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Building Community in Rehab

Substance use disorders can be extremely isolating. These conditions are often related to difficult relationships with family, friends, or colleagues. In some cases, challenging relationships encourage unhealthy behavior. On the other hand, even the healthiest of dynamics can be undermined by untreated mental health concerns. In both cases, many people find that building community is an important part of recovery. This process can begin during residential rehab.

When you first enter inpatient treatment, you may be struggling with the idea of community. During your time there, you can work on your interpersonal skills and begin to define or redefine what social support means to you. Different facilities take various approaches to this aspect of healing. You may be getting to know a cohort of your peers, staying in touch with far-away loved ones, attending groups, or all of the above. Whatever therapeutic modalities you use, you’ll likely learn how to relate to the people around you in a healthier way.

The Impact of Substance Use Disorders on Relationships

Your illness is not your fault. It’s all too easy to blame yourself for factors outside of your control, including genetic predispositions and traumatic life experiences. No matter what, you are not to blame for simply having a substance use disorder. That being said, you can choose to change your behavior in ways that will make your relationships more sustainable. It can be very challenging to make those changes. But, with appropriate support, it is possible.

There is a complex association between social support and substance use disorders. For some clients, substance misuse feels like a solution to social isolation.1 On the other hand, previously healthy relationships may deteriorate when a person develops a substance use disorder. This often results in unsustainable social dynamics and interpersonal strife. Depending on how your community is structured, these difficulties may play out in a number of ways.

Family Dynamics

All Points North Lodge
All Points North Lodge in Vail Valley, Colorado, offers different forms of family therapy including virtual options.

Research has established that substance use disorders strongly impact immediate family members.2 Spouses and children, in particular, may experience psychological effects. This can result in codependent relationships, in which one partner tries to support a person with a substance use disorder, but unintentionally enables them instead.

If your family is struggling with issues like these, it’s important to focus on how you can heal, both individually and as a group. Family therapy may be especially beneficial here. Reconnecting with your loved ones may have a direct impact on the outcome of treatment. Research has found that “family support in the intervention process3…contributes to a higher rate of recovery success among addicts.”

Substance-Based Relationships

According to one study, “individuals with a substance use disorder (SUD) often have fewer social support network resources than those without SUDs4…these findings suggest that, to reach and maintain abstinence, it is important to maintain positive relationships and to engage self-agency to protect oneself from the influences of negative relationships.”

When you first begin healing—and especially if you start by attending inpatient rehab—you’ll probably take a break from certain relationships. And if there are people in your life who actively interfere with your recovery, your break from them might be permanent. One expert writes that even “thinking about people, places, and things associated with past [substance] use” may be associated with relapse.

As beneficial as it can be to let go of toxic dynamics, it can also be painful. Residential rehab can provide a buffer during this process. If you attend an inpatient program, you’ll be surrounded by trained professionals who have experience helping clients navigate this type of grief. In some programs, you’ll also be able to build relationships with the other people in your cohort.

Finding Comfort in Peer Support

The Hope House Scottsdale
The Hope House Scottsdale in Scottsdale, Arizona takes in just 10 clients at a time.

At most residential rehab facilities, you’ll be in recovery alongside a group of your peers. Some rehabs have an especially strong focus on these relationships. The Hope House Scottsdale, for example, hosts no more than ten clients at a time. Brenna Gonzales, Clinical Director, describes this environment as “a tight-knit community.” These settings give you more time with your providers and may foster stronger relationships between clients themselves. And there are numerous ways to build relationships during inpatient treatment.

Group Therapy

In a group therapy setting, you’ll have the opportunity to talk about your emotional experience in a protected environment. Some modalities encourage clients to speak directly to each other, offering insight and support during the session. And even if you’re instructed not to discuss much of your personal history during therapy—as is true in dialectical behavior therapy—you may still develop an emotional connection to the people around you.

Support Groups

Although more research is needed, “peer support groups included in addiction treatment5 show much promise in potentially reducing substance use.” Some programs include 12-Step groups, such as A.A. or N.A. Others offer non-12-Step support groups that serve a similar purpose, with a slightly different philosophy. Most of these groups are designed to help you connect with those who have similar life experiences. You may find that the people in your group can offer insights you simply wouldn’t reach in more traditional talk therapy.

Experiential Therapy

Sierra by the Sea interior
Sierra by the Sea in Newport Beach, California offers experiential therapies unique to their beachside location.

In experiential therapy, clients engage in a wide variety of activities, from skiing to visiting museums. Along with other therapeutic benefits, these experiences allow you to practice interpersonal skills in a new setting. For example, if you and your cohort go through a ropes course together, you may learn valuable lessons about communication, trust, and how to take risks in a healthy way.

Healing Past Relationships

Not every rehab will connect you with a cohort. Some facilities offer individual treatment, serving only one person at a time. This can be very important for well-known clients, who may require high levels of discretion in order to effectively begin healing. However, healing in private does not mean healing in isolation. These programs are extremely personalized, with treatment plans tailored to meet the unique needs of each individual client. Sometimes, that means staying in touch with your family, loved ones, and even your colleagues during treatment.

Family Therapy

Many rehab centers offer family therapy. “Family” may be defined in many ways, including people such as parents, children, partners, dear friends, and chosen family members. If this modality is right for you, you may participate in regular sessions, either in person or online. Some facilities also offer support groups that are only for family members, helping them heal from adverse experiences related to a loved one’s substance use disorder.

Family therapy isn’t right for everyone. Some clients may even decide to cut ties with family members to focus on recovery. There is no right or wrong way to approach this; only the way that works best for you. It’s important to remember that you get to decide who is part of your community. And if your family is included in that, they may be a valuable source of support both during and after rehab.

Forming a Sober Support Network

Recovery doesn’t end when you leave rehab. At this stage, you’ll find yourself in a new environment, and therefore, within a new community. This community may be made up of your family and old friends, or it may be something you haven’t experienced before.

For example, before returning home, you may choose to spend time in a therapeutic (or sober living) community. These programs provide less structure than inpatient rehab, while still supporting a healthy lifestyle for people with substance use disorders. These environments can be helpful for people who do not have strong support networks to return to. As one expert writes about the value of community in recovery,6 “Individuals with substance abuse problems who are living in a collaborative housing setting will have their addiction treated more effectively than [those] not residing in a community-based facility.”

If and when you do return home, community will continue to be important. You may find support from 12-Step or similar support groups, which will allow you to connect with peers in your area. Many rehab programs also have strong alumni programs, through which you can stay connected with your cohort.

And as important as these programs are, they aren’t everything. After rehab, you’ll also start to create a life that feels rich and meaningful, without relying on substance use. You may engage in new hobbies, meet people with similar interests, and find healthy ways to have fun. This may sound frivolous, but in fact, it is an absolutely essential part of recovery. Research has shown that “increasing recovery-supportive social connections can have a profound benefit for achieving and maintaining abstinence.”7

The Effect of Community Support on Long-Term Recovery

When considering the importance of community for people recovering from substance use disorders, many researchers refer to a study conducted in the early 1980s, commonly known as “Rat Park.”8

In his study, researcher Brian Alexander began by giving rats free access to water laced with opiates. He found that when given a choice between plain water and drugged water, solitary rats would continue drinking the opiate solution until they overdosed. Another group of rats was placed in an enclosure he called Rat Park. As it was later described by journalist Johann Hari, this environment was “basically heaven for rats. They’ve got loads of cheese, they’ve got loads of colored balls, they’ve got loads of tunnels. Crucially, they’ve got loads of friends.” Faced with the same choice between drugged and pure water, none of the subjects in Rat Park overdosed.

