Keeping Up With the Human Element

Connecting the right patients to the right approaches

Working in the ever-evolving field of addiction recovery requires a lot of dedication. New therapies are always being explored and new approaches are being developed to help reach a wider array of people who may be suffering from addiction. New research publications on the vast array of available medications that are being fine-tuned or expanded upon each carries their own weight. However, in the midst of all of these developments that professionals have to keep up with, it is important to always remember the human element among the research and theory. While all the research and study are undeniably essential parts of creating an effective, professional approach to treatment, it is just as important to break things down on an individual level and understand how a unique person fits in with all of the theory. 

Using the Research

Each year brings about new research and practices that may be pertinent to a professional and the unique situations they encounter. Subscribing to scholarly journals and newsletters are important for keeping up-to-date with new therapies, as well as developing issues that people may be facing in their lives. However, while these may include new practices for people to try, new medications hitting the market, or statistics on developing trends, they are still only resources to inform other decisions and don’t necessarily mean that all of the information will be applicable to each situation. 

Statistics and information are ways for professionals to learn new trends and treatment methods, and help direct questions and conversations with patients and their personal experiences, and are not meant to create a new, direct approach. For as much research is done on the professional side of understanding the psychology and physiology behind addiction, the same amount of time needs to be put in for keeping up with the human element of each unique case. 

Selective Implementation

Each different client will present a number of unique symptoms and circumstances, and the practical implementation of certain techniques will vary between people. While new group activities may be showing promising results, those who suffer from social anxieties on top of their addiction may still require a different approach to ease the process into any kind of group setting. Socioeconomic and cultural impacts may also play a factor in how pertinent each bit of research is for individuals, as some approaches may require varying degrees of income or access to external resources that may not be available for everyone. Using professional developments, whether practical, theoretical, or medical, is still a decision that has to be made, and documented promise in a certain practice or medicine doesn’t mean it will be applicable across the board. Rather, professionals in addiction recovery are important for their ability to bridge the gap between these two elements of the process.

Not all therapeutic approaches will be effective for all people. Effective professionals are instrumental in matching practices and medicines that are appropriate for a specific person and consistently reinforce the choices available to those in recovery. While some may respond well to new meditative techniques, such as sound baths or yoga, others may benefit from more active approaches if they excel in a busy lifestyle. Connecting the right patients to the right approaches, while providing emotional support along the way, can create the cornerstone of an effective recovery plan. 

Communication and Development

Explaining certain practices or approaches that one may be suggesting also requires someone to continue being a bridge between the scientific and human parts of recovery. It is unreasonable to expect that all those in recovery will know about the intricacies of the neural pathway or the scientific reasoning behind why certain medications may be more effective than others, let alone have the lexicon required to engage with such a topic. However, it is still important to be able to communicate this information effectively, depending on the individual. Learning to break down scientific studies into their most digestible forms is needed to build effective communication between professionals and clients. Explaining these things in relatable terms as they apply to each person not only showcases that a professional has internalized the information themselves but also can highlight the reason why they believe it to be an effective approach for them. 

There’s More Than Journals to Learn From

While being on top of new treatments and developments is important to be able to help as many people as possible in their own, unique ways, sometimes the most important part of keeping up with the human side of recovery doesn’t involve addressing recovery at all. Just as someone may take their time reading through an academic journal, it can be incredibly beneficial to take time to research something important and specific to a client. Learning just a little bit about a client’s favorite sports team or video game, or learning a bit more about the culture they belong to, all help reinforce the idea that recovery is, and always will be, an incredibly personalized journey. Using this to continue developing communication between all parties can help tie each person to the human side of the recovery process. 

Recovery from an addiction of any kind is a very personal journey. If you or a loved one are struggling with an addiction to drugs or alcohol, Alta Centers can help you take the first step towards your own sober future today. Located just outside the Hollywood sign in Los Angeles, California, Alta Centers champions the city’s sense of inclusion and opportunity, all backed by a luxurious space for you to confront your vulnerabilities in recovery. Your time with us is personalized to address your unique struggles through recovery while developing a path to sobriety that is unique and effective for you. By using your own interests and goals in recovery to encourage your own sobriety, each person’s personal journey can be a hallmark of their accomplishments beyond drugs or alcohol. For more information on how we can individualize a plan for you, or to talk to a trained professional about your unique concerns, call us today at (888) 202-2583.