Dialectical Behavior Therapy and You

Dialectical Behavior Therapy

Dialectical Behavior Therapy

 

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) is a type of evidence-based behavioral therapy that aims to identify and change unhealthy or destructive behaviors.

The core idea of behavioral therapy is that behaviors are learned, and therefore when they aren’t healthy, they can be changed. These types of therapy also tend to focus primarily on current problems someone is experiencing, so they can make changes.

What is Dialectical Behavior Therapy?

While dialectical behavioral therapy has many things in common with other types of behavioral therapy and especially CBT, it also has unique elements that set this approach apart. It can be described as a sub-type of cognitive-behavioral therapy.  Dialectical Behavior Therapy

The goal of dialectical behavioral therapy is to help people learn how to regulate emotions, have healthier relationships, cope with stress in practical ways, and live in the present.

Someone who has self-destructive behaviors, such as a person with a substance use disorder, can benefit from DBT, as can a person who has a hard time regulating their emotions; it’s also used with PTSD.

Objectives of dialectical behavioral therapy can include:

  • Move from being out of control to in control. You might be able to reduce harmful behaviors by becoming more in control in all areas of your life. 
  • Learn to be able to experience healthy relationships rather than avoiding them or being emotionally unavailable.   
  • Develop problem-solving skills that can be applied in daily life. 
  • Accepting negative emotions exists but being able to still feel like a fulfilled person.  

What can you expect with DBT?

If you’re participating in a DBT treatment program, there might be individual therapy sessions and group sessions focused on developing more specific skills.

For example, you might start your journey working with a DBT therapist one-on-one, this will help you begin to learn how to apply DBT skills. Then, you can put those skills into action during group sessions.

When you’re doing a DBT group session, you can support one another and share experiences. These groups are led by a therapist, even though they aren’t one-on-one.

DBT may involve homework assignments too. For example, you may be asked to practice exercises to help with mindfulness.

Group sessions usually occur once a week, or maybe a couple of times a week for around six months.

There are also variations in how DBT is delivered. For example, the sessions might be done by phone or video conferencing. DBT can also include just one-on-one therapy without the group sessions, or you could do the alternative and only participate in groups.

Why is Dialectical Behavioral Therapy Effective?

As was mentioned, DBT was initially created to help treat borderline personality disorder, which is characterized by strong negative emotions that are hard to manage.

These emotions often come when someone diagnosed with borderline personality disorder interacts with other people in their lives, such as their family members or romantic partners. These intense emotions lead to conflict.

woman thinking

The goal of DBT is to help create a sense of balance, particularly in your emotions. You move away from seeing things as all-or-nothing or entirely black-and-white, promoting acceptance.

Strategies Used in DBT

The following are some of the specific techniques commonly used in DBT skills training by DBT therapists.

Mindfulness

When you participate in DBT, you learn mindfulness skills, so you’re grounded in the present. This means you’re always thinking about what’s happening both inside your mind and body at any given time, but you’re also using your senses for what’s around you.

Mindfulness can be an important component of addiction treatment and making progress in mental health disorders because it helps you slow down and work on using the coping skills you learn, rather than jumping straight into impulsive behavior or negative patterns.

Tolerance for Distress

When you develop skills for distress tolerance, you can start to handle crises in a better way. Some of the ways you might be taught to do this in DBT include distraction, self-soothing, and working to improve the moment. If you have strong emotions, you can use these distress tolerance techniques to cope better.

Interpersonal Effectiveness

As was mentioned, a lot of what’s worked on in DBT focuses on interpersonal relationships. With interpersonal effectiveness, you can start to learn how to communicate in a healthy way, respect your personal boundaries when it comes to relationships, and create more positive bonds with others.

Emotional Regulation

When you have strong negative emotions, it’s difficult to navigate the situation. Through DBT, you can learn how to identify those emotions and cope with them for more positive outcomes. You might engage in the opposite action as part of this. For example, if you’re feeling depressed and you’d like friends and family, you might learn to do the opposite and instead reach out for social connection during these times. You can bring opposite feelings or forces together with the ultimate goal of creating balance.

Dialectical Behavioral Therapy in Addiction Recovery

DBT can be helpful for the treatment of substance use disorders because it’s a means to help equip people with the tools they need to have healthier emotions and mindsets.

One premise behind DBT is that someone who engages in self-destructive behaviors, which can include substance use, doesn’t have the necessary skills to create a fulfilling life, but they can learn those skills.

Participating in DBT does require a time commitment because you do therapy sessions and homework. However, learning these skills can be an excellent option if you’re in addiction recovery, and they can help you thrive in your daily life.

Many people in addiction recovery find that they struggle to cope with negative emotions and stress, which can increase the likelihood of relapse. DBT can help you implement strategies to reduce the risk of relapse.

In addiction recovery, a lot of people also have to work to rebuild damaged relationships, and DBT helps you learn strategies to do that also. 

