Tag: addiction treatment for women

How to Talk to Your Family About Starting Medication-Assisted Treatment

Deciding to start Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) is a big step in your recovery journey, and talking to your family about it can feel overwhelming. You might be wondering, “How do I talk to my family about Medication-Assisted Treatment?” This conversation can feel intimidating, but it’s a crucial step in gaining support and strengthening your recovery. You might worry about judgment, misunderstandings, or resistance. But having this conversation can help build support and strengthen your recovery.

Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you navigate the conversation in a way that promotes understanding and encourages family support.

What Is Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT)?

Before you talk to your family, it’s important to understand what MAT is and how it helps. MAT combines FDA-approved medications (like buprenorphine, methadone, or naltrexone) with therapy to treat substance use disorders. It’s not about replacing one drug with another—it’s about giving your brain the stability it needs to heal so you can focus on recovery.

Common Misconceptions About MAT

Your family may have heard myths about MAT, like:

“Isn’t MAT just replacing one drug with another?”
Many people believe this, but the reality is that MAT helps stabilize brain chemistry and allows individuals to focus on long-term recovery.

“Shouldn’t you be able to quit on your own?”
Addiction is a medical condition, and just like other chronic illnesses, it often requires medical treatment. MAT provides the support needed to reduce cravings and prevent relapse.

“Are you still addicted if you’re on MAT?”
No, being on MAT under medical supervision is not the same as substance abuse. It’s a proven recovery tool that helps people regain control over their lives.
– “It’s just replacing one addiction with another.”
– “You should be able to quit on your own.”
– “You’re not really sober if you’re on MAT.”

These misconceptions come from stigma and lack of information. MAT is a medically backed treatment that increases long-term recovery success and lowers the risk of relapse.

Preparing for the Conversation

1. Get Educated First

If your family has concerns, you’ll want to come prepared with facts. Read up on MAT and how it works. Some great resources include:
– SAMHSA (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration)
– National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA)
– Your treatment provider or recovery support group

2. Set the Right Tone

Anchored Tides Recovery, located in California, specializes in helping individuals navigate difficult conversations about addiction and treatment with their families. Having these discussions in a supportive and understanding environment can make all the difference.

Choose a time when everyone is calm and open to talking. Avoid starting the conversation during stressful situations or family conflicts.

3. Know What You Want to Say

Think about your main points and the outcome you want from the conversation. Maybe you want their understanding, support, or just a chance to explain your choice.

How to Address Their Concerns

“Isn’t MAT just replacing one drug with another?”

This is a common misconception. You can explain:

MAT reduces cravings and withdrawal symptoms so you can focus on recovery.
It’s closely monitored by doctors to ensure safe use.
It has been proven to increase recovery success rates and lower relapse risk.

“Why can’t you just quit on your own?”

Addiction is a disease, not a choice—like diabetes or high blood pressure, it needs medical treatment.
MAT is part of a long-term recovery plan, not a shortcut or an “easy way out.”

“How will this affect our family?”

MAT will help me stay stable and focused on rebuilding my life.
Your support means everything to me—it’s not about enabling but about encouraging recovery.

Encouraging Open Dialogue

Your family might have a lot of emotions—fear, frustration, confusion, or even guilt. Let them ask questions, and be patient. If they express doubt or concern, respond with calm facts and personal experience.

If you’re unsure how to approach the conversation, speaking with a specialist at Anchored Tides Recovery can provide guidance and strategies tailored to your situation. Our team is here to help you navigate these discussions with confidence and clarity.

Ways Your Family Can Support You

If your family asks, “How can we help?”—here are some ideas:

Learn about addiction and MAT through books, websites, or support groups.
Attend family therapy or support meetings (like Al-Anon or Nar-Anon).
Offer emotional support without judgment or pressure.
Encourage healthy routines like attending therapy and following a treatment plan.

What If They Don’t Support You?

Not everyone will understand or accept MAT right away, and that’s okay. Give them time and continue focusing on your recovery. Surround yourself with people who do support you, whether that’s friends, a therapist, or a recovery group.

If your family is hesitant, consider inviting them to attend a local support group or educational session on MAT. Anchored Tides Recovery can connect you with family recovery meetings, peer support groups, and professional counselors in your area who specialize in addiction recovery education. Providing them with access to the right resources can help shift their perspective over time.

Get the Support Today!

Talking to your family about MAT might feel tough, but honest conversations can lead to stronger support systems. Be patient, provide information, and focus on why this decision is important for your recovery. And remember—your recovery is your journey. Even if not everyone understands right away, you’re making the right choice for your health and future.

If you or a loved one is considering MAT and need guidance, Anchored Tides Recovery is here to help. Reach out today to learn more about your treatment options and how we can support you on this path to healing.

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Holistic Treatments for Anxiety

Anxiety can feel like a storm—unpredictable, overwhelming, and hard to weather alone. It impacts not just your thoughts, but your body, energy, and sense of safety in the world. While traditional treatments like therapy and medication can be helpful, many women are seeking more personalized, natural solutions that address the root of their struggles—not just the symptoms.

That’s where holistic treatments come in. At Anchored Tides Recovery, we believe in the power of mental healthiness—a full-spectrum approach to wellness that nurtures the mind, body, and soul. If you’ve been wondering whether holistic therapy can help calm your anxiety, this guide will walk you through the what, why, and how of natural healing methods designed to restore your inner balance—especially if you’re seeking support in Orange County or the Southern California area.

What Is Holistic Treatment for Anxiety?

