KHTS Radio Santa Clarita Radio – Santa Clarita News
Jerri Jorgensen, co-founder of inpatient addiction treatment center Desert Solace, explained how important self-acceptance is on the road to recovery.
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Desert Solace teaches clients that “the opposite of addiction is connection.” Jorgensen explained that part of this connection is learning to accept past mistakes and see addictive compulsions as aspects of a disease, rather than moral failings.
“Usually addiction of all kinds is ‘I’m not enough,” Jorgensen explained. “‘I don’t measure up to my siblings. I’m not enough for my wife. I’m not enough at work. I’m not enough,’ over and over again.”
Related: The Social Aspect Of Addiction Treatment: Setting Boundaries
This feeling of not being “enough,” can lead to deep self-shame, which, Jorgensen said, is one of the motivating factors in turning to addictive substances and behaviors to “numb the pain.”
“(Addiction is) just another place to hide,” explained Jorgensen. “It’s another place to avoid, to escape, to numb the pain; it’s all about pain. And then they may act out. And it can be drugs, alcohol, food, shopping. There’s so many ways to avoid. Some are more socially acceptable than others.”
By helping clients face their negative emotions in a safe environment, surrounded by others who are going through the same journey, Desert Solace hopes to promote healing on the road to addiction treatment and recovery.
Part of that process involves exploring the self-esteem issues that cause people to want to numb their emotions using addictive substances and behaviors.
“A lot of people have turned to other addictions … because the core issues have never been addressed,” Jorgensen said. “And the core issues are usually trauma of some sort.”
Jorgensen explained that, alongside exploring past trauma, Desert Solace also focuses on teaching clients and their loved ones about the disease model of addiction.
“It’s not something that can just be wished or prayed away,” Jorgensen said. “It really has made an impact on the brain.”
This way of framing addiction can help clients understand that their addiction isn’t indicative of a moral failing. It can also help loved ones understand the struggles clients undergo as they move forward in recovery.
Additionally, Desert Solace teaches clients coping skills that can help take the place of addictive substances and behaviors, helping them regulate their emotions and communicate their needs with others.
Jorgensen explained that one of the best ways to frame addictive behaviors and substances is as one of many choices, with positive coping behaviors as an alternative to “acting out.”
“I like the verbiage of this isn’t going to take you in a direction you want to go,'” Jorgensen said. “‘This is not gonna get you what you want.'”
She explained that loved ones can also use this framing device when discussing addiction with loved ones who they suspect may be dealing with addiction.
“You get to have the conversation with them,” she said, “‘Is this going to work in your life? You’re not mad. You’re not sick, you’re not wrong. This just isn’t going to work. So let’s go for something that works.’”
For more information on how Desert Solace’s addiction treatment program operates, including additional information about the disease model of addiction and the role of self-acceptance in the addiction recovery process, visit their website or call (435) 817-1351.
Desert Solace is an inpatient addiction treatment center in St. George, Utah. Desert Solace specializes in the treatment of pornography and sex addictions. Additionally, they offer treatment programs for gaming, gambling and substance abuse. Their inpatient facility for porn, sex, gaming, gambling and substance addictions features professional, licensed counselors, a top-rated chef, equine therapy and more. Desert Solace believes in involving the clients family in the recovery process.
451 N Meadow Dr.
Dammeron Valley, UT 84783, USA
info@desertsolace.com
(435) 817-1351