Types of Behavioral Therapy

There are a few types of behavioral therapy; their effectiveness is evidence-based and well-supported by research. These types of therapy include:

  • Dialectical behavioral therapy: DBT helps participants learn new skills to deal with painful emotions. DBT can also be used as a way to reduce relationship conflict. It was originally developed to treat people with borderline personality disorder. Research has shown it’s effective in treating many other conditions, including substance abuse, bipolar disorder, and depression. 
  • Cognitive-behavioral therapy: CBT is similar in many ways to DBT. This treatment focuses on quality of life and how your thoughts influence your behavior and mood.  It’s a problem-solving approach. 

man thinking

  • Aversion therapy: Sometimes aversion therapy is used in the treatment of substance abuse. It helps people learn to associate a stimulus with something very unpleasant that causes discomfort. For example, you might learn to associate drinking alcohol with an unpleasant feeling or memory. 
  • Desensitization: This type of behavioral therapy can help treat phobias. The first step in this process is usually learning relaxation techniques, as well as therapeutic breathing strategies. Then, the therapist can slowly introduce something the client is afraid of in increasing doses while they use the learned relaxation techniques.

Who Benefits from Behavioral Therapy?

Behavioral therapy is considered to be very effective and beneficial for many conditions. These include:

  • Substance misuse
  • Anxiety disorders
  • Bulimia
  • Anger control
  • Depression
  • Suicidal ideation
  • Self-harm

Anchored Tides Recovery is proud of the strides and progress we have made with the use of Dialectical Behavior Therapy for our treatment of borderline personality disorder and substance use disorder. The skills you will learn in DBT training will help you all of your life and in many different areas of your life. If you’re interested in learning more about DBT, call one of our care coordinators today. 

How A Strong Independent Woman Takes a Stand Against Social Discourses

strong independent woman

strong independent woman

 

While some progress has undoubtedly been made in gender equality, there is still such a reluctance to embrace the concept of a strong independent woman in the workplace, in relationships, and in society as a whole.

Women and shame also continue to be a pervasive issue across every area of life. Speaking out in various ways is something women also tend to struggle with because of the fear of backlash or a negative response.

Because of these fears and the sense of shame that women are often made to feel, they tend to experience mental health symptoms.

Women internalize shame, and that can even trigger substance use disorders. It’s so important to start to recognize these issues in our own lives and other places to begin to speak out and combat these systemic problems.

Men also play an important role as allies in recognizing strong women and encouraging their voices to be heard.

 

Why Is There a Fear of Strong Independent Women?

While this certainly doesn’t hold true across the board, the reality is that some people remain intimidated or even fearful of strong, independent women. Even when a woman is confident in her power, she tends to find herself facing obstacles in a world that remains male-dominated.

Whether it’s at work or in relationships, strength and independence tend to lead men to question their value and role. We live in a society dominated by the idea of men as providers. Despite how much things have changed significantly in the most recent decades, some men still have lingering insecurities about not being perceived in a certain way.  

It’s challenging to let go of things ingrained in your thoughts, reactions, and general behavior.

It’s not just men who are intimidated by strong women. Many times other women may feel off-put by this or intimidated. That may be due to their feelings about what it means to be a woman as well.

For example, a woman may believe that other women should be quieter and fade into the background, and when they see someone who isn’t following that, they could feel like their beliefs are being challenged.

 

Why Don’t Women Speak Up?

While some women do speak up consistently at work and in relationships, there is a fear factor that prevents them from doing it for other women. Why is that? There are often shared concerns among women who don’t want to speak up.

  • There’s a fear of being seen as “crazy” if you speak up or speak out. As women, you may subconsciously see women who share their thoughts or ideas as overly aggressive or emotional, so you could remain silent to avoid being labeled that way
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  • Sometimes women grow up learning that they should be sweet and pleasant, and if you speak out on anything, you’re going against that.
  • Unfortunately, the reality is that sometimes when women speak out on different topics, they become the victim of smear campaigns. We saw that during the #MeToo movement.
  • Women may be afraid they’ll say something wrong and be criticized more so than men. A lot of times, females are quiet because they want to protect themselves.
  • Research from the University of Cambridge found women are two-and-a-half times less likely to ask questions during an academic seminar than men.  Researchers looked at hundreds of workshops in 10 countries.

When women aren’t participating in conversations, asking questions, and sharing their perspectives, then they aren’t being represented. For example, there are fewer female junior scholars in many academic institutions.

 

Women and Shame

A lot of what’s discussed above can tie back into the concept of shame. Women often feel shame over things that a man would be made to feel proud about, whether that’s accomplishments at work, sexuality, or being a strong, independent person.

We can even make ourselves feel shame when we go against a social norm we believe in, even if we don’t realize we hold that belief.

woman lying on the bed facing the camera

When women feel shame, it then becomes something internalized that can cause them to cast their entire being in a negative light. Shame can lead to depression and low self-esteem, among other mental health conditions.

There was a study carried out by researchers from the University of Toronto and Queens University in Ontario. It included volunteers between the ages of 11 and 16. Those participants who were more likely to experience shame were also more likely to have symptoms of depression.

There’s also a link between being prone to shame and anxiety disorders.

There’s the separate but similar concept of guilt that can be part of what holds you back from portraying yourself as a strong, independent woman.

