Addiction recovery for most people comes with its own challenges. It can be stressful particularly if you are new to recovery as you will have to deal with constant cravings, cleaning up your addiction wreckage, and rebuilding relationships, all while trying to hang on to your new life in sobriety. Most parts of early recovery involve training you on how to cope with life struggles as a new way of dealing with addiction now that drug or alcohol use is no longer your option.
Doctors have to employ a wide range of skills and techniques to develop a personalized, well-rounded treatment plan. A great example of these techniques is meditation. If you just started your recovery journey or have been sober for a while but still struggle with addiction, consider practicing meditation to help you deal with depression, anxiety, and stress.
What Is Meditation?
Meditation is an alternative approach to addiction recovery that focuses on mind and body concentration with the goal of inducing relaxation and serenity. Meditation involves being mindful of your feelings, thoughts, and sensory experiences in the present surrounding. There are many ways of meditating, and methods differ based on the individual. It can be done in groups, alone, in silence, or with music and in a calm, serene area.
You also do not need to set timers to meditate. If you are a beginner, you can start meditating for a few minutes and work yourself up to longer sessions. You also do not need to be spiritual to participate – it is not a prayer session.
How Is It Useful in Addiction Recovery?
Meditation carries a significant value for individuals recovering from addiction to drugs and alcoholism. Generally, meditation promotes a sense of inner peace and calmness, improves mental health functioning, increases self -awareness and helps detect impulses and thoughts that make you have cravings, hence preventing relapses.
Improves self-esteem and acceptance
You are more likely to be harsh on yourself than on others, especially when you are on your journey to addiction recovery. Being mindful in meditation encourages attentiveness and observation of your feelings and thoughts, making it easier to be patient with yourself. After a few meditation sessions, you will be able to treat yourself better with the same acceptance and patience that you would likely extend to others in similar situations.
Improved mental and physical health
Meditation is not only good for your mental health but also excellent for physical fitness. When you develop self-awareness through meditation, you are likely to experience a positive impact on your anxiety and stress levels, which can significantly reduce the chances of developing medical-related illnesses like hypertension and heart problems. It has also been found to improve sleep quality.
Increases attention and resilience
Being mindful means not dwelling in the past or worrying about the future, but concentrating on the present. Mindful meditation helps you enjoy the current moment without getting distracted by the situation around you. People who practice meditation as a way of assisting them to cope with the symptoms of addiction recovery are known to be resilient. They have the power to bounce back even after a challenging situation, adapt to the new changes around them, and enjoy their new life in sobriety.
Tips to Get You Started
If you have never practiced meditation before, you may find it strange at first, but when you learn to be mindful and aware of your senses, thoughts, and feelings, you will reap wholesomely the rewards that come along with it. The practice will help you in your recovery journey and throughout your new life. You don’t need to be a pro to start meditating; you can begin with simple meditative exercises as you learn which ones work best for you. Here are a few tips you can use:
Progressive muscle relaxation: To bring awareness to every part of your body, you need to have your muscles relax from head to toe progressively.
Breathing practice: Relax and breathe naturally while focusing on inhalation and exhalation.
Mantra-based: This form of meditation involves repeating a phrase or word out loud or internally. This helps to bring your mind back to meditation in case it wanders, and you lose attention.
Movement meditation: This involves incorporating physical activities such as hikes, yoga, walking, or surfing while still being mindful of your body movements.
Meditation is a personal treatment plan. That means that what may work for you may not work for someone else. Trying new techniques is the best way to identify which ones work best for you.
Let Us Help You
If you or a loved one is struggling to stay sober, it is essential to seek professional help from a holistic rehabilitation program like Soba Recovery Center. At Soba, we are a certified luxury detox and drug rehab program. Our expert doctors will review your medical history, ask you a few questions about yourself, the substance you have been abusing, and how long you have been abusing it to help us come up with a personalized treatment plan. To learn more about our services and how we can best help you, please contact our recovery support specialists today! We hope to hear from you soon.
When you or a loved one is struggling with substance abuse, it’s easy to feel like nobody around you understands. But it’s important to realize that you’re not alone, and you do have real options for addiction treatment that go far beyond just attending a weekly support group. Addiction is actually an all-too-common problem in America, and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services reports that around 10 percent of adults suffer from addiction during their lifetime.
For all too many people, substance abuse and addiction means a higher risk of serious health problems, strained relationships, suffering careers, and dreams that are no more. But for those who receive the right addiction treatment, there is hope for a fresh start.
Outpatient treatment is effective for thousands of people each year, and it may be the care you need to finally regain control of your life and break free from addiction. Read on to learn more about outpatient treatment and whether or not it may be the right choice for you.
What Is Outpatient Treatment?
Outpatient treatment is a relatively newer form of addiction care, but it is gaining in popularity because of the flexibility and long-term focus it offers. Whereas traditional addiction treatment involves patients actually being admitted to a medical facility under 24/7 supervision while they detox, outpatient treatment allows patients to return to the comfort of their homes after receiving care during the day.
Outpatient care also goes far beyond just detox and is highly focused on patients reaching long-term addiction recovery. Many recovering addicts go straight into outpatient treatment for the duration of their time tackling addiction, while those with more severe drug dependencies use it as a step-down (continuing) program after completing detox and initial addiction treatment.