This research paints a clear picture. When a subject’s needs for food, enrichment, and— perhaps most importantly—community are met, then they’re able to create healthier habits. In light of this, it is absolutely essential for people with substance use disorders to build strong support networks.9

The Rat Park experiment is not without flaws.10 Some experts critique it as an oversimplification. And indeed, this theory of substance misuse focuses only on the idea of a subject’s current environment. It ignores genetics, life history, and the effects of long-term stress, all of which can contribute to a person’s mental health. However, more robust research continues to support one of its findings: that strong communities can help guard against substance misuse.

One study, conducted in 2021, analyzed several social factors as potential risk and protective factors for substance misuse.11 Researchers found that “those with a greater number of close friends had more strengths and fewer barriers” to addiction recovery. This suggests that one’s relationships, and not just one’s environment, support the process of healing.

Recovering Your Relationship With the World Around You

Much like the process of recovery, building community takes time. Many clients enter rehab with much to learn about how to engage in healthy relationships. You may need to practice setting boundaries, expressing your needs, or navigating group dynamics. And as much progress as you might make during rehab, you’ll find yourself learning a whole new set of skills after treatment.

Remember that a strong community is more than a checkbox. It is a complex, living, breathing, changing group of people, all of whom relate to each other in unique ways. And as you reconsider your relationship with substances, you may also redefine what you need in your relationships with other people. Your support network might look very different after rehab than it did earlier in your life. And for some people, that can be extremely healthy.

To learn more about the ways different facilities foster community, browse our list of luxury rehab centers.

Frequently Asked Questions About Building Community in Rehab

Why is building community important in the rehab process?

Building community in rehab fosters support, connection, and a sense of belonging. It creates a safe environment for patients to share experiences, offer encouragement, and learn from each other. Strong interpersonal relationships help support the healing process.

What are the benefits of peer support in rehab?

Peer support in rehab offers several benefits:

• Fosters mutual understanding and empathy
• Enhances motivation and accountability 
• Creates a sense of shared journey  
• Provides inspiration 
• Reduces feelings of isolation
• Increases the likelihood of long-term recovery

How is community built in rehab?

Community is built in rehab through various activities including group therapy, support groups, experiential therapy, outings, and shared responsibilities. These activities promote social interaction, communication, and collaboration. They foster a supportive environment for people to share and learn from one another.

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Should You Choose a Small or Large Rehab Center?

A rehab center’s size influences your treatment experience in big ways. It impacts important factors like facilities, level of personalized attention, types of therapies offered and more.

When it comes to rehab size, one isn’t necessarily better than the other. What will work for you depends on your needs and preferences. Some people need intimate settings to open up and are more comfortable at a boutique rehab. Others require specific programs or therapies that larger treatment centers tend to offer.

To help you determine which type of center could work for you or your family member, we examine the benefits and differences between small and large luxury rehab centers.

What Classifies as a Small Rehab Center?

While there’s no official definition of what constitutes a small rehab center, they tend to have the following:

  • An intake limit of 10 to 15 people
  • A 1:1 (or better) ratio of staff to patients
  • Many have an intimate home-like setting with a limited number of bedrooms
  • Some small rehab centers are family-run

How a Small Rehab Center Can Be Beneficial to Your Recovery

You Receive More Individualized Attention

At smaller rehab centers, multiple staff service one person at a time. Some even have a 3:1 staff to patient ratio, like The Sanctuary at Sedona in Arizona which has around 30 staff members serving 10 clients. 

Centers with a high staff-to-patient ratio have a greater capacity to offer individualized attention. You usually have more time with clinical staff compared to the average inpatient setting, which gives you around 4.2 hours of contact per week with medical professionals.1

As Quinn Tremblay, Admissions Coordinator at McLean Fernside in Princeton, Massachusetts describes:

“Our staff-to-patient ratio allows us to provide higher amounts of individualized sessions with case managers and psychiatrists. Patients can meet with psychiatry 5 days a week and with a case manager 3 times a week. With that, more processing and evaluation can be done with each patient.”

Meeting often with the clinical team gives you more opportunities to engage in important dialogue. You can discuss matters like what therapies work for you and what doesn’t. Open, frequent dialogue helps people feel heard by their clinician, which is therapeutic2 in and of itself. According to a study from McGill University Health Centre, a listening doctor can offer patients “relief from the stress and anxiety that can be induced and exacerbated by illness.” 

Camino Recovery team
A family-run center in Southern Spain, the team at Camino Recovery brings personalized attention to the fore.

And since clinical staff at small rehabs often service fewer people at once, they have more time to map out your bespoke treatment plan. 

You’re unlikely to fall through the cracks, as Don Lavender, Program Director at Camino Recovery explains:

“When you’re working with 7 or 8 clients maximum, they don’t get lost in the shuffle because there is no shuffle. And because it’s so small and the clinical crew is rather large with a lot of expertise in the clinical mix, treatment is truly bespoke.”

Programs Are More Flexible

Inpatient rehabs with lower intakes may offer more program flexibility. With fewer people to treat at a time, they don’t have to be as stringent with bureaucracy because it’s easier to oversee everyone. And as the clinical team builds a more personal relationship with you, they are more likely to keep track of your requests.

Dr. Thomas Gazda, Medical Doctor at Soberman’s Estate talks about how flexibility is a welcome change for some of their patients:

“We can be more flexible with a smaller number of intakes, which suits a lot of our patients. Many have been through rehab before and found it onerous or too regimented. It didn’t suit them as individuals and they were alienated in the process. Many of those patients come here and it’s a breath of fresh air because we try to be as flexible as possible with them.” 

In rehab programs where you meet with staff more often, you might be able to adjust your treatment plan as necessary. Soberman’s Estate, for example, holds a staff meeting each week with the medical director, clinical director, and nursing team. Clients are invited to sit at the table, discuss their treatment goals and make adjustments to their plan if needed.

You Have More Access to Staff Members

Staff at smaller rehabs often have higher availability to meet with patients outside of regularly scheduled sessions. In these instances, you can pull someone aside when you need questions answered or simply want to talk.

For many people, building a connection with the center staff makes them feel supported and more at home. It creates a sense of belonging. This level of staff-patient relationship, where two or more people intend for healing to occur, is a key component of an optimal healing environment,3 or as defined in the Global Advances in Health and Medicine journal, a healthcare system “that is designed to stimulate and support the inherent healing capacity of patients, families, and their care providers.” In short, it supports a patient’s recovery.

At some small treatment centers, the founders and other senior staff members are hands-on in day-to-day operations. You’ll often see this at family-run rehabs. Founders will get to know each client personally and oftentimes give a deeper, more personal story about the center’s origins. Access to senior staff can promote a sense of trust and help people feel more comfortable at the center. 

“(Co-owner) Jeanine and I live on the property. We feel it’s important that we’re available to our clients. We’re always at hand, should our clients need us. We’re very proud of it. We’re here every day because this is where we want to be and this is what we want to do.”

Giles Fourie, Director and Co-Owner at White River Manor in South Africa comments says core team members are always on hand to help clients:

You Can Be Part of a Tight-Knit Community

The intimacy of small treatment centers creates opportunities to build close relationships with others. Whether you choose a residential or inpatient rehab, you have a full schedule and spend lots of time with others in the program. You get to know the others on a deeper level, especially with a smaller group of people.

Alex Spritzer, Family Addiction and Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner at The Hope House Scottsdale, talks about the importance of this camaraderie:

“Small groups allow you to know people on a bigger level and learn details about their lives and the circumstances that they came from, which makes a lot of difference. Intimate settings promote trust, and trust promotes healing.”

The Hope House group therapy
With an intake limit of 15 people, group settings at The Hope House Scottsdale are intimate.

