HOW: Honesty, Open-mindedness, Willingness in Recovery

September 26, 2017

Harmony Place Team

Addiction recovery often presents quite a few challenges and difficulties. Those who are working to overcome substance abuse may find that it’s hard to stay the course. But, fortunately, there are multiple characteristics that can help to make the recovery process much easier and effective. When individuals develop and exhibit honesty, open-mindedness, and willingness in recovery, the outcome can be nothing short of wonderful.

Being honest, open, truthful, and willing to change can make all the difference when it comes to addiction recovery. With these characteristics, individuals can make the changes necessary to overcome substance use disorders for good.

Understanding H.OW. and Its Relationship With Addiction Recovery

“We find that no one need have difficulty with the spirituality of the program. Willingness, honesty and open-mindedness are the essentials of recovery. But these are indispensable.” (Appendix II, “Spiritual Experience”, Alcoholics Anonymous, page 567-568)

This quote from the big book lays out what individuals need to begin and remain in recovery. The acronym H.O.W. stands for Honesty, Open-mindedness, and Willingness. Success in recovery has been stated as being an “inside job”. H.O.W. is instrumental in pulling recovery from the inside out.

Honesty in Addiction Recovery

It is often difficult for recovering addicts to maintain honesty and integrity. After all, it’s likely that the lifestyle they lived while actively carrying out a life of substance addiction was not conducive to honesty. Denial frequently and relentlessly stands in the way of achieving sobriety.

Sadly, people who are suffering from addiction often tell themselves that their struggle with substance abuse is “not that bad”. Addiction leads them to believe that they “really don’t abuse substances that much” or that they are not actually addicts. The truth is that people who suffer from substance abuse often lie to themselves and to others.

In many cases, this dishonesty is definitely unintentional; drugs and alcohol have a way of altering what a person truly thinks and believes. Sometimes, however, people who struggle with substance abuse are dishonest in an effort to protect their addiction because they simply cannot fathom living without it.

Rigorous honesty is recommended in recovery because, without it, recovering individuals may start the practice of finding it easier and easier to lie about drinking and using to ourselves to others.

Step 1 is about honesty. If struggling individuals can admit that they are “powerless and that their lives have become unmanageable”, then they can truly start off on the right foot of honesty in recovery. This opens the door to help recovering addicts become more honest in other areas of their lives.

Open-Mindedness in Substance Abuse Recovery

If you have begun a life of recovery, then you have started the process of having an open mind. Getting sober is not the natural way for addicts to live. Recovering individuals often feel caught in the insanity of figuring out where they will get the next high. In recovery, open-mindedness starts with getting sober and then extends into other places in recovery. Taking suggestions is more advantageous for us when it comes to being open-minded.

One of the ways that can help us advance in our recovery is through spiritual means. Spirituality can be difficult to accept with many recovering addicts. Having an open mind to these kinds of subjects can help build a foundation upon which to grow in recovery.

Willingness in Recovery

Willingness means giving your consent to begin. It only takes a little bit of initiative to start on the path of recovery. If you have a small amount of willingness, it will make the process easier. Those who come into recovery kicking and screaming or with reservations will likely have a harder time adapting to a recovery lifestyle. Willingness makes individuals more susceptible to going the extra mile in their recovery.

Honesty, Open-Mindedness, and Willingness Can Make All The Difference in Rehab

When it comes to recovery from addiction, many individuals struggle to work through the inevitable challenges that arise along the way. It can be difficult to work through these moments. However, having the right mindset on the journey to recovery can make all the difference and help facilitate success.

Part of having a good mindset in recovery is having a heart that is open and honest. Being truthful throughout your recovery will enable you to genuinely convey your feelings, emotions, and experiences. It will also allow you to successfully evaluate your needs and recognize your challenges for what they are. It isn’t always easy to understand your own emotions. But, as you strive to be honest, open-minded, and willing to change throughout your journey to recovery, you’ll find that things become more manageable.

Although recovery from substance abuse is far from “easy”, having the right mindset can help you tremendously. Life is all about learning from your mistakes, growing through what you go through, and adopting healthier habits. While you move toward a life that is free from addiction, you will find that the opportunities to learn and grow will continue to present themselves. It’s important to use these moments to your advantage, choosing to be honest with yourself and others, be open-minded about your future, and become willing and ready to pursue a better life.

Harmony Place Available Addiction Recovery Rehab Programs Offered in Los Angeles, CA

Here at Harmony Place, we offer treatment and, in turn, hope and healing to those who suffer from addiction. We understand the struggles and obstacles our clients are facing. Recovery is a journey filled with many ups and downs. But, we want to be with our patients every single step of the way!

In our efforts to help those dealing with substance abuse, we provide various treatment services, including the following:

Individuals who enroll in our rehab program will find that Harmony Place offers the best of care and compassion.

Recovery Treatment From Addiction at Harmony Place Substance Abuse Rehab

Medical Detox

Detoxification is often the first part of the addiction treatment process. In many cases, individuals go through what is known as “withdrawal”. This is characterized by unpleasant physical and emotional symptoms. Thankfully, throughout our detox program here at Harmony Place, you can begin your journey to recovery safely and worry-free.

As a result of a professional detox program, you can begin to focus on overcoming addiction and finding your way to a life of honesty, open-mindedness, and willingness.

Residential Treatment

During the residential phase of the continuum of care, you can begin to develop a healthy outlook. Throughout residential treatment, our clients can become more comfortable as they receive 24/7 addiction hotline access to medical and professional treatment services.

Outpatient Treatment

This type of addiction treatment program allows patients to live at home while still receiving treatment services for several hours per week. While in outpatient treatment, recovering individuals can overcome substance abuse as they continue to tend to other responsibilities in their lives. This may present even more opportunities for people to use honesty, open-mindedness, and willingness in the “real world”.

Aftercare and Alumni Programs

Those in recovery can continue to implement honesty, open-mindedness, and willingness as they begin their lives outside of treatment. Thankfully, individuals can also continue to receive support and guidance throughout this next chapter of their lives. Aftercare programs and alumni programs can help to keep individuals engaged in a supportive community. It can also provide people with accountability, a necessary component of successful recovery journeys.

Allow Harmony Place in Los Angeles, CA to Help You Fight and Overcome Addiction Today!

Have you found yourself wondering how you will ever get past alcoholism? Are you struggling to imagine a life without drug abuse? Do you sometimes feel hopeless, helpless, and ashamed because of your substance use?

Please know that there is hope for you! Help and healing are available through addiction treatment here at Harmony Place! With the assistance of our addiction treatment specialists, you can find your way to a life that is free from addiction and the guilt and shame that come with it.

There’s no need to wait any longer. Let us help you as you move forward in your recovery. We are here to assist and support you throughout this journey. Please reach out to our compassionate and understanding team here at Harmony Place. We look forward to walking with you every single step of the way!

Chris P

I've been to 12 rehabs over the last 20 years and NO other place has touch like Harmony Place! From the owner right down to the cleaning lady, everyone here is kinda and warm. God has blessed this place and I feel privileged to have come through here. I recommend anyone who is going through their struggle with mental health or substance abuse to pick up the phone and come! You won't regret it!

Joseph S

This place is incredible, kind, loving, patient, rigorous, educative, caring and the best place for recovery. Ill be part of the alumni crew

Monica G

I had very good experience at Harmony Place From first day I came, staff was very kind and make me feel welcome and safe. Everyone was friendly and always try to help me. The therapists are very good and caring. They listen to me and help me understand my problems better. I learn many things from them and feel stronger because of their support. The nurses also very nice and professional. They always check on me and make sure I am okay. Food was good and facilities were clean and comfortable. It help me feel more relaxed and focus on my recovery. Management also doing very good job. Everything was organized and you can see they really care about patients. I am very thankful for this place and all the people who work here. I recommend this center to anyone who needs help.

Denton

Awesome place great people u want to check this place out most definitely 😜

Tyler

A treatment center where the owners truly care about your recovery and after care.. cannot recommend enough

Jodana S

If you want to detox painlessly this is the place! The staff is A1. They truly care about us. The groups are awesome . Residential is crazy awesome! You live in a mansion. With a private chef who makes the best food. Community meeting that gets results fast, they care about your opinions. Pool and Jacuzzi are beautiful. If your struggling with addiction this is the house you should come to. I LOVE HARMONY PLACE!!!!! Thank you to all the staff they go above and beyond to make this experience comfortable therapeutic. Don't spend another day in your addiction come to Harmony Place right now!

Cass

I’ve been to 4 treatment centers before Harmony Place, and I can tell you without a single doubt that this is the absolute best by FAR. The past ones were luxury Residential Treatment centers that just treated every single client the same not tailoring to each individual, and were basically just in it for the money, dropping the ball each time. I can also tell you that I’ve never met the CEOs, but here, David comes to the facility almost every single day, and makes sure he get to know every individual here. He is incredibly kind, and was even willing to transfer me to another facility with a higher level of trauma therapy due to me having a lifetime of trauma and PTSD that just is going to take a long time to tackle. He truly cares about all of the clients having all of the tools that we need before getting released to the real world. No more of other CEO would ever be willing to miss an opportunity at making more money and even paired with my IMPECCABLE case manager to find a different facility that was more trauma based. My case manager, Sam, goes absolutely above and beyond in every single aspect. She makes sure you have a smooth transition into aftercare, provides out of this world advice when it comes to sobriety, and takes the time out of her day to make sure that FMLA and short-term disability are completely taken care of during your stay. I’ve never met a case manager that could ever compare to Sam. Ever. I feel lucky to have met her, genuinely. Marissa, my therapist, is SO SWEET, actually listens to you, and provides advice and therapy tailored to each individual’s experience. She’s handled every mood I’ve been in, never judged me, and allowed me to feel safe enough to tell her things I’ve never told any person or therapist in my 29 years of life. I’ve been going to therapy for the past 15 years, and none of those therapists even come close to how amazing she is. I’ve been to 4 other treatment centers in my life and none even come close to Harmony Place. The facility is clean, organized, and high-end. I would recommend Harmony place to my family, friends, and anyone seeking treatment. I feel SO BLESSED to have landed in their hands. THANK YOU TO EVERYONE IN THE CLINICAL STAFF BEYOND WORDS. I love you guys ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️. I feel more confident than ever in my Recovery.

