They can’t see the forest for the trees.’
The well-known idiom is incredibly relevant in discussions about addiction. People who are addicted and those who love them can get caught up in the minor details. When they approach recovery, the focus on details is what trips them up first.
On the other hand, some people see the bigger picture but struggle with the details. They understand the patterns which led to addiction and the concepts behind recovery, but seeing to every detail is impossible on one’s own.
Recovery centers need to see things from a big-picture point of view. They are able to help addicts by understanding the principles behind recovery and treating the individual in all their wholeness.
However, the details are as important. Without attending to them, they can derail the process.
One detail that the best rehabs take into account but most individuals haven’t considered is the effect of the time of year on recovery. Different seasons impact mental health in different ways. The cusp of a new season can be particularly impactful to mental health.
As such, addiction recovery centers always need to take the time of year into account when treating groups of patients. Here’s how they do so.
Winter: Challenges and Opportunities
When people think about the impact of weather on mental health, winter usually comes to mind. The shorter days, longer nights, and colder temperatures of winter can lead to seasonal affective disorder (SAD). SAD can exacerbate feelings of sadness, fatigue, and withdrawal, making it challenging for individuals in recovery.
Recovery centers adopt several strategies to address the challenges posed by winter:
- Light Therapy: light therapy lamps mimic natural sunlight and can help reduce symptoms of SAD.
- Indoor Activities: Encouraging indoor physical activities like yoga, group exercises, and creative arts can keep individuals engaged.
- Community Building: Organizing indoor social events like game nights can foster a sense of community.
- Counseling and Support: Providing additional counseling and mental health support can help individuals cope with winter-related depression.
Spring: Conflicting Feelings
Spring can have a positive impact on mental health. The longer days and warmer weather can have a positive impact on mood and energy levels. However, it can also be a trigger for some people as it represents a time which they may have enjoyed with friends in the past. The key for recovery centers is to keep in mind that different people may have completely opposite experiences.
Recovery centers often take the opportunity for outdoor activities, which are beneficial for both physical and mental health. Outdoor activities such as nature walks and hikes, outdoor sports, and gardening can improve the mental health of those struggling as well as boosting the process of those who are already benefiting from the weather.
Spring can also be used as a symbol for new beginnings. Recovery centers may use the opportunity to help clients set new goals and plans. These can include:
- Goal Setting Workshops: Facilitating workshops where clients can set short-term and long-term recovery goals.
- Personal Growth Plans: Developing personalized growth plans that focus on various aspects of recovery, including physical health, mental well-being, and social connections.
- Reviewing Progress: Encouraging clients to review their progress and make necessary adjustments to their recovery plans.
Summer: The Great Outdoors
Summer’s warm weather, longer daylight hours, and abundance of social activities can be great for mental health. However, since it is often a time of vacation, it can trigger memories of times using substances.
Summer can also make people feel more relaxed and they may take their recovery routines and responsibilities less seriously. When they go home for weekends, they may feel more pressure from peers to go out to places that increase the risk of relapse.
Recovery centers need to be firm with boundaries during summer, while understanding that residents’ more relaxed attitudes are not due to a lack of commitment. They offer kindness without compromising on duties and consequences.
Fall: Transitions
Fall is a season of transition and can have a significant impact on mood and behavior.
The changing scenery and the end of summer often bring about a more reflective and introspective mood. This can lead to difficult feelings but can also be harnessed for self-assessment and goal setting.
Recovery centers may also take this time to prepare their clients for the challenges of winter. They may offer winter readiness plans, skills to help build resilience, and ways to frame the coming season from a more positive perspective.
Conclusion
Recovery centers need to take every detail into consideration for each individual. Even the time of year impacts recovery, and different people react differently to the change in seasons. The good news is that the best rehabs are attentive to all aspects of the recovery process and take care to mitigate any added issues.
Call Seasons in Malibu today for a recovery center that harnesses the best aspects of its location’s incredible weather, while making sure every individual’s experience is attended to.
