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As you’re taking new steps towards healthier living, you’ll want to make sure that your mind, body, and spirit are adequately prepared for all the new changes that will be taking place. Recovery isn’t just about treating the addiction itself – it’s about doing what you can to ensure that you’re in the healthiest state possible as a form of restoration. Physical health is incredibly important because your body serves as the foundation that gets you to where you need to be; without physical health, it becomes harder to carry out daily tasks and live the lifestyle you’ve always dreamed of. Stretching is a great way to boost your immune system and prepare your mental health for optimal processing.  There are truly so many benefits to stretching: it promotes flexibility, it corrects our posture, and it helps our bodies become more prepared to deal with injuries as they come. In addition to this, our blood supply increases with stretching – which means that nutrients are better able to reach the parts of our body that really need it for healing. Light movement has actually been shown to improve our mental health and can boost our mood. Studies have shown that a certain type of protein can be increased through stretching, which makes it easier for our mind and body to heal. Mental illness concerns like anxiety and depression can be reduced, making it easier to function in daily life and thrive in recovery altogether.  Much like we may need to warm up a vehicle on a cold winter day before we drive it off the parking lot, our bodies need time to adjust to the movement and changes that are taking place. Stretching can improve your circulation and give you fuller range-of-motion, which will also help you react better to falls and other issues that may arise. There are a few types of holistic practices that can also increase our stretching capabilities, including yoga and meditation. When we stretch, we become more in-tune with our mind, body, and spirit – which ultimately can have a transformative effect on our addiction recovery.

Thousands of children across the U.S. have been shown to be affected by the opioid crisis, and in more ways than one. In addition to the many lives lost and damaged directly from opioid addiction, children are often faced with challenges that other children aren’t – and it can harm children mentally, physically and spiritually, even into their adult years. What tends to happen in situations such as the opioid crisis is that the United States will focus on one particular problem – such as the overdoses – but then other serious concerns may fall by the wayside, even if unintentionally. It’s unfortunate that many children have been left without the proper care and support because their parents or other primary caretakers are battling substance abuse, such as with opioids – but with more support and resources available, we’ll be able to combat this problem. Parental misuse is a common occurrence in households when substance abuse is present, and in many cases, children are forced to travel from one foster home to another – which certainly takes a toll not only on the system as a whole but on the children and their families as well. Previous studies are showing that states like Indiana have seen a surge in foster care support for children, particularly alongside the opioid epidemic. This type of explosion destroys families and makes it even harder for children to feel support in life. Once children are in foster care, they’re faced with so many issues that it becomes more than simply “caretaking” – foster families must then work to help children heal from the trauma that’s affected their family, along with the mental and social support needed for children to thrive after such devastating events. With so many children in the foster care system, and some states, such as Indiana, being overwhelmed with endless cases and not enough time, children’s’ wellbeing is being placed at stake.  If you are currently struggling with opioid addiction, speak with a professional from Avalon Malibu today. You’re not alone – and recovery is possible.