While exact care plans tend to vary based on the person’s needs, there are three main types of outpatient treatment:
Partial Hospitalization Treatment – This is often a highly-effective alternative to inpatient detox and rehab. Allowing for more flexibility in the patient’s schedule, partial hospitalization involves checking into a medical facility for a portion of the day for intensive care. Afterward, patients are able to return home and continue their treatment solo there.
Intensive Outpatient Treatment – Patients are able to attend counseling and other programs during the day, which may or may not involve a medical aspect. Patients are able to work in treatment around their daily obligations (and often work schedules) while being able to spend each night at home.
Outpatient Treatment – This form of continuing care is best for patients who have already been through an intensive outpatient program or higher. It involves regularly coming in for counseling and staying invested in building a successful life in recovery.
How Outpatient Treatment Keeps You Sober Long Term
In addition to providing greater scheduling flexibility, many people choose outpatient care because of the long-term sobriety potential. Through daytime counseling, recovering addicts are able to learn coping skills and explore the root causes of why they ventured down the path of substance abuse in the first place.
Still, one of the greatest benefits of outpatient treatment programs is that patients are able to take what they learn during counseling and actively make changes in their everyday lives. This is important because those who strictly go through inpatient treatment programs then have to go through a “real-world shock” when they finally leave rehab and return home. Many inpatient programs are also shorter in duration than outpatient care, meaning their effects may not have the same kind of lasting potential.
Because outpatient treatment patients have their care seamlessly worked into their daily schedules, they are able to avoid any real-world shock by making steady, gradual adjustments on a daily basis. Patients are also able to build up their support system of family and friends while still in treatment, instead of having to wait to return home. Naturally, this all means greater potential for long-term sobriety.
Ready to Make a Change? We’re Here for You
When you’re suffering from addiction, life can feel frustrating, and you may not know where to turn. But rest assured, our team at Soba Recovery is here to help. Combining time-tested traditional care with advanced modern techniques, we offer intensive outpatient, sober living options, and more at our facilities in Mesa, AZ, or San Antonio, TX. We believe that with the right care, people from all walks of life can land on the path of recovery.
To learn more about your outpatient treatment options, reach out to our staff at Soba Recovery today. If you’re reading this, it’s not too late to get the help you need and achieve the healthy life you deserve.
For many, cutting ties with an addiction is similar to breaking up a long-term relationship. Going through detox and addiction treatment is effective, but it’s common to enter sobriety feeling like there are unresolved issues. After all, you’ve spent a significant amount of time entertaining your addiction with drug abuse, and you’ve likely let other relationships fall to the wayside as a result.
Like all unhealthy relationships, it’s time for you to end things with your addiction once and for all. It starts with you confronting your addiction head on.
A Letter to Addiction
Ongoing counseling and participation in addiction recovery programs are recommended long after your initial treatment ends. However, you may also find it useful to express your feelings via a letter. Your own thoughts and feelings will be unique, but here is an example that you may find helpful:
Dear Addiction;
For a time, it felt like all I needed in the world was you. For much of our time together, I felt happy and free of other desires. My pain seemed to go away, and I didn’t worry about life. I even let my other relationships disintegrate because of how strongly I felt towards you.
I now know that none of these feelings were genuine and that I was being manipulated throughout our time together. Whenever I felt like you were the key to getting through life, it was nothing more than a lie. For this and many more reasons, it is now time to bid you “goodbye” forever.
You see, I am so much more than just another person risking their life through drug abuse, and I will not be a statistic. As good as I felt when I was with you at times, I felt terrible during others. I missed out on important events and gave up things that once meant a lot to me. I hit some of the lowest points in my life, and I now realize that I am worth more. It is time for me to regain control. I will pursue new opportunities, achieve new goals, and adopt a healthy lifestyle. And to do all of this, I need you out of my life.
That said, I know I cannot blame you entirely for the way things have gone. Just as I am working to regain control in my life, I am also taking responsibility. I chose to start our relationship, and now I am choosing to end it. I know that saying “goodbye” to you for good will take hard work, but I am doing exactly that.
I will also apologize to those whom I have hurt because of how you influenced me. The relationship between you and I may be at an end, but it is not too late for me to rebuild my relationships with my family members and friends.
As challenging as this ending may be, I know it is the right thing to do. I look forward to new beginnings, and you and I will never cross paths again. Goodbye.
Writing Your Own Letter
The letter above is just an example, and yours should be focused on your own experience and feelings. It’s okay to feel sad while writing your letter, but it’s also important to focus on the good things that are about to come. Writing your letter is already a major sign of progress.
What you do with your completed letter is up to you. Many people choose to keep the letter in a safe place where they can revisit it occasionally for inspiration or to see how far they’ve come since writing it. Others choose to destroy their letters as a sign of being done with their addiction once and for all.
If you write your letter as part of an addiction treatment group or in a counseling session, you may be able to share it with others. Doing so can help you relate to others suffering from drug abuse and help you realize you are not alone. Your letter can also serve as a source of inspiration for others.
It’s Not Too Late to Get Help
Grappling with an addiction is not easy, but it is not something you have to keep living with. With the right treatment and addiction recovery plan, you can successfully achieve a life of sobriety. If you are in the Texas or Arizona area and are looking for the right addiction treatment program, our team at Soba Recovery is here for you. We offer comprehensive detox and inpatient treatment for drug abuse, and if you’re reading this, it is not too late to get the help you need. Reach out to us today to learn more about our services!
