Some of the Benefits of Stopping Drinking That May Surprise You

Stopping drinking alcohol when a substance use disorder has developed is challenging. There is no easy way to go about combating addiction. But, the benefits that a person can experience once they stop drinking is a silver lining that many addicts can look forward to on their journey toward mental healing. So, what are the physical and mental benefits of stopping drinking?

You’ll Get Better Sleep

Alcohol is a central nervous system depressant. This means that it affects the central nervous system in a way that slows down its natural functioning. So, as a result, drinking alcohol can make a person more drowsy and sleepy. People who drink heavily or for long periods of time eventually find that they have sleep issues as a result of alcohol’s impact on the central nervous system. These sleep issues can include insomnia, not getting enough sleep, sleeping too long, and being generally fatigued. When people who have a dependence on alcohol stop drinking, they find that they can manage their sleep much better and instill sleep schedules into their lives. Thus, giving them all the benefits that healthy amounts and quality of sleep offers.

Improved Brain Function

Neurotransmitters are the brain’s way of communicating with the rest of the body so that we can function in healthy ways. But, drinking alcohol slows the communication of neurotransmitters, resulting in a number of negative effects including a person’s access to memories, increased risk for depression, mood swings, and the dying off of brain cells. Unfortunately, some of the damage to the brain that is caused by alcohol may never recover. But, for many people who quit drinking, some of the brain cells that are damaged by drinking regrow and repair themselves. This can result in eventual restimulation of important brain functioning like the release and making of mood-regulating chemicals including dopamine and serotonin. Therefore, giving people who quit drinking a chance to be happy and have healthy and manageable emotions without using the crutch of drinking alcohol.

Better Physical Health

There are a number of negative health effects that alcohol has on the body. Fortunately, when someone stops drinking, the body’s cells are given a chance to repair themselves. So, for many people, the negative physical effects of alcohol on the body can be repaired after some time. And, the risk for long-term and chronic illnesses as a result of drinking alcohol are reduced. Some of the physical health advantages of stopping drinking can include:

  • better heart and cardiovascular health
  • a reduction in the risk of developing cancer as the result of alcohol use
    improved immune health (lower risk of immune system deficiencies and illness as the result of poor immune system functioning)
  • better liver functioning
Improved Mental Health

Along with physical health, the mental health of people who quit drinking improves. Mental health can be compromised due to excessive and continual drinking because alcohol negatively impacts the brain’s functioning. Furthermore, the negative consequences of drinking can lead to relationship issues, which can lead to debilitating mental health states. Addiction comes in many forms, and alcoholism is one of these forms. When someone becomes addicted to alcohol, their main priority is to mask their emotions with the dulling effects of alcohol, which can lead to a plethora of mental health issues.

Some of the mental health benefits to quitting drinking can include:

  • better relationships and improved communication skills/boundary setting
  • reduced stress and anxiety levels
  • reduced depressive symptoms
  • improved focus and concentration
  • better mood management and fewer mood swings
  • improved energy levels
  • improved self-esteem and confidence

Take Advantage of the Benefits of Quitting Drinking for Yourself

Ready to feel better and take back control that drinking has had on your life? Delray Center for Recovery is an outpatient mental health treatment facility located in South Florida. We provide outpatient assistance for people struggling with substance use disorder including alcoholism. Find out how we provide assistance for people struggling with drug abuse and alcoholism on our website to learn more.

What are the Benefits of Meditation for Addiction Treatment?

There are a variety of different therapies, both holistic and evidence-based, that are known to help people struggling with addiction. For many, it’s helpful to utilize and understand a number of different therapies in congruence with each other to get the best results. One of the types of therapies that many may not think about when it comes to addiction treatment is meditation. This ancient practice is a way to deal with unwanted thought patterns, behaviors, and emotions. So, it is crucially important and helpful for people struggling with substance abuse issues who want to get help and maintain a life of sobriety and recovery. So, what are the benefits of medication in an addiction treatment setting?

What is Meditation?

