Modern Drug Rehab Computer

Comprehensive knowledge companion for individuals in addiction recovery, whether in residential treatment or commuting from home for outpatient programs.

When to Use This Skill

Use for:

•Evidence-based treatment modality information
•Coping strategies and grounding techniques
•Recovery resource navigation
•Understanding medications (MAT, Suboxone, etc.)
•Family dynamics and communication
•Lifestyle and wellness guidance
•Meeting/support group information
•Trigger management strategies

NOT for:

•Prescribing or adjusting medications → consult your medical team
•Active overdose/medical emergency → call 911 immediately
•Replacing your counselor or therapist
•Making treatment decisions → discuss with your care team
•Suicidal ideation → contact 988 (Suicide & Crisis Lifeline)

Crisis Resources

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┌─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│                    CRISIS NUMBERS - SAVE THESE              │
├─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┤
│  911                    - Medical emergency/overdose        │
│  988                    - Suicide & Crisis Lifeline         │
│  1-800-662-4357         - SAMHSA National Helpline (24/7)   │
│  1-800-662-HELP         - Treatment referral                │
│  Your sponsor's number  - [Add to your phone]               │
│  Facility crisis line   - [Get from your treatment center]  │
└─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘

Treatment Modality Guide

Evidence-Based Approaches

Modality	What It Is	Best For	Key Skills Learned
CBT	Cognitive Behavioral Therapy	Thought pattern change	Identifying distortions, thought challenging
DBT	Dialectical Behavior Therapy	Emotional regulation	Distress tolerance, interpersonal effectiveness
MI	Motivational Interviewing	Building motivation	Resolving ambivalence, finding internal motivation
EMDR	Eye Movement Desensitization	Trauma processing	Processing traumatic memories safely
MAT	Medication-Assisted Treatment	Opioid/alcohol use	Reducing cravings, preventing withdrawal
CM	Contingency Management	Building healthy habits	Positive reinforcement for behaviors
MBT	Mentalization-Based Therapy	Relationship issues	Understanding self and others

12-Step vs. Alternative Programs

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┌─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│                    RECOVERY PROGRAM OPTIONS                  │
├─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┤
│  12-Step (AA/NA/CA)                                         │
│  ├─ Spiritual foundation (Higher Power concept)             │
│  ├─ Sponsor relationship                                    │
│  ├─ Steps and traditions framework                          │
│  └─ Widespread availability, community                      │
│                                                             │
│  SMART Recovery                                             │
│  ├─ Science-based (CBT/REBT)                                │
│  ├─ Self-empowerment focus                                  │
│  ├─ 4-Point Program                                         │
│  └─ No spiritual requirement                                │
│                                                             │
│  Refuge Recovery / Recovery Dharma                          │
│  ├─ Buddhist-inspired, mindfulness-based                    │
│  ├─ Meditation practice                                     │
│  └─ Eightfold Path framework                                │
│                                                             │
│  LifeRing Secular Recovery                                  │
│  ├─ Secular, self-directed                                  │
│  ├─ "Sober self" concept                                    │
│  └─ Peer support focus                                      │
└─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘

Note: These can complement each other. Many people use multiple programs.

Coping Skills Toolkit

Immediate Craving Response (HALT + STOP)

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When craving hits, check HALT:
├── H - Hungry? (eat something nutritious)
├── A - Angry? (process the emotion)
├── L - Lonely? (reach out to someone)
└── T - Tired? (rest if possible)

Then STOP:
├── S - Stop what you're doing
├── T - Take a breath
├── O - Observe what you're feeling
└── P - Proceed mindfully

Grounding Techniques (5-4-3-2-1)

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For anxiety, dissociation, or overwhelming cravings:

5 things you can SEE
├── Look around, name them out loud

4 things you can TOUCH
├── Feel textures, temperatures

3 things you can HEAR
├── Ambient sounds, near and far

2 things you can SMELL
├── Notice scents in your environment

1 thing you can TASTE
├── Focus on current taste in your mouth

DBT Distress Tolerance (TIP Skills)

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For high-intensity emotional moments:

T - Temperature
├── Hold ice cubes, cold water on face
├── Activates dive reflex, calms nervous system

I - Intense Exercise
├── Run in place, jumping jacks, stairs
├── Burns off stress hormones

P - Paced Breathing
├── Breathe out longer than in (4-7-8 pattern)
├── Activates parasympathetic system

P - Progressive Muscle Relaxation
├── Tense and release muscle groups
├── Releases physical tension

Urge Surfing

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Instead of fighting the craving, ride it like a wave:

1. Notice the urge (don't judge it)
2. Rate its intensity (1-10)
3. Observe where you feel it in your body
4. Breathe into that area
5. Watch the intensity rise...
6. ...peak...
7. ...and fall (cravings typically last 15-30 minutes)
8. Rate the intensity again

Key insight: Cravings are temporary. You don't have to act on them.

Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT)

Understanding Your MAT Options

Medication	Used For	How It Works	Key Considerations
Suboxone (buprenorphine/naloxone)	Opioid use	Partial agonist, blocks cravings	Must be in withdrawal to start
Sublocade	Opioid use	Monthly injection of buprenorphine	Steady levels, no daily dosing
Methadone	Opioid use	Full agonist, daily dosing	Clinic visits required
Vivitrol	Opioid/alcohol	Blocks receptors, monthly injection	Must be opioid-free 7-14 days
Naltrexone (oral)	Opioid/alcohol	Blocks receptors, daily pill	Reduces "high" from use
Antabuse	Alcohol	Creates nausea if drinking	Deterrent effect
Campral	Alcohol	Balances brain chemistry	Reduces cravings

MAT Myths vs. Facts

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MYTH: "MAT is just trading one drug for another"
FACT: MAT is evidence-based medicine that normalizes brain function,
      reduces cravings, and saves lives. It's no different than using
      insulin for diabetes.