Cognitive Behavior Therapy also referred to as CBT Therapy, has been used to treat substance abuse issues since the 1970s. Over the years it has become one of the most widely used and effective drug addiction treatment methods. These days, CBT is used in a variety of ways. For some patients, CBT alone is enough to treat drug dependence. For others, CBT is used alongside other types of addiction treatment such as the prescription of withdrawal medications and counseling.
With cognitive behavioral therapy, addicts can learn how their thoughts, feelings, and actions are all connected. CBT is a short-term therapy method that focuses on changing thought patterns, which in turn can help people combat drug addiction.
There are important reasons why CBT is a preferred treatment method for addiction and is used in many settings. Before jumping into the benefits of CBT, let’s first describe what this treatment method is and how it works.
How CBT Therapy Works?
CBT is talk therapy and a combination of both behavioral and cognitive theory. The main focus of this type of treatment regime is pinpointing the behaviors and thought patterns that cause someone to struggle with drug or alcohol addiction.
CBT treatment starts with an initial meeting. During this time, the therapist or counselor will get to know the client. They’ll have a chance to speak about their previous drug use and what their life is like.
Addiction is the result of cyclical maladaptive thought patterns. A person struggles with addiction because they regularly return to negative, painful, and harmful thoughts. An addict will use drugs or alcohol as a coping mechanism.
Many of the actions and emotions that fuel addiction are not rational. Instead, impulses can play a huge role. It can be difficult for a patient to learn about the potentially negative ramifications on their own. Even if you rationally know you should avoid drug use, you might succumb to your impulses. That’s what makes this form of therapy such a crucial one. The feelings and behaviors that fuel such experiences are often the results of past behaviors that have not been explored.
Once the addict has a greater level of understanding as to why they behave a certain way, it becomes much easier to successfully overcome addiction. CBT helps a patient to identify their personal “triggers”. These triggers are what cause negative automatic thoughts to take place. These thoughts are based on impulse and are based on internalized feelings.
During a CBT session, a therapist works with the client to teach them new coping skills. This skill set focuses on the person’s view of the world and system of beliefs. Instead of focusing on addiction alone, this therapy focuses on the behaviors and way of thinking of the addict.
After the ice is broken between the therapist and client, the therapist will put together a list of target behaviors to focus on during the therapy sessions. These target behaviors are the problem behaviors that trigger drug use. The goal of CBT therapy is to help the addict avoid triggers in the future.
How the Past Can Affect the Future
One of the important concepts of CBT is understanding how the past can affect the present and the future. For example, someone who suffered a traumatic event and has PTSD or someone who is coping with depression may be tempted to “self-medicate” through drug and alcohol abuse.
Unfortunately, drugs and alcohol are a terrible form of “medication” and will lead to more problems. While drugs and alcohol may seem to provide temporary relief, neither will address the underlying causes. Often, drug and alcohol abuse will worsen your depression and other mental conditions.
Instead of continuing to revisit their most painful memories over and over again, cognitive behavioral therapy allows them to overcome. Positive behaviors replace the negative ones, making long term recovery much easier for a potential patient.
CBT helps you recognize how bad memories from the past, pre-existing mental conditions, and other factors can inform and drive your impulses.
The Benefits Of CBT in Addiction Recovery
Addiction treatment is not about shoehorning the client into a plan that works for others. It is about finding the plan that works best for the client. CBT is a key element in addiction recovery and there are a number of benefits to be enjoyed.
CBT treatment is beneficial because it addresses the fact that substance abuse is typically the result of repeated thought patterns and behaviors. CBT treatment helps addicts manage their compulsion to consume drugs by identifying and avoiding the scenarios that bring rise to this compulsion.
Setting Goals
It’s important to set goals in therapy. Unfortunately, overcoming drug abuse takes time. Setting intermediate goals and making a schedule for anticipated accomplishments is a good way to stay motivated throughout treatment. During CBT treatment, the therapist and client will set out specific goals that address behavioral problems that need to be corrected.
Analyzing Thought Patterns
One thing clients are often asked to do when undergoing CBT treatment is to keep a record of their thoughts. This record helps to pinpoint the negative thoughts that are the most damaging and most likely to result in drug use. Part of this step in CBT treatment is disproving negative thoughts.
Problematic thoughts are rationally analyzed to show that they are counter-productive. The therapist and the client make a list of evidence that shows how and why these thoughts should be corrected.
Automatic thoughts can drive drug and alcohol consumption. However, you can mentally learn to control these thoughts and may even be able to replace them with positive thoughts. Doing so can be difficult, especially in the beginning. With practice, however, you’ll be able to:
Dismiss False Beliefs (i.e. I am not worth anything): Substance abuse is typically caused by insecurities and false beliefs. When we allow these beliefs to fester, they can lead us down the wrong path. Unfortunately, it can be challenging to change course. That’s why the professionals at Soba Recovery are here to help. Our experienced therapists walk patients through the process and keep them from experiencing fear and self-doubt.
False beliefs and insecurity tend to go hand in hand. If the addict does not replace these negative thoughts with positive ones, the recovery process is not going to go as smoothly as it could. Everyone deserves to feel good about themselves and dismissing false ideas that cause insecurity is a major piece of that puzzle.
Use Self Help Tools to Better Your Mood (i.e. understanding that you are a valuable person): Patients do not always have the ability to make the right choices when it comes to their behaviors because they have not been given the necessary self-help tools. When patients are committed to their recovery and given access to the resources that Soba Recovery has to offer, they are given the self-help tools that are designed to help them better their moods.
