Deer Hollow: Unlocking True Recovery from Substance Abuse

Substance abuse is more than just a struggle with addiction—it’s often rooted in unresolved trauma and deeper mental health challenges. While there are over 17,000 treatment centers across the U.S., most people seeking help find themselves cycling through multiple programs without lasting success. In fact, the average person attends 5.2 treatment centers before achieving recovery. At Deer Hollow, we’re different. Our trauma-focused approach ensures that we address the root causes of addiction, not just the symptoms, leading to unparalleled results.

Your recovery starts today. Call Deer Hollow at (801) 679-6669 to experience the difference.

What Is Substance Abuse?

Substance abuse occurs when someone uses drugs or alcohol in a way that negatively impacts their physical health, mental well-being, or responsibilities. While it may start as a way to cope with stress or trauma, substance abuse often becomes a cycle that’s difficult to break without professional help.

Substance Abuse in Simple Terms

  • Substance abuse is like using a crutch to deal with emotional pain, but instead of helping you heal, it creates new problems.
  • Over time, the brain becomes dependent on the substance, making it harder to stop without help.

Did You Know?

At Deer Hollow, we believe substance abuse is not a personal failure—it’s a condition that requires expert, compassionate care to overcome.

What Causes Substance Abuse?

Substance abuse is rarely an isolated issue. It often stems from deeper struggles, making it critical to address the root causes for effective, lasting recovery.

Common Causes of Substance Abuse

  • Trauma: Many people use substances to numb the emotional pain of traumatic experiences like abuse, violence, or loss.
  • Mental Health Disorders: Conditions like anxiety, depression, or PTSD often co-occur with addiction, creating a self-medicating cycle.
  • High-Stress Environments: Veterans, first responders, and those in high-pressure professions face unique stressors that increase their risk.
  • Environmental Influences: Early exposure to substance use, family history of addiction, or peer pressure can also play a role.

At Deer Hollow, we specialize in uncovering and addressing these root causes, ensuring a holistic recovery process.

What Are the Symptoms of Substance Abuse?

Substance abuse affects every aspect of your life, from your physical health to your emotions and relationships. Recognizing the symptoms is the first step toward getting help.

Physical Symptoms

  • Changes in appetite, weight, or sleep patterns.
  • Frequent illness or unexplained health problems.
  • Withdrawal symptoms such as nausea, shaking, or sweating.

Behavioral Symptoms

  • Neglecting responsibilities or isolating from loved ones.
  • Spending significant time obtaining, using, or recovering from substances.

Emotional Symptoms

  • Increased anxiety, irritability, or depression.
  • Difficulty managing stress without substances.
  • Persistent feelings of guilt, shame, or hopelessness.
Off-duty emergency room nurse sitting on the floor in the dark, using alcohol to cope with trauma, emphasizing the connection between unresolved PTSD and alcohol addiction, and Deer Hollow's specialized treatment for first responders and veterans.

How Long Does Substance Abuse Treatment Take?

The length of treatment depends on each individual’s unique needs and circumstances. At Deer Hollow, we create a customized treatment plan tailored to your recovery goals and support you through our five-level step-down care program.

Six Levels of Step-Down Care

  1. Inpatient Care / Residential Care:
    • Duration: Approximately 35 days.
    • Provides intensive, focused treatment in a safe environment, giving you the space to heal without distractions.
  2. Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP):
    • Duration: A minimum of 6 weeks.
    • Combines structured daytime care with evenings at home or in a supportive living environment, bridging the gap between inpatient care / residential care and daily life.
  3. Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP):
    • Duration: 4-8 weeks
    • A half-day commitment for clients needing structured support while balancing daily responsibilities.
  4. Telehealth Step-Down Care:
    • Format: Virtual group sessions three evenings per week.
    • Provides ongoing guidance as you transition back to independent living.
  5. Telehealth Introductory Care:
    • Who It’s For: Clients new to Deer Hollow or their families.
    • Offers education and support to prepare for treatment.
  6. Alumni Program:
    • Duration: Lifelong.
    • Helps you stay connected to a supportive community and maintain long-term recovery.

This phased approach ensures you’re never alone in your recovery.

Comprehensive Therapy Options at Deer Hollow

Unlike traditional treatment centers that offer only 2–3 therapy options, Deer Hollow provides over 10 evidence-based and holistic therapies. This comprehensive approach allows us to address every aspect of addiction and its underlying trauma.

Our Full List of Therapies

  1. Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT): Reframes negative thoughts tied to trauma.
  2. Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT): Builds essential skills for managing emotions and stress.
  3. Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR): Resolves traumatic memories and reduces their impact.
  4. Equine-Assisted Therapy: Encourages emotional healing through interactions with horses.
  5. Internal Family Systems (IFS): Helps clients understand and heal inner conflicts.
  6. Mind Body Bridging (MBB): Reconnects the mind and body to reduce stress and promote mindfulness.
  7. Psychodrama: Uses role-playing to explore and resolve emotional pain.
  8. Schema Therapy: Reshapes ingrained thought patterns and behaviors.
  9. Self-Compassion Therapy: Builds a kinder relationship with yourself, reducing guilt and shame.
  10. Shame Resilience Therapy: Helps clients overcome feelings of shame and build confidence.
Glass of alcohol and prescription pain medication pills spilled on a table, representing unresolved trauma and substance abuse. Deer Hollow provides specialized treatment to address the root causes and achieve better outcomes for first responders and veterans.
Hand-written note to God reading 'Please help me to…,' symbolizing the hope and healing offered through Deer Hollow’s mental health therapies, such as EMDR, cognitive processing therapy, and schema therapy.

Why Choose Deer Hollow?

When it comes to substance abuse treatment, Deer Hollow delivers results that others can’t.

Here’s why we’re the nation’s leading choice:

  • We specialize in trauma-focused care, addressing addiction at its root.
  • Our five-level step-down care ensures ongoing support and long-term success.

Take the First Step Toward Recovery

Substance abuse doesn’t have to control your life. At Deer Hollow, we combine trauma-focused care, comprehensive therapies, and proven success rates to help you heal deeply and reclaim your future. Whether you’re seeking treatment for yourself or someone you love, we’re here to guide you every step of the way.