Before understanding how meditation can help in an addiction treatment setting, it’s helpful to understand what meditation is. Meditation is a method that has been used for thousands of years that allows individuals to evoke mindfulness, which is living in the present moment. It can also help to pair both the mind and body together which aids an individual in identifying and managing a number of negative issues including high levels of stress, anxiety, and depression. Since people living with addiction often have comprehensive issues like mood disorders, stress, and anxiety, meditation can be a very positive supplemental practice that can help long-term to reduce the risk of relapse during recovery.

During meditation sessions, individuals are guided through the use of breathing exercises, calming music, silence, or mental imagery in order to get to a place of peace. Then, they focus on the things that they are feeling and dealing with in the present in order to address and overcome these issues. The result is feeling less overwhelmed by emotions, understanding that things that aren’t controllable will never be controlled, and acceptance of the past.

Some of the Benefits of Meditation for People Dealing With Addiction

There are many types and options for meditation. So, different approaches to meditation may bring about different benefits. There are a number of benefits that a person struggling with substance abuse can expect to utilize during recovery from addiction including:

  • Reduced anxiety and stress
  • Better mood management
  • Reduction in depressive symptoms
  • Increase in production
  • Improved focus and creativity
  • Better sleep
  • Lowered risk for relapse
  • Improvement in flexibility
  • Better management of cravings and withdrawal symptoms

Meditation Can Help With Mood Management Which is Vital During Addiction Treatment

The brain exercise that is meditation is great for people dealing with addiction issues for a number of reasons. But, it’s specifically helpful in the realm of mood management. Often, people who are getting help through addiction treatment services find that meditation helps them to be in a better mood. This is because meditation stimulates the body to produce and release endorphins, which are responsible for helping the brain to regulate mood. These natural “feel good” chemicals can help people who are getting help for addiction stay more focused on their recovery goals as they are more likely to be focused and in the right state of mind to tackle their personal responsibilities (which includes getting help and staying sober).

Delray Center for Recovery is an addiction treatment resource located in South Florida that believes meditation is a key component of addiction treatment success. Find out more about our outpatient addiction treatment services from our website.

Some Signs You’re Reaching Your Mental Health Goals

Have you been diagnosed with mental health disorders, going through treatment, taking medication, taking care to practice what you’ve learned, and/or immersing yourself in therapy sessions? You may be wondering if what you’re doing is working to meet your mental health goals. Fortunately, there are some ways you can track your progress. In this article, we’ll discuss signs that you can see in your daily life that prove that you’re making progress with your mental health treatment plan.

You’re Feeling More Confident in Yourself and What You Can Do

Living with mental health issues means dealing with a number of negative symptoms. One of the most common symptoms of living with mental health disorders is low self-esteem. This is due to a number of reasons including past troubles with relationships, mood swings, and having to deal with the symptoms of mental health diagnoses. However, when an individual is in treatment and learning how to manage symptoms of mental health issues by using treatments and coping skills, they can learn how to better manage relationships and symptoms of mental health issues. Thus, making them more confident in their ability to conduct daily tasks, maintain meaningful relationships, and have a normal and valuable life.

You’re Getting Enough Sleep and Have to Motivation to do What you Need To

A lack of energy can have many causes. For people living with mental health issues, not getting enough sleep can be the result of dealing with symptoms of mental health issues. Without enough sleep, a person can experience a number of negative consequences including feeling tired and not wanting to get up and conquer daily tasks. But, when you start getting enough sleep as the result of treating mental health issues, you may begin to realize that you’ll have more energy. This can be a sign that your mental health treatment plan is working.

Your Relationships Have Gotten Stronger

People dealing with negative symptoms of mental health issues often struggle making and maintaining healthy, meaningful relationships. Avoiding others is a typical sign that someone is dealing with internal struggles as they don’t want their issues to affect those around them. But, those who are healing, learning how to set healthy boundaries, and using effective relationship coping skills learned through mental health treatment see that their relationships are not only healing but thriving.

You’re Starting to Take Better Care of Yourself

When dealing with the negative effects of mental health conditions, it can be challenging to take good care of yourself. People living with mental health issues may have trouble eating right, having a set routine, sleeping enough, exercising, and conducting self-care activities. This can be due to mood swings, depression, and low self-confidence. But, if you’re starting to take better care of yourself not only because you should, but because you want to, this can indicate strides in mental healing.

