by Ben Keylor | Feb 17, 2025 | Addiction Treatment, Early Sobriety
The iconic American poet Walt Whitman famously said, “Keep your face always toward the sunshine – and shadows will fall behind you.” Millions of people are unable to see this “sunshine.” This is because they struggle with issues of anxiety and alcohol use disorder. The good news is there are many means, methods, and modalities that can help one recover from not just one affliction but both.
Better Understanding Addiction
Addiction is more prevalent than many people realize; it’s one of the most prominent health issues both in the U.S. and around the world. This is especially true with alcohol use disorder (AUD), which is the most common form of addiction worldwide.
Many people are also unsure of what addiction is. These people often minimize addiction as some sort of moral failing or “choice.” This is simply false. Addiction is a disease and is more similar to other chronic conditions like cancer, heart disease, and diabetes than it is a choice.
Addiction is also a “family disease.” This is because addiction does not just affect the individual, but it affects everyone and everything it touches. It has been said that addiction is like a tornado that rips through the lives of everyone in its path. Again, this can be especially true with AUD.
Better Understanding Alcohol Use Disorder
According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) and the 2023 National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH), “28.9 million people ages 12 and older (10.2% in this age group) had AUD in the past year. This includes 16.8 million males ages 12 and older (12.1% in this age group),” and “12.0 million females ages 12 and older (8.3% in this age group.” AUD also causes significant harm to both the individual struggling and the loved ones around them.
According to the peer-reviewed journal Cureus, “Time and again history has proven that this fatal addiction [AUD] could make the life of those who consume it terrible. Also, the lives of the dear ones of alcoholic people are affected as alcohol not only affects those who consume them but also kin and friends. Various research studies conducted over many years clearly show the association of prolonged alcohol intake in the causation, aggravation, worsening, and deterioration of the health of its consumers.” Similar effects can be felt by those struggling with severe anxiety (as well as those around them).
Better Understanding Anxiety
Anxiety affects millions of people around the world. Also, this is not just “worry” (though that is certainly part of it). Anxiety is a clinical condition that needs professional help if one is going to get better and live a more functional life.
According to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), “Feeling anxious is a normal part of life. Many people worry about things such as health, money, school, work, or family. However, anxiety disorders involve more than occasional worry or fear. For people with these disorders, anxiety does not go away, is felt in many situations, and can get worse over time.” There are also many types of anxiety disorders. This includes generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, social anxiety disorder, and various phobia-related disorders.
Understanding Generalized Anxiety Disorder
Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) is the most common form of anxiety disorder. It is also one that many people struggle with and don’t even realize it. This is often because they feel that everyday “worry” is just a normal part of life. The reality is that it should not be.
According to NIMH, “[P]eople with GAD feel extremely worried or nervous more frequently about these and other things – even when there is little or no reason to worry about them. GAD usually involves a persistent feeling of anxiety or dread that interferes with how you live your life. It is not the same as occasionally worrying about things or experiencing anxiety due to stressful life events.” Another very common form of anxiety disorder is panic disorder.
Understanding Panic Disorder
According to NIMH, “People with panic disorder have frequent and unexpected panic attacks. These attacks are characterized by a sudden wave of fear or discomfort or a sense of losing control even when there is no clear danger or trigger. Not everyone who experiences a panic attack will develop panic disorder.” This last aspect of panic disorder is important because, while not everyone who has a panic attack may have panic disorder, they should still seek professional help to be sure.
It is also important to understand that panic attacks can often arise from underlying trauma. Many people don’t realize just how common trauma is around the world. This is true both in first-world and third-world countries.
According to the peer-reviewed journal Psychological Medicine, “General population studies have shown that a large proportion of people in developed countries have been exposed to at least one TE [traumatic event] in their lifetime (estimates from 28 to 90%), with the most common events being the unexpected death of a loved one, motor vehicle accidents and being mugged. Much more limited evidence for less developed countries suggests that fatalities due to injuries and accidents are more common in low and middle-income countries than in high-income countries; for example, road injuries are the 10th leading cause of lost years of life in developed countries and the 8th leading cause in developing countries.” Social anxiety disorder can also be caused by trauma.
Understanding Social Anxiety Disorder
Social anxiety disorder is often the most discussed anxiety disorder. This is because many people feel that they struggle with it. However, there are certain criteria that must be met to be diagnosed with social anxiety disorder.
According to NIMH, “Social anxiety disorder is a common type of anxiety disorder. A person with social anxiety disorder feels symptoms of anxiety or fear in situations where they may be scrutinized, evaluated, or judged by others, such as speaking in public, meeting new people, dating, being on a job interview, answering a question in class, or having to talk to a cashier in a store. Doing everyday things, such as eating or drinking in front of others or using a public restroom, may also cause anxiety or fear due to concerns about being humiliated, judged, and rejected.” There are also those who struggle with phobias alongside their social anxiety.
Many people have heard of various phobias throughout their lives, such as a fear of flying and a fear of snakes. However, it is important to note that phobias are more intense than simply experiencing unpleasant fear.
Phobias and various phobia-related disorders can be debilitating. They also require serious and direct intervention to overcome them. Often, this is done via psychotherapy like cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT). CBT is also commonly used to help individuals who struggle with co-occurring anxiety and alcohol use.
Better Understanding Co-Occurring Anxiety and Alcohol Use Disorder
Many people don’t realize just how common co-occurring issues of mental health and addiction actually are. This includes anxiety and alcohol use disorder (AUD). According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, “7.7 million adults have co-occurring mental and substance use disorders…. Of the 20.3 million adults with substance use disorders, 37.9% also had mental illnesses. Among the 42.1 million adults with mental illness, 18.2% also had substance use disorders.”
It’s also true that many people are unsure of which issue they acquired first. This is because many people choose to manage their anxiety by self-medicating with alcohol. Then, there are millions of people who become addicted to alcohol, and as a byproduct, they end up struggling with an anxiety disorder. Regardless of which came first, the reality is that the signs and symptoms of anxiety and AUD often look the same.