Holistic treatment focuses on healing the whole person rather than targeting a single symptom or diagnosis. It considers how your physical health, emotional well-being, spiritual needs, and even your environment influence your mental state.

Instead of just asking, “How do we reduce anxiety symptoms?” holistic therapy asks, “What’s out of alignment in your life, and how can we support your return to balance?”

This approach is especially powerful for women who experience layered challenges—from hormone fluctuations and trauma history to societal pressures. If you’re looking for holistic care near Orange County, we offer supportive programs designed with your whole self in mind.

🔗 Learn more about women’s mental health and support options.

Common Types of Holistic Therapy for Anxiety

Holistic therapy isn’t one-size-fits-all—it offers a range of tools to support your healing journey. Below are some of the most effective approaches that can help reduce anxiety naturally and holistically.

Mindfulness and Meditation

Mindfulness involves tuning into the present moment with non-judgmental awareness. When practiced regularly, mindfulness and meditation can reduce chronic stress, lower cortisol levels, and quiet racing thoughts.

For mobile convenience, many women begin with apps like Calm, Insight Timer, or Headspace to build a daily habit.

Yoga and Breathwork

Yoga offers a physical outlet for emotional tension while helping regulate the nervous system. Breathwork (like box breathing or alternate nostril breathing) calms the body’s fight-or-flight response and restores a sense of safety.

If you’re participating in a structured program, practices like yoga and breathwork are often integrated into services like our Women’s Partial Hospitalization Program.

Nutritional Therapy & Herbal Supplements

What you eat directly affects how you feel. Nutritional therapy focuses on anti-inflammatory, whole-food diets that support brain health. Herbal remedies—such as ashwagandha, passionflower, or chamomile—may also help reduce anxiety when used under professional guidance.

Crystals and Reiki Healing

Crystals have been used for centuries for their grounding and energetic properties. Many women find relief by working with stones like amethyst, rose quartz, and black tourmaline.

🔗 Explore our guide to the best crystals for anxiety and stress.

Reiki is another gentle healing practice that helps clear blocked emotional energy and restore balance.

🔗 Learn more about Reiki therapy here.

Art, Music, and Nature Therapy

Creative expression can be incredibly healing. Whether it’s painting your emotions, dancing them out, or spending time in nature, these therapies engage your senses and help process anxiety in healthy, embodied ways.

Holistic Approach to Addiction Treatment

What are the Best Crystals for Anxiety and Stress?

Mindfulness & Meditation

What Is Reiki Therapy?

The Benefits of Holistic Therapy for Anxiety

One of the key strengths of holistic therapy is its ability to promote long-term resilience—not just short-term relief.

When women are empowered to explore what’s underneath their anxiety, they gain:

Better coping skills and emotional regulation
A deeper sense of connection to themselves and others
Physical release of stress stored in the body
Empowerment to make choices that align with their values

Holistic therapy also teaches how to recognize and manage triggers before they spiral out of control.

🔗 Explore more on managing emotional triggers here.

Mental Healthiness and the Power of a Sound Mind

Mental healthiness isn’t just the absence of anxiety—it’s the presence of clarity, emotional strength, and self-awareness.

We often reference the phrase “power, love, and a sound mind in mental health” to describe a balanced state where a woman feels:

Powerful: Able to set boundaries and take up space
Loving: Toward herself and others
Sound-minded: Emotionally grounded and mentally clear

When anxiety rules the mind, it can distort your perception of reality. Holistic care helps rebuild your sense of safety and trust in yourself and the world around you.

🔗 Our Women’s Intensive Outpatient Program in Orange County offers support for building that foundation.

How to Improve Mental Health Naturally Every Day

Here are simple, mobile-friendly, daily practices to help boost mental healthiness naturally:

Gratitude journaling: Write three things you’re thankful for each morning.
Deep breathing: Inhale for 4, hold for 4, exhale for 4. Repeat.
Nature walks: Even 10 minutes in sunlight improves your mood.
Limit screen time: Especially at night to help your brain wind down.
Sip herbal tea: Chamomile or lavender blends promote calm.
Self-compassion: Notice negative self-talk and replace it with gentleness.

For more structured care that supports your daily wellness, our Outpatient Program in Orange County blends clinical and holistic support for anxiety and mental health, right here in Southern California.

🔗 Explore this guide from NIMH for additional support.

Is Holistic Therapy Right for You?

Holistic therapy may be right for you if:

You want to heal anxiety without relying solely on medication
You’re seeking emotional balance and mind-body alignment
You’ve tried traditional therapy but want something more integrative
You’re ready to explore a soulful, compassionate path to healing

Holistic care empowers you to reconnect with your body, emotions, and identity—not just manage symptoms. And the journey doesn’t have to be taken alone.

Holistic Anxiety Treatment at Anchored Tides Recovery

At Anchored Tides Recovery in Orange County, CA, we offer a comprehensive and woman-centered approach to anxiety treatment. Our programs combine traditional clinical care with holistic modalities like:

Mindfulness and breathwork
Creative therapies
Reiki and energy healing
Yoga and movement-based therapy
Community support and trauma-informed care

If you’re ready to step into a life of mental clarity, emotional balance, and renewed purpose, and you’re seeking treatment in Southern California or nearby, you don’t have to wait.

🔗 Explore our holistic approach to addiction treatment here.

Looking for holistic anxiety therapy near you in Orange County?

Anchored Tides Recovery offers compassionate, whole-person care for women across Southern California. Reach out today and begin your healing journey.

