Author: Nick Jones
Why are Dual Diagnosis Treatment Centers Important?
Addiction often comes with a stigma that patients are lazy or immoral. The truth is that addiction is a disorder of the brain. Just like bipolar disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, or depression, addiction takes place in the brain. When two or more mental health disorders are present, a psychiatrist needs to diagnose each one. But that’s not all, psychiatrists must treat each one, as well. For that reason, dual diagnosis treatment centers are critically important in recovery.
What are Dual Diagnosis Treatment Centers?
In 2014, 7.9 million [adults] had both a substance use disorder and another mental illness. The solution for multiple mental health disorders is to treat each of them simultaneously. In other words, psychiatrists need to treat every mental health disorder individually and at the same time. We discuss more on the relationship between dual diagnosis and addiction in the next section.
Experts once believed that dual diagnoses should be treated individually. However, as we discover more about mental health, it has become clear that there’s a better way. In fact, experts now view addiction with another mental illness as a beast all its own. So instead, doctors treat them together. This new approach has been more effective for long-term recovery from addiction.
While some addiction treatment centers focus exclusively on addiction, many have expanded their services. Dual-diagnosis treatment centers are ideal for treating all present mental disorders. They’re prepared to transition their plan of treatment immediately, if necessary. If a counselor discovers that the root of an addiction is another mental health disorder, they can easily pivot to what the patient needs.
Dual Diagnosis Treatment Centers and Substance Abuse
Many people don’t realize they’re suffering from a mental health condition. They only know the pain they’re feeling. It’s natural to want to stop the pain, whether it be physical or emotional. Drugs and alcohol are all too effective at numbing one’s pain. We call this self-medicating. For example, a person who may be suffering from depression feels emotional pain. The euphoric effects of alcohol offer temporary respite when someone is desperate for relief.
However, this kind of relief is not without its problems. Alcohol and other substances are addictive. Instead of relieving depression, the patient unintentionally causes an additional mental health condition. This scenario is certainly common. Living with emotional pain is generally unsustainable.
What’s more, addiction can cause other mental health disorders. An endless cycle of drug or alcohol addiction has side effects. Imagine a person in pain who seeks relief through a night of binge drinking. The common hangover is often replaced by depression, anxiety and more. Therefore, dual diagnosis treatment centers are more critical now than they’ve ever been.
How Dual Diagnosis Treatment Centers Aid in Long-Term Recovery
Please indulge us as we dip a toe into the science of mood disorders and addiction. Chemicals in the brain regulate emotions. A chemical imbalance disrupts healthy brain function. A chemical imbalance often presents itself as a lack of impulse control, as well as feelings of depression and anxiety.
According to MentalHealth.gov, “Substance use problems occur more frequently with certain mental health problems, including depression, anxiety disorders, schizophrenia, and personality disorders.” Addiction has many of the same effects on the brain, including a lack of impulse control.
Individual counseling is part of an effective treatment program. During individual counseling, the patient and counselor work together to pinpoint the root of the addiction. MentalHealth.gov points out, “More than one in four adults living with serious mental health problems also has a substance use problem.” Dual diagnosis treatment centers offer an easy transition in the treatment plan for patients with dual diagnoses, or co-occurring disorders.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy in a Dual Diagnosis Treatment Center
The backbone of a successful treatment for dual diagnoses is cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). The National Institute on Drug Abuse defines CBT. “CBT is designed to modify harmful beliefs and maladaptive behaviors and shows h3 efficacy for individuals with substance use disorders.”
Additionally, counselors at dual diagnosis treatment centers focus on building healthy habits and routines for life after treatment. Counselors and patients set goals, develop healthy coping mechanisms, and gain addiction education. This well-rounded treatment program offers patients with co-occurring disorders a realistic chance at a happy, healthy life. If you’re tired of suffering, there’s hope. Don’t waste another minute. Take the first step to building the life that you’ve always wanted.