The Signs and Symptoms of Anxiety and Alcohol Use Disorder
Anxiety and alcohol use disorder (AUD) are complex diseases, and, yes, as previously mentioned, they are diseases. Now, of course, the signs and symptoms of anxiety and AUD are going to vary based on the individual. However, there are some universal signs that someone may be struggling. The following are just a few of those universal signs and symptoms:
- Isolating away from family and close friends
- Losing interest in activities once enjoyed
- Loss of appetite and sudden changes in weight (loss or gain)
- Feeling overly anxious, nervous, or “stressed out”
- Struggles with sleep cycles, including sleeping too much and not sleeping enough (hypersomnia and insomnia)
- Having feelings of worthlessness, helplessness, or hopelessness
- Feeling depressed
- Engaging in other risky behaviors
- Exhibiting excessive mood swings
- Not being able to stop
- Harming oneself or others
- Having suicidal ideations
As one can see, anxiety and AUD should never be minimized. They can be life or death. This is why if any, many, or all of these symptoms are present it is important to seek professional help as soon as possible. Doing so could mean the difference between short-term side effects and long-term consequences. The good news is that there is hope and help.
Recovering From Anxiety and Alcohol Use Disorder
There are many effective ways to treat anxiety and alcohol use disorder (AUD). The key is to treat them at the same time. If one issue is treated and not the other there is a significant chance of one of them coming back. Also, if one issue comes back, the other is usually not far behind.
Unfortunately, it is not uncommon for people struggling with these issues to either get under-treated or not get the treatment that they require at all. According to the peer-reviewed journal Dialogues in Clinical Neuroscience, “There is evidence for substantial [under-treatment] of anxiety disorders. In a large European study, only 20.6% of participants with an anxiety disorder sought professional help. Of those participants who contacted health care services, 23.2% received no treatment at all, 19.6% received only psychological treatment, 30.8% received only drug treatment, and 26.5% were treated both with drugs and psychotherapy.”
However, those who do seek treatment should do so in a multi-angled way. This means that they should utilize as many modalities as possible for recovery. This includes experiential therapies like nature immersion and art therapy, holistic healing methods like yoga and mindfulness meditation, and “traditional” psychotherapies like dialectical behavior therapy (DBT).
‘Traditional’ Therapy for Anxiety and Alcohol Use Disorder
Psychotherapy is a common method for treating anxiety and alcohol use disorder (AUD). This is because psychotherapy works at getting to the underlying issues that often cause anxiety and AUD.
Psychotherapy works to help show an individual the negative way that they have been viewing themselves and the world around them. Once this realization is made, then the individual can start to work on their negative cognitions (thoughts), emotions (feelings), and behaviors (actions) associated with their anxiety and AUD. Experiential therapies can also be highly effective at treating anxiety and AUD.
Experiential Therapy for Anxiety and Alcohol Use Disorder
Experiential therapy is more about the “experiences” an individual has, rather than mere discussion (though, of course, this is a big part of it). Nature immersion therapy is one of the most used and most effective types of experiential therapy. This is because nature has been shown to be highly effective at helping an individual recover from issues of mental illness and addiction.
According to the U.S. National Park Service, “5 minutes walking in nature improves mood, self-esteem, and relaxation. Frequent exposure to nature reduces anxiety and depression while promoting a sense of wellbeing and fulfillment.” Also, “physical activity in a green space can reduce stress and lower cortisol levels by 15%.” Nature immersion therapy also offers a myriad of other benefits.
The benefits of nature have long been known. According to the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, “Individuals living and interacting in green spaces (GS) report being more energetic, in good overall health and, have more of a sense of meaningful purpose in life. Current scientific findings are illuminating what humans intuitively know: nature has great benefits for the human brain and this is shown through increased happiness, health/well-being, and cognition. Historically speaking, Cyrus the Great intuitively built lush green gardens in the crowded urban capital of Persia 2500 years ago to increase human health and promote a sense of ‘calm’ in a busy city.” Holistic healing methods also offer this sense of calm.
Holistic Healing Methods for Anxiety and Alcohol Use Disorder
The iconic yoga and spiritual leader B.K.S. Iyengar famously said, “As animals, we walk the earth. As bearers of divine essence, we are among the stars. As human beings, we are caught in the middle, seeking to reconcile the paradox of how to make our way upon earth while striving for something more permanent and more profound.” Holistic healing methods like yoga therapy and mindfulness meditation have been around for thousands of years.
Initially, these holistic methods were used solely as religious and/or spiritual practices, but they have since moved into other areas, including recovery. Yoga and meditation offer many benefits. These benefits include a better sense of peace and serenity, better balance and flexibility, and lowered stress (which is ideal for anxiety).
Working With Others: 12-Step Recovery for Anxiety and Alcohol Use Disorder
It has been said that working with others is essential for addiction recovery. This is even discussed in the primary text of 12-Step recovery (commonly referred to as the Big Book).
The Big Book states, “Practical experience shows that nothing will so much insure immunity from drinking as intensive work with other alcoholics. It works when other activities fail…. You can help when no one else can.” Working with others truly helps both parties involved.
The Importance of Long-Term Success at Northstar Recovery Center
Here at Northstar Recovery Center, we believe in long-term success over short-term “fixes.” This includes our day treatment plans, which are always comprehensive and individualized, focusing on the future.
Recovery is out there. There is hope. We can help.
Many people don’t realize that alcohol is a depressant. This also means that many people with alcohol use disorder (AUD) also struggle with anxiety. The good news is there are many effective means, methods, and modalities that can help one recover from both AUD and anxiety. If you feel like you or a loved one is struggling with issues of addiction, mental illness, or co-occurring disorders, we can help get you on the positive path toward long-term recovery right away. You don’t have to go through this process alone. For more information about the best recovery options for AUD and anxiety, please reach out to Northstar Recovery Center today at (888) 311-0911.
by Ben Keylor | Jan 21, 2025 | Addiction Treatment, Early Sobriety
Taking time off work to focus on your recovery is a brave step, especially when facing feelings of shame, guilt, or embarrassment. It’s normal to feel self-conscious about stepping away from your job to attend an addiction treatment program, but remember that your health and well-being must come first. By choosing to seek help, you are choosing a life of freedom and possibility. Addiction is a disease, and treating it with the seriousness it deserves is one of the most courageous things you can do for yourself and your future.
That being said, going back to work after treatment for addiction or alcoholism is a monumental step in your journey to lasting recovery. If you’re nearing the end of your treatment, you might be feeling both excited and anxious about the idea of returning to work. Chances are you’ll experience a mix of emotions as you step back into the routine of work life, but with the right mindset, tools, and support, you can make this transition successfully. Here’s how to navigate this critical phase of your recovery.
Utilize Your Employer and Government Benefits
If you are employed, take advantage of your employer’s health benefits, including any employee assistance programs (EAPs) or short-term disability benefits, to ensure you have the resources you need to get the help you deserve. In many cases, your employer may offer confidential support and may even provide flexibility in taking the time you need to get well.
