One of the topics often shrouded in shame but critically important to discuss is coping with relapse. Today our Anchored Tides Recovery team will explore practical tips to help you manage and overcome setbacks in your recovery journey.
Understanding Relapse: It’s Not the End
The first thing to understand about relapse is that it’s not an uncommon part of the recovery journey. Relapse doesn’t mean failure; it means you’re human. What’s crucial is how you cope with it:
Reassess: Take time to understand what triggered the relapse.
Reach Out: Contact your support network immediately.
Recommit: Strengthen your commitment to sobriety.
The Designation: Defining ‘Relapse’
In addiction recovery terminology, “relapse” often carries heavy weight and may seem like a step backward. However, at Anchored Tides Recovery, we view relapse as a detour, not a dead-end. Understanding the term in this light can remove some of its stigmatizing impact and make it easier to focus on getting back on track.
Tips for Coping with Relapse:
1. Own Your Mistake
Accept that you’ve had a setback. Denial won’t help; owning your mistake will.
2. Seek Professional Help
Whether it’s returning to treatment, going to a meeting, or scheduling an emergency session with your counselor, seek professional guidance as soon as possible.
3. Revisit Your Recovery Plan
Perhaps you need more support, different coping mechanisms, or even a new treatment approach.
4. Forgive Yourself
Guilt and shame can exacerbate your situation; forgiveness will lighten your emotional load.
Your Journey Isn’t Over
If you’ve experienced a relapse, it’s vital to remember that your journey isn’t over. Coping with relapse is a skill that can be honed, and with the right support and tools, you can navigate this setback successfully. Recovery is a long road with ups and downs, but each challenge is an opportunity for growth.
For more personalized support and resources for coping with relapse, don’t hesitate to reach out to us at Anchored Tides Recovery. We are here to support you every step of the way.
FAQ’s
1. Is Relapse a Sign of Failure?
No, relapse is not a sign of failure. It’s a common part of the recovery journey that many people experience. The key is how you cope and learn from it.
2. Should I Return to Treatment After a Relapse?
It depends on the severity and circumstances of your relapse. Consult your healthcare provider for personalized advice tailored to your situation.
3. How Can I Prevent Future Relapses?
Prevention involves a combination of strategies, including maintaining a strong support network, adhering to your treatment plan, and developing healthy coping mechanisms.
4. Are There Programs at Anchored Tides Recovery Specifically for Those Who Have Relapsed?
Yes, we offer various programs tailored to meet individual needs, including those who have experienced relapse. Our holistic approach provides the tools you need to cope effectively and get back on the path to recovery.
Feel free to reach out to us for more information and personalized guidance. Your journey to recovery is ours too.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
Anchored Tides Recovery’s Outpatient Program (OP) offers a flexible and supportive treatment option for women seeking ongoing recovery from addiction and mental health challenges. Our OP provides personalized therapy sessions, group counseling, and holistic support tailored to each individual’s needs. This program allows women to continue their daily activities and responsibilities while receiving the care and support necessary for sustained recovery. With a compassionate approach, our Outpatient Program fosters healing, resilience, and personal growth, empowering women to achieve and maintain long-term wellness in a nurturing and understanding environment.
Being the first point of contact for women seeking aftercare for their recovery in alcohol and drug addiction; I am driven & passionate about helping them with their next steps. I have always been passionate about helping others & this position allows me to see those dreams come to life.
You can always find me in nature during my self care time, usually hiking, roller skating by the beach, or surfing the waves. I enjoy music to feed my soul & get grounded. I lead a healthy & holistic way of living that I enjoy sharing with others.
Michelle King
Operations Manager
Michelle has been a part of the Anchored Tides family since 2018. Michelle is an empathetic individual who finds connection with each client. Her goal is to help women feel understood and see that long-term recovery is possible. Michelle obtained a bachelor’s degree in sociology from Brandman University and is working towards her masters in social work. Michelle is passionate about helping others and considers it an honor to be a part of a treatment team who believes the client’s care is the first priority. In her spare time Michelle loves going to concerts, camping, and road trips.