Common Therapy Options Found at Recovery Treatment Centers
To combat the scourge of addiction, there are many different options available at recovery treatment centers. From art therapy to group counseling, patients can get the high-quality, professional help they need in a medically supervised setting.
Initially, patients must choose between an inpatient or outpatient treatment program. Since inpatient programs offer higher success rates and more intensive treatments, they are a better option for long-term addictions or individuals who have a serious substance abuse problem.
Recovery Treatment Centers Offer Options for Co-Occurring Mental Disorders
People who have a mental illness are more likely to suffer from substance abuse. Often, this happens when they use drugs or alcohol to cope with feelings like depression, anxiety or grief. To treat the addiction effectively, these patients need to have therapy for their co-occurring disorders. Some treatment centers specialize in dual diagnosis and trauma therapy. With these options, addicted individuals can recover while addressing the mental disorder that fuels the addictive behavior.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is designed to help with destructive habits and negative thoughts. At recovery treatment centers, patients can learn how to identify these negative thought patterns and change the way they think. This interactive therapy provides patients with the skills they need to cope with stress and limit self-destructive actions. Depending on the treatment center, cognitive behavioral therapy may be accomplished individually or in a group.
Family Therapy at Recovery Treatment Centers
Family therapy is designed to help loved ones participate in the recovery process. During an addiction, drugs and alcohol become a priority instead of family members. As a result, family relationships are often harmed by the addiction. Once patients begin recovery, family therapy helps them to rebuild their relationships and overcome the past. These sessions are also designed to help the family learn why an addiction starts and how it works.
Gain Deeper Insight Through Art and Music Therapy
Art and music therapy are designed to help patients express feelings that they normally wouldn’t be able to say. Creating art and music is a nonverbal process, so it allows individuals to convey just their emotions and ideas. After finishing an artwork, patients may be asked to discuss their art and its meaning. Depending on the treatment center, therapy options like active imagination, the third-hand approach or the Gestalt method may be used. All of these techniques work to open the door to introspection and a deeper conversation.
Yoga Therapy for Addictions
During treatment, it’s common for negative feelings and memories to resurface. Therapies like yoga help to channel these new emotions in a constructive manner. In addition, the physical aspect of yoga can improve the patient’s health and reduce his or her stress levels. It also allows patients to have a positive hobby that replaces the time they used to spend on their addiction.
If you or a loved one has an addiction, you don’t have to suffer alone. Call Recovery in Motion at (866) 418-1070 to get effective help now.
4 Helpful Tips for Entering Substance Abuse Rehabilitation
Deciding to enter substance abuse rehabilitation can be an overwhelming step, but it’s a hugely important one for anyone who is serious about recovery from addiction. Prospective patients may want to know what to expect as they begin the path toward sobriety. These four helpful tips can be useful for anyone about to enter a substance abuse rehabilitation program:
- Familiarize Yourself With the Rules
Every rehab facility will have some rules for its residents and participants, and it’s important to both understand and abide by these rules. For starters, every facility will typically have a strict rule about any drug or alcohol use, and there may be a banned list of substances. Keep in mind that even if you yourself don’t have problems with items on this list, having them on the premises could put the sobriety of your fellow residents at risk.
Also, keep in mind that the rules of a substance abuse rehabilitation facility aren’t designed to punish patients. Instead, they help to set boundaries so that everyone can be as safe, healthy and happy as possible.
- Take Full Advantage of the Facilities
One of the biggest regrets that patients have after leaving rehab is that they didn’t make the most of the amenities or participate fully in the programs that were offered. Generally, rehab centers will have some required programs, and this might include individual therapy or group counseling sessions. However, going beyond that and participating in fitness therapy groups or in social events can strengthen your social skills and allow you to develop new, healthy habits that will last for a lifetime.
- Learn From Others Who Have Experience
Addiction can be isolating, but rehab doesn’t have to be. Patients should come to rehab with the goal of meeting others going through a similar situation to their own, but they should also be on the lookout for experienced individuals with a history of recovery. Those who have relapsed may still have advice about what to avoid, and staff or therapists may have decades of sobriety in their history that can encourage and inspire you on your own journey to health.
