Category: Recovery

Addiction Recovery: The Importance of Sharing Your Story

The Power of Your Story

At Anchored Tides Recovery we encourage empowerment and healing on your path to recovery. One of the most potent tools in your recovery journey is sharing your story about addiction recovery. Today, we’ll explore why this can be transformative not just for you, but for others as well.

Why Sharing Your Story Matters

The struggle with addiction is often shrouded in shame and secrecy, making it challenging for many to speak openly. However, sharing your story breaks down these barriers, offering several benefits:

Eradicates Stigma: Open conversations can help dispel the myths surrounding addiction.
Inspires Others: Your story could be the push someone needs to seek help.
Promotes Healing: Vocalizing your experience can offer emotional relief and even speed up your healing process.

How Sharing Impacts You Personally

The act of sharing isn’t just for the listener; it’s also a powerful tool for the storyteller. Here’s how it benefits you:

Accountability: Saying it out loud makes your journey more real and holds you accountable.
Reflection: Talking about your experiences provides a new perspective and may reveal insights you hadn’t considered.
Community: Sharing often invites others to do the same, fostering a sense of community and mutual support.

Ways to Share Your Story Safely

While sharing is beneficial, it’s important to do it in a way that’s comfortable for you. Some methods include:

One-on-One Conversations: With close family or friends.
Support Groups: Like the ones offered at Anchored Tides Recovery.
Social Media: Platforms like Facebook or dedicated recovery forums can offer anonymity if preferred.
Writing: A blog or an article can also be therapeutic and far-reaching.

The Designation and Its Importance

The term “addict” is often seen in a negative light. However, at Anchored Tides Recovery, we understand that this designation doesn’t define you. It’s a part of your past, not your future. Sharing your story as someone who has struggled with addiction offers you a unique position to effect meaningful change.

Your Story Is Your Strength

The importance of sharing your story about addiction recovery cannot be overstated. It’s a bold step toward personal growth and offers a lifeline to others who are facing similar challenges. You’re never alone in this journey, and your story is a testament to your strength and resilience. Let’s break the cycle of silence and stigma together.

For more guidance on how to share your story or to find a supportive community, reach out to us at Anchored Tides Recovery. We’re here to listen and help. Founded by women, for women.

FAQ’s

1. Is it Necessary to Share My Story Publicly?

No, sharing your story is a personal choice and can be done in various settings that you are comfortable with—be it privately with a trusted friend or family member, in a support group, or even anonymously online.

2. Will Sharing My Story Trigger Relapse?

While sharing can be therapeutic, it can also stir up emotions. It’s important to evaluate your emotional state and consult with your healthcare provider or counselor before deciding to share your story.

3. What Should I Include in My Story?

The details you choose to include are entirely up to you. Some people discuss the challenges they faced, the turning points in their journey, and the successes they’ve achieved. Others focus on what they’ve learned and how they’ve grown.

4. How Does Anchored Tides Recovery Support the Sharing of Stories?

At Anchored Tides Recovery, we offer a supportive environment where sharing is encouraged but not mandatory. We provide group therapies and one-on-one counseling sessions where you can choose to share your story as part of your recovery process.

Easy Self-Care and Self-Love Tips for an Addict

At Anchored Tides Recovery, we understand that addiction recovery is a challenging journey. Self-care and self-love are fundamental tools in building a resilient recovery path. If you or a loved one is battling addiction, incorporating these self-care and self-love tips can pave the way to a healthier, happier life.

Why Self-care and Self-Love are Essential for Recovery:

Recovery isn’t just about avoiding substances; it’s about rebuilding and nurturing yourself from the inside out. Embracing self-care and self-love can:

Improve mental and emotional well-being.
Reduce chances of relapse.
Enhance self-awareness and mindfulness.
Strengthen personal relationships and boundaries.

Self-Care Tips for an Addict

Routine Building: Stick to a daily routine, ensuring you have time for activities that make you feel good.
Physical Health: Engage in regular exercise, eat a balanced diet, and get enough sleep.
Mindfulness and Meditation: Practice grounding techniques like deep breathing or progressive muscle relaxation.
Join Support Groups: Being a part of a community, like the one at Anchored Tides Recovery, offers emotional support and understanding.
Stay Hydrated: Drinking water is crucial for maintaining physical health and mental clarity.

Practices for Fostering Self-Love:

Positive Affirmations: Start each day by looking in the mirror and stating something you love about yourself.
Journaling: Writing down your thoughts, feelings, and achievements can help you recognize and celebrate your progress.
Forgive Yourself: Remember, everyone makes mistakes. What’s essential is learning from them and moving forward.
Seek Professional Help: Therapy or counseling can offer tools and insights that support your self-love journey.

Special Designation:

The term “addict” is often laden with stigma. At Anchored Tides Recovery, we see beyond the designation. An addict is someone seeking healing, understanding, and love. By addressing the reader directly, we aim to connect on a personal level, emphasizing that everyone deserves love, care, and understanding, especially during challenging times.

Self-care and self-love are more than buzzwords. They’re lifelines in the journey of recovery. Embrace them, practice them, and let them guide you toward a brighter, substance-free future. Remember, at Anchored Tides Recovery, we’re here to support you every step of the way.

FAQ’s

1. What is Self-Care and How Does It Differ From Self-Love?

Self-care involves taking actions to maintain or improve your well-being, particularly during times of stress or adversity. It encompasses physical, emotional, and mental health. Self-love, on the other hand, is a mindset that entails appreciating and accepting yourself, flaws, and all. While self-care is a practice, self-love is a belief.

2. Why Are Self-Care and Self-Love Important in Addiction Recovery?

Both self-care and self-love are crucial because they equip you with the mental and emotional strength needed for recovery. They help you manage stress, reduce the chances of relapse, and improve overall well-being.