MYTH: "You're not really sober if you're on MAT"
FACT: Recovery is not defined by the absence of medication.
      Stability, function, and quality of life are what matter.

MYTH: "You should get off MAT as soon as possible"
FACT: Research shows longer MAT duration = better outcomes.
      The decision to taper should be made with your doctor when stable.

Living Situation Considerations

Residential Treatment

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Making the Most of Residential:
├── Engage fully in programming
├── Build relationships with peers and staff
├── Follow the structure (it's there for a reason)
├── Be honest in groups and with your counselor
├── Use free time productively
├── Start planning for aftercare early
└── Practice skills in a safe environment

IOP/PHP (Outpatient - Living at Home)

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Commuting to Treatment Challenges:
├── Returning home to triggers daily
├── Managing home responsibilities + treatment
├── Partners/family who don't understand
├── Work/childcare conflicts
├── Isolation between sessions
└── Access to substances

Strategies:
├── Secure your home environment (remove substances)
├── Communicate with family about boundaries
├── Build structure into non-treatment hours
├── Attend extra meetings on non-treatment days
├── Keep your counselor informed of home challenges
├── Have phone numbers ready for crisis moments
└── Consider sober living if home isn't safe

Family & Relationship Dynamics

Communicating with Partners/Family

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What families need to understand:
├── Addiction is a brain disease, not a moral failing
├── Recovery is a process, not an event
├── Their role: support, not control
├── Boundaries are healthy for everyone
├── Al-Anon/Nar-Anon exists for them too

What you can communicate:
├── "I'm in treatment and taking this seriously"
├── "This is what I need from you right now: [specific request]"
├── "I understand I've hurt you. I'm working on making amends"
├── "Recovery is my responsibility. I need your support, not your management"
├── "Let's work on this together with a family counselor"

Couples Therapy in Recovery

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Why couples therapy matters:
├── Addiction affects the whole relationship
├── Communication patterns need rebuilding
├── Trust takes time and structured work
├── Both partners have healing to do
├── Codependency patterns need addressing

When to start:
├── Usually after initial stabilization (30-90 days)
├── When both partners are willing
├── With a therapist who understands addiction
├── As complement to individual work, not replacement

Holistic Wellness

Daily Recovery Structure

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Morning Routine:
├── Gratitude list (3 things)
├── Meditation/prayer (5-15 min)
├── Healthy breakfast
├── Review daily intentions
└── Morning meeting (if helpful)

Throughout Day:
├── Regular check-ins with self
├── Meals at consistent times
├── Movement/exercise
├── Connection with recovery support
└── Practice skills from treatment

Evening Routine:
├── Review the day (what went well?)
├── 10th step inventory (if in 12-step)
├── Prepare for tomorrow
├── Wind-down activities (no screens)
└── Consistent bedtime

Nutrition & Sleep

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Nutrition in Recovery:
├── Regular meals stabilize blood sugar and mood
├── Protein helps rebuild neurotransmitters
├── Reduce sugar/caffeine (can trigger cravings)
├── Stay hydrated
└── Consider consulting nutritionist

Sleep Hygiene:
├── Consistent sleep/wake times
├── No screens 1 hour before bed
├── Cool, dark room
├── Limit caffeine after noon
├── Address sleep issues with your doctor
└── Many in recovery have disrupted sleep initially - it improves

Common Challenges & Solutions

"I feel like I don't fit in at meetings"

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Options:
├── Try different meetings (they vary widely)
├── Try different programs (SMART, Refuge, LifeRing)
├── Look for specialized meetings (LGBTQ+, young people, professionals)
├── Online meetings offer more variety
├── Focus on similarities, not differences
└── Give it time - connection builds gradually

"My family doesn't trust me"

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Understanding:
├── Trust is rebuilt through consistent action over time
├── It's not about proving yourself - it's about being yourself
├── Their caution is protective, not punishing
├── Focus on what you CAN control (your behavior)

Actions:
├── Be where you say you'll be
├── Follow through on commitments
├── Accept accountability without defensiveness
├── Let time and consistency work
└── Consider family therapy when appropriate

"I'm bored without substances"

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The Science:
├── Dopamine system is recalibrating
├── Things will feel less pleasurable for a while
├── This is temporary (neuroplasticity!)

Solutions:
├── Exercise (natural dopamine boost)
├── New hobbies (guitar, art, gaming, sports)
├── Service work (helping others)
├── Social connection (even when you don't feel like it)
├── Accept boredom as part of healing
└── Structure your time intentionally

Integration Points

•sober-addict-protector: Daily protection strategies
•partner-text-coach: Communication with partners/family
•jungian-psychologist: Shadow work and deeper psychological exploration
•hrv-alexithymia-expert: Emotional awareness and regulation

Core Philosophy: Recovery is possible. You are more than your addiction. This skill exists to provide information and support - but your treatment team, your sponsor/supports, and YOUR commitment are what make recovery real. Use this as a resource, not a replacement for human connection and professional care.