Additionally, many government programs are designed to assist individuals in recovery. If you’re unsure where to start, your treatment center’s case management team can be a great resource for connecting you with these benefits. Taking proactive steps to build a solid foundation for recovery is key to lasting change, and knowing you have financial support during this time can ease the burden and stress of stepping away from work.
While you’re in treatment, it’s essential to recognize which aspects of your job could act as triggers for relapse. Is the work environment stressful? Do you feel isolated? Are there certain coworkers or situations that could tempt you to return to old habits? Discussing these potential triggers with your treatment team can help you develop a plan for coping strategies.
By identifying triggers and preparing your toolkit of strategies to stay sober, you’ll be better equipped to handle difficult situations when you return to work. This could include deep-breathing exercises, mindfulness practices, attending a lunchtime recovery meeting, or identifying a coworker or supervisor to check in with when you’re feeling vulnerable..
Communicate Honestly and Gratefully with Your Employer
As you approach the end of treatment, it’s important to have an honest conversation with your employer about your return. Transparency, while maintaining appropriate boundaries, helps set the stage for rebuilding trust and ensuring that your employer understands your plans for reintegration. Your employer might be more understanding than you expect, especially if they have been supportive of your addiction treatment journey.
Honest communication might include explaining your treatment process, acknowledging that you’re still in the recovery phase, and discussing any accommodations you might need as you transition back into the workplace. This can help rebuild confidence and demonstrate that you’re committed to both your personal growth and your work.
If you’re fortunate enough to have a job waiting for you when you get out of treatment, be sure to express your gratitude. Returning to a supportive environment is a gift, and showing appreciation for the understanding your employer has shown will go a long way in reinforcing a positive, healthy relationship.
Build a Recovery Plan for Outside of Treatment
Recovery doesn’t stop when addiction treatment ends—it’s a lifelong job. If you want to stay sober, you need to keep nurturing your recovery outside of a clinical setting. This might include attending 90 meetings in 90 days, getting a sponsor, temporarily living in a sober home, taking volunteer positions at Alcoholics Anonymous or Narcotics Anonymous meetings, and finding sobriety-focused podcasts, recovery apps and social media accounts.
Additionally, seeking ongoing support from a therapist or counselor, reading recovery literature, and building a sober support network are essential tools to help you stay on track. The relationships you form within the recovery community can provide the emotional and spiritual support necessary to maintain your sobriety long-term.
You might also consider enrolling in outpatient addiction treatment like PHP (Partial Hospitalization Program) or IOP (Intensive Outpatient Program). These day treatment programs, sometimes referred to as aftercare, provide additional help staying motivated and on track while addressing underlying causes of addiction like mental health.
Be Realistic About Your Limitations
It’s important to acknowledge that after an extended time away, you may feel overwhelmed as you re-enter the workforce. While you will want to perform well, it’s okay if your “best foot” is not 100% during the early days of your return. You may still be adjusting to a new routine or managing the physical and emotional effects of recovery. Be kind to yourself and set realistic goals as you ease back into your responsibilities.
Staying within your limitations and not overloading yourself is crucial to long-term success. Ask for help when needed, prioritize your sobriety, and remember that recovery is a gradual process—both in the workplace and in your personal life.
We’re Here to Help
Returning to work after treatment for addiction or alcoholism is a journey that requires careful planning, honest communication, and a solid commitment to your recovery. You have already shown tremendous courage by seeking help—now take the next step and apply that same courage as you re-enter your work life, knowing that you are capable of achieving balance, health, and happiness in all areas of your life.
Northstar Recovery Center’s outpatient day treatment programs offer aftercare to those transitioning out of detox or rehab, and immediate treatment for people whose substance abuse disorders don’t first need medical intervention. We provide access to a multitude of recovery modalities, including SMART, 12-Step, cognitive behavioral therapy, individual therapy, group therapy, family therapy, trauma therapy, and holistic practices like yoga and meditation.
Do you or someone you know need help getting sober? You can reach us 24/7 at (888) 927-4097 or contact us online to learn more.
by Ben Keylor | Jan 19, 2025 | Addiction Treatment
The renowned Buddhist monk and spiritual teacher Thich Nhat Hanh famously said, “Fear keeps us focused on the past or worried about the future. If we can acknowledge our fear, we can realize that right now we are okay. Right now, today, we are still alive, and our bodies are working marvelously – our eyes can still see the beautiful sky,” and “our ears can still hear the voices of our loved ones.” This is emblematic of the importance of holistic health and wellness in recovery, especially when it comes to day treatment.
Better Understanding Addiction and Mental Illness
Millions of people struggle with issues of addiction and mental illness every year both in the U.S. and around the world. Yet, despite the prevalence of addiction and mental illness many people still stigmatize them.
For example, many people don’t realize that addiction is a “disease.” Many people mistake addiction as some type of moral failing or “choice.” This is simply untrue. Addiction has more in common with chronic diseases like cancer, heart disease, and diabetes than it does with a “choice.”
Also, many people don’t realize that mental illness and addiction are “family diseases.” This is because these issues affect more than the individual who is struggling. As is often said in many 12-Step recovery meetings, “Addiction is like a tornado destroying everything in its path.” However, many people don’t see that tornado coming, which is why being able to spot the signs and symptoms of addiction and mental illness can be so vital.
The Signs and Symptoms of Addiction and/or Mental Illness
Now, because addiction and mental illness cover such a broad swath of the “disease” spectrum, it can be hard to come up with a definitive set of signs and symptoms. However, there are more universal signs and symptoms to look out for. The following are just a few of those signs and symptoms:
- Having trouble sleeping, including sleeping too much and not sleeping enough (hypersomnia and insomnia)
- Loss of appetite
- Losing interest in how one looks or one’s personal hygiene
- Feeling nervous or overly “stressed out”
- Experiencing problems at home, work, and/or school
- Losing interest in activities and hobbies once enjoyed
- Isolating away from family and friends
- Frequently feeling worthless, hopeless, and helpless
- Worrying about “what the future may bring”
- Using alcohol and/or substances as coping mechanisms
- Excessive mood swings
- Committing self-harm
- Engaging in risky behaviors
- Having suicidal ideations and/or attempting suicide
As one can see, these signs and symptoms are not to be minimized. Addiction and mental illness can be life-or-death disorders. This is why if any, many, or all of these symptoms are present, it is important to reach out for professional help as soon as possible. Doing so could mean the difference between short-term side effects and long-term consequences. It is also important to find the right type of treatment.
The Importance of Individualized and Comprehensive Care
Many people don’t realize that recovery and treatment is now a billion-dollar industry. Of course, this certainly has its positives, but it can also mean that people are getting less than optimal care.
Many recovery and treatment centers put their financial bottom line above their clients’ well-being. These are often the same recovery centers that only offer broad overarching “cookie-cutter” recovery plans that fail to focus on the individual.
Here at NorthStar Recovery Center, we know that these types of plans rarely work. These types of plans are rarely comprehensive either, which is also an essential component of strong recovery. A recovery plan must focus on every aspect of the “Self.” This includes the physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual aspects. This is emblematic of what holistic health and wellness has to offer to a treatment plan. These components also best ensure that one gets to the root/core causes of one’s addiction and mental health issues.
Getting to the Underlying Root/Core Causes of Addiction and Mental Illness
Many people don’t realize that their issues of addiction and/or mental illness stem from somewhere “deep within.” Regarding addiction, this is why many people say, “It is about the thinking much more than it is about the drinking.” These underlying issues must be addressed if one is truly going to experience optimal healing. Often, these underlying issues are related to trauma and post-traumatic stress syndrome (PTSD).
Trauma affects millions of people every year. According to the peer-reviewed journal Psychological Medicine, “General population studies have shown that a large proportion of people in developed countries have been exposed to at least one TE [traumatic exposure] in their lifetime (estimates from 28 to 90%), with the most common events being the unexpected death of a loved one, motor vehicle accidents and being mugged. Much more limited evidence for less developed countries suggests that fatalities due to injuries and accidents are more common in low- and middle-income countries than in high-income countries; for example, road injuries are the 10th leading cause of lost years of life in developed countries and the 8th leading cause in developing countries.”
Similar staggering statistics are present with PTSD. According to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and the National Center for PTSD, “About 6 out of every 100 people (or 6% of the U.S. population) will have PTSD at some point in their lives… About 5 out of every 100 adults (or 5%) in the U.S. has PTSD in any given year.” Also, “In 2020, about 13 million Americans had PTSD.” One of the best ways to handle these underlying issues of trauma and PTSD is to find a recovery program such as day treatment.
Better Understanding Day Treatment
Day treatment is an ideal way that millions of people have used to recover from issues of addiction and mental illness. Yet, many people minimize day treatment as being less effective than residential addiction and mental health care. This is a fallacy.
Day treatment has been shown to be just as effective as other formats of recovery. The benefits of day treatment however may make it more ideal for certain populations. These are individuals who still need to keep one foot in their everyday lives. For example, people who have occupational or familial responsibilities that they must attend to.
Some people feel that day treatment is less effective because it is less “intensive.” Again, this is false. Most day treatments require that one be engaged with their treatment eight hours a day, five days a week. Also, most day treatment programs require regular alcohol and drug testing, as well as attendance at 12-Step recovery meetings. Day treatment also uses the same means, methods, and modalities that residential treatment does. This includes holistic health and wellness techniques.
A Focus on Health and Wellness in Day Treatment
The reality is that treatment can be challenging. However, overcoming those challenges is part of the process, and is how one finds success in long-term recovery. As Thich Nhat Hanh famously said, “Hope is important because it can make the present moment less difficult to bear. If we believe that tomorrow will be better, we can bear a hardship today.” Hope is a big part of a health and wellness practice.
So, what does health and wellness in recovery look like? Essentially it looks like anything that works to help one find a sense of serenity and balance. Yes, this can be found with other types of treatments, but they tend to be a focal point of holistic health and wellness modalities. This is especially true when it comes to yoga therapy.
Health and Wellness: Yoga Therapy
Yoga is an ideal and accessible form of treatment for addiction and mental illness. The iconic yogi and spiritual leader B.K.S. Iyengar famously said, “As animals, we walk the earth. As bearers of divine essence, we are among the stars. As human beings, we are caught in the middle, seeking to reconcile the paradox of how to make our way upon earth while striving for something more permanent and more profound.” Yoga helps us with this essential “reconciliation.”
Yoga therapy also offers many other benefits. According to the Journal of Neurosciences in Rural Practice, “Yoga, which is a form of mind-body practice, draws its roots to India and it has been proven to reduce perceived stress, anxiety, [and] improve physical and mental health.” Also, “Yoga in the management of drug dependence has been an intriguing area of interest since the last decade. Yoga is being considered as a holistic intervention inducing dopamine homeostasis leading to long-term benefits in the management of addictive behaviors termed as ‘Reward Deficiency Syndrome.’” Another critical component of yoga is often meditation.
Health and Wellness: Mindfulness Meditation
B.K.S. Iyengar said, “Spirituality is not some external goal that one must seek, but a part of the divine core of each of us, which we must reveal.” Meditation has been practiced for thousands of years. Originally it was solely a religious or spiritual practice but it has since moved into many other areas. This includes the realm of recovery.
The benefits of mindfulness meditation are vast and carried. According to the International Quarterly Journal of Research in Ayurveda (AYU). “Research has confirmed a myriad of health benefits associated with the practice of meditation. These include stress reduction, decreased anxiety, decreased depression, reduction in pain (both physical and psychological), improved memory, and increased efficiency. Physiological benefits include reduced blood pressure, heart rate, lactate, cortisol, and epinephrine; decreased metabolism, breathing pattern, oxygen utilization, and carbon dioxide elimination; and increased melatonin, dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEA-S), skin resistance, and relative blood flow to the brain.”
Meditation can also help to reduce relapses, which remains a serious issue. According to the peer-reviewed journal Substance Abuse: Official Publication of the Association for Medical Education and Research in Substance Abuse, ”Substance use disorders (SUDs) have been described as ‘chronic relapsing conditions,’ with rates of relapse exceeding 60% and being relatively consistent across substances of abuse. A range of treatments have been developed to target relapse…. However, in spite of the best ‘standard of care’ therapy, relapse rates continue to be high, highlighting the need for the development of new treatment modalities to better assist individuals in their recovery.”
Health and Wellness: Massage and Acupuncture
There are also many other types of health and wellness techniques that can help with addiction and mental illness recovery. This includes modalities like acupuncture, reiki, aromatherapy, and massage therapy.
Massage can be particularly helpful for individuals who also struggle with co-occurring chronic pain, especially Swedish massage. According to the International Journal of Therapeutic Massage & Bodywork, “Swedish massage incorporates moderate pressure touching and has minimal risk of adverse events, making it appropriate for protocol standardization and comparisons across studies. Using a standardized Swedish massage protocol, clinical research in healthy adults found a cumulative positive biologic effect which varied with massage frequency. While the precise biologic mechanism through which massage [affects] pain is unclear, consistent support exists for the beneficial effects for treating chronic pain, especially chronic low-back pain.”
