Holistic Healing in Recovery
There are many avenues that one can take for addiction treatment and recovery. As more interventions and treatment options have developed throughout the years, it is more recognized that traditional treatment approaches may not be adequate for sustaining sobriety. Substance use disorder (SUD) interferes with a person’s mind-body-spirit connection. To address this aspect of recovery, …
Supporting a Loved One in Recovery
The 2019 National Survey of Drug Use and Health by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) found that more than 20 million individuals aged 12 and older had a substance use disorder (SUD) in the United States. The high prevalence of SUD confirms that nearly everyone is affected by substance abuse in …
The Benefits of a Recovery Coach
Within the realm of addiction treatment, it is not uncommon for individuals to feel as if there is a disconnection between themselves and their healthcare team. To bridge this gap, many treatment facilities provide services such as a recovery coach. There are many benefits that recovery coaches can bring to an individual’s sobriety and overall …
The Value of Trauma-Informed Treatment for Recovery
Trauma plays a well-known role in the development of addictive behaviors and substance use disorder (SUD). Despite this, not all treatment facilities adopt nor utilize empathetic approaches when treating trauma or substance abuse. When a facility offers trauma-informed treatment, it indicates that they are passionate about providing a safe and supportive atmosphere to clients to …
Finding Joy in Recovery
The journey to recovery does not only require one to cease substance abuse and other addictive behaviors. It also requires individuals to rediscover and redefine joy in their life. However, due to the effects that chronic substance abuse has on an individual’s brain, finding joy in recovery can be easier said than done. Part of …
Do I Struggle With Psychological Inflexibility?
The ability to persevere beyond life’s stressors and adapt to unexpected life challenges as they occur are necessary skills for well-being. Unfortunately, however, many people struggle to be flexible and adaptive. This can be especially true for those struggling with substance use disorder (SUD) and other mental health disorders. If this describes you, it may …
What Can I Expect From a 12-Step Program?
There are many effective treatment approaches available for those seeking recovery from substance use disorder (SUD) and addiction. One type of intervention that is well-researched for its effectiveness includes 12-Step programs. These programs rely on the valuable Twelve Step framework created by Bill Wilson during the development of Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) in 1938. Twelve-Step programming …
What Are Personality Disorders?
Personality disorders are a broad category of mental health disorders that involve long-term patterns of maladaptive thoughts and behaviors. These types of mental health disorders can significantly interfere with an individual’s ability to function normally in daily life. Similar to other types of mental health disorders, personality disorders are known to co-occur alongside substance abuse …
The Value of Spirituality in Healing
To achieve full recovery from substance use disorder (SUD) and mental disorders, individuals must do more than merely go through the motions of a treatment program. According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), “Recovery encompasses an individual’s whole life, including mind, body, spirit, and community.” The areas of mind, body, and …
How Does Drug Use Affect the Brain?
Addiction is often considered a brain disease because alcohol and drug use can significantly alter brain structure and functioning. With repeated drug use, an individual’s brain experiences several changes that make it easier to use substances without a second thought. When people consider using drugs, they are often not consciously aware or educated about the …
Can Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) Help My Recovery?
There are a plethora of treatment approaches available to treat substance use disorder (SUD), mental health disorders, and trauma. Every treatment approach uses different strategies to encourage and transform behavior change. Acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) is one psychotherapy approach that has shown its effectiveness in treating a wide range of mental health conditions. It’s …
What Is Postpartum Depression?
From conception to labor and birth to transitioning to life with a newborn, the process of childbearing is undeniably taxing. New mothers experience a wide range of physical and emotional changes as a result of this process, making them uniquely vulnerable to developing depression. Postpartum depression (PPD) is a type of depression that commonly develops …
Navigating Interpersonal Relationships in Recovery
Recovering from substance use disorder (SUD) and co-occurring mental health disorders requires individuals to reflect and address all areas of well-being in their lives. One of these areas is social well-being, comprised of an individual’s interpersonal relationships. Learning how to navigate interpersonal relationships in recovery can be quite a challenge. The effects of substance abuse …
How Does Substance Abuse Uniquely Affect Women?
Women and men experience unique physical and psychological issues from substance abuse. While many aspects of substance abuse and addiction are shared across genders and sexes, women and men often have different motives for using alcohol and other drugs. They experience varying effects from drug use and respond to addiction treatment differently. Becoming familiar with …
How Does Childhood Trauma Impact Mental Health Throughout Adulthood?
Childhood is a crucial developmental period that has long-lasting impacts on an individual’s physical, mental, and emotional health. When an individual is exposed to traumatic events and circumstances during childhood, they experience increased risks of developing severe, chronic illnesses, including addiction and co-occurring mental health disorders. Becoming familiar with the long-term effects of childhood trauma …
The Benefits of Gender-Specific Treatment
Fundamental biological and behavioral differences exist between individuals of different sexes and genders. However, these differences are not always considered when it comes to treatment and recovery for substance use disorder (SUD) and other mental health disorders. Different from co-ed treatment, gender-specific treatment acknowledges the unique elements of gender that often contribute to substance abuse …
What Is Social Anxiety Disorder and How Does it Feel?
The next big event is coming up. Say you are required to attend a work conference in person. Maybe you got invited to a holiday event with a large group of friends. Perhaps your spouse’s family reunion is coming up, and you are completely dreading it. Whatever it is, you were feeling just fine before …
What Does Gaslighting Feel like?