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Intensive Outpatient Programs in Orange County: What to Expect

Recovery doesn’t look the same for everyone. For many women, finding a program that offers support without requiring a full-time stay is the perfect middle ground. That’s where Intensive Outpatient Programs (IOPs) come in. If you or someone you love is looking for structure, accountability, and compassionate care in Orange County, Anchored Tides Recovery offers a women-centered IOP designed to meet you where you are.

Here’s what you can expect.

What Is an Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP)?

An Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) is a structured, therapeutic treatment option for individuals struggling with addiction, mental health issues, or both—without the need for 24/7 residential care.

IOPs typically require several hours of therapy and support sessions per week, allowing you to live at home, care for family, or attend school or work while receiving consistent care.

At Anchored Tides Recovery, our IOP helps women stay anchored in their healing journey with a program that promotes independence, empowerment, and balance.

What to Expect During an IOP in Orange County

IOPs vary by provider, but at Anchored Tides Recovery, we prioritize a trauma-informed and personalized approach. Here’s a general breakdown of what you can expect:

Schedule: Most women attend treatment 3–5 days per week, for around 3–6 hours a day. This could include both daytime and evening options.
Therapies: Evidence-based treatment like CBT, DBT, and motivational interviewing; individual counseling; trauma therapy; and peer groups.
Supportive Services: Life skills development, relapse prevention, mindfulness practices, and family education.
Holistic Healing: We incorporate yoga, art therapy, and wellness routines that support mind-body healing.
Safe Environment: You’ll find a non-judgmental, all-women space to heal and grow—surrounded by others who understand what you’re going through.

We meet you where you are and build a plan around your specific goals.

Common Conditions Treated in IOPs

IOPs are ideal for treating a wide range of issues, especially when co-occurring conditions are present. At Anchored Tides, we focus on:

Substance Use Disorders: Alcohol, opioids, benzodiazepines, and other substances
Mental Health Disorders: Anxiety, depression, PTSD, bipolar disorder
Dual Diagnosis: When addiction and mental health challenges happen together
Women-Specific Issues: Trauma, body image, grief, motherhood, and life transitions

5 Steps to Leave an Abusive Relationship

What are the Different Types of Addiction?

Relationship PTSD Symptoms in Women

Substance Abuse Among Women

Benefits of an IOP in Orange County for Women

IOP can be incredibly effective—especially for women juggling multiple responsibilities. Here’s why so many choose this level of care:

Flexibility: Attend treatment while managing your home life or career
Continuity: Step down from inpatient care without losing momentum
Community Support: Build friendships and accountability through group therapy
Holistic Approach: Heal emotionally, physically, and spiritually
Gender-Responsive Care: Feel seen, heard, and understood in an all-women space

Anchored Tides offers a deeply supportive IOP in Orange County that empowers women to rise, recover, and reconnect.

Signs You May Be a Good Fit for IOP

Wondering if IOP is right for you? You might benefit if:

You’ve completed detox or inpatient rehab and want continued support
You don’t need round-the-clock supervision, but still struggle
You want to maintain independence while working on your recovery
You’re committed to healing but need structure and guidance
You live in or near Orange County and are ready to get help

IOP can be your next step—or your first step—toward lasting wellness.

Why Choose Anchored Tides Recovery in Orange County?

We’re not just a treatment center—we’re a community of women helping women heal.

Women-Focused: We specialize in women’s mental health and addiction recovery.
Licensed Therapists: Our staff includes clinicians experienced in trauma, addiction, and holistic wellness.
Comfortable Environment: Our Orange County location is warm, welcoming, and designed with healing in mind.
Whole-Person Approach: Our IOP combines evidence-based treatment with mindfulness, movement, and creativity.
Support That Lasts: From your first session to long-term aftercare, we’re with you every step of the way.

What’s Next? How to Get Started

If you’re ready to take the next step, we’re here to walk it with you.

Call us for a confidential consultation, or verify your insurance online—it only takes a minute. Our admissions team is here to answer your questions, help you feel at ease, and create a plan that fits your life.

Recovery is possible. You don’t have to do it alone.

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The Impact of Oppression on Women’s Mental Health

It’s been over 100 years since women in the United States of America won the right to vote, and physical abuse against women became illegal.

However, oppression against women is still felt strongly today. From household conversations to government decisions, the impact on mental health runs deep.

According to national statistics, more than a century later, a third of US women have been victims of physical abuse at the hand of their partners. Meanwhile, a growing number of women are falling victim to disorders such as anxiety, depression, and addiction.

A growing body of research suggests gender inequality and the systemized oppression of women contribute to disorders such as depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress syndrome. It begs the question – are we any closer to dismantling oppression against women and its devastating effects?

What Does Oppression Against Women Look Like Today?

Societal sexism is woven into the fabric of our daily lives. We hear it in subtle ways; the way supervisors might speak to women in meetings, how filmmakers portray heroines in movies, and the expectation of mothers versus fathers.

It also manifests in more obvious ways– pay discrepancies, psychological, sexual, and physical abuse.

Decades of research show women as the more oppressed, victimized, and marginalized gender in every corner of the world.

Sadly, mental disorder and addiction statistics increasingly reflect this.

According to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America (ADAA), women are:

About twice as likely to experience a depressive episode
Twice as likely to suffer from generalized anxiety disorder
Up to 10 times more likely to have an eating disorder
Twice as likely to suffer from a panic disorder
More than twice as likely to develop PTSD.

The facts are stark and confronting. So, how does marginalization lead to these outcomes?

Five ways oppression against women impacts mental health

Societal expectations

The daily pressures placed on women have continued mounting for decades.