Group Sizes Are Smaller

If you have social anxiety, large group settings can be daunting. This might cause you to withdraw or avoid participating in activities, which hampers the recovery process. Smaller rehab centers can provide a more comfortable environment with less intimidating group sizes.

Group therapy is a powerful tool for treating substance abuse4 and may even be as helpful as individual therapy. Participating in group therapy has several rewarding benefits, including decreased isolation. If you can’t open up because a group size is too large or intimidating, this can be a barrier to treatment. It may prevent you from going deeper in your recovery journey.

If you have severe social anxiety, some boutique rehab centers are flexible–you may not be required to participate in group activities at all.

With an intake limit of just 15 people, White River Manor can accommodate the needs of clients with social anxiety. “None of our groups are compulsory. Each client is on their own recovery journey. It’s important they get what they need out of their time with us, so we accommodate each client’s specific needs,” states Jeanine Fourie, the center’s Therapeutic Director and Co-owner.

Keep in mind that participating in group activities has many therapeutic effects5 that are beneficial to recovery. If you are able to join group therapy and activities, it can enhance your healing process significantly.

What Constitutes a Large Rehab Center?

There’s no industry standard for what classifies as a large treatment center. They tend to have more than 30 beds, with some that intake over 100 people. Oftentimes, these centers are located on larger grounds with lots of room for guests to roam and more facilities. They usually have a big clinical team to keep a favorable staff-to-patient ratio.

Larger rehab centers are often thought of as overly clinical or sterile. But this stereotype doesn’t paint an accurate picture of the larger treatment landscape. Bigger addiction treatment centers can offer many benefits to your recovery.

What Are the Benefits of a Large Rehab Center?

Better and More Specialized Facilities

Large rehab centers can often invest in better and more specialized facilities. Since they tend to be located on bigger grounds, they may have more room for these facilities compared to smaller centers.

Spotlight on: Sierra Tucson

One of the larger rehabs in Arizona is Sierra Tucson, set on a 160-acre property. They have the facilities to assist clients through the full spectrum of care, from on-site medical detox to outpatient programs.

The option to stay with one treatment center throughout the recovery journey is beneficial for people who feel uncomfortable with a lot of environmental change, or for those who want to work with certain doctors and therapists throughout their treatment experience.

“We manage various levels of care. When individuals need medically-supported detox, we can do that on-site in our inpatient unit. Afterward, they can transition seamlessly to the residential setting and further to our partial hospitalization and intensive outpatient programs,” says Dr. Jasleen Chhatwal, Chief Medical Officer at Sierra Tucson.

On top of that, Sierra Tucson has a number of specialized facilities to support different types of therapies, like experiential therapy and equine therapy.

Sierra Tucson equine therapy
Sierra Tucson in Arizona offers equine therapy directly on their campus.

Fitness amenities here include a pool, sports court, fully-equipped gym, climbing wall and a ropes course. They have unique onsite facilities to support the spirituality component of their program, including a labyrinth and Kiva arena. Their center even houses an equine area with stables and an arena.

The lack of certain amenities or facilities can be a hindrance to healing. If equine therapy played a necessary role in someone’s recovery journey, but it wasn’t available anywhere, this would be more than frustrating. Larger rehab centers tend to house facilities that are very important to some people’s recovery journey.

Spotlight on: All Points North

All Points North Lodge in Vail Valley, Colorado is set on a verdant campus with a 77-square foot main lodge. They’ve invested in cutting-edge facilities to support specialized therapies and treatments.

On top of an on-campus indoor pool, spa center, boxing arena, game room, and golf courses, this rehab houses state-of-the-art equipment tailored for certain therapies.

All Points North recently introduced a hyperbaric oxygen chamber to their campus. This equipment helps feed the body with the right levels of oxygen to quickly heal itself when faced with different injuries and illnesses. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) is now a part of their athletic program and promotes healing for athletes with concussions. But they also introduce other clients to this specialized treatment.

“We have a lot of patients that come from other parts of the country and we can give them a chance to let their bodies oxygenate. It helps them feel better quickly and really assists in treatment,” says Lana Seiler, All Points North’s Associate Director of Clinical Operations.

One of their clients who received HBOT reported, “the facility here goes to depths that most hyperbaric therapy doesn’t go. My experience was almost immediate, where my fog of war disappeared.”

If you need more specific facilities for treatment, it can be difficult to find them at a smaller rehab center. For those in situations with unique treatment needs, for example, an athlete who has had multiple concussions, it can be a huge relief to find a program with specialized equipment.

Specialized Programs and Therapies

If you’re looking for specialized programs or therapies, you’re more likely to find them at a large rehab center. These programs can get pretty specific and can accommodate the unique needs of their clientele.

For example, Hanley Center At Origins is an 80-bed center in Florida with a Center for Older Adult Recovery. This program is specifically designed for older men and women and includes medically supervised detox that addresses the medical concerns unique to someone’s age.

Meanwhile, All Points North has specialized therapies that can be difficult to find otherwise, such as hyperbaric oxygen therapy and Deep Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (Deep TMS) for depression. Both of these therapies require special equipment operated by experienced professionals. They’re offered as a part of All Points North’s athletics program, a unique recovery program designed for current and retired athletes, created by professional athletes.

All Points North Lodge
All Points North Lodge houses state-of-the-art facilities and equipment.

Smaller, Targeted Client Groups

Some centers with large intake numbers give you the option to break out into smaller, more targeted groups. Not only does this give you a level of safety and comfort as you go into your sessions, you can open up about trauma in your specific groups knowing others have likely been in your shoes.

Below are examples of specific programs found at different large rehab centers:

LGBTQ+ Recovery

United Recovery Project in Hollywood, Florida is a 31- to 50-bed treatment center with an LGTBQ+ program. They address the treatment needs of patients in the community and focus on providing a safe environment for LGBTQ+ individuals to open up. Their staff are specifically trained in cultural sensitivity and issues affecting the LGBTQ+ community.

Veterans’ Recovery

Sierra Tucson in Tucson, Arizona offers a Red, White and Blue Program for members of the military and first responders. The program is designed to help people feel comfortable sharing their experiences with others who have also been through the line of duty. The clinical team includes former military members and first responders.

Breaking up into smaller, more focused groups helps people feel more comfortable expressing themselves and can improve therapeutic outcomes. One of the keys to successful group therapy6 is to identify common bonds between clients. According to ​​Martyn Whittingham, Ph.D., an Ohio counseling psychologist and president of APA’s Div. 49 (Society of Group Psychology and Group Psychotherapy), “discovering commonalities is crucial to building group cohesion.”

On top of that, a study on behavior change7 published in the Health and Well-Being journal found that homogeneous groups were better at instigating behavioral changes compared to heterogeneous groups.

Large Treatment Centers Mirror the Real World

An important aspect of the recovery journey is the ability to take what you’ve learned during your time in rehab and apply it to your daily life.

Larger treatment centers offer an environment that better mimics the real world. This gives you the opportunity to put the work you’ve done in therapy into practice. You also learn how to be a part of a larger community.

“A larger facility mirrors being in a larger community as a whole: you can find your people and learn how to deal with others. You can make your way in the treatment center in a way that mirrors how you need to make your way in the world. Successful treatment usually involves reconnecting and learning how to function in a social society,” says Dr. Ryan Drzewiecki, Director of Clinical Operations at All Points North Lodge.

Greater Network of Resources

Larger facilities often have a healthy network of resources to support your recovery. Some even have the capacity to team up with industry leaders.

Take Axis Sports Medicine, for example. They employ the highest number of advanced certified physical therapists in the state of Colorado. All Points North Lodge teamed up with them to offer top-level physical therapy to clients.