Gabe H

Where to begin.. Harmony is a place that will forever be a part of my story as the first step in my recovery journey. I’m so grateful for this program. The staff is very friendly, and many of them understand what addiction is like, for they themselves have recovery stories of their own. They have an awesome team of therapists, group facilitators, nurses, RA technicians, medical and health professionals, a wonderful case manager for aftercare that cares deeply for your next steps; making sure you are set up for success. They have a wonderful admissions team (shoutout to Marielle who was so kind and understanding of my messed up situation). Everyone is very relatable and friendly. They invest heavily in the importance of diet and nutrition too - there’s a full time professional chef. I gained all the weight I lost and wanted back in the first two weeks lol. On top of the intensive programming they do throughout the day, they take us out to experience various kinds of outside groups to get a taste of the real world, and also take us on social outings during the weekend. If you’re serious about getting better this place will meet you where you’re at and prepare you to launch with a renewed mind and heart.

Monica P

I can't begin to explain just how amazing Harmony Place is. In fact, when we sit down with the owner, Jeff, and clinical director, David, on Monday mornings to have a house meeting, they ask us what they could be doing better. A bigger blender for smoothies is the ONLY thing we could come up with. Let me begin by addressing some negative reviews. If you notice many of them are from people, or are referring to people who have been asked to leave. It is because of harmony places protection of their clients that provide ideal conditions for healing and progress. There is a screening process that it is implemented where they make sure the clients they admit are ready to start a life of sobriety. Some people slip through the cracks. Some people find out a few days or weeks in that they've changed their minds. Some are inappropriate and break rules. It happens. When Harmony Place ask people to leave, It's because they are protecting the people who are here that want treatment. In effect, they're providing exactly what I needed for a genuine start to recovery. When I began my search for a treatment center, my requirements were that the facility's provide an environment in which its residents all want to be there and that it is ethically ran. I got that and so much more at Harmony Place. As well as a structured routine, they also provide a confidential and nurturing environment where one feels safe and where profound healing can begin. Their program offers a sound foundation where further progress in sober living is almost guaranteed. In group meetings, we enjoy getting to know ourselves again and with deeper understanding about why we are the way we are. We are provided with skills to handle real life. Its here that I've come to understand that its not addiction that has driven me to make a mess of my life. It is the trauma that I endured and not processing it correctly that lead to poor thinking patterns that opened the door to addiction resulting in poor life management. So we start at the bottom. Trauma. They help us understand that trauma has led to our own toxicity, what that trauma looks like and how to get out of our own way. Process groups help us learn how to take accountability and foster healthier relationships. I learned here that changing the way I think is absolutely possible and imperative to the healing process. Harmony Place offered me hope when I previously felt I was unfixable and a support team that truly loves me. Even after I leave here, I have contacts that almost demand I keep in touch and an alumni meeting where I can return to the facility on Thursday nights. I wasn't a 12 stepper when I came here but my first experience with it was not one where I was ready to stop using. I understand now that the steps will work for me. It's certainly is not the only modality that they teach. In one group, we are provided an opportunity to sit with a recently retired medical doctor to just ask questions. Another is with a nutritionist. There are a handful of people IN recovery that come to lead groups that are all accredited highly specialized where I felt understood and not judged. The knowledge I have gained here is life changing. It is also versatile and relatable for all types of people. my favorite group was dialectical behavioral therapy. There are breathing classes and sound bath groups and I started doing yoga in the morning. There's a dharma meeting they take you offsite that focuses on Buddhist values. A fantastic onsight chef provides three meals and you can have special requests. We facilitated our own Movie nights during free time. I cant forget to mention you get your own one on one meetings with your assigned primary therapist and there is comprehensive medical support complete with 24/7 nurses and a doctor that shows up throughout the week. If this is what you need to recover and you have mediCAL, cancel your mediCAL and get insurance Harmony Place accepts if you can. There are people to help you with that as well. Just call. Many, many thanks to the staff. ✔️Another life changed.🙏

Cody B

This is such an amazing place truly changed my life. I would recommend this place to anybody if they’re looking for a strong recovery house that truly cares about your recovery and not about just money So if you’re ready to change your life, don’t miss out on the greatness of harmony because this place is where it’s at