By Sarah Allen Benton, MS, LMHC, LPC, AADC
Spring is a time of rebirth and growth as well as a time of anticipation for the warmer months for those who live in four season areas. While Winter can decrease energy and be a time of quieter reflection, Spring can usher in a more upbeat and hopeful feel.
The downstream impact of the pandemic is still rippling as we live in a time of increased substance use and mental health issues. SO many areas of our lives have changed over the past several years, that life can feel unrecognizable at times. Some of the shifts were not deliberate or intentional, but necessary. “Wellness” has also become a more common talking point and focus for many.
But how are meaningful and lasting wellness changes around substance use made and maintained? It can be hard to counteract thoughts such as “Where do I begin?” “What will it be like?” “Can I afford the help?” “Will this be too hard” “How will I cope with stress without using a substance?” “Will I have to stop working in order to get treatment?”
Lasting change may be best to begin in smaller increments. However, most substance use disorder treatment does not have the luxury of time. Changes in substance use also involves establishing new habits and ways of constructing a schedule and lifestyle. This is not an overnight undertaking and also takes a support team to implement and consistently adhere to.
The In-Home Addiction Treatment (IHAT) model of care is the perfect treatment modality for initiating lasting changes on a smaller scale. This year-long, innovative model has been able to adjust to the needs of each client as the care is delivered on a one-on-one basis. The IHAT Care Team is able to support clients during this season of change in setting and working towards accomplishing realistic goals in addressing their substance usage as well as other wellness domains of their life.
Many addiction treatment professionals are experiencing a need for change in their career as well. The IHAT Institute is training healthcare professionals to administer this model to their clients. As the IHAT model continues to grow and expand from CT into MA, NH, ME, FL, IN, RI, VA, OH and now KY! So, why not Spring into change?
