Our Team and Mission
Mile High Recovery Center (MHRC), located in Denver, CO, has been a beacon of hope for individuals seeking holistic mental healthcare and substance rehabilitation since its establishment in 2016.
Our center operates on the belief that true recovery is a journey toward wholeness that addresses the body, mind, and spirit of individuals. We pride ourselves on our evidence-based clinical therapeutic approaches, combined with holistic therapies, to provide comprehensive care to our clients.
At Mile High Recovery Center, we understand that recovery isn’t just about abstaining from substances or managing symptoms – it’s about reclaiming one’s life and embarking on a journey toward meaningful, purposeful living.
Our mission is rooted in the idea that every individual has the potential to heal and create a foundation for long-term recovery – starting with cultivating early recovery skills.
Navigating the Early Recovery Skills Stage
Early recovery, often spanning the first three to six months after treatment, is a dynamic and demanding phase. It’s a time of intense physical, emotional, and psychological adjustments as your body and mind detoxify and relearn healthy coping mechanisms.
While it’s a period of immense potential, it’s also marked by its share of challenges. The following statistics reveal that addressing risk factors for relapse during the first year is critical:1
- 40% to 60% of individuals with addiction will relapse at some point in their recovery journey.
- 85% of those with substance use disorders (SUD) relapse within the first year of recovery.
- Over two-thirds of individuals in recovery experience relapse within the initial weeks or months of treatment.
What Are the Challenges of the Early Recovery Skills Stage?
There are many challenges that individuals may encounter with early recovery skills, such as:2
- Physical withdrawal symptoms: The body’s reaction to detoxification can manifest in physical symptoms such as nausea, headaches, insomnia, and muscle aches, making the early days of sobriety challenging.
- Psychological cravings: The brain’s craving for the substance or addictive behavior can persist long after physical withdrawal, leading to intense psychological cravings that can undermine recovery efforts.
- Emotional instability: The process of confronting past traumas and managing emotions without the aid of substances can result in emotional volatility.
- Social pressures and triggers: Returning to environments or relationships associated with substance use can trigger cravings and jeopardize sobriety, requiring individuals to navigate social pressures and establish boundaries.
- Isolation and loneliness: The loss of the social support often associated with addiction can lead to feelings of isolation and loneliness.
- Temptation and relapse: The risk of relapse is highest during this period, making it crucial to have coping mechanisms in place.
Importance of Early Recovery Skills
Understanding and developing early recovery skills is important for the following reasons:
- Increased self-awareness: Understanding your triggers and emotional states helps you anticipate and manage challenges effectively.
- Improved coping mechanisms: Learning healthy alternatives to substance use equips you to deal with stress and difficult emotions in a positive way.
- Stronger support network: Building healthy relationships with supportive individuals provides a crucial safety net during vulnerable moments.
- Enhanced communication skills: Expressing your needs and feelings assertively fosters healthy relationships and reduces the risk of isolation.
- Resilience and self-compassion: Developing the ability to bounce back from setbacks and forgive yourself fosters a positive outlook on your journey.
Essential Early Recovery Skills: Your Toolkit for Lasting Sobriety
The early stages of recovery are a dynamic and challenging period, but with the right early recovery skills, you can navigate them with confidence and build a foundation for long-term success.
Here are some essential skills to equip your toolkit:
Identify Your Triggers
Pay attention to situations, emotions, or people that trigger cravings. Cravings and triggers are common in recovery, and they can be powerful temptations to relapse. Determining early recovery skills surrounding your triggers is important for healing.
Avoid High-Risk Situations
Avoiding high-risk situations and environments that may cause cravings, and having a plan in place for dealing with unexpected triggers, are crucial aspects of managing cravings effectively.
Connect With a Recovery Community
Surround yourself with positive, supportive individuals who understand your journey. Join a support group, attend treatment alumni events, or find online communities.
Strengthen Relationships With Loved Ones
Be open and honest with your family and friends about your recovery journey. Seek their encouragement and understanding.
Find a Therapist or Counselor For Early Recovery Skills
Individual therapy provides a safe space to explore your challenges, develop coping mechanisms, and gain valuable insights.
Practice Relaxation Techniques
Deep breathing, progressive muscle relaxation, and meditation can effectively reduce stress and anxiety during the early recovery stages.
Engage in Physical Activity
Exercise releases endorphins, which are mood-boosting chemicals that combat stress and anxiety. Find activities you enjoy, like walking, swimming, or yoga. Exercise is a great way to stay healthy, both physically and mentally.
Develop Healthy Sleep Habits
Adequate sleep is crucial for emotional regulation and managing stress. Establish a consistent sleep schedule and practice good sleep hygiene.
Create a Daily Structure
Having a routine provides stability and predictability, reducing stress and promoting healthy choices. Include time for self-care, meals, exercise, and activities you enjoy.
Practice Healthy Eating
Nourishing your body with nutritious foods improves your mood, energy levels, and overall well-being.
Limit Caffeine and Alcohol
These substances can exacerbate anxiety and disrupt sleep, hindering your recovery progress. Attempt to limit caffeine and alcohol intake as much as possible, especially during the early recovery stage.
Practice Mindfulness
Pay attention to your thoughts, feelings, and bodily sensations without judgment. This helps you identify triggers and develop healthy responses.
Challenge Negative Thoughts
Don’t let negative self-talk hold you back. Replace negative thoughts with affirmations and self-compassion. Working with a therapist can help you determine the best positive self-speak.
Express Your Emotions in Healthy Ways
Journaling, talking to a trusted friend, or engaging in creative activities can help you process emotions constructively.
Mile High Recovery Center: Your Path to Early Recovery Success
At Mile High Recovery Center, we understand that early recovery is a unique and individual journey. We offer a comprehensive program designed to empower you with the skills, support, and resources you need to navigate this critical phase and build a foundation for lasting sobriety.
Your Personalized Recovery Roadmap
Our early recovery program starts with a thorough assessment of your individual needs, strengths, and challenges. We collaborate with you to develop personalized treatment goals that address your specific situation and aspirations. This ensures your program focuses on the areas most crucial for your success.
Our individualized assessment and goal-setting includes:
- In-depth evaluation: We delve into your addiction history, medical background, and mental health to create a holistic picture.
- Collaborative goal setting: Working with you and your loved ones, we define achievable and meaningful recovery goals that align with your values and aspirations.
- Regular progress monitoring: We track your progress regularly, adjusting your treatment plan as needed to ensure you stay on track towards your goals.
Evidence-Based Therapies for Lasting Change
At Mile High Recovery Center, we understand that there’s no one-size-fits-all approach to healing. That’s why we offer a diverse range of evidence-based therapies tailored to your specific needs and experiences.
Here are some of the key modalities we utilize:
Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT)
Trauma-Focused Therapy
Past trauma can often be a hidden root of addiction. Our trauma-focused therapies, like EMDR (eye movement desensitization and reprocessing), provide a safe and supportive space to process past experiences and heal emotional wounds, paving the way for healthier coping mechanisms in the present.5
Group Therapy
Connecting with others who share your struggles is a powerful tool for healing. In group therapy sessions, you can gain peer support, share experiences, and learn from each other’s successes and challenges.
This fosters a sense of community and belonging, reminding you that you’re not alone on your journey.
Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT)
For certain substances, MAT can be a valuable component of your recovery plan. MAT involves combining medication with therapy to reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms, making it easier to focus on other aspects of your recovery.
Building Life Skills and Preventing Relapse
Recovery goes beyond therapy sessions. We equip you with the necessary tools and strategies to thrive in everyday life and prevent relapse:
Life Skills Training
Our team helps you develop healthy routines and coping mechanisms for managing stress, building strong relationships, and making healthy financial choices. These skills empower you to navigate daily challenges with confidence and independence.
Relapse Prevention Planning
We work with you to identify your personal risks, develop effective coping mechanisms to manage them, and establish a strong support network. This proactive approach prepares you to face challenges head-on and maintain your sobriety.
Mindfulness and Meditation
Learning to be present in the moment and manage your thoughts and emotions effectively is crucial for long-term recovery. We offer mindfulness and meditation practices to cultivate self-awareness, reduce stress, and promote emotional well-being.
Outdoor Adventure Therapy and Holistic Activities
Reconnecting with nature can be incredibly therapeutic. We offer outdoor adventure therapy experiences like hiking, camping, and rock climbing, fostering self-confidence, teamwork, and resilience.
Additionally, holistic activities like yoga and art therapy promote relaxation, self-expression, and emotional processing.
Beyond Therapy
Beyond our regular early recovery skills treatment, we also provide options to:
- Connect with our alumni network: Find ongoing support and inspiration from others who have successfully navigated early recovery.
- Attend workshops and educational sessions: Learn new skills and gain valuable insights on various recovery topics.
- Participate in our social and recreational activities: Build a healthy support network and enjoy activities that promote well-being.
Remember, these are just some of the ways we support your early recovery journey. At Mile High Recovery Center, we are committed to providing you with the individualized care and comprehensive resources you need to build a foundation for lasting sobriety and a fulfilling life.
Relapse Is a Learning Opportunity, Not a Moral Failing
Remember, relapse is not a reflection of your character or a sign of failure. It’s a common occurrence in the recovery journey, often triggered by unforeseen circumstances or unmanaged emotions.
The key is to view it as a learning opportunity. Analyze what led to the relapse, identify areas needing improvement, and use it to strengthen your relapse prevention plan.
Next Steps: Building Your Recovery Toolkit with Early Recovery Skills
Now that you have a deeper understanding of these essential early recovery skills, it’s time to start building your personal recovery toolkit.
Remember, this is a continuous process:
- Identify your own needs and challenges: What skills do you feel you need to develop the most?
- Seek professional guidance: Talk to your therapist, counselor, or support group leader about developing a personalized plan.
- Practice consistently: The more you practice these skills, the more ingrained they become in your daily life.
- Celebrate your progress: Acknowledge every step forward, no matter how small.
- Don’t hesitate to seek help: If you face challenges or experience a setback, reach out for support immediately.
At Mile High Recovery Center, we’re here to guide you every step of the way, providing the resources, encouragement, and support you need to build a fulfilling life in recovery. Remember, you have the strength and resilience to overcome challenges and achieve lasting sobriety.
Are You Ready to Learn Early Recovery Skills for Recovery?
If you or a loved one is ready to embark on the journey to sustainable sobriety by developing early recovery skills, contact Mile High Recovery Center today. Our compassionate team is here to provide personalized support and guidance as you navigate the challenges of early recovery.
Call us at 303-268-2996 or reach out online to learn more about our programs and services. Remember, recovery is possible, and we’re here to help you every step of the way.
Take the first step towards a brighter future today by learning early recovery skills for lasting health.