These pressures span workforce, household, and family structures, all upheld and reinforced by patriarchal systems and institutions. This can cause untold stress, which studies have linked to mental disorders such as anxiety and depression. High levels of stress over a prolonged period can contribute to poorer mental health outcomes and increase the risk of a severe mental illness.

Psychological and physical abuse

While anyone can fall victim to psychological and physical abuse, it is widely considered gendered. According to the World Health Organisation, about 30% of women suffer abuse in their lifetime. From manipulation to severe physical and sexual abuse, its psychological implications can be tragic and long-lasting. Self-medication can become an escape for women who don’t feel safe or empowered to seek support elsewhere.

Everyday discrimination

The Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale found that women who feel discriminated against because of their gender have higher depression scores. This supports the idea that perceived discrimination and systemized oppression against women have a powerful impact on mental health.

Barriers to mental health

Between the expense of treatment and its stigma, support isn’t always easy to access. In addition, past trauma means some may not be comfortable sharing their experiences around men at support groups.

Workplace discrimination

Gender pay inequality has plagued workplaces worldwide, with female-dominated professions more likely to pay less(teaching, nursing, etc.).

As more women juggle the demands of being the primary caregiver while navigating full-time jobs, the stress can be profound.

The Addiction Cycle

The numbers paint a clear picture – psychological distress and addiction often overlap. And it can be deadly. Each year, approximately 200,000 women lose their lives due to misusing substances, according to Psychology Today. Over 4.5 million women are recorded as having a substance abuse disorder. It’s another tragic symptom of oppression against women that goes overlooked. The stigma has led millions of women to suffer in silence.

Here’s how oppression against women leads to addiction:

The brain craves relief from stressful thought patterns

Women live in a world where they are generally less represented, safe, paid, and, ultimately, valued. From conversations to media – oppression against women is reinforced daily, impacting wellbeing. Self-medication and substance use – whether alcohol or other drugs – offer a dangerous, short-term escape from this reality.

A lack of trust in the system

When there is a lack of treatment available, women sometimes opt for self-medication. For example, if someone visits the doctor with declining mental health and her concerns are dismissed, she may not return if her circumstances worsen. A sense of helplessness and a lack of support can begin a pattern of self-medication that can evolve into addiction.

Accessibility to treatment

In 2010, a study found that women are far more likely than men to face multiple barriers when seeking treatment. From doctor’s appointments and prescription medication to therapy – it’s something not everyone can afford. Too often, self-medication poses a short-term escape for women struggling with mental health.

Shame and stigma

A deep-rooted sense of shame can compel women to be secretive about their substance use and become less likely to seek help. A study found that women feel a more significant stigma about substance abuse, impacting their recovery. While it differs for each person, patriarchal attitudes towards women and their household roles can exacerbate this shame and stigma. For example, a mother may not seek support if she fears being called a bad or careless mother.

Harming to Healing – What’s the Answer?

There’s no doubt that support and treatment are vital to those struggling with poor mental health and addiction. With more options now available to meet the growing demand, treatment is becoming more accessible. As the shame surrounding addiction reduces, more people feel comfortable reaching out for support, even if it’s through a friend or family member.

Our facility provides state-of-the-art care to women struggling with addiction. Our experts use a detailed treatment plan that targets the needs of each individual. If you are a woman that has been abusing drugs or medication, you do not need to suffer any longer.

Call our Anchored Tides Recovery at 866-600-7709 today to schedule a consultation and start improving the quality of your life.

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Stigmas of Mental Health and Addiction

The stigmas of mental health and addiction are entirely unwarranted, based on what we know scientifically about both. There was a time when we knew little about mental health disorders or addiction. Due to that lack of knowledge, there was often a misconception that you were weak or lacked morals if you were experiencing these conditions.

Unfortunately, those concepts were also associated with many mental health conditions and addiction. These misconceptions stopped society’s progress in understanding these are diseases. As with other chronic diseases, mental health disorders require evidence-based treatment.

When you learn more about substance use disorder, it can help you break down the stigmas you may personally feel still exist. Breaking down stigmas on an individual level can help you realize it’s okay to seek help.

If you aren’t personally struggling with addiction or behavior disorders. Still, your loved one is, you can be a more effective support system for them when you learn more about the disease of addiction or a mental illness.

Why Do Stigmas Exist?

Chemical dependency or an addiction to substances is a chronic brain disease. When you have a substance abuse disorder, your brain compels you to seek out and use a substance.

From the early 1800s, we know there was a harmful view taken on substance abuse and mental illness, although it likely started well before then. We have more records of how people with these disorders were described in places like medical literature from later periods.
For example, by the early 1900s, people with alcohol addictions were described as moral inferiors. Their children were called born criminals, who couldn’t determine right from wrong.
In 1914, there was the passage of legislation called the Harrison Anti-Narcotic Act. Addiction was criminalized, as were physicians who worked to treat substance use disorders.
Even in more modern times, the stigma of addiction and mental health has been reinforced. For example, in the 1970s the so-called War on Drugs started. There wasn’t a focus on treatment or rehabilitation, nor was addiction viewed as a disease. Instead, the war on drugs led to furthering criminalization of addiction. The results weren’t favorable, with the number of people going to jail for drug-related crimes have gone up enormously in the past few decades.

Recognizing these stigmas exist is one part of moving forward and away from these damaging viewpoints.

The Effects of Drugs and Alcohol on the Brain

When you use drugs or alcohol, dopamine floods your brain. That dopamine hijacks your reward system. Because of the effects on your reward system, you want to continue seeking out the substance that initially made you feel good. You may know there are negative consequences or that it’s not healthy, but you can’t stop.

Your brain adjusts to the use of the substance through the development of tolerance.
When your tolerance rises, you need larger doses of the substance to feel the same way.
Your brain’s function and structure can be profoundly affected.
You’re also eventually unable to experience pleasure from healthy, everyday activities.

There are decades of research work that demonstrate the reality of substance use. When you’re addicted to drugs or have an alcohol addiction, it’s not because you’re morally weak, lack willpower, or don’t want to stop.

Many people use recreational drugs or alcohol and never become addicted. Most people don’t. When you first use a substance, you don’t think you will develop an addiction. No one does.

Researchers have identified some of the key area’s addiction effects in the brain.

Dopamine-containing pathways are the ones we know are most significantly affected.
Short-term drug or alcohol use may cause minor effects in the brain.
Long-term use causes significant brain changes that reinforce an alcohol or drug habit, like strengthening memory circuits associated with drug-taking.
For years after someone stops taking drugs or alcohol, the brain changes can continue. That continuation is why addiction is a chronic, relapsing disease.

That doesn’t mean you’ll absolutely relapse with drug addiction or alcohol use disorders, but it does mean addiction requires treatment with relapse prevention in mind.

Understanding the Reasons for Stigma

Mental disorders and addiction often go hand-in-hand. These are co-occurring disorders.

People with mental illness are unlikely to get help for their condition, just like people with substance use disorders. Not getting help is very often due to the stigma or discrimination they worry they’ll experience.

There are different types of stigma that can affect you.

Public stigma involves other people’s negative attitudes about mental illness or addiction.
Then, there’s self-stigma, which is internalized shame you may feel.
Institutional stigma is systemic and may mean you have limited opportunities because of your addiction or mental health issue. For example, there may be fewer treatment options for physical health conditions or less access to treatment. Even health insurance companies reinforce this stigma. Health insurance issuers can make accessing mental health benefits and addiction disorder services harder.
Stigma can affect someone personally dealing with addiction or a mental illness. Stigma can also affect their families and loved ones.
Culturally, stigma may be a significant issue too. For example, there’s an even greater stigma about accessing addiction or mental health treatment or seeing mental health counselors in some cultures. There can also be distrust in treatment systems, including mental health & addiction services.

The Consequences of Stigma

In mental health and addiction, arguably the most significant consequence of stigma is barriers to substance use treatment. Addiction is a treatable disease.

With successful treatment programs, you can manage symptoms and start your life in recovery.

You can retain your sense of control and live a self-directed life. Unfortunately, if you’re embarrassed or feel shame about your situation, you’re much less likely to seek help at treatment facilities or a mental health facility.

You may worry about what people think about you, but addiction is a chronic, progressive disease.
A progressive illness worsens over time, and more complications can develop.
Other mental health disorders like anxiety and depression can also progress without treatment. This worsening of addiction and mental health disorders can contribute to a behavioral health crisis.
The effects of stigma include low self-esteem, more difficulties at school or work, and a reduced sense of hope.

Stigma can lead to social isolation, bullying or violence, or the belief that you can’t do anything to improve your situation, reinforcing the idea that you shouldn’t get behavioral health care.

Addiction Treatment

We want to emphasize again that addiction is a disease and a treatable one. However, it’s nearly impossible to overcome a substance use disorder simply by deciding you want to stop. Treatment often includes a combination of therapy and medication.

Treatment and recovery have challenges, but you’ll find it’s worth it.

The opioid crisis has brought to our attention the effects of stigma in addiction services and mental health care more than ever. Tens of thousands of people are needlessly dying annually, in large part due to stigma.

Our goal is always to reduce these effects. Anchored Tides Recovery helps people with addictions and their loved ones learn more about substance use and overcome it. To learn more about mental health and addiction services, please call 866-600-7709. We can provide you with information about the addiction recovery process for a substance use disorder.

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What are the Different Types of Addiction?

What we often don’t think about is the fact that along with substance use disorders, there are other types of addiction as well. Addiction is a dysfunction of your brain’s reward system. When you have an addiction, it also affects your memory and motivation.

These adverse effects on your brain function that occur with an addiction can lead your body to crave a behavior or substance. You may obsessively try and pursue whatever it is you’re addicted to. Even when negative consequences stem from the addiction, you continue anyway. Your addiction is your ultimate priority, above anything else.

Broadly, we can divide the different types of addiction into two categories—chemical and behavioral.

Chemical addiction is the misuse of substances like illicit drugs. Behavioral addictions are those compulsive behaviors that you carry out even when they aren’t beneficial and are harmful. Sometimes you’ll hear references to a shopping addiction or internet addiction, for example.

Addictive behavior often co-occurs with other mental disorders.

Understanding Addiction

Addiction interferes with your brain’s reward system and other elements of its function. When you’re doing enjoyable things, your reward system releases dopamine, a neurotransmitter. Dopamine doesn’t necessarily cause feelings of pleasure. Instead, it reinforces the association your brain makes between certain activities and feelings of pleasure you experience.

That reinforcement leads you to want to continue to seek those things out.

If you use drugs or engage in a certain behavior, you may want to experience the feelings of euphoria they create again. This can lead to cravings for behavior or substance like prescription medications, illegal drugs, or alcohol. Cravings can be one of the first symptoms of addiction.

When you continue to use the substance or do the behavior, your brain keeps triggering a high release of dopamine. Then, eventually, your brain starts to produce lower amounts of dopamine naturally in response to triggers that would ordinarily bring you pleasure.