3. How Can I Incorporate Self-Care Into My Busy Schedule?

Start small. Even a 10-minute walk, a brief meditation session, or a quick journal entry can be impactful. As you build the habit, you’ll find it easier to make time for more extended self-care activities.

4. Is Professional Help Necessary for Practicing Self-Care and Self-Love?

While you can certainly start the journey of self-care and self-love on your own, professional guidance can offer valuable insights and coping skills tailored to your needs. At Anchored Tides Recovery, we offer various therapies and support groups that focus on self-care and self-love as integral parts of recovery.

5. What Resources Are Available at Anchored Tides Recovery for Self-Care and Self-Love?

We offer a holistic approach to recovery, including therapies like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and support groups that help you cultivate self-care and self-love as you journey toward recovery.

6. Can I Practice Self-Care and Self-Love While Still Using?

The journey towards recovery often starts with small steps. Practicing self-care and self-love while still using can be a beginning. However, it’s essential to seek professional help for a comprehensive treatment plan.

Fun Sober Nights with Friends: Celebrate Life Beyond Alcohol

girl holding her surfboard on the beach during sunset

Hello, dear readers of Anchored Tides Recovery! There’s a common misconception that fun can’t be had without the inclusion of alcohol or other substances. But in reality, there’s a world of enjoyment to be found in sober activities. Let’s dive into some creative and memorable ways to have a blast on those sober nights out with friends.

The Allure of Sober Nights

If you’re on a journey of recovery or simply choosing to abstain from alcohol, you might be wondering, how do I fill my nights with fun and connection? The truth is, sober nights can be even more rewarding than those blurred by alcohol. They allow for:

Genuine Connections: Without the haze of alcohol and other substances, conversations tend to be more meaningful.
Clear Memories: Remember every hilarious joke and heartfelt moment.
No Hangovers: Wake up feeling refreshed and proud of your choices.

Ideas for Sober Night Fun

If you’re looking for inspiration, here are some fantastic, alcohol-free activities to consider:

Game Night: Bring out the board games, card games, or even video games. Nothing beats the fun of a friendly competition.
Theme Parties: Choose a theme (80s, masquerade, or pajama party) and dress up accordingly.
Outdoor Adventures: From night hikes to beach bonfires, nature offers an array of sober fun.
Cooking or Baking Nights: Whip up some delicious treats or meals together.
Karaoke: Belt out your favorite tunes with friends – no alcohol is needed for this kind of fun!
Arts & Crafts Night: Dive into DIY projects or paint a collective mural.
Movie Marathons: Pick a series or genre and binge-watch together.

The Power of Designation

One concept worth noting in our exploration of sober nights is the designation. When you hear the term “designated driver,” it’s usually someone who abstains from drinking to drive others home safely. But in our context, we can broaden the term: be a Designated Fun Planner. This person is in charge of ensuring that the group has a variety of entertaining, sober activities lined up. By rotating this role among friends, everyone gets a turn to introduce the group to new experiences.

Crafting a New Narrative

Our society often equates fun with alcohol consumption. However, sober nights with friends offer a chance to redefine what fun truly means. At Anchored Tides Recovery, we believe in celebrating life in its purest form. Here’s a challenge for you: the next time you’re planning an evening with friends, consider an alcohol-free agenda. Discover the joy, laughter, and connection that await in these unforgettable nights.

Embrace the journey of sobriety, and remember, there’s a whole community here cheering for you!

FAQ’s

1. Can sober activities be as fun as non-sober ones?

Absolutely! Sober activities provide an opportunity for genuine connections, meaningful conversations, and a host of unique, creative ways to enjoy yourself without the influence of alcohol or substances. Plus, you’ll remember all the great times you’ve had.

2. What are some popular sober activities?

There are a plethora of options, including:

Game Nights
Theme Parties
Outdoor Adventures like hiking or beach bonfires
Cooking or Baking Nights
Karaoke
Arts and Crafts
Movie Marathons

3. What is a Designated Fun Planner?

A Designated Fun Planner is someone in the group who takes on the responsibility of planning and coordinating a variety of sober activities for an outing. This person ensures that everyone has a great time while staying true to the aim of a sober night. By rotating this role among friends, everyone gets a chance to contribute to the fun.

4. How do I deal with social pressure to drink?

It can be difficult, especially in a society where social activities often involve alcohol. Be honest about your choice to remain sober. You can also consider having a non-alcoholic drink in hand to deflect attention. Surrounding yourself with supportive friends can make a world of difference.

5. Do I have to disclose that I’m sober or in recovery?

You’re under no obligation to disclose your sobriety or recovery journey unless you’re comfortable doing so. You can simply suggest fun activities that don’t require alcohol. Most people will be more interested in the fun to be had than in whether or not alcohol is involved.

Anchored Tides Recovery Is In-Net with Cigna

PAYING FOR REHAB

Cigna Insurance

Cigna is a global health organization that offers an extensive network of in-network doctors in all 50 states. Last year, more than 86 million customers explored the ways in which the company’s proprietary technology, robust provider network, and multi-channel approach can help them benefit from affordable healthcare for basic needs. Cigna also provides comprehensive treatment and rehabilitative services, including addiction counseling, to those suffering from substance abuse issues.

Does Cigna Cover Addiction Treatment?

Cigna’s Addiction Rehabilitation Program (ARP) is designed to provide patients with access to comprehensive, timely and effective addiction rehabilitation services. ARP offers patients the flexibility of receiving medically necessary treatment during the same visit to the hospital where care is first sought. ARP also provides coverage for medically necessary care associated with polysubstance use disorders.

Cigna Addiction Treatment

If you have Cigna health insurance, you may qualify for the following Cigna alcohol treatment and drug addiction programs:

Detox Services
Inpatient and Residential Care
Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP)
Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP)
Outpatient Treatment

Get help at Anchored Tides Recovery

If you or a loved one is struggling with addiction, we can help. Our advisors help those struggling with alcohol misuse, drug abuse, or those with an eating disorder to find the best treatment options for their needs. We’ll work with you to find programs that will give you the help you need without breaking the bank. Call today and begin your journey toward a healthier life.

