship, and like with every relationship, you must build trust and be supportive. We have found that the best way to find a good sponsor is to look for someone who has the following attributes:
- Has experience helping others and has been sober for at least one year.
- Is respectful and supportive with a positive attitude.
- Can meet your expectations and can work with you during any time of the day.
- Is not physically attractive to you, and vice versa.
Before you have found a sponsor, and during your sponsorship, remember that the medical staff at our drug treatment center in South Florida will also be there to help you.
Good Attendance
Another part of putting in the work to get the most out of the program is to attend meetings consistently. Don’t show up only when you feel like it, as this can result in missing several meetings. You need to participate fully and completely, and that includes having good attendance.
Always Apply the Steps
Every day during your addiction recovery in South Florida, work the 12 steps. This won’t be so hard but it is necessary. Just consider the 12 steps: it talks about faith (whether in a higher power or your fellow man), soul searching, acceptance and humility. We can all benefit from these principles daily so there is no harm in implementing them, even when you are feeling better. If you want to create a few of your own steps, do so. It can only make your recovery more successful.
Help Others
Those who know, teach. As you go through the 12-step program, you will learn a lot along the way. If you see someone who is new to the program, help to guide them along the right path. Encourage them along their journey. You can also help others outside of the program. You can volunteer or donate to a charity. By helping others, you can find happiness and fulfillment.
The Sands Treatment Center
If you are in recovery from substance addiction or behavioral addiction, contact our drug treatment center in South Florida. Here at The Sands Treatment Center, we have knowledgeable staff available around the clock who have years of experience dealing with addiction treatment and solutions.
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3 Things Those Seeking Addiction Recovery in South Florida Should Keep in Mind
Going through with addiction recovery in South Florida is huge! You have decided to take steps towards improving your life and that’s something to be proud of. You know that addiction is something you struggle with and are now taking the initiative to help yourself. The road to recovery is a long one, but it’s not impossible. There are tons of people every year who achieve sobriety, maintain it, and go on to live their lives free from addiction. And if they can do it, you can too.
The first step is checking yourself into a rehabilitation facility. Here at The Sands Treatment Center, we offer outpatient rehab services. For those who are seeking addiction recovery in South Florida without giving up their everyday routine, this is the option for you. Next, you have to keep a realistic mindset. We know this is easier said than done; however, we list three things below that are worth keeping in mind during recovery.
Everyone’s Path is Different
When you go to treatment sessions where there are other people, you may hear a lot about their journey so far. Some people may have an easier time than others. It’s important to not compare your recovery journey to others. Everyone’s path is different. Some of the people in your sessions will find treatment to be a breeze while others may have experienced a relapse already. All you can do is focus on yourself and think about how far you have come. It’s also critical to keep in mind that everyone’s situation is different. You will meet some people who have been struggling for decades now and others who may be just partied too much in the past year and want to change their habits. When you keep this in mind, you can remember that no situation is similar. Everyone’s journey is unique, including yours.
Stay Humble
After going through recovery for some time, you may begin to feel confident in your abilities. You might not have relapsed and have avoided all kinds of temptation thus far. However, all it takes is one mistake to fall back into your old habit. And while a mistake isn’t the end all be all, you can bounce back, it’s best to avoid making the mistakes if you can. With that said, regardless of how successful you have been, continue to stay humble. If you have been clean for one year now and get invited to hang out with your friends you used to use with, evaluate the situation. No matter how strong you feel and confident you are, keep in mind that this situation may not be the best to find yourself in. Is the temptation there? Are these people also in recovery or are they still using? These are the questions you need to ask yourself. It’s important to remain humble and be honest with yourself.
Stay on Track
When you near the nine-month mark, you have made a ton of progress. You have stuck with the program for almost a year now and should have learned a lot. During the first nine months of recovery, you should be made aware of triggers, healthy habits, and more. You now have a better idea of how to navigate sobriety. However, despite all of this progress, you still should attend meetings. The last thing you want to do skip out on meetings just because you feel better and stronger. These meetings and sessions are what got you to this point. And with temptation everywhere, you are always going to be making progress. Everyday with addiction is a battle, but it can only be less and less of a battle when you continue recovering. It’s understandable to attend fewer meetings than when you began, but you should still make an effort to go to some every week.
Contact The Sands Treatment Center Today!
To learn more about addiction recovery in South Florida, be sure to check out The Sands Treatment Center website. We have tons of information about our services and how we can help you achieve sobriety for the long-term. Or, if you are ready to get started on your journey, reach out to our team today at (954) 526-6400.
