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Empathy is an important human trait because it is one that makes us more human. The greatest illusion in all humanity is the idea of separation. Due to what we are taught, we come to believe that there is something about us that makes us different from other human beings. Worse, in some cases we are taught that those differences make us better than or worse than others. According to whether you are better than or worse than someone else are certain behaviors and mindsets, ways that you should act. One piece at a time, you disconnect yourself from the very thing that connects you to everyone: your humanity. No matter our race, socioeconomic class, mental health diagnosis, substance of choice, past, future, language, or job title- we are all human beings. As a result, we all experience emotion. Most humans will experience pain, suffering, and joy within their lifetimes. Empathy is our way to show one another understanding and share in their emotional experiences with them. Few feelings are worse than thinking one is completely isolated in their experience. Loneliness has been scientifically proven to worsen degenerative disease like dementia and cancer. Some people with clinical psychiatric diagnoses such as psychopathy or antisocial personality disorder, also known as sociopathy, are constitutionally incapable of feeling empathy for others. For the rest of us, however, feeling and practicing empathy is entirely possible. Though it may not be first nature, through a little bit of work, it can become an entire way of life. Be Of Service The more we are involved with other people, the more we can come to understand them. Helping others is a way to connect with another person’s life, life story, and experience. Volunteering to work with other people, children, or the elderly is a way to be of service. Empathy can also be practiced through service in daily situations. Watch for opportunities to help. You might find you recognize more people needing help then you realized. Everyone needs help. Listen More Deeply How many times have we listened to a friend on the phone while thinking about something completely different? We might have more empathy toward their situation if we really paid attention and realized we can relate to what they are saying. The truth is, people are telling us exactly what is going on all the time. Often, we’re too self-focused to pay attention. Actively listen to what someone is saying to you when they speak. Ask them for clarity if you aren’t sure what they are trying to communicate. Avalon By The Sea instills spiritual values like empathy and compassion into the core components of our treatment programs for substance use disorders and mental health disorders. For a confidential assessment and more information on our treatment programs, call 1 (888) 958-7511.

Hallucinogens are a small category of drugs. Most well known are psilocybin, known as magic mushrooms, and lysergic acid diethylamide, known as LSD or acid. There are many other substances that can cause hallucinogenic experiences, usually referred to as a “trip”. Though psychedelic and hallucinogenic drugs have not been classified as addictive, it is possible to abuse them. Preferring the world or reality brought on by mind altering drugs, one might continually use these drugs to stay in that state. Overtime psychedelics and hallucinogens can cause brain damage and weaken physical health. Here is a list of legal substances that, when abused, can cause hallucinogenic and psychedelic experiences. If you are concerned you or a loved one is becoming detached from reality due to hallucinogenic drugs, call Avalon today at 1-888-958-7511. For more information on other harmful hallucinogenic substances, visit The Daily Dot. Salvia Salvia can be purchased in smoke shops around the country. A naturally occurring plant substance, it is usually smoked in conjunction with marijuana. Salvia delivers a powerful twenty minute hallucinogenic experience. Many report experiencing intense visualizations and disturbances of the visual field. Currently, there are no reports on becoming addicted to salvia as the experience is usually too intense for back to back repeated use. Nutmeg Yes, the seasonal spice is a hallucinogenic substance. When abused in large quantities, usually through smoking or inhaling, it can cause a trip similar to mushrooms and LSD. However, there is one caveat to abusing nutmeg- it causes an intense flu like reaction. DXM Dextromethorphan is a psychoactive substance found in most cough syrups and other over the counter drugs found neighborhood pharmacies. DXM is  dissociative drug meaning it not only produces psychedelic effects but completely removes someone from reality. DXM is addicting and can result in overdose, which can be fatal. DMT N,N-Dimethyltryptamine is a naturally occurring substance found in nature. Used in religious practices throughout the word, DMT is often referred to as the spirit molecule. DMT is not abused but used ceremoniously. A DMT experience is said to model the experience of dying and being reborn into the afterlife. The trip is about twenty to twenty five minutes. Avalon By The Sea offers comprehensive care for substance use disorders and mental health disorders. Settled on the iconic coastline of southern California, Avalon offers privacy and serenity for healing. Call us today for a confidential assessment and more information on our programs 1-888-958-7511.