If you’re looking to connect with specific leading resources, like a top teletherapist in your area, larger treatment centers may be able to help you. They tend to have a more robust network to pull from.

Find a Treatment Center That Fits You

Both small and large rehab centers offer their own set of benefits. One isn’t necessarily better than the other. Recovery is unique for each person, so the criteria that you’re looking for may differ from someone else’s.f

The good news is, you have plenty of options to choose from. Browse our extensive collection of luxury rehabs to find a treatment center that fits your needs.

Frequently Asked Questions About Small vs. Large Rehabs

Should I choose a small or large rehab center?

The choice between a small and large rehab center depends on your needs and preferences. Small centers offer personalized attention and intimate settings, while large centers may have better facilities and more specialized programs. Consider what’s most important to you in your recovery journey.

What are the benefits of treatment at a small rehab center?

Smaller rehabs tend to offer more individualized attention, flexible programs, and greater access to staff members. With smaller group sizes, you can build close relationships with fellow participants. The intimate setting promotes trust, which is essential for healing and recovery.

What are the benefits of treatment at a large rehab center?

Larger rehabs can provide better, more specialized facilities and offer a wider range of programs and therapies. Large rehabs create an environment that more closely mirrors the real world, giving you a chance to practice the skills you learn in treatment. They may also have more resources to support your ongoing recovery.

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Building Confidence With Strengths-Based Addiction Treatment

Strengths-based treatment empowers clients to direct their own recovery process. This is a departure from many therapeutic modalities, where the focus tends to be on the negative. You analyze unhealthy habits, come to terms with past mistakes, and talk about the problems you’d like to “fix.” This perspective can be very beneficial for some, but it’s not for everyone. The strengths model offers an alternative.

This type of therapy is used to tackle the same issues, but from a more positive perspective. Rather than focusing on their flaws, clients build confidence by growing the skills that serve them best. Strengths-based counseling places an emphasis on the coping mechanisms that got you through difficulties, rather than dwelling on the choices that caused them. 

The goal is for you to view yourself with compassion and respect, cultivating a more positive outlook toward your life and the world around you. This reminds you that no matter how hard things were before, you had the skills to get here. You are capable of great things. And you can use your current strengths to develop an even better toolkit for mental health, with skills that will empower you to build a meaningful life. 

Strengths-based therapy is both a philosophical perspective and a practical approach to the healing process. In order to understand what happens in this form of treatment, it’s important to know about its underlying ideology.

The Philosophy of Strengths-Based Treatment

This approach is fundamentally different from the more widely used model of medical care. In most medical treatments, for any condition from substance use to cancer, the focus is on treating the “bad” symptoms. If your neck hurts, you might take aspirin. If you twist your ankle, you might wear an ankle brace. This can also be applied to more complex issues: if you have depression, you might see a therapist, or start taking antidepressants. In any of these examples, the primary goal of treatment is to stop you from hurting. This model is a negative feedback loop,1 in which a change in a negative stimulus (such as spraining your ankle), is regulated by making a change in the opposite direction (such as wearing an ankle brace). These simple solutions often work well, but they are not always appropriate for healing complex mental illnesses, such as substance use disorders.

The strengths-based approach, on the other hand, is a positive feedback loop. This type of treatment has similar goals to traditional medical care, but it reaches them by using a very different strategy. Instead of treating negative symptoms, the therapist encourages the client to focus on the positive. You’ll catalogue your own strengths, and learn how your skills have helped you navigate past life experiences. By understanding your own best qualities, you’ll become better equipped to use healthy coping mechanisms in the future. This empowers clients to make choices more intentionally, and to build fulfilling, sustainable lives. 

The Medical Model of Care: Fixing Problems

In the case of mental health, negative feedback loops can influence the way clients view themselves and their prospects of recovery. “Traditionally, the mental health arena is highly influenced by the medical model where severe mental illnesses are considered chronic with irreversible neuropathological brain changes and information-processing deficits,” says Huiting Xie, Senior Staff Nurse at the Buangkok View Institute of Mental Health in Singapore in an article on strengths-based approaches for mental health recovery.2 As a result, “Mental health recovery seems like an impossible dream.” The very model we use to determine a course of treatment can sometimes make it difficult for clients to heal.

This common perspective can severely damage the self-esteem of people with mental health diagnoses, which may impede recovery. In fact, research has found that “24% of the people with schizophrenia scored low on self-esteem2 on the Rosenberg self-esteem scale.” This also applies to people with substance use disorders, whether or not they have additional diagnoses. Therapy is intended to cultivate mental health, and not to increase feelings of guilt. Although it’s important to take responsibility for your mistakes, low self-esteem can lead to shame spirals.

This pattern can also cause clients to perform badly in relationships with other people. This results in a lack of community support. Isolation is unhealthy for most people, but especially for those with substance use disorders, who benefit from having a level of public accountability. Strong relationships also help people in recovery build meaningful lives, making plans they can look forward to that don’t include unhealthy behaviors. A lack of community can also make relapse far more likely.

Although the traditional medical model is a very effective way to treat certain disorders, it’s not the only way. For some clients, especially those with mental illness and substance use disorders, it can even be counterproductive. It’s easy to separate one’s identity from physical conditions—you are not your carpal tunnel syndrome. It’s much harder to draw those distinctions when your illness affects your emotions or your behavior. This paradigm can give clients the impression that, just by being themselves, they are a problem that needs to be fixed or isolated from the world. That idea is extremely harmful. Strengths-based treatment can be a lifeline for clients who are engaged in this way of thinking.

Strengths-Based Treatment: Promoting Confidence

Strengths-based therapy has many of the same goals as other treatment modalities. However, those goals are achieved through a very different process. Instead of emphasizing “bad” behaviors, therapists encourage clients to lean into their more positive traits. No matter how hard someone’s life has been, all of us have strengths that have helped us get to this point. In most cases, clients who are starting therapy have made the decision to change. That fact alone is a reason to take pride in yourself.

In strengths-based talk therapy, the therapist guides the client through the process of assessing their own best qualities. Many forms of addiction treatment emphasize “pathology, focusing on problems and failures in people with mental illnesses; the strengths-based approach2 allows practitioners to acknowledge that every individual has a unique set of strengths and abilities that [they] can rely on to overcome problems.” By acknowledging these strengths, the therapist not only encourages the client to do the same; they also provide tangible, memorable evidence they are worthy of praise and respect.

Strengths-based treatment may be helpful for people with a wide variety of diagnoses, including substance use disorders. Research is being done on its efficacy in treating a number of demographics. Like any form of therapy, however, it may not be appropriate for all clients. In some cases, strengths-based therapy is a valuable component of healing, but should be used in combination with other therapeutic modalities. 

It’s important to be realistic about recovery of any kind. False hope can be harmful, especially to people who are emotionally triggered by severe disappointment. However, overt pessimism can be equally damaging. The strengths model deals in practical hope. By taking a clear-eyed look at your most positive qualities, you can ground yourself in reality and begin to build a more sustainable life. This therapy has many of the same goals as other treatment modalities; however, those goals are achieved through a very different process.

Strengths-Based Treatment in Practice

The actual process of strengths-based recovery may look and feel different from other types of talk therapy. Because the goal is to empower the client, and not to “fix” them or their problems, therapists use a distinct set of techniques and conversation styles. Clients are encouraged to assess and celebrate their own unique strengths, rather than conforming to a set of values that may or may not resonate with them.

