Life skills training can be a very important part of substance abuse treatment, and there are a number of life skills that may need to be learned or refreshed before someone with a substance abuse problem may be able to function normally in the world. Life skills training covers a number of different areas, including:
- Stress management
- Anger management
- Dealing with frustration appropriately
- Setting goals
- Employment skills needed to obtain a job and keep it
- Productive ways to spend leisure time
- Improving communication skills
- Learning social skills
- Financial management including budgeting and bill paying
- Proper time management techniques and methods
Many people who need substance abuse treatment may be lacking one or more of these critical life skills, and this can lower their chances of success after they finish substance abuse treatment programs.
Many substance abuse treatment programs offer many life skills training options, and each participant may need one or more of these components in order to fully recover and prevent future relapses. Nutrition classes may also be offered in order to provide information on the best diet and the right foods to keep the individual from going back to their old ways. Life skill training can be very beneficial during substance abuse treatment, and any program that does not teach these skills may not be the best possible choice. These options can help those who are recovering deal with negative emotions and stressful situations far more effectively, and also help them learn important life skills that they may be lacking.