According to the Office for the Prevention of Domestic Violence (n.d), domestic violence is a cycle of behavior used by an individual to take control and hold power over their intimate partner. The behavior may consist of emotional, physical, or sexual abuse. Every situation is different, but any form of intimidation is classified as abuse. …
How to Cope with Caregiver Burnout
There often comes a phase in your life where you have to sacrifice your personal time and care for a loved one. It could be a grandparent nearing the end stages of life with Alzheimer’s or dementia or a loved one in active addiction facing challenges taking care of themselves. Supporting a care recipient can …
Depression and the Holiday Season
According to Innovations in Clinical Neuroscience, symptoms of depression can accompany the holidays. There is also an increase in alcohol-related deaths during the holiday season. Depressive symptoms are a critical factor in both of these scenarios, as the holiday season is notoriously a time of increased activity and changes in routine. Therefore, you might be …
Saying No and Saying Yes to Yourself as an Act of Self-Love
While in active addiction, you probably engaged in behavior or activities not aligned with your morals and values. Without alcohol to persuade your decision-making, acting from your authentic self is easier. Though, doing so requires self-love, which can be a journey. Internal Boundaries as an Inner Guidance for Self-Love Internal boundaries are not self-protection to …
Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) and Pregnancy
Pregnancy is a glorious season of change in the female body. However, if you have struggled with major depressive disorder (MDD) prior to conception, some of the emotions you experience now may be less than blissful. Pregnancy may only last 40 weeks, but when you live with MDD, its effects can encompass your mental and …
Living an Anger-Free Life: A Road to Anger Management
Everyone feels angry from time to time. It is natural to get upset when things don’t go the way you expected. Experiencing unwanted intense anger regularly is often a sign that anger management may be needed. There are a number of psychological disorders associated with anger. Anger management programs are essential when you struggle with …
What Is Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)?
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) affects the person with the mental health condition and those surrounding them. You are not alone in your struggle with PTSD. There are people that want to help you and your loved ones suffering from PTSD. Don’t wait; reach out today. What Is PTSD? PTSD is a mental health disorder that …
WELCOMING THE NEW YEAR: A SEASON FOR CHANGE
Every new year brings about the opportunity to reflect on where you are in your journey. While you are always on the path, there are certain seasons when you are more open to creating change, for releasing the old to make space for the new. The new year is a moment when we are primed …
12-STEP RECOVERY: STEP
Grace News January 2019 “Came to believe that a Power greater than ourselves could restore us to sanity” When it was time for me to work the second step of our program of recovery, I brought with me a lifetime of judgements about organized religion and I was unwilling to be forced to accept someone …
“CAME TO BELIEVE IN A POWER GREATER THAN OURSELVES COULD RESTORE US TO SANITY.” STEP 2, ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS
By: Dianne Hastings It is with the utmost privilege and honor, I submit this contribution to Grace Recovery ATX, Women’s Sober Living Home, January newsletter. I have the honor and privilege of knowing Becca and Leah for several months now. I met Becca through mutual friends in recovery. We’ve all spent some time sharing our …
COURAGE
“Once individuals recognize their role in creating their own life predicament, they also realize that they, and only they, have the power to change the situation.” Gerald Corey. Count One’s Blessings… This is the month that we all tend to focus on what’s broken and what needs fixing. We make promises to do better, to …
REASON V. EXPERIENCE: STEP ONE – REBECCA FREDERICK
“We admitted we were powerless over alcohol, that our lives had become unmanageable.” P. 59 Rebecca Frederick For many years, I “tried” to get sober on my own terms. After all, I was an intelligent, educated woman and my family told me so my entire life. I was the oldest of three girls, the “good …
CONNECTED HEART #2- THE MENTAL SYSTEM
As we begin our journey into the Connected Heart, we start our exploration in the first of our four systems, the Mental System, with the Wolf as our guide. The Wolf connects you to heightened senses and intense presence as you learn how your own mental system operates within you. The Wolf “Take my eyes …
LIFE AND RECOVERY – ONE MOTHERS STORY
Life & Recovery – One Mother’s Story The thing that I have learned about life is you never know what or who lies on your journey and the places it will take you. The journey will enlighten you and expose you to lessons and experiences that will make an impact on you forever. One of …
Connected Heart #1
Journey Into Your Connected Heart Hi, Heart Knowers. Welcome to Connected Heart, a journey into the depths of your mind, body, heart, and soul. Join us on an adventure that leads to connection, resilience, unleashing your full potential, and ultimately a return to Heart-Knowing. Heart-Knowing is our natural state of well-being, worthiness, freedom, and love. …
I CHOOSE BOLD – COACHING AND CONSULTING
Dear Self, I am going to take things slow and breathe deeply. I am going to love on you just like I’d love my bestie. I am going to open my heart to you and listen from there. I am going to let go of any shame or blame. It’s covering up what I need …
Teressa
My names Teressa, and I’m a grateful recovered drug addict. My struggle is part of my story, and I’m so grateful for my journey. It has made me the woman, mother, sister, daughter and friend that I am today. The tools of this program have enabled me to tap into an amazing power that gives …
Intro to 12 Steps
I’ve been asked to contribute an article on 12 Step Recovery for our monthly newsletter for the women of Grace Recovery ATX. There is so much I would like to share with you, it is difficult to know where to begin. It is my goal to provide information on 12 step recovery and share my …
Hope Continued
HOPE It is my responsibility to create my life. I have the power to make changes or to not. HOPE CAN BE BORN, because I allow it to be. Growing up in a constant state of “fight or flight” has conditioned my body and my brain to feel normal when stressed. I fight so desperately …