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For many years, there has been much debate over the benefits of 12-Step programs – but as more programs have been developed, there are now other options to compare to as well. Recovery is different for everyone, and it truly all depends on one’s personal approach. Holistic healing is about the mind, body and spirit – and taking the path that suits the individual is key. If you’re at the beginning of your recovery journey, it’s worth considering some of the benefits – and differences – to each type of program, so that you can make an informed decision before moving forward with either one.

We spend so much time as a society talking about the negatives that come with psychological conditions – but despite the grief they can cause us from time to time, there are some positives that we can focus on, too. Obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) is marked by characteristics of obsessions (intrusive thoughts) and compulsions (urges); in many cases, OCD can hold a person back in their relationships, work and other pursuits. However, there are some positives that we can find with OCD, and these positives may help us gain a sense of reclaiming over our story.

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is one of the most effective forms of treatment for addiction recovery; with various approaches to recovery, numerous studies have shown time and time again that CBT can help individuals replace old, negative thoughts patterns with newer, more productive ones. If you’re currently in the beginning stages of recovery, it’s important to note that substance abuse often serves as a “solution” to the pain that we’re experiencing – but by developing healthier coping mechanisms, such as through CBT, we become better equipped to deal with challenging life circumstances.

Nearly 70% of Americans have experienced a traumatic event at least once in their lives, and 20% have gone on to develop post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). When this condition develops, daily life becomes much more difficult to manage. Nightmares can make it difficult to sleep at night, and stress and anxiety become a “normal” way of functioning. Relationships are much more difficult to manage, and flashbacks can suddenly bring out anxiety and panic attacks. The journey to healing from PTSD is a long one, but thankfully there are many strategies that can be used to help a person heal and restore. Last year, Dr. Matthew Tull, a professor and director of anxiety disorders research at the University of Mississippi Medical Center, told Very Well Mind, a website that publishes relevant information on a variety of psychological conditions, that expressive writing can improve physical and psychological health for those struggling with PTSD. He explained that journaling can reduce body tension as well as restore focus – something that many people with PTSD tend to struggle with. He suggested a number of writing prompts, such as:

Whether you experienced a car accident, an attack or some other painful event, there’s no doubt that injuries take a long time to heal. The psychological wounds left over from traumatic incidents can take a long time, and the physical component of healing can be a treacherous journey. When we experience an injury, we discover that we’re no longer able to do some of the things we used to – and, in many cases, the pain and discomfort can weigh heavily on us. For many Americans, the road to healing from injury is a long, challenging one – especially when certain medications are involved. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recently published the story of a young woman named Brenda, who went through a car accident on her way to the grocery store. After seeing many doctors and nurses for the injury, she was given prescription medication for pain relief – but after long, she began taking more than she originally intended, and that’s when addiction began to sink in. “She felt lonely and isolated, and was suffering. Everything else took a backseat in her life, including her friends and family. Brenda became addicted to heroin, a point that she never thought she would reach.” The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) explains that while greater screening procedures are in place to help stop people from abusing medications, it still continues to take a heavy toll on people around the world. What originally begins as a opportunity for healing eventually transcends into a need for relief – and, over time, it becomes easier to transition to greater drug use. The longer addiction is active, the greater damage that can occur to a person’s mind, body and spirit; once help is sought, the path towards rejuvenation can take place. If you or a loved one have begun abusing prescription medications, speak with a professional from Avalon Malibu today. The sooner you seek help, the better.

Xanax, also known as alprazolam, is the most prescribed psychiatric medication in the United States. Used to treat anxiety and panic disorders, nearly 44 million prescriptions of Xanax are written each year; this drug is used to suppress neurotransmitters in the body that release fear – and by eliminating some of the physiological symptoms that people tend to experience (such as sweaty palms, racing thoughts, hyperventilation and more), a person is likely to be more relaxed. Despite the benefits of using Xanax, it’s still incredibly addictive. By understanding more of the underlying mechanisms of this drug, we can hopefully begin taking additional precautionary measures so that we don’t become addicted – or, at the very least, so that we can seek help immediately if warning signs arise. Dr. Elizabeth Hartney, a psychologist, professor and Director of the Centre for Health Leadership and Research at Royal Roads University in Canada, explained to Very Well Mind earlier this year that Xanax is a benzodiazepine, which means that when taken as prescribed, this medication can assist with anxiety and sleep – and many people do find relief from it. Over time, however, it can become easy to abuse the medication and take it in higher doses or for a longer period of time – and this potential for abuse is what can lead to severe addiction. Last year, The Guardian published the story of a young man in the UK who fell into selling drugs, but unintentionally became addicted to Xanax. He explained, “I gradually withdrew from the drugs and felt ill for a few weeks. I felt depressed and physically sick. I managed to get through it and most people I know have managed to. But it is very easy to relapse and that’s happened a few times.” The chemicals in Xanax boost a brain chemical called gamma-aminobutryic acid (GABA), which is what brings about those euphoric sensations. If not taken carefully, however, the risks for addiction are high.