Assessment

In the first stage of strengths-based treatment,3 “case managers engage clients in a process that is the antithesis of most assessments.” Some practitioners don’t even read the client’s complete medical record until after their first meeting. Instead, they meet you in the present moment, listening to your perspective before learning about other healthcare providers’ opinions. This allows them to approach you as a whole person, making space for you to have your own thoughts and feelings about the healing process. 

This approach is intended to empower the client. When you’re in the driver’s seat, you learn how it feels to make decisions about your own life. You can begin to build confidence not only by talking about your strengths, but by amassing evidence that you’re capable of making sustainable choices. If you begin this process during your time at an inpatient rehab program, the risks are somewhat mitigated. You can trust that your talk therapist and other healthcare providers will provide feedback if you begin to fall into unhealthy patterns. 

After meeting with you and hearing about your experience, the therapist will support you in deciding what your treatment will look like. Unlike many other modalities, clients in strengths-based therapy define their own treatment goals, and decide which services will be used to achieve those goals. You’ll begin by going through a questionnaire to assess your strengths. For some clients, this is their first time consciously considering their own best qualities. This strengths-based assessment3 focuses on your ability to “accomplish a task, use a skill, and have or fulfill a goal in nine life domains,” including life skills, finance, leisure, relationships, living arrangements, occupation/education, health, internal resources, and recovery.

According to experts, by inviting a client to take such an active role in their own recovery, the strengths-based approach can significantly decrease their denial.3 In the act of considering which services will be most effective for them, clients must take an honest look at their own goals, needs, and preferences. By doing this, they begin to come to terms with their current emotional state. They accept their own problems, and immediately link those problems to possible solutions. This process can be less jarring and painful than more traditional therapies, in which the client begins treatment by extensively describing the difficult issues at hand.

Identifying Your Strengths

After the initial intake process, clients go through various strengths-based assessment worksheets4 to help them identify their strengths and skills. This process invites you to take an objective look at your own life experiences and behavioral patterns. For example, one worksheet asks the client to reflect not only on strengths they see in themselves, but on strengths the therapist heard and reflected back to them. Then, the client goes on to list situations in which those strengths were apparent. Every therapeutic process is unique, so your therapist may or may not give you this exact assignment.

Most people in recovery have more strengths than they initially think. They may also have developed coping mechanisms that once felt like negative attributes, which can help them build more sustainable lives. It’s common for people with substance use disorders to find themselves in dangerous or even life-threatening situations, in which they must make split-second decisions. If you were once in a dangerous situation, and made a decision that minimized harm to yourself or someone else, you used a skill to do so. That’s something to be proud of. Going to rehab and engaging in therapy will hopefully help you avoid such difficult dynamics in the future, but you can find ways to use that same skill in situations with lower stakes.

Rehab is an opportunity to develop healthy coping mechanisms. In some forms of treatment, therapists assume that clients are starting from scratch, and unlearning all their current habits to make room for new ones. The strengths model takes the opposite approach. With this type of treatment, you begin by acknowledging and honoring the fact that you already have positive coping mechanisms. Your therapist guides you through the process of honing these skills, and learning to apply them in a healthy and sustainable way.

Self-Empowerment Through Strengths-Based Treatment

The positive philosophy of strengths-based treatment5 has an impact on every aspect of therapy, including interpersonal dynamics. This process is most effective when the therapist and client view themselves as collaborators. Instead of enacting the power dynamic seen in so many therapeutic relationships, the therapist and client interact as equals, honoring each other’s contributions to the conversation.

Over time, this dynamic teaches the client how to build relationships that are based on mutual respect. This practical experience also allows you to create memories of healthy interactions, amassing evidence of your own strengths and skills.

Working as a team, the therapist and client begin to explore skills that have “been historically successful in the client’s life.”5 Clients practice viewing themselves in a more positive light, developing confidence and self-compassion. Experts note that this process reveals clients’ inherent resilience. “In most cases, it is not necessary to teach clients new skills, thoughts or emotional reactions. Instead, therapists can help clients identify the strengths they already possess and build a model of resilience from these existing strengths,” according to Christine A. Padesky and Kathleen A. Mooney, creators of the four-step Strengths-Based cognitive–behavioural therapy (CBT)6 model. “Rather than focus on areas in which the person is not resilient, we advocate in-depth exploration of areas in the person’s life in which they exhibit sustained activity and that are not linked to problem areas.”

It’s important to recognize that behavioral patterns do not exist in a vacuum. Strengths-based therapy also includes an assessment of the client’s external environment and family structure. In many types of therapy, this assessment would be focused on assigning responsibility or even blame to the people in your life, locating the root of your biggest problems. The strengths model, unsurprisingly, has a somewhat different goal. The therapist and client use this information to identify opportunities for the client to seek out external support.

Strengths-Based Treatment in Community

You are not alone in your experiences. Strengths-based recovery practice7 recognizes that community is “an oasis of potential resources,” and a very important component of healing. This applies to your existing community—family, friends, colleagues, etc.—and also to the new community you’ll build during therapy. This community may come from group therapy, support groups, 12-Step programs, family and friends, and other people in your rehab program.

Group Therapy

After arriving at inpatient rehab, clients may or may not get to choose which groups they attend. Of course, your choice of rehab facility may be partially based on which groups are offered. However, you may find that your preferences change after you begin inpatient treatment. Strengths-based treatment gives clients a great deal of control over which types of therapy they engage in. You’ll be empowered to make your own decisions, just as you are in every other aspect of this approach. 

Experts note that typically, “the treatment program determines the types of groups clients will attend, the information to be presented, and the perspectives to be used to evaluate the client’s success or failure in treatment. In opposition to that approach, case managers who implement a strengths-based approach will attempt to ensure that clients are in control of their own treatment.”3

By having so much say in what your treatment looks like, you’ll have the opportunity to learn about your own needs. This is an absolutely essential part of healing. The more you know about yourself, the better equipped you’ll be to adopt healthy patterns of behavior. If you can really meet your needs, and do so in a sustainable way, you can start to alleviate self-destructive desires. 

You’ll also gain valuable experience in meeting your needs on your own terms. When this process begins in a safe environment like inpatient rehab, you have the freedom to make mistakes and through trial and error. Your actions always have consequences, but any negative effects can be moderated by on-site therapists and medical professionals. 

Family Therapy

The principles of strengths-based therapy can also be applied to families. Whether you choose to attend family therapy, or simply discuss your family dynamics in a one-to-one session, this philosophy helps many clients identify ways to heal their relationships. The strengths model encourages clients to approach family members from a place of respect, honoring each person’s contributions.

As Elsie Jones-Smith, of the American Board of Professional Psychology, writes, “The SBT (strengths-based therapy) philosophy toward working with families8 deals with the unique knowledge, competencies, capabilities, and resources of individual family members as well as the family as a whole. Strengths may involve relationships and connection among immediate family members, extended family members, friends, and members of a given community. These strengths can also be found in the family’s unique beliefs, cultural and ethnic heritage, or socioeconomic background.”

This process of honoring each family member’s unique knowledge and history is not intended to ignore problems. It goes almost without saying that family dynamics can contribute to mental illness and substance use disorders. However, it’s not often productive to dwell on wrongdoing. This model avoids placing blame on any individual person or family unit. Instead, it refocuses on the individual and collective skills of the people involved.

By considering the strengths of your family members, and of your family unit as a whole, you may discover new ways to reconnect with the people closest to you. It’s okay to ask for help, and it can be very healthy to seek advice from those you trust. You may find that the people in your life have strengths that are very different from your own. Perhaps you’re great at listening, but your sibling is better at articulating difficult emotions. The two of you could learn a great deal from each other. Strengths-based family therapy might help you do this in a focused way, allowing each of you to feel like an expert while you both practice working as a team. 

