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How many times a day do you check your phone or mobile device? More importantly, how many times do you check your phone at night? Many of us have developed a compulsive habit of picking up our phone, swiping through our apps, and picking the first one which seems interesting. We are constantly looking for an update, a photo, a news story, or something else to feed our brains and distract our attention. According to Forbes, “Americans check their cell phones or mobile devices over 9 billion times per day; 50% also check their phones in the middle of the night.” Are we addicted to our smart devices? Many researchers believe that is a true statement. Various parts of the interactive experience with our devices trigger the brain in a way which produces a reward, making it a pleasurable experience. For example, the blue light which hides behind our screens is meant to simulate natural daylight, telling our brains to be awake and alert. Multiple studies have found that looking at our devices late at night keeps us awake and interrupts our ability to get normal, deep REM sleep that we need. When we scroll through our news feeds late at night, numbing ourselves to sleep, the activity might seem mindless. On the contrary, we are stimulating our brains in the same way cocaine might. Some research has compared the way the brain lights up in the reward center just from scrolling through a newsfeed to the way it does after ingesting cocaine. Additionally, when we receive a notification of a like or comment on one of our posts, we get an extra boost of pleasure and reward. Unfortunately, that reward isn’t satisfying but instead leaves us hungry for more. Various research projects have evaluated the way social media interactions make us feel about ourselves in terms of body image, especially. More time spent online can be depressing and lower our sense of self-esteem, depending on what kind of media we consume. Treatment is a time where there is not a lot of interaction with mobile devices. If you feel that your distraction from digital devices is preventing you from seeking the treatment you need to help a substance use or mental health disorder, call Avalon today for a confidential assessment: 1 888-958-7511.

“Pink cloud” is the term used to describe the euphoric state of being sober. Pink clouds come and go. When a new person to sobriety is feeling good, optimistic, happy, grateful, and clear-minded, they are often told they are on a “pink cloud”. Unfortunately, at some point, the pink cloud evaporates and they are left with all the emotions from the other side of the spectrum. Not feeling good is not a favorite experience for people in recovery from both substance use disorders and mental health disorders. Especially those who have rewired their brain through substance abuse, not feeling any feelings which are pleasurable are especially triggering. After all, what is the point of staying sober if you can’t feel good all the time? It takes time to understand that “good” and “bad” are subjective experiences and that they are transitory. Each period of up will be followed by a period of down, or at least a little less up. This is the natural flow of life. As it is commonly said, “This too shall pass.”

Of spiritual matters, humans have for a long time pondered until they’ve gone mad. Where do we come from? Where do we go when life ends? We have wealth of scientific evidence regarding the ‘miracle of life’ which explains how human beings are created and born. Though we have accounts from those who have temporarily died and come back, we are not yet evidenced in what happens when we pass. Spiritual disciplines and religious faiths have their respective ideals on the meaning of life, the meaning of being a human, and what happens when we die. For the most part, people are left to come up with these answers on their own. Spirituality Questioning such existential philosophy is not a way most people would choose to spend their time. Spirituality is not about finding answers but developing a faith regarding that answer. What does it mean to be alive and to be a human among other human beings? How do we make the most of our time here- or is that even necessary? Many who enter recovery find that they are far more spiritual than they had ever known. Recovery in itself is a very spiritual process. Some programs of recovery, like the traditional twelve steps, regard themselves as spiritual programs, helping people discover a power greater than themselves and a manner of moral living. Atheist or Agnostic Those who have found themselves to be atheist or agnostic are usually turned off by all of the spiritual talk. Spirituality is a luxury for people who cannot make any other sense of life, is typically their opinion. Spirituality is not a luxury but a necessity, especially for those in recovery. Drugs and alcohol are often coping mechanisms for those who struggle to make sense of how they are and what their role is in the world. Developing a spirituality helps make sense of those larger questions and create a way of life that doesn’t require drugs and alcohol to cope. Instead, they are able to find peace, acceptance, and serenity. Avalon By The Sea supports the use of the 12 step method and the development of a spiritual manner of living for recovery. For a confidential assessment and more information on our programs, call 1 (888) 958-7511 for more information.

Having an addiction to porn means an unhealthy relationship has grown between an individual and the sexualized media they consume. Here are some other things to know about porn addiction: Porn Is Easily Accessible It doesn’t take a shady trip to a darkened store front purchasing items in black plastic bags to buy porn anymore. Porn is everywhere. Porn can be accessed from any connection to the internet on a laptop, computer, smartphone, tablet, or any other device. Porn is a multi billion dollar industry.  All it takes is an email address and an age verification to access porn. Like stumbling into a first drink or hit of drugs, porn can just happen to people out of curiosity. While Porn Addiction Isn’t A Diagnosis, Many Experience It As Real Recently, there has been controversy as to whether or not porn addiction is real. Clinical psychologists and the American Psychological Association has concluded that sex addiction and porn addiction are not clinical diagnoses. However, to the thousands of people who struggle with sexually related impulses, the addiction feels very real. The obsessive need to watch porn can take over someone’s life, causing problems in relationships, jobs, and more. Porn Addiction Is Non-Gendered Stereotypically, porn addiction is stigmatized to be a male-centric disorder. However, plenty of women suffer from porn addiction as well. Porn has a lengthy list of categories, appealing to many kinds of people. Porn Addicts Can’t Have Real Sex During Their Addiction The fantastical world of pornographic sex is unrealistic in many ways. Consuming an excess amount of porn makes it difficult for porn addicts to relate to real life human partners in real life human sex. Physical and emotional intimacy simply does not feel as pleasurable. Recovery From Porn Addiction Recovery from any kind of sex related addiction requires a complete overhaul on one’s relationship with sex. A loved one will have to deeply analyze what sexual activity has meant to them and what they want it to mean to them in the future. Their habits and behaviors have caused them to develop a certain sexual identity which they now realize they have the power to change. For some, recovery from porn addiction might require time spent abstinent in regards to sex. Recovery from any sex related addiction does not mandate sexual abstinence. It is entirely possible, and is often the goal, for someone with porn addiction to be able to have regular, healthy, intimate, sex again. Porn is often a coping mechanism for deeper underlying issues. Treatment and therapy can help with discovering what lies beneath the obsessive and impulsive need for porn and heal the addiction. Avalon By The Sea offers primary care treatment for process addictions including porn addiction. For a private consultation and more information on our residential treatment programs, call 1 888-958-7511.