As the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) explains, personality disorders represent, “…an enduring pattern of inner experience and behavior that deviates markedly from the expectations of the individual’s culture.” The symptoms associated with personality disorders can cause a lot of distress in daily life – especially with social situations or interpersonal communication. On the surface, personality disorders may seem quite similar to one another. There are underlying differences, however, that should be taken into consideration – because there are varying needs that should be addressed in treatment. Avoidant personality disorder (AVPD) is a Cluster C personality disorder and isn’t as commonly diagnosed. A 2018 study published in the journal Psychology Research and Behavior Management explained that in many cases, APD is considered a more severe version of social anxiety disorder (SAD). There are distinct symptoms of AVPD that differ from SAD, however:

There are a multitude of ways that addiction affects us – and even in recovery, we still need time for our mind, body and spirit to heal. There are number of reasons why individuals struggle with anxiety in addiction recovery – and concerns like panic attacks often arise either out of having a mental illness, such as panic disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or a related condition, or because of their personal recovery process as a whole. If you believe you’ve been struggling with panic attacks, it’s important to know that you’re not alone – it is estimated that around 1-2% of the population experiences this, and, while that may not seem like a lot, it accounts for millions of people in the United States alone.

Vicodin is a prescription narcotic that involves a semi-synthetic opioid, called hydrocodone. Vicodin is considered one of the most addictive painkillers, and tends to be used for high levels of pain that occur after an injury or surgery, for example. As a tablet or in liquid form, vicodin can bring about symptoms of drowsiness, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, constipation and more – and while it can help reduce those feelings of discomfort that come with pain, it can also lead to dangerous risk levels for addiction. In many cases, it’s because patients begin taking more than prescribed – but for others, the quest for vicodin comes in taking someone else’s medication. The Truth, a movement that has been working for several years to combat addiction, published the story of a young girl who battled Vicodin addiction after having knee surgery from playing soccer. When her Vicodin prescription ran out, she would take drastic measures – even going as far as to hurt herself – to be given more medication. If you or a loved one are taking Vicodin, it’s important to recognize some of the warning signs that could lead to addiction, so that help can be sought sooner rather than later.

The movies tend to depict alcoholism in a sad, grim light – but in many cases, ourselves and our loved ones fall into unhealthy patterns of behavior without even realizing it. Depression is one of the leading causes of disability in the world, and unfortunately, alcohol can appear to be a “quick fix” to masking uncomfortable symptoms when it appears there is no other way out. While most of us depict depression as simply being sad, there’s much more beneath the surface. On the outside looking in, depression may not even be noticeable; we may continue to attend work-related events, thrive in our social lives, or appear fine at home.  You’ll know if you’re experiencing sincere depression if you have:

The term ‘supervised detox’ sounds a bit terrifying, but what exactly does it mean? We know that for many people in addiction recovery, they undergo severe circumstances in which they can’t face alone. Quality treatment is about providing optimal mental, physical and spiritual care so that clients can feel safe and secure while healing; a publication by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) explained that supervised detox may prevent, “…potentially life threatening complications that may appear if the patient was left untreated”. Far too often, those who struggle with addiction attempt to heal at home – and this can be incredibly dangerous, specifically as the mind and body require steady decreases in substance doses to help detoxify a person without sending their body into shock. With supervised detox, a qualified healthcare team is there to support a person 24/7 – which not only ensures that they’re on the right path towards healing, but also ensures their safety as well. As the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) emphasizes, however, supervised detox won’t work as a one-step form of treatment. Those seeking recovery undergo supervised detox as a first step towards health and wellness – from there, it’s time to work towards recovery. Long-term abstinence is best achieved when a person has a “clean slate” – in other words, has gone through detox and is able to start making daily choices that benefit their mental, physical and spiritual wellness. At Avalon Malibu, there are a variety of recovery-related activities that can propel a person’s success in recovery, such as through individual and group therapy, massage therapy, yoga, meditation, art therapy and more. Supervised detox may last a few days, and while it may seem a bit frightening, it’s much less frightening than the prospect of losing your life – or your loved one – to unsafe detoxification practices. Don’t wait any longer to begin the path towards healing. There is an entire team here ready to help you overcome addiction and onto your journey in recovery.

Addiction takes such a heavy toll on the mind, body and spirit. Substances wreak havoc on our immune system – we lose sleep, we miss out on essential vitamins and nutrients that support healthy functioning, and more – and this all can lead to painful symptoms that appear throughout the body as well.