Author: anchoredtides

The Impact of Heroin Addiction on Mothers and Children

Many people don’t realize how their personal choices impact the people around them. In treatment settings, we have seen families destroyed by addiction; the victims are not always the people who are dealing with the illness. The victims become the loved ones who are most vulnerable. Addiction stems from many sources. Growing up in a toxic environment, sexual trauma, emotional abuse, genetics, peer pressure, etc. For many people, addiction is just in their blood. But there needs to be a catalyst event to turn addictive personalities into people with substance use disorder. How come so many people get hooked on heroin? The risks and dangers are well known; it’s common knowledge that heroin ruins lives. What leads people to take that first step to heroin addiction, then?

The Opioid Epidemic

Believe it or not, Medical Doctors (MD) are often the cause for most heroin addictions. A car accident, fall, or medical procedure leaves a person in a lot of pain; a doctor then will prescribe an opiate medication to make them comfortable. The medicine may do its job and take the pain away, but what happens next? Opiates are highly effective and highly addictive; for this reason, they only get prescribed in limited amounts. It doesn’t take long for your body to become addicted to an opiate. You can quickly develop a dependence, and opiates are known to have some of the most severe withdrawal symptoms of any drug. You may finish the pills you were prescribed but still be in pain. Now you’re also dealing with extreme discomfort from opiate withdrawal. The combination of pain and extreme discomfort will often cause a person to try to get more pills, legally or illegally. Pain pills are difficult to come by, and without a prescription, they can be costly. These obstacles result in people turning to heroin. Heroin is still an opiate, so it has many of the same effects, but it’s a lot cheaper and easier to get. Who knew “back pain” would lead to so many people snorting and injecting heroin?

Heroin Use in Pregnancy

In 2019, about %7 of pregnant women reported using prescription opioid pain relievers. Of those, 1 out of 5 reported abuse (meaning they got them from a source other than a medical supplier or used them for reasons other than pain relief.) Women face unique issues when it comes to addiction and substance abuse. Studies show that women who use drugs can have problems related to:

Hormones
Menstrual cycle
Fertility
Pregnancy
Breastfeeding
Menopause

Issues become more complicated when the user is pregnant. Heroin use in pregnancy can increase the risk of:

Miscarriage
Migraines
Seizures
High blood pressure
Maternal death

Those are only the effects of the mother. Opiate abuse while pregnant, for unborn babies, has been linked to:

Substance abuse disorder
Poor fetal growth
Preterm birth
Stillbirth
Birth defects
Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome (NAS)

Basically, babies born to heroin-addicted mothers are babies born addicted to heroin.

Babies born addicted to Heroin?

Just like adults, babies can have drug dependencies. While pregnant, the fetus shares the mother’s internal resources. If a mother is putting heroin into her bloodstream, the baby is getting heroin into their bloodstream too. After the baby is born, it may experience withdrawal symptoms. Your baby will need to stay in the hospital for five to seven days after being born so the medical staff can monitor it for withdrawal symptoms (NAS). The severity of a newborn child’s withdrawal symptoms depends on the length and frequency of the mother’s drug use and if the child was delivered prematurely.

Withdrawal Symptoms on Babies Born to Heroin-Addicted Mothers

Symptoms of drug withdrawal in a newborn can develop immediately or up to two weeks after birth and can include:

Blotchy skin coloring
Diarrhea
Irritability / excessive or high-pitched crying
Abnormal sucking reflex
Fever
Seizures
Hyperactive reflexes
Stuffy nose and sneezing
Slow weight gain
Sweating
Trembling
Vomiting

Defects of babies born to heroin-addicted mothers could be long-term or even fatal:

Low birth weight
Premature birth
Small head circumference
Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS)

When you are pregnant, treatment aims to mitigate withdrawal symptoms, as they can be harmful to your baby. Methadone or Buprenorphine can help ease symptoms, but your baby may still be born experiencing withdrawal symptoms. Children born to mothers who use heroin beyond the first trimester have a 12x greater risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) than those unexposed or only exposed in the first trimester of pregnancy. You have to be extremely careful about your health and well-being during pregnancy, not just to protect your life but the other life inside of you.

Growing up with a heroin-addicted mother

When you are a Mother with a heroin addiction, the roles end up being switched. Your child may be the one who has to take care of you. Children are often manipulated by their mothers when addiction is a factor. They can be asked to get drugs, steal, lie, and cover-up. The sad part is, they think they are helping. They may bear witness to some very traumatic events. They call 911 when you are lying on the ground unresponsive. They cry because they thought that was going to be the last time they saw you. They miss you when you are in rehab. They feel like they are to blame when you relapse. They lose trust and faith in you.

Effects

What does this pattern of behavior do to this child?

Disappointment
Fear
Anxiety
Emotional trauma
Physical trauma
Curiosity

Amongst all the negative hurt feelings, there is also a sense of exploration and experimentation. Frequently, behavior that is seen is repeated. That is why there is no surprise that children of heroin-addicted mothers are likely to develop addictions or other mental health issues of their own.

Breaking the Cycle

Loving someone and who is addicted to heroin is challenging. People need to accept help, and you can’t do it for them. You can still love someone without enabling them. Create boundaries, provide resources, say “no” to any requests that support drug use, and use available resources for yourself. Prioritizing your own mental health is critical. If you don’t, the whole family suffers, and ultimately more damage can be done. If you do not have your health or sanity, how can you show strength for the one who needs support? Do you know someone who suffers from heroin addiction? Are you that Mother or child? Being open and talking can help. Many times we bottle up our feelings when we need to express them and embrace them. Anchored Tides believes that sharing your experiences in the right environment encourages growth, so we created a gender-specific place where women can heal. We’re not your typical women’s treatment program. Formed in 2016, we offer women struggling with substance abuse and mental illness a haven at our Huntington Beach drug rehab in Southern California. Take a tour of our boutique women’s addiction treatment center in Orange County. Don’t wait any longer. Call us to talk to a healthcare professional.

Addiction Treatment Program Women in Recovery Women's addiction treatment

Tips on Finding a Job After Rehab

Once you’ve completed addiction treatment, you will probably want to look for a job. While some recovering addicts will have jobs to return to after treatment, others aren’t as lucky. The initial job search may be challengings as there can be barriers that recovering addicts face that non addicts don’t. One of these barriers is being ’employable’. Some potential employers may view a gap in employment as a negative thing. But please don’t let this discourage you as there are plenty of professional opportunities available for those leaving addiction treatment. Keep reading below to learn some tips and tricks on how to find a job after rehab.

How To Find a Job After Rehab

At Anchored Tides Recovery we understand the challenges a recovering addict may face trying to find employment. Below are a few suggestions on how to get started on the job search:

Think About What You’re Passionate About

A fulfilling career starts from passion. Finding a way to cope with unfulfillment is one of the common reasons why people start using drugs and alcohol recreationally. For recovering addicts, stress from working at a place that doesn’t fulfill or give them a sense of purpose can trigger negative emotions that can lead to a relapse. This is why pursuing a career in an industry you are passionate about is important. Now you may be asking yourself, what am I passionate about? How do I figure that out? A few ways to find out what interests you are:

Taking standardized career tests
Making a list of things that interest and motivate you
Talking to your friends and family to get more insight

Volunteer at First

A great way to see what types of jobs you’re a good fit for and to meet new people is to volunteer. Volunteering is less of a commitment than being hired by a company and also a wonderful foot in the door with an organization. By volunteering you can learn more about the company and how it works. You also may be able to get the inside scoop on when they’re hiring for new positions.

Go Back To School for a Specialized Degree

Sometimes, an upskill is what you need to be “employable”. The job market changes its rules and requirements, and can be quite competitive. By going back to school and getting a degree, you become a more qualified candidate. By going back to school you will also have the opportunity to network with new people.

Work at an Addiction Treatment Center

If you are fresh out of treatment, looking for employment, and want to do something that is familiar to you, you can work at a rehab! There are various administrative positions that inpatient and outpatient rehabs hire for. Some of these positions include admissions, technician, and billing support. If you are more interested in the counseling side of addiction treatment, there are various certifications you can get to be a drug and alcohol counselor.

Heal From Addiction at Anchored Tides Recovery

Navigating the sometimes rocky waters of post-rehab reintegration can be difficult. Recovering addicts are encouraged to lean on the people around them for support. It could be from friends,family, and other recovering addicts at a 12-step program. Anchored Tides Recovery is one of the best women only addiction treatment centers in Southern California. We offer several treatment programs tailor suited to women’s specific struggles and follow up services. Do you need a place to go and get help for your addiction? Reach out to us today for help with your addiction.

The Best Dual Diagnosis Treatment Centers for Women

In the last few years, the number of searches for the best dual-diagnosis treatment centers for women has significantly increased. More women are seeking gender-specific treatment centers, and we will explain why.

Addiction is a common disease, but it affects both genders differently. Research on how gender influences addiction has shown that male and female bodies react to substance abuse differently. For instance, women tend to develop dependency and eventual addiction to drugs faster than their male counterparts.

Another proof of this difference is how women metabolize alcohol. The female body produces an enzyme that slows down alcohol metabolism. Eventually, women with substance abuse problems tend to experience more severe symptoms than men.

These are just a few examples of how the effects of substance abuse differ from men to women.

Research has shown that an addict’s gender plays an important role in their treatment journey in recent years. Whether they get treatment, how they get treatment and the barriers they face can also affect addiction treatment and recovery.

Women tend to have a harder time sticking to a treatment plan than men. This issue is often influenced by their responsibilities at home. Also, women experience more mental health comorbidities than men.

With all of these differences, no wonder the need for the best dual-diagnosis treatment centers for women is prominent.

What Is Dual-Diagnosis Treatment?

Dual-diagnosis is treatment for co-occurring disorders. Someone who experiences co-occurring disorders will experience a mental health disorder and substance use simultaneously. Some common mental health disorders that co-occur with substance use disorders are:

Depression
Bipolar disorder
Anxiety
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
Borderline personality disorder
Attention-deficit hyperactive disorder (ADHD)
Eating disorders
Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
Schizophrenia

Co-occurring disorders are different from regular substance use disorders because they create a loop.

People who suffer from a dual-diagnosis require a more specialized treatment than those who only deal with substance abuse. This is because the individual has to be treated for the mental health issue as well as the substance use disorder at the same time. Most comorbid disorders influence themselves in a vicious cycle.

For example, a mental health disorder like depression can lead the individual to drink or take drugs. This influence also goes both ways as a substance use disorder can worsen a mental health issue. Most treatment centers opt for an integrated treatment plan where both issues are treated simultaneously to treat dual-diagnosis.

If you do suffer from mental illness and substance use disorder and only receive treatment for SUDS, your likelihood of relapsing is much higher. This can be due to the fact that some of the uncomfortable feelings associated with mental illness drive someone to use drugs or alcohol.

How Anchored Tides Recovery Helps Women Recover From Addiction

With many treatment centers in the United States, why choose Anchored Tides Recovery? First, Anchored Tides Recovery is a gender-specific treatment center dedicated to helping women recover from addiction. This means Anchored Tides Recovery have trained staff that understand and deal with the peculiar differences women go through when seeking treatment for their addiction.

In addition to this, Anchored Tides Recovery also offers a couple of treatment plans like partial- hospitalization and outpatient tailored for women. Are you looking for a women-only rehab center for dual-diagnosis treatment? Anchored Tides Recovery is the right choice.

Our treatment approach combines evidence-based addiction treatment and dual-diagnosis modalities while incorporating a program geared toward women’s issues.

We offer various levels of addiction treatment services including a Women’s Partial Hospitalization Program, an Intensive Outpatient Program, an Outpatient Program, and an aftercare program.

In addition to our numerous treatment programs, we provide a highly serene and conducive environment for healing. Reach out to us today for help with your addiction.

Finding an IOP in Orange County, CA

Are you currently struggling with an addiction? Are you thinking about pursuing addiction treatment but are unsure if you can commit to inpatient treatment. Or perhaps you’ve completed inpatient treatment and are looking to continue treatment.

Do you live in Orange County, CA or would like the opportunity to live there for a bit? If you answered yes to the questions above, you would likely benefit from an IOP in Orange County, CA.

Congratulations! Deciding to seek treatment for addiction is a big step to take in life. The next big step to take after you’ve decided you’d like to get (or continue) help is finding an addiction treatment program that works for you.This depends on a lot of factors, including affordability, location, and availability.

One of the biggest barriers addicts face when getting treatment is being available, and it is more apparent when it comes to women. A study showed that more women are less likely to complete a treatment program because of familial responsibilities.

This hindrance prevents women from wanting to complete residential inpatient treatment. However, with IOP’s, more women can strike a balance between their daily responsibilities and treating their addiction.

What Does IOP Stand for in Addiction Treatment?

IOP stands for intensive outpatient program. An intensive outpatient program is an addiction treatment program that allows clients to carry out their daily activities and still receive intensive addiction treatment.

An IOP is different from an outpatient program, although both don’t require the client to stay onsite at the facility 24/7. Regular outpatient treatment is usually considered one of the last steps of addiction treatment.

In most situations, an IOP (intensive outpatient program) is used as a step down from inpatient treatment. It can also be used to treat milder addictions for people who cannot commit to an extended stay inpatient rehab. For those who are the sole caretaker of a child or have professional commitments that can’t be put on pause, an IOP is a great treatment option.

There are certain requirements a client must meet before they are allowed to be in an intensive outpatient program.

These requirements include:

A safe home life without the presence of drugs
A strong support network of friends and family

If the client does not have a supportive and safe environment at home, residing in a sober living home is a great option. If a client is exposed to substances when they return home from treatment or a volatile home, they have the potential to relapse and not stay sober.

When someone attends an IOP, they receive similar treatment as they would in an inpatient rehab. Some examples of programs and therapies offered an an IOP are:

Group therapy sessions
Individual therapy sessions
12-step programs
Support groups
Alternative therapy sessions involving yoga, music, art, or equine therapy

Why You Should Go to an IOP Orange County, Ca

Why choose an IOP in Orange County, CA? Orange County is a great place to relax and more importantly, heal. Home to several picturesque beaches and treatment centers, Orange County is a top spot for intensive outpatient programs. You can enjoy the delights that Orange County offers while also getting intensive addiction treatment.

Anchored Tides Recovery: The Best Intensive Outpatient Treatment Center for Women

Anchored Tides Recovery is one of the top outpatient addiction treatment centers for women in Orange County, CA. We offer many treatment programs, including women’s partial hospitalization program, intensive outpatient, outpatient, and an aftercare planning.

Our treatment approach incorporates evidence-based addiction treatment and dual diagnosis modalities while incorporating a program geared toward the issues women face. In addition to our numerous treatment programs, we provide a highly serene and conducive environment for healing.

Reach out to us today for help with your addiction!

How to Talk to an Addict About Going to Rehab

Helping a loved one overcome addiction is unfortunately not as easy as reaching out to them and saying “hey, I think you’d benefit from going to rehab!”. It is a delicate subject that can sometimes even do more harm than good.

When we do what we feel is appropriate, like approaching an addict about going to rehab – it can end up creating a rift, arguments, and make the addict feel like you are attacking them. This, in turn, can cause your loved one or friend to isolate and continue using. It may also make them feel compelled to lie to you about their addiction and behavior. However, with the right information and practice, you can learn how to talk to an addict about going to rehab rehab and encourage them to get the help they deserve and need.

Understanding the Signs of Addiction

While addiction is multifaceted and symptoms may vary, these are some common signs associated with addiction:

Physical

Sudden weight loss or gain
Unkempt look, poor hygiene
High tolerance of alcohol/drugs
Skin problems like rashes, redness of eyes, self-inflicted injuries
Decline in sexual function
Dilated pupils

Psychological and Emotional

Loss of interest in things they normally enjoy
Mood swings
Sleep pattern changes
Overly talkative or withdrawn
Being secretive or evasive about their addiction
Depression and or anxiety
Suicidal thoughts
Physical or verbal abuse

Relational

Addiction affects not only the person but also their relationships with the people around them:

Marital problems
Skipping work or school
Violent arguments or fights
Failing to perform obligations and responsibilities
Difficulty in holding conversions
Lying about using alcohol or drugs
Financial trouble related to drug use
Isolation

How to Talk to an Addict About Rehab

Trying to help someone you love with their addiction can be a long, heart-breaking, and a challenging process. Please know you are not alone in this process and this is something that a lot of people have to do. Trust us when we say the process of talking about rehab will be easier than watching someone slip further and further into an addiction.

Be Kind

If you want to convince an addict to go to rehab, show empathy and compassion. Don’t judge, criticize, insult or shame them when approaching them about their addiction.

Try One on One Conversation

You probably won’t want to start staging an intervention with several people. Depending on the person and their situation, they may be more receptive to help if you talk to them one on one.

Stage an Intervention

If your loved one doesn’t listen to you during the one on one, another option is to organize an intervention. The intervention may include people they love or respect, like friends, family, professional health care providers, social workers, or religious leaders.

Listen More Than You Talk

Whether it’s a one-on-one communication or intervention, you probably have a lot to say. However, don’t make it about you; let the person affected speak too. Listen to them without interrupting and let them confide in you.

Try More Than Once

If your loved one doesn’t listen the first time, don’t give up. Continue to reach out, continue to convince them about getting help.

Set Boundaries

Don’t make threats but let your loved ones know the consequences of their behavior. Let them know how their behavior affects you. Also, let them know what you won’t put up with and set a limit.

For example, if your loved one gets money from you to fund their addiction, don’t put up with it if they continue to use drugs. Show support, but don’t encourage their addictive behaviors.

Learn More About Addiction

Research and educate yourself on addiction before addressing addiction. Learning more about addiction, the triggers, and symptoms will let you understand and communicate better with your loved one.

Reach Out to Anchored Tides Recovery Today

Helping your loved ones also involves partnering with them to find the right rehab. If your loved one accepts to get help, you should have a rehab in mind for them to go to.

At Anchored Tides Recovery, we understand addiction and how to help women recover from addiction. We can help you explore treatment options and design a plan that meets your loved ones needs.

Xanax Addiction Treatment Near Me

About 40% of people who take benzodiazepines (e.g., Xanax) are likely to develop an addiction to the drug. Xanax is a brand of alprazolam used to treat anxiety and panic disorders. It is also one of the most popular medications for anxiety disorders in the United States. Xanax incites feelings of calmness, and many use it to relieve stress, aid sleep, or get an easy high and, as such, can become dependent on it.

Signs You Might Have a Problem With Xanax

Xanax Addiction is characterized by:

Withdrawal

Withdrawal symptoms, also known as rebound symptoms, occur when anxiety symptoms reemerge severely when you stop taking the drugs.

Physical withdrawal symptoms include (but are not limited to):

Headache
Muscle Aches
Diarrhea
Insomnia
Loss of Appetite
Seizure
Slurred Speech
Sweating
Hypertension

Psychological symptoms include (but are not limited to):

Increase in anxiety and panic, and paranoia
Memory problems
Confusion
Mood Swings
Unable to control emotions and moods
Depression and Thoughts of Suicide

Tolerance

Tolerance/ dependence is a common addiction feature where the user needs increasing doses to reach the desired effect.

Getting Help With a Xanax Addiction

Xanax abuse can come on unexpectedly, especially because Xanax can be prescribed by a doctor. If you or someone you know is struggling with a Xanax addiction, please don’t wait to see help.

There are addiction treatment centers around the country that offer Xanax addiction treatment. With the help from addiction treatment professionals, you can overcome a Xanax addiction safely. When Looking for a Xanax addiction treatment near you, there are a few things you’ll want to keep in mind:

The facility has qualified staff and licensed mental health and medical practitioners.
The facility is certified and have accreditations
They offer evidence-based treatment that has been proven to work in the past

According to NAADAC, you should read the addiction treatment facilities mission statement to understand their goals and how they can help you recover.

What Happens During Xanax Addiction Treatment

Treatment for a Xanax addiction can either be in 2 forms depending on the intensity of the addiction. This can include inpatient treatment, where you’re required to live within the facilities during treatment.

Another form of treatment is outpatient treatment. You are not required to live onsite at an outpatient facility and are able to live at home / maintain employment while undergoing treatment. Outpatient treatment is a great tool to use after inpatient treatment or if you have a milder addiction.

The first step of Xanax addiction treatment in many facilities is detoxification, which involves getting Xanax out of your system safely. Along with detoxing, you can expect the following:

Initial Intake

This will likely happen before detoxification. The staff members at the treatment facility will get your full medical / addiction history. This will help the facility put together an individualized treatment plan for your recovery.

Medications

Xanax addiction treatment may involve using drugs to treat the side effects of Xanax abuse like hypertension, cravings, and seizures.

Individual Therapy:

Therapy is an essential part of the recovery process, especially if Xanax addiction is linked to a mental illness or psychological history. Therapy also helps change the user’s compulsive thinking, which will help them with recovery.

Support Groups:

Group therapy and attending support groups are a common part of addiction treatment. It’s important for recovering addicts to know they’re not alone in their recovery, and others have experienced similar things as them.

Family Therapy

Addiction is considered to be a family disease. Chances are while you are using, your actions at one point or another will affect your family. During Xanax addiction treatment, it’s important to address your addiction with the whole family so everyone can heal.

Aftercare Planning

Unfortunately once you complete Xanax addiction treatment, your addiction doesn’t just go away. Addiction is a lifelong disease. Before you leave any addiction treatment program, the rehab will work with you to put together a long term aftercare plan to help you stay sober.

Get Help With Addiction at Anchored Tides Recovery

If you or someone you know is struggling with an addiction, reach out to use today at Anchored Tides Recovery. We are a substance abuse and behavioral treatment facility just for women.

We aim to improve the quality of life for women living with mental illnesses or struggling with substance abuse.

Anchored Tides Recovery offers evidence-based treatment approaches, professional staff always on the ground, and a breathtaking structured facility.To start treatment or for more details on how we can help you, please visit our contact page!

All You Need to Know About Gender Specific Rehab

Every man, woman, or person responds to the effects of alcohol and drugs differently. While men are more likely than women to use almost all types of illicit drugs, women also suffer from addiction. To increase their chances of recovering fully, some individuals need to approach the treatment of their addiction from a gender-specific viewpoint at a gender specific rehab.

But before you are able to make an informed decision about which type of rehab to go to, you need to know what gender-based rehab centers are, why they exist, and how Anchored Tides Recovery can help struggling women with their addiction.

What Is Gender Specific Rehab?

Just like it sounds, gender-specific rehabs are addiction treatment centers that cater only to one gender. There are men-only and women-only rehab centers, just as they have mixed-gender rehab centers. These rehab centers are becoming increasingly popular as more research is done on how addiction affects genders differently.

Despite the general effects of addiction on both genders, there are core effects specific to each gender. In addition to this, several types of research have shown that men and women struggle with treatment issues specific to their gender.

The idea behind gender specific rehab is to have a safe space where each gender receives treatment tailored to suit their struggles with addiction and mental health. Also, gender specific rehabs understand everything from co-occurring disorders and factors that affect addiction in all genders to the best treatment programs.

How Does Addiction Impact Women?

Addiction has general effects on all types of people, but when it comes to a specific gender, there are specific effects. These effects stem from the biological and gender differences between men and women.

In women, addiction affects the hormones and body functions related to hormonal changes. This can include mensuration, pregnancy, fertility, menopause, and breastfeeding.

Other impacts of addiction in women include:

Women are more likely to have a relapse
Women experience more effects on the heart and blood vessels
Addiction alters the brain of women in slightly different ways than it does men
Women addicts are more likely to suffer from depression and panic attacks
Addiction affects the size of babies in successful pregnancies and leads to stillbirths in unsuccessful ones
Escalation of addiction happens quicker in women

How Does Addiction Impact Men?

Just how addiction affects women in specific ways, the same holds true for men:

Men are less likely to relapse
Men use more illicit drugs than women
Men smoke more marijuana than women
Men have milder withdrawal symptoms than women
The escalation of addiction in men is slower than in women

Now, when trying to determine the type of rehab you want to go to, you’ll probably ask yourself at some point if you want to go to a gender-specific rehab. The truth is, there is no right or wrong answer to this question and ultimately it is your decision to make.

If you are a woman and you feel in general you have a difficult time opening up around the opposite gender, then you may want to consider women only treatment. The point of rehab is to get the most out of it, therefore you will want to feel as comfortable as possible there.

Addiction Treatment at Anchored Tides Recovery

Anchored Tides Recovery is a women-only rehab in Huntington Beach that offers gender-specific programs to help women deal with addiction. Some of the programs we offer include women’s programs, partial hospitalization, intensive outpatient, outpatient programs, and more.

At Anchored Tides Recovery, we believe in tailored treatment programs for our clients. In addition to the excellence our programs offer, our staff’s dedication to helping women find healing and purpose after addiction is unmeasurable. If you need a gender specific rehab, don’t wait; reach out to us today for help with your addiction!

How to Fix Codependent Relationship in Addiction Recovery

Granted, it is difficult to watch your loved ones harm herself or himself by using alcohol or drugs. Even so, the addicted individual may unknowingly or accidentally take advantage of you. Those being taken advantage of are called codependents. And unless you find how to fix codependent relationships, you might be headed for a destructive and inherently dysfunctional relationship.

In your desire to please your partner, friend, family member, or loved one, you (the codependent) may facilitate the addiction rather than helping your loved one overcome it. In this case, both the codependency and addiction must be addressed. But before we delve into how to fix codependency, let’s define codependent relationships.

What Are Codependent Relationships?

Scientists say codependent relationships are a behavioral pattern where one person is a caregiver, and the other person takes advantage. One major sign is when your sense of purpose in life involves making big sacrifices to meet your partner’s or loved ones needs. Usually, one person will cater to the needs of the other to the extent of enabling their addictive habits.

Anyone can become codependent. Studies indicate that neglected or emotionally abused individuals are more likely to enter codependent relationships.

Signs of a Codependent Relationship

Knowing the warning signs is the first step towards determining how to fix codependent relationships. Look out for these signs that signify you might be in a codependent relationship:

You find it hard to find satisfaction in your life outside of your partner or loved one
You always need the approval of your partner or loved one to have a sense of purpose
You stay with your partner or loved one irrespective of the unhealthy habits they exhibit
You support your partner or loved one at the expense of your physical, emotional, and mental health
You find yourself reacting to things rather than acting out of your own choice
You are unaware of your needs or always reluctant to express your desires even though you’re aware of them
A tendency to feel hurt when people don’t acknowledge your efforts
A feeling of guilt when asserting yourself
The need to control others
You don’t trust yourself or others
Fear of being rejected or alone
Lying, deceit, and anger

Are Codependency and Addiction Related?

Codependency and addiction are closely related, as codependency often appears in relationships where one partner is addicted to drugs or alcohol. Drug addicts or alcoholics often have different problems stemming from their addiction, which include:

Problems with money, work, and relationships
High-risk habits
The continuous need for emotional support.

As a result, the codependent partner goes out of his or her way to support the addict through all the ordeals. While a codependent partner may help the addict recover, the addictive behavior is unresolved, and the challenging life situations continue.

Codependency is not always connected with addiction, but for addicted individuals, there is usually a codependent. And, in most cases, the codependent exhibits addictive habits too. More frequently, though, one individual will be more addicted to a substance while the other will support them.

How to Fix Codependency in a Relationship

If you’re in a codependent relationship and looking for how to fix codependency, keep reading.

Codependency treatment is complicated since the codependent partner feels they are not causing any harm. In actuality, they see their actions as helping their spouse and do so to show their love. Hence it is essential to diagnose and manage codependency and addiction concurrently.

Treatment is given as a combination of couples therapy or family therapy and individual therapy, depending on the client’s needs.

Treatment goals include knowing how codependent actions affect the relationship, improving communication, making relational changes, and behavioral changes via planning and accountability.

How to Seek Help for an Addiction

Codependent treatments work great if it is left to the experts. Addiction therapists understand codependency and can help you dig down to know the depth of addiction. In a recovery center, an addicted individual can receive the care they need.

Cognitive-behavioral therapy, family therapy, peer support, group therapy, and dialectical behavioral therapy are just a few of the treatment programs we offer.

At Anchored Tides Recovery, we help women find how to fix codependent relationships and addiction. Our goal is for women to live healthily and access long-term recovery treatments by offering a unique treatment center with professional staff and enhanced treatment options designed by women for women.

Reach out to us today to begin your journey to recovery.

What Is Disordered Eating?

According to studies, about 20% of the population demonstrate disordered eating behaviors.

What is disordered eating? It is a term that describes a broad range of conditions characterized by irregular eating and unhealthy eating patterns. Many people develop a bad relationship with food, either to lose weight or for health promotion. But most times, it leads to severe complications.

Not all disordered eating is easy to diagnose. Disorders like bulimia nervosa, anorexia nervosa have specific symptoms that make them easy to diagnose. However, many people suffer from subtle disordered eating with symptoms that do not meet the criteria of an eating disorder.

Some examples of disordered eating include fasting or chronic restrained eating, binge eating, restrictive dieting, skipping meals, diet pills, emotional eating, self-induced vomiting, supplements misuse, secret food concocting, and more.

Disordered Eating vs. Eating Disorder

While disordered eating describes unhealthy eating habits that can cause harm, an eating disorder is a diagnosis. American Psychological Association refers to eating disorders as life-threatening mental illnesses where the patient exhibits an abnormal relationship with food.

It is possible to have disordered eating behaviors that do not fit the eating disorder diagnosis. Usually, disordered eating behaviors are the pointer to developing an eating disorder. Thus, people with disordered eating may be at risk of developing eating disorders.

Connection Between Addiction and Eating Disorders

The American Society of Addiction Medicine now holds a definition for addiction that includes substance abuse and eating disorders. Like other forms of addiction, eating disorders involve compulsive behaviors that have effects on the brain.

In many cases, people who suffer from eating disorders are also abusing drugs or alcohol. According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), women who have eating or substance disorder are four times likely to develop the other condition.

Another connection is how people who suffer from both eating disorders and addiction use one to cope with the other.

Symptoms of Eating Disorders

Physical

Dramatic weight loss or gain
Stomach pains, purging, and dizziness
Irregular bowel movements
Menstrual irregularity
Skin and hair change
Dental problems

Behavioral

Changes in food intake
Preoccupied with weight and food
Obsession with body image and shape
Practicing food restriction, eating in secret, unable to know when you’re full

Mental

People with disordered eating are likely to develop;

Anxiety disorder
Depression
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder
Personality Disorders

Getting Help With Disordered Eating and Addiction

Once an addiction is diagnosed, the right thing is to start treatment immediately by seeing a mental health professional.

For a sustained recovery, it is best to treat addiction and eating disorders together. Usually, treatment would depend on the symptoms you exhibit and could be a combination of therapy, nutrition education, and medications.

Since eating disorders are linked to the relationship we have with our bodies, psychotherapy is an important treatment method to help address this relationship and embrace our body image.

A nutritionist would recommend a healthy food and exercise approach to maintain your health and return to a healthy weight.

Hospitalization may be necessary in cases where disorders are linked to severe mental and physical health problems.

If you or your loved one is struggling with an addiction and eating disorder, know that there isn’t much standing between you and recovery.

At Anchored Tides Recovery, we offer different addiction treatment services to help women with their recovery. A lot of research and studies have shown that eating disorders are more prevalent in women and girls. We are dedicated to helping women live a better life by offering unique and successful addiction treatment programs.

Asides from therapeutic services, our facility offers a relaxing environment, professional staff, support groups, and individualized treatment for a long term recovery.

Reach out to us today to begin your journey to wellness!

Knowing When It’s Time to Plan a Drug and Alcohol Intervention

Sarah didn’t know how bad her addiction to drugs and alcohol was until her loved ones planned a drug and alcohol intervention for her. She also didn’t realize that her actions affect others. At this point, she realized that it was time to get better for herself and those affected by her addiction.

Addiction is a chronic illness that affects two categories of people – the primary and secondary individuals. The truth is, many addicts live in a world that revolves around drugs and alcohol.

Most addicts find it hard to picture a life sober through the haze of substance-induced euphoria. But an intervention can help a person break through that haze.

While some addicts might hit rock bottom and decide to seek treatment for their addiction on their own, this isn’t the case for everyone. Sometimes, it takes the secondary party staging a drug abuse intervention to realize they need help.

Are you a concerned friend or parent? Do you wish to intervene and get your loved one to agree to treatment? Are you conflicted about how to achieve this? Keep reading to find out when and how to stage an intervention!

What Is a Drug and Alcohol Intervention?

In the simplest terms, it is a conversation between addicts and their loved ones about the addict’s addiction. The goal of every intervention is to eventually get the addict to agree to treatment and rehabilitation.

A successful intervention is one where the addict realizes how much his addiction affects not just them but their loved ones and decides to get help.

That realization is important because, for an addiction treatment program to be effective, the addict must want to get sober.

But unfortunately an intervention is not as easy as having a conversation. It sometimes doesn’t work especially when the addict denies their addiction or willfully refuses to discuss it. An intervention is all about communication on both sides.

While loved ones want the addict to know how the addiction affects them, it’s important to also know the “how” and “why.”

If a regular intervention with family and friends is unsuccessful, consider inviting an intervention specialist to help out. After a successful intervention, both parties can find a treatment center together. You can use this SAMHSA locator to find one.

How Do You Know When You Need to Plan a Drug Abuse Intervention?

Is there a sign that says it’s time to have a drug and alcohol intervention? Well, no, there isn’t. However, studies show that early intervention is often the best.

Early intervention might be as soon as you notice certain signs that show that your loved one is struggling with an addiction. Signs of addiction can range drastically from person to person as addiction manifests differently in everyone.

Here are some telltale signs to look out for:

Increased aggressiveness or moodiness
Excessive borrowing of money
Increased deterioration in physical appearance
Recent secretive behavior
Lack of interest or problems at school or work
Increased fatigue

Please note that the list above is not an exhaustive list of signs of addiction.

Before staging an intervention, you might want to talk to other people close to the addict. They might have noticed the same issues and may want to be a part of the intervention.

If you are too worried about the addict’s reaction to an intervention or what you will say, contact an intervention specialist first and ask them to be a part of the intervention.

Anchored Tides Recovery Is Here for Your Loved One

Are you looking for a good addiction treatment center for your loved one? Try Anchored Tides Recovery, a top women-focused rehab center located at Huntington Beach. We offer treatment programs tailored to treat addiction in women. Reach out to us today to learn more about our program and how we can help your loved one recover!