Sobriety Tips for the Upcoming Holiday Season

Are you in active recovery or trying to stay sober? With the holidays coming up, you may be wondering how you’ll handle all of the celebrations without a drink in your hand (or whatever your drug of choice). With added stressors that come with the holiday season, there is more temptation and triggers to deal with. However, there are some sobriety tips that you can utilize in order to better prepare for managing your recovery this time of year.

Some sobriety tips to consider using this upcoming holiday season include:

Not Skipping the Self-Care

Taking care of yourself should be a priority during the holidays, as this time of year can bring about triggers and stressors that may not come about during other times of the year. So, make sure to make time for yourself, even though you have a busy schedule. Some things you can do to improve your self-care routine are to get outside and take walks or runs in nature, practice mindfulness techniques like meditation and yoga, and get more sleep in by taking naps or going to bed earlier in the day. When you are taking care of yourself, your mental health will improve – even during times of the year that seem more overwhelming like the holidays.

Have a Reply at the Ready

One way that mental health is affected during the holiday season is getting overwhelmed. It seems that there is so much to do during the holiday season including hosting events, spending more time with family, going to rehearsals and concerts for your kids, going to parties and events, buying gifts, etc. All of these things being added to your plate can be overwhelming and add to the stress of the season. So, it’s important to give yourself grace and understand that you can say no when things get to be too much. Therefore, it can be important to have a reply at the ready for things that you just don’t have room for on your plate. This can include telling your friends or family that you just don’t have the capacity to spend more time or energy on something they want to add to your schedule. When you have a reply ready in your mind, it can be easier to say no and protect yourself from further stress.

Let Your Loved Ones Know

It can be hard to ask others for help, especially when we want to do it all on our own. But, we are always stronger together. So, if you feel overwhelmed and stressed by the holiday seasons, or symptoms of a mental health disorder seem to worsen during the holidays, it can be helpful to ask your loved ones for added support. Without letting your loved ones know that you may be up against a challenge, they may not know that you need help. So, consider reaching out to your friends and family to let them know that this time of year is more challenging for you. And, determine the things that you can ask them to help you with. This can be as simple as asking your loved ones to step in to help you with shopping or cooking. Or, having them be an ear to listen when things start to get overwhelming for you.

Reach out for Help if you Need It

Finally, the best thing that you can do if you’re struggling with your mental health during the holiday season is to reach out for help. If you find yourself in a mental health crisis, it’s essential to get the help you need, regardless of the time of year. Reach out for help from Delray Center for Recovery this holiday season and find out more about how we can help on our website.

How to go About Finding the Right Mental Health Professionals

When it comes to getting help for mental health issues, it’s important to know that you’ve chosen a team of specialists you can trust. Mental health is just as important as physical health, so if you think that it’s important to have a doctor you can count on in situations of physical health, it should be the same for when you’re dealing with issues that consider your mental health. But, how do you know that you’ve found the right mental health professionals? There are a few things you can do and look out for when it comes to considering mental health practices, therapists, and doctors. This way, you can feel confident in your choice of mental health professionals to provide you with the best care possible.

Finding the Best Type of Treatment for You

Before you can find the best professionals to help with a mental health issue, you should understand what type of treatment you need, as in, what type of setting you should be looking for. For example, if you or a loved one is in an immediate crisis, like a suicide attempt, you need emergency care. This can include going to a hospital emergency room. But, if you have been dealing with symptoms of a mental health issue on and off for a while and are in no immediate danger, you may want to consider an outpatient facility. Knowing the severity of your needs can help you make the best choice in what types of providers you should be looking for.

Considering Online Directories

Using the internet as a resource in today’s world is something that is almost crucial. In most cases, well-known and reviewed mental health clinics are searchable on the interwebs. You can look at online directories that showcase mental health facilities, the types of care they provide, and their specialized services. These directories often offer real patient testimonials so that you can get a feel for the atmosphere of these facilities, the amenities they provide, and ongoing care.

Checking Out Doctor and Therapist Online Profiles

Along with looking at online directories, you can also attempt to find profiles and staff biographies of psychiatrists and mental health professionals, like therapists, online. This can help you identify if mental health professionals have experience in treating what you are experiencing. And, if they provide the specific care or types of therapies that you’re interested in using throughout your time in treatment.