- Write Down Key Aspects That Stick With You
In therapy sessions or certain treatments, there may be key moments that stand out to you. This might be something you realize about yourself, or it could be a catchphrase from a 12-step program. Be sure to write these ideas down quickly so that you can refer to them later.
These tips can help prepare you for a successful stay at a substance abuse rehabilitation center. Call (866) 418-1070 to learn about Recovery in Motion, located in Tucson, Arizona, and how our substance abuse programs have the potential to change your life for the better.
What Are My Options for Finding Substance Abuse Resources?
When it comes to substance abuse resources, there are many options available for addicted individuals. Achieving sobriety can be made easier through low-cost, affordable treatment programs. Surrounded by like-minded people who know exactly what you’re going through, individuals can learn how to live a clean lifestyle and avoid a relapse. While it’s never easy to quit, it’s possible to make sobriety easier.
Substance Abuse Resources for Inpatient Treatment
One of the most popular ways to get clean is through inpatient treatment. At the treatment center, individuals are monitored around the clock. During this time, it’s impossible to relapse because there are no drugs or alcohol available on-site. Through inpatient rehab, individuals can get help with their co-occurring disorders and have the highest chance of long-term success.
Outpatient Treatment Options
Some people are unable to leave their normal lives for inpatient treatment. Whether they have family or work responsibilities, outpatient treatment can help. While inpatient treatment is the ideal option, outpatient programs allow people to get help while they continue their normal life. Often, outpatient treatment includes a few hours of treatment on several days of the week. It offers enhanced flexibility for individuals who can’t leave their day-to-day lives.
Getting Substance Abuse Resources at Sober Living Homes
After attending rehab, you can continue your treatment with a sober living home. These homes are basically a bridge between treatment centers and real life. While they allow you to get continued substance abuse help, the treatment centers also work to reintegrate you back into the world. The healthy habits that you have learned in rehabilitation are encouraged and reinforced so that you’re prepared for your return home.
Counseling and Support Groups
During and after rehab, counseling and support groups are important substance abuse resources. In a support group, you will learn techniques that other recovering patients use to avoid a relapse. In addition, these support groups help you to realize that you aren’t alone. Many people struggle with an addiction, and it’s possible to maintain your sobriety. With counseling and support, you can get help maintaining your long-term sobriety.
Start With Standard Treatment
While there are many substance abuse resources available, most addicted individuals start with detox and rehabilitation. Detox is generally the first step because it helps you to manage withdrawal symptoms in a controlled environment. Afterward, you can do inpatient or outpatient rehabilitation to recover.
At Recovery In Motion, you can begin a cost-effective addiction treatment program. Housing is provided in a three-person apartment where you will get the support you need. During treatment, we use effective techniques like family therapy, yoga, cognitive behavioral therapy, dual diagnosis treatment and music therapy to help you recover. If you’re in crisis, you need to get help now. Call Recovery In Motion at (866) 418-1070 to begin your recovery today.
Educate Yourself. Not All Inpatient Alcohol Rehabilitation Centers Are the Same
Inpatient alcohol rehabilitation centers can vary drastically. While some rehab centers are run by the state, other centers offer customized therapy programs, counseling and support groups. Depending on what you need in a rehab, your selection of a treatment center will vary.
Consider the Success Rates of Inpatient Alcohol Rehabilitation Centers
While outpatient treatment is more convenient, inpatient alcohol rehabilitation centers offer better success rates. At an inpatient treatment center, patients are monitored 24/7 by medical professionals. Since you’re unable to leave the facility during treatment, it cuts off all possible access to alcohol. As a result, inpatient treatment is often a far better option.
Other than attending inpatient treatment, you can improve your chances of success by selecting a longer treatment program. While any treatment is better than no treatment, longer programs are definitely more effective. After developing an addiction to alcohol over many years, you need extra time to “unlearn” this dangerous habit. Over the course of an addiction treatment program, you can learn new ways to handle stress and unlearn the habits surrounding your addiction.