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Get Your Life Back on Track with the Right Addiction Recovery Program
For those suffering from substance abuse or for a loved one living with someone suffering from drug addiction, life can be hard and unpredictable. It is an unfortunate fact that drug addiction can take over your life and make the lives of those around you miserable. For those that refuse to get help, consequences can rapidly go from bad to worse with hitting rock bottom as the means to an end. Unfortunately, it usually takes hitting rock bottom or some very distressing situation like getting arrested or overdosing to persuade an addict to take action. Does this sound like you? Do you refuse to believe that you can get help for your addiction? If you are reading this, then I’m sure your addiction has already begun to ruin your relationships, career, and dash your hopes and dreams. But please believe that you don’t have to go down that destructive path any longer. If you are a substance abuser, you can rest easy knowing that with the right addiction treatment in Broward County, you can fight this disease and reclaim your health, happiness, and future. Whether you are addicted to alcohol, painkillers, heroin, cocaine, opioids, or other substances, The Sands Treatment Center can help you get sober and stay sober. Still, it is ultimately up to you to take the first step.
Where can I find the right drug rehab and addiction recovery for me?
It’s not an easy path, but anyone can recover from an addiction. But finding the right program is the key to a successful detox and recovery. At The Sands Treatment Center, an addiction treatment center in Broward County, we offer an effective medical treatment, along with several different programs all in a safe and supportive environment. We want your detox and recovery to be successful so that you can live a long and very fulfilling life. You don’t have to feel hopeless anymore. But you do have to believe in yourself! Recovery is very different for everyone, and we can help formulate a program and course of treatment that is just right for you.
What are some of the programs at an addiction recovery center in Broward County?
- Intensive residential 60- Day treatment
- Educational and life skills programs
- Family-based counseling
- Individual and group counseling
- Commitment to 12 step program
- Medication-assisted detox treatment
- Court-ordered programs
- Outpatient Programs (six to 8 weeks)
Not all individuals are geared for or react to the same forms of treatment. At The Sands Treatment Center, our programs are holistic in approach and include therapy and counseling, both personalized and in-group, as well as for your family. If you or someone you love needs the right rehab and addiction recovery treatment in Broward County, look no further than The Sands Treatment Center. When you’re going through the first stages of detox and then recovery, you’ll want the support and guidance of an experienced and professional team that has your comfort and safety in mind at all times. You don’t have to go it alone anymore. Give The Sands Treatment Center, a call today at (954) 357-4880. All calls are strictly confidential.
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Five Tips for Throwing a Sober Halloween Party
With Halloween just around the corner, millions of Americans across the country are finalizing their holiday plans. From planning trick or treating routes with the kids to party destinations for the adults, Halloween is the kick off to the holiday season. Yet for many people in recovery, this time of year is difficult to navigate. Celebrating with friends and family shouldn’t put your sobriety at risk. The Sands Treatment Center, a leading provider of addiction treatment in Broward County, is here to help with these five tips for throwing a sober Halloween party.
Non-Alcoholic Drink Options
The most obvious factor for a recovery-friendly Halloween party is to remove triggering factors like drug or alcohol use. Thankfully, the Fall holidays offer tons of fun, non-alcoholic drink options. Test out some Halloween themed recipes that draw on the flavors of the holiday. Candied apples, candy corn, and chocolate-flavored drinks are always crowd pleasers.
Need some inspiration? Check out this Bustle article including 16 great recipes.
Create the Perfect Playlist
What kind of party are you looking to have? The right soundtrack can help create the mood and atmosphere you’re looking for. Choose from classic Halloween tracks like Thriller or more modern party hits to give your guests a good beat to dance to.
Spotify is a great option if you don’t have time to curate a playlist yourself. It allows you to switch between playlists easily or find specific songs.
Horror Movie Marathon
Halloween is the perfect time for a movie marathon! Get together with your horror loving friends and family and watch all the classics. Or browse some the lesser known horror movies available on Shutter or Netflix.
If you’re not into the spooky side of things, Halloween is a great time to marathon other movie favorites, too. Why not get your friends in on the fun and have them suggest their own movie favorites?
Sweets and Baked Treats
Addiction treatment in Broward County opens the door to exploring all sorts of new hobbies and passions. If you discover a love for baking or cooking in your recovery, why not use this opportunity to show it off? There’s thousands of great tutorials for making Halloween-themed treats that frighten and delight. Plus, if you have small children around, it’s a fun activity where they can participate, too!
Whether you are skilled in the kitchen or completely new, Youtube is a great place to start. Check out Tasty or Bon Apetit for great options!
Plan Some Social Games!
Addiction recovery is all about connection and community. Breaking the ice with some fun social games that promote conversation is great for any party situation. Go back to the classics like Never Have I Ever or splurge for the Cards Against Humanity basic card pack for some spicy fun. Or, take advantage of technology with Jackbox. Jackbox.tv is an online party game system that allows your guests to play using just their smart phones. Only one person needs to own the game for everyone to play, and it’s a great investment for future parties and gatherings.
The Sands Treatment Center wishes you a Happy Halloween and a happy, healthy holiday season. If you or someone you know are struggling with substance abuse and need help, we are here for you. Contact us now for more information.
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Learn How to Deal with Change in Addiction Recovery
Dealing with change in addiction recovery can be scary, because you may find yourself without the usual coping mechanisms and habits that you may have used for years. Doing the same thing that led to your addiction will put you at risk for relapse and can prevent your goal of long-term recovery. Major lifestyle changes help establish new habit patterns and reduce the chances of falling back in the old routine. When people are new to addiction recovery they will likely find that being prepared for making changes to the way they do things will keep them on their path of recovery. At The Sands Treatment Center you can learn how to deal with change through our highly effective CBT module for addiction treatment.
The Sands Treatment Center is a highly rated private drug and alcohol addiction treatment facility in Pompano Beach Florida. With addiction treatment at The Sands Treatment Center you will find a unique program and approach that is tailored to you, because although you are a unique human being, alcohol and drug addiction is not a unique issue. We have many years of experience with our holistic approach to treatment, which focuses on the compulsive behavior that is characteristic of addiction. Addiction to drugs and alcohol is a disease of the mind, body and spirit. But help is here! We treat the whole person through our Holistic Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) Program, Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP), and PHP Day/Night Treatment Program at The Sands Treatment Center and we have hundreds of success stories from clients who have benefitted from learning how to deal with change in recovery.
When a person decides to give up or stop their addiction, they are agreeing to make a major change to their life. The benefits of such a dramatic alteration in the course of their life can be scary of course, but it can also be wonderful, as they take a step in the direction of something better. People can become very attached to keeping things the way they currently are, but there are some good reasons why change is necessary in recovery.
How Important is Change In Recovery?
One of the things that you will hear in Alcoholics Anonymous 12 Step program of recovery is,” if you keep on doing the same things, you will keep on getting the same results.” This is one of the reasons that earning how to change is important to recovery. Change is stressful under any kind of circumstances, but when you are in addiction recovery it can seem even more difficult. You are in a vulnerable state of transition, and without your drug of choice you are feeling everything one hundred times more than most people.
It takes a great deal of courage to get sober and to be ready to let go of our old habits. Once a person becomes sober it doesn’t mean that the entire process of change is finished. Change continues indefinitely, because change is part of life and something that people in recovery can learn how to accept. Anyone who builds a successful life away from their addiction will constantly face life changes and challenges. With the help of The Sands Treatment Center this can be viewed as part of what makes a new life away from addiction so wonderful! Think about it for a minute-without change, it wouldn’t be possible for those of us who have taken the wrong turn in life, to get back on a different path. Without out change addicts would not be able to escape their addiction and nobody would be given a second chance at life. And most important, without change it would be possible for any of us in recovery to learn how to think and therefore behave differently.
At The Sands Treatment Center we work on the acceptance for growth and change through specialized assessment, psychological counseling, group therapy, educational lectures, meditation, behavioral modification, and even pain management. Treatment approaches at The Sands Treatment Center that help our patients through the process of change are uniquely tailored to address each patient’s drug or alcohol abuse patterns and as well as other drug/alcohol-related medical, psychiatric, and social problems. The CBT modules for addiction treatment are and consist of things like:
- CBT and Breathing Retraining
- Recognizing Automatic Negative Thoughts (ANTS)
- Cognitive Distortions and Cognitive Restructuring (CR)
- Power of Perception
Doing the same things that led to your addictions will put you right back where you started. At The Sands Treatment Center we help you on a path of creating major lifestyle changes to help establish new habit patterns and reduce the chances of falling back in the old routine and certain things…The “things” can be your environment,activities, or people. In recovery we learn to change our environment, and make a committed effort to not being in the same places and environments that we were in before, that are not conducive to our health. At The Sands Treatment Center we learn how to make a change in how we live our day-to-day lives doing things that are productive and useful and supportive of a sober lifestyle.Addiction recovery is a matter of constant growth and constant pursuit of a better lifestyle. If you think you may be suffering with the disease of addiction, you are not alone; we’ve been there and have the resources to help you find the best possible treatment option.