Consider Payment Types and Insurance

One thing that you’ll need to consider before choosing a mental health treatment clinic is how you’ll be paying. If you’re going to pay out-of-pocket, it’s essential that you know whether or not a clinic takes these types of payments. Furthermore, if you have insurance that covers mental health services, you’ll need to determine whether or not the clinic you’re considering accepts your type of insurance and the plan you’re enrolled in.

Reach Out to the Provider You’re Interested in Using

The best thing that you can do to determine whether or not a mental health care provider is right for you is to just reach out and talk to them. This way, you can get a better understanding of all the things they provide to patients and whether or not you’re a right fit for their treatment planning and services. Plus, you’ll have the opportunity to ask any of the questions that are important for you for deciding on a treatment provider.

Addressing Myths About Alcohol and Drug Addiction

Alcohol and drug addiction, or substance use disorders, are mental health diagnoses that can impact both individuals living with addiction and their loved ones. While getting help through treatment is effective for many, a lot of people may never get the help they need due to the stigmas that surround substance use disorders and treatment for these issues. In this blog, we identify and address a number of the myths that surround addiction and treatment, providing truth and knowledge to people who are living with addiction and their families. This way, help can be sought and individuals living with substance abuse can find hope in overcoming addiction.

Some myths that surround alcohol and drug addiction that may be keeping people from getting the help they need include:

Using Alcohol and Drugs Every Now and Then Doesn’t Lead to Addiction

There are many people who have used drugs and alcohol on an occasional basis but never developed addiction – that is true. However, for people who are predisposed to addiction either by genetics, history of addiction, concurring mental health issues, etc., using drugs and alcohol, even on a regular basis, can and does lead to substance use disorders. Some people have addictive personalities or use addictive substances to cope with unwanted emotions which can also lead to substance use disorder. Not everyone can use addictive substances every once in a while and expect to never become addicted – addiction forms over time and with every use, a person is more likely to develop a physical dependence on addictive substances which leads to a cycle of addiction.

Opioid Addiction Only Develops in People Who Already Struggle With Addiction

While it is true that people who have struggled with addiction previously are at a higher risk of becoming addicted to opioids, this isn’t the case for every person who becomes addicted to opioids. In many cases, people are prescribed opioids by prescription and end up becoming dependent on these substances legally. Once their prescription runs out, they find other ways to use opioids as their bodies start to withdraw. Thus, leading to a cycle of addiction. Therefore, opioid addicts aren’t simply people who have already been using drugs or alcohol on the streets – they are people from all walks of life, every race, every profession, and every religion. Addiction, even opioid addiction, does not discriminate.

Only Weak People Need Help for Addiction

One of the biggest, most hurtful stigmas that surround addiction is that people who need help for addiction are considered weak. Many people assume that people who are struggling with addiction can just choose to stop using – but it’s not that simple or easy. When a person is living with addiction, they experience withdrawal when they stop using, which can be excruciatingly painful. Furthermore, quitting “cold turkey”, or without treatment, can even be deadly to some people. Getting treatment can help to reduce the symptoms of withdrawal and also provide individuals with coping strategies, education, and support as they begin their recovery journey. Therefore, getting help for addiction is never “weak”, in fact, it is the opposite. Choosing to get help is a very strong and brave thing to do and unfortunately, due to the horrible stigmas surrounding getting help, many people never do.

How to Help Someone in Recovery from Addiction

Your loved one has been through a lot. They have been struggling with the impacts of addiction in their lives for a long time. And you’re so proud of them for choosing to get the help they need and begin their journey to recovery. Undoubtedly, you want to be there for your loved one who’s in recovery from addiction – they’ve made so much progress in just simply deciding to get help and clean.

But, how can you do that? There are many things you can do to help a loved one in recovery including:

Learn More About Addiction and Recovery from Addiction

Your loved one in recovery will need as much support as they can get. Support systems are crucial to recovery success as your loved one will need loved ones around them for encouragement, support, and accountability. But, before you can offer your loved one this kind of support, it can help you to understand more about addiction so that you can give them the specific help they need. Knowing more about how addiction develops and how it affects a person can help guide you in knowing what your loved one may need. For example, it can help you to understand what behaviors may be considered enabling and what behaviors are actually conducive to recovery. Furthermore, understanding addiction can help you better relate to what your loved one is experiencing so that you can build more trust and they are more likely to lean on you for support.