The Importance of Self-Forgiveness In Recovery

Recovery is a journey. During the process, self-forgiveness plays a critical role in healing. Many women who struggle with addiction often find themselves burdened by feelings of guilt and shame. These emotions can feel overwhelming, keeping you stuck in the past. Letting go of these feelings is essential for growth and moving forward. If you or a loved one is struggling with self-forgiveness, it’s understandable—you might question whether you deserve it. But without self-compassion, it’s easy to get trapped in a cycle of shame and guilt, which only holds you back. Addiction feeds off these feelings, making it even harder to heal. While self-forgiveness may seem tough, it’s a key step toward moving forward and finding peace in your recovery journey.

The Role of Shame and Guilt In Addiction

Shame and guilt are powerful emotions. They can slowly erode you mentally and spiritually if you don’t find healthy ways to cope with them.

Shame is a complex feeling that can occur when you’re the perpetrator of wrongdoing, but it can also be something you experience as a victim.
For example, your cycle of shame could have started when you experienced abuse, leading to PTSD. Untreated PTSD could then fuel your substance use. Guilt would then become part of the cycle if you felt that you were letting your children or family down, which could bring you deeper into the cycle of addiction.
According to empirical evidence, feelings of guilt and shame both create and feed an addiction whether it’s an alcohol addiction or drug addiction.
When you feel these two emotions, you experience distress about your actions. They can cause you to hate yourself. Both feelings also relate to other mental health conditions, including depression.

The terms may be used interchangeably in many situations, but there is a subtle difference between guilt and shame. Guilt relates more to particular actions, while shame can define who you are as a person, or at least you feel like it does.

When you have deep-rooted feelings of shame, they become part of your story, and you begin to believe you’re a bad person and can’t do good.
Both shame and guilt increase the risks of unhealthy substance use, which can lead to angry outbursts and unhealthy relationships.
There are links between these feelings and substance use and other addictive behaviors such as binge-eating and sexually risky behaviors.

Along with fueling addiction, guilt and shame can be an obstacle to recovery, and studies show higher rates of these feelings lead to worse recovery outcomes. Having unresolved and distressing feelings can shorten periods where you go without using, increase relapse rates, or be a reason why you don’t seek treatment.

What Is Self-Forgiveness in the Recovery Process?

When one is receiving treatment for addiction, there is a lot of talk about letting go of resentment. We tend to first associate this with resentment toward other people without realizing we may have persistent grievances against ourselves.

It can be much harder to forgive yourself than someone else.

When you’re in active addiction, many of your behaviors hurt people or cause regret.
You then internalize these active addiction behaviors and start to think you’re a bad person.
In recovery, it’s important to work toward the realization that addiction isn’t who you are, and everyone makes mistakes.
When you’re stuck on feelings of shame or guilt, then you’re keeping yourself in the past.
When you work through the process to forgive yourself, you’re able to move forward and become “unstuck.”

Self-forgiveness in recovery doesn’t mean you aren’t taking responsibility for the harm you’ve inflicted on others. Personal responsibility can be part of self-forgiveness. The best way to move forward is to acknowledge your actions and impact and then move forward with mindfulness.

Why Self-Forgiveness Matters

Without self-compassion, it’s easy to become trapped in a cycle of guilt and shame, unable to progress in your recovery. When you begin to understand the importance of self-acceptance, you open yourself up to healing. Addiction thrives on negative emotions, and if you’re constantly weighed down by guilt, it’s hard to experience true recovery.

Self-forgiveness isn’t about excusing harmful behavior or denying accountability. Instead, it’s about showing yourself the same empathy you would offer a loved one who made mistakes. It’s about giving yourself the opportunity for renewal and allowing yourself to experience peace. By making amends with yourself, you can break free from the harmful patterns of the past.

Women and Shame

There’s a particularly complex relationship women tend to have with shame. Shame in women affects how you view yourself and your self-esteem.

According to organizations like the American Psychiatric Association, it’s also more common in women than men, largely because of cultural and societal expectations and standards.
Women have higher levels of shame than men in many cases, and they tend to have a harder time with different aspects of forgiveness for themselves, according to empirical studies.
Outside of addiction, when women seek treatment for mental health disorders like anxiety, depression, or eating disorders, they often have to work through complex and crippling feelings of shame.
Having these feelings prevents many women from seeking a mental health disorder or substance abuse treatment.
Women often experience shame as they’re forced to meet society’s standards as partners, mothers, and more.
When women are victims of sexual or physical abuse, they may internalize their shame and feel like they deserved what happened to them.
Women from different cultural backgrounds may also experience more shame than others.

These are all things that have to be part of treating mental health disorders and addiction.

How to Practice Self-Forgiveness In Recovery

While every situation is unique, below are four steps toward self-forgiveness that people and women, in particular, can begin to practice self-forgiveness in recovery from drug or alcohol use disorders:

1. Reflection and Acceptance

It’s important to take time for honest reflection about your past choices. Acknowledge the mistakes you’ve made without allowing guilt to consume you. This is the first step toward self-acceptance and understanding that you’re worthy of forgiveness.

2. Embrace Compassion and Grace

Treat yourself with compassion during this process. Forgiving yourself requires grace and understanding that nobody is perfect. Mistakes are part of life, but they don’t define you. Through self-compassion, you can begin the journey toward reconciliation with yourself.

3. Accountability and Growth

Accountability is crucial in the process of self-forgiveness. While you shouldn’t hold onto guilt, taking responsibility allows for true growth. By addressing your actions and learning from them, you’ll move closer to healing. Forgiving yourself helps you move forward with the intention of becoming a better version of yourself.

4. Release and Liberation

Finally, letting go of the guilt is one of the most liberating aspects of self-forgiveness. It gives you the freedom to move on from the past and focus on your future. Self-kindness will help you break free from the shackles of shame and guilt, allowing you to experience a deeper sense of peace and recovery.

