Month: June 2020

Planning a Sober Girls Get Together

Going to a party or planning one when you’re sober doesn’t have to be a challenge. The remarkable thing about planning a sober get together is that you can control the presence of alcohol and other things that may trigger past trauma. More so, being among women who understand and support your journey might just be what you need to plan a perfect get together. Socializing and being around other people are a crucial component to addiction recovery, and is something you definitely shouldn’t miss out on just because you no longer drink alcohol or use drugs.

Why Should Women Support Women in Sobriety?

Women supporting other women in sobriety is a beautiful thing, and something we focus on at Anchored Tides Recovery. Having a safe place where women can feel free is one of the keys to being happy and maintaining long term sobriety.

It’s not uncommon for a woman before getting sober to feel distraught or uncomfortable, especially in social situations. A coping mechanism a lot of women use to ease these feelings is drinking alcohol or doing drugs. Now that you’re in recovery, or about to pursue a path to recovery, you may find yourself wondering “what will I do for fun now when I go out with friends?”. Please know you aren’t alone in this, and it should by no means be a reason to not quit drugs or alcohol.

In essence, no one knows what it feels like to be a sober woman except for other sober women. Having a group of people who understand your struggles and has been in your shoes, is incredibly therapeutic and encouraging. Never undervalue the power of a good ‘ole fashioned girl get together! And if you’re going to plan one, use these tips to plan a memorable party without risking your recovery!

Choose the Guest List for the Sober Event

Your guests can potentially make or break your get together. When making your guest list, make sure to invite women you feel safe around. They don’t necessarily have to be sober, they just have to understand that you’re sober and have boundaries.

Make Plans for a Sober Saturday Night Activity

Planning a get-together can feel a bit stressful. As a host, you probably want to make sure you plan something that all of the guests will enjoy. An easy way to ensure everyone will be engaged is to place the sober event around an activity. This will also help encourage conversation amongst the guests, especially if they don’t know each other.

One fun activity that almost everyone enjoys is bowling. It’s fun if you’re good at it, it’s still fun if you’re bad at it (a not so good bowler usually makes everyone laugh), and there’s always good fried food at a bowling alley.

Another fun activity is a game night. Most game nights these days don’t even require having the physical game, you just need a cell phone and reliable WiFi. Heads up is a great game because it moves quickly and requires the group splitting into two smaller groups. It also requires everyone to get up off the couch at one point.

Focus on the Food

Don’t want alcohol to be the focus? No problem! You can shift the focus from alcohol by making sure there is a tasty meal or snack when the girls get together. If you’re going to gather a large group, feel free to ask other people to bring some snacks.

Have Fun!

Most importantly, if you’re planning a social gathering, make sure you have fun. Your life isn’t over now that the “partying” has stopped. Your new sober life in recovery will be fulfilling and fun. Below are just some tips to follow when throwing a girls get-together without putting your sobriety at risk.

Build Your Sober Support System at Anchored Tides Recovery

Anchored Tides Recovery is a female owned and female client based addiction treatment center, with rehab programs specifically designed for women by women. We also offer women dealing with alcohol addiction a safe haven.

With Anchored Tides, you’ll get a treatment experience that leads to lasting recovery. Contact us now to begin your journey to recovery!

5 Tips for Women Finding a Job After Rehab

So, you’ve gotten sober, you’ve participated in your own healing and exited a women’s addiction treatment center, and now it’s time to transition back into the stream of life? Stepping back into the workforce can be anxiety provoking and scary, but don’t worry girl, we’ve got your back! There are many women who have walked this path before you and here are 5 career tips they’ve shared to help you get the job! Now that you are sober the possibilities are endless. You are worthy of financial success and growth in your career. Read on to see how you can land successfully in the next part of your journey.

Integrity

As you step back into the workforce it is important that you choose your job wisely. Only you know your skills and abilities. Be sure to start yourself on a path that you want to be on. As a recovering woman it is important to find balance in all aspects of your life, especially your career. Despite what you may have been doing before obtaining sobriety, choose to apply for jobs that can excel your growth but won’t overwhelm you. No matter what your skill level is remember you are worthy and right where you are supposed to be. Be your own cheerleader but make sure your resume is an honest and accurate representation of who you are. There are so many opportunities available to you. Step out of fear and walk in your truth, you will be selected for the job that best fits you!