The big difference between shame and guilt is that guilt stems from viewing a specific action negatively.

For example, you may feel like you’ve done something to another negative person and affected them poorly. You internalize this and begin to feel like you’re an inadequate or unworthy person.

 

Addiction in Women

When you don’t view yourself as a strong independent woman, you may be more likely to deal with mental health problems and substance misuse. The way women experience addiction can be different in many ways than men’s experiences, and treatment has to address these differences.

Some of the factors that play a role in women’s addiction include:

  • Relationship problems—for example, women are more likely to experience a relapse when going through issues in their marriage or when they have child custody issues.
  • Food and body concerns—eating disorders are frequently linked to substance use disorders.
  • Self-esteem—many young girls who begin using drugs or alcohol early on in their lives do so to increase their confidence.
  • Sexuality—many women realize that their substance use is tied to their sexuality. For example, they might feel shame about the sexual abuse they were a victim of, and that then leads them to use substances to overcome those feelings of shame.

 

Reaching Out, Speaking Truths, and Building Connections

So what does all this mean for women right now? First, to become a strong, independent woman, you need to take steps to get healthy in terms of your mental health. If you’re dealing with a substance use disorder, treatment is an important step. Don’t let shame hold you back from the care you need and deserve.

You can not only work toward having a healthier relationship with yourself and freeing yourself from shame, but you can also learn how to speak openly and honestly and build connections with other women.

Even if you aren’t dealing with a substance use disorder, it’s important to work toward having a healthy relationship with yourself that will allow you to be more comfortable speaking out in every area of your life.

When you share your own experiences with others, it also helps shine a light on pervasive problems. Women need to have their voices heard.

You can also support other women. Rather than viewing a strong, independent woman as bossy or domineering, start to reframe your perspective. Think about how you feel if a man were to behave in the same way. It might be that if that were the case, you would see him as someone in authority and deserving of respect.

Shift how you view yourself and other women and encourage others to do the same.

Find your strength and support with us and see how powerful we can be when women lift each other up. Anchored Tides Recovery has an all-woman staff and an all-women client base to create a safe environment for women to grow. 

5 Questions To Ask When Dealing with Trauma and Rehab

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trauma-and-addiction

 

Not everybody who struggles with substance use disorders reports being exposed to an emotionally traumatizing experience before their drug use, but most of them do. According to a study by the National Institute of Health (NIH), “more than 70% of adolescents being treated for substance use disorders had a history of trauma exposure.” That is a very significant percentage of people and the number – although not commonly known – is not surprising. Trauma and rehab go hand in hand and are closely related. 

Many people who experience traumas, especially at an early age, turn to drug use at a later age as a form of self-medicating. 

Trauma treatment and addiction treatment could be addressed together through therapy sessions at an addiction center. These facilities may offer residential treatment, intensive outpatient programs, group therapy, and one on one counseling to address substance abuse-related issues stemming from traumatic events. 

Even facilities that focus on creating the right therapeutic environment to make discussing traumatic events more comfortable exist. Anchored Tides Recovery is a gender-specific rehab for women, offering outpatient treatments explicitly focused on coping with the traumatic experiences women face and promoting long-term recovery through the involvement of a community of people who understands how it feels. 

 

Are you Looking for a Drug Rehab Program? 

We understand that drug and alcohol addiction is a disorder that is related to mental health. Suppose you are someone dealing with trauma, trying to quit addiction and live a sober life. In that case, there are thousands of drug rehab programs across the United States dedicated to helping on the road to recovery. Rehab centers have various medications and therapies to support your process to make it safe and effective. 

Seeking help for addiction and therapy for your trauma will improve your overall health and reduce your risk of relapse and related complications. The variety of drug addiction treatment programs available is vast; choosing the right rehab center can feel overwhelming at first. Luckily, there are resources available to help you determine the best fit, and once you are enrolled, you will be much better off.  With so many options available for trauma and rehab, how do you select the rehab center that best suits you? 

 

Let Us Help You in Choosing the Right Rehab Center 

Here’s all the information you need to be prepared for moving forward and five key questions to ask a potential drug rehab center:

 

What services do you offer?

Treatment options and services vary considerably between facilities. Depending on your drug of choice and your drug use’s severity, you may require different services. Medically assisted detox for withdrawal symptoms, inpatient rehab programs, intensive outpatient, group therapy, family members therapy, couples counseling, co-occurring treatment, spirituality based services, etc. There is no “one size fits all” approach to addiction treatment. 

 

Is your rehab licensed and accredited?

A rehab center that has completed an accreditation process displays its commitment to excellence and the accrediting organization’s high standards. All drug rehab centers should meet the state’s licensure requirements and receive certification through several agencies. 

 

What is the staff to client ratio? 

You want to be sure your loved ones are getting the attention that they deserve. Ask each prospective treatment facility how many staff will be a part of the treatment and how many patients they have. This factor is vital to consider because the support staff works very closely with patients, ensuring an ever-present and positive model in each resident’s life.

 

How much do your programs cost, and what are my payment options?