Health and Wellness: Other Means, Methods, and Modalities
Of course, holistic health and wellness should also be utilized in tandem with more “traditional” types of therapy. This includes psychotherapies like cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and dialectical behavior therapy (DBT).
It also includes experiential therapies like nature immersion therapy and art therapy. The key is to find the right combination of therapies that work for the individual. However, it is also important to be willing to make changes based on what is and isn’t working. This is also why having as many modalities available as possible is so important.
Healing With Psychotherapy
Psychotherapies like CBT and DBT can be particularly effective because they get to the underlying issues that were previously mentioned. Ultimately, these therapies work to help an individual start to address the negative way in which one views oneself and the world around them.
Once these negative thoughts are addressed, one can begin to address the associated emotions and change the associated behaviors that are what ultimately cause the most negative consequences. Evidence-based psychotherapies also work well with holistic healing methods and experiential therapies.
Healing With Experiential Therapy
Many people don’t realize the benefits that nature can have on one’s health and well-being. According to the U.S. National Park Service, “5 minutes walking in nature improves mood, self-esteem, and relaxation. Frequent exposure to nature reduces anxiety and depression while promoting a sense of wellbeing and fulfillment.” Also, “Physical activity in a green space can reduce stress and lower cortisol levels by 15%.”
Nature immersion therapy also offers many other benefits. According to the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, “Besides improvements to physical and psychological well-being, exposure to natural environments has been shown to bring about positive impacts on cognitive functioning… While cognitive restoration and physiological well-being are the prominent and renowned benefits of nature exposure, there is one important construct that is often overlooked in environmental psychology research studies – that is, the human-nature relationship; also known as connectedness to nature (CN).” This “CN” also offers many benefits when holistic healing methods are utilized outside.
A Focus on Long-Term Success at NorthStar Recovery Center
Thich Nhat Hanh also famously said, “People sacrifice the present for the future. But life is available only in the present. That is why we should walk in such a way that every step can bring us to the here and the now.” The “here and now” is what recovery is all about.
Here at NorthStar Recovery Center, we believe in long-term success over short-term “fixes.” That is why all of our recovery plans are individualized and comprehensive with a focus on the future. We also take health and wellness seriously.
Recovery is about the journey, never the destination. There is no better place to start that journey than at NorthStar Recovery Center. Recovery is out there. It’s time to go out and get it.
The benefits of holistic healing while in day treatment can be exceptional for health and wellness. This ultimately means focusing on all aspects of recovery: the physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual. However, it is important to remember that these holistic modalities should always be used alongside evidence-based treatments such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT). If you feel like you or a loved one is struggling with issues of addiction, mental illness, or co-occurring disorders, we can help get you on the right road to long-term recovery right away. You don’t have to go through this process alone. For more information about health and wellness in day treatment, please reach out to NorthStar Recovery Center today at (888) 311-0911.
by Steve Windward | Jan 9, 2025 | Recovery
Many people balk at recovery because they are unsure of the “steps” that they need to take to get well. This is where the Twelve Steps of recovery can come in and literally be life-saving. Regardless of which path one takes, the key is to find what works and stick to it. Recovery is a way of life, and it is one that should not be missed.
Better Understanding Addiction
Millions of people struggle with addiction every year. Many people don’t realize just how prevalent addiction is in both the U.S. and around the world. According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), through the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), “In 2022, 48.7 million people aged 12 or older (or 17.3%) had a substance use disorder (SUD) in the past year, including 29.5 million who had an alcohol use disorder (AUD), 27.2 million who had a drug use disorder (DUD), and 8.0 million people who had both an AUD and a DUD.”
Also, many people don’t realize that addiction is a “disease.” Many people are under the misconception that addiction is some type of moral failing or “choice.” This is a fallacy. Addiction has more in common with chronic diseases like cancer, heart disease, and diabetes than it does with a “choice.”
It is also important to remember that addiction is also a “family disease.” This is because addiction does not just affect the individual struggling but also affects almost everyone it comes into contact with. It is often said in 12-Step recovery that addiction is like a tornado that destroys everything and everyone in its path. This is especially true with addiction and co-occurring issues of mental health.
Better Understanding Co-Occurring Disorders
Co-occurring disorders are much more prevalent than many people may think. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), “7.7 million adults have co-occurring mental and substance use disorders… Of the 20.3 million adults with substance use disorders, 37.9% also had mental illnesses. Among the 42.1 million adults with mental illness, 18.2% also had substance use disorders.”
Many people who struggle with co-occurring disorders also go undiagnosed or misdiagnosed because either the addiction or the mental illness overshadows the other. This is why going to a professional that deals with both addiction and mental illness can be so critical. It is also extremely helpful for individuals to be able to spot the signs and symptoms of addiction and mental illness on their own. This ability can mean the difference between life and death.
The Signs and Symptoms of Addiction
Now, it is important to understand that the signs and symptoms of addiction and mental illness are going to vary somewhat based on the situation and the individual. However, there are some more universal signs that can be looked out for. The following are just a few of those signs and symptoms:
- Feeling anxious, nervous, or overly “stressed out”
- Having feelings of worthlessness, hopelessness, and helplessness (depression)
- Not being able to stop drinking or using once started
- Using multiple substances at the same time
- Losing interest in activities and hobbies once enjoyed
- Isolating away from family and close friends
- Struggling with sleep cycles, including sleeping too much and not sleeping enough (hypersomnia and insomnia)
- Loss of appetite
- No longer caring about appearance or personal hygiene
- Engaging in risky behaviors
- Exhibiting excessive mood swings
- Committing self-harm or harming others
- Having suicidal ideations
Unfortunately, people often minimize the signs and symptoms of addiction and mental illness. However, as one can see, these symptoms can be extremely serious. This is why reaching out for professional help as soon as signs appear is so critical. Doing so could mean the difference between short-term side effects and long-term consequences. Again, as previously mentioned, it can be life and death. The Twelve Steps can help with this.
Better Understanding 12-Step Recovery
Roughly 89 years ago, two individuals struggling with addiction got together and determined that the only way they were going to get sober and stay sober was by doing two things. One thing was to work with others struggling with addiction. Two was to accept a “Higher Power” (of their own understanding) greater than themselves.
These two individuals were Bill Wilson and Robert Holbrook Smith, the two co-founders of Alcoholics Anonymous (A.A.) and 12-Step recovery. Eventually, they would also write the Twelve Steps of recovery and publish its primary text (commonly referred to as the Big Book). The Twelve Steps have gone on to help millions of people beyond those struggling with alcohol use disorder (AUD). These steps are also used in such programs as Narcotics Anonymous (N.A.), Cocaine Anonymous (C.A.), Gamblers Anonymous (G.A.), and Alanon (a program for families affected by addiction).
What Exactly Are the Twelve Steps?
The Twelve Steps are a set of twelve principles that can be utilized to get sober and stay sober. They work as a system that builds upon one another until all of the steps are completed.
However, after the steps are completed, there is no “graduation.” The steps are then continually used to have a safe and healthy long-term recovery. This is important because many people don’t realize just how prevalent relapse currently is in the U.S.
Relapse affects millions of people every year. According to the peer-reviewed Current Psychiatry Reports, “It has long been known that addictive disorders are chronic and relapsing in nature. Recent estimates from clinical treatment studies suggest that more than two-thirds of individuals relapse within weeks to months of initiating treatment. For 1-year outcomes across alcohol, nicotine, weight, and illicit drug abuse, studies show that more than 85% of individuals relapse and return to drug use within 1 year of treatment.” To avoid a relapse by utilizing the Twelve Steps, one must first take that first step and admit that there is a problem.
The Twelve Steps: Admitting There Is a Problem
Now, the First Step of 12-Step recovery states, “We admitted we were powerless over alcohol — that our lives had become unmanageable.” This act of “admitting” is critical for recovery. It is the only way that one is going to accept the help that they need.
Now, that does not mean that one might not admit this reality right away. This is why it can be so important for the family to intervene and help get them the treatment that they need. Also, this means setting boundaries which can help them make the choice to get the help they need, such as going to day treatment. In day treatment, one can then find the “acceptance” that they need for recovery.
The Twelve Steps: Acceptance
Next, the Second Step of 12-Step recovery states, “Came to believe that a Power greater than ourselves could restore us to sanity.” In order to truly take this step, one must accept that they have a problem.
Once this acceptance occurs, an individual can then begin to believe that there is something out there that is ready and willing to help them recover. Now, this may be a Higher Power such as God or a religious figure, or it might be something like nature or even other people who have been successful in recovery.
It should be noted that many people avoid the Twelve Steps because they struggle with the “God” concept. However, it is important to remember that a Higher Power is about spirituality and not necessarily religion (unless that is the path that one wishes to take). Once one gets over this issue with a Higher Power, they most likely have taken on the willingness that is needed to continue with the Twelve Steps and successful recovery.
The Twelve Steps: Willingness
There is perhaps no bigger sign of willingness than when one is willing to complete the Ninth Step. The Ninth Step states, “Made direct amends to such people wherever possible, except when to do so would injure them or others.”
Now, the Ninth Step is all about humility and being able to admit one’s wrongs to others. However, it is not merely about saying sorry. It is also about making “living amends” by showing loved ones that a new life in sobriety is all about making the right choices and helping others. This is especially true when it comes to helping others with their recovery.
The Twelve Steps: Working With Others
Working with others is an essential component of a strong long-term recovery. Working with others is so crucial that it even has a chapter named after it in the Big Book.
The chapter “Working With Others” states, “Practical experience shows that nothing will so much ensure immunity from drinking [and using] as intensive work with other [people in recovery]. It works when other activities fail… You can help when no one else can.” Many of these connections and friendships are made in recovery environments like day treatment.
The Twelve Steps and Day Treatment
Day treatment is an ideal environment for recovery. This is especially true for individuals who are able to keep one foot in their everyday lives as they also focus on their recovery.
However, many people minimize day treatment because they feel it may not be as effective as residential addiction care. This is simply untrue. Day treatment can be just as intensive, requiring eight-hour days, five days a week. This type of treatment also keeps people accountable by having regular alcohol and drug testing. Day treatment also uses all of the same means, methods, and modalities that are used in other types of treatment programs.
The Twelve Steps and Other Means, Methods, and Modalities
Now, the fact of the matter is that the treatment industry is now worth billions of dollars. Of course, this is good because there are more treatment centers available. Unfortunately, this also means that there are many bad actors who are more concerned with their bottom line than their client’s well-being. These are also the type of treatment centers that only offer overarching “one-note” recovery plans.
This is not the case at NorthStar Recovery Center. At NorthStar Recovery, we believe in the multi-angled approach that utilizes all areas of recovery. This includes modalities in the realm of experiential therapy like nature immersion therapy and art therapy, holistic healing methods like yoga therapy and mindfulness meditation, and psychotherapies like cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and dialectical behavior therapy (DBT).
Healing With Psychotherapy
Psychotherapies like CBT and DBT are ideal for recovery because they get to the underlying issues that often cause addiction and mental illness. Many people don’t realize that addiction is more about the thoughts behind taking the drink or the drug than it is about the drink or the drug themselves.
CBT and DBT can be so effective because they help to make an individual an “active participant” in their recovery. According to the peer-reviewed journal Cognitive Therapy and Research, “Consistent with the medical model of psychiatry, the overall goal of treatment is symptom reduction, improvement in functioning, and remission of the disorder. In order to achieve this goal, the patient becomes an active participant in a collaborative problem-solving process to test and challenge the validity of maladaptive cognitions and to modify maladaptive behavioral patterns… Although these strategies greatly emphasize cognitive factors, physiological, emotional, and behavioral components are also recognized for the role that they play in the maintenance of the disorder.”
Healing With Experiential Therapy
Many types of experiential therapy can help to bolster one’s experience with the Twelve Steps. This includes the way that nature immersion therapy helps individuals connect with their Higher Power.
Of course, nature immersion therapy also offers many other types of benefits. According to the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, “Besides improvements to physical and psychological well-being, exposure to natural environments has been shown to bring about positive impacts on cognitive functioning.” Also, “While cognitive restoration and physiological well-being are the prominent and renowned benefits of nature exposure, there is one important construct that is often overlooked in environmental psychology research studies – that is, the human-nature relationship; also known as connectedness to nature (CN).” This ”CN” can also be found with holistic healing methods like yoga therapy and mindfulness meditation.
Healing With Holistic Healing Methods
The iconic yogi and spiritual leader B.K.S. Iyengar once said, “Yoga is like music: the rhythm of the body, the melody of the mind, and the harmony of the soul create the symphony of life.” Yoga has been practiced for thousands of years. Originally yoga was just used as a religious or spiritual practice, but it has since moved into the realm of recovery.