Addicts will often use as a means of regulating their own moods and this is a behavior that must cease once the client is given the chance to re-integrate into their daily routine. The “triggers” that are experienced each day are what keep addicted people from being able to enjoy a full recovery. Thankfully, these triggers are easy to identify.
Working on Communication Skills: A lack of communication skills can cause any patient to feel as if they are not being heard by their friends and loved ones and this is highly understandable. Communication skills are also important when it comes to properly expressing thoughts and ideas in a manner that is constructive. Addicts often find themselves accustomed to speaking in a way that is not helpful to themselves or others.
Cognitive-behavioral therapy is designed to identify the situations where the patient’s communication is lacking and keep them from making the same old mistakes. Instead of relying on communication methods that do not get the desired results, the patient is given a whole new lease on life. Triggers are much easier to avoid when communication is strong and CBT is helpful for identifying communication-related issues.
False beliefs, poor communication, and an inability to help yourself all contribute to impulsive thoughts. By addressing these issues, you can improve your own mental state, which will help you resist and break the addiction.
Preventing Triggers
One major focus of CBT treatment is identifying triggers that lead to drug use. After triggers have been identified, the therapist and client draw out a plan. This is a plan that will prevent exposure to triggers. This could include no longer frequenting certain locations or people that make relapse more likely. Preventing triggers could also involve obtaining control over thinking patterns that push the client to use drugs.
Many cognitive-behavioral therapists focus on three skills for managing your triggers, including:
Recognize – Identify the circumstances, environments, and conditions that lead to drinking or substance abuse.
Avoid – Learn how to avoid circumstances that will encourage you to drink or abuse drugs.
Cope – Finally, use CBT tactics to address bad thoughts and to address emotions that could lead to drug abuse.
Creating A Healthy Schedule
CBT treatment isn’t just about avoiding drug abuse triggers. It’s more holistic than that. Part of CBT treatment includes developing a schedule of healthy activities. Improving overall health can improve the client’s general mood and strengthen the client’s will power to avoid relapse.
One of the best things about Cognitive Behavioral Therapy is that it can be used outside of the therapist’s office. Once you learn CBT strategies, you’ll be able to use the tactics on your own. CBT can become part of your daily efforts to reduce drinking and substance abuse.
CBT has proven to be one of the most effective methods for treating drug and alcohol addiction. While there’s no sure-fire cure for addiction, essentially everyone struggling with substance abuse should try CBT.
Further, CBT helps address underlying issues. Anxiety and depression can lead to addiction and make it harder to break the cycle. CBT can help you cope with mental conditions. In the long run, this will lead to better mental health.
Benefits of CBT Therapy On Mental Health
Mental health is one of the most important aspects of addiction recovery. With the assistance of CBT, patients have the chance to confront the aspects of their thought processes that are causing them to experience problematic thoughts. By overcoming the thoughts and feelings that fuel addiction, patients stand a far better chance of having a successful long term prognosis.
CBT is not just for addiction, though. There are other mental disorders that are treated through cognitive behavioral therapy as well. CBT can offer much-needed assistance for those struggling with psychological conditions that may be linked to drug addiction including:
Depression
Bipolar disorder
Obsessive-compulsive disorder
Eating disorders
Anxiety
Attention deficit disorder
Post-traumatic Stress Disorder
CBT Treatment for You
Interested in CBT treatment? Good for you! Learning how to use CBT tactics is a great step towards fighting and eliminating addiction. At Soba Recovery, we work with recovering addicts all the time and CBT is one of the many treatment methods we use.
If you or a loved one are looking for the right substance abuse treatment, consider our CBT services at Soba Recovery Center. We have locations in Arizona and Texas, and our treatment programs specialize in detoxification, residential inpatient treatment, outpatient treatment, and aftercare options.
When clients check-in at either our Soba Mesa or Soba Texas rehab centers, they are given access to the finest detox and drug rehabilitation that the region has to offer. When it comes to addiction treatment, there are few settings that can provide the same level of peace and tranquility. This ranch style setting delivers the peace of mind and comfort that few facilities can match.
There’s no one size fits all addiction treatment program. Often, a mix of treatment types, including group therapy, CBT, and more, is required to truly defeat addiction. Soba Recovery will work with you to develop a customized drug addiction treatment plan that will work for you.
Cocaine abuse is, unfortunately, an all too common problem in the United States. In fact, over 900,000 Americans met the criteria indicating cocaine addiction as of 2014. Being addicted to cocaine can have negative consequences for an individual’s health and personal and professional lives.
Fortunately, addiction treatment for people who have become dependent on cocaine consumption offers success. If you or a loved one is addicted to cocaine and looking to stop using, don’t wait to reach out to get help. At Soba Recovery, we’re waiting for your call.
Cocaine and Its Effects on the Body
Cocaine is a drug that stimulates the nervous system. It can be consumed in a variety of ways. The most common way to consume cocaine is through snorting this drug in powder form. However, cocaine can also be smoked or injected.
When cocaine is ingested, it produces a euphoric effect. It can also create sensations in users of being highly energetic. The effects that cocaine consumption offers can result in both physical and psychological addictions. Physically, the body can become dependent on the drug so that withdrawal symptoms such as fatigue, depression, and irritability are noticed when affected individuals no longer consume cocaine. Psychologically, chronic cocaine users can become dependent on the drug and experience thoughts and feelings of needing it to get through the day.