Help Them Develop Routines and a Schedule

Staying active and engaged can help your loved one focus during recovery steer clear of triggers and stay on the right track. You can offer your loved one help in developing routines and activities that can help them stay more focused. Consider asking your loved one about things they’d like to do to fill up their schedule and offer to do these things with them. And, help them develop a daily routine and schedule around their work or schooling activities, such as going to the gym, getting out in nature, meditating, etc. When your loved one feels that they are encouraged to keep a schedule, they may be more open to sticking to it.

Set and Communicate Your Boundaries

Healthy boundaries are important, especially when it comes to helping a loved one in recovery. Your loved one needs to know what is and isn’t acceptable in your relationship so that there are clear expectations. However, your loved one can’t know your boundaries unless you clearly communicate them, so don’t avoid letting them know what your boundaries are. Some boundaries can include drinking around them, not giving them housing if they are relapsing, etc. While you can love them throughout it all, there needs to be some lines set into place so that your loved one understands that your help and support are conditional to their recovery.

Attend Family or Relationship Therapy

Family therapy is a great asset to help you and your loved one talk about stressors and emotions that can come up throughout the recovery journey. While addiction has undoubtedly affected your loved one, it affects you too, and it’s important to get help yourself. This is where family therapy comes in to give you a safe and supportive atmosphere to share how you’re feeling. And, get helpful input on how to move forward.

Getting Help From The Delray Center for Recovery

Is your loved one ready to get help? The Delray Center for Recovery offers outpatient addiction treatment programs for individuals who are ready to move on from the impacts of addiction. And, we provide help for their loved ones and family members too! Learn more about our outpatient addiction treatment programs right on our website today.

Identifying Some of the Most Common Causes of Alcoholism

Alcoholism is one of the most commonly diagnosed substance use disorders in the country. In fact, according to the National Institute on Alcohol and Alcoholism, over 29 million people over the age of 12 have experienced alcohol use disorder in the past year alone. Understanding the causes of alcoholism and why it’s so prevalent can help to break the stigmas associated with alcohol abuse. This way, more people who are struggling with alcoholism can get the help they need through treatment and recovery, leading to a more fulfilling and healthy life.

Understanding the Causes of Alcoholism

There is no one thing that causes a person to be at a higher risk for developing alcoholism. Every person is different, and each person who develops alcohol use disorder may decide to pick up their first drink for any number of reasons. And, addiction, including alcoholism, can impact anyone’s life, regardless of age, culture, race, religion, or any other descriptor. However, there are some commonly identified things that factor into whether or not a person is at a higher risk for alcoholism, commonly referred to as causes of alcoholism.

Some of the more commonly cited causes of alcoholism can include:

Physical Causes of Alcoholism

Something happens in the body for a person to develop alcoholism. People who have family members who also struggle with alcoholism are at a higher risk of developing alcohol use disorder themselves as a result of these biological factors. These genetic factors are believed to play a part in how some people can stop drinking after a couple of beers and others (people who develop alcoholism) can drink all night without feeling like they need to stop. This is because people who have a genetic predisposition for alcoholism may experience more of a pleasurable feeling, which can cause the brain to tell the body to repeat the behavior of drinking. Thus, leading to dependence and eventual addiction to alcohol.

Social Causes of Alcoholism

Along with physical, and biological causes of alcoholism, there are also social things that can put people at risk for developing alcoholism. For example, things like friends, family, culture, and even religious beliefs can be risks for people to develop alcoholism. When you are surrounded by a society that accepts and normalizes drinking, people find more reasons to drink and even drink heavily, which can increase the risk of developing an addiction to alcohol. Furthermore, being exposed to alcohol as a young person when social circles, like family, are involved in drinking can increase a person’s risk of developing substance use issues.

Psychological Causes of Alcohol Use Disorder

Another thing that can contribute to the risk of alcohol use disorder is psychological influences. Many people who struggle with mental health issues don’t get the help they need to manage the symptoms of mental health conditions. This is often due to not wanting to face judgment from others or other social stigmas to get mental health help. Instead of getting help, people living with the effects of mental health issues may try to self-medicate with drugs or alcohol. This can lead to the development of alcoholism and other substance use issues. So, psychological issues also play a role in causing alcoholism.