Take Care Of Yourself Physically

Practicing self-care and doing positive things for your physical health can help reinforce that you are worthy and valuable, leading to increases in forgiveness for yourself.

Self-care is integral to recovery from addiction as well.

Find healthy habits and ways that you can show yourself you care. This might mean doing yoga, taking a walk, or practicing meditation instead of relying on the influence of alcohol or drugs.

Creating a Physical Ritual of Self-Forgiveness

When you have a physical element of self-forgiveness that’s tangible, it can help you. One example is writing a letter to yourself on a piece of paper, expressing your forgiveness. This lets you process what you’re feeling, develop a sense of closure, and move forward.

Addiction treatment is when you can focus on forgiving yourself and creating a new path forward past difficult times. Please reach out to our team to learn more about treatment programs for women beginning a journey of recovery and self-forgiveness.

Our team can help you learn more about alcohol abuse treatment program options and treatment for drug addiction to help facilitate a lifelong recovery, promoting decreases in shame and an increase in forgiveness for yourself and others.

The Anchored Tides Recovery abstinence-based outpatient program is specifically for women in Southern California. We offer evidence-based treatment and outpatient group psychotherapy, and individual treatment plans; to learn more call 866-329-6639.

Forgiveness in Recovery

Breaking the Habit of Justification

The number of addicts in the United States increases with each passing year. Nearly 25 million Americans age 12 and over suffer from some form of addiction, which represents about 10 percent of the population. Although one reason for the growing number of addicts is the addition of new addicts, another reason we see an increase in the number of addicts is the difficulty many addicts have in breaking the habit.

The physical craving combined with the serious health consequences of withdrawal makes stopping cold turkey nearly impossible to do. For example, the withdrawal symptoms of an opiate addict breaking the habit can place the addict in a seriously harmful medical condition. However, physical addiction alone does not explain the rapidly rising number of addicts aged 12 and over in the United States.

Drug counselors and therapists also deal with a phenomenon called justification. The habit of justification represents a long list of reasons addicts justify using their drugs of choice. Whether it is an alcoholic or someone who cannot kick a heroin habit, justification remains a powerful reason why many addicts remain addicted to a harmful substance.

Talking with an addict is not enough for breaking the habit of justification. Addicts need a combination of group and individual therapy sessions and close monitoring that includes making the slow transition between using and staying drug-free.

What Are the Most Common Types of Justifications?

The likelihood of breaking the habit of justification depends on the type of justification.

I Cannot Live Without It

This type of justification deals directly with the harsh withdrawal symptoms associated with minimizing the intake of an unlawful substance. For example, many opiate addicts justify their use by claiming that they will experience debilitating side effects if they stop using. The most effective strategy to defeat this type of justification is to explain an addict can ease into a life of sobriety by implementing one or more intervention strategies.

For example, an opiate addict can take a drug called Subutex or Suboxone to mimic the euphoric high of a drug such as heroin. Taking either drug can help an addict slowly stop consuming an opiate pill or injecting an opiate substance. Drugs that mirror the feeling of harmful substances such as opiates defeat the justification argument of “I need to continue taking this drug because withdrawal might kill me.”

I’m Not Taking a Lot

Some addicts justify using an unlawful drug based on the amount of the drug they consume. “I’m not taking as much of the drug as other people” is a common statement made by addicts that live in denial. The key to defeating this justification is to educate the addict about the harmful effects of a drug, even if it is taken in small doses. This requires an honest discussion between an addict and the addict’s primary healthcare provider. An addict who uses this justification also might benefit from individual therapy sessions.

Although resorting to scare tactics should not be the primary strategy to help an addict get clean, simply educating an addict about the possible damage resulting from the continued use of a controlled substance might be enough to break the habit of justification. Another term for this type of justification is called minimizing.

Minimizing is associated with several types of justifications like “It’s not that bad” or “I can stop anytime that I want to.”

I’m in Control… I Can Stop Whenever I Want

An addict who uses this justification has no idea how much not in control the addict is when it comes to using an illegal substance. One of the trademark characteristics of an addict is not having any control when it comes to using a controlled substance. If an addict has demonstrated a record of getting clean in the past, then maybe the addict has some control over getting clean now.

However, refraining from using an addictive drug requires a multi-step approach based on the understanding an addict is not in control. An addict that admits a lack of control has taken the first positive step on the road to shaking a highly harmful drug addiction. The intense craving for using a controlled substance is reason enough to admit an addict cannot control an addiction.

I Just Use it Once in Awhile

Addiction does have to happen daily. In fact, some addicts use it a few times a week or maybe go binging over the weekend. Overdoing the use of a drug is a common element of turning into an alcoholic. Binge drinking represents one of the most prominent signs of an addiction. For example, an alcoholic can binge drink over 48 hours and then not consume a drop of alcohol for another ten days.

Just because someone only occasionally uses does not mean the person is not considered an addict. This type of justification can be dealt with by educating an addict about the definition of addiction.

How to Break the Habit of Justification

Breaking the habit of justification, such as the act of minimizing the impact of addiction, starts with trusted friends and family members of the addict. Written instructions provided by a licensed and certified therapist written instructions can help an addict come to grips with the reality of making excuses for an addiction. Trusted friends and family members should always use the first person “I” when discussing addiction issues with an addict. An example is “I think what you just said sounds like you are justifying using drugs and alcohol.

Justification is one element of the disease called addiction. It blends in seamlessly with other elements, such as deceit and the inability to hold down a job. After trusted friends and family members intervene, the time has come to enroll in an outpatient therapy program that provides an addict with support from a licensed and certified therapist. An addict also has the option to enroll in an in-patient program to ensure the provision of emotional support 24 hours per day, seven days a week.

Finally, respond consistently to every justification made by an addiction. The more an addict hears about how a justification represents a sign of addiction, the more likely an addict might take the disease seriously and seek help.