As this goes on, you need more stimulus to make up for the dopamine your brain isn’t producing anymore, which is tolerance or physical dependence.

When an addiction develops, you might lose interest in things you previously enjoyed since you aren’t making dopamine in response to these activities.

Loss of control is a defining feature of addiction, which can lead to problems in relationships, health, and your career. Many people also experience other adverse consequences of compulsive behavior patterns or substance use, like financial issues.

When you’re in active addiction, you no longer get the pleasurable feeling from the drug or behavior, but you can’t stop doing it without therapy, addiction treatment, or behavior modification.

What is Chemical Addiction?

Chemical addiction is a catch-all term used to refer to substance abuse, addiction, and physical and psychological dependence.

Because of that, it’s often known as a substance use disorder. A substance use disorder or actual addiction is diagnosable and can fall into one of three categories—mild, moderate, and severe.

Symptoms of substance use disorder are:

Intense cravings that make it hard to think about anything else daily
Needing to use larger doses of the substance to get the same effects
Feeling uncomfortable if you can’t get the substance
Risky use, like driving under the influence
Problems managing your daily responsibilities
Relationship issues stemming from substance use
Not spending as much time doing the activities you once enjoyed
Unsuccessful efforts to stop using the substance
Withdrawal symptoms if you cut down your usage or stop cold turkey

Some of the most common substance addictions and addictive substances include:

Alcohol use disorder
Nicotine
Opioids, including prescription drug addictions and heroin
Cannabis
Amphetamine drug addiction
Methamphetamine addiction disorder
Cocaine

Behavioral Addictions

Behavioral addictions can be a little harder to spot and diagnose. There are fewer evidence-based criteria for the diagnosis and treatment of behavioral addictions compared to something like alcohol addiction.

Currently, the DSM-5 does have two behavioral addictions it recognizes.

The first is gambling addiction (compulsive gambling), and the second is internet gaming disorder which is similar to video game addiction.

There’s disagreement among medical experts about when behaviors can potentially become addictions and the particular behaviors that have a predisposition to lead to addiction.
Currently, the American Psychological Association doesn’t include behavior patterns linked to things like exercise, shopping, and sexual behavior in the DSM, because it says there isn’t enough peer-reviewed evidence available to develop diagnostic criteria.
That doesn’t mean that behaviors can’t lead to symptoms of addiction. It just means that as it stands right now, more research is needed to standardize how we diagnose and understand these addictions compared to other types of addiction.

General signs of a possible behavioral addiction include:

Spending an excessive period of time engaging in the behavior
Having urges to keep engaging in the behavior despite its negative effects on your life, responsibilities like school or work, or your relationships
Using behaviors to manage uncomfortable emotions
Hiding what you’re doing or how much time you spend on a behavior
Trouble avoiding the behavior
Experience symptoms of withdrawal if you don’t engage in the behavior like anxiety, depression, restlessness, or irritability
Continuing to engage in the behavior even when it creates distress
Unsuccessful efforts to stop doing whatever the behavior is

Common types of behavioral addiction that often lead people to get professional treatment include:

Exercise
Compulsive shopping
Food addiction
Sex addiction
Social media
TV

Treatment for Substance Addiction

With a substance use disorder, most people need professional treatment. There are complex physical and mental factors and potentially co-occurring disorders that play a role in addiction. If you’re dependent on a substance, you may need a supervised detox first.

During detox, you can receive medical treatment for the physical symptoms of chemical dependence.
Then, you could go to residential or outpatient treatment.
During residential treatment, you stay at a treatment facility, receiving specialized care and support.
Residential rehab can last for a few weeks to several months on average.
An outpatient program is more flexible, and you continue to live at home.

Regardless of the specific type of addiction treatment program you participate in, psychotherapy and counseling will likely be part of it.

Working with a therapist or counselor can help you understand why you started using substances and develop new coping mechanisms.
An FDA-approved medication can also be used for substance addiction.
There are medication-assisted treatments for alcohol, opioid and nicotine addictions in particular.
Medications reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms.
Support groups like a 12-step program can help people get sober or stay in addiction recovery. Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous are two of the more well-known 12-step programs.

Treatment for Behavioral Addiction

The most common approach to treating different types of addiction involving a behavior is therapy, as with other mental health disorders. For example, cognitive behavioral therapy is an evidence-based way to treat behavioral addictions.

When you participate in CBT, you’re focused on paying attention to your distressing thoughts and emotions. You work with a therapist to learn how to reframe those thoughts. You can work on the goal of developing better-coping skills.

Depending on your symptoms, an SSRI antidepressant might be part of the treatment. Participation in self-help groups can be valuable for behavioral addictions.

Often, as is the case with treating chemical addictions, behavioral addiction treatment requires a combination of approaches.

Get Help to Avoid Complications

Different types of addiction can vary, but the one underlying concept is that they are treatable. Without treatment, both substance addictions and behavioral addictions can worsen and complications can develop.

Over time without treatment, the effects on your life become more damaging. Reach out to us to learn more about getting the treatment you need for mental health issues or substance abuse disorder.

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What is a Spiritual Awakening in Recovery?

What is a spiritual awakening in recovery? Spirituality is one of the more misunderstood elements of addiction treatment and recovery, yet it is often one of the most important. At Anchored Tides Recovery, we encourage everyone to explore spirituality in a way that works for them, both during treatment and throughout their life.