Perhaps the biggest reason why it’s so easy to become addicted to cocaine is because cocaine use produces high dopamine levels in the brain. This means that cocaine use creates a strong and intense reward response in the brain. Regular cocaine users enjoy this response and their brains are reprogrammed by routine cocaine consumption. If they don’t continue to use cocaine, their dopamine levels can drop abnormally low so that they feel very depressed and desperate to use cocaine again.
Symptoms of Cocaine Addiction
If you’re suffering from a cocaine addiction, you probably feel like you’re unable to keep up with personal, professional, and financial commitments. You may also notice your addiction is starting to affect your health. Lack of appetite, unintentional weight loss, feeling paranoid, and feeling depressed, are all negative side effects to cocaine use. If you notice these symptoms in someone else, they may need help with their addiction as well.
Seeking Treatment for Cocaine Addiction
Addiction to cocaine can be treated in a variety of ways. At Soba Recovery, we know overcoming addiction is not always easy. We do everything we can to make you feel as safe and comfortable as possible. We offer numerous treatment options that can help you overcome your cocaine addiction.
The first step to the recovery process is detoxification. Detoxification is an essential part of overcoming cocaine addiction or any other type of drug addiction. Detoxification is the process of ridding your body of cocaine and any other harmful substances. It’s also the first step to recovery One of the most difficult parts of detoxification is dealing with withdrawal symptoms. While withdrawal symptoms can be difficult to handle, we at Soba Recovery make sure we’re doing everything we can to ease the withdrawals. We also monitor your vitals 24/7 to make sure no health complications arise during detox.
After detox, there are a few different treatment options for you. We usually recommend clients complete residential inpatient treatment, then partial hospitalization, outpatient, and sober living. We know addiction and treatment is different for everyone so if the above mentioned isn’t your path, that’s ok. We know some people aren’t able to complete residential treatment because they have personal obligations at home. Below is a breakdown of each treatment option:
Residential Inpatient
Residential inpatient treatment is typically the next best step to take in recovery after detoxification. On average your stay with us will be about one month. During this time you’ll live at our treatment facility and have round the clock care. You’ll eat your meals here, attend group, and individual therapy. Residential inpatient care is an excellent way to detox and overcome withdrawal symptoms with the assistance of doctors and counselors who have a great deal of experience regarding the treatment of drug addiction. This is the time where you’ll also start to dig deep and find out the root cause of your cocaine addiction.
Partial Hospitalization
Partial hospitalization can be used as a step down from residential inpatient treatment or in lieu of. The program is similar to residential inpatient but you don’t sleep at our facility. You spend the day attending different therapy sessions and connecting with others around you, but get to go home to your own bed at night. You’ll also focus on finding out some triggers for your addiction.
Outpatient and Sober Living
Outpatient treatment continues the therapies offered during inpatient and partial hospitalization. Alot of our clients will attend outpatient while in a sober living home. These treatment options give you the flexibility in your schedule to get a job and start to get back to “normal” life while still working on your recovery. Outpatient and sober living are both great tools when preventing relapse.
Get Help for Cocaine Addiction Today
The sooner you or your loved one seeks help for cocaine addiction, the sooner this severe problem can be overcome. The first step to getting the treatment you or your loved one needs for cocaine addiction is to contact us at SOBA Recovery Center. We’ll provide you with more information and answer your questions regarding treatment options.
At Soba Recovery Center, we’re here to help. We offer treatment programs for cocaine addiction in Mesa, Arizona and San Antonio, Texas. Contact us to learn more about our cocaine addiction treatment centers and the drug addiction treatments we provide.
Drugs and alcohol negatively impact our mind and body. They throw our body off balance, can make us do things we wouldn’t necessarily do when we’re sober, and even though they may make us feel good in the moment, that feeling doesn’t last. One of the reasons you (or someone you know whose addicted to drugs or alcohol) can’t stop using is probably because you’re constantly chasing the high. That ‘feel good’ moment. Unfortunately, we can tell you that you’ll never feel 100% satisfied with getting high. You’re chasing something that can truly never be achieved. No one is going to feel good all the time, that’s just part of life.
Now that we’ve established that we can’t fill an emotional void with drugs or alcohol, let’s talk about getting sober. Trust us when we say, your life will change immensely. The unknown can be scary, especially without the aid of drugs and alcohol, but getting sober is the best thing you can do for yourself and everyone around you.
Why Should You Get Sober?
Whether we want to admit it or not, our actions affect other people. If you drank too much the night before your sibling’s graduation and don’t show up, your sibling will be disappointed. If your friend is counting on you to pick them up from somewhere because they don’t have a car, and you forget because you’re high, they’re going to be disappointed. Being able to rely on others for help or assistance is a fundamental part of modern-day society. If you spend most of your day getting high or drunk, you probably aren’t the most reliable. By getting sober, you can become a dependable friend and family member.
You also deserve to get sober for yourself. Addiction is totally consuming no matter what stage you’re at. Even if you only drink alcohol at night, you’re probably thinking about that first drink you’ll have all day. If you’re addicted to prescription pills, the thought of running out probably looms over your head like a dark rain cloud.