Not everyone can afford a “luxury” drug rehabilitation program that costs tens of thousands of dollars. But this shouldn’t mean that they should be denied a chance to sobriety. When considering a drug rehab center for treatment, it’s always best to ask about cost directly and get details about payment options. Many drug rehab programs accept insurance coverage and are very affordable.

 

What sort of traumas do you specialize in treating?

Every individual situation is unique, especially with trauma. There are many different types of traumatic events that are best addressed by different types of professionals that work for trauma and rehab — sexual trauma, child trauma, violent trauma, abusive trauma, etc. You may be doing yourself a favor to determine which professionals you’d want to work with if you have a case that is not easily generalized. 

 

Make a well-informed decision and get hold of your life

We understand that choosing the rehab near me can be overwhelming for you, given that you don’t have any prior experience. Many different factors may influence your final decision to enroll at a rehab center. Still, these five questions can help you make a well-informed decision to achieve long-lasting sobriety. 

trauma-and-rehab

We believe that unaddressed trauma, mental health, and other issues that lead to relapse must be addressed to help women get into longer-lasting recovery. Call our trained staff to discuss this process in more detail and learn about the rehab programs we offer. 

7 Ways Mindfulness Helps in Maintaining Long-Term Sobriety

7-ways-being-mindful-for-long-term-sobriety
7-ways-being-mindful-for-long-term-sobriety

The practice of being mindful can be a valuable ally in maintaining long-term sobriety. Letting go of any preconceived notions you have towards “new-age” practice is a process that may initially face some resistance. Still, once embraced, it’s proven helpful for many people towards maintaining Long-Term Sobriety and finding peace.

Embracing some new-age concepts doesn’t mean you need to become a vegan and start collecting crystals. There are many aspects of mindfulness that you can simply learn or understand and use to aid daily life. People in recovery who focus on their environment, movement, breathing, and own shortcomings can find practical and long-lasting ways to navigate through a life of sobriety.

This piece will outline seven mindful mechanisms to prioritize your mental health and bring you closer to a more relaxed, present, and happy self – without alcohol or drugs. 

 

So… What is being mindful?

As the name implies, mindfulness is the practice of tuning into oneself and becoming aware. The approach of “being present” means ignoring concerns of the past and worries about the future, not allowing yourself to be distracted from awareness of everything taking place in the present moment. One way to effectively achieve this state of awareness is through meditation or focused breathing. 

Practicing mindfulness often involves meditation, but perhaps not in the way you’re thinking. 

 

How to Meditate

The basic idea of meditation is just to sit down and breathe. Simple enough, right? Just breathe. “Watch your breath,” you might be told on a mindful meditation recording or by an instructor. How do you watch something you can’t even see? This phrase simply means to bring the focus back to your breathing. 

Mindful meditation was once explained to me as “watching clouds go by in the sky.” 

…What does that even mean? 

“Your mind is the sky, and the clouds are any thoughts or emotions that arise as you breathe and ‘watch the sky.” 

7-ways-being-mindful-for-long-term-sobriety

Inevitably, some thoughts will pop into your head, primarily because our minds and bodies are used to constant stimulation. When this happens, the idea is to acknowledge these thoughts as distractions and not waste any energy to “chase” them, but instead allow them to pass, just as clouds pass by, and return our attention to breathing.

The best part of this is you don’t have to do it for too long. One minute per day is a simple place to start – we all have 1 minute to spare. As you get more comfortable, do more sessions of one minute per day. Eventually, increase the length of those and start 5-minute sessions. Find what works for you and your schedule; being mindful is not so much about quantity as it is the quality of the practice. 

It takes time and practice to get to a place where you will feel comfortable in training. Don’t feel bad if you don’t get it on your first try. A significant driving factor of being mindful is that there is no real end to the practice. Kind of like sober life, even after you complete addiction treatment and no longer drink or use drugs, you’re never really done avoiding relapse. 

 

So How Can This Practice Help Someone Maintain Long-Term Sobriety? Let’s Dive in!

 

Calm Down the Mental Chatter

Once you establish a mindful mentality, you’ll begin to focus less on some of the “talk” that’s always going on in our minds. Our brains are designed to problem solve and to be constantly on the alert. Worries, concerns, plans we think we need to make, things we need to remember, etc. This type of constant thinking is a source of stress and anxiety, which is a driving factor for substance abuse. Through mindfulness, we can begin to tune out the stress and stay focused, calm, and make the right decisions.

 

Identify your “Inner Voice”

When you first become sober, it takes time to learn to relax without drugs or alcohol. One technique that helps start a mindful practice is to “label” or “name” the thoughts or emotions that take us away from our sobriety and peace. 

Assign labels to your thoughts as they happen, like; 

  • “Worrying”
  • “Craving” 
  • “Romanticizing the drugs”
  • “Ignoring the consequences”

As you practice, you’ll notice that the more you label your thoughts, the less you’ll actually engage in them. It takes some time, but soon enough, you’ll learn to recognize what your brain is doing, and you will find it easier to return to the present moment. 