Katie van Heerden
Clinical Therapist
I am Katie van Heerden, a licensed marriage and family therapist, currently conducting individual and group therapy at ATR using CBT and EMDR modalities. My passion for working with those struggling with addiction and mental health is a personal one. I, myself, grew up in a family system of addiction and mental health issues with little knowledge of what to do or how to recover. This drove me to further my education in mental health disorders, first by obtaining my BA in psychology from Cal State University Fullerton, then my Master’s Degree in Clinical Psychology from Pepperdine University. While the knowledge I have obtained in school is extensive, my personal journey through life and all of its struggles have led me to the conclusion that anyone can recover if given 2 things: resources and support. When asked what keeps me going in this field, after 10+ years, I typically respond; “I am merely a farmer. I plant the seeds, nourish when necessary, and give space to allow growth.” Watching clients transform into better versions of themselves is not only rewarding but inspiring. It is a “job” I never take for granted.
Tracy Dunn
Interventionist / Relationships & Co-Dependency
Tracy Dunn is a National Interventionist and Addiction Coach who has received training at the Crossroads Recovery Coaching Academy of Seattle Washington and The Addiction Academy in Miami Florida. As the daughter of Roger Dunn of the Roger Dunn Golf Stores, Tracy knows all too well the dramatic impact that fame and addiction can have on the family system. Her professional training partnered with over 32 years of sobriety has led Tracy to be deeply committed to both saving and changing the lives of those struggling with addiction and alcoholism and their families.
As a group facilitator, she works collaboratively with her clients to help them focus on the action they will need to take to recognize the vision they will have for themselves. As an interventionist, she has helped many families to overcome the paralyzing grip of addiction by teaching accountability, compassion, and the other tools needed to break the cycle of addiction and maintain sobriety. Tracy works with the media, treatment facilities, interventionists, therapists, and addiction psychiatrists and consults with treatment facilities. Her dedication to saving lives has given a dynamic voice of recovery to those who had previously given up hope, and the belief that they are able to create their own successes.
William Nephew
Rock To Recovery
William Nephew has been a singer/songwriter for over 20 years. He achieved some notable success early in his career with emo/rock band Jack’s Broken Heart, which won a San Diego Music Award in 2001, toured the continental United States, and shared the stage with acts like The Mars Volta and Jimmy Eat World. Having a strong passion for the arts, William earned a B.A in Cinema production. Following completion of his degree at San Francisco State University, William worked on film/tv projects for major Hollywood production companies including Sony and Universal Pictures.
Williams addiction began at an early age and followed a slow and steady progression. Eventually, William knew he had to make a change. With the help of drug and alcohol treatment, William got sober on May 26th, 2014. He has been sober ever since. William’s talent as a singer/songwriter, passion for the healing power of music, and the struggles of his past make him an outstanding program administrator for Rock to Recovery. He believes in the strength of creative expression as an extremely effective tool to cope with overwhelming emotions in early sobriety because William was actually in Rock to Recovery groups as a CLIENT before he became a program facilitator. William is also a certified CADC-I drug and alcohol counselor by the state of California.
Amy Dutton
COO / Co-Founder
Amy moved to California from Florida in 2011 to begin her journey into a life of recovery. Amy started to gain her spirit back while helping others and that’s when she found her life’s purpose. Amy graduated with a bachelor’s degree in psychology and a minor in sociology from Chapman university. Amy has also completed her CAADAC degree at Centaur university. Amy truly believes being outside and in touch with nature helps with self-destructive behaviors, which she considers to be the key to her personal recovery. After years of owning and operating a successful women’s sober living, Amy really saw the need for gender-specific aftercare. Amy Dutton and Becca Edge teamed up to create Anchored Tides Recovery.
Kelli Easley
Director of Marketing & Admissions
Kelli Easley comes to Anchored Tides bringing with her over seventeen years of experience in the field of addiction. Her unwavering passion to help others stems from her commitment to give back after overcoming her own 17-year addiction. She holds certifications in both Chemical Dependency and Family Development.Kelli had the good fortune of training under a well-respected interventionist, and therapists this has only strengthened her expertise in working with both individuals and families. Kelli is currently working towards a degree in Business Administration along with being a loving mother to her husband, and two sons. In her free time, Kelli is active in the recovery community and lends her support to nonprofit organizations to help those in underserved communities.
– “Hardships often prepare ordinary people for an extraordinary destiny” – C.S. Lewis
Bunny & Murphy
Registered Emotional Support Animals
Bunny is a 3yo male French Bulldog and Murphy is a 6yo female Shiba Inu. Both of these pups have been raised at Anchored Tides and grew up handing out love and support to our clients. They have the wonderful ability to sense when someone needs a little extra love, some playful puppy time, or just a companion to sit and hold space while they are processing something.
Murphy’s favorite treatment activities are Lunch, Reiki, Process group, and sitting in on individual sessions. Bunny’s favorite activities are Lunch, DBT, and also sitting in on individual sessions. When they aren’t working, Murphy likes to play with her little brother (who is not a support animal), go on hikes, dig holes, sleep and eat. During Bunny’s time off, he likes to destroy squeaky toys, play with his nerf dog gun, and sleep.
They (and we) believe that animals are essential in providing emotional support. Studies have shown that some of the benefits of having an ESA include enhancing calm and relaxation, alleviating loneliness, enhancing social engagement and interaction, normalizing heart rate and blood pressure, and reducing stress, pain, anxiety, and depression. They are an important part of the holistic approach at ATR to make everyone feel loved and comfortable as they walk through their recovery journey.
Hillary Delira
Program Director
Hillary, an Orange County local, has been working in the field of addiction for over a decade and has been in recovery herself for over 13 years. Coming from a broken place with nowhere to go but up, Hillary can relate to clients on a deeper level with compassion and understanding. Her favorite thing about working in recovery is watching individuals come into their own and find the inner peace they once had but lost along the way. Hillary is currently an undergrad at the University of Phoenix with a BS in Business and working on a master’s degree in healthcare administration. Hillary not only enjoys being part of the Anchored Tides family, but showing up as a wife, daughter, sister, aunt, and friend to those around her. Hillary thanks the program of recovery every day for the life she has and strives to be an example for women everywhere.
Maryam Ashraf
Primary Therapist - ACSW
Bio Coming Soon…
Jennifer Hojnacki
Social Worker / Case Management - ACSW
Bio Coming Soon…
Alisa Fienmann
Case Manager - CDAC-II
Alisa brings a high level of dedication and compassion to her work as an addiction counselor and group facilitator. A certified addiction treatment counselor (CADC-II), Alisa has nine years of experience working in the substance abuse field. Alisa has apassion for both helping others in recovery and guiding women through the process of rebuilding a valued life and increasing their self-worth. She embraces her strengths of empathy and patience to help others develop upon their inherent set of skills and seek a purpose based on their own abilities. Alisa is DBT (Dialectical Behavior Therapy) informed and brings her expertise to the therapeutic setting. Currently, Alisa is working towards a bachelor’s degree in psychology at California State University Fullerton, with the hopes of becoming a social worker. When not at work or school, Alisa enjoys fitness, watching the Boston Red Sox, salsa dancing, and spending time with family and friends.
Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP)
Anchored Tides Recovery’s Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) provides a flexible and supportive treatment option for women seeking recovery from addiction and mental health issues. Our IOP combines evidence-based therapies, group counseling, and individualized care plans tailored to each woman’s unique needs. With a focus on empowering women to rebuild their lives, our program offers the structure needed for recovery while allowing participants to maintain their daily responsibilities. In a compassionate and understanding environment, women can develop the skills and resilience necessary for long-term recovery and personal growth.
Kelly is the RD for the PHP and IOP program at Anchored Tides and focuses primarily on helping people struggling with eating disorders overcome their challenges. She received her Bachelor of Science in Nutrition and Dietetics from California State University Los Angeles and went on to work inpatient psych and outpatient HIV before beginning her work in treating eating disorders.