Participating in a team of any kind can build individual confidence.9 This includes family systems. One study asserts that teamwork “has the ability to enable the members of the team to have a higher level of emotional security, self-confidence and the ability to plan and decide with others positively.” Strengths-based family therapy not only improves group dynamics; it can also empower individual family members in other areas of their lives. This is especially important for people in recovery from substance use. In order to heal your relationships, you must understand your own needs and goals and have a clear sense of what makes your life meaningful.

Holistic Strengths-Based Treatment

The strengths model is intended to treat the whole client, in the wider context of their life and community. Rather than just treating your symptoms, this approach is intended to improve every aspect of life, including self-image, patterns of behavior, and interpersonal dynamics. Although clients are asked to evaluate their personal histories, the focus is on the future.

In order to identify goals, you’ll begin by defining your personal values. For example, if you value adventure and travel, buying a house may not be an appropriate objective. On the other hand, if you value stability more highly, it may be time to let go of dreams of a traveling lifestyle. There’s no one right way to live, but it is possible to find the best possible path for yourself.

Assessing and exercising your strengths can help you understand what a meaningful life looks like for you. You’re also likely to find that even your most difficult past experiences are valuable lessons. No matter where you’ve been, what you’ve done, or whether you regret your past choices, you can be sure that you’ve learned and grown along the way. 

Elsie Jones-Smith writes, “Strengths-based therapy10 adheres to the belief that even the most challenging life stories that clients bring to therapy contain examples of their exercise of strengths in their struggle with adversity. For instance, the addict’s or substance abuser’s maladaptive responses may also contain within them the seeds of a struggle for health.” Those seeds contain valuable information about what you valued, even in the darkest times of your life. To extend the metaphor–by planting and watering them, you can develop even better coping mechanisms, nourishing the life you’ve always wanted.

Experts note that people with substance use disorders3 “frequently become adept at making decisions in crisis, with very short-range goals in mind. Although this type of decision-making ability is a strength, recovery and sobriety will also call for the ability to plan and carry out longer-range goals.” When you first begin therapy, it can be difficult to see how your own best qualities came through in the difficult situations you previously encountered. Once you start to recognize your own strengths, you can start to plan for a better future. It’s important for people in recovery to learn how to think about their lives in the long term. And in many cases, this is a new experience.

The Hero’s Journey

Strengths-based therapy positions the client as the hero of their own personal narrative.11 In their book on this approach, John J. Murphy and Jacqueline A. Sparks write “Clients are often portrayed as dysfunctional, passive, and acted upon by the expert counselor’s intervention. Drawing from decades of research that paint a very different picture, SBT acknowledges and honors heroic elements of clients’ lives throughout the course of counseling. These elements include clients’ creativity, wisdom, resilience, and other strengths that contribute to effective therapeutic outcomes.”

The hero’s journey,12 famously defined by Joseph Campbell, is well understood as a literary concept. This detailed framework can be divided into three steps: the departure, the initiation, and the return. In the departure, a person acknowledges a problem that needs their attention, and decides to make changes. During the initiation, they confront the difficult emotions that haunt them, and the decisions that led them this far. Finally, in the return phase, they begin to rebuild their life based on recent revelations.

It’s easy to see how this process relates to that of addiction and recovery. In the case of addiction, the departure occurs when you decide to change your life. This initiation might occur in detox, rehab, or other forms of therapy. The return is the ongoing process of recovery.

Academic researchers are now applying this framework directly to mental health, especially in the context of trauma. In the article “Trauma Recovery: A Heroic Journey,”13 scholars describe how the process of healing from a traumatic experience, such as substance abuse, fits into this paradigm. They conclude that in many cases, “trauma survivors are the living narrative of such heroic tales,” and that “recognizing survivors in this way empowers them to continue to fight bravely for the ability to change their own story.” 

In strengths-based therapy, as in the hero’s journey, clients take an active role in their own lives. This process encourages you to develop compassion for your own struggles, and to look forward to a brighter future of your own design. For example, at the New England Recovery Center, clients engage in a “client-centered, strengths-based approach” intended to “motivate them for active participation. Cognitive-behavioral treatment provides clients the necessary tools for achieving and sustaining recovery. Concepts and skills learned during the initial stages of addiction treatment are continuously emphasized and practiced on a daily basis.”

Developing the Strength to Change

In strengths-based therapy, the client is positioned as an expert. The therapist trusts you to make your own decisions and to implement your skills. By learning how it feels to be trusted, you’ll begin to trust yourself, either again or for the first time. 

When you trust yourself to make good decisions, you’re far better equipped to navigate difficult situations. Strength-based therapy offers you the emotional space you need to build healthier coping mechanisms, and to use them even when you encounter triggers.  This strategy is a powerful way to build confidence and start working toward a better life. 

If this type of therapy feels right for you, you can learn more about the luxury rehabs that offer strengths-based treatment here.

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What to Expect While You’re in Rehab

Rehab is a place for you to build a sustainable life. In order to do that, you’ll develop healthy daily habits, learn to cope with cravings, and set goals. This is not a simple process. In order to create a better future, you first need to understand what led you to this point. By working through your emotional experience of your life so far, you’ll learn more about yourself and your own values. And when you truly understand yourself, you open the door to a life that can support your unique version of health.

Most rehab programs are designed to give you a type of structure you may have been missing up until now. You’ll likely have a full agenda, waking up early for a full day of activities and going to bed soon after you finish them. This schedule strikes a delicate balance. The intensive process keeps you focused on the work at hand, with little time to get too distracted by the cravings and triggers you came to get a break from. You will, however, have some opportunities for downtime to process the hard emotional work you’re doing in therapy. How intensive this journey is varies from program to program.

Because everyone is different, each rehab center offers a number of different healing modalities, ranging from individual therapy to recreational group outings. The process may feel more accessible if you have a sense of what to expect in advance.

A Typical Day in Rehab

Your time in rehab will be carefully curated by a team of healthcare providers. In addition to receiving medical care, you’ll spend time with the other residents, attending one-on-one therapy, and processing your experiences. Here’s what a typical schedule might look like: 

7am – 8am Yoga 

8am – 9am Breakfast 

9am – 10:30am Individual therapy 

10:30am – 12pm Group therapy 

12pm – 1pm Lunch 

1pm – 1:45pm Medical aspects or energy work

1:45pm – 3:30pm Trauma therapy

3:30pm – 4:30pm Recreation therapy

4:30pm – 5:30pm Meditation

6:30pm – 7:30pm Group Activity or Speaker

7:30pm – 10pm  Free Time & Homework

10pm Bedtime

You won’t have the same schedule every day, but it’s likely that each day will be tightly structured. Most facilities have time set aside for visiting hours, family therapy, and experiential therapies or outings such as skiing and rock climbing. Some rehabs offer even more flexibility. For example, at All Points North Lodge , a luxury rehab in Colorado, clients sometimes go on nature walks with their therapists during individual sessions. 

As you can see, most centers maintain a balance between time alone, one-on-one sessions with a provider, and group experiences. Every one of these dynamics is an important part of healing. Because rehab is a place to reconnect with yourself, it’s valuable to learn how to be alone. Talking through your feelings with a trusted guide in a private setting will help keep you on track throughout that process. Social dynamics offer group support, and encourage clients to hone their interpersonal skills. Many clients even find the simple act of sharing meals with their rehab community gives them a helpful sense of camaraderie and support. 

paracelsus bedroom
Paracelsus Recovery in Zurich, Switzerland.