Empathy is an important human trait because it is one that makes us more human. The greatest illusion in all humanity is the idea of separation. Due to what we are taught, we come to believe that there is something about us that makes us different from other human beings. Worse, in some cases we are taught that those differences make us better than or worse than others. According to whether you are better than or worse than someone else are certain behaviors and mindsets, ways that you should act. One piece at a time, you disconnect yourself from the very thing that connects you to everyone: your humanity. No matter our race, socioeconomic class, mental health diagnosis, substance of choice, past, future, language, or job title- we are all human beings. As a result, we all experience emotion. Most humans will experience pain, suffering, and joy within their lifetimes. Empathy is our way to show one another understanding and share in their emotional experiences with them. Few feelings are worse than thinking one is completely isolated in their experience. Loneliness has been scientifically proven to worsen degenerative disease like dementia and cancer. Some people with clinical psychiatric diagnoses such as psychopathy or antisocial personality disorder, also known as sociopathy, are constitutionally incapable of feeling empathy for others. For the rest of us, however, feeling and practicing empathy is entirely possible. Though it may not be first nature, through a little bit of work, it can become an entire way of life. Be Of Service The more we are involved with other people, the more we can come to understand them. Helping others is a way to connect with another person’s life, life story, and experience. Volunteering to work with other people, children, or the elderly is a way to be of service. Empathy can also be practiced through service in daily situations. Watch for opportunities to help. You might find you recognize more people needing help then you realized. Everyone needs help. Listen More Deeply How many times have we listened to a friend on the phone while thinking about something completely different? We might have more empathy toward their situation if we really paid attention and realized we can relate to what they are saying. The truth is, people are telling us exactly what is going on all the time. Often, we’re too self-focused to pay attention. Actively listen to what someone is saying to you when they speak. Ask them for clarity if you aren’t sure what they are trying to communicate. Avalon By The Sea instills spiritual values like empathy and compassion into the core components of our treatment programs for substance use disorders and mental health disorders. For a confidential assessment and more information on our treatment programs, call 1 (888) 958-7511.

Throughout recovery we learn about the importance of communication, articulating our feelings, and asking for our needs to be met. We’re told we, like other humans, deserve to have our needs met. What exactly are these needs? As human beings we have a few basic needs to survive, like food, water, and shelter. If these needs are met regularly we have a better chance at living. There are other needs humans need that come next. Needs like love, support, encouragement, and validation, are needs humans need for development. Many of us grew up without these needs being met by our parents, family members, and other people in our lives. It’s hard to survive without food, water, and shelter. To live without love and support, we turned to other means of survival, like drugs and alcohol or other harmful behaviors. Substances helped us fulfill those needs or feel like we didn’t have them at all. When we let go of the harmful substances in our lives to turn to recovery, we find we have always been in need, that substances never really fulfilled the need, and we are still in need. Reconciling with these needs is challenging, especially when it requires the use of an emotional vocabulary we are just starting to learn. Afraid of confrontation, rejection, or being left without our needs yet once more, we often continue to suffer, shying away from any opportunity to assert ourselves. Look to some of these tips for encouragement and guidance.

Conflict is not always easy to resolve. Indeed many avoid conflict because it is easier to deal with the animosity of a strained relationship than walk through confrontation. Recovery from both mental health and substance use disorders means learning to use practical tools to get through any situation life hands us. If you are experiencing a conflict, look to these suggestions for support. Take Distance, Take Time Sometimes the best we can do when we are in the face of a conflict is take time and distance from that conflict. As opposed to running away or avoiding, detaching is a proactive practice rather than a passive one. Detaching is a way of approaching conflict without immediately getting involved. Instead of diving into conflict and figuring out how you feel in the middle of it, detachment gives you an opportunity to evaluate your position on your own time. Additionally, detachment helps you to remove unhelpful emotions from the situation. Conflict can arouse autopilot reactions or coping mechanisms like ego, false pride, or judgment. In order to resolve conflict in a peaceful, healthy, and mindful manner, it is important to get right with yourself first. Seek Guidance Before Making a Decision Thankfully, we don’t have all the answers. However, conflict that is really conflicting can cause us to jump to some hefty conclusions. Clouded with justification and assumption, we lack the clarity we need to look at a conflict objectively. Seeking guidance can help us gain a new perspective on the situation. If we are in a conflict with a person, an outside point of view can help us to find empathy or compassion. Softening our hearts to what is going on with someone else, we can take ourselves out of the equation and realize everybody suffers; sometimes, we can all act a little out of sorts when we are struggling. Write It Out Before You Fight It Out Journaling or doing a twelve step inventory on a conflict is another great way to get through a conflict. There are times when negative words, accusations, and angry sentiments just need to be expressed. If we are stuck in negative emotional experiences like resentment, sometimes verbalizing that frustration can lead to emotional lethargy. We can quickly access the underlying pain, hurt, sadness, or fear, accompanied by our anger. As a result, we can approach conflict without vengeance. Take Action If all arrows point toward action then it is time to take it. Having processed our position, consulted others, and taken the time to work out our emotions, we can approach conflict with an open and loving heart. In any conflict resolution the worst that can happen is closure and healing. Whether conflict ends positively or negatively, it still ends. Avalon By The Sea of Malibu is a licensed dual diagnosis facility, offering treatment for both substance abuse and mental health disorders. Treating co-occurring disorders and primary psychiatric disorders, Avalon is able to provide a comprehensive program for recovery. Settled in the iconic coastline of southern California, Avalon offers a relaxing and private environment for healing. To receive a confidential assessment or more information of our program, please call 1-855-464-8492.