If you’re interested in learning more about maintaining long-term sobriety with a group of women peers in Southern California, contact Anchored Tides Recovery at 866-600-7709.

Common Types of Justifications How to Break the Habit of Justification

Dual Diagnosis and Treating Problems at the Root

Mental health problems and addiction usually go hand in hand. With rising statistics of these two disorders being simultaneously diagnosed in people, the need for a new term arose.

Read on; in this article, we will explain the term “dual diagnosis” – what it means, how it is diagnosed, what the statistics are pointing at, and the available treatments.

What is Dual Diagnosis?

Dual diagnosis is a term that is used to name dual mental health conditions in which a person battles a mental disorder and addiction (or, as it is academically called, “ substance use disorder.”)

The term “addiction” includes all kinds of addiction – drugs, alcohol, food, sex, video games, gambling, or even work. The other mental health condition or disorder can be general anxiety, bipolar disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, depression, or any other mental disorder diagnosed by psychiatrists. It’s important to note that two mental or emotional disorders happening simultaneously are NOT a dual diagnosis. The term is used for the combination of a mental illness and an addiction.

The term itself is very broad, and it doesn’t matter if the addiction or the mental illness came first. The most common case is a dual diagnosis where addiction arises as means to lower or ease untreated symptoms from the mental illness. But, as we will elaborate in the next section, the connection between addiction and mental illness goes deeper.

Furthermore, the severity of the dial diagnosis might vary – a teenager with mild depression and a habit of compulsive eating can be diagnosed with a dual diagnosis. A bipolar person with a relapsing heroin habit can also be diagnosed with a dual diagnosis.

Why Does Dual Diagnosis Happen?

To understand the basic principle of a dual diagnosis, we need to take a look at both the conditions separately, and the combination of the two.

The NIDA (or the National Institute on Drug Abuse) segregates the reasons as follow:

The two conditions have common risk factors – Early development trauma, genetics, and family history (as well as functionality) play a big role as risk factors for developing both substance abuse and mental disorder. It’s usually the environment (and learned behavior) that sparks the possible transferred genes into active addiction or mental illness.
Mental illness can lead to a substance abuse disorder – Research has shown that mental disorders increase the chances of developing an addiction. Primarily used as a “medication” for the mental disorder, the addiction is seen as something that can soothe the person and the symptoms. Furthermore, some conditions such as Bipolar disorder (especially mania episodes) or Antisocial Personality disorder increase the possibility of the individual indulging in unlawful behaviors, including drug abuse.
Substance addiction can cause a worsening of mental health disorders. With the uncalculated behavior that substance abuse brings, the individual is more likely to commit a crime, expose themselves to traumatic events, or cause life-altering situations. That can, in turn, spark or worsen mental illnesses, especially if there is a genetic predisposition for the illness.

The dual diagnosis is most often a cycle, where both the addition and the mental illness contribute and perpetuate one another.

Signs of Dual Diagnosis

If you suspect that you or someone you know might be battling dual diagnosis, these are the signs you should look for:

Unusual new behavior and change in sentences or word patterns;
Worse work or school performance; abandoning activities that the person previously enjoyed;
Closing up and not wanting to communicate with people;
Leaving behind friends and family and hanging out with new groups;
Unusual need of money, obtained by either asking for them or stealing;

In people that only have a diagnosed mental illness:

Sudden wish to stop medications
Asking for money; possible stealing, and lying
Change in the way the person speaks and behaves
Strange new behavior that wasn’t previously displayed as part of the diagnosis

In people that already had an addiction, but not a mental illness:

Strange new behavior that they didn’t previously display

Closing up and not wanting to communicate with people
Change in the way they talk, think, or speak; believing
Taking an even bigger dosage of their substance of abuse

What the Numbers Show

A survey from 2013 done by the National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH) came up with some numbers about people with dual diagnoses:

In 2013 there were around 24 million illicit drug users in the United States
In the same year, 1 in 5 adults; and 1 in 10 adolescents; has suffered from a mental illness
Around 1.4% of adolescents had a major depressive episode and substance use disorder
3.2% of adults had a mental disorder and substance use disorder

Some of the most often mental illnesses that have risks of addiction are:

Depression
Anxiety disorders
Obsessive-compulsive disorder
Eating disorders
Post-traumatic stress disorder
Personality disorders
Dissociative identity disorder

There are tens of thousands of people that battle dual diagnosis each year. No matter what the cause of simultaneous occurring of mental illness and addiction, there needs to be a special treatment that can help these individuals work on both conditions.

Treating Problems at the Root

In people with mental illness, the drug or addiction of choice helps with coping with the symptoms from the first diagnosis. Without proper treatment, the risk for addiction relapse is bigger.

Existing addicts who develop a mental disorder will only increase their usage, which will rapidly worsen the symptoms and the progression of the illness.

Only by working on both of the conditions with the help of specialized treatment centers a person with a dual diagnosis can get better.

Following the advice given by the World Health Organization, there is a need for continued and detailed care for people battling a mental health issue and an addiction. Numerous treatment clinics work with broad spectrums of adductions and are equipped to treat patients with Dual Diagnoses. Those rehab facilities can provide the person with an individual treatment plan based on their set of mental and substance abuse disorders.

What is the Dual Diagnosis Treatment Model?

For individuals with Dual Diagnosis to recover, they need to have help in attending and working on both the addiction and the mental illness in treatment centers.

For the best chances of recovery, Dual Diagnosis the professional care of the rehab facility should include:

Substance abuse specialists and mental health professionals working together
Psychotherapy or any other kind of therapy that helps the individual in their coping and managing of the conditions
Prescription medication and therapy based on the individuals’ needs
Inclusion of spouses, family, friends, and the whole community on the road towards recovery.
Work in and with support groups

There are addiction treatment specialists that have psychiatric backgrounds, and they can help with both definitive diagnosis and treatment of the dual diagnosis.