Personalized Programming at Bespoke Treatment Centers

Some residential rehabs serve only one client at a time, offering a completely bespoke experience tailored to meet their needs. Other rehabs take a holistic approach, treating a few clients at a time using a highly individualized approach. For instance, the team at Paracelsus Recovery works very closely with each person in their care to come up with a plan perfectly suited to their recovery goals. Louis Fitzmaurice, a therapist at Paracelsus, says: 

“Everything that goes on in the therapeutic environment that we exist in has been created for and directed at our client. It’s designed. It’s tailor-made for our client, everything that goes on. That’s the food, the complementary therapy, the psychotherapy, the psychiatry. That’s me, the live-in therapist. That’s the physical work. Everything that goes on in the environment is focused on our client and is for the best outcome for our client.”

This careful scheduling offers clients the structure they were likely missing before rehab. It also ensures that you’ll have the chance to benefit from a number of different healing modalities. 

Emotional Exploration in Individual Therapy

Individual therapy is a safe, private space for you to express yourself without being concerned about the listener’s reaction. Your therapist’s job is not to fix you, but to help you do the hard work of healing. 

This is not a fast or easy process, but in the end, it’s worth the effort. By developing the skills to navigate whatever life throws at you, you can come to rely on yourself and go forward with confidence. Ryan Soave, Director of Program Development at All Points North Lodge, says that “With therapy in general, the goal is not to reach some place where nothing affects you and you’re happy 100% of the time. It’s really about building the capacity to experience difficult emotions, to experience hardship. We’re going to experience pain – it’s part of life. In fact, we can’t have joy without pain. The more we can build the capacity to experience the full amount of pain, the more capacity we have to experience joy in life.”

During individual therapy, you’ll get to process anything that’s coming up for you. You might feel called to talk about your life before rehab, your daily experience of the program, or your concerns about the future. This is also a place to discuss practical skills like how to manage cravings, how to define your goals, and how to set healthy boundaries in your relationships. Bear in mind, however, that one-on-one therapy is just a starting point. It’s your responsibility to take what you learn in this context and apply it to the rest of your life. 

There are many different styles of one-on-one therapy. Depending on where you go to rehab, you may have access to some or all of these; you may even want to choose a program based on which types of therapy they offer. Some popular styles of therapy offered at rehab are Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT),1 Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR),2 and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT).3

As productive as individual therapy is, it’s not a simple solution to all your problems. In fact, much of the work of therapy happens between sessions. This allows you to reflect on your observations, put what you’ve learned into practice, and gain new insights into your patterns. When you return for your next session, you’ll be ready to delve even deeper into your treatment process. As you integrate the lessons of therapy into your daily experience, you’ll develop a greater understanding of yourself. Eventually, you’ll start to define what you want your life to look like after rehab.

Group Therapy and Social Dynamics

Group therapy is another way to prepare yourself for life after rehab. This is an opportunity to connect with people at a similar point in their path. By building community with the other clients in your program, you’ll realize through sharing your experiences that you’re not alone. As valuable as it is to work with a therapist, there are some lessons that you can only learn from peers. As Lana Seiler, Associate Director of Clinical Operations at All Points North Lodge, says, “We’re social creatures by nature, so it’s a very different feel working one-on-one with someone versus working in a small group and in their community.”

If you attend a program for a specialized cohort—such as a men’s group, a women’s group, or a group for older adults—group therapy may allow you to speak in shorthand. If you’re the parent of adult children, for example, there are parts of your life that a childless 23-year-old might not understand without explanation. On the other hand, that same person can probably teach you a great deal about what it’s like to be a young adult relating to her parents in this era of history. There is no right or wrong group of people with whom to undergo group therapy, but it’s important to find the right group for you. 

For many people in rehab, interpersonal skills are an area of growth. Group therapy is a safe, gentle way to learn or relearn how to build healthy relationships. Openly describing past and present experiences can help clients work against shame. “Group therapy is important for a variety of reasons. Firstly, addiction and substance use bring around a lot of isolation, shame and secrecy over time. People often feel very alone. So an important vehicle for change is to have support and encouragement from others,” says Dr. Monika Kolodziej, Program Director of McLean Fernside. This dynamic helps clients cultivate a sense of self-acceptance, which is essential in order to move forward from substance use. 

Substance use can easily damage your relationships with family, partners, colleagues, and friends. As such, group therapy is a safe place to practice skills that will serve you well when you return to your community after rehab. The act of building relationships in this context provides a certain level of accountability, which may have been lacking in your life before rehab. When you see how the people around you approach their treatment, you may be inspired to commit to your own process even more fully. Data shows that group therapy can improve clients’ engagement with recovery.4 

all points north online aftercare
All Points North Lodge in Edwards, Colorado

Finding Joy in Complementary Therapies

Recovery is hard work; there’s no way around that. However, recommitting to yourself and your wellness means building a better life. In support of that goal, there are many therapies that focus on relaxation and fun. Inpatient rehabs often offer complementary therapies, giving you time and space to process the more demanding aspects of treatment.

Bodywork: Healing the Body to Heal the Mind

Many luxury rehabs invite clients to receive bodywork such as massage, acupuncture, and other spa services. These experiences have a dual purpose. On a therapeutic level, they help your body heal from the negative impacts of substance use. They’re also an opportunity for you to relax and enjoy yourself. Some of these modalities have a component of mindfulness, which can contribute to your emotional recovery.

Recreational Therapy: Emotional Processing Through Self-Expression

Depending on where you go to rehab, you may have the opportunity to participate in recreational therapy. Arts and crafts, film, and psychodrama—to name just a few—offer a different way of relating to yourself and expressing your emotions. Veronique De Buck​, Evolutionary Art Therapist at Camino Recovery, explains: 

“By working with art, you can reconnect with your resources, your potential, your talents and all the beautiful things you have inside of you. Sometimes people can’t put their trauma into words. So it helps to feel, to contact their heart, to feel the emotions and to put those emotions on paper.”

Adventure Therapy: Exploring Your Inner and Outer Worlds in Tandem

Some luxury rehabs are known for their adventure therapy programs. These experiences vary widely from location to location. In California, you might hike a beautiful mountain trail. Some Florida rehabs offer beach activities from surfing to wave running. At White River Manor in South Africa, you can even go on safari. These activities are a fun and exciting way to learn about your own reactions to life in different contexts. According to Ryan Soave, these experiences are more than just a break from the intensity of therapy:

“Fun and play are super important to getting well. It actually allows people to access creative states, which we want people to be in. In behavioral health, it’s about inventing a new way of relating with oneself and others and the world around them. So being able to get out and have fun can really help their process.”

Through these experiences, you’ll develop more sustainable ways of relating to the world. And having positive memories to draw from can make the next chapter of your life feel more accessible.

People are complex, multifaceted beings. Rehab is designed to treat every aspect of self. The demanding work of individual and group therapy encourages you to delve into your reasons for being in rehab in the first place. By balancing this work with enjoyable low-stakes activities, you’ll be reminded of how much the world has to offer you. As challenging as recovery can be, it’s the first step in moving towards a life you love.

Browse our collection of luxury treatment centers to learn more about the experience of rehab. 

Frequently Asked Questions About What Happens in Rehab

What is a typical daily schedule like in rehab?

A typical day in rehab is highly structured from morning until late evening. Schedules usually include individual and group therapy, complementary therapies like yoga, other recovery activities, and downtime.

How long does rehab typically last?

The length of stay in rehab varies depending on individual needs, but most programs last between 30 and 90 days. Some programs are shorter or longer stays depending on the severity of addiction and the individual’s needs.

What kind of therapies are offered in rehab?

Rehab programs offer a range of therapies, such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT). These different styles of therapy may be delivered in a one-on-one or group setting. Luxury rehabs tend to offer complementary therapies like yoga or art therapy.