Yoga can help one find the serenity needed to practice the Twelve Steps. It also offers many other benefits. According to the International Journal of Yoga (IJOY), “Therapeutic yoga is defined as the application of yoga postures and practice to the treatment of health conditions. Yoga therapy involves instruction in yogic practices and teachings to prevent reduce or alleviate structural, physiological, emotional, and spiritual pain, suffering or limitations. Yogic practices enhance muscular strength and body flexibility, promote and improve respiratory and cardiovascular function, promote recovery from and treatment of addiction, reduce stress, anxiety, depression, and chronic pain, improve sleep patterns, and enhance overall well-being and quality of life.” It also offers a great space for meditation.
A Focus on Long-Term Success With NorthStar Recovery Center
Here at NorthStar Recovery Center, we believe in long-term success over short-term “fixes.” This is why all of our recovery plans are individualized and comprehensive with a focus on the future. They also offer a great opportunity to incorporate the Twelve Steps.
In many 12-Step recovery meetings, they say what is known as the “Responsibility Statement.” It goes, “I am responsible. When anyone, anywhere, reaches out for help, I want the hand of [recovery] always to be there. And for that I am responsible” This is also a cornerstone of what we believe at NorthStar Recovery Center. Yes, we are responsible, and we wouldn’t have it any other way.
Many people don’t realize the benefits that the Twelve Steps can have for someone recovering in day treatment. Also, these steps are most effective when used with other types of treatment modalities. Additionally, working with others can be a critical component of a successful recovery. If you feel like you or a loved one is struggling with issues of addiction, mental illness, or co-occurring disorders, we can help get you on the positive path toward long-term recovery right away. You don’t have to go through this process alone. For more information about utilizing the Twelve Steps for long-term success, please reach out to NorthStar Recovery Center today at (888) 311-0911.
by Ben Keylor | Jun 5, 2024 | Recovery, Treatment Tailored
The iconic author and philosopher Eckhart Tolle said, “The power for creating a better future is contained in the present moment: You create a good future by creating a good present.” People in active addiction often find themselves in two places – one is regretting the past, and two is fearing the future. They are rarely in the present moment, and if they are, they are quick to blot it out with alcohol and drugs. So, when that present moment pops when an individual is ready to get help, they must get the right help. Effective day treatment offers that help.
The Prevalence of Addiction and Mental Illness in the U.S.
Addiction and mental illness are certainly in the public conversation today. However, many people may not realize just how prevalent they really are. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), “7.7 million adults have co-occurring mental and substance use disorders… Of the 20.3 million adults with substance use disorders, 37.9% also had mental illnesses,” and “Among the 42.1 million adults with mental illness, 18.2% also had substance use disorders.”
Unfortunately, many of these individuals don’t end up getting the proper addiction and/or mental health care that they ultimately need. According to NIDA, “[D]ata from 2020 shows that only 13 percent of people with drug use disorders receive any treatment.” Also, “Only 11 percent of people with opioid use disorder receive one of the three safe and effective medications that could help them quit and stay in recovery.” Also, many people who seek recovery wind up in the wrong treatment program or with an ineffective recovery plan.
The Importance of Choosing the Right Recovery Program for You
There are many different types of treatment. The most common are residential care and day treatment. Residential addiction and mental health care are for those individuals who require more round-the-clock attention and tend to be at the more severe stages of mental illness or addiction. This type of treatment is also very helpful for individuals who struggle with relapse.
Many people don’t realize just how prevalent relapse is. According to the peer-reviewed journal Current Psychiatry Reports, “It has long been known that addictive disorders are chronic and relapsing in nature. Recent estimates from clinical treatment studies suggest that more than two-thirds of individuals relapse within weeks to months of initiating treatment.” Also, “For 1-year outcomes across alcohol, nicotine, weight, and illicit drug abuse, studies show that more than 85% of individuals relapse and return to drug use within 1 year of treatment.” Day treatment can also be helpful for people who struggle with relapse when they try to recover on their own.
Better Understanding Day Treatment
Day treatment is a form of recovery that allows the individual an opportunity to work on their recovery while also maintaining a connection to their day-to-day lives. This can be particularly beneficial for individuals who have responsibilities that they must attend to during the recovery process. This may include family, school, and/or work obligations.
Many people often look at day treatment as a less intensive form of treatment than residential care. With effective day treatment, this is not the case. Day treatment fully engages the individual and fully immerses them in the process while they are at the treatment center. The primary difference is they still live and function off the property. This is just one of the benefits of day treatment.
The Benefits of Day Treatment
Day treatment offers a myriad of benefits. Yes, flexibility may be the most prominent one, but there are many others. The following are just a few more of the benefits of day treatment:
- It helps connect individuals to other people in recovery (helps create a “sober network”)
- Offers the support needed to focus on recovery
- Connects individuals with a recovery community while they are still in treatment
- Reduces the chance of relapse
- Keeps individuals accountable for their recovery
- Helps teach crucial life skills needed to maintain long-term recovery
- Begins the therapy process
- Provides essential structure needed for recovery
- Keeps individuals connected to any necessary medical help
- Connects individuals with alumni resources once they are done with day treatment
- Often offers an opportunity to “step down” to a sober living facility
As one can see, these benefits can be crucial for attaining and maintaining long-term recovery. These benefits can also be experienced by most people who choose day treatment.
Who Is Best Suited for Day Treatment?
Individuals best suited for day treatment are those who are struggling with issues of addiction and mental illness but are still functional enough for day-to-day life. Day treatment is also best suited for people who are willing to do the work because it involves intensive work.
A few people that day treatment may not be suited for are those who are coming right out of detox and still need 24/7 attention to avoid harming themselves or others (including those who have a history of relapsing right after detox). It may also not be for individuals who currently live in toxic “triggering” situations that may keep them from fully focusing on their recovery.
It should also be noted that insurance and financial factors can play a part in getting into day treatment. However, one should never put finance over recovery, and there are often many ways in which a person can get the help they need, such as working out a payment plan with a recovery center. The key is to reach out and ask – most recovery centers have an admissions center that will be happy to help get an individual into the right place and type of treatment for them.
What Does Effective Day Treatment Look Like?
Effective day treatment is going to look specific in two ways. It is going to look individualized, and it is going to look comprehensive.
This means that each recovery plan will have a focus on each client’s specific needs. This includes a proper intake that focuses on their backstory, their current needs, and their goals for the future. It will also take into account any co-occurring disorders that an individual may have, as well as any family dynamics they may be dealing with.