Stephanie Behrens
Clinical Director & Clinical Outreach - LMFT, LPCC
Stephanie Behrens is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor, who earned her Masters in Clinical Psychology at Pepperdine University. She received her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from the University of California, Santa Barbara. Stephanie has been working in the treatment industry since 2014 and joined the Anchored Tides Recovery team as Clinical Director and Clinical Supervisor in 2024. She also enjoys working as a therapist and specializes in substance abuse, complex trauma, co-dependency, and anxiety/depressive disorders. Stephanie also has an interest in animal-assisted psychotherapy where she and her dog are certified as an official therapy dog team. When she is not working, she enjoys spending time with family and friends and her Golden Retriever.
Sierra Flynn
Primary Therapist - AMFT, CATC3
Hello,
My name is Sierra Flynn. I am an associate marriage and family therapist and an
addiction treatment counselor. I completed my undergraduate studies at California State
University, Fullerton where I emphasized substance use and mental health. I then
proceeded to receive my master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from Alliant
International University, and I am currently pursuing a Doctoral Degree in Marriage and
Family Therapy at Alliant. I strongly believe in reducing stigma as it relates to addiction;
therefore, I have dedicated my career and life’s work to working on the front lines with
this population. I was given a second chance in life, and I believe everyone deserves
the opportunity to succeed and reach their best self. The modalities I treat clients with
are theories I have found to be effective in my own therapeutic work. I am trained in
EMDR, and I specialize in the treatment of complex trauma and addiction.
Becca White
Primary Therapist - AMFT
My name is Becca White, an Associate Marriage, and Family Therapist. I have a bachelor’s degree in Sociology with a Minor in Addictions Counseling as well as a master’s degree in counseling with an emphasis in Marriage and Family Therapy from California State University, Fullerton. My passion to treat women with severe substance abuse issues as well as co-occurring mental disorders is a personal one. Through my own experience with addiction, I have adapted skills which add depth to understanding clients and providing them with unconditional positive regard and compassion. I believe my recovery and personal journey has become one of my greatest assets. I offer unique insight into mental health and addiction.
Currently, I utilize an array of intentional strategies to develop a positive working relationship with individuals and their families. I provide both individual and group therapy, such as psychoeducation to provide insight into the disease of addiction as well as promoting long-term sobriety.
As a therapist at Anchored Tides Recovery, I can fulfill my purpose in life, which is to help others navigate through their own perils. It is an honor to give back and help women learn the skills to become self-confident and overcome adversity.
Markie Maneval
Operations Manager - RADT-1
Like many who have struggled with addiction, Markie’s journey to sobriety was no straightforward path. As a Tulane University student and intern for the NASA Stennis Space Center, she was on her way to a successful life! Personal struggles and watching her brother also struggle and lose his battle with drugs and alcohol only drove her deeper into addiction. Her drug and alcohol abuse continued to grow out of control until she finally realized it was time to surrender and get help. She was tired of living on the streets. She was tired of hurting her loved ones. She was tired of how much she hated herself.
She now has over five years of sobriety and is a strong believer in the ability to transform the future by making positive and healthy changes. Today, Markie has over five years of sobriety and has worked in the drug and alcohol treatment industry for over 4 years. She is a strong believer in the ability to transform the future by making positive and healthy changes. She is passionate about the work and the impact she makes on her community. Markie recently joined the Anchored Tides Recovery Team and is excited to help women begin their journey into sobriety!
Julia Perez- Monje
Yoga & Movement Group
Hello, my name is Julia Perez-Monje, I am a 500 level RYT Certified Yoga Instructor, Reiki Practitioner, and Sound Healer. I first discovered yoga during my own recovery journey. I found spirituality and began to understand my true purpose in life – sharing this beautiful practice with others. I have a bachelor’s degree in psychology with a minor in human communications, and I love being able to expand on wellness with a holistic approach to healing. During yoga groups, I incorporate breathworks, aromatherapy, meditation, reiki, and sound healing. Groups are focused on deep relaxation, gentle stretching, releasing blockages, balancing chakras, staying present, and tuning into intuition. I am genuinely grateful for the opportunity to guide others to experience and ignite the healer within themselves!