For people who drink too much alcohol too quickly, blackouts can occur. And when it happens, it’s interesting because of the way our society views it – in some ways, it’s terrifying, while others find it to be quite hilarious. Drinking too much and too fast can cause blackouts, and they’re incredibly common – especially since our culture condones so much drinking. If blackouts are occurring frequently in a person’s life, this could be a strong sign that they’re struggling with alcoholism or an alcohol use disorder (AUD) – but all too often, people don’t even realize they’re battling this because it’s viewed as a normal thing. As a person’s blood-alcohol level increases, the rate, and length of a person’s memory loss will also increase – and that’s why individuals often find themselves trying to piece together their night the morning after. The ”day after” or the “morning-after” are often situations filled with humiliating details, but the aftermath effects are serious; along with not remembering what a person is doing while experiencing a blackout, a person may also experience vision problems, impaired judgment, troubles standing, walking and more. For people who have a good idea of the serious effects that can occur from alcoholism, recovery is about understanding not only the harmful effects that these behaviors can cause to our body and to those around us, but also getting a clearer idea of how alcohol affects us in these instances. Previous reports have explained that blackouts a condition where the ability to form new memories is, temporarily, impaired. It makes sense, then, why people have such difficulties understanding what they did the night they blacket out – because alcohol took over. Researchers are still trying to discover exactly how blackouts occur – the hippocampus, a part of the brain that is responsible for making and storing memories, is obviously involved; in addition to this, previous research has shown that blackouts can vary in experience depending on who the person is, as well as their gender, weight, age, etc. Further investigations are exploring the types of blackouts that occur depending on not only the person but on the alcohol consumed – altogether, however, it’s very clear to see that people who blackout do face serious consequences – even if for a brief period of time. It’s not uncommon for people who blackout to want to try and put together the previous night’s events afterward, and with friends. Unfortunately, the information that’s talked about it’s always accurate because they’re often based on another’s person’s memory of the events – which could easily lead to false memories and false representations of what actually happened when alcohol was involved. In these instances, the circumstances could become extremely dangerous – especially if moments of crime, sexual assault, vandalism, and other related activities were present under the influence of alcohol. Studies report that men are more likely to experience blackouts than women – but with less stringent concerns about drinking, both groups of people are significantly at risk for blackouts. There are a number of health concerns that come with excessive drinking, such as missing work or school, getting behind in grades, finding out that a person said or did something that they wish didn’t happen, arguing with loved ones, overdose, hangovers, increased chances of having an accident, greater risks of getting involved in criminal activity and more.  When blackouts occur, we’re more likely to put ourselves into risky situations because we’ve lost the capabilities to think clearly and critically about decisions that we’re making. What we come to find is that people who’ve had blackouts tend to have false ideas about what really happened – and, in some cases, people admit to having followed through with a particular crime when indeed they were really innocent, all because they were under the influence of alcohol and can’t really remember what happened.   In instances such as these, the false representations that we may come to believe – because we don’t have any other evidence telling us otherwise – can place us at great risk legally, in addition to the risks that come to our health.   A one-time occurrence may not be a significant sign that help needs to be sought, but if blackouts are occurring often, or if a person is beginning to favor drinking over hobbies, work, family responsibilities and more, help needs to be sought. Blackouts can become a major sign of alcoholism if they occur often – but seeking help early on can help a person develop the tools they need to move forward in their life. Avalon Malibu focuses on the whole person, and with a personalized treatment plan and a support system, you’ll be well on your way towards healing and rejuvenation. If you’re ready to begin your journey to recovery, speak with a professional from Avalon Malibu today.

Previous studies have shown that when mental illness is involved in a romantic relationship, typically both partners must work together to get a better understanding of the mental illness and what a partner needs to thrive – but many couples aren’t aware of the tools to help their significant other, let alone the knowledge of how to talk about mental illness. There are about 450 million all around the world who battle with mental illness – so it’s extremely common for couples to deal with issues related to managing mental illness. Open communication has been shown to really help couples feel stronger together as they move forward – if you feel comfortable telling your partner about your mental illness, it’s suggested you do so. Of course, always wait until you’re ready.

Mental health is something that should be worked on every day, but this can be difficult to do when it feels like all of life’s responsibilities – like school, parenting, career, bills and more – come tumbling on after us. Recent studies have shown that Americans today are incredibly stressed over a variety of important issues – and when addiction recovery is involved, it’s vital for stress to be managed in healthy ways so that negative symptoms like muscle tension, migraines, asthma attacks, hyperventilation, heart disease, diabetes, and much more can be avoided.  With all this stress, it’s important that you make your mental health a top priority. Mindfulness has been shown to be an incredibly effective form of treatment for stress, and it can also help people who battle mental illness to work through some of the negative thoughts they may be experiencing. All too often, stress takes us away from the present moment and sends us into this state of negativity and doubt – but mindfulness reminds us that where we’re at, right here and right now, is safe. We’re okay. And there’s still room to grow.

During early recovery, we’re often inundated with so many rapid changes. Suddenly we’re not relying on our substances of choice. We’re meeting new people, learning new coping skills, and abstaining from our addictive patterns. We’re getting to the root causes of our suffering and we begin a lifelong recovery journey. We start to realize that recovery goes far beyond our sobriety. While sobriety is part of the picture, there is so much more to the story. A big part of recovery, especially early recovery, involves getting to know ourselves again. Who are we without our substances of choice? How do we navigate the world? What are our hopes and dreams? What do we like? This is an exciting and overwhelming time. While it’s tempting to disregard these soul-searching and difficult questions, it’s necessary for our full and healthy recoveries.

