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Substance Abuse

How Does Your Addiction Affect Your Kids

How Does Your Addiction Affect Your Kids

By admin on Expert Advice, Substance Abuse

Your drug addiction is bound to leave a permanent mark on your life. Of course, you know that. Unfortunately, it doesn’t stop there. Your addiction will suck up the life of everyone in your family including your kids.

Like a spouse, the children too are introduced to a world where a parent is battling an addiction that makes him or her emotionally unavailable when they need them. The relationship takes quite a hit and results in profound psychological abnormalities in the child forever.

We Take A Look The Symptoms That The Child Might Show Growing Up With A Parent Who Is An Addict:

Responsibilities

A lot of kids see their father as a hero. However, when the child is forced to witness the father passed out or go through irrational mood swings, things change considerably. A parent, who needs to be responsible for the kids, might not be able to cater to their needs. This might force the kids to be responsible for themselves as well as the parent.

Getting the younger siblings ready for school, fixing them lunch along with helping the addict parent out become daily tasks.

Stunted Emotional Growth

What the children witness in their homes while growing up is also reflected in their personalities as adults. Since they are afraid of the uncertain, they tend to take things in control which might leave very little room for their healthy emotional development. Another classic example can be their relationships being totally co-dependent. They do not know the concept of unacceptable behavior and naturally forget to draw the line.

Critical Of Themselves

Domestic violence is common in homes of addicts. Once the communication between a parent and a child is broken down and the roles are blurred, chances of physical and sexual abuse increase manifold. These kids grow up with low self-esteem and are constantly critical of themselves.

Research suggests that such kids are more likely to involve with substance addicts again which might lead to more physical and sexual abuse. This leaves a permanent mark on the personalities of these kids who tend to lose trust in further relationships.

Fear

Once things start getting bad at home, it is only a matter of time when the world outside gets a hint of that. Fearing this, the kids naturally keep away from bringing friends home or making friends entirely. They are afraid of their image to the outside world.

Another worry that always drives them is to be taken away from their homes. They fear someone might find out and call Child Services and they will be taken away from their parents.

Higher Risk Of Anxiety Or Depression

Kids with an addict parent that have been subjected to physical or sexual abuse may witness sleep disorders, flashbacks, anxiety or even depression. Eating disorders and suicide attempts were found to be much more in common in the children of addicts than the rest of the population.

Even something as witnessing abuse can be harmful to their brain which can permanently cause behavioral problems. Since the ability to parent in an addict is considerably affected, the children remain to be emotionally vulnerable even after they grow up.

More Likely To Develop Addiction

Remember things can always get worse. Carrying the baggage of growing in an emotional void, the children of addicts are unlikely to form strong relationships and might turn to a bottle instead of a friend in the time of need.

Even after keeping the genetic factor aside, these kids are at a higher risk of developing an addiction than the rest of the world.

It is evident from these points that your drug addiction will have severe life spanning effects on your children. Their personalities are damaged due to constant behavioral problems which eventually also take a toll on their relationships. If they take up alcohol or drug addiction too, the third generation of your family might be looking at the same risks that your child had to go through. It is crucial for your kids along with your spouse to be a part of your rehabilitation program to ensure they overcome the effects of your addiction effectively.

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Tips For Early Recovery That Work Wonders

Tips For Early Recovery That Work Wonders

By admin on Expert Advice, Substance Abuse

Drug rehab is a difficult process, and rehab is just one small part of it. The real battle starts once you’re out in the real world all on your own, back to your routine. The early days after rehab are indeed the most difficult and can take a toll on you emotionally.

Since you are back into your world that got you in rehab in the first place, significant changes need to be made to your lifestyle to ensure you stay on the right track. A couple of other things that seem crucial otherwise might take a back seat while the recovery takes most of your attention.

Here are several tips that work wonders for an early recovery:

Recovery Is Priority

You might be a workaholic having grand aspirations or a full-time parent that needs to tend to their kids. Once you are on the road to recovery, it shall become your priority. Make sure you do not stress yourself at work or work long hours to catch up on the lost time.

Leave enough mental and emotional strength for yourself to fight your urges in the early stages of recovery.

It Is Quite A Bit Of Work

The early days of recovery are never easy and might be emotionally challenging for a few. You would be mistaken if you think just stopping drinking will get you back on the track. It requires more work than what it looks like on the surface. You need to have a proper routine with ample exercise and efficient sleep cycles to take on addiction. Your diet and nutrients will play an equally significant part in the process.

Meetings Are Important

There is no easy way to stress this, but it is essential for your healing process that you remain in touch with people who are battling the same problems as you. This will help keep you grounded. Listening to other people and their ways of coping with their urges will motivate you to stick to your path.

Additionally, try building a network. Get a sponsor. If not then at least make friends with a few people who can be there if you need someone to discuss your predicament. Going 15 minutes early to the meeting and staying a few minutes after it ends is also helpful since they are as important as the meeting.

Take Care Of Unresolved Issues

Addiction is usually a result of unresolved relationship issues, work stress or behavioral problems. It is essential for your recovery that you tend to these issues that got you into Rehab in the first place. Try talking to your boss about your process and see if they can help you with it.

Try going the extra mile for resolving issues with important people in your life and tend to those loose ends. Seek closure from past relationships and put your mind to rest. You might also need to see a therapist to seek professional help for the same.

Emotional Support Is Essential

For your early recovery, your family and loved ones need to come together to your aid to help you achieve your goal. Your family plays a large role in your healing process and act as your support system when you are down with feelings of guilt, shame, and carelessness.

Realize It Is A Lifelong Process

Though recovery, especially in the early days, can seem to be a battle hard to be won, it does tend to get more comfortable with time. Alcohol or drug addiction rewires your brain in such a way that it immediately starts seeking these substances to cope with strong emotions or stress.

Recovery is all about rebuilding your pathways and have long-term goals in your mind. Keep learning new ways to focus on your journey that will lead you to the liberating life after addiction.

Experts suggest that having a well-crafted plan for your post-rehab period is crucial. Acknowledging these points and including them into your master plan will significantly help in your early recovery. Since the initial days have known to be harder for most, taking the steps in the right direction could help in keeping your long-term goals in check.

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What Are The Initial Stages Drug Addiction Recovery?

What Are The Initial Stages Drug Addiction Recovery?

By admin on Expert Advice, Substance Abuse

Are you going down on the road to recover from your drug addiction?

Well, before you plan on going to that recovery phase, did you know that addiction recovery is a long process and comes as different for everyone?

According to a 2014 research published in Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, recovery is defined as a process through which people improve their health, live a self-directed life and strive to reach their potential.

Though there are similarities between the addicted individuals, but each recovery case is still influenced by various social, biological, and physical factors.

As there is no one remedy that works for everyone, here are the initial stages that you will go through during the recovery.

Pre-Contemplation Stage

This stage is characterized by the denial of drug or alcohol addiction habit.

During the pre-contemplation stage, the addicted person is not ready to admit that they have an addiction issue. They avoid the conversations about addictions and also step back from the people who bring them up. The addicts start to blame their substance abuse on various factors like work life, family issues, and even genetic predispositions.

But the most important aspect of this stage is an acknowledgment, which is the transformation from “I’m a heavy drinker” to “I have a drinking problem.”

And this is from where the journey of recovery begins.

Contemplating Getting Sober

Well, awareness and acknowledgment alone are not enough. This is the stage where the conflicting emotions and uncertain thoughts begin to play a huge role.

During the stage, the addicted one has to begin considering the actual possibilities of recovery. There are chances when the addicts remain in this stage for months, as they evaluate the various course of action.

They are planning to make the change, but the fear of treatment; expenses, detox pain, and staying away from drugs stop them from doing so.

To get through this, one thing that you can do is joining a rehabilitation center or seek help from a professional.

Preparation- Exploring The Recovery Options

Moving past the contemplation stage, the addict gets prepared to overcome his addiction problem. This is the stage when recovery of an addict actually begins.

During the preparation, addicts begin to educate themselves about the recovery process and get to know what it actually means to live a sober life. They are quite motivated and start looking for the support that they require for recovery.

Once they commit to following a long-term treatment plan, they are likely to move on it smoothly. But still, it is important to realize that moderating your use does not mean that you are completely in the recovery phase.

Action-Early Recovery Stage

During this stage, either the methods you are trying completely fail or start to fail. At this time, you quit focusing on moderation and seek help to get your life together.

You will learn more about the problem and will work through the issues that may be blocking your growth towards a better life. But make sure you don’t even slip a bit during this stage as you might not have acquired the complete knowledge for a full recovery.

Remember that this stage may last from three to six months.

Relapse and Maintenance Stage

This is the most overlooked and important stage as you are required to upkeep the recovery routine, even after completing the treatment.

While relapse is inevitable, you still have to engage in the habits that will help you replace the addiction habits. You can adapt new dietary habits, make a fitness plan, or surround yourself with the people who remind you of your goal.

Those who fail to take this step, they start exhibiting the negative traits of addiction all over again. This stage will take effort, dedication, and strength, but the results you will get are immensely rewarding.

If you or your loved one is struggling with the addiction, it’s time that you help them recover faster. At Prominence Treatment, we give you the tools to rise above the addiction and work through the recovery issues so that you can start your new life. Contact Us today to learn more about our treatment programs and how they can transform your life for better.

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Enjoying Life after Addiction

Enjoying Life after Addiction

By admin on Expert Advice, News, Substance Abuse

photo-1489525655354-27d7ef86c6f0Now that you are sober, life probably looks a bit different to you. That is entirely true of all who are now living without addiction. But today is the time to do some things that you have never done before. It is also the time to have some fun, be active, take care of yourself, and renew your mind, body, and spirit. If you’re like many who are in recovery from addiction, you may have forgotten what “fun” means, let alone what taking care of yourself means. So, let’s take a look at some wonderful ways to get that “me time” you’ve been putting on the back burner for so long.

 

  1. Get a New Hobby – You’re probably saying that your wallet is not full enough to pay for hobby supplies, tools, or materials. If you are, then you have never visited Pinterest. Most of the artsy crafty pins are simple and use what you already have in the house. Other sites that have ideas for fun projects are Instructables, eHow, Hometalk, and DeviantArt. A few examples of the types of things you could try are:
  • woodworking
  • making DIY furniture
  • learning origami
  • teaching a class yourself

Hobbies are an excellent method to structure your time. If you are feeling bored or unproductive, hobbies can help you stay on track during your recovery time. Hobbies can also make you as a person more interesting. It is a solid connection to others who have the same skills or like the same free-time activities. Connection is critical for healing. And teaching a class yourself will certainly improve your self-esteem, ego, self-image, and courage.

It`s Time to Recover and Start Your New Chapter
  1. Volunteer – Doing something for others is one of the top ways to get happy. But those in recovery need to take an extra step. Make what you do for the world something dynamic and unexpected, such as:
  • tutoring a child
  • joining a charity organization
  • raising money and collecting personal items for the homeless in your city and delivering the items in person

Loneliness is one of the major triggers when it comes to sobriety. Loneliness and social isolation are affecting a vast number of Americans today. Volunteering takes you outside yourself and builds your social network.

  1. Try Something New – This is where you are going to be asked to get out of your comfort zone and do something that is a little scary to you. When such a task has been achieved, the inside you gets braver, calmer, and more centered.
  • try skydiving
  • ride in a hot air balloon
  • consider rock-climbing
  • take swimming lessons if you have never swum
  • learn to dance
  • see the aurora borealis

Trying new things makes a person more able to retain positive emotions and ward off negativity.

  1. Do Something You Have Never Wanted to Do – This suggestion is not meant to cure any phobias you have but is asking you to once again step outside the boundaries and see if you do or don’t like a certain option.
  • with supervision, hold a tarantula
  • attend a church service of a denomination you have never before visited
  • go to an opera if you never have before
  • leave a particularly nice tip anonymously
  • run a marathon

Attempting something you have never done before takes courage. Most folks in recovery are quite cognizant that fear is their enemy. Trying something new on a fairly regular basis is one way to hone your bravery skills.

  1. Relax – This advice is based on the biography of Sophia Loren, an Italian movie star from the 50s, 60s, and 70s. She advised that every week everyone (men and women alike) should, “Take a Sophia Day.” By that statement, she meant:
  • stay in your pajamas all day
  • stay in your bed if you like
  • take no visitors
  • stay off the phone (but now she would add your tablet, computer, television, and smartphone)
  • eat what you wish
  • read
  • meditate on only good things

The opposite of stress and anxiety, both of which are toxic for those with addiction backgrounds, is relaxation. Scientists have discovered that relaxing actually decreases the effects of stress and anxiety on both your mind and your body.

  1. Plan a Trip – Take a trip with a friend or a significant other to the nearest festival coming up on the calendar. The experience of planning something fun with another person always lifts the spirit, and then, there’s the festival itself. Try to learn something you did not know. Play games on the way.
  • find the nearest festival
  • put the date on your calendars
  • decide what you’ll wear
  • take a picnic lunch that you make yourself

Looking forward to and experiencing a trip builds creativity, relieves stress, increases happiness, and helps make and maintain close bonds.

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  1. Plan a Party – Don’t plan just any party, but one that is highly unusual, festive, and personal. Let’s use a friend’s birthday party as an example.
  • have a crown ready for your friend
  • make mustache props for your selfie photo booth
  • make all the decorations and the cake on your own
  • plan games to play
  • do things that are only done at children’s parties like Pin the Tail on the Donkey, a piñata, favors, do the limbo

The benefit from this suggestion is fairly easy to figure out. Naturally, being around your friends is stress-relieving, increases your social activities, and ups your happiness factor. (Sober partying, of course.)

  1. Take Care of Yourself – Get a massage, a new haircut, a pedicure, a new running suit, some sleep. Take a long, hot shower, exercise, try laying off sugar for a week, read a book you’ve wanted to start, consider meditation. In other words, do what you want to do with no guilt or fear.

    Self-care is especially relevant for those in recovery. After you have entered recovery, you will find that taking care of your emotional, spiritual, and physical health is what predicts whether you continue in your new wellness state.
  2. Laugh – Hard to get a good laugh these days? Here are some laugh-filled suggestions:
  • watch a good old  sitcom you think or know is funny
  • call a funny friend and bring up a hilarious situation you were in together
  • catch up on some of the most hysterical viral videos

The statement “laughter is the best medicine” is most certainly accurate. It stops distressing emotions; helps you relax; shifts emotions, and improves your connection to others.

 

  1. Consider a Pet – Not everyone possesses the resources to have a pet, and, unquestionably, not everyone is a pet person. But the choice to bring a pet who needs a home into your space is one that, in most cases, you will never regret. Maybe you could start with a small iguana or some fish?

Pets can improve your health and increase beneficial emotions. Pets can:

  • build your social network
  • ease you out of isolation
  • assist you in beginning a conversation with another human
  • raise your levels of serotonin and dopamine without taking any harmful drugs


What you do to make yourself happy, in the end, really depends on you. Take the first step and let it grow from there. Those who have done this will tell you that you will never regret it and your continued recovery will be smoother. Contact us now to learn more about various addiction treatment & rehab options.

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Slip Versus Relapse: Drawing That Fine Line

Slip Versus Relapse: Drawing That Fine Line

By admin on Expert Advice, Substance Abuse

ayo-ogunseinde-202302 When people describe their addiction and recovery process, it’s common to use the terms ‘slip’ and ‘relapse’ in different ways, sometimes interchangeably. That’s because each individual’s experience with addiction and the life-long recovery that follows is a deeply personal one. Addiction counselors and other mental health care professionals, on the other hand, distinguish between the two terms, and recognize the fine line between a slip and a relapse. Read on to determine how to draw that fine line, and what to do when you find yourself on either side of it.

Slip versus relapse: The fundamental difference

The basic difference between a slip and a relapse ultimately has to do with how long it takes for the individual to get back into recovery. For instance, a person who goes to a bar with a group of friends with the intention of just drinking water may slip into old patterns that night. Someone hands them a drink, which eventually leads to many more. The next day, they immediately return to sobriety and have experienced a brief slip. On the other hand, if they continue consuming alcohol, they risk going into relapse.

The same thing goes for drug usage. Suppose a person accidentally consumes a brownie that has marijuana, which then leads to more drug consumption that night. If they are able to return to stop usage the next day and return to treatment, what happened the night before is a slip. However, as days, weeks, or months go by and they have fallen back into their old patterns of addiction, they are experiencing a relapse.

The bottom line:

A slip is temporary, unintentional, and may even occur accidentally. If you intentionally and repeatedly return to your old addiction habits as time passes, you’re in relapse.

It`s Time to Recover and Start Your New Chapter

How a slip turns into a relapse

When a person has a slip, it can be a terrifying experience. There is the real possibility that the slip could turn into a permanent relapse from which they may not be able to recover. The thought of this possibility, compounded with feelings of shame and guilt, can cause a paralysis and a sense of hopelessness that draw them further into their old patterns.

Dealing with a relapse

If you find that you are returning to your old behaviors — intentionally and repeatedly consuming the alcohol or drugs — you’re probably in relapse. When this happens, how you feel about your relapse and what you do about it is crucial to finding your way back.

1. Manage how you feel.

Know that many people in recovery for alcohol or drug addiction, if not most, experience at least one or two relapses. It’s vital that the individual understand this so that they don’t allow themselves to become overwhelmed by guilt and a sense of hopelessness.

2. Learn from your relapse.

Use your experience instead as a way to figure out what went wrong. And reach out to peers, family, and professionals for support and to help you examine at the triggers that caused your relapse.

3. Change your routine.

Change the parts of your routine that left you vulnerable. Avoid the people, situations, and contexts that triggered the return to substance use.

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4. Most importantly, take action.

The first step to returning to recovery is reaching out for help. When a person experiences a relapse, it can feel almost impossible to face the journey back to sobriety alone, and they need to start or return to a trusted rehabilitation program.

If you have relapsed, know that you’re not alone. Prominence Treatment  Center of Malibu is a leading rehabilitation center that combines evidence-based treatments with holistic health service to address the underlying causes of addiction. Let the expert staff at Prominence Treatment Center help you rise above addiction.

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Medicaid Expansion: Will Block Grants Burden States, and Reduce Healthcare Access?

Medicaid Expansion: Will Block Grants Burden States, and Reduce Healthcare Access?

By admin on News, Substance Abuse

Medical insurance and Medicaid and stethoscope.Healthcare in America has gotten a lot of press recently, and most people wonder if the attempts to repeal the Affordable Care Act should be getting so much attention. While replacing federal Medicaid funding with block grants is one proposal that may help millions of Americans, many people aren’t sure which would have the best long-term consequences.

Block grants show potential for long-ranging effects including cuts to entitlement programs like Medicare and Social Security. House Speaker Paul Ryan and Health and Human Services Secretary Tom Price have supported the conversion of federally funded Medicaid into a block grant for each state. Although this proposed solution could save up to an estimated $10 trillion over the course of 10 years, the cost may also include a loss of services to the elderly, pregnant women, children, and people struggling with poverty.

It`s Time to Recover and Start Your New Chapter

Taking a Look at Medicaid

The health insurance program known as Medicaid is jointly funded at both the state and federal level. It covers the cost of healthcare for low-income Americans however, it does include factors of eligibility including citizenship, income and disability. While states are not required to participate in the Medicaid program, every single one has done so since 1982.

So many segments of the American population have benefited from Medicaid services. Here are just 5 highlights of the healthcare program:

  • According to the AARP, about 65% of nursing home residents are supported by Medicaid.
  • According to the Kaiser Family Foundation, as of 2015 an estimated 39% of children in America have healthcare through the Medicaid program.
  • According to MedPac, over 10 million people with disabilities have access to healthcare and home care services through Medicaid.
  • A report by the National Bureau of Economic Research noted that Medicaid benefits were associated with improvements in children’s education. The report indicated that children who had Medicaid benefits were also more likely to complete high school, as well as college. This also improved their long-term earning capacity and overall health.
  • Medicaid has been associated with home care service workers. Through Medicaid, home caregivers are able to continue to work and support their families.

Medicaid doesn’t just affect people who meet all of the eligibility requirements. In fact, the Medicaid program is known to benefit American society as a whole as it promotes the overall health and wellbeing of millions of people while also contributing to the earning potential of Americans, supporting their communities.   

Are There Any Changes to Federal Funding?

Currently, Medicaid is structured as an entitlement, which means that every person who qualifies in the U.S. is entitled to healthcare benefits. The program was then increased to include more people under the eligibility requirements of the Affordable Care Act. According to the Kaiser Family Foundation this broader eligibility requirement now includes almost 75 million Americans!

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Currently, both state and federal funds are combined to cover the total cost of the Medicaid program. However, if the block grants continue and cap the amount of federal money Medicate allows each state, this could give individual states the power to limit, reduce or eliminate health benefits for people completely. And while Republicans will argue in favor of the block grants, claiming it could offer states more choices and promote innovation, states have already shown flexibility in how the services are covered. This includes how the providers are paid, how the services are delivered, and the eligibility structure. The “improvements” in state flexibility allows for each state to decide for themselves just how they will make up for federal funding shortfalls. Which services will be cut? Which payments will be denied? And which taxes will be increased? Which programs will be cut? These are all very important questions posed at the state level for citizens.

Senator Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass. made it clear that she is opposed to block grants and its associated entitlement programs. Senator Warren said, “If people need healthcare, we need to find the most effective and economical ways to do it, but we make sure we’re able to deliver healthcare. We don’t say you’ve met some arbitrary cap for the state of Massachusetts and now you’re done,” as reported in the Politico.

What’s the Right Decision?

Cutting $1 trillion from federal Medicaid spending could result in some very high costs from American society which may negatively impact the lives of people in our communities including those lacking even the most basic healthcare. This could include children without pediatric care, seniors that don’t have a caregiver, and people with disabilities. The loss of healthcare for people like this in our communities could cause a loss of independent living for some. So, what will the decision be? Eliminating collaborative federal funding may only cause the implementation of block grants, putting even more citizens at risk of losing their quality of life. But today, the necessary programs and benefits may be threatened. It is an important decision, that we will all wait to see resolved, albeit anxiously.

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The Good and Bad of Medications Used in Addiction Treatment

The Good and Bad of Medications Used in Addiction Treatment

By admin on Substance Abuse

One of the aspects of drug addiction treatment that addicts dread most is detox where they must go through withdrawal as they stop using the drug. Some doctors prescribe medications to help with the withdrawal symptoms. Like any other treatment, these medications come with risks as well as benefits.

The Good Side of Medications Used in Drug Addiction Treatment

The reason doctors prescribe these medicines for withdrawal is to help reduce the symptoms which can lead to relapse. The drugs not only help with physical symptoms like cramps and muscle spasms, they improve mental and emotional side effects as well.

It`s Time to Recover and Start Your New Chapter

Benzodiazepines are drugs given to help reduce anxiety, which is one of the most common symptoms of withdrawal. Doctors may also prescribe anti-depressants to help with depression. This symptoms often occurs because the brain doesn’t produce the hormones for happiness since the drugs have been filling that job.

In many cases, the medications are prescribed on a sliding scale. The dosage is adjusted as the person’s symptoms lessen. In time, the person will no longer need the medication at all.

The Dangers of Drug-Assisted Treatment

Doctors must monitor the medications given because they are often addictive on their own. This is one reason the dosage will be reduced until the body no longer needs it. Many times, the person must be in an inpatient program to receive this medication. Some outpatient programs do also provide drug-assisted programs. However, the patient may need to go to a facility at specific times to receive the medication.

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If you are abusing drugs and looking for a treatment center, you may want to consider a facility that offers drug-assisted treatment. However, be aware of the dangers and don’t hesitate to ask questions so you feel comfortable about any program you choose.

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Your Gut and Your Good Mood: Is There a Connection?

Your Gut and Your Good Mood: Is There a Connection?

By admin on News, Substance Abuse

Have you ever thought about what is inside your belly? Probably not, but what if you knew that taking good care of your gut could also have a BIG impact on your overall health, and your mood? Well, it’s true! You see, there are an estimated 100 trillion+ microscopic bacteria living inside of your GI tract right now. Scientists are calling this vast ecosystem of teeny-tiny bacteria the “microbiome,” and within it there are many different strains of gut bugs. Some of them are considered to be “good” bacteria known as probiotics including that of lactobacillus acidophilus (L. acidophilus). However, not all gut bugs are created equal, and some of the strains inside your microbiome can become pathogenic (harmful) if left to grow into large colonies. These include strains like Escherichia coli (E. coli) – a common pathogenic strain of bacteria in vegetables, and meat.1

A healthy, balanced gut that includes a range of beneficial strains is essential to good overall health. Able to positively influence your digestive function, immunity, and even the communication between your gut, and your brain, scientists are calling the microbiome your “second brain.” In one study on the gut-brain axis, it was revealed that balanced gut microbiota is needed to lower your risk of health problems including metabolic disorders such as obesity, and diabetes. Surprisingly, in the past few years scientists have also found that a healthy, balanced gut also has a powerful influence over your good mood. In one study neuroscientists showed the importance of microbiota for reducing anxiety, and even depression.2

It`s Time to Recover and Start Your New Chapter

How to Boost Your Gut Health

Since your gut is such a vital component of your overall health it is very important that you take great care of it. After all, it may just keep you in a good mood! You may have already heard about probiotics as they are found in many common foods that you probably have eaten your entire life. Also known as “live active cultures,” probiotics are one of the most well-known ways to boost overall gut health. That’s because inside probiotic foods there are “good,” strains of microbacteria ready to help balance your gut.

Clinical studies have shown that consuming more probiotic foods may help to lessen behavioral problems, signs of distress as well as anxiety levels. A balanced diet that includes plenty of probiotic foods may also reduce chronic inflammation – a major factor for a variety of health problems.3,4

Here are the best probiotic foods for balanced gut health to start eating, today!

  • Kefir
  • Kombucha
  • Sauerkraut
  • Kimchi
  • Pickles
  • Miso
  • Tempeh
  • Natto
  • Yogurt
  • Dark chocolate

What Are Prebiotics?

Prebiotics are the foods that the “good” bugs inside your gut love to eat. While they are not alive, prebiotics are the types of nutrients needed to grow the “live active cultures,” of probiotics that you can consume into large beneficial colonies.  

By feeding probiotic microbiota the foods they love (prebiotics), you can encourage a healthy, balanced microbiome.

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Here is a list of the best prebiotic foods:

  • Onion
  • Leek
  • Radish
  • Carrot
  • Coconut flour
  • Flax, and chia seeds
  • Bananas
  • Garlic
  • Chicory root
  • Dandelion greens
  • Jerusalem artichoke
  • Jicama
  • Asparagus
  • Yams

Talk to Your Doctor

Taking control of your gut health is one of the most effective ways to regain overall balance in your body. By boosting your gut health, you may notice improvements in your digestion, immunity, and even your good mood! So, talk to your doctor today about your gut health. They may be able to suggest a few dietary changes to improve the balance of your microbiome, or even a probiotic supplement regimen. So, don’t wait! Talk to your doctor today about the power of probiotics to help take back your gut health, and your good mood.

References:

  1. Luke K Ursell, Jessica L Metcalf. Defining the Human Microbiome. Nutr Rev. 2012 Aug; 70(Suppl 1): S38–S44.
  2. Alper Evrensel, Mehmet Emin Ceylan. The Gut-Brain Axis: The Missing Link in Depression. Clin Psychopharmacol Neurosci. 2015 Dec; 13(3): 239–244.
  3. Tillisch K, Labus J. Consumption of fermented milk product with probiotic modulates brain activity. Gastroenterology. 2013.
  4. Messaoudi M, Lalonde R. Assessment of psychotropic-like properties of a probiotic formulation (Lactobacillus helveticus R0052 and Bifidobacterium longum R0175) in rats and human subjects. Br J Nutr. 2011.
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Art Therapy: An Effective Alternative Addiction Treatment for People in Recovery

Art Therapy: An Effective Alternative Addiction Treatment for People in Recovery

By admin on News, Substance Abuse

Addiction therapies are not just limited to 12-step rehabilitation programs like Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), or Narcotics Anonymous (NA). There are many other alternatives to traditional treatment plans for people in recovery. However, if you are already working on a 12-step, or non 12-step rehabilitation treatment program you may also want to try some holistic alternative addiction therapies.

How Art Therapy Works for People in Recovery

Addiction treatment programs often follow a 12-step model. This type of treatment plan is well-known to be highly effective for people with a substance abuse disorder (SUD) but there are other alternative addiction therapies that can also help. One of the most effective holistic therapies for people in recovery is known as art therapy. In this type of therapy, art plays a key role in the person’s addiction treatment. Using arts like drawing, painting, collaging, graphic journals, coloring, and scrapbooking, art therapy can occur under the supervision of one trained therapist, or in a group setting to help the person in recovery find ways to express themselves.

It`s Time to Recover and Start Your New Chapter

In doing this, the recovery process may become easier as it could relieve the need to hide from, or mask emotions – a common catalyst for substance abuse. Further, art therapy sessions both in conjunction with a 12-step rehab or alone may help to provide a new sober hobby for the person in recovery that they are able to enjoy even after they leave inpatient rehab.

Researchers have confirmed that art therapy is an effective way to supply an outlet for communication during addiction treatment. Able to help motivate patients to change by moving them from a reflective state into a mental state of action, art therapy is highly recommended for SUD patients.1

A Popular Art Therapy Technique

One of the most enjoyed forms of art therapy is known as mandala drawing. This type of sacred artwork has been used for thousands of years and the circular forms in the art, known as mandalas actually translate in the ancient language of Sanskrit to mean, “sacred circle.” The well-known philosopher Carl Jung is credited with introducing mandala drawing to Western therapies. Jung noted that mandala images are associated with the movement towards a new self-knowledge and so they may be helpful in the recovery process from addiction.

In this type of art therapy, the therapist may ask the participant to consider how mandalas are a representation of everything in the cosmos. And as such, drawing mandalas may help to reveal your own “wholeness” in the universe. If you want to try mandala drawing at home as a form of art therapy, you can take 30-40 minutes to find some pre-made mandala designs online to color, or pick up a book of mandalas at an art store. Then, you may also want to take the mandala book to the next 12-step group meeting you attend to talk about it.

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3 Other Alternative Addiction Therapies to Try

If you have already taken on the path to recovery, you may have completed a 12-step rehab program, or other type of rehab. However, you still must take sobriety one day at a time. In order to get the most out of any rehab program, you may also want to try these 3 clinically proven alternative addiction therapies for people in recovery:

  1. Group Support. For most people, entering the “real world,” after completing a 12-step rehab program can be difficult. However, if you are a recovering addict it is very important to make new sober friends and take on hobbies that are not like the ones you used to have when you were drinking, or using drugs. But that doesn’t mean it’s going to be easy! Studies have shown that group support is one of the most effective ways to achieve long-term sobriety.2
  2. Acupuncture. This is a holistic treatment commonly used by people as an alternative addiction therapy during recovery. Used for centuries to relieve all types of ailments in traditional Chinese medicine, acupuncture is a calming treatment in which teeny-tiny needles are inserted into key points in the body known as acupoints. This may help to melt away the extra stress and tension associated with recovery. Getting sober is never easy, but it can feel less painful when you try acupuncture!

Studies have confirmed that the ancient holistic therapy of acupuncture is an effective way to promote sobriety even in those with serious SUD’s like that of an addiction to morphine, and other opioids.3

  1. Aromatherapy. This is an ancient therapy that uses plant “essences,” as a way of healing the body from common ailments. Using the olfactory nerve in the nose, aromatherapy can be performed by a professional aromatherapist, or at home by using essential oils – oils that contain the volatile healing compounds of medicinal plants, also known as plant essences.

One of the best essential oils for stress relief is known as lavender oil. Derived from the slightly sweet and Earthy lavender flower, this oil is also known to help improve sleep quality. Try adding just a few drops of this fragrant oil to olive oil and use it for massage by rubbing it into tired shoulders, or aching feet to stimulate the aromatherapy process.

Studies have shown that lavender oil is not only relaxing but it may also help to boost your good mood, calm the nervous system and even offer sedative effects to soothe anxious tension.4

Continuing With Art Therapy After Rehab

Art therapy is an ideal addition to traditional 12-step rehab programs. However, it can also be used at-home in conjunction with any addiction therapy program. So, talk to your healthcare provider, or 12-step program sponsor about adding art therapy to your addiction treatment plan. And also, try these 3 holistic alternative therapies for people in recovery!

 

References:

  1. Lydia Aletraris, PhD, Maria Paino, PhD. The Use of Art and Music Therapy in Substance Abuse Treatment Programs. J Addict Nurs. 2014 Oct; 25(4): 190–196.
  2. Kathlene Tracy, Samantha P Wallace. Benefits of peer support groups in the treatment of addiction. Subst Abuse 3. Rehabil. 2016; 7: 143–154.

Jaung-Geng Lin, Yuan-Yu Chan. Acupuncture for the Treatment of Opiate Addiction. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2012; 2012: 739045.

  1. Peir Hossein Koulivand, Maryam Khaleghi Ghadiri. Lavender and the Nervous System. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2013; 2013: 681304.
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Mindfulness Meditation: An Addiction Therapy That Actually Works

Mindfulness Meditation: An Addiction Therapy That Actually Works

By admin on News, Substance Abuse

Mindfulness meditation may sound like something that you need smelly incense for. But there is nothing further from the truth! Mindfulness is an ancient technique used for centuries in the meditation practice of yoga as breathing awareness, or Pranayama. However, today you can find that a mindful meditation can take place anywhere you want it to! You can do a meditation in your car while you wait for your child at school, or even at your desk at work. It’s that easy.

If you want to, you can do mindfulness meditations in a group setting and then after the exercise talk about your experience. Or, alternatively you may want to keep a meditation journal to help you keep track of your mindfulness practice during recovery. Because addiction is usually the result of a desire to numb negative emotions, becoming more mindful of yourself during recovery is a BIG plus! And it may even help to reduce your risk of relapse.

“Research in the burgeoning fields of Interpersonal Neurobiology, Attachment and Sensorimotor Therapy theorizes that various types of trauma can rupture neurological development in ways that make it difficult for individuals to regulate their emotional state,” says Dr. Rod Amiri of Malibu Hills Treatment Center, a non 12-step recovery center. “When people are unable to soothe themselves, they often turn to drugs or alcohol as a way to medicate intense feelings of terror, anxiety, rage, loneliness or alienation.”

5 Benefits of Mindfulness Meditation in Recovery

During recovery, practicing mindfulness meditation may help to encourage long-term sobriety. Here are just 5 benefits of mindfulness:

  1. Less Anxiety. Practicing any type of mindfulness can help to reduce anxiety. If you find that during recovery you feel more anxious – you’re not alone! Many people can experience higher levels of stress and anxiety while in a 12-step rehab program, or even just working through the recovery process on their own. However, mindfulness has been shown in clinical trials to help reduce stress levels, and anxiety – even in people diagnosed with generalized anxiety disorder (GAD).1
  2. Bias Reduction. During recovery, many changes can occur in the life of someone suffering with an addiction including the task of making new friends. For people with any type of racial bias, mindfulness may help to make the process of making new friendships easier. One 2015 Central Michigan University study by Professor Adam Lueke revealed that mindfulness can positively affect people’s lives in a number of ways. In the study, participants who performed mindfulness meditation were able to increase their awareness and reduce both age, and racial bias.2

According to Professor Leuke, “This result was not because the mindful group were able to see the automatic bias and override it, but rather because the automatic bias simply didn’t appear as much as it did for the control group.”

It`s Time to Recover and Start Your New Chapter
  1. Fewer Distractions. Scientists know that over time a substance abuse problem can change the way your brain works. With continued use studies have shown that addiction can reshape the communication pathways between neurons (synaptic plasticity) which may influence negative behavior, or provoke relapse.3  

However, mindfulness meditation techniques have been shown to help boost brain function and cognition. Researchers suggest this could be due to the ability of mindfulness to improve to regular brain wave alpha rhythm, thought to “turn down the volume” on distractions in life that can cause you to lose your self-awareness.

In a Harvard study, researchers reported that “brain cells use particular frequencies, or waves, to regulate the flow of information in much the same way that radio stations broadcast at specific frequencies. One frequency, the alpha rhythm, is particularly active in the cells that process touch, sight and sound in the brain’s outermost layer, called the cortex, where it helps to suppress irrelevant or distracting sensations and regulate the flow of sensory information between brain regions.”

  1. Self Acceptance. Many addicts can say that at some point they used drugs or alcohol to hide from their own self-acceptance issues. And while body dissatisfaction is common for both men and women, using drugs or alcohol to mask the pain is never the answer. In one study, on self compassion and body dissatisfaction, mindful meditation participants “experienced significantly greater reduction in body dissatisfaction, body shame and contingent self-worth based on appearance, as well as greater gains in self-compassion and body appreciation.”
  2. Better Mood. According to the American Psychological Association, mindfulness-based cognitive therapies (MBCT) including mindfulness exercises including yoga, body awareness and daily homework, such as eating or doing household chores with full attention to what one is doing, moment by moment are associated with a better mood. In one study, when compared to a control group, participants in the mindfulness meditation group were shown to show have fewer symptoms of depression. “MBCT helps them to recognize that’s happening, engage with it in a different way and respond to it with equanimity and compassion,” says study author Dr. Willem Kuyken.
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Making Time for Mindfulness During Recovery

Addiction recovery is a process that takes time and a commitment to taking every day during sobriety one step at a time. However, it can be difficult to make time to practice mindfulness. With our fast-paced lifestyles as Americans you may feel like you don’t want to stop what you are doing in order to meditate. But, just remember these 5 benefits of mindfulness during recovery and make the time! You only need 5 minutes a day to gain these and many more benefits of mindfulness.

How-To Perform Mindfulness

Here is a quick mindfulness meditation you can do anywhere you like!  

  • Sit in a comfortable position with your hands open on your lap.
  • Then, take a deep breath to fill your entire soft belly with air. Inhale for 5 seconds through your nostrils (1-2-3-4-5), and then exhale for 5 seconds through your mouth until all of the breath is gone, and your belly is flat again.
  • You will repeat this for 5 minutes. So, you may want to add a mantra to the meditation, which can be anything you want. For example, on each exhale, simply repeat this recovery mantra in your mind, “One day at a time.”

 

NOTE: A kitchen timer may help to know how long you’ve been meditating.

References:

  1. Hoge EA, Bui E. Randomized controlled trial of mindfulness meditation for generalized anxiety disorder: effects on anxiety and stress reactivity. J Clin Psychiatry. 2013 Aug;74(8):786-92.
  2. Adam Lueke, Bryan Gibson. Mindfulness Meditation Reduces Implicit Age and Race Bias. The Role of Reduced Automaticity of Responding. November 24, 2014.
  3. Thomas J. Gould, Ph.D. Addiction and Cognition. Addict Sci Clin Pract. 2010 Dec; 5(2): 4–14.
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  • Treatment Programs
    ▼
    • Alcohol Rehab
    • Drug Rehab Center
    • Prescription Drug Rehab Center
    • Disorder Treatment
    • Types of Addiction Treatment Programs
    • Our Drug & Alcohol Detox Center
  • Non 12-Step Rehab
    ▼
    • Non 12-Step Treatment Therapies
      ▼
      • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
      • Dual Diagnosis Therapy
      • Positive Approach Therapy
      • Health and Nutrition
      • Yoga Therapy
      • Music Therapy
      • Art Therapy
    • Family Therapy For Addiction
    • Holistic Rehab
    • Non 12-Step Rehab
    • Pain Management Therapy
    • Help a Loved One
    • Help Yourself
  • About
    ▼
    • What To Expect At Rehab
    • Rehab Testimonials
  • Location
    ▼
    • Our Rehab Location
      ▼
      • Admin Offices
      • Calabasas Location
      • Malibu Location
    • Pictures of Prominence
  • Admissions
    ▼
    • Insurance
    • For Out-of-town Patients
    • What to Bring to Rehab
  • Blog
  • Contact Us
  • Privacy Policy