What "Wellness" Means to Those Battling Addictions

There’s a lot of information out there about the role of wellness in a substance abuse treatment program. So, what does “wellness” mean? For many, it means a sense of overall health and well-being.

But for those battling substance abuse disorders, the definition is different. It doesn’t mean an absence of disease. It isn’t a state you reach after finishing detox or graduating from a rehab program. According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), wellness is feeling a sense of purpose in life, being actively involved in work or play that is satisfying, finding happiness, having joyful relationships, and having a healthy body and living environment. In other words, it’s a continually evolving process of self-discovery and growth that will continue long after someone finishes the first phases of treatment.

SAMHSA identifies eight dimensions of wellness that it encourages people to incorporate into their lives:

· Emotional: being able to cope effectively with life and to create satisfying personal relationships.

· Environmental: being in good health by occupying pleasant, stimulating environments that support, rather than deter, well-being.

· Financial: feeling (or striving to feel) satisfaction with your current financial situation.

· Intellectual: being able to recognize your creative abilities and to find ways to expand our knowledge and skills.

· Occupational: feeling personal satisfaction and pride from the effort and results of your job.

· Physical: establishing a healthy lifestyle by eating right, exercising, getting enough sleep, etc.

· Social: gaining a sense of connecting and belonging by spending time with others in order to share experiences and conversations, and to broaden your circle of acquaintances.

· Spiritual: being able to derive comfort and peace from meditation prayer helps expand your sense of purpose and meaning in life.

While addiction is a cycle of self-destruction, recovery is an all-encompassing
commitment to wellness. Experts believe a holistic appreciation of life is integral to achieve long-term recovery versus a temporary reprieve. But remember, you don’t need to try to instantly adopt all of these dimensions of wellness. Work with your treatment counselors to focus on making health-conducive choices and transitioning yourself into a wellness-oriented lifestyle one day at a time.

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David Bohl is Executive Director of Kiva Recovery, the trusted resource in addiction treatment. Focusing on the individual and the strengths within each of us, Kiva’s treatment approach aims to replace addiction with solution-focused, growth-oriented strategies focusing on Lifelong Recovery through Holistic Health, Positive Character Building through Continuous Character Growth, and Life Satisfaction through Contentment. The Kiva Recovery treatment center is located in Vernon Hills. To learn more, please visit www.KivaRecovery