Whether it is a substance use disorder, a personality disorder, a psychiatric disorder, or an eating disorder, this “other” part of ourselves can start to feel like its own person. There are, of course, mental health disorders in which one does have multiple friends or personalities living within their minds. For most, however, their disorders take on their own kind of personality. Our depression can feel like the friend that never leaves. Our anxiety can feel like the friend who never shuts up. Our eating disorders can feel like our greatest, yet most sadistic, coach, telling us we can achieve something if we put our minds to it. Our substance abuse disorders can tell us we aren’t alone and that we’ll never be disappointed. Any of our disorders might end up telling us, they’re the only friend we need. When we choose to get sober or seek treatment for mental health, there is a peculiar feeling of guilt. We might feel as though we are abandoning someone who has been there for us for so long. Long ago we stopped separating our disorders from ourselves. At once, we need to embrace our disorders as part of us, yet at the same time we need to separate. We might not have known what our diagnosis was or how to tell what was the “real” us from our symptoms. You are not your disorder. By taking the measures to seek treatment and help, you are already recognizing that you see the potential for more or for different in your life. Symptoms are only symptoms, they are not traits of character, and they are certainly not incriminations. Through treatment you will learn to understand, assess, and manage your symptoms as they come. Letting Go With Gratitude There’s a chance we’re angry with our disorder, or angry with ourselves for having one. For years, we’ve suffered, and felt unable to get on the other side. Anger is a natural phase of the grieving process. Yes, sometimes approaching our disorders and learning to work through them feels like grief. We’ll experience sadness and we’ll try to negotiate a way to keep some of it. Ultimately, we will find gratitude for our experience. It brought us to this point, has taught us a lot, and above all else, showed us what we were capable of living with. Avalon By The Sea is certified to treat both substance use disorders and psychiatric disorders as primary diagnosis. That means we offer an unparalleled clinical approach to mental health, while incorporating a holistic treatment plan for healing mind, body, and spirit. For more information on our treatment programs, call 1 (888) 958-7511 today

Men and Women Are Affected By Binge Eating Disorder Men and women receive different assignments of eating disorder based on gender stereotypes. Eating disorders can and do affect millions of both men and women. Anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa are two of the most well known eating disorders. However, the population of both men and women suffering from eating disorders does not compare to binge eating disorder. Binge eating disorder is the most common diagnosis for eating disorders among adults. Binge Eating Disorder Doesn’t Discriminate Mental illnesses does not discriminate based on gender, race, culture, language, skin tone, weight, size, or shape. Mistakenly, many assume that binge eating disorder might occur most often in heavy to obese adults. On the contrary, binge eating disorder affects normal weight adults, even those with high metabolism and characteristics like athleticism. Compulsive Overeating and Binge Eating Are Not The Same Though overeating is a compulsive issue which affects many, it is not a diagnosable psychiatric issue. Unfortunately, compulsive overeating is not met with the same clinical support as binge eating disorder. There are twelve step support groups like Overeaters Anonymous which provide emotional support and helpful eating plans. Binge eating disorder, however is a psychiatric issue. Binge eating is not the same as overeating. Binge eating refers to involuntary episodes of eating much more than an occasion would warrant, not being able to stop, and experiencing feelings of remorse or guilt afterwards. Binge episodes are not the same as overeating episodes as they are not emotionally based. Binge Eating Disorder Isn’t Just About Eating Bingeing episodes of the binge eating disorder caliber can gravely affect health and wellness. As a result, binge eating disorder impairs quality of life and the ability to participate in one’s life. Signs and Symptoms of Binge Eating Disorder