Look at the Cost of Inpatient Alcohol Rehabilitation Centers
Your goal is to get clean, but cost is always a factor. Since many recovered patients relapse, you will want to look into a treatment center that provides continued support and relapse prevention options. While you never want to have a relapse, it helps to know that there are immediate, cost-effective options available to help you get back on the path to sobriety.
Therapy, Counseling and Additional Options
Everyone is different, so your treatment must be customized to meet your needs. Some rehabs use a standard, one-size-fits-all approach. While this may work for certain people, it’s better to find a treatment center that offers customized help. If you have a co-occurring disorder like depression, the rehab should also include treatment options for the disorder.
In addition to looking at the quality of the program, you will also want to consider the therapy, art, yoga and music classes offered. When you suffer from alcoholism, a significant amount of your time is spent on your addiction. Now that you are sober, you will need to find new hobbies and pastimes to fill your time. At our art, yoga, music and other classes, you can find new ways to spend your time and distract your mind from drinking.
Committing to your recovery is the first step toward getting clean. If you or a loved one needs help with an addiction, call Recovery In Motion today at (866) 418-1070 to get started on your successful recovery.
Is Traveling for Treatment my Best Option?
When you’re looking to get treatment for drug addiction or alcoholism there are many options you are likely to face. One of these options is traveling. When faced with the subject its sometimes common to think is traveling for treatment my best option or should I stay in my home state?
Traveling for Treatment from Addiction
One of the main things to think about when it comes to traveling for treatment is you are in a new environment. When a person travels to get rehabilitation he or she will be in an entirely new and even a new beginning environment. Getting away from an environment where drug use or alcohol abuse can trigger relapse is always a good idea.
Treatment which is a decent distance away from one's home helps give someone the ability to start over. While being in your home state or town is ideal for reasons of being comfortable, is usually not the healthiest place to be healing from your mental health and addiction issues.
Having a new surrounding and location to work on yourself can help you build a healthy lifestyle and network of people in recovery. Traveling for treatment will also allow for little distraction away from your focus on your healing journey from addiction and gaining recovery. Being in recovery brings about new changes and perspectives to one's thought processes and life in general.
Staying in Treatment
Another main reason that traveling for treatment maybe your best option is it is harder to walk away and leave treatment. Leaving rehab when you across the country is a lot less likely to happen than if you are close to home. For recovery from addiction to be successful, it's important that treatment is completed. When treatment is not completed and focused on the effectiveness of the therapies and care provided is much lower.
It is normal for people in treatment to want to go back to their old life. This can happen out of a fear response, obsessions, or cravings that often come with addiction. If you are close to your home, you can easily gather your belongings and leave treatment against medical or psychological advice. However, when you are hundreds of miles away from your familiar places your drive and motivation to change tends to be greater.
Relapse is another thing that can be problematic when in a treatment center near home. Studies have shown that being far away from home for addiction treatment is connected to a higher rate of staying in treatment. It is also linked to a higher rate of effective and successful treatment.
Families and Dynamics
Having the support of friends and family while in drug and alcohol treatment is also important. On the flip side, having a separating force between someone trying to recover from addiction and dysfunctional family or friend dynamics can be priceless. Family dysfunction is something all too normal among families that struggle with addiction among members. When a member of the family is addicted to a substance the whole family changes to adapt and normalize any problems going on. In return, the function of the family can become unhealthy.
On top of the unhealthy dynamics that can occur in an addicted family, separating one's self from the dysfunction can give him or her the best chance at achieving and obtaining a recovery. Many addiction rehab centers nowadays have family integrated treatment. This is mentioned because even if you travel out of state for treatment, getting your family involved in your treatment process is still possible and may be recommended.
Most out-of-state treatment programs offer things like family days or weekends that allow your family to come and see you. In addition to coming to see you, many treatment places will offer family counseling services. Having family counseling while you're in treatment can give you and your family a chance to get on the same page. When everyone is on the same page, leaving treatment and returning home will not be tough.
