What is Addiction?
Addiction is too often seen as a flaw or lack of control when in actuality, it is a serious disease. While you may have initially chosen to use drugs or alcohol, over time, these substances can change the brain’s structural and functional operations. This phenomenon leads to substance dependence, which undermines your behaviors, thoughts and motivations. This causes you to seek that substance even when it hurts you and those you love.
While everyone is unique, some red flags could indicate that you or a loved one struggles with addiction:
- Drastic mood swings, including irritability or depression
- Unusual or risky behaviors
- Becoming increasingly secretive
- Abandoned personal or professional responsibilities
- Relationship problems
- Financial difficulties
- Loss of interest in hobbies or activities once enjoyed
- Physical changes, such as lack of hygiene or weight loss
What is 12-Step Recovery Treatment?
For over 85 years, 12-step recovery has been used to help many people find hope and healing in sobriety. Most people recognize the two most well-known 12-step fellowships, Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) and Narcotics Anonymous (NA). We offer 12-step recovery support services for addiction at our Bloomington, IL, treatment center. This approach involves 12-step fellowship both in-person and within the community.
Although 12-step programs are not right for everyone, we want to ensure those who would benefit from them have access to these fellowships while working with our team. We offer a Twelve Step Facilitation (TSF) model, which is a curriculum shown to reduce the risk of relapse post-treatment. During 12-step meetings, your counselor will:
- Explain the history and concepts behind 12-step recovery
- Teach you how to include 12-step groups into your overall recovery plan
- Explore the benefits of remaining actively engaged
- Examine how past experiences or apathy can hinder the recovery process