Treatment for mental health or substance use disorders ask us to do a lot of looking inward. Suddenly, after years of not connecting to ourselves in a truthful or authentic way, we are asked to be introspective and reflect on who we are, what we feel, and what we think. Introspection is not easy for everyone. Certain mental health disorders making looking within to identify emotions a difficult challenge to overcome. Though introspection or being introspective is not a requirement for growth and progress in treatment, it is a helpful tool for getting to know yourself better. In part, treatment offers you tools to help you learn more about yourself. Gaining more insight to who you are helps you to understand what drives you, what frightens you, what inspires you, and what triggers you. With self-knowledge at hand, we can better approach managing our everyday lives with mental illness in a new life of recovery. Empathy is defined as “the ability to understand and share the feelings of another.” It is hard for us to understand other people if we do not understand ourselves. Of course, empathy is not required in life. However, empathy helps us develop a greater sense of compassion toward others and a deeper sense of gratitude for our own lives. Compassion is the ability to not only empathize how someone feels but truly share in knowing that you too have gone through what they are. Compassion and empathy help us to recognize the human experience in all of us. Why is this important? Being a part of human solidarity is incredibly important to mental health and recovery. First, when we recognize that others are human, we accept that they are susceptible to making mistakes. When our expectations don’t get met, we are often disappointed. If we are without understanding that everyone has their own life to deal with, it is easy to get caught up in anger and resentment. Eventually anger and resentment turn into rage, hatred, and violence. To sustain our mental health, we need to work on forgiveness rather than fear. Forgiveness is the second reason why being introspective is important. Taking a look at our internal selves helps to realize we are human too, and perfectly imperfect. Often, we are our own worst critics. Holding ourselves to impossibly high standards, we are quick to not forgive ourselves for not being perfect. Recovery is about embracing who we are, as we are, in this moment. Avalon By The Sea provides unparalleled dual diagnosis treatment for co-occurring mental health and substance use disorders. Certified as one of California’s only treatment facilities for providing care to psychiatric issues as a primary diagnosis, Avalon provides comprehensive quality care. For a confidential assessment or information on our treatment programs call 1-855-464-8409

Their Addiction Has Nothing To Do With You Most of the time, our loved one with an addiction has demonstrated to us time and again that we are of little concern to them. Our love for them, our fear for them, our attempts to help, our attempts to cut them out of our lives- nothing seems to have phased our loved one’s addiction. It’s of wonder then why it is so hard for us to truly accept that their addictions have nothing to do with us. We’ve spent endless hours trying to understand. Was it something we did? Is it something we do? Are we missing something about what’s wrong with us? Don’t they love us? Trying to rationalize the irrationality of addiction can (and will) drive us mad. We have to embrace the fact that, though they may be acting like someone completely different from the person we know and love, our loved ones are still their own person making their own decisions. You Can’t Make Them Stop Which is exactly why there is nothing we can do to make them stop. Addicts in recovery often reveal that no marriage, child, relationship, or job was enough to make them get or stay sober. We can offer help, support, and guidance as much as we can stand. In the end, it is going to be their decision and their decision alone to finally stop using and start recovering. When that moment comes, it is up to you to be there. It Isn’t Your Fault There is a good chance they won’t ever choose sobriety. That doesn’t mean there isn’t a good chance that they will. Whatever their decision understand that it isn’t your fault. There Is An End To Enabling You might be at fault for enabling. Enabling is a sign of codependent behavior, which can actually harm an addict’s chances of recovering. Common forms of enabling in a relationship with an active addict can include, but is not limited to: covering for their mistakes, paying for legal fees, buying them drugs or alcohol, giving them money, letting them stay in the house, and more. It’s OK To Set Boundaries One of the best ways to make it clear to an addict that they need to get help is by discontinuing to indulge their behaviors. With love, compassion, and healthy detachment, it is okay to set boundaries. Boundaries can be rigid or flexible. For example, they may not be allowed to show up to dinner under the influence, or, they have to take an at-home urine test before being allowed to participate in family events. You Can Still Love Them No matter what happens, they are still your loved one. It is perfectly reasonable for your feelings of loving them not to go away. Nothing says you should stop loving them. They need all the love they can get. Provide a struggling addict with healthy love. Avalon By The Sea offers intensive family therapy components for both our mental health and substance use disorder treatment programs. Certified to treat both diagnosis, Avalon provides a comprehensive program for dual diagnosis and co-occurring disorders. For a confidential assessment and more information on our treatment programs, call 1-855-464-8492.

Sobriety for most people involves total abstinence. No illicit or illegal substance can be used or abused for mind altering purposes. For some, the idea of giving up mind altering substances entirely is daunting. Sober support group meetings are typically accompanied by coffee, sugary treat such as doughnuts or cookies, and a cloud of smoke from cigarettes. Caffeine, sugar, and nicotine are methods of support for a recovering addict or alcoholic. Today’s beverage industry offers teas, energy drinks, and supplemented juices that can help someone catch an extra buzz. There are numerous other legal, even natural, substances which can create a mind-altered state.

Histrionic personality disorder is not exclusive to females or any stereotype of the female personality. However, the disorder is comparative to the characteristics of the highly emotional, attention seeking archetypes so often heard about. Characterized by being (and needing to be) the center of attention, histrionic personality disorder can drive people to extreme lengths to be noticed. It isn’t about the fame or reputation. Histrionic personality disorder is a disorder of insecurity and a lack of self-knowledge. Attention and approval from others is what gives someone with histrionic personality disorder a sense of self-esteem. Indeed, many star performers who fit the stereotype of a “diva” or a “drama queen” might be suffering from histrionic personality disorder. Without a platform, stage, or fan base, they fall apart in their identity. Fame is all they’ve ever wanted, yet they find it is not enough to fill that hole. Being the center of attention is not everything. Being yourself is. For histrionic personality disorder, this is hard knowledge to come by. Other Personality Traits of Histrionic Personality Disorder There is always one person who seems to go out of their way to get attention through outlandish behaviors, dangerous actions, or provocative dress. Provocative behavior is a symptom of histrionic personality disorder. Winning the seduction game is important because it guarantees attention. Dressing, acting, and behaving in seductive manners are all part of the need to be the center of attention. Seductive or sexual provocation is not appropriate in all social situations. Histrionic personality disorder sees those inappropriate situations as perfect opportunities. Such opportunities are likely to be taken, especially if others are taking it. Due to a lack of self-identity and self-esteem, histrionic personality disorder is prone to being encouraged to engage in other attention seeking behaviors. Vulnerable to influence and suggestion, if there is a promise of attention or validation, histrionic personality disorder will not need much convincing. Who Has Histrionic Personality Disorder? Women are diagnosed with HPD more often than men if only because, as Psychology Today describes, “because attention seeking and sexual forwardness are less socially acceptable for women than for men.” Histrionic personality disorder can be a high functioning disorder meaning an individual can be successful in life without evidence of an issue. If you or a loved one are concerned that attention-seeking behavior might be causing harm or impairing quality of life, call Avalon By The Sea today. One of California’s few licensed facilities for treating mental health as a primary diagnosis, Avalon is able to provide intensive psychiatric treatment. The risky behaviors of histrionic personality disorder can include drug use. Avalon also offers substance abuse treatment programs. To receive a confidential assessment and learn more about how we can customize a program of treatment for you, call 1-855-464-8492.

Treatment for recovery from alcoholism, addiction, and co-occurring mental health disorders require change. Commonly it is quipped in sober support meetings not to worry about anything, “because all you have to change is everything.” Change is daunting. It’s our human desire to have a grounded constant in our lives, an anchor to weather the unpredictable storms of life. Though it might sound philosophical, the very real truth is this: change is the only constant. Even within our own bodies, on a cellular level, change is occurring constantly- as in every couple of days. Ironically, we often seek treatment because we need a change in our lives. We cannot continue living the way we have been. Yet, once we get to treatment and realize the amount of work and change we are about to endure, we become very unsettled. Despite the ongoing pain and danger our old way of life was providing us, the sickness and desperation, we start to think it wasn’t so bad. Change is a challenge. Learning to live with changes and make changes is really about learning to live “life on life’s terms” as it is often described. Why is it we resist the very thing we are most natural at adapting to? Psychologists argue it's a combination of character and patterns of behavior. Anxiety Having a chronic sense of worry or concern can make change terrifying. Endless “what if’s” stem from change. Control Control helps us feel like we have command over life. Everything can work in our favor the way we perceive we need it to as long as we are in control. Routine Mostly we fear the unknown because of a lack of security. Routine brings us security. When our routines are consistent, we don’t need to have expectations of ambiguity. Stress When security is threatened, one’s very feelings of survival can feel threatened. Stress is a natural response to the threat of survival. Short-Sightedness Being wrapped up in a routine isn’t the same as being present, but it's a way of being locked out of the future. Psychologists have found that for some, the future is hard to conceptualize, making it difficult to choose or adapt to something today that is not for certain tomorrow. The greatest change you can make in your life is you. Treatment will bring out the best you you have ever had the chance to know. That is our goal at Avalon By The Sea. Our treatment programs for substance use and mental health disorders are focused on helping you make the necessary changes in your life. For a confidential assessment or more information, call 1-888-958-7511.