Life Skills

Life Skills treatment LST is to attend to the whole person, not just his addiction or mental illness. DreamLife will treat all components of recovery must be considered and each area of life skills, including social, vocational, educational, physical, spiritual and mental health. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) defines four major dimensions that support a life in recovery. These are:

  • Health – Individuals should be making informed, healthy decisions that support a life in recovery. This includes abstaining from all drug and alcohol use, maintaining a nutritious diet and exercise routine, and properly managing emotional issues such as stress, anxiety, and depression.
  • Home – All people in recovery should have a safe, stable place to live. This location should be a place where every individual feels secure in sharing and living out their beliefs, is supported, and can live comfortably at all times.
  • Purpose – It is important for individuals in recovery to partake in meaningful activities on a daily basis. Often times these include spiritual growth, going to work, or attending a creative class or group activity. Having the independence and resources to be an active and participating member of society is essential to purposeful and meaningful living.
  • Community – Social support is key to maintaining a life of sobriety and all individuals in recovery should develop and maintain healthy relationships that provide support, love, and friendship.

One study published in the Journal of Substance Abuse Treatment found that many individuals in recovery from addiction reported the following things to be of the utmost priority to them and their recovery.

  • Sobriety
  • Employment
  • Relationships
  • Education
  • Life fulfillment and achievement
  • Family reunification
  • Emotional health
  • Housing
  • Helping others
  • Resolving legal issues

DreamLife provides support to clients by providing them with the tools they will need to achieve long-term sobriety. See our RESOURCES menu for more information.