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Gambling Addiction: What It Is, How It’s Treated and How to Choose the Right Rehab

Gambling addiction is more common than most people realize—it’s a global problem that’s only getting worse. Last year, the World Health Organization (WHO) released a report on gambling addiction due to its “unprecedented growth.”1 The WHO stressed the need to extend and enhance treatment for problem gambling. The good news is, while it’s undoubtedly a serious concern, this addiction is proven to be treatable. Here, we’ll outline available treatment options and what to look for in a gambling addiction treatment center if you or someone you love needs help.

When Is Gambling an Addiction?

Gambling addiction is markedly different from taking an occasional trip to the casino—the impulse to bet, play and win is too strong to control. Those suffering from gambling addiction experience a compulsive urge to bet despite the increasingly negative consequences it carries. With problem gambling, winning provides a sense of euphoria and pleasure that serves as a short-term high. When a gambling addict loses, they begin to chase their losses, trying to win back the money (and pleasure) they lost—resulting in a cycle that’s very difficult to escape.

Sign and Symptoms of Gambling Impulse-Control Disorder

If you’re addicted to gambling, you’ve likely experienced some of these symptoms:

  • Gambling to counteract negative emotions
  • Irritability or restlessness when not gambling
  • Efforts to be secretive about gambling
  • Not being able to stop, chasing losses
  • Obsessing about the next big win
  • Betting more than you can afford

If gambling causes you to lose significant time, money or relationships, this is indicative of compulsive gambling, a disorder that can significantly impact many areas of your life.

gambling and depression
Research shows problem gamblers are twice as likely to be depressed as those who don’t have a gambling problem.

Problem Gambling and Substance Abuse

Pathological gambling often coexists with other addictions or mental health concerns. In fact, one recent report states that problem gamblers are four times more likely to abuse alcohol2 than those without a gambling problem. Common cross-addictions include gambling with alcoholism and gambling with cocaine addiction, which often go hand-in-hand because of the environments in which people typically gamble, like casinos and parties.

Depression, Anxiety and Pathological Gambling

Gambling impulse-control disorder is also often associated with mental health disorders like depression and anxiety. In fact, problem gamblers are twice as likely to be depressed3 as those who don’t have a gambling problem.

For those struggling with depression or anxiety, gambling can artificially mitigate negative feelings in the moment. But over time, this cycle—feeling depressed or anxious, self-medicating with gambling, eventually losing a bet which leads to even more intense negative feelings, and gambling to combat that depressed or anxious state—gets out of control, and often requires professional treatment to overcome.

Treatment Methods for Gambling Addiction

As problem gambling becomes increasingly widespread, addiction experts work to find innovative and effective treatments, as well as honing time-tested, evidence-based therapy tools. Here are some popular treatment options:

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is one of the most common and effective treatment options for process addictions like gambling. Gambling addiction functions on two levels: automatic and irrational thought patterns, and malfunctioning in the brain’s reward system. CBT works to address both.

The first goal of CBT for gambling addiction4 is to weaken the compulsion to gamble and give you a sense of mastery over this urge. Then, specialized clinicians help you understand, on a neurochemical level, that the long-term negative impacts of gambling far outweigh the short-term pleasure it delivers. Eventually, you’ll be able to employ the healthy strategies you learn in treatment to real-life scenarios.

Medication

In addition to CBT, counselors sometimes prescribe medications to help curb the compulsive behaviors attached to gambling impulse-control disorder. Indeed, the medication most often used to treat gambling addictions are those used to treat other compulsive disorders like obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD). Medication is most effective when used in combination with CBT.

Group Therapy

Group therapy, available both on-site at treatment centers and in the form of fellowships like Gamblers Anonymous, is a truly healing treatment option for gambling addiction. In this setting, you’ll benefit from sharing your story with others, learning you’re not alone and receiving support from those with common experiences. You’ll also have the opportunity to form lasting relationships with people who understand what you’re going through and support your recovery progress.

Holistic Therapies

Holistic modalities like meditation, yoga and massage are a great complement to conventional addiction treatments. Ideally, they should be employed alongside conventional methods like CBT. Holistic therapies encourage healing on all levels for a well-rounded outcome and accelerate your treatment progress. Meditation, for instance, creates a sense of security and mental calm that can help you open up in talk therapy.

group therapy gambling
Group therapy lets participants share their stories with others with similar experiences, reinforcing the knowledge that you’re not alone.

How to Choose a Gambling Addiction Rehab

Gambling is a complex disorder that has far-reaching effects in all aspects of your life. Dr. Marie Hartwell-Walker, a psychologist and gambling treatment expert, explains, “There is no one size fits all treatment. However, treatment always begins with recognizing the problem. The next step to reclaiming sanity and stability is to see a counselor for an evaluation and a treatment plan.” She recommends a multifaceted gambling addiction treatment approach5 that involves a combination of CBT, treatment for co-occurring disorders, social and family support, medication-assisted recovery and financial help.

There are plenty of available options for addressing problem gambling, with many luxury rehabs offering robust programming that’s focused specifically on this complex disorder. As a precursor to your treatment, consider the following factors:

Who Should Assess Your Situation and Recommend Treatment Options?

You’ve probably heard of various treatment options, like inpatient, outpatient, day treatment and so forth. While inpatient rehab is more intensive and provides a more substantial removal from your triggers, outpatient rehab allows you to continue working, spending time with your family and otherwise attending to your usual responsibilities while in treatment. How do you know which one to pick? The good news is you don’t have to, nor should you. Let a professional conduct a comprehensive clinical evaluation or assessment and provide treatment recommendations accordingly. Primary care physicians can screen for gambling disorder or you can seek out a private therapist or psychiatrist to assess your situation and history. Some treatment centers offer evaluations, conducted by licensed clinicians, separately and will either recommend their services if they are a fit or refer you elsewhere.

Is the Treatment Center Specialized in Gambling Disorders?

When choosing a rehab, specialization is always an important consideration. Addiction is an insidious disorder that functions on multiple levels—mental, emotional, physical and spiritual—and it requires a laser-focused expert approach to unpack. Make sure your rehab has licensed clinicians with experience specifically treating gambling addiction and that they can customize your treatment plan to fit your needs.

Do You Want Holistic Therapy Options?

Successful gambling addiction treatment goes well beyond the initial 28 days. It’s about making changes in your thinking and lifestyle that improve your overall well-being. Choosing a rehab that offers holistic therapies as well as conventional methods ensures you have access to a more complete treatment for your body, mind and spirit. To make the most of your time in rehab, you may want access to activities that keep you relaxed, present and more receptive to treatment.

Finding High-Quality Gambling Addiction Treatment at a Luxury Rehab

Luxury rehab centers have the ability to offer you the best in treatment, addiction experts, location and facilities. High-end rehabs also tend to have a lower staff-to-patient ratio, allowing for more attention and personalized care—all of which has a profound impact on your recovery. For more information on some the best treatment centers worldwide, visit our collection of luxury gambling addiction treatment centers.

Frequently Asked Questions About Gambling Addiction Treatment

Can you go to rehab for gambling addiction?

Yes, you can. Treatment at rehab for gambling addiction may combine talk therapies like CBT, group therapy, holistic therapies, and medication to help curb compulsive behaviors.

What type of therapy is used for gambling addiction?

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is often used to treat gambling addiction. Usually, rehabs combine this with other treatment methods like family, group, and holistic therapies.

What’s the best treatment for gambling addiction?

There isn’t one best therapy for gambling addiction. Good-quality rehabs customize plans to clients’ needs, which often include common gambling disorder treatments:

• Psychotherapies
• Medication
• Support groups, like Gamblers Anonymous