Change is never easy. Here are some helpful and healthy ways to cope. The world around us is everchanging and we are no different. The phrase “change is the only constant” is popular for a reason. When we’re feeling mentally tenuous or in the early stages of recovery, change can be especially difficult. Any shift in routine or daily life is hard, even if it’s a positive change. As humans, we’re usually more comfortable staying in the status quo. However, it’s important to be adaptable to change and have a toolbox of healthy, sustainable coping mechanisms for life’s constantly shifting tides. These tools will come in handy during any change -- whether it’s a small change to your daily routine, a change of home or city, a breakup, or a new recovery program.  Practicing mindfulness and healthy nonattachment is a great starting point for coping with change. To do this, simply observe the changing flows around you and note how you’re feeling. Try not to react with intense emotions or judgment. Be a curious observer. Reciting the serenity prayer can be a deeply comforting practice during times of change or turmoil. Also, it’s important to communicate your feelings and talk your way through the change with your group and therapist. Writing in a journal, taking mindful walks, exercising, and continuing your healthy habits will serve as a positive foundation during times of flux. While life is always changing for better or worse, you don't’ need to uproot your healthy habits. Examples of negative ways of coping with change include isolating, not communicating, drinking or using drugs, or discontinuing the healthy habits that you’ve tried so hard to cultivate. Continue on your own path and try o be as adaptable as possible to the changing circumstances of life. Enjoy the ride.

We all feel better when we spend time in nature. Let’s explore how the great outdoors can help our mental health and recovery journey. In our contemporary lives, we are often inundated by technology and endless parades of emails, text messages, social media, and artificial lighting. It’s easy to forget about the healing powers of nature and how we all have relatively easy access to a free mental health boost whenever we want. Whether it’s a local park in your city, the beach, the woods, or the mountains, getting back to nature is a wonderful way to reconnect with mother earth, yourself, and the world around you. Let’s discuss why getting back to nature is so vital for our mental health. Additionally, this article will explore simple ways to spend more time in nature.

We all feel depressed sometimes. In fact, it’s completely normal to feel downtrodden, sad, or just plain blue, at one point or another. Life has its ups and downs and as humans, we have a myriad of different moods and feelings. However, when feelings of sadness and depression persist, and in fact start to become the norm, it’s time to seek help for depression. Here, we’ll examine some common signs of depression and how to spot them. The most important thing to know is that you’re not alone. Depression is treatable and common.  Depression can be defined as unhappiness or sadness. Feelings of hopelessness are a telltale sign of depression. If you’re feeling dejected and as if there’s no hope in sight, it’s time to reach out to a trusted friend or therapist and talk about your feelings. Additionally, depression can make us withdrawal from activities that we used to find really enjoyable. If you used to love Tennis and now you have no desire to hit the courts, it could be a sign of serious depression. Likewise, depression can present itself as a general lack of interest in your life, things you used to enjoy, your friends, or family. There seems to be a dark cloud floating over everything and the world looks less technicolor and more grey. Decreased sex drive, irritability, anxiety, loss of appetite, persistent feelings of fatigue, or low energy are all signs of depression.  While it’s normal to feel depressed from time to time, if you or someone you love is experiencing persistent and unmanageable depression symptoms, there is help available. You deserve to be happy, vibrant, and healthy. If you have reason to believe that someone you or someone you know is considering suicide, please get immediate help from a crisis or suicide prevention hotline. Call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-8255.

Reading good books in recovery is a healthy habit and a great way to feel mentally stimulated. There are plenty of great books out there about addiction, mental health, and recovery. They range from great personal stories of hardship and triumph to more research-based books on the topics. There are also plenty of novels and stories with themes pertaining to addiction and recovery. Reading helps us gain perspective and feel more connected. Above all, it expands our minds and makes us more empathetic. Here are a few recommendations, all pertaining to addiction, mental health, and/or recovery. Additionally, if reading about these topics is triggering or not enjoyable for you, choose other novels, poetry, or memoirs that are more in line with your reading interests. There are really no rules when it comes to a reading list and each book will open you up to a new world.

Starting a regular yoga practice is a great idea. When we truly commit to mindfulness practices or exercises, we start to reap the rewards. Yoga is no exception. When we start to practice yoga regularly, we start to feel more connected to our minds, bodies, and the world around us. We start to feel more flexible, strong, and clear-headed. We start to notice our breath, become more mindful and less stressed, and we begin to feel a deeper connection with spirit. Sometimes the prospect of starting a new habit or routine can be daunting and the mental stress of thinking about it can prevent us from starting it all together. Here are some tips for how to start a regular yoga practice so that you can experience the wonderful mind-body benefits.

During active addiction, we often forego our creative impulses and self-expressive tendencies, as our substances of choice took over our lives. The truth is, we are all creative and self-expression is a necessary and enriching part of daily life. In fact, during active addiction, we can forget our sense of self and who we truly are, let alone how to express that inner self. Well, there are myriad ways to express yourself and once you start to use your own unique voice, you’ll never want to stop. Self-expression can be defined simply as an expression of one’s feelings, thoughts, or ideas. The way in which you express yourself is up to you. The options are endless. Some positive ways to express yourself include journaling and writing, drawing, painting, dancing or other physical movements, and many other hobbies.