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Today I will talk with Benjamin B., and we reflect on our holiday musings. How being clean was a much different experience than showing up high. Being sober is more work; however, Ben was able to participate in the holiday events now that he is sober and received much more out of the experience while sober.

In this episode, Ben talks about how he really is in tune with 12 Step Programs. Learn how Ben benefited from treatment in a facility and the reasons why and when you should choose a treatment facility over a support group for rehab.

Ben and I talk about the “$30,000 big book” from AA and how the founder of AA went through three types of treatments before he developed an AA program. Why support programs may not address the underlying symptoms such as childhood abuse, trauma, and PTSD. Twelve steps are applicable, however, not specific for healing trauma. A therapist who can meet with you one-on-one on the outside of the program will assist you in learning how to heal the trauma, which is fueling the alcohol and drug addiction and move you towards emotional balance. The result and effect of personal counseling will fan out throughout all facets of your life.

Treatment centers give you the added benefit of the community. Community to be supported and feel comfortable with others who are suffering from addiction and may have similar challenges. Support groups are optional and do not create a need to go to multiple meetings. Treatment centers give you the support of professionals for evaluation and take you through the process, working alongside you for your time at treatment.

Listen in to find out what treatment centers can offer and who can benefit from a treatment center with a more positive outcome than only participating in a support group. Find out why accountability, community, and support make the big difference for your success in detox and healing.

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Show Notes:

• [05:31] Ben talks about his experience with 12 Step Programs.
• [07:51] Trying AA, church or another recovery method first may not be your best choice.
• [10:15] Combining a program with a counselor or psychologist who you see outside the program to work through trauma can be a good path to recovery.
• [12:37] What you can take from support groups and support therapy.
• [17:50] Go to multiple meetings and / or multiple support groups to find one which is a good fit for your personality.
• [19:38] Numbers and data for treatment center success.
• [22:26] Clients see the support they have during treatment and building support outside of treatment.
• [24:30] Recap of the elements which support your treatment at a facility.
• [26:45] Parents should stay out of treatment until the client is ready for outside responsibility.
• [29:30] The importance of seeing a counselor or therapist on a weekly basis.
• [33:24] People who have been diagnosed with a mental illness, when they come clean, find out they are not mentally ill.
• [34:59] The winning formula for recovery.

Links and Resources:

• Real Recovery Live Chat
• Real Recovery Talk on the Web
• Real Recovery Talk on YouTube
• Leave Real Recovery Talk a review on iTunes
• Rock Recovery Center