Navigating substance use recovery with Thriveworks & Eleanor Health

Holistic treatment of substance use disorder and addiction-related mental health conditions requires personalized treatment at each stage of recovery. While addressing social factors and the client’s overall physical health is essential, a deep understanding of each stage of the recovery process is also paramount for both patients and providers.

Together, Eleanor Health’s outpatient programs and Thriveworks’ outpatient services provide a continuum of care that supports clients throughout the entire recovery process—from the detox phase to long-term management of their recovery in counseling. 

Clients can start with the more intensive medical and psychological support from Eleanor Health, including Medication for Addiction Treatment, to stabilize their condition, and then transition toward regular outpatient sessions with a Thriveworks clinician to help prevent relapse and solidify healthy lifestyle adjustments. Learn more below.

What Are the Stages of Change? How Do They Apply to Substance Use? 

The Stages of Change model is a widely accepted and extensively researched theory that outlines the steps people typically take when changing a behavior. While this model can apply to any type of behavior, therapists and psychiatric providers usually consider it a highly accurate model for understanding how unhealthy addiction and substance use-related behaviors can be changed over time.

By depicting how someone moves from realizing they have a problem, to making and keeping up with the changes needed to address it and stop their substance use, the Stages of Change model maps out the journey—from start to finish.

This model breaks down how people modify behaviors, especially when tackling addictions or big life changes. Here’s a quick overview of each stage:

1. Precontemplation: At this stage, someone isn’t aware or won’t admit they have a substance use-related problem. They might also not be interested in changing or stopping their usage yet.
2. Contemplation: At this point, there’s some recognition of the issue, but the individual might still be undecided about doing something to address or alter their substance use. They’re still thinking it over, weighing the pros and cons of changing.
3. Preparation: Someone at this stage is getting ready to change. They’re planning and might start making small tweaks to prepare for bigger shifts.
4. Action: This is where the actual change happens for the individual. In the case of substance use or addiction, this is where Eleanor Health would support an individual with a customized care plan specific to their unique goals and needs, which could include medication for addiction treatment, intensive therapy and addressing trauma, and peer support.  It’s all about doing the work to modify behaviors, which will slowly become noticeable to others.
5. Maintenance: After making the change, an individual at this stage is working to avoid repeating old habits. It’s about making the new behavior stick for good.
6. Relapse: Sometimes, there’s a slip back into old ways. It’s not a step back, but a part of the process that can help fine-tune the approach and strengthen resolve. At Eleanor Health, they will not remove you from care because of a relapse, as some other programs may do. 

Relapse should not be seen as a failure but as a step towards recovery; it means the individual is trying to change. This approach emphasizes the importance of tailored treatment that aligns with an individual’s readiness to change, making it a vital tool in addiction counseling.

What Do the Stages of Change Look Like in the Real World?

As explained above, the Stages of Change model illuminates the individual’s journey through substance use disorder recovery. Take the following real-world example: 

• A person in the Precontemplation stage may not acknowledge their addiction, whether they are purposefully ignoring the signs and/or feedback from others, or not.
• Someone in the Contemplation stage might start to recognize the need to address their substance use, which is typically caused by their substance use’s negative effect on work, relationships, and heath. For a time, they may still feel ambivalent about taking steps toward recovery. 
• But then, as individuals progress to the Preparation and Action stages, they begin making concrete plans and taking steps to change their behavior, something which Thriveworks counselors can support through personalized counseling and intervention strategies. 
• The Maintenance stage involves sustaining the new behavior over time, with relapse prevention strategies playing a crucial role in long-term success.

Addiction Treatment and Therapy from Thriveworks and Eleanor Health: Integrated Partnerships

Addiction treatment and substance use disorder therapies play a crucial role at every stage of change, by providing the necessary support, guidance, and resources to navigate the recovery process successfully. From helping clients recognize the need for change to supporting them through relapse prevention, substance use, and behavioral therapists employ a range of evidence-based techniques.

Substance use and addiction counseling at Thriveworks can be an effective resource for clients who are in the Maintenance stage. In one-on-one sessions with our counselors, individuals can help explore the underlying causes, triggers, and patterns of substance use. 

These sessions provide personalized therapy to develop effective coping strategies.

• Evidence-based therapies: Includes cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), motivational interviewing, and mindfulness-based Stress Reduction. These therapies are proven to be effective in treating addiction and related mental health issues.
• Dual-diagnosis support: For individuals who face co-occurring mental health conditions alongside substance use disorders, providing integrated treatment that addresses both aspects simultaneously.
• Family therapy: Engages family members in the recovery process, improving communication and understanding within the family unit.
• Relapse prevention strategies: Counselors work with individuals to identify triggers and develop effective strategies to manage cravings and avoid relapse.
• Ongoing support: Continuous support to help individuals stay on track with their recovery, adjust treatment plans as needed, and celebrate successes.
• Holistic Approach: Addressing the physical, emotional, and spiritual aspects of well-being to ensure comprehensive and sustainable recovery.

Addiction and substance use counseling services are designed to provide a safe, supportive, and nonjudgmental environment, helping individuals navigate the complexities of addiction and achieve long-term recovery. 

This comprehensive approach ensures clients receive the support they need to progress through each stage of change effectively.

Comprehensive Care from Thriveworks and Eleanor Health

Partnerships between addiction treatment providers such as Eleanor Health and outpatient care from companies like Thriveworks can enhance the quality and continuity of care for individuals with substance use disorders. By fostering collaboration between primary care providers, mental health specialists, and addiction counselors, these partnerships ensure a holistic approach to treatment that addresses all aspects of an individual’s well-being. 

With coordinated mental health strategies tailored to the unique needs of those struggling with substance use disorders, both Thriveworks and Eleanor offer unique benefits to clients experiencing all types of substance use concerns.