Recovery

Therapy does not always involve talking. There are non-verbal therapies you can choose in your mental health or addiction recovery program. This article will describe eight alternative methods available at Avalon Malibu to offer something unique to your recovery experience.

You believe that talking to a friend is just as good or better than seeing a therapist, but is this true? A friend's ear is valuable in some situations but inappropriate in others. Therapists have strengths in certain areas, so they bring something different to the discussion that a friend often cannot. This article will elaborate on five essential differences between talking to these two social support groups and highlight why you should not be ashamed to "see a therapist."

Working to actively prevent relapse after you have begun to make strides in your recovery is essential. Although relapse does not mean the end of recovery, it is still important to take steps to minimize your chances of relapse. Below are some practices you can cultivate in your life that serve as a protective layer against relapse.

Recovery from mental illness and substance use is only possible with a focused recovery mindset. This can be done by having a recovery mentality that you create space for yourself to reach fulfillment in your goals, your relationships, and your life.

When beginning mental health and substance use disorder (SUD) treatment, it is crucial to ensure your treatment plan is holistic and integrates different modalities for optimal healing. At Avalon Malibu, located in California, we utilize several different modalities in treatment programming to meet you where you are, help you find what works for you, and what will help you along your recovery journey. Acupuncture is one therapeutic option that has many benefits.

Early recovery is a tumultuous time for those dealing with the effects of addiction, mental health disorders, or a combination of the two. Strength and willpower are often touted as noble efforts to be sustained through these difficult times. In recovery, you may hear that you need to "stay strong" to face the uncertainties of the recovery process. While this notion is birthed from a positive, supportive mindset, maintaining a facade of strength can also be detrimental. Navigating your recovery while maintaining a false sense of stability can work against your goals for recovery.

Recovery is a complicated and arduous process, and while it comes with a myriad of difficulties, it is possible for anyone willing to commit. There is a difference between managing some of the complications that accompany addiction and a dedicated approach to recovery. Addiction is a disease without any definite cure. Managing symptoms can help to mitigate some of the overwhelming stresses, anxiety, depression, or other mental, emotional, and physical aspects of addiction. However, in order to alleviate these symptoms long term, you must dedicate yourself to recovery. Responding to these symptoms can be the catalyst for a more impactful, transformative path ahead.

Recovery is a complicated journey, and each person will have their own best practices when it comes to processing emotions and expectations throughout the process. There are a plethora of strategies that each individual can explore. One potent option can include using writing therapy as an emotional outlet to provide an individual with a unique perspective when processing their feelings and gauging progress towards set goals. Even within writing therapy, there are many different ways each person can approach their written outlets. Different forms and intents behind one's writing can provide a myriad of purposes across one's recovery journey.

Whether individuals are overcoming their use of drugs or quelling unhealthy drinking habits, addiction recovery is an incredibly challenging process. Many emotional and physical changes occur in rapid succession as an individual ceases their use. Having a comfortable space to fall back and process these intense changes is instrumental in navigating such a tumultuous time. However, an approach to addiction recovery ripe with amenities is not an absolute necessity when pursuing sobriety. Although, it can offer several unique advantages that may be pertinent to one's situation. Understanding the role that luxury plays and its intents can help each person decide the best approach during their sobriety journey.

Trying to figure out how you are going to recover from anxiety, depression, substance use, or post-traumatic stress disorder can feel overwhelming; it can also prevent you from beginning to heal. However, realizing that there are trained professionals to support you in your healing process and not focusing on the how of recovery can enable you to get past those barriers and seek the help you need and deserve.

Escapism plays an interesting role throughout one's recovery journey. While escapism can be used to push away stressors or avoid daily struggles, it can also be a phenomenal tool of relaxation, depending on how it is used. However, not all individuals will engage with escapist outlets in the same way. Understanding the different forms escapism takes and how to approach it productively is essential for determining how an individual can incorporate its benefits in their recovery journey while avoiding its potential pitfalls.

Dependent disorder is a kind of personality disorder that greatly impacts your way of thinking and daily life. The feelings of anxiety can feel overwhelming as a result of the disorder. However, it is still possible to address and overcome your symptoms and regain a sense of control and self-esteem despite personal experiences. Left unaddressed, dependent disorder can continue to impact an individual on a mental, emotional, and physical level. The ability to identify and address your struggles with dependence is necessary to create a more self-fulfilled and healthy lifestyle.