Setting Mental Health Goals and Meeting Them Through Treatment

One of the most important things that people who are striving to achieve their mental health goals do is continue with mental health treatment. This means going to therapy and keeping up with supportive relationships in their mental health community. If you find yourself slipping away from mental health goals or don’t recognize these signs of reaching your mental health goals in your life, it may be time to get back on track with treatment. Delray Center for Recovery offers an outpatient approach to mental health treatment and a number of both supportive and evidence-based therapies to help people reach their mental health goals. Visit our website to learn more about how we can help today.

Answering Frequent Questions About Alcohol Abuse Disorder

Alcohol use disorder is a disease that affects mental, physical, and emotional health. But, many may have questions before they get the help they need to overcome the cycle of alcoholism in their lives. If you have questions about alcohol abuse disorder, how to get help, and what help looks like, keep reading. In this article, we answer many of the questions people struggling with this type of addiction have. This way, they’re given the information they need to make the decision to get help.

Does Alcohol Abuse Disorder Run in Families?

Yes, alcoholism can be passed down hereditarily. There are a number of genes that can be responsible for a person’s predisposition for developing alcohol dependence. So, it is something that people that may have family members who have struggled with alcohol dependence issues should be aware of so they can understand their genetic risk. Studies show that the majority of people who have alcohol use disorder do have family members who also have experienced issues with alcohol dependence and abuse.

How Does Drinking Excessively or Heavily Impact Health?

Drinking heavily and excessively can lead to dependence, which is the body’s need to consume alcohol to hold off withdrawal symptoms. Drinking in excessive amounts and developing dependence on alcohol can lead to a number of negative health symptoms. Some of the issues that drinking heavily can lead to can include:

  • heart issues and disease
  • cirrhosis of the liver
  • high blood pressure
  • cancer
  • concurring mental health issues (mood disorders, anxiety, etc.)
  • pregnancy complications and infant issues after birth (SIDS)

Finally, along with all these health issues that drinking in excessive amounts can lead to, it can also lead to the development of alcohol use disorder. This is the addiction term for people who are struggling with alcohol dependence and require the use of alcohol in order to keep withdrawal symptoms at bay.

How Do I Know If I’m Living With Alcohol Use Disorder?

Just because a person drinks in excessive amounts or heavily, it doesn’t necessarily mean they’re living with alcohol use disorder. Some of the characteristics of this disease include:

  • the inability to moderate or stop drinking alcohol
  • understanding and recognizing the consequences of drinking but continuing to do so regardless of these consequences
  • having to drink more than others to experience desired effects
  • experiencing alcohol cravings that interfere with daily life and responsibilities
  • trouble with work, school, relationships, finances, and/or the law as the result of drinking
What do I do if I Think a Loved One is Struggling With Alcohol Abuse Disorder?

It can certainly be concerning when you think a loved one is struggling with excessive drinking that has led to the development of alcohol use disorder. The effects of this disease don’t just impact the person who has developed the condition, but their loved ones as well. But, fortunately, there are some things you can do to help. If you think that a loved one is dealing with this condition, you can:

  • stop enabling behavior (giving rides to the liquor store, giving them money, keeping them from experiencing the consequences of their drinking, etc.)
  • learn more about alcohol abuse disorder and the disease of addiction in general
  • reach out for help for yourself and your family through group therapy resources
  • reach out to mental health specialists about your situation and the next steps to take
  • consider an intervention strategy in order to convince your loved one to get professional help

What Does Professional Help Look Like for Someone Living With Alcohol Addiction?

Treatment for alcoholism can be successful for people who are motivated to continue their recovery and get help through professional treatment services. Treatment can involve a number of services including behavioral and traditional talk therapy, psychiatric medications, detox programs, and family counseling. With a combined approach to treatment that works to address not only drinking, but underlying conditions that may have led to the development of the dependence on alcohol, people are more likely to be successful when it comes to treatment and recovery.

Delray Center for Recovery is an outpatient treatment resource for people living with alcohol abuse disorder and their families so that professional treatment services can be utilized in times of need. Find out how we can help today by researching more about our services and treatment on our website.

Loving an Addict: How to Stop Using Enabling Behavior

If you love an addict or alcoholic, of course, you want to help them to reach sobriety. Undