Most people feel vulnerable during treatment for substance use disorder (SUD). Establishing trust between clients and the care team ensures individuals feel comfortable and secure. According to Nordic Studies on Alcohol and Drugs, researchers reported that "[r]elationships with staff were described as crucial in all parts of the treatment." Addiction recovery experts at Driftwood Recovery empower clients and help them heal from the effects of SUD. Creating trust is one of the most important steps in building a healthy foundation for addiction recovery.
How Does Creating Trust Improve Treatment Outcomes?
Many people diagnosed with SUD struggle with issues related to self-image, self-confidence, and self-worth. According to the previously mentioned article by Nordic Studies on Alcohol and Drugs, "People with SUD have long histories of perceived stigma, marginalisation, exclusion, social isolation, and shame." Building trust helps people in recovery combat internalized stigmas, guilt, regret, and shame.
Staff members have the real-world experience and training to help guide clients through the process of self-discovery and self-empowerment during recovery. Clients gain self-confidence as they develop essential coping skills and learn to replace maladaptive behaviors with healthy alternatives.
Trust Between Clients and Clinicians Increases the Effectiveness of Treatment
Addiction recovery professionals set the tone for treatment in the way they manage client expectations. Honestly communicating potential challenges and offering guidance builds trust. Clients are more likely to make essential lifestyle changes and try new treatments if they feel their care team has their best interest at heart and will help them navigate those changes.
Building Trust Starts With the First Phone Call
Encouraging trust in the care team starts during the first conversation with potential clients or their loved ones. The initial phone call to Driftwood Recovery provides an introduction to treatment programs and clinicians. Members of staff discuss the potential client's needs and expectations to determine if Driftwood Recovery offers the best fit. Individuals with more severe or complex conditions may need to be referred to a higher level of care. The care team openly discusses whether someone is or is not a good fit for Driftwood Recovery. Potential clients often respond positively to the matter-of-fact way clinicians present them with a clear set of treatment options.
Creating Trust Before Initiating Treatment
Some people may benefit from participating in a 7 to 10-day extensive assessment period to determine whether Driftwood Recovery is the best option for them and what treatment approaches may provide the best outcomes. For most clients, the first week is spent building a connection with the client, deep-diving into their specific situation, and collaborating with the client and their loved ones.
The Benefits of Creating Trust Between Clients and Staff Members
Staff members need clients to trust them in order to provide the best service and most effective treatments. Clients should feel comfortable sharing their needs, wants, concerns, and goals with their care team. However, without a bond of trust, it can be difficult for some people to ask for or receive help.
Staff members build positive relationships with clients by doing the following:
- Normalizing conversations about addictive behaviors, mental health, and recovery
- Being transparent about the benefits of specific treatments and services
- Collaborating with clients and giving them multiple treatment options to choose from
- Addressing confidentiality and privacy concerns by informing clients of their rights and respecting their boundaries
- Practicing patience, empathy, and compassion in every interaction
Empathy is an essential clinical tool for developing trust with clients. According to the Journal of Patient Experience, "[E]mpathy is a sequence, starting with the patient's expression of emotion, followed by the perception, vicarious experience, and empathic response by the clinician." Client reactions should guide how clinicians approach treatment services and daily interactions.
Encouraging, Uplifting, and Empowering Clients
Driftwood Recovery's mission is to deliver a life-changing experience to clients and their loved ones. Staff members use their skills and expertise to empower and motivate clients. A client-centered approach to treatment focuses on the individual and not the disorder. Connecting with the person first and learning more about their cultural, personal, and spiritual preferences encourages clients to play a more active role in their recovery. According to Health Education and Behavior, "Designing culturally-sensitive personalized interventions is essential to sustain patients' involvement in their treatment, and encourage patients to take an active role in their own health and health care."
Clinicians empower and uplift clients by doing the following:
- Respecting client boundaries
- Actively listening to client needs and providing healthy solutions
- Ensuring clients have the tools to develop essential skills
Staff members ensure clients understand they control the speed and direction of their own recovery.
Ensuring Privacy and Confidentiality for Well-Known Clients
The care team is responsible for ensuring famous or well-known clients' safety, privacy, and confidentiality. Driftwood Recovery provides celebrities and their loved ones a safe space to heal and grow together. Building trust from day one ensures all clients feel comfortable expressing themselves and developing essential skills for navigating long-term recovery.
Trust is an essential part of the client-clinician relationship. Individuals in recovery may struggle to build trust with people in positions of authority. Staff members at Driftwood Recovery treat every client with respect, dignity, and compassion. Clinicians have a responsibility to maintain accountability and help clients heal from SUD. Trust-building is one of the initial focuses in therapy to ensure clients become comfortable with the idea of confiding and relying on their care team. Driftwood Recovery uses evidence-based methods, including individual psychotherapy, group therapy, and peer support, to help clients feel more comfortable expressing their thoughts, feelings, and beliefs with the care team. To learn more about our programs and services, contact us today at (512) 759-8330.