Benefits of Sobriety
Sobriety will improve your quality of life. Some ways your life will change by getting sober are:
You can reach your professional potential: When you get sober you can think clearly. Your thoughts are no longer hazed by drugs. While you’re getting high, you probably don’t care much about your job. A job is just a means to make money to spend on drugs and alcohol. After you get sober, you’ll see that a job is more than just a way to make money. A job is something you can be passionate about and progress in. Most jobs have goals and milestones set in place for their employees to achieve so they can get promoted and make more money. Sobriety will give you the ability to reach and exceed professional goals.
You will have a new purpose in life: A big part of sobriety is giving back to others. Becoming sober isn’t easy and it’s definitely something to be proud of. When you get sober you will have the chance to help others start a recovery journey. The knowledge you gain on your own journey can be passed down to others. By doing this you’re probably going to end up saving someone’s life.
You’ll feel much better physically: Addiction is mentally and physically exhausting. And let’s be real here, you’re probably not going to the gym or meditating when you’re getting high. By getting sober you’re giving yourself a chance to actually feel good (not the temporary getting high good). You’ll sleep better and have more energy to get things done during the day.
If you or anyone you know is struggling, don’t wait to get help. Your life will be so much better when you’re sober.
Let Us Help!
At Soba Recovery, we are excited to be one of the main drug and alcohol treatment services serving the Mesa, AZ and San Antonio, TX areas. Our professionals have an extensive amount of training and experience, allowing them to provide specialized services to patients. Our detox and inpatient treatment services help clients battle addiction and proceed on the road to recovery. Our specialized luxury addiction treatment program leverages proven, traditional treatment methods, and combines them with innovative therapies. The main goal of our program is to help our participants overcome substance abuse permanently. If you would like to learn more about our addiction recovery and treatment program, please contact us today!
Addiction is a disease that tears through the lives of countless people in the United States every year. In prior decades, people who suffered from addiction and mental health issues might not have had any place to go for help. Now, that has all changed. There are plenty of addiction treatment options out there for people who are addicted to drugs, alcohol, gambling, and more. With so many choices, it may be difficult to decide where to turn for help. At SOBA Recovery, we want to help you find the best addiction treatment for you.
What is Addiction Treatment?
Addiction treatment is a rehabilitation program that helps people addicted to drugs or alcohol stop using substances. Because addiction is nuanced, there are many different kinds of treatment available. Although treatment styles and programs can vary, the overall goal is the same across the board: getting someone and helping them stay sober. Addiction treatment includes the following programs:
Inpatient programs: This is an addiction treatment program where you spend 30 days focusing entirely on helping you achieve sobriety. You will attend individual therapy, group therapy, and engage in wellness activities. Then, you will learn coping skills to help you stay on track with your sobriety
Transition programs: Partial hospitalization programs (PHP) and intensive outpatient programs (IOP) help you transition from inpatient rehab to outpatient. If you’re unable to complete inpatient treatment you can skip to PHP. During both kinds of treatment, you will continue participating in various therapy programs.
Outpatient programs: Outpatient programs are a step down from PHP and IOP. You will only spend a few hours at a time at the facility and sleep at home. Outpatient treatment is a good option for sole caregivers or working professionals who can’t take off of work for inpatient treatment.
Sober living: This is considered to be an aftercare option. You don’t attend therapy at a sober living home but you live there and are held accountable for your actions. Sober living provides recovering addicts with a safe place to live while finding and securing a job and integrating back into the community.
How to Find the Right Recovery Program for You
There is a program out there for everyone. If you’re currently struggling, don’t wait to seek treatment.
Consider your needs: First, think about what your needs are. For example, some programs specialize in helping men while others focus on women. Some programs focus on drugs of abuse while others might focus on alcohol. Make sure that the program is going to meet your needs.
Location: Think about where you want to go for recovery. Sometimes, it is helpful to leave the local area to get away from the stresses of home. When you distance yourself from an addictive environment, you will have an easier time focusing on your recovery.
Ask Questions: Make sure that you ask questions about the recovery programs you are considering. Ask about the amenities of the program. Think about sleeping arrangements. Ask questions about the average length of stay. These are all questions that are going to be pertinent to any experience you might have at the program.
Think About Your Goals: Finally, think about what your goals are. If your goal is to detox your body and remove yourself from a harmful environment, then you need to think about an inpatient program. If you are the sole caregiver for a child and don’t have access to long term child care, an outpatient program may be the best option for you.
Regardless of your situation, there is a treatment plan out there that can help you.
Let Us Help You!
At Soba Recovery, we are one of the top drug and alcohol treatment programs in the southwest. We have centers located both in Mesa, AZ and San Antonio, TX. Our detox and inpatient treatment professionals help our clients conquer addiction and stay sober. We offer a unique luxury addiction treatment program that takes advantage of proven, traditional treatment methods and blends them with innovative therapies. Our top priority is to help our participants overcome substance abuse and stay sober. If you are interested in learning more about our addiction treatment services, please contact us today!
You feel like you’re at the end of the road. You’re tired, broke, and honestly annoyed at life. You’ve been using the same drug over and over again, and finally, want to stop. You want the freedom during the day to do whatever you want instead of thinking about how you’ll score more drugs. Congratulations, you’re ready to get sober.
During your journey in sobriety, you may experience cravings from time to time. This is a common part of recovery so don’t be scared if you feel one. Cravings are completely manageable with the right tools and coping skills.
What are Drug Cravings?
A craving is the term used to describe the urge to use alcohol or drugs once someone is sober. For certain people, the most severe cravings take place during the detox process. During detox, addicts will go through withdrawals. The symptoms of withdrawal will vary slightly from person to person as addiction impacts everyone differently, but common symptoms include fevers, shaking, chills, emotional lability, and discomfort. The urge to use drugs or alcohol to make these symptoms go away is a craving.
Once you’ve detoxed, the withdrawal symptoms are not going to be as severe but you are still at risk to feel the urge to use drugs or drink alcohol from time to time. Withdrawals will go away after the toxins leave your body but you can still experience cravings. Just because you feel a craving doesn’t mean you won’t stay sober, it’s a matter of how you react to the craving.
How to Handle a Craving
If you feel a craving coming on, there are a few steps you can take to combat the craving. Taking the proper steps will help keep you sober.
Be aware: Before you can shake off a craving, you’ll have to know you’re experiencing one. Cravings can feel different for everyone but some common craving symptoms are irritability, feeling like you have an imaginary itch you can’t scratch, and frequent thoughts of using drugs or alcohol. If you experience these feelings it’s important to check in with yourself and identify the root of them. Maybe you haven’t attended a 12-step meeting all week and now it’s Friday, or maybe you’ve been around friends lately who drink and do drugs. After you identify the root cause, you’ll realize you’re having a craving.
Ways to cope: Once the feeling is recognized, the next step is to find a way to cope. How you cope with cravings is totally up to you. There isn’t necessarily a right or wrong answer. Some people find it helpful to call a friend or sober companion and talk about the feeling. Other people find it helpful to meditate. Shifting your focus to something else like exercising or writing can be helpful as well. Just be careful to not distract yourself too much from the feeling because you may end up brushing it under the rug, instead of dealing with it.
Seek support: One of the most effective ways to handle a craving is by seeking support from others. A huge component of drug and alcohol treatment is various types of therapies. If you’ve completed any form of treatment, you probably engaged in group therapy, individual therapy, and support groups types of therapy. Therapy and support groups shouldn’t just be isolated to treatment as recovery is a lifelong battle. Completing a comprehensive aftercare program post-treatment will help immensely with cravings.
Let Us Help!
At Soba Recovery, we are one of the top drug and alcohol treatment programs based in the San Antonio, TX and Mesa, AZ regions. Our detox and inpatient treatment programs help clients overcome addiction and take back control of their lives. Our premier luxury program that combines traditional addiction treatment with modern therapies to help our participants in overcoming substance abuse for good. If you are interested in finding out more about how our team can help you overcome addiction, please contact us!
The United States is currently experiencing a devastating opioid epidemic. 128 people die every day from an opioid overdose. Opioids are one of the most common prescription medications used today and also happen to be the most dangerous. Opioids are meant to be used on a short-term basis to help people control pain. They are extremely addictive and it’s common that someone ends up using them for years.
What is an Opioid Addiction?
Opioid addiction is a long-lasting disease that causes health, social, and economic problems. It’s characterized by a compulsive urge to use opioid drugs, even when they are no longer needed for medical purposes. The addiction happens when the brain chemistry is changed by repeat drug use, and a tolerance is built. Physical and emotional withdrawals will then occur if the person addicted stops taking opioids. Millions of Americans are impacted by opioid addiction every day.
Commonly prescribed opioids are hydrocodone, morphine, codeine, and fentanyl. Heroin is also an opioid but isn’t prescribed by doctors. Heroin is sold and purchased on the streets. It’s not uncommon for someone to start using hydrocodone and eventually use heroin.
How to Break an Opioid Addiction
Breaking an opioid addiction may seem extremely difficult but it doesn’t have to be. While there are numerous people addicted to opioids, there are also numerous people who are successful in recovery from opioids. Below are a few tips on how to break an opioid addiction:
Admit You Need Help: The first step in beating an opioid addiction, just like any other addiction, is admitting you need help. Addiction isn’t a matter of ‘self-control’, it’s a disease that affects and rewires the brain. It’s completely ok to admit to yourself and others that you do in fact need help and want to get sober. Don’t be ashamed, asking for help doesn’t mean you’re weak, it actually means you’re strong.
Know Your Options: After admitting you need help, the next step in the right direction is to research treatment options. There are what seems to be an endless amount of treatment options available. It’s helpful to do some research and get informed on the many kinds of treatment available to beat opioids. Beating addiction shouldn’t be done alone and is most effectively done with the help of a treatment center.
Reach Out: It’s important to contact treatment centers and facilities to get more information on their programs once you do some research. It may be helpful to write down the questions you have before calling. Speaking to someone over the phone and asking questions that are important should make you feel more comfortable about pursuing recovery.
Trust the Professionals: Finally, people who are looking for help with an opioid addiction need to trust trained medical professionals. These are specialists who have the expertise necessary to get to the root of someone’s opioid addiction. They do what they do because they want to help you and see you live a successful, drug-free life. They help you uncover the root of your drug addiction so you can become happy and sober.
We’re Here to Help
At Soba Recovery, we are honored to be one of the main drug & alcohol treatment programs serving individuals and families in the southwest region. We have programs both in Mesa, AZ and San Antonio, TX. Our detox & inpatient treatment programs help participants battle addiction and take steps to recovery. Our unique luxury addiction treatment program takes advantage of proven, traditional treatment methods and blends them with new, innovative therapies. Our priority is helping our clients overcome substance abuse and retain sobriety. If you would like to find out more about our addiction treatment program, please contact us!
