Skip to main content

Recovery, Schmecovery: How to Demand Patient-Centered Care Without Losing Your Mind (Completely)



Recovery, Schmecovery: How to Demand Patient-Centered Care Without Losing Your Mind (Completely)

You've decided to embark on the wild rollercoaster of recovery. Congratulations! You're probably excited, terrified, and utterly confused about where to start. First things first: you need to understand that recovery isn't a one-size-fits-all deal. It's like shoe shopping – what works for your best friend might make you look like you have clown feet. You need a program that fits your style, your quirks, and your unique brand of crazy.

What's this "Patient-Centered Care" I Keep Hearing About?

Patient-centered care is like having a recovery butler. Okay, maybe not quite, but it's close. It means your providers work WITH you, not AT you. They respect your autonomy (fancy word for "your right to make decisions about your own body and mind"), values, and preferences. It's collaborative, not dictatorial. Think of it like a recovery party where you're the guest of honor, not a crasher they're trying to kick out.

So, How Should You Be Treated?

You deserve to be treated like a person, not a diagnosis. Your providers should:

  • Respect your time and priorities
  • Explain things in a way that doesn't make you feel like an idiot
  • Work with you to create a recovery plan that fits your life and goals
  • Listen to your concerns without making you feel judged or dismissed
  • Coordinate your care so you don't feel like you're herding cats in a thunderstorm

But What If I'm Not Getting the Good Stuff?

If you're not getting patient-centered care, it's time to get loud, get proud, and maybe get a little weird. Here are some steps:

  1. Speak up: If something's not working, say so. Be honest, but not (too) brutal. Remember, your providers are human too (most of the time, anyway).
  2. Seek out a second opinion: Don't be afraid to get another set of eyes on your situation. It's like getting a second opinion on a haircut – it never hurts to see if someone else thinks you can pull off a mullet.
  3. Advocate for yourself: This is your recovery. Own it. Ask questions, demand answers, and don't settle for anything less than care that feels right for YOU.
  4. Know your rights: Look, it's not exciting, but understanding your rights as a patient is like having a superpower in your back pocket. Brush up on that jargon and don't be afraid to whip it out when necessary.
  5. Don't be afraid to fire your team: If it's not working, it's time to break up with your providers. Harsh, but true. You deserve better.

Finding Your Tribe

Recovery can be a lonely road, but it doesn't have to be. Seek out people and resources that get you, even if they don't get your specific brand of weird. Look for flexibility, compassion, and a healthy dose of humor (dark or otherwise). Remember, the right fit might take time, so be patient and don't lose hope.

Recovery's a journey, not a destination. It's messy, frustrating, and sometimes downright hilarious. But with the right mindset, the right team, and a healthy dose of self-advocacy, you can navigate even the most winding road. So buckle up, buttercup – it's time to take control of your recovery and make it your own.-Belle- 

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

I'm an Addict and I'm Not Sorry

I'm an Addict and I'm Not Sorry Let's get real for a second. If you're reading this, chances are you or someone you love has been through the wringer of addiction. And if that's the case, you know that the worst part isn't the withdrawals, the failed relationships, or those awful, gut-wrenching moments of clarity on the bathroom floor. It's the shame. Oh, the shame. It's like someone poured gasoline all over your soul and lit a match. Well, I'm here to tell you something: fuck the shame. No, really. Fuck it right in the ear. You don't need that kind of toxic garbage holding you back anymore. I'm not going to sugarcoat it. I'm an addict. I've done some bad shit. I've lied, I've stolen, I've woken up in strange places with even stranger people. But you know what? I'm still a person. I'm still a person who deserves to be happy, to love and be loved, to leave something better than I found it. Look, you can't change...
2 comments
Read more

My Journey, My Voice: Sharing My Truth About Addiction and Recovery

  My Journey, My Voice: Sharing My Truth About Addiction and Recovery I'm a wife, a mom, a sister, a daughter, a coworker, a friend, an auntie – and I'm in recovery. I'm also a substance abuse counselor, which means I've seen the journey of addiction and recovery from both sides. My blog is my way of sharing my unique perspective, my struggles, and my triumphs. It's about being real, breaking down stigma, and connecting with others who understand this challenging, rewarding path. Recovery isn't easy. Some days, it feels like an uphill battle. I've been the "loser," the one who felt uncool, unworthy. Self-doubt and abandonment issues are still things I work to overcome. But here's the important part: I'm not perfect, and I never will be. But I will never stop growing, either. Every time I hit publish on a blog post, it's a victory. It's me saying, "I'm not ashamed of my story." It's me using my voice to help others ...
2 comments
Read more

Ok, I am sober... Now who the Hell am I?

  Recovery: The Journey to Rediscover Ourselves Recovery is not just a word; it's a mosaic of personal stories, each tile reflecting the light of hope and resilience. As a former addict turned substance use disorder counselor, I have navigated the tumultuous seas of addiction and now anchor others as they set sail towards the shores of sobriety. Why do we seek recovery? The reasons are as varied as the individuals asking themselves this profound question. For some, it is the pursuit of health, for others, the mending of relationships torn asunder by the tempest of dependency. We embark on this journey because something precious has been lost to us – peace, self-worth, or perhaps the very essence of who we are. At its core, recovery is about discovery. It's a quest to reclaim what was taken from us and to unearth the treasures we've always held within. It's not just about abstaining from a substance; it's about embracing life in its fullest expression. It's ab...
Post a Comment
Read more