 

Decrease Stress

This might be the most common benefit associated with mindfulness, and it can be felt immediately when beginning to practice. Basically, this ties into the first two we mentioned. The more we calm down our mental chatter and identify what type of thoughts are in our head (worry, planning, thinking, etc.), the more we will feel at ease. Calm your mind down and simply observe thoughts instead of engaging with them. This helps maintain Long-Term Sobriety since you’ll learn to identify when cravings creep up, then refocus your thoughts as the cravings pass (like clouds.) 

7-ways-being-mindful-for-long-term-sobriety

 

Creating a “Healthy Lifestyle” Habits 

Our brain relies on patterns. For people with substance use disorders, there are specific patterns that ended in drug use. By being mindful, you will create new, healthier habits and relearn new thinking patterns that will guide you from the previous thoughts and patterns that led to substance abuse

Support groups teach you that it takes 27 days to break a habit, and a critical method to maintaining sobriety is to replace your old habits with new ones. While you’re in the process of rebuilding your life, why not pick up some habits that will benefit you in the long run? Exercise, create art, master a skill, engage your brain in new ways to maintain Long-Term Sobriety and leave the old habits behind. 

 

Check-in with Yourself Daily. Stay focused.

A mindful practice is best done regularly. Set small but achievable goals concerning conscious behaviors and practice them regularly. I find that even ONE minute of mindful meditation can have a very positive effect. This effect is multiplied if that one minute is done a few times a day. Your brain chemistry reacts by releasing endorphins when you set a goal and complete it. 

All the accumulated new time you have on your hands that was previously spent doing drugs or being high can now be repurposed as a time to check in on your mental state, find some inner peace, stop disruptive mental chatter, and set yourself up for a better day.

 

Refresh your Environment, Refresh Your State of Mind

As fragile and new age as it may sound, meditation creates a new state of mind for us to default to. After becoming sober and through all the previous points outlined above, you will find yourself quite literally living a brand new life. In this new headspace, the previous habits you had will no longer fit. All that will remain are the new, more positive, and supportive habits you will create. A change of scenery can support this new mentality and can be applied in big and small ways, from spending some more time outdoors to moving away to an entirely new city. A new environment, along with a new mindset, can feel like a breath of fresh air after you’ve been suffocating. 

 

Saying Goodbye and Making Peace with the Old You

Techniques, like the ones we went over in this article, in combination with counseling, detox, and support groups (like 12 steps), will help you build a new identity that is more in line with your mission to maintain Long-Term Sobriety. Through the practice of tuning in and being mindful, a significant change happens;  your new habits, mentality, and thoughts will have you feeling like a brand new person. 

7-ways-being-mindful-for-long-term-sobriety

When you’re able to just be present at the moment, you’ll even learn to recognize the thoughts of your “old self.” By labeling thoughts and emotions, you will be able to identify when you’re in your former self’s mindset, which would lead to drug abuse, and stop the thinking in its tracks. Then, all you have to do is take a deep breath, label the thought, say “No thanks,” and move on. The views of your “old self” will pass by, just like clouds.

Letting go of who you think you are and embracing your new lifestyle is exciting, but it’s a long process that takes a lot of support and discipline. Through treatment programs, like Anchored Tides Recovery Center, you will develop skills and a support system of like-minded people to encourage you through the process. 

We’re in this together. If you have any mindfulness techniques that help move you towards a better life, leave a comment below. If you’re ready to take steps towards a healthy new life, call us to talk to one of our care coordinators. 

Say hello to healing and a new you. 

 

 

Preparing Your Children for When You Go to Drug Addiction Rehab

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drug-addiction

Drug Addiction

Substance use disorder is a chronic disease that drives people to continuously use drugs despite being aware of the harm it is doing to their bodies and their lives. Millions of Americans battle drug addiction, and helping someone get rid of addiction has been an issue that drug addiction treatment centers and mental health professionals have been trying to solve for decades.   

Understanding Addiction

There is a misconception that people struggling with drug addiction do so because it’s a choice. No one plans to become an addict. External factors that drive drug abuse and lead to addictive behaviors include stress from work, family issues, financial pressure, feeling disengaged from life, and sometimes just curiosity about a particular substance. Anyone who uses drugs can develop addictive behaviors, no matter their age, culture, or economic status. When a person consumes drugs or alcohol, their brain produces large amounts of dopamine (a feel-good hormone), which triggers the brain’s reward system. After continuous drug use, the brain can no longer produce the usual dopamine amount on its own. This causes people to have difficulties enjoying pleasurable activities like spending time with friends or family when they are not under the influence of drugs or alcohol – stuck with their drug addiction.  

Is Addiction A Family Disease?

While some experts report that there can be a genetic predisposition to substance abuse, many factors contribute to someone’s addiction. Whether or not the cause lies in genetics, addiction is a family disease because it affects everyone in the family. This is especially true when there are children involved. Preparing-Your-Children-When-You-Go-to-Rehab Family members of people struggling with addiction endure a lot of emotional and sometimes financial hardship while dealing with a relative who is trapped in the cycle of addiction. Loved ones often report feeling guilty, responsible for the substance use, confused, angry, and sad. This can increase conflict and feelings of isolation for everyone involved.  Drug addiction is a severe problem, but there is a solution. In this case, treatment programs at a rehab center sets the foundation for a life of sobriety.  