If you or a loved one is struggling with addiction, help is out there. Addiction is a progressive disease, the longer you wait to treat it, the worse it gets. For many years, the healthcare industry did not take addiction and mental health issues seriously but when it comes to addiction, it is important for everyone to have the help and support that they deserve. If you yourself feel confused or unsure if addiction is a serious issue, you’re not alone.
Fortunately, with a renewed investment in addiction treatment and drug abuse recovery, there are plenty of options available to those who are looking for help with addiction. It is important for everyone to explore the different treatment options available so they can make the choice that is right for them. Inpatient rehab is one of the most effective methods of treatment for addiction and substance abuse. There are several important benefits of inpatient rehab that everyone should keep in mind.
What is Inpatient Treatment?
One of the first places you can go for help with addiction recovery is inpatient rehab. The goal of inpatient treatment is two-fold.
The first goal is ridding your body of harmful substances, also known as detox. As drugs and alcohol leave someone’s system, cravings set in. These cravings are going to lead to withdrawal symptoms. This is how the cycle of addiction gets started. Turning to professional help is the best way to break the cycle. Some of the symptoms of withdrawal include fevers, chills, shakes, sweating, emotional lability, and more. Some withdrawal symptoms might even include seizures. For this reason, people need to go through the detox process with the assistance of medical professionals.
Once someone has finished the detox process, they stay at an inpatient facility so they can learn different techniques to maintain sobriety. This is going to include treatment sessions with therapists and group sessions where clients can learn from the experiences of others. Eventually, clients will make the transition to the outside world and return to normal society.
5 Key Benefits of Inpatient Drug Rehab
There are several benefits that come with inpatient treatment. Some of the biggest benefits include:
The Structure of Inpatient Treatment
One of the most important benefits of inpatient treatment is the structure that it takes. The structure of an inpatient program cannot be found in any other treatment option for drugs and alcohol. When someone signs up to attend inpatient treatment, they are going to be placed on a very structured and regimented schedule. This schedule is going to keep someone busy, preventing the mind from wandering to thoughts of drugs or alcohol. This is going to go a long way toward helping someone get on the road to recovery. If someone is left free to think about drugs or alcohol, they are much more likely to suffer a relapse. Rely on the structure of an inpatient program to keep this from happening.
There is Plenty of Support
It is important for everyone to know that they have the strength to overcome an addiction to drugs or alcohol; however, they cannot do this alone. Fortunately, in an inpatient program, there is plenty of support available. This support is important because it is available 24 hours per day, 7 days per week in an inpatient program. Access to support, particularly during the first few days of treatment, when someone might be going through the symptoms of withdrawal and detox, can make all the difference in the world during the recovery process. Trust the constant support of an inpatient treatment program.
No Access to Alcohol or Drugs
One of the most important benefits of an inpatient treatment program is that there will not be any access to alcohol or drugs. When someone goes to an inpatient facility, they need to stay there for treatment. This means that there isn’t any access to alcohol or drugs. If someone were left with access to the outside world, as is the case with an outpatient treatment program, they are more likely to crack under pressure and give in to their vices. Someone who enrolls in an inpatient treatment program is not going to have access to drugs or alcohol. This ensures that they will complete the detox program and make it through the symptoms of withdrawal without placing drugs or alcohol in their system.
Supervision During The Detox Process
There are lots of people who suffer from addiction and all of them are going to go through some type of withdrawal during their initial phases. This is often the most difficult time because the symptoms of withdrawal can be quite severe. The symptoms that someone goes through during withdrawal, depending on the substance at hand, can even be life-threatening. Therefore, the supervision that comes with an inpatient program is invaluable. This supervision can help make sure that someone makes it through these first few days without breaking under pressure. This supervision can also get someone the medical care and assistance they need if the symptoms start to get too bad. Finally, the supervision also serves as an additional source of support that can help someone make it through these tough times.
Focus on the Recovery Process
Finally, when someone decides to start treatment at an inpatient program, they free themselves from any other distractions. With the numerous other obligations that someone has in the outside world, it is easy to see why breaking an addiction without the support of an inpatient program can be so challenging. When someone is being pulled in multiple directions, such as with obligations in the personal and professional realm, there isn’t a lot of strength left to focus on breaking an addiction. This is where an inpatient program becomes invaluable. The ability for someone to shut out all other distractions and focus on themselves can help them successfully navigate the road to recovery.
After completing inpatient treatment, it’s strongly recommended to continue with aftercare. Most inpatient facilities will discharge clients with a comprehensive aftercare plan but it’s up to the addict to hold themselves accountable to do it.
Soba Recovery Inpatient Program Can Help
These are only a few of the many benefits of trusting an inpatient rehab program for addiction treatment. At Soba Recovery Center, we are proud to be one of the main drug and alcohol treatment programs based out of the southwest. We have locations both in Mesa, AZ and San Antonio, TX. Our detox and inpatient treatment services help clients beat addiction and get on the road to recovery. Our unique luxury addiction treatment program uses proven, traditional treatment methods, with innovative therapies.
Our goal is to help our clients overcome substance abuse for good. If you would like to learn more about our addiction treatment program and services, please contact us today!
CBT is talk therapy and a combination of both behavioral and cognitive theory. The main focus of this type of treatment regime is pinpointing the behaviors and thought patterns that cause someone to struggle with drug or alcohol addiction.