A drug rehabilitation center has all kinds of professionals, treatments, therapies, and medicaments that can help the individual.

They should also have intensive, residential treatment programs which can help individuals with severe mental or substance abuse problems.

Seeking Help

Dual diagnosis is a term that is used to describe a combination of two disorders – a mental health one and a substance abuse one. There are more possibilities why are mental illnesses and addictions connected, including mutual risk factors or one condition feeding the appearance of the other. Nonetheless, a dual diagnosis treatment model is available and includes simultaneous work and special care to both the mental illness and the addiction.

If your daughter is struggling with addiction and another mental health issue, call Anchored Tides Recovery at 866-600-7709 to discuss support in Southern California.

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What are the Best Crystals for Anxiety and Stress?

Crystal healing is a popular modality in alternative medicine that is said to interact with a person’s energy field and create a state of balance when they are held. Crystals are good for anxiety in many instances, as they are believed to promote a sense of support and well-being. Although there is no solid scientific proof that they work, there is a common recommendation of crystals because they place a combination of placebo effect with attention to mindfulness and can shift the mind into a more positive state. There are as many crystal types as there are ailments, each said to help with a specific issue. Whether completely true or not, there is no doubt that the electricity of a crystal exists even if it is infinitesimal.

Are Crystals Helpful for Mental Health Issues?

There are a variety of crystals that are said to be good for mental health, by promoting a state of “being grounded.” Grounding is a popular term used to describe a state of mental clarity, balance, alignment, and a place generally free from anxiety. People use crystals to manage stress, to increase mental focus, and to promote the health and well-being of the person’s overall energy state. A common belief is that crystals interact with the energy field and can raise the vibrational energy, thereby uplifting the lower, denser vibrations inherent in ailments. It is said that while crystals can evaporate or raise the energetic frequency of what it interacts with, there is no scientific proof that solidifies this claim.

Crystals are said to be absorbent and have the ability to evaporate thicker negative energy states, allowing a person to become unstuck. While beset with states of stress and anxiety, crystals can act as a source of support, whether in the mind or in actuality, or both. They are plentiful in variety and unique to each type. They are even found in our electronics because of the way they emit frequencies. In some people’s belief, they can be effective for healing illnesses in the physical body because of their power. With no science backing this up, there is no doubt that the belief in crystals is still existent as it has been for thousands of years.

The Science Behind Crystals

While the popularity of crystals suggests they are good for anxiety, there is no known scientific evidence that they work. The frequencies they emit could possibly be so slight that it would be hard to prove an actual cure. However, crystals good for anxiety have stood the test of time in cultures, being so because of the power of people’s belief in them. There can be a minor effect on the body because they are said to hold different and specific properties unique to each type.

Crystals are called upon to support mental health issues like states of anxiety, stress, or depression. Crystals for anxiety can work just as much in the mind as much as medically. With a supposed electrical signal that sends waves of a certain benefit, the placebo effect in believing they work can shift mental states by shifting the mindset to a positive belief. Even with skepticism about crystals and the fact that they should not replace conventional medical treatment, some form of the benefit of crystals is said to exist because of the way the mind is affected by their charms. It is suggested to use specific crystals to create a sense of calm reassurance and grounding while also following a doctor’s advice.

Crystals can be considered a source of support for a number of purposes, including in the aid of meditation and mindfulness. Crystals for anxiety can be paired with meditation practice by focusing on the crystals’ properties, placing intent on their healing power, and combining the placebo effect with a shift into positive belief with mindfulness.

Ways to Use Crystals for Anxiety

There are a number of ritualistic ways to work with crystals consciously for the purpose of healing states of stress and anxiety. Many people are suggested to employ the following techniques to enhance the crystal healing experience.

Choose a stone that resonates with you. See what properties are said to be held within that particular crystal. Set an intention that this crystal can aid in your intention to meditate. The belief you can hold by suspending skepticism can have a placebo effect that is still effective. Know that there is a tiny electrical current that may be energized by your own body’s energetic frequency, interacting with that focus of mind and body.
Cleanse the stones and use them in your meditation practice as a ritual to remind you of the importance of power and mindfulness. Spiritual practice can aid in the management of stress and anxiety and crystals can be a tactile and symbolic reminder that healing is possible. Place them in sunlight or burn incense to instill feelings of calm and safety. Make this a space for mindfulness and connecting to your own form of spirituality and positivity.

Crystals that are good for anxiety:

Amethyst – a popular stone known for its soothing powers and effect on mental clarity.
Black Tourmaline – sends up a tiny shield from electromagnetic frequencies or EMFs. It is said to combat and subdue panic attacks and ease our energy contact with electronic devices and fields.
Rose Quartz – this stone is said to increase the energy of affection and love and can elevate a person’s mind to a state of more self-love.
Lava Stone – a grounding crystal for anxiety.
Hematite – a stone said to be dense enough to ground your body by its heavy frequencies and its interaction with slower energy vibrations.
Smoky Quartz – said to manage and vanquish the state of fear.
Moonstone – a soothing stone associated with feminine energy and the ability to clear static and stress.
Lepidolite – is said to be one of the antidepressants of the crystal world.
Tiger Eye – a popular stone that is said to clear clouded emotions and empower a person to move forward past emotions.
Citrine – cuts through anxiety with its brilliant luminescence and bright energy.

Since the state of grounding or “being grounded” is a popular statement nowadays, crystals are proposed by some to aid in a state free of anxiety and of mental clarity. Crystals can still have a tactile and placebo effect while still emitting an electrical charge. Although science has not proven its effectiveness, in the realm of alternative medicine many places their faith in them and benefits in their own unique way.

Crystals are not a scientifically proven way to cope with any mental health issues, like anxiety or addiction, but seeking treatment is. If you’re looking for a support group of women in Southern California, call 866-600-7709 and talk to a member of the Anchored Tides Recovery team today.