At The Sands Treatment Center we offer a comprehensive range of services for people who are affected by any substance abuse addiction and/or co-occurring disorder. Our professional and caring staff is dedicated to your recovery. Our mission is to enhance the spiritual, emotional, and physical health of our clients who suffer from chemical dependencies.
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What to Expect from Outpatient Rehab in Broward County
Every Florida county is different, but there is something that makes Broward County one-of-a-kind. The county offers inpatient and outpatient rehab through The Sands Treatment Center. Addiction is a disease that many individuals struggle with across the United States. Unfortunately, many cities don’t take the appropriate steps to helping those with addiction issues. At The Sands Treatment Center, help is available for those looking to heal and recover, right at their front door. In this article, we’ll tell you all you need to know about The Sands Treatment Center and how the process works.
Admissions to Outpatient Rehab in Broward County
Understanding the admissions process at Broward Health can help one know what to expect when seeking treatment. The admissions team is made of up caseworkers, financial professionals, and licensed clinicians. Together, these experts assess each case on an individual basis. They will determine what level of treatment is appropriate, whether one needs to begin with detox, inpatient rehab or outpatient care.
Addiction effects each person differently, which is why it’s essential to treat each case individually. By understanding the needs of each patient, these addiction specialists are able to create a plan of action that targets the person’s exact needs. If you’re looking for admissions, you’ll find that they’re open from 7am to 11:30pm. To make an appointment, patients can walk-in, but they must be over 18. An identification card must be presented as well.
Inpatient vs. Outpatient Rehab
At The Sands Treatment Center, we offer inpatient and outpatient rehab. Generally, inpatient is recommended for those who require more direct care to overcome addiction. Outpatient treatment still provides client-centered care, but is an option for people who have home support or who are further in their recovery. There are a few key differences between the two methods.
First, one must detox. At our detoxing facility, we offer a 50-person detoxification unit where recovering persons can detox safely and under medical supervision. Detoxing with medical professionals is the safest means of beginning one’s recovery, as it helps patients to avoid many of the possible health risks. The unit is staffed 24-hours, seven days a week. Within the detoxing center, patients receive medical help, assessments, counseling, support, and education.
After detoxing comes inpatient or outpatient rehab, depending on the assessment results. The inpatient rehab option is 60 days long in a 92-bed facility. One of the most common programs we offer is a perinatal addiction program. The program is 60 days long and extends through the delivery of the baby. We also offer a 60-day program for those who are not pregnant but have children under the age of seven. During the course of care, patients will have access to individual, group, and family therapy, education support, life skills training, recreational activities, community resources, special groups, and volunteer programs.
If a person is recommended to take the outpatient route, they’ll be placed in a six to eight-week program with individual and group therapies. The treatments are three hours at a time, up to three days a week. With outpatient treatment, the program focuses on individual care and recovery, as well as improving management skills, building relationships, and community involvement. Some of the other amenities included are more flexible schedules, evening meetings, day meetings, education, family involvement programs, and medically assisted treatment.
If you’re looking for a place to recover in South Florida, try The Sands Treatment Center today! Our inpatient or outpatient rehab in Broward County is the perfect solution for anyone who is looking to restart their life.
Call us today at 954-357-4880 and help us, help you.
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Sober Summer Tips
Are you trying to have a sober summer? At The Sands Treatment Center in Fort Lauderdale we are dedicated to helping people attain a healthy and satisfying lifestyle focusing on individual recovery. We know that staying clean and sober during the summer months can has some challenges as people like to kick back and relax a little bit, the party mindset and situations often sets the stage for overconsumption of alcohol for non-addicts; but for people in recovery it could jeopardize their sobriety and put them at risk for relapse.
From block parties, graduation, pool parties, weddings, and lazy days at the beach, summer activities can easily become alcohol and drug fueled events. Our mission at The Sands Treatment Center is to help our clients by providing improved life management skills, enhanced interpersonal relationships and involvement in community support groups to help them maintain their recovery. The Sands Treatment Center offers a comprehensive range of services and evidence-based practices for Broward County residents who are suffering from substance abuse and/or co-occurring disorders. We offer detoxification, residential and outpatient rehabilitation for addictions to drugs and alcohol.
We want to support long-term sobriety for our community members and share valuable information about addictions and recovery- especially to our teens and young adult population who are particularly vulnerable during the summer months! With more free time and less adult supervision, the sun, fun, beaches and pools of summertime also mean an increased likelihood of exposure to the dangers of substance abuse, including newer and more dangerous drugs. We want to encourage all of our recovery community in Broward County have fun during the school, work and summer break, and to stay sober!
Sober Summer Tips from The Sands
Omg, you’re not drinking?! What are people going to think or say?! How are you going to respond if and when someone asks you “why you’re not drinking”?
With the stigma that is still attached to the disease of alcoholism and drug addiction, how to respond in social situations about not drinking or taking a hit is still a big fear for many people in recovery. However, while you’re standing there worried that people are judging or talking behind your back, the truth is that most people don’t give it that much thought because they’re too wrapped up in their own lives. It’s true! Even when you think people are talking about you or thinking about you…they’re really not. Because everybody has got their own lives going on, everyone has their own problems and insecurities. Most addicts in recovery are in the process of letting go of a mindset that is based in “self-centered fears”. Self-centered means thinking that everything is about you. If there is something- anything- going on, we can always make it about ourselves and get up in our heads about it. It’s more than likely that other people at parties and events during the summer have way more stimulation and aren’t necessarily interested in whether or not you are participating in the over consumption of alcohol or party drugs. It’s more often the case that someone is being polite and offering it and then when you simply say, “no thank you,” then they say “okay, no problem.”
Everyone in recovery knows that the summer months, with more events, holidays and parties provide more pressure to drink and do drugs. For many people in recovery, awkward parties-especially for teens and young adults- are among the biggest threats to their early sobriety. At The Sands Treatment Center, we believe that it’s important to talk about it, to think before you drink and do a run through ahead of time. Some of our clients find that part of their new sober life management skills is to have prepared ways to respond when people ask them why they’re not drinking, as this is what comes up more frequently at parties and events.
There is no one correct answer for how to handle this situation–it is up to every individual as to what they want to say and what’s appropriate for the situation. It’s really important for recovering addicts to remember that people who ask you this question ARE NOT entitled to an answer. If you don’t want to talk about your addiction, you do not have to. This is an opportunity for you to set a boundary, and keep your personal information to yourself if you so choose. You can do a few things to satisfy the other person’s curiosity, however. You could simply and firmly just say, “I don’t want to,” or “I’m not in the mood.” Both answers would be the truth and that’s usually where the questioning stops.
Should you find yourself in a situation this summer that puts your recovery to the test, it’s way easier to survive the summer with your sobriety intact if you have a few set responses for when someone offers you a drink. So, how do you tell people that you are sober, without telling them about your addictions and recovery? Here are some The Sands Treatment Center tips:
- You can say, “I’m on medication.” This is a classic stand-by to give when you’re not drinking. They really can’t argue with that one, and who wants to hear about your medical issues at a party?
- You can say, “I’m the DD, or the designated driver.” If you showed up in a limo this time, this may not be the best answer, but if you are actually driving, it’s really the perfect solution. Nobody likes drunk drivers–not even drunk drivers!
- You can say, “I don’t like it.” Just as you learned in treatment that “no” is a complete sentence, this is a stand-alone, good enough reason for not drinking. There really are some people who just simply don’t like alcohol.
- You can say, “I can’t for medical reasons.” This is not the same as being on medication. There are a plethora of medical reasons why some people cannot drink, especially when so many people have toxic liver problems. If you are a woman, you could be pregnant. What do they know?
- You can say, “I don’t need it tonight.” Even though this could tempt more questions, it’s likely to be off-putting and maybe even taken as a criticism. It should shut things down pretty quickly.
- You can say, “I’m trying to drink more water.” A very popular trendy thing to do, which ends inquiries AND probably gets you a bottle of water!
- You can say, “Not right now, thanks.” This actually is truthful and hard to argue with.
(The last three responses go under the category of “keeping it light and funny.”)
- You can say, “It’s not on my ‘To-Do’ List.”
- You can say, “I’m watching my girlish figure (it’s even funnier when you’re a guy).”
- You can say, “I’m allergic to alcohol; every time I drink, I break out in handcuffs.”
The truth is that, as we mentioned earlier, you never owe anyone any information, about your past, present or future personal health issues–unless you want to discuss it. No matter what, the truth is that your health, wellness and sobriety are what matter the most. Finding the right friends and support system after treatment is key to helping avoid situations where there are people who want to encourage you to participate in behaviors that you need to avoid.
If you or anyone you know would like more information or tips on sober living and healthy recovery choices do not hesitate to contact The Sands Treatment Center today! We recently celebrated our 46th successful anniversary for providing addiction recovery services for the residents of Broward County. Strengthening our social safety net, providing integrated substance abuse and mental health care services and promoting successful recovery is part of our mission.
The Sands continues to triage clients 24/7 for medical detoxification. Our admissions for outpatient and residential programs have been expanded and are available for walk-ins and appointments from 7AM to 11:30PM, 7 days a week. To schedule an appointment, call (954) 357-4880 or for general information (954) 357-4880.
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