Your spiritual journey and practice are likely to become something you rely on throughout your life, well after addiction treatment. Active addiction affects your spirit in profound ways, many of which you might not recognize immediately. Addiction keeps you from being truly present or in the moment because the influence of drugs or alcohol is always there. You might feel worthless due to your addiction, believing your only purpose is to use drugs or alcohol.

Addiction can make you lose touch with your emotions, preventing you from experiencing life fully. Recovery often goes hand-in-hand with the spiritual awakening process. This journey can be challenging because it looks different for everyone, but it is incredibly rewarding.

A spiritual awakening in recovery involves an increased sense of awareness and presence in the moment, noticing things you might have previously overlooked. We’ll explore below what we mean when we talk about a spiritual awakening in recovery and how it can happen for different people, regardless of their belief systems.

What is a Spiritual Awakening?

A spiritual awakening isn’t something you experience exclusive to addiction recovery. Awakening can happen at any time in your life, regardless of your circumstances.

You often experience something profound or on a deeper level that leads to a breakdown of your ego. You may feel a tug or call toward deeper mental awareness. The result tends to be a personal transformation along with a shift in how you see yourself and the world around you. For many of us, a spiritual awakening comes after a catalyst in our life.

If you’re going to addiction treatment or struggling with a substance use disorder, the realization that you’ve hit rock bottom or are not in control of your drug use can be that triggering event. It’s usually that initial realization about the true depths of your substance abuse that many people say is the hardest part of recovery. You have to see for yourself the impacts of your addiction on every area of your life before you reach any kind of deeper spiritual awareness. Awakening doesn’t always stem from addiction.

For some people, it’s a traumatic experience such as surviving an assault or abuse, or maybe the loss of a loved one. When you go through something traumatic, it affects you physically, mentally, and emotionally. You may go through an extended period of healing but emerge on the other side of that in a more vital place spiritually. If you have depression or a mental health disorder, it can lead you to what we call an existential crisis. You start to look more at the purpose of your life, and you may want a shift due to that assessment.

You can engage in practices through your daily life that might also activate an awareness or awakening. For example, mindfulness and meditation can be a way to transform yourself on a spiritual level, even without a major life event happening. According to Deepak Chopra, when you experience an awakening, you’re not in a dream world anymore.

Instead, based on Chopra’s framework, you are aware of yourself but only in a way that puts you within the context and connection of everything else. This period is also sometimes called enlightenment or nirvana.

How to Start Your Spiritual Awakening

The process of how to start your spiritual awakening is deeply personal, so below are only suggestions, but you may find a path that’s entirely your own.

Start to observe and notice. Many of us go through our lives on autopilot. We don’t think about what we truly want, who we are at our core, or why we’re at a particular point in our lives. When you become aware and observant, you’re better able to make changes then. For example, this might be when you question your drinking or drug use and start to delve more into why you’re doing it.
Develop a sense of connection. Specifically, as it relates to addiction and recovery, that sense of connection can come from participation in a support group, like a 12-step program.
Let go of attachments. We all have extensions that aren’t relevant to our true selves. You can begin to eliminate whatever those are through your awakening.
Find inner peace. When you cultivate inner peace, things still go wrong in your life, but it doesn’t lead you down dark paths. Instead, you learn how to cope with things as they go wrong effectively. When you’re experiencing things that aren’t pleasant, you recognize them as a fleeting moment in time.
Feel more compassion and empathy. When you’re participating in an addiction treatment program, you’ll start to learn more about how your substance abuse affected the people around you. This is an excellent starting point as you begin to become more empathetic and compassionate in all areas of your life.
More authenticity. You’ll start to grow into someone who feels your self-worth on a deep level. That will allow you to be more authentic in who you are.

The final step in an awakening of your spirit is that you’ll be happier and healthier. You’ll be able to thrive in your life rather than just survive in your recovery process.

Spirituality in Recovery

In many ways, having a successful long-term recovery from addiction relies on spiritual growth taking place. You have to change your perspective to be in recovery. As part of treatment for substance abuse, you can begin to identify and reconnect with the aspects of your life that are most important to you.

Spiritual power can become your most incredible tool for healing, personal growth, and having a thriving life. You can develop a sense of purpose, and at the same time, learn that you’re not alone.

Spirituality Is Not Religion

We often hear from people who worry spirituality is about God or religion. However, it’s important to note that you do not need religion or a belief in God to have a spiritual experience, although you certainly can get your spiritual power from God. A true awakening in the spiritual sense is about having your own beliefs and developing your sense of self that connects you to everything else in the world in your everyday life. You can give credit to whatever force or power you choose.

Are you ready to begin learning how to start your spiritual journey? We encourage you to reach out and learn more about our addiction treatment programs. We prioritize spirituality in whatever terms work for you. Your spiritual life is very personal, which is how Anchored Tides Recovery develops our addiction treatment programs as well, call 866-329-6639 to learn more.

Support starts here.

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The Relationship Between ADHD and Substance Abuse

There is commonly a relationship between Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) with substance abuse disorder. According to the National Institutes of Mental Illness, when someone has a mental health disorder along with a substance use disorder, it’s called a co-occurring disorder. Co-occurring disorders can begin simultaneously, but more commonly, one might appear before the other.

In the case of ADD/ADHD, it’s usually present before someone develops a substance use disorder.

What Are ADD and ADHD?

ADD stands for Attention Deficit Disorder, and ADHD stands for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder; both disorders are considered subtypes of one condition.

The term ADD is somewhat outdated, and you’ll most often hear these conditions referred to generally as ADHD.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), there are around 6.4 million children with ADHD diagnosed with it in the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), making this condition one of the most common childhood mental disorders.