Andrew Mouck
Fitness Education - RADT-1, Certified Personal Trainer
My name is Andy Mouck, and I am a dedicated group facilitator at Anchored Tides Recovery. Having personally overcome addiction and completed treatment in 2017, I am deeply passionate about helping individuals on their recovery journey. I bring a compassionate and empathetic approach to my role, creating a safe space for participants to heal and grow. Alongside my work as a group facilitator, I am a National Academy of Sports Medicine Certified Personal Trainer, sharing my love for fitness and wellness as an integral part of recovery. With a bachelor’s degree in economics from California State University, Long Beach, and ongoing studies in a post-baccalaureate health program at California State University, Fullerton, I bring a comprehensive understanding of addiction and the importance of holistic care. As a registered drug and alcohol technician, I am committed to providing the highest quality care and staying informed about the latest advancements in addiction treatment. I am honored to be part of the Anchored Tides Recovery team, empowering individuals to embrace sobriety, rebuild their lives, and create a future filled with hope and purpose.
Brandon Thompson
Reiki & Breathworks
Bio coming soon…
Dr. Sanchez
Medical Director
Venice Sanchez, MD, is a board-certified psychiatrist and addiction medicine specialist. At her practice in Newport Beach, California, Dr. Sanchez takes a holistic approach to care that emphasizes not only medication management and traditional medicine, but also the incorporation of therapy, spirituality, healthy eating and exercise, and social factors. She is a diplomate of the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology and Addiction Medicine.
Dr. Sanchez received her bachelor’s degree from the University of California, Los Angeles, and her medical degree from Michigan State University College of Human Medicine. She continued her training at the University of California, Irvine Psychiatry Residency Program where she was recognized by faculty with the Outstanding Resident of the Year Award as an acknowledgment for her dedicated efforts in education, the clinics, and her work with her patients.
Dr. Sanchez has had extensive training at multiple facilities under the supervision of experts in her field, which allowed her to gain comprehensive knowledge and experience in treating a wide array of psychiatric disorders. Her work at the Long Beach VA, various addiction rehabilitation centers, and San Diego Detention facilities allowed her to gain expertise in Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, substance abuse, and mood and thought disorders underlying substance use.
Dr. Sanchez realizes the significant need in women’s health, especially in treating pregnant and postpartum patients who are struggling with mental illness. She not only trained with a specialist at the Maternal and Fetal clinic at UCI Medical Center, but she was also at the forefront in opening up the first Women’s Mental Health Medication Management Clinic at Long Beach VA Veteran’s Hospital. Her passion for her field allowed her to diligently pursue the much-needed training and experience in treating patients who have a comorbid psychiatric diagnosis. She also specializes in treatment-resistant psychiatric disorders.
Eating Disorder Treatment
At Anchored Tides Recovery, our Eating Disorder Treatment program offers a holistic, compassionate approach tailored specifically for women. Our multidisciplinary team provides personalized care that includes medical monitoring, nutritional counseling, therapy, and support groups. We focus on healing the underlying emotional and psychological factors contributing to eating disorders, empowering women to achieve a healthy relationship with food and their bodies. Our supportive environment encourages lasting recovery and overall well-being, helping women reclaim their lives with confidence and resilience.
Anchored Tides Recovery’s Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP) is designed for women who need intensive support while maintaining some level of independence. Our PHP offers a structured and comprehensive treatment plan that includes individual therapy, group counseling, life skills training, and holistic therapies. With a focus on addressing the root causes of addiction and mental health issues, our program provides a nurturing and empowering environment. Women in our PHP receive the care and tools necessary to achieve lasting recovery, all within a supportive community that fosters healing and growth.
Becca Edge is originally from Birmingham, Alabama. She is no stranger to mental health and substance abuse issues in her family, and she herself also struggled with addiction and moved to California to commit herself to treatment. She has been in long-term recovery since 2010. After much success in the corporate world, Rebecca started a sober living home as a “passion project” to provide women with a safe place as they re-enter the world as sober members of society. She noticed that there weren’t many aftercare programs dedicated to women’s sobriety or supporting them with the various co-occurring disorders that pop up once women are free from drugs and alcohol. So in 2016, Rebecca partnered with Amy to create a safe, therapy-focused place where women can heal from their addictions, trauma, and other issues while growing into who they were always meant to be. Becca is passionate about helping women realize their worth and supporting/helping them navigate the next steps of their lives, all while helping them feel secure on their road to long-term recovery.
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. 