What is Rehab?

Rehab is the process during which someone is treated for their addiction. This most often happens at an inpatient facility to minimize outside distractions and temptations. Rehab can last from 30 to 90 days, but the length of time is dependent on the individual and their needs. Since addiction is a health-related issue, most rehab programs accept insurance coverage. For people who have children and are considering treatment at an inpatient facility, making the decision is even more challenging. Additional arrangements need to be made to ensure the child is taken care of before the parent can start their treatment.  

Living Arrangements for Drug Addiction

First, you will need to determine where your child will stay while you are in treatment. If there is another parent or family member who can care for your child in their current living arrangement, make a detailed plan of how childcare will be provided and whether or not additional assistance is needed from friends or family members.  If your child is staying with a friend or family member, take time to look over their home and ensure that there is nothing there that will be unhealthy or additionally disruptive for your child. Ensuring that your child is well cared for without worry before entering treatment will allow you to better focus on your recovery. If you don’t have a community environment or support groups to help with childcare while you’re in rehab, look for rehab facilities that offer childcare or daycare. This, of course, will not work for children of all ages but may provide enough support for help.  

School Schedule

Limiting disruptions in your child’s education and school schedule will help them adjust during the period you are in treatment. This includes arranging plans for drop-off, pick-up, and routine homework. You may also want to schedule a meeting with the principal, teacher, and guidance counselor to discuss your situation’s specifics. Screen Shot 2021 04 02 at 20.35.58  

Talking With Your Child

Healthcare professionals recommend explaining the situation to children in age-appropriate terms. Often, parents have the inclination to lie or hide the truth about where they’re going and why. This can lead to confusion for your child and later mistrust if they learn the truth from someone else. Talking with your child about why you are going, where you are going, and how long you will be gone is very important. It is difficult to explain a temporary absence, but it is important to take the right approach. Be honest and be prepared to answer questions your child might have. Being open with your children and letting them know they are not to blame or responsible can substantially influence how they adjust during this time. If your child is very young, then you will have to explain it simply by telling them that you are sick and need to go away to get better. If your child is older but still relatively young, you’ll want to keep the language simple and tell them only as much as they need to know. If they are an adolescent or teen, you may be able to have a more open and detailed discussion. Make sure that your child knows that drug addiction is not their fault.   Even after you come home, your recovery process is not finished. You have to show your child that you are doing everything you can to remain sober for yourself and your family. Getting help is one of the most important things you can do as a parent, and going to rehab will give you the tools to recover so that you can be your best. Are you a mother who is looking to help your daughter? Are you looking for an excellent outpatient treatment program designed specifically for women? Join our women-only addiction center Anchored Tides Recovery. Call us today at 1-866-524-6014 and get your loved one on the road to recovery.  

Common Triggers for Drug Relapse and Alcohol

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common-triggers-for-relapse-on-drugs-and-alcohols

Relapse is an expected part of the cycle of addiction. It doesn’t matter what type of drug you’re addicted to; some treatment programs just believe you will inevitably fail and face a drug relapse. – “It’s just part of the cycle.”

Is this a crude generalization or a harsh truth?

It’s a very controversial idea among treatment facilities and counselors to believe that an addict can ever fully overcome addiction. A significant amount of people struggle with substance abuse, but that doesn’t mean they are all the same. Some of the more popular treatment programs, like AA, subscribe to the belief that addiction is something that can never be cured – you are “in recovery” for life. The idea that people will carry addiction with them forever, and that the process of being “in recovery” never ends, helps many people achieve long-term sobriety; it’s an idea that may be dangerous to challenge.

If you are looking to quit your alcohol and drug addiction but fear that you might relapse and fall into the vicious cycle of addiction again, you are not alone. Statistically, it’s common for people who struggle with drug and alcohol addictions to relapse at some point during recovery. Unfortunately, drug relapse rates for individuals who leave rehab are relatively high. According to the latest data from a study at the National Institute on Drug Abuse, 40 – 60% of people treated for substance use disorders will relapse at some point.

 

Why do I Relapse After Staying Sober?

 

A trigger can be anything that may cause you to drink or use drugs following a period of sobriety; relationships, emotions, thoughts, habits, physical illness, stress, and lack of sleep, among many other things.
While some common triggers of relapse are obvious — like being around other people who are using drugs and alcohol — others are less straightforward, and you may not be aware of the signs of relapsing at times. It is essential to understand what might trigger you to relapse and learn healthy coping mechanisms when triggered.

 

What Are The Most Common Relapse Triggers?

 

Here is a list of 10 common triggers that contribute to drug relapse:

 

Stress

 

Stress causes significant adverse effects on the mind and body. When a person becomes stressed out, their mind goes into a state of “wanting” for the drug or alcohol during stressful situations—Especially if the substance was the person’s primary coping mechanism.

