Historically, California has had a stereotype of being more of a party state than a place to go for recovering addicts. However, the past decade’s shift in the societal view of drinking and drug use is changing that stereotype for the better.
Now, celebrities and other role models are more vocal about the dangers and downsides of substance use. Well-known celebrities are opening up about their experiences with drug and alcohol disorders and how they overcame their addictions.
Even more importantly, the State of California has adopted an entire section of laws and regulations based on substance avoidance education and recovery. The state’s encouraging framework has paved the way for centers like Studio City Recovery to help countless people as they try to transition from addiction to normal society roles.
These massive evolutions in California have made a positive impact not just statewide but also with the rest of the world. Here, we’ll explain what this state is doing to lead the way in sobriety efforts.
1. A Focus on Educating the Public
Addiction of any kind can become a serious disease that impacts the person’s physical and mental health. It harms those around them and has no concept of age or socioeconomic factors.
Substance use, in particular, is often devastating because of the hold the chemicals in the drug or alcohol of choice have on the brain. Because of the complexity of an addiction, it’s often difficult for those on the outside to understand why the addict can’t “just quit.”
The reality is that it takes a combination of factors for someone with an addiction to successfully break that habit. California’s focus on offering resources for various levels of treatment, from outpatient programs to inpatient recovery centers, as well as providing support groups for addicts and their loved ones, is an immense step forward.
Now, with this combination of public education, anti-substance use advocacy, and a vast level of therapies tailored to the individual’s level of addiction and needs, we finally have a fighting chance to break the cycle.
2. Advanced Resources for Drug and Alcohol Addiction
The State of California has spent decades evaluating the drug and alcohol epidemic within its borders, including the whys, hows, and wheres. All the statistics show a substance use issue running rampant, and the reasons behind those numbers must be addressed.
Instead of leaving the studies as informative, the state has implemented various programs using action-based steps to reduce the problem. One of these steps is the active recruitment of innovative and advanced resources, including multiple levels of rehabilitation that encompass the full continuum of care.
Leading the way in substance abuse treatment, California offers services that hit all the bases: outreach, early intervention, outpatient treatment, residential care, and sober living facilities.
The idea is that by adopting a holistic approach, individuals and their therapists can better address the reasons for the addiction. Armed with that knowledge, the recovering addict can better prevent themselves from sliding back into their old, dangerous habits.
3. Changing How the Public Sees Recovery Support Groups
In the past, those who wanted to get ongoing help recovering from their addiction with support groups often felt like they had to hide their visits. Since most people saw recovering addicts as problematic, it was understandable that few people wanted to be associated with a recovery support group.
But California’s forward strides are knocking those old views out of the way, as well. Now, education and informative action through the state’s programs are encouraging people, including family members, to attend support groups and be accepting of those who are seeking to better themselves.
In these safe spaces, individuals going through the recovery stages of life can feel welcomed, understood, and connected. One factor that often sends newly sober people back into addiction is the sense of loneliness and isolation. Recovery groups provide a community that promotes sobriety from those who understand the struggle best.
In recovery groups, participants receive guidance on how to handle their daily obstacles and are held accountable for their choices. These groups are frequently led by trained therapists or facilitators who know how to share coping strategies and prevent relapses.
Participation in support groups is research-backed to improve a person’s progress and chances of recovery. Because of California’s stance that these groups are an essential part of the long-term process, people are more likely to attend a recovery peer group.
Conclusion
California’s bold steps in support of sobriety have already begun to slow down the drug and alcohol epidemic. With all eyes on the state and many Hollywood-famous recovery addicts vocally advocating recovery, it’s hopeful that the rest of the world will take a page from this state’s path to substance prevention and treatment.