Finding Yourself Again
If you are someone who is struggling with addiction issues it is likely that you may want to start over and find a new way of living. Getting into recovery through treatment and continued support involves finding yourself and what you want out of life. To find yourself in treatment and become healthy you need the ability to completely focus on yourself.
Staying at home while getting treatment can be highly distracting from your focus of recovery in the first place. A good way to engage in treatment and think about traveling to rehab is to view it as a vacation for yourself. While in rehab away from home you don't have to worry about anyone asking you for anything or expecting anything from you. Not having to stress about anything else, you'll focus on gaining your health and adopting a recovery lifestyle.
Pursuing Recovery
Traveling to go to a treatment facility for substance abuse issues can get you into a mindset of recovery and starting a new journey. If you are not looking for a new start but prefer going to treatment away from home for privacy that's okay too. Many people have fears about going to rehab for addiction and losing their careers or respect of those around them. If privacy is an issue, traveling for treatment is your best bet most definitely.
But creating a distance between anything that triggers you or puts you at risk of going into a negative mental fog of addiction, distance during recovery is the best thing you could do for yourself. Separating yourself from things that harm your health in a physical, mental or even spiritual way is the first step to adopting a life in recovery. Breaking free from routine and demands of day to day life can help you get a footing in recovery and ultimately break free from drug and alcohol addiction.
One Million Fentanyl Pills Seized in 2019 in Arizona
One Million Fentanyl Pills Seized in Arizona in 2019
With an increasing concern over the deadly drug fentanyl, new developments in Arizona have raised some serious alarms. The Arizona DEA seized over 1 million of the fentanyl pills in just this fiscal year alone. Most of the pills were manufactured to resemble oxycodone M-30 tablets, which has deadly consequences for those simply seeking pain relief. The pills are often referred to as “Mexican oxy” and are usually made in Mexico and smuggled into the United States by cartels. This growing number of illegal, deadly pills is alarming to local, state, and national officials.
Recovery in Motion’s Lindsay Keovorabouth sat down with News 4 Tucson to discuss…
The Trend of Fentanyl
Heroin has long been a problem among the addiction and drug enforcement communities. But fentanyl has only recently started to become a trend which began in 2016. During that year, 20,000 pills were seized but the numbers continued to increase at alarming levels. Before the pills were manufactured, fentanyl was typically used as a powder added to heroin. The drug is highly dangerous, and overdose deaths have increased approximately 47% from the years 2016 to 2017. Approximately 28,4000 people died of overdoses due to synthetic opioids in 2017, and that number is increasing.
Members of law enforcement are finding that many overdoses occur due to illegal or illicitly made fentanyl. The number of confiscations of the drug have increased seven fold between 2012 and 2014. Since the drug is made and sold illegally, it’s extremely difficult to trace unless it’s found before it hits the streets. States like Arizona are seeing a serious spike in fentanyl use and overdoses thanks to the state’s proximity to Mexico.
Heroin isn’t the only drug being laced with fentanyl. For many drug users, it’s also being found in cocaine. In January 2019, four people were hospitalized in Fresno, CA with an accidental fentanyl overdose. Two of the patients died. This problem is occurring throughout the country, with other incidents that occurred in Chico, CA, New Haven, CT, and even in British Columbia, Canada. The users believe they’re snorting cocaine, but they ended up ingesting fentanyl instead. Sometimes with deadly consequences.
Effects of Fentanyl Pills on the Body
Fentanyl was once reserved for use in hospitals to help patients cope with pain. However, it’s become a popular street drug that can give addicts a euphoria-like sensation. When fentanyl is abused, the symptoms become serious for the health of the user. Problems like slowed breathing and seizures are quite common. Other side effects include severe headaches coupled with blurred vision and dizziness, constipation, nausea, and vomiting. Another common side effect is extreme itchiness of the skin and fatigue or drowsiness.
