What Will I Learn in Rehab?

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Appreciate Beauty[/caption]What will I learn in drug rehab addiction recovery treatment? is a great question. People who have attended a good drug rehab are not usually talking about their experiences there. It may not feel like a secret, but it can certainly feel very private. So, you may be wondering, What are some of the skills that I will learn in a quality drug rehab facility? There are many tools and lessons to be learned while you are in treatment for chemical dependency or addiction, all part and parcel of not picking up a drink or a drug, one day at a time. Here are just a few you will learn at Serenity Vista:

Active Listening Techniques

Most people have very limited communication skills, and it is not surprising! We learn what was role modeled for us. When another person is speaking to us, we are often so busy planning and rehearsing what we are going to say, that we don’t really listen, we are just waiting for our turn. There are solid tools and techniques for active, or empathetic listening and speaking. These skills take practice, and you will have lots of opportunity while in treatment.

Setting Boundaries

A good boundary is like a sturdy fence around the property. We don’t have to tell people that we are putting up a fence, and we don’t have to tell them what the fence is made of, or how we felt about putting it up. The boundary is for you, not for the other person. Boundaries, although they are really simple in concept, can seem very complicated if you’ve never had them. Good therapy in addiction treatment will teach you how to set an effective boundary. For you!

How to Make an Authentic Apology

Many people make an apology with, “I’m sorry that you felt that way…” That is not an apology. That is a gymnastic maneuver to avoid responsibility. If you have never been taught how to apologize authentically, how could you know? You will learn how to effectively apologize for your behavior, whether it was intentional or not, and make sure the apology is received. It may or may not be accepted, that is not up to you.

How to Authentically Accept an Apology

When someone has made the effort to apologize for their behavior, have you ever heard yourself say, “Oh, don’t worry about it.” Or “Please don’t apologize for that”? This is a very effective way to completely invalidate and negate what that the other person is attempting to communicate. It shuts them down. Learn how to be a respectful listener, validate and either accept or reject the apology, don’t ignore it. Your relationships with others will begin to flourish.

How to Have Fun and Play

How to have fun without alcohol or other drugs? How to have a great laugh, without it being at someone else’s or your self’s expense? These are BIG IMPORTANT life skills. If recovery is not fun, then people won’t stay sober. A good drug rehab treatment facility will encourage appropriate ways to have fun and play. One of our best tools at Serenity Vista is our Chocolate Labrador Retriever Dog. If you have forgotten how to have fun and play, she will remind you, it is just like riding a bike. Recreational activity such as horseback riding, zip lining, hiking and fishing are just some of the other ways to try something new and exciting, or rekindle an old passion.

Choosing the Best Drug Rehab For You to Learn What YOU Need

Making the decision to go to alcohol or drug treatment facility to stop drinking or using nicotine or other drugs may be the most important decision you will ever make. Not all rehabs are created equal, nor work with the same populations. If you are looking for a tropical get-a-way, where you are treated as an individual with a personalized program, then consider Serenity Vista in sunny Panama. Panama is easier and easier to get to every day with new flights and new airports popping up all over the country. Fuel costs are down, which mean cheaper flights. The country is safe and stable, and expats are flocking for the beautiful retirement opportunities. Do yourself a favor; find out what you will learn in drug rehab, by attending drug rehab! You will never regret the investment in yourself.