 

Exposure to Alcohol or Drugs

 

There is a nostalgic aspect of drug use that can be particularly triggering. Being in an environment where there is drug use might be setting yourself up to fail. The sight, smell, or even sound of a drug being used could cause you to get flashbacks of your old habits. Try to remove yourself from any environments that will cause temptation.

 

Emotions (High and Low)

 

Perceived negative emotions like sadness, depression, guilt, loneliness, and anger can lead to emotional relapse. People often use drugs or alcohol to gain temporary relief from these feelings, which can easily lead a person back to addictive behaviors. Experiencing these emotions is normal and an essential aspect of recovery (and life) – but they are uncomfortable. Learning how to manage your feelings is an integral part of recovery (and life, again) and can help to avoid the risk of relapse.

 

People or Places Associated with Addiction

 

Seeing an old friend you used to do drugs with can cause you to develop an urge or craving to use again. Likewise, certain places that remind you of your addiction can be triggering. Some people do get dragged down by the company they decide to keep. It’s hard to do, but sometimes it’s best to find new friends and surround yourself with people who will be a good influence.

Special Events of Celebration

 

Festive life events such as holidays, birthdays, and graduations are often overlooked as relapse triggers. On the other hand, the anniversary of a loved one’s death or a funeral may stir up thoughts and emotions that can lead to substance use and trigger thoughts of getting back to your drug of choice. Be careful not to let the celebrations turn into regrets.

 

Mental or Physical Illness

 

Coexisting mental disorders are common with substance use disorder, and they make the struggle of addiction more difficult. Depression, anxiety, and any other underlying mental illnesses can feel overwhelming and may make you consider self-medicating for temporary relief.
Physical conditions and pain can also put you at risk for relapsing, as your body is stressed and may want to numb the pain by taking drugs. This pain also relates to drug withdrawal and the extreme discomfort that comes with it. For instance, an alcoholic for an alcoholic who stops drinking, the effects of alcohol create physical dependence, and their body literally depends on alcohol for it to function correctly. Withdrawing from alcohol can be intensely uncomfortable, even fatal, and a person may be tempted just to drink, so they don’t have to deal with it or to cope with the pain.

 

Poor Self-Care

 

Self-care is an integral part of the addiction recovery process. Poor self-care sends messages to your brain that you don’t care about your wellbeing and can trigger a relapse. You need to engage in self-care like showering, exercise, meditating, and having a proper sleep regimen to support your mental wellness in recovery and improve life quality.

 

Relationships and Intimacy

 

In the early stages of recovery, it’s recommended not to get involved in a relationship until you are stable; this could take a year or so. Relationships are hard work and come with stress, taking  away focus from creating your sobriety. A break up with your new partner could lead you back to emotional stress that can put you at risk for relapse.

 

Boredom and Social Isolation

 

Boredom and social isolation are significant reasons for relapse in early recovery. When you are bored or isolated, you are left with your thoughts and emotions, which you often do not want to hear. The more you become socially isolated, the easier it is to make sense of drug or alcohol use to yourself. Negative feelings are a part of everyday life; it’s essential not to let them get hold of you.

 

Overconfidence

 

Sometimes people who are new to sobriety have a newfound pride that they will never use alcohol or drugs ever again, no matter what. Having self-confidence is great, but becoming overconfident can put you in risky situations. All it takes is one bad decision, and that confidence will turn into shame.

 

You are Not Alone; We are Here to Help!

 

Relapse doesn’t make you a failure. We fall, and we pick ourselves back up. Learning to recognize triggers, getting help from professionals, seeking treatment, and building a support network are valuable tools in preventing relapse. Make a relapse prevention plan and stick to it!
For more information on addiction treatment, therapy, and mental health, please contact us. Mindfulness-based relapse prevention is essential for people in recovery. Anchored Tides Recovery center offers various treatment options to deal with stages of relapse.

Tips on Finding a Job After Rehab

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

How To Find a Job After Rehab

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

  1. Think About What You’re Passionate About

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

  1. Volunteer at First

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

  1. Go Back To School for a Specialized Degree

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

  1. Work at an Addiction Treatment Center

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

Heal From Addiction at Anchored Tides Recovery

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

What Is Disordered Eating?

What-Is-Disordered-Eating

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

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

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

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

Disordered Eating vs. Eating Disorder

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

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

Connection Between Addiction and Eating Disorders

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

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

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

Symptoms of Eating Disorders

Physical

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

Behavioral

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

Mental

People with disordered eating are likely to develop;

  • Anxiety disorder
  • Depression
  • Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder
  • Personality Disorders

Getting Help With Disordered Eating and Addiction

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Wellness Tips for Women in Early Recovery

tips-for-women-in-recovery

Wellness for women in recovery requires a deliberate effort to manage addiction while adopting healthy life choices. 

According to SAMHSA, wellness is being in a healthy mental and physical state. This implies that addiction recovery is more than just abstaining from one’s substance of choice. It involves maintaining a state of wellness.

What Is Early Recovery From Addiction Like?

Recovery doesn’t only happen in a treatment facility but in the daily life choices you make. The road to recovery from addiction can be filled with many challenges. It can be an everyday struggle that can be compounded by stress, mental illness, and sometimes relapses.

