Recovery

Holistic refers to the idea that the whole is greater than merely the sum of its parts. In relation to holistic therapy for substance abuse, this concept has wide ramifications. Research has showed that addiction is a systemic brain disease marked by compulsive drug-seeking behavior. Of course, there are surefire methods of helping a person get clean. However, even these methods don't always take into consideration the whole individual. The holistic approach to treating substance abuse goes beyond traditional therapies such as those for individual, group, or family through behavioral or pharmacological treatment. Instead, this approach promotes recovery by healing the mind, body and soul.

After you have completed treatment, the biggest challenge to enjoying a life free from addiction is learning to deal with triggers. According to UCLA, triggers are "specific environments, people and objects that can spark an addict's craving for drugs." This can be something as simple as walking into the room where drug use regularly happened or feeling an emotion that would have caused you to turn to drugs before recovery. While some triggers, like the places or people you were around when you used drugs, are avoidable, avoiding triggers is not possible 100 percent of the time. If you are struggling with the desire to use drugs, even after successfully completing a recovery program, your reaction to triggers may be to blame.

There are so many methods out there for addiction treatment that it can be difficult to choose the right method for you. We believe that you must be committed to your health and wellness when starting any type of recovery program. Therefore, it is important to select a program that you believe in, and will want to do. One relatively new treatment option for addiction is somatic experiential therapy. Learning more about this holistic treatment option can help you determine the right course of action for your needs.

“Writing is the only way I have to explain my own life to myself,” says author Pat Conroy. His insight echoes the sentiments of generations of writers through the centuries. Writing has always been a means to understanding oneself and the world, a way to express and clarify hopes and fears, grief, sadness, anxiety, happiness, and joy. Many of the world’s greatest writers didn’t write for others, or to make money, they wrote because it made them feel better and brought them peace of mind. Many writers thought of writing as a way of having a personal conversation with God. Says writer Kristin Armstrong, “I write about the power of trying, because I want to be okay with failing. I write about generosity because I battle selfishness. I write about joy because I know sorrow. I write about faith because I almost lost mine, and I know what it is to be broken and in need of redemption. I write about gratitude because I am thankful - for all of it.” In short, writing has always been a way of securing good mental health. And modern science has proven those intuitive impressions to be factually true.

As spring blossoms, people will begin spending more time outdoors enjoying the fragrant and inviting atmosphere. For those suffering from a mental health disorder, the outdoors provides an excellent opportunity to improve healthy coping skills and encourage proper thought processes. If you want to boost mental health for yourself or a loved one this spring, consider how the following five activities will improve your mood, physical health, and your overall mental health:

As with the previous three steps of the 12-step program, step 4 requires you to look at your life before and during your addiction. While you are struggling with addiction, you may see things through foggy glasses. Perhaps you have blamed others for the troubles in your life rather than looking at the true cause of these issues. In step 3 you learned to let go and let God, but during step four of a 12-step program, you are required to remove the glasses and excuses and look at the real causes of the difficulties in your life. This process may be difficult to begin, but is both worth it and necessary for your recovery.

The 12 step program is a successful program created to help individuals overcome their alcohol addiction. It has been successfully adapted for use in the treatment of a variety of addictions. The first two steps of the program require you to admit that you have a problem and that you are unable to solve it on your own. You also learn how step 2 can lift you up in faith.

Suffering from drug or alcohol addiction can leave even the strongest person feeling hopeless and helpless. In step 1 of the 12 step program you discover the importance of admittance and realization that you cannot overcome addiction on your own. If you are walking in this journey, it is important to know that you are never alone. In addition to the many people who have walked this road before you, there is a higher power that will help guide you in your recovery. Step 2 is designed to restore your hope and faith in God.

We offer many treatment methods but the 12 steps are an important aspect to any one recovery. The first step of the twelve steps to recovery is one of the most important steps. This is the step where you admit that you’ve messed up and you cannot overcome your addiction on your own. It prepares you for the second step in which you find your higher power that you will rely on throughout your recovery process. If you never admit that you need help, you will never be able to fully recover from your drug or alcohol addiction.

When undergoing treatment for drug and alcohol addiction, many patients have a hard time staying positive. Luckily in addition to many other healthy activities, there are plenty of inspirational books about addiction and recovery to keep your spirits high.