Types of ADHD

Some variations of the disorder are:

Inattentive
Hyperactive
Impulsive
Combined
Adult

Inattentive

With the inattentive type, a child may specifically have problems focusing; symptoms for this particular subtype include:

Distracted easily
Forgetful
Not able to pay attention to details
Trouble staying on-task
Doesn’t follow instructions
Disorganized

Hyperactive/Impulsive

Symptoms of this type of ADHD can include:

Excessive talking
Squirms or fidgets
Moves around in inappropriate situations
Has a hard time staying quiet
Interrupts others
Experiences difficulties waiting their turn

Combined

The combined subtype of ADHD symptoms includes both inattention as well as hyperactivity/impulsivity.

Adult

Most adults who have ADHD had it since childhood, but it might not have been diagnosed until they were older. Symptoms of ADHD in adults can include:

Being easily distracted
Not paying attention to details
Some may have hyperfocus, meaning they delve so much into a project that they lose awareness of what’s happening around them
Disorganization
Problems with time management, such as often showing up late
Forgetfulness
Impulsivity
Shifts in mood
Negative self-image
Lack of motivation
Anxiety
Restlessness
Fatigue
Problems in relationships

Along with the symptoms above, adults with attention deficit disorder are also more likely to experience substance abuse, including alcohol and tobacco, and other illegal drugs.

What Are the Symptoms of Substance Abuse?

Some of the symptoms of substance abuse can overlap with ADHD symptoms. That can make a diagnosis of one or both conditions more challenging. Symptoms of addiction can include:

Urges or cravings to use a substance
A single-minded focus on getting and using the substance
Developing a tolerance and needing higher doses to get the same effects
Regularly taking more of a substance than intended
Financial difficulties that arise because of spending on drugs or alcohol
Continual use of the substance despite adverse side effects and outcomes
Engaging in risky behaviors while on the drug, or to get more of it
Not being able to stop using the substance
Experiencing withdrawal symptoms if cutting back or trying to quit

If someone is dealing with addiction, the people around them may see more outward manifestations. These can include:

Problems at work or school
Failing to meet obligations in daily life
Physical health issues such as weight loss
Not caring about grooming or physical appearance
Changes in behavior
Being secretive
Problems with money

Why Are People with ADHD At Higher Risk of Substance Abuse and Addiction?

It’s estimated that more than 25% of adolescents with substance use disorders also fit the criteria for ADHD. Around the same percentage of adults who seek treatment for drug or alcohol abuse also have ADHD.

There are so many factors that can play a role in the links between ADHD and substance abuse, some of which are explored below.

Underlying Vulnerability

One theory as to why people with ADHD are more likely to develop substance use disorders is because both conditions are considered disinhibition disorders; when someone doesn’t have inhibitions, they are more likely to be impulsive in their behaviors. Impulsivity leads to risky behaviors, and that can include using substances.

Children, throughout their lifetime, are significantly more likely to try different substances than people without ADHD.

The brain of someone with ADHD can be wired to seek out new experiences because of their impulsivity. That means that not only could they be more likely to use substances, but their brain could move toward full-blown addiction more quickly.

Dealing with the Effects of ADHD

When a child or adult struggles with ADHD, it can have profound effects on their life, including overall quality of life. Someone with ADHD may struggle with relationships and in situations like school or work. It may be overwhelming for them to keep up with the demands of their daily responsibilities.

They may feel like they’re different from other people, or they may feel like they aren’t achieving what they’d like to because of ADHD. These negative feelings can impact self-esteem and can make someone more likely to use substances.

Self-Medication

In some ways, self-medication was touched on above, but it can also be talked about on its own. When someone is dealing with ADHD symptoms, they may find that it’s hard for them to calm down or relax, which can lead to self-medication with substances.

For example, if someone with ADHD often feels restless or as if their mind is racing, they might use a depressant like marijuana or alcohol to deal with the symptoms. Someone with ADHD could also self-medicate to improve anxiety, sleep, focus, or depression.

Do ADHD Medicines Contribute to Substance Abuse Problems?

There are some theories that the use of ADHD medicines like Adderall and Ritalin could themselves create an addiction risk. While amphetamine and methylphenidate are potentially addictive, most people with ADHD who take these drugs as prescribed are less likely to abuse them than people without ADHD.

When someone has ADHD symptoms and takes their medicine as prescribed, it doesn’t create that same high as it does in someone who’s recreationally abusing the drug. Research is increasingly showing that it may lower their risk of substance abuse when someone takes their ADHD medicine as prescribed.

Substance Abuse Treatment with Co-Occurring Disorders

For someone who has both ADHD and a substance abuse disorder, they may require long term treatment for both co-occurring disorders. When someone has a co-occurring disorder, dual diagnosis treatment is critical. If a person isn’t treated for both conditions, then there’s a higher likelihood of relapse. Once a dual diagnosis has been established, co-occurring disorders require specialized treatment that tends to be more in-depth.

Dual diagnosis treatment addresses the mental, physical and social factors of addiction and the mental health disorder. Dual diagnosis treatment may include a combination of behavioral therapies in both individual and group settings. The therapist might use medication as well.

The big takeaway is that while people with ADHD are more likely to have substance use disorders, treatment can work when it deals with both issues separately and their relationship to one another.

Anchored Tides Recovery is a safe place for women with co-occurring mental health issues, along with addiction issues, can heal. Call us today, find comfort and start to build your support group, one woman at a time.

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