According to reports, about 90% of people recovering from addiction have a relapse. This statistics is not to discourage your recovery journey thought, as relapse doesn’t signify treatment failure. However, to stay healthy and avoid relapse, it is encouraged you develop wellness and self-care tips. 

Women and Wellness: Self Care Tips

Wellness for women starts with self-care. Aside from trying to stay sober, it is important for women to develop self-care habits that can heal both the mind and body. 

To help you with your recovery journey, we have compiled some proven tips for women and wellness. 

  1. Nutrition 

Good health starts with a healthy diet. Eating mineral and vitamin-rich foods is essential to a good, a balanced diet. Not only will a balanced diet improve your physical wellness, your mood and mental health will also improve.

Also, a regular balanced diet can help undo the damages of addictive substances and facilitate your healing. Some balanced diet tips include: 

  • Include a lot of fruit, vegetables, proteins, and vegetables in your diet
  • Avoid processed foods 
  • Drink a lot of water

 

  1. Exercise

Nutrition goes hand in hand with physical exercise. Staying fit is necessary to facilitate your wellness. Try a variety of different physical activities and find one that suits your lifestyle.

Asides from lowering stress levels, exercise is a proven way to reduce your cravings for addictive substances. When you work out, your brain releases some feel-good chemicals such as serotonin and dopamine.

  1.  Practice Mindfulness 

Mindfulness can help your recovery process and improve your mental wellbeing in so many ways. Devote a few minutes of your day to meditating, reflecting and introspecting. Look inwards, pay attention to how you feel, and assess your life. 

Incorporating mindfulness into your daily life will help you reduce stress and calm your emotions. Also, by paying attention, you get to acknowledge your progress and identify areas you need to make improvements. 

  1. Socializing

The people you spend your time with will play a huge role in your wellness and recovery journey. Try as much as possible to avoid social isolation, socializing will improve your physical and mental wellness.

Make new friends, visit new places, join a social group, mix up with people who understand your journey.

  1. Support Groups

You can also get involved with support groups where you get to interact with recovering addicts. Addiction and recovery isn’t something to be ashamed of. Being open about your recovery journey with others will give you a sense of community and improve your recovery journey. 

Reach Out To Us Today

At Anchored Tides Recovery, we offer help to women struggling with addiction to alcohol or drugs. We are located at Huntington Beach, CA and our aim is to help women with their recovery through unique and diverse approaches. 

There are a lot of differences between the way men and women deal with addiction, that is why we prioritize wellness for women at our facility. We offer an environment and treatment programs designed specifically for women. Get in touch with us today and let’s get started on your recovery process!

Planning a Sober Girls Get Together

Planning-a-Sober-Girls-Get-Together
planning a sober girls get together - three women laughing together

Socializing Sober

Socializing sober doesn’t mean missing out on fun. Sober gatherings offer a chance to create meaningful connections without the distraction of alcohol. Whether hosting a small sober girls get-together, going out with friends or a date, attending a workplace event, or participating in a larger event, there are countless ways to socialize and have a great time while staying true to your sobriety journey. Socializing and being around other people are crucial components of addiction recovery. It’s something you shouldn’t miss out on just because you no longer drink alcohol or use drugs.

What Are Some Sober Activities?

Choosing the right sober activities can be filled with laughter, humor, excitement, and memorable. Alcohol doesn’t always have to be involved. Below are some activities that encourage a focus on bonding and relaxing:

  • Movie night
  • A wellness retreat
  • Group yoga
  • Painting
  • Mocktail making
  • Cooking or baking
  • Gardening
  • Flower arrangement
  • Pottery class
  • Marathon
  • Volunteering
planning a sober girls get together - female friends doing yoga

How To Build A Sober Support System?

A sober get-together can be more than just a fun night—it’s also a powerful way to strengthen your sober support system. Surrounding yourself with friends, family, colleagues, and aquaintances who respect your recovery helps reinforce your commitment to sobriety. Whether you’re in early recovery or have been sober for years, having a solid support system in place is key to maintaining your progress.

Building a strong sober support system is crucial to maintaining sobriety and thriving in recovery. Your support system consists of the people, communities, and resources that encourage and help you stay on the path of sobriety. These connections provide emotional support, accountability, and guidance, making them an essential part of a successful and lasting recovery.

Here are a few tips to help you build and strengthen your sober support system:

Building a sober support system is about surrounding yourself with the right people, engaging in recovery communities, and being proactive about maintaining healthy relationships. Whether it’s through friends, family, professionals, or new connections made in recovery groups, having a solid support network is essential to maintaining sobriety and leading a fulfilling life in recovery.

Why Should Women Support Women in Sobriety?

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

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

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

Choose the Guest List for the Sober Event

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

Make Plans for a Sober Saturday Night Activity

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

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

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

sober girls night out

Focus on the Food

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

Have Fun! 

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

Build Your Sober Support System at Anchored Tides Recovery

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

Located in Orange County, CA, Anchored Tides is committed to providing you with a treatment experience that leads to lasting recovery. Contact us at 866-329-6639 to begin your journey to recovery!

CALL (866) 329-6639