For those who have little to no tolerance to opioids, fentanyl pills are extremely dangerous. People without a tolerance are especially vulnerable to overdosing on the drug. Abuse of fentanyl can lead to death since it depresses the respiratory system, causing the person to stop breathing. When it’s mixed with other drugs like heroin or cocaine, the drug’s effects are even more intense and more dangerous. As the drug hits the streets in pill form, it’s more dangerous than ever before.
Arizona and Fentanyl
Overdose deaths in Arizona have increased, with La Paz county having the highest number. Arrests have become more common throughout the state, and three people were recently arrested in connection to a fentanyl drug ring in Tempe. The problem continues to spread throughout the state and it’s increasingly difficult to cope with numbers of overdoses and arrests. Local law enforcement is working in tandem with the DEA to try and keep the issue minimized, but it’s an uphill battle for many counties.
Providing Help for Addicts
Drug addiction tears families apart and destroys lives. With the ever-growing increase of fentanyl use throughout Arizona and across the nation, treatment is more important than ever before. To recover from addiction, people need support and guidance. A rehab facility offers addicts the chance to get the assistance they need for a healthy, sober life. One way fentanyl addicts can get drug rehabilitation and assistance is through a residential rehab program. These programs are specifically designed for addicts who need constant care and monitoring.
Patients who are in danger of chronic relapse should be kept in an inpatient program to ensure they don’t go back to drug use. These programs keep the patients inside the rehab facility and offer them counseling, therapy, and medication as needed. Without this help, most addicts will return to using within a day or two after their release. It’s important for family members and friends to recognize the signs of drug addiction before it’s too late. Admitting someone into a rehab program offers them their best chance at recovery.
In the state of Arizona, the court can give mandatory enrollment to someone for a drug treatment program. However, this only applies to specific cases. If a court deems someone to be a danger to themselves or others, they could be ordered to attend rehab. Other cases may include if someone is disabled.
Opioid Detox
Whether it’s Oxycontin or fentanyl pills, withdrawal from opioids can be extremely dangerous and painful. A detox program can help addicts get the care they need while they rid their bodies of these dangerous drugs. An initial assessment of the patient is made, and then a specific detox treatment plan is created depending on the person’s level of addiction and their current health status. Symptoms are monitored closely to look for any changes in behavior and other markers while the vital signs are checked throughout the detox period. Once detox is complete, the patient can begin getting the therapy and other treatments they need to recover.
The rise of fentanyl pills and other forms of fentanyl is not confined to the State of Arizona. The recent discover of over a million fentanyl pills raises a serious red flag to everyone living in the State of Arizona. Residents should remain vigilant and report any drug activity to local law enforcement. In order for Arizona and other states to rid themselves of this problem, a strong community of people willing to help is extremely important.
5 Things to Keep you Busy in Recovery
Staying busy during recovery is one of the most significant steps you can take towards living a healthier life. If you're wondering how exactly you go about doing so, consider first that there are dozens upon dozens of experiences that you haven't had yet, and even more activities that you haven't tried! For example, joining a sports team is an activity for you to consider when you're working to stay occupied.
So why exactly is it easy to stay occupied during your addiction recovery? And what are some of the things you can do to keep away from your addiction?
At first you may doubt that staying occupied will help you during recovery, but consider this: when your mind is focused on an activity, you are less likely to wrestle with urges and cravings. This will naturally allow you to stay focused on your task and avoid feeling like you need to relapse. You'll also find a personal sense of accomplishment, which more often than not will be enough to keep you on the path to overcoming addiction. In this article we'll be touching on 5 simple tasks to jump start your path to recovery.
1. Exercising
Working out or getting exercise in some other way will have a positive impact as it will release the 'feel good hormones' that will keep you from having withdrawal and getting depressed over the need to quit your addiction. According to a new study, those who don't exercise or part-take in some type of physical activity are more likely to develop symptoms of depression over time. And despite popular belief, it doesn't take an incredible amount of activity to make a difference. Studies show that even just one hour of exercise 1-3 times a week can prevent depression. Most people usually choose yoga as their form of therapy as it doubles as a form of meditation while being physically beneficial as well.Some of the benefits of yoga include:
- increased flexibility
- increased muscle strength and tone
- improved respiration, energy and vitality
- maintaining a balanced metabolism
- weight reduction
- cardio and circulatory health
- improved athletic performance
- protection from injury
Many treatment centers actually offer this as an official form of therapy.
2. Exploration
You might want to consider new activities such as visiting historical or tourist sites in your area. Often these are not expensive, but will help you to branch out and stay focused on something other than your feelings of addiction. Spending time with your close friends/family while doing something that doesn't feel like 'partying' will be a healthy experience, and you might discover that you thoroughly enjoy what you're doing. Travel is also said to be a fantastic stress reliever. According to a 2013 study, a notable 89% of vacationers / travelers felt a drop in stress after just two days.
3. Spa Day Recovery
Having a spa day either at home or abroad is a fun way to pamper yourself, rejuvenate, and improve your appearance at the same time. This activity is fun do to alone, but can also be done with your friends. Massages are especially relaxing, and have several benefits, here are just a few:
- Disengaged from work, family and friends.
- Slow down and allows the body to re-generate.
- Improves blood circulation hence sending more oxygen and nutrients through the body and cells.
- Stimulates the lymphatic system to rid the body of toxins.
- Releases Serotonin and enhancing the “feel good” factors.
- Relieves chronic pain situations – arthritis, sciatica and muscle spasms.
- Body exfoliating treatments polish the skin, promote cells re-generation, refine pores and offer skin relief.
- Water is yin and yang – when body is submerged in water, it offers true balance.
- Heat treatments to stimulate blood circulation and initiate purifying process.
- Body wraps to re-mineralise the body, re-charge the body with nutrients and elements, boosting moisture in the skin, helping to rejuvenate and relax the body and mind.
4. Go Outdoors
The outdoors has been the ideal setting to help individuals cope with mental health and behavioral challenges for the past few decades. Outdoor therapy, also known as outdoor wilderness therapy, is one of the fastest growing alternative venues of recovery because it allows you to remove yourself entirely from your normal environment. In addition to this being fun, it is usually cost effective. If you have adventurous friends, invite them along too! Being in a social and sober environment with the ones you're close with will help make the transition into healthy living much easier. Try hiking, camping, or even just going on walks to get up, get out, and get active!
5. Get Organized
Clean up those files on your phone and computer. Wash the interior of your car. Try making your bed every morning, do some of that laundry that accumulated over the week. Studies have shown that people who make their bed every morning start their day by feeling quite productive and with a much better sense of well being.According to such studies, a majority of people, after making their bed, feel as if they have accomplished something which means that they have more motivation to complete the tasks they have throughout their day. Staying on top of small chores and tasks will help simplify your life and stay organized, not to mention you'll feel like you're in a much cleaner area, which can have a powerful impact on your everyday life.
Staying active and gaining new experiences may seem like a small feat, however even putting in the smallest effort can make the biggest difference.Whether its taking the time to step outside and into a new setting, or completing the small tasks you have before you throughout the day, you are making a difference in your well being. Listed here are only 5 different types of activities, but there are a lots of different ways to jump start your path to recovery.
Myths About Alcoholism Recovery Debunked
Deciding to become sober is a huge decision and choosing a recovery center is an important life-impacting decision. With so many misconceptions, stereotypes, stigma, and myths that surround alcohol addiction and recovery, research is necessary.
Despite the many myths about addiction that exist, lots of people choose recovery and lots of people are successful in their journey. Lets debunk the most common recovery myths.
Myth #1: Addiction is a Choice
This is probably the most popular misconception. The American Psychiatry Association refers to addiction as a brain disease. The wiring in your brain literally changes. This causes intense demand from the body to use the substance again. In short, addiction is not a choice. People cannot just get stronger or gain the willpower to stop drinking. It becomes just as important to the individual as food and water are.
Brain imaging studies show changes in the areas of the brain that relate to decision making, learning, memory, judgment, and behavior control.
Alcoholics struggle to get and remain sober not because their wills are weak but because they have a disease that takes over their life. The correct response to someone who is struggling with alcohol abuse is not judgment. It’s actually the opposite; it’s treatment and encouragement.
Myth #2: I Will Lose My Job
If you are a struggling addict, chances are your boss and coworkers already know. If the addiction continues or gets worse, you may lose your job if you don’t seek help.
Many companies would prefer helping an employee than losing one. It is essentially cheaper and better for morale. It is very likely that your employer offers an Employee Assistance Program (EAP). EAPs address a wide-range and complex body of issues that affect emotional and mental well-being, such as alcohol and substance abuse along with other disorders.
If you choose to use your company’s EAP, your boss doesn’t necessarily have to know that you are seeking help. If there are problems at work due to alcohol abuse, your boss may refer you to an EAP and become more involved in monitoring your recovery.
Another option you have is to check your coverage under the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA). Under this act, employees have 12 workweeks of job-protected, unpaid leave in a 12-month period for “a serious health condition that makes the employee unable to perform the essential functions of his or her job.”
Myth #3: You Must Hit “Rock Bottom” Before Getting Help
The first problem with the mindset of needing to hit rock bottom before seeking treatment is that “rock bottom” is such a vague term. There are not definitive bounds to distinguish what rock bottom is for each individual struggling with alcohol addiction.
The rock bottom myth is a dangerous one. Alcohol addiction is a progressive disease and waiting to hit rock bottom can result in permanent bodily injury and possibly death.
Anyone can benefit from being in a recovery program; it’s all about finding the right fit for your individual needs. You do not have to hit rock bottom in order to change your life, better yourself, and quit alcohol.
Myth #4: People in Recovery Can’t Hang Out in Places Where Alcohol is Served
Everyone’s recovery journey is different. Yes, some people may not feel comfortable around alcohol, but that is a personal choice, not a necessity to remain sober.
Each person in recovery decides what events they want to attend, how long they want to stay, and what boundaries they create for their own sobriety. If people in recovery avoided alcohol indefinitely, they would end up missing most social events for the rest of their lives. Restaurants and nightclubs do serve a variety of nonalcoholic drinks.
Most people who are seeking sobriety state that they have a renewed gratefulness for life and enjoy making the most of their time.
Myth #5: Rehab Will Make You So Sick, You’ll Be Miserable
The truth is, recovery isn’t easy. If it was, people wouldn’t suffer from addiction. Going through treatment in a sober living environment and participating in group and individual therapy, all have positive impacts on your recovery.
Detox is generally the first step in addiction recovery. The detoxification process clears alcohol from your system. Medically supervised detox can ease the side effects of withdrawal symptoms. However, detoxification is only the first stage of addiction treatment and by itself, does almost nothing to change the behaviors of alcoholism.
Keep in mind that the withdrawal phase won’t last forever or even for a long period of time. The average duration of detox is approximately 7 to 10 days. This is a reasonably short period of discomfort compared to healing and recovery that can save your life.
Detoxing is much safer in the care of trained medical professionals. The medical staff has the ability to monitor your vital signs and provide any necessary treatment should any serious complications arise.
The staff at treatment centers work to make you feel as comfortable as possible.
Myth #6: Successful Sobriety Includes AA
You may have heard that Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) is the main treatment path of alcohol use disorder; although that is true, the recovery community is huge and is not limited to one single way of doing things. There are numerous options when it comes to choosing support.
Alcohol Anonymous can be very beneficial for some people but it’s not the cure-all for addiction.
You are sober when you refrain from alcohol, however, you choose to do that is up to you.
Addiction Recovery is More than Myth
Myths about alcoholism and recovery often inhibit people from getting help, either because they feel they do not fit the profile of an alcoholic or because they feel so discouraged and truly believe they can never get sober.
Greater knowledge of the truth about alcoholism and recovery can help people with drinking problems seek help. When loved ones and friends are able to accurately identify a drinking problem, they are able to encourage the individuals they care about to get help.