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5 Steps to Leave an Abusive Relationship

We all need love and affection, so romantic relationships are one of the most important relationships we form in life. But, the romanticized dream of spending your life with someone, can have a twisted turn and become a nightmare.

In this article, we will explain abusive relationships – what they are and their signs, how to spot abusers, and most importantly, how to leave them behind and never turn back.

What is an Abusive Relationship?

An abusive relationship is a relationship where one is doing psychological, social, sexual, financial, or physical torture to the other to show and maintain power and control.

In heterosexual abusive relationships, the abusers are predominantly males, but that is by no means a rule. One of the biggest problems in today’s domestic or relationship violence is that men are less likely to confess that they are being abused, mainly because people won’t believe them or they’re afraid of being ridiculed. That leads to a lot of unrecorded female to male abuses, thus misleading statistics.

By modern social psychology theories, it is believed that men are more likely to abuse by causing physical and emotional pain. On the other hand, women abusers use means of psychological and social torture. Most of the time, an abusive relationship will have all of the previously mentioned contexts and not just one.

Am I in an Abusive Relationship?

The signs of an abusive relationship are:

Psychological abuse

Consists of the abuser calling the victim names, belittling them, making fun, giving their secrets, gaslighting, manipulating, threatening, etc.

Social torture

Social abuse is the act of trying to turn other people against the victim, controlling the victim’s social circle, restricting their movement or freedom of choice, controlling their social media or phone/internet usage, and so on. Often, the abuser is trying to alienate the victim from their family and friends since those are the most likely to spot the abuse and stand up for the victim.

Sexual abuse

In a sexual context, the abuser can force or manipulate the victim into sexual acts that the victim doesn’t want to do. The National Coalition Against Domestic Violence (NCADV) gives statistical data of “around 14% to 25% of women being sexually assaulted by their partners during a relationship. In abusive relationships, that number goes up to 45% of women being sexually assaulted, aside from other kinds of abuse.”

Financial abuse

Financial abuse is consisted of taking money out of the victim; or, if they don’t work, restricting and controlling the money they use and what they use it for. It might also include restrictions about working and working hours or controlling how the victim spends their own money.

Physical abuse

Physical abuse is the most common (and most easily noticed) type of violence. In physical abuse, the abuser is hitting, dragging, pulling, scratching, pushing, or using a weapon/tool to cause pain to the victim.

How do you Spot an Abuser?

There isn’t a simple way to spot an abuser, but there are some characteristics that abusers are more likely to have. They include:

Always wanting to be right
Having a high opinion of themselves
Being easily triggered
Needing to control people and situations
Are prone to jealousy (this is not limited only to jealousy towards possible love rivals)
Want to belittle people

5 Steps to Leave an Abusive Relationship

Have a Support System

If you want to leave an abusive relationship, you first need to acknowledge the fact that you are actually in an abusive relationship. Since there is also psychological abuse, the victims are led to believe that the abuse is not real, that it’s their fault, that it won’t happen again, etc.

Once you are aware that you need to leave that relationship for your good, you need a good support system. That can be friends, family, co-workers, therapists, hotlines, violence victim shelters – where ever you know you will be comfortable, but safe too.

The Office of Women’s Health (OWH) explains that women’s shelters are free, safe, and warm places for violence survivors (and their kids) to stay. In this stage, you also might need a secret phone if you live with an abuser that is controlling and goes through your phone.

Make an Escape Plan

If you live together with the abuser, it’s very important to have an escape plan. The escape plan includes a date and means of leaving, a bag with necessities and clothes, important documents, cash on the side, and whatever else you think that you need. If you want to leave as soon as possible, a shelter (or a safe place with relatives) might be the best option. If you have kids, you might want to take them with you. This complicates things, so be sure that you start packing your and your kids’ bags once you are sure that you will have time to leave unhurt.

For some victims, leaving an abusive relationship includes a lot more planning. They might rent an apartment; gather evidence from the abuse to use in the future; get bus/plane tickets; make copies of important documents; and everything else they might need, depending on the situation.

Stick to the plan and leave. Once and for all

This is the step of actually leaving. And leave the abusive relationship for good. The psychological abuse often goes to the extent that the victim is manipulated into trusting or pitying their abuser. This is usually accompanied by excuses like “he/she still loves me”, “he/she didn’t mean it”, ”It won’t happen again”, “I can change him/her”, “he/she will kill me or himself/herself”…

Stay safe with close and reliable people

Once you leave, it’s important not to tell a lot of people where you stay. This is a safety measure since a lot of abusers won’t easily let their victims go. They want to control and feel in power, and once the victim doesn’t comply, their rage increases. With that, chances of even bigger abuse increase too.

If you are scared for your safety or think that your abuser might find you, make sure that you get a restraining order against them. If they appear, do call the police and don’t hesitate. Making a firm stance against your abuser is the first step towards them giving up.

Get Therapy or Counseling

Abusive relationships are very damaging for the individual. They leave long-lasting stress, anxiousness, fear, uncertainty, low self-esteem, bad picture of the self, among other things. Sometimes, they might even leave physical scars. If you want to take the control back and remember that relationship as the event that turned you into a strong warrior, you can use the help of a therapist.

Getting Professional Help

An abusive relationship is one where one person is trying to maintain control and power over the other, usually through physical, psychological, social, sexual, or financial abuse. For the victim to leave, they should have a support system of friends and institutions, have an escape plan and stick to it, go to a safe place, take any legal measures (if needed) and visit a therapist who can help with the long-lasting psychological effects.

If you or someone you know is struggling with abuse, or want to leave an abusive relationship or addiction, or looking for a supportive group of women in Orange County, California, call 866-600-7709 and talk to a member of the Anchored Tides Recovery team.

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Law Enforcement and Addiction Recovery

For better or worse, the chances are you have strong opinions about police reform.

Even just the term “police reform” triggers many intense emotions, from both sides of the political spectrum, and doesn’t do any justice towards the actual meaning behind the idea.

Today, we answer the question – what does police reform mean?
We’ll cover the cause, effect, and specifics.

The Stigma Around Police Reform

Most people hear the term “defunding the police” and take it literally. To many, the term means “take away police funding, cut their salaries, remove police presence.” This is very far from the actual meaning of the term.

Police reform revolves around reallocating police funds and retraining officers, including their responses to drug offenses. While there are outliers with more radical views regarding police reform, they are just that – outliers. Financially, police reform calls for reducing the budget for weapons, non-community orientated programs, and changes in fines and fees associated with a drug arrest. However, the primary focus of funding has less to do with budget allocations and more to do with law enforcement’s response to drug use and mental health-related issues.

Currently, many emergency calls involving drugs or mental illness result in police taking aggressive action. Police officers are currently trained as soldiers, and as a result, they act like soldiers when they are called in. This type of mentality results in a lot of unnecessary violence and a negative stigma of the police in the public eye; For example, recently, a police officer who was responding to a disturbance call broke the arm of a 73-year-old woman with dementia while using force because she was not responsive to his commands. The police are supposed to make us feel safe, but many people are just afraid of them.

Under police reform laws, many drug-related and mental health emergencies would be handled by trained social workers, mental health professionals or simply allocate funds to train police officers in therapeutic counseling strategies of de-escalation. In all scenarios, officers would still be present in some capacity.

The Real-Life Results of Police Reform

Reallocating the police budget affects the entire community. It also narrows the scope of police work. Police are required to respond to virtually every emergency incident. This results in police being tasked with jobs that are outside of their expertise. For example, mental health calls require nuanced psychological training to have a positive outcome. The wide range of police work also contributes to elevated stress levels in officers due to the nature of their job and the effects of poor sleep and long working hours.

These are the most significant benefits of police reform:

Improved Social Programs: Social programs encompass housing, education, and rehabilitation. Many social programs have extremely limited resources. This is especially true in impoverished neighborhoods. Youth that gets drawn into gang activity, drug experimenting, and other nefarious behavior often do so for lack of options. Community centers, sports, and stable housing reduce first-time offenses and provide long-lasting changes in any environment.
Better Support for Mental Health: Individuals with mental health issues such as addiction, depression, PTSD, etc., often need help that most cops and jail environments cannot provide. Trained mental health professionals can only provide proper treatment. Commanding presences, like that exhibited by most law enforcement, only serve to intensify the harmful effects of mental instability.
Reduced Violent Crime: As mentioned, cops often respond to non-violent, non-emergency situations. In police reform, officers would have more time and resources to focus on dangerous offenders and serious crimes.

Addiction as a Disease

Drug use is not a violent crime, but often authorities approach it as such. Addiction is a disorder of the brain, and drug use is a symptom of the disorder. Once you understand this, the idea of approaching the situation the same way you would a violent offender seems off base.

Historically, people viewed substance dependency as being caused by a lack of willpower or character. However, modern health professionals view addiction as a disease. Science shows genetics, environment, culture, and mental illness all play pivotal roles in developing an addiction. Children of substance-dependent parents are more likely to become addicted and/or suffer from behavioral issues.

Viewing addiction as a disease also allows for a more well-rounded treatment plan. This is due to the increasing focus on functional medicine. Functional medicine involves treating the patient’s entire body as a system- when one part fails, it affects the entire body. For example, depression and anxiety dampen the mood and disrupt logical thinking. A person suffering from these conditions may be unable to weigh the consequences of their addiction clearly. Additionally, people with the illnesses mentioned above may rely on substances to combat their depression, anxiety, and suicidal thinking.

Overcoming substance dependency requires time, therapy, and medical treatment. Without proper training, many officers may treat someone suffering from dependency the same as a violent offender. This can cause additional trauma and worsen the effects of mental illness and dependence on those affected.

It’s worth noting that police officers are not the only career that requires additional training regarding drug use. A societal change in thinking is necessary for long-lasting help and prevention to occur regarding drug dependency.

Many cities, such as Philadelphia, have taken to providing clean needles to people suffering from heroin dependency. Intravenous drug use is accountable for disease spread, severe infection, and other occurrences that put additional strain on city funds. Providing safe places and sanitized needles curb the risk of infection and violent crime. This is just one example of how changing societal views of addiction benefit both the community and the city budget.

Where Do We Go From Here?

The conversation surrounding police reform is still in its early stages. There have been several incarnations of police reform in the past that have worked to varying degrees.

An era of police reform occurred with the advent of digital cameras, phones, and internet crime. Police reform is a natural part of the institution; as society changes, so should the goal and practice of policing. The expectation of law enforcement moving forward is that officers will be limited in what calls they respond to en mass.

Police reform also limits their roles in mental health cases, non-violent disputes, and drug use. There is also a call for a higher level of accountability of police from their peers. To be clear, policing is as much a lifestyle as it is a career. It’s well known that officers, much like any life-defining career, form tight-knit groups that aren’t overly friendly to outsiders. This power level allows many police officers who commit crimes to receive reduced sentences, even when found guilty. The double standard afforded to officers during criminal proceedings only drives a wedge further between officers and the community they’ve chosen to protect.

While unit camaraderie and cohesion are essential to law enforcement, the cause and effect of these relationships can feel unfair. An officer can be loyal to their sworn code and still hold their fellow officers accountable.

Lastly, the combined factors of reduced violent activity, decriminalization of substances, and budget reallocation can increase the economic value of a neighborhood. This not only improves the economy and quality of life of its residents but also of communities nearby. As it stands, many non-violent offenders lose out on lifetime earnings, resources and gain social stigma for their drug use and arrests. A more lenient, support-based system allows persons with substance use issues to receive the treatment they need and reclaim their lives. To learn more about addiction recovery call the team at Anchored Tides Recovery at 866-600-7709.