Dealing with substance abuse, alcoholism, or drug addiction is never easy, and it's even more difficult when you're also struggling with mental health problems. Dr. Kurter says one of the main components to really helping those with addiction is addressing those mental health issues.
There are two thoughts often preceding a relapse - it's a special occasion or this is the last time. Both sentiments come from what Dr. Shahram Heshmat calls a "momentary perspective." This perspective favors immediate gratification over the long term satisfaction that comes from a "big picture perspective." The major takeaway is realizing that while one relapse may not cause a great deal of harm there will absolutely be damage from the repeated pattern.
West Grove Clinic staff discovered a unique website founded by Paul Henry, a researcher of the neuropsychology of addictive behaviors, who is also a recovering addict. The site features a collection of articles discussing what the creator and his writing team believe about addictive behavior, neurobiology, and the relationship of stress/emotional regulation to addiction. The site offers information and support to both people experiencing addiction, and those who simply wish to learn more about the addiction.
Click below to check it out:
Happy reading!
What do meditation, yoga, and acupuncture have to do with recovering from addiction? They have a lot to do with the recovery process. According to Taite and other researchers, regular meditation has an impact on the brain, yoga has many mental health benefits and can help your overall well-being, and acupuncture can help balance the energy in your body. Here at West Grove Clinic, we take a holistic approach to treating addiction. We not only integrate things like meditation, yoga, acupuncture, and other forms of holistic treatment into our Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP), but we also have a variety of clinicians who specialize in a holistic treatment modalities.
Check out the link below to learn more about how holistic treatment relates to recovery. Enjoy!
Sara Saunders BA, SAC-IT
Most of us are aware that eating, sleeping, and connecting with others are basic human needs. What is not necessarily common knowledge being how addiction steps in and places itself first in the brain’s list of survival needs. The process of allowing the brain to heal and relearn its true survival needs can be aided through a routine exercise practice. Use the link below to learn more about how consistent exercise fosters a healthy hippocampus, and how this positively impacts recovery.
By: Caitlyn Hummel, SAC-IT
Men are from Mars women are from Venus, right? Well, when it comes to addiction recovery that shoe fits. According to Brenda Iliff, “2.7 million women in the United States abuse drugs or alcohol.” Many women don’t get treatment because they don’t want to lose their kids or be separated from their family, or they may view their use as being a social habit. If you have ever felt like this then don’t worry, you’re not alone! According to Iliff, “women start using for different reasons, get addicted differently, progress faster, recovery differently and relapse for different issues.” There also is more of a stigma and more shame when it comes to women and substance abuse. Women even metabolize alcohol and drugs differently than men. There’s hope, Iliff says that recovery is natural for women. Women are wired for connection and relationships, so women may find support groups like 12 steps or other peer support groups helpful because they give women an opportunity to build and recover within the context of relationships. Check out the link for information on the difference between men and women when it comes to recovery! Copy and past this link to read the full article:
https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/remarkable-recovery/201203/addiction-and-gender-recovery-women
Sara Saunders BA, SAC-IT