Comprehensive care means that a recovery plan utilizes many means, methods, and modalities to help individuals recover. These types of treatment should be pulled from all different areas of recovery such as the psychotherapeutic, the experiential, and the holistic.
Effective day treatment will also look very active. It should involve an entire week of work (a minimum of five days) with full days of treatment (a minimum of six hours a day). Day treatment should also expect the individual to do work while they are not at the recovery center. This often includes connecting to a recovery community and attending recovery meetings (such as 12-Step meetings).
Therapy and Day Treatment
One of the most important components of day treatment is therapy. The primary type of therapy is often psychotherapy like cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) or dialectical behavior therapy (DBT).
These types of therapy can get to the underlying issues of one’s addictive behaviors. As is often the case, “the substance is but a ‘symptom’ of deeper issues.” Many times, these issues include trauma or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
PTSD is much more common than many people may think. According to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and the National Center for PTSD, “About 6 out of every 100 people (or 6% of the U.S. population) will have PTSD at some point in their lives.” Also, “About 5 out of every 100 adults (or 5%) in the U.S. has PTSD in any given year. In 2020, about 13 million Americans had PTSD.” Effective psychotherapy in day treatment will address these underlying issues of PTSD.
Another type of therapy that is often used in day treatment is experiential therapy. These are therapies that focus on experiences (either active experiences or creative ones) to help individuals work through their issues. Perhaps the most common type of experiential therapy is art therapy. Art therapy helps individuals and their therapists analyze artistic choices and end products to help work through and address the issues an individual is dealing with.
Working With Others in Day Treatment
One of the most important aspects of recovery is connecting and working with others who have “shared experience.” This is discussed in the primary text of 12-Step recovery (often referred to as the Big Book). The book states, “Practical experience shows that nothing will so much insure immunity from drinking [and using] as intensive work with other [people in recovery]. It works when other activities fail… You can help when no one else can.”
Working with others in recovery can also come out of connections made in group therapy, which is often another critical component of day treatment. Connecting with others while in treatment also makes it much easier to connect to others outside of treatment, which can be essential.
Connecting With a Recovery Community While in Day Treatment
It is often said in recovery that one needs to get “in the middle of the herd.” This means that getting involved in a recovery community can be very helpful in keeping one sober and avoiding a potential relapse.
Many people think of getting involved in a recovery community as simply going to meetings. However, while this is important, it is the minimum that one can do. It is often much more effective to join a “home group” of a recovery community and volunteer one’s time. This might involve greeting people at the door, making coffee, or even leading the meeting. This service can be vital in keeping one sober in the long term.
Creating a Healthy Lifestyle in Day Treatment
Day treatment is also a great way to create a healthy “design for living.” This means learning essential life skills like financial responsibility and sleep hygiene (creating healthy sleep cycles). It also often means bringing healthy holistic practices into one’s life, like yoga and meditation.
Yoga has been practiced for thousands of years to help people quiet their minds and find inner peace. Originally, yoga was practiced solely for religious or spiritual purposes, but it has since moved into the realm of recovery.
Yoga offers a myriad of benefits that can help individuals with addiction and mental health recovery. According to the International Journal of Yoga (IJOY), “Therapeutic yoga is defined as the application of yoga postures and practice to the treatment of health conditions. Yoga therapy involves instruction in yogic practices and teachings to prevent reduce or alleviate structural, physiological, emotional and spiritual pain, suffering or limitations. Yogic practices enhance muscular strength and body flexibility, promote and improve respiratory and cardiovascular function, promote recovery from and treatment of addiction, reduce stress, anxiety, depression, and chronic pain, improve sleep patterns, and enhance overall well-being and quality of life.” Meditation also offers similar benefits.
Meditation is a great practice to learn in day treatment because not only does it have benefits, but it can go virtually anywhere the individual goes. According to the International Quarterly Journal of Ayurveda (AYU), “During the process of meditation, accumulated stresses are removed, energy is increased, and health is positively affected overall. Research has confirmed a myriad of health benefits associated with the practice of meditation. These include stress reduction, decreased anxiety, decreased depression, reduction in pain (both physical and psychological), improved memory, and increased efficiency.” It can also help with goal-setting.
Setting Goals in Day Treatment
Day treatment also offers a great opportunity to set goals for the future. Yes, these include goals regarding staying sober, but they also include familial, financial, and social goals.
Another big part of setting goals in recovery is connecting with loved ones and healing together. Many people understand that addiction is a disease, but they may not be aware that it is a “family disease” as well. This means the entire family is affected by one person’s addiction. It also means that the entire family may require help to heal.
Day treatment can offer an opportunity for the family to both heal together and apart. This may include individual therapy and counseling as well as family therapy, both with and without the individual who is in day treatment. This can also be a big help when it comes to transitioning back into everyday life.
Transitioning Back Into Everyday Life After Day Treatment
Day treatment is not just about the present moment, but it is also about the long term. This is one of the paradoxes of recovery – one must “live one day at a time” in order to attain long-term recovery.
Day treatment can help this transition back into day-to-day life because an individual always maintains some connection to their outside lives while also focusing on their recovery in the treatment center. Many recovery centers also help this transition happen by offering comprehensive alumni support services. These alumni services help individuals stay connected to other people in recovery, as well as offer support and relapse prevention plans.
The Importance of Enjoying Recovery and Long-Term Success at NorthStar Recovery
Eckhart Tolle also famously said, “Always say ‘yes’ to the present moment… Surrender to what is. Say ‘yes’ to life – and see how life starts suddenly to start working for you rather than against you.” When the opportunity presents itself, it is also time to “say yes” to recovery. For many, it is time to “say yes” to day treatment.”
Here at NorthStar Recovery Center, we know that seeking help for addiction can be daunting. However, we also know that seeking help for addiction is one of the best choices an individual will ever make.
Recovery is possible, and there is hope. The key is to reach out, take the first step, and ask for help. Once that happens, we will always be here at NorthStar Recovery Center to help take the next steps toward a life beyond what was once unimaginable.
For many people, day treatment is the best option for recovery. This is due to the convenience of these programs and how they allow individuals to seek treatment while continuing to handle their daily responsibilities. Day treatment is also a great way to stay focused on one’s recovery without having to commit to residential care. If you feel like you or a loved one are struggling with issues of addiction, mental illness, or co-occurring disorders, we can help get you on the right road to long-term recovery right away. For more information about the benefits that day treatment provides, please reach out to NorthStar Recovery Center today at (888) 311-0911.