Boundaries

When living the recovery lifestyle we are often surrounded by a community of sober women. Depending upon the field you choose to work in, when stepping back into the work force your environment is subject to change. In an interview, and within the workplace, it is important to keep healthy boundaries to keep yourself safe and serene and your work life productive. As a recovering woman you do not have to disclose your sobriety or struggle with addiction to anyone. Your recovery is personal and can stay between you and your support system. It is important to remember that now that you are sober, you have the ability to make healthy decisions. Your voice is powerful, and you must not be afraid to use it. On the other hand, if you feel comfortable sharing your experience and feel like it would be helpful to you in obtaining the job you want or you share a bond with trusted colleagues, you are able to do so. It is illegal for any work place to discriminate against employees based on disabilities and we must remember that substance use disorders are a chronic illness.

Persistence

The first step to obtaining any new job is to do research and see what jobs are open in your area. Next it is important to build a strong resume of your past experience. Be sure to highlight your strengths and make it clean and easy to understand. Resume building can be daunting and difficult, it is more than ok to ask for help from a friend, mentor, or clinician in your life. There are many helpful online articles and templates that are available for you to access as well. After submitting an application and resume we often think the work is done and it is time for us to sit back, relax, and wait on that call. Well, to your advantage the work is not quite done yet. It is important to make yourself stand out amongst other candidates. It is wise to call your Human Resources department of the job you are applying to weekly and let them know you applied, you are checking on the status of your application, and are inquiring about the possibility of being set up with an interview. Another technique that can be used to set yourself apart is to print a hard copy of your resume and application and visit the organization in which you are applying for work. Ask if the manager is available and take a few minutes to shake their hand and let them know you are interested in a job. Having a face to face interaction can keep you fresh in the mind of your future employer and shows your dedication and willingness to the job before an interview.

Self-Care

In the midst of finding your career path and putting in the hard work it takes to find a job, it is important to find time for yourself, de-stress, and participate in self-care activities. If you find that seeking out employment is at the forefront of your mind every day and you are having trouble focusing on much else, it is most definitely time to decompress. In this time, it is vital to stay close to your support system and community to share your experience, struggles, and triumphs in this time. You must be your own biggest advocate and remember that your career does not define your worth. Spending time in nature, quality time with friends and loved ones, a pedicure, or a face mask are all examples of self-care activities. Do what makes you feel good. Life can be so busy and balancing a career into all of it can be demanding. You are allowed to take time and space for you and your peace of mind.

Dress for Success

First impressions are so important! Whether it be for an interview, or to turn in a resume in person, dress for the job you want not the job you have. Whatever the position you’re applying for, maybe it is crucial to exert and show up with the utmost professionalism. Ladies, it is recommended that you wear a blouse and slacks or a skirt. Have your hair neat and as natural as possible. Keep your style simple but elegant. Don’t be afraid to throw on a blazer and a pair of pumps! You are beautiful and you are worthy of employment. Your appearance must match the beauty and knowledge of what is inside. When seeking an interview outfit don’t be afraid to ask for help. If your closet is looking a little sparse call up a friend, go through donations, or check out your local thrift stores. You are not alone. There are people in your life rooting for your success. Don’t be afraid to step outside of your comfort zone and reap the rewards that come along with it.

Becoming a Sober Mom: The Recovery Guide

Ask ten women about sobriety and their family life. And you’ll see that, at least, eight out of ten will prioritize their family over work and addictions (particularly alcohol). Why?

Moms generally understand the importance of family.

From William Ross Wallace’s famous poem, ‘What Rules the World‘, he stated that the hand that rocks the cradle is the hand that rules the world. It shows the role a mother plays in the life of her kids and family; that as a mother aims to nurture and educate a child, she makes the world a much better place.

Nevertheless, this doesn’t mean juggling sobriety, work and family is an easy task. Besides, ticking the boxes on a questionnaire isn’t always the same as reality.

How do we know that?

Becoming a Sober Mom

We, at Anchored Tides Recovery, are women professionals treating women. We have helped numerous sober moms cope with the demands of being an excellent mother and productive employees.

So, if you’re looking for a sober moms guide to recovery and navigating sobriety, amidst work and family demands, we can help!

Read on to find the challenges you will face as becoming a sober mom, and how you can overcome them.

Balancing Old Routines With New Lifestyle Choices

As things stand, the responsibilities of a mother and an employee are more enough for you. Now, you might have to do a complete overhaul of your daily habits.

How do you feel at the thoughts of that hectic overhaul?

If perhaps you can avoid cocktail get-together at work or your book club, how about coping with your children’s needs?

Moms often resort to their wine bottles to cope with stress at home. But remember, you don’t drink anymore. And that’s totally ok.

Partner Is Not Doing Enough

Maybe managing lifestyle choices will be easier for mothers if their partner had assisted them with home activities. Sadly, the partner isn’t doing enough.

According to a study by Harvard Business Review, HBR, over 70% of the interviewed (men and women) agree that working wives take care of the children and the home.

Out-of-home working moms particularly will feel the stress of combining work and home pressures. If such moms were in sobriety, remaining sober will be a difficult task.

Making Time for Recovery

In addition to lifestyle changes and unsupportive partners, a sober mom still has to find out ways to maintain her recovery schedules.

Remember, attending 12-step meetings and online support groups is important, in addition to individual therapy.

In the face of your workload, how can you stick to your sobriety recovery schedules?

Check out our tips below:

You Come First

The most important step you can take as you become a sober mom is to prioritize your needs above all else – work and family. That notion might come out as selfish. But it’s not.

Frankly, if you keep skipping your recovery meetings to meet up with work and family demands, you might fail in your quest to become the best mom.

Ditch the Parties If Needed

Candidly, it’s not the end of the world if you aren’t around for a cocktail party or not. If the host does care, you could always apologize for missing parties/meetings that will serve as obstacles to being the best mom for your kids. Remember – no is a complete sentence.

Ask For Help

As earlier stated, managing sobriety, your work, and family can be difficult. Don’t be shy; ask for as much help as you need – even from your husband.

Make Friends With Moms Handling Similar Cases

Sober moms like you can also help you. More so, some of them had already mastered the solutions to your challenges. As such, make friends and connect with them.

Anchored Tides Recovery Can Help

Anchored Tides Recovery is here to help you overcome your challenges in sobriety and motherhood. We provide streamlined and mom-specific remedies for various levels of addiction. Our treatment technique incorporates evidence-based addiction treatment and dual diagnosis modalities while incorporating a programing geared toward the issues women face.

Get help today!

The Dangers of Prescription Pills

Prescription pills had always been a threat to all – even before the recent opioid epidemic. Yes, they are safe for people who have prescriptions for them and take them as prescribed. However, prescriptions can easily be abused and pills also can be purchased illegally. This is extremely dangerous and can even be life threatening. Today, Anchored Tides Recovery would like to spend some time highlighting the dangers of prescription pills.

According to the National Center for Drug Abuse Statistics, NCDAS, 53 million Americans had a case of drug abuse in 2018. And of the lot, prescription pills accounted for a significant 30%. Now, you see that prescription pills misuse and abuse poses a lot of health risk to everyone. With that said, what are those risks?

Before we discuss the risks of misusing or abusing prescription pills, let’s talk about the “what” and “why.”

What Are Addictive Prescription Pills?

Ordinarily, prescription pills are not necessarily meant to be addictive. The common prescription drugs fall into three categories, namely:

Opioids
Depressants
Stimulants

As the name suggests, these pills are prescribed to people with certain health conditions. And the three major health conditions include pains, anxiety disorders, and Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).

Even to “the administered,” doctors only prescribe the drugs under strict conditions and often as a last resort because they are strong medications.

Why Do People Misuse or Abuse Prescription Pills?

People abuse prescription pills for various reasons. Some do so for fun (to get high), and others may start to build a tolerance to their prescription, and need to take more to feel the same effects.

Others may abuse prescription pills in the bid to study better, lose weight, or keep fit. Whatever reason you have for misusing or abusing prescription medication, they all often face the same complications listed below:

Risks Associated With Prescription Pills Addiction

Loss of Memory

Memory loss is often associated with depressants. Depressants generally increase the gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) in the brain. And that explains why it treats anxiety.

However, high levels of GABA lower brain activity. In the event of depressant abuse, your brain will then stimulate more GABA. That would eventually result in memory loss and a lack of concentration.

What’s worse is that if you suddenly stop taking depressants after a long period of use, you might experience life-threatening withdrawal seizures.

Respiratory Complications

Opioids are responsible for respiratory challenges in prescription pills’ abusers. They can indeed help manage pain under a doctor’s supervision.

Nevertheless, at the slightest overdose, you can experience life-endangering breathing difficulties. It is even worse when you combine opioids with alcohol.

In addition to breathing problems, opioids deteriorate sleep patterns. Over time, your immune system suffers from your misuse or overdose of opioids.

Paranoia

Prescription medications generally affect the internal workings of the brain. Put simply; they disrupt how the brain cells send and receive information.

In particular, they (opioids and stimulants) affect the brain’s reward sequences. As such, you get high and joyous when you take. But when you don’t use these pills, you start showing paranoia tendencies.

Stimulants especially can make you paranoid, and short doses make abusers go aggressive and withdraw.

Organ Damage and Failure

Prescription pills can cause heart-related problems such as collapsed veins and eventual heart failure. For starters, the medications are strong. And for that reason, the heart starts experiencing abnormal heartbeat rates.

Another organ often affected by prescription medications are the liver and kidney. These pills often make your liver and kidney go on overdrive. In other words, the two organs require more work to digest the substances in opioids, particularly.

How Anchored Tides Recovery Can Help

In the end, whatever complications or risks you face for abusing any prescription drug, there is hope. It’s never too late to get help, and you don’t have to live a life abusing prescription pills. We can help you at Anchored Tides Recovery.

Our range of treatment services for women includes partial hospitalization, intensive outpatient, and other outpatient programs. Most importantly, we have some of the best guides to help you navigate your addiction! Trust us, and get help today!

The Benefits of Dialectical Behavioral Therapy For Addiction

Help from Dialectical Behavioral Therapy for Addiction

Addiction is a disease, and like any other chronic illness must be treated with high quality care that meets the needs of the individual. In finding a treatment provider that best meets your needs it is important to consider the different services and therapeutic modalities the program has to offer. One of the most well established and effective forms of therapy to aid in the recovery of those suffering from substance use disorders (SUDS) is dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT).

What is Dialectical Behavioral Therapy?

Dialectical behavioral therapy, also known as DBT, is a type of cognitive behavioral therapy. Its purpose is to identify and change negative thinking patterns and push for positive behavioral changes. It teaches addicts to cope with and change unhealthy behaviors. The philosophy of DBT is based on the concept that everything is composed of opposites and that change can occur when there is communication between opposing forces and helps the client to understand that change is constant and inevitable. DBT helps individuals prepare for and accept change and have the emotional bandwidth to manage new and unfamiliar situations in a healthy way. DBT therapy improves one’s distress tolerance, interpersonal effectiveness, core mindfulness and emotional regulation

In DBT, the addict and therapist work on both self -acceptance and moving towards change. DBT teaches the client coping mechanisms to deal with emotions and everyday situations that otherwise might be stressful or concerning for the individual. The therapist will use validation and motivation to keep the client engaged and motivated to work towards change. DBT can occur in an individual or group setting through talk therapy, art therapy, group discussions, and experiential activities.

Addiction and DBT

In regard to treating addiction DBT has been known to be extremely effective. Upon entering treatment most individuals have an extensive history of dealing with unhealthy behaviors relating but not limited to substances, behavior, attitude, eating, and self-esteem. DBT therapies help the client acknowledge the ineffectiveness of old behaviors and take a leading role in goal setting and pioneering change in their life. Within the therapeutic setting patients are shown how to recognize their positive strengths and attributes and further develop and utilize their pre-existing skill sets. DBT can help clients come to terms with their past experiences and take the necessary steps to make permanent change in the way they think and feel about themselves and their lives. Using DBT while helping clients transition effectively back into life is necessary in creating permanent change. In building self esteem while using DBT clients are more likely to believe they can achieve successes and are set up to excel in their academics, careers, and emotional relationships. DBT can be used in the long-term to aid in the recovery of substance use disorders and other mental health disorders. Once someone is finished with addiction treatment, they can continue DBT on their own with an individual therapist.

Let Us Help You!

Anchored Tides Recovery provides individual and group sessions of DBT throughout all levels of care in our program. DBT is taught by our master’s level clinicians and has been a groundbreaking part of many of our client’s recovery journeys. Participating in DBT therapy in an aftercare setting has helped many of our women to find the courage to get back into schooling, the work force, and be able to relate to their families and friends in a healthy way. Utilizing DBT services has aided in the ability of our women being able to achieve long term sobriety.

5 Ways Substance Abuse Impacts Women

Women struggling with substance use disorders face a set of distinctive issues that must be addressed, in order to provide women with the highest chance of recovery. In past decades, most research on substance abuse focused on men. According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, 9.4 percent of all adult men in the US were considered to have alcohol use disorder (AUD) compared to only 4.7 percent of women. That gap is closing steadily, and we must find effective ways to treat women that can meet all of their needs. To do so we must acknowledge that women tend to have different experiences and circumstances unknown to men, that impact their decisions to use substances. In this blog Anchored Tides Recovery will discuss 5 ways that addiction impacts women specifically. By gaining insight into the struggle’s women face, you may be better equipped to change the outcome of your current situation or provide help to a loved one in need.

Biological Factors

Men and women have different body types! According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, scientists who study substance use have discovered that women who use drugs can have issues related to hormones, menstrual cycle, fertility, pregnancy, breastfeeding, and menopause. These issues may relate to an individual’s stress, fatigue, and chronic pain; influencing their decision to use alcohol and substances as a way to self-medicate. In regards specifically to alcohol, women face natural biological differences that lead them to developing dependence on alcohol more quickly. Women tend to weigh less than men and naturally a woman’s body contains less water and more fatty tissue. While water dilutes alcohol, fat retains it, putting a woman’s organs at greater exposure. Alcohol-related problems such as brain atrophy or liver damage occur more quickly and at a greater rate in women than in men. Drinking also carries a higher risk of breast cancer in some women. In regard to stimulant use, a woman’s hormones heighten the phenomenon of craving due to changes during the menstrual cycle and hormone production. Studies suggest that estrogen impacts the brain’s dopamine “reward effects” when taking stimulants, resulting in women becoming addicted to these substances faster than men. Women are at a greater risk of physical health issues when abusing substances.

Sociological Factors

Women face a unique set of issues around addiction resulting from societal pressures. These include gender specific addiction stigma, relationship dynamics, childcare responsibilities, career pressure, and weight. In today’s society women experience many demands from the beauty industry to look a certain way. Many women turn to substances to lose weight to meet a desired image. Although it is normal to experience stress within a career, many women lack the tools and skills to be able to use their voice to meet their needs within the workplace, resulting in the use of substances to alleviate stress. In relationships, women might use substances to impress men or to break stereotypes that women cannot handle the use of substances. The pressure’s women face on a daily basis from their expected role in their community may be a reason why some turn to substance use.

Mental Illness and Addiction

Women are strikingly more likely than men to suffer from mental health issues such as bipolar disorder, anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder. The discomfort of symptoms that these illnesses cause, can lead women to using substances as a way to self-medicate. There also exists a strong connection between eating disorders and drug abuse. Women that struggle with both substance abuse and mental health disorders have what can be referred to as a “dual- diagnosis” or having a “co-occurring” disorder. The statistics of women as victims of rape and sexual assault are much higher than that of men, resulting in increased symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder in those seeking treatment.

Motherhood and Addiction

According to a study done by Caron, the number one contributing factor to a woman’s addiction is stress or anxiety related to motherhood, with 49% of women relating to this statement. Over 30% of women were reluctant to seek treatment because they were worried about leaving their families. Raising children can be stressful and demanding. Many mothers have unique issues related to their situation such as low self-esteem, unhappy relationships, the pressure of having to do it all, and a lack of purpose. This holds true even more so for single moms with a lack of support. Many moms will turn to stimulants to keep their energy levels up. Others will use opioids and benzos to relax and unwind. If you are a mother or know of a mother that needs help, you are not alone. There is no need to be consumed in shame or fear. Mothers can recover.

Treatment Modalities

Unfortunately, traditional addiction treatment programs were based on research of men. Only 8 percent of addiction research is about women’s needs. It is important to address economic factors, cultural issues, gender related stigma, and relationship patterns in order to find the best treatment plan and group of professionals to aid in the treatment of the woman in need. There are often economic gaps for women and treatment can be expensive. When clinically appropriate, some women may respond better to an outpatient setting where the stress of childcare and added expense of housing can be revoked. Gender specific treatment can provide women with a safe space to speak freely about their struggles and experiences without fear of judgment or backlash. Women deserve to be honored and respected throughout the treatment process and the company of empowering female role models can aid in their healing process. It is important to find a facility that will address any mental health needs and co-occurring disorders the individual might be struggling with. Trauma therapy and relationship management should be addressed as well.

Anchored Tides Recovery For Women

Anchored Tides Recovery is a women owned addiction treatment center for women. We offer partial hospitalization, intensive outpatient, and outpatient treatment options for women struggling with substance abuse and addiction. Reach out to us today to learn more about our services & how we can help you!

Works Cited

“Addiction Among Women.” Sunrise House, sunrisehouse.com/addiction-demographics/women/.

“The Differences in Addiction Between Men and Women.” Addiction Center, www.addictioncenter.com/addiction/differences-men-women/.

“Disease of Addiction.” American Addiction Centers, americanaddictioncenters.org/disease-of-addiction.

Harvard Health Publishing. “Addiction in Women.” Harvard Health, www.health.harvard.edu/newsletter_article/addiction-in-women.

Liquori, Thomas. “Substance Abuse & Addiction Recovery for Mothers.” Gateway, 14 Aug. 2019, www.gatewayfoundation.org/addiction-blog/addiction-recovery-for-mothers/.

National Institute on Drug Abuse. “Substance Use in Women.” NIDA, www.drugabuse.gov/publications/drugfacts/substance-use-in-women.