Bipolar I Disorder

We don’t want to make accusations when we are concerned a loved one might be struggling with alcohol abuse. If we push them the wrong way, it could strain our relationship, cause them to drink more, or start an argument. Confronting a loved one about their drinking, or the need to confront a loved one about their drinking, is usually a sign of a drinking problem. If you are not sure, look to these signs to be confident in knowing your loved one is struggling with an alcohol problem.

New Year’s resolutions can set high expectations which early on lead to shattering disappointments. This is no more true than when it comes to weight loss. January marks six months before “bikini season” and is the weight loss industry’s favorite time of year. Companies, gyms, supplements, and more advertise for the beginning of the year to help everyone make that new years resolution: losing weight. Gym memberships and attendance spike in the beginning of the year, only to dwindle off by February or the spring. Setting high expectations like going to the gym everyday, reaching an unrealistic weight, and more, can be damaging to mental and physical health. What starts off as a resolution can quickly turn into an obsession. Disordered thinking, acting, and eating when it comes to food and body image are symptoms of an eating disorder.

One of the easiest ways to cause ourselves anxiety is to set expectations that are way too high. New year’s resolutions are often a time people do this for themselves. The start of a new year can make you feel like you are on top of the world with a host of new opportunities. January 1 is just another day, like the day before, and the day after. It is important to continue taking care of yourself. The ultimate new year’s resolution when living with anxiety would be to stay committed to self-care and anxiety management. There is no reason to feel pessimistic about the new year as if nothing can change. Just because someone is living with anxiety does not mean they are not capable of creating new routines and habits. How those routines and habits are embarked upon is the difference. Each day is like starting a new year. You always have a chance to change direction, shake it off, and start anew. Here are some basic new year’s resolutions if you are living with anxiety to help prepare you for whatever comes your way this year. This Year, Stop Feeling Guilty For Having Anxiety You didn’t choose to have anxiety, and if you could choose to not have anxiety, you probably would. Mental health conditions are faced by millions of people everyday including people in government, celebrities, and performers. Anxiety is incredibly common. You are not alone in your struggles. To stop weighing yourself down for having anxiety, practice embracing the fact that it is part of what makes up your life. It’s your special challenge which motivates you to take extra care of yourself. Walk Through Your Fears Having anxiety usually means having a lot of general, as well as specific fears. Anxiety doesn’t mean you can’t do things that scare you, but it does mean you have to do them a certain way. This year make a list of fears you’d like to walk through. Know that you don’t have to complete them. However, setting up an intention can help inspire you to do what it takes to prepare yourself to walk through what you feel you can’t. As a result, you’ll find anything is possible, even with anxiety. Avalon By The Sea is a mental health treatment center offering primary care to those with mental health conditions such as anxiety. For a private consultation or more information on our residential treatment programs, call 1 888-958-7511.

Problematically, causal negative talk about body image during normal conversation doesn’t stay at the conversation. Instead, it follows us and impacts us on a deep level. According to Refinery29, “these comments don't just affect the person making the complaint — studies suggest that so-called "fat talk" is associated with increased body dissatisfaction,” and, they continue to explain, “these types of disparaging remarks from peers "can reinforce those [media] messages to the point that we internalize them." Negative remarks about body image, even when it isn’t about our own, exacerbates a point that society and mainstream media goes out of their way to make all the time. Bodies are flawed and worth being discussed all the time. Additionally, we ought to feel bad about the fact that none of us have “perfect” bodies and likely never will. Here are some of the ways Refinery29 cites to dissect negative body talk to protect yourself and a loved one:

Various acts that were signed into law during the previous administration took great strides for providing mental health care. As there is a shift in party and perspectives on health insurance, health care, and mental illness, we face a time of change which will either hurt or help our loved ones in need of support. Avalon By The Sea continues to provide excellent and affordable care to clients with substance use disorders and primary mental health disorders. We believe that all people are deserving of the quality care and treatment they need to live happy and successful lives, clean of harmful drugs and with the tools the y need to cope with mental illness. Here are some of the action we support for the ongoing fight for mental health care. Many of these suggestions are taken from The Boston Globe.

Living with mental illness can be a challenge. There is hope. Learning to live with mental illness and a family who supports you is a work in progress with beautiful rewards.

Sleeping pills are meant to induce deep sleep for an extended period of 6-10 hours. While for some sleeping pills are hardly noticeable, for others, the next day can feel as though they’ve been demolished by a wrecking ball. Even if you get a full 12 hours of sleep or more you might feel drowsy as a result of sleeping pills. Sleeping pill “hangovers” are feeling the effects of a sleeping pill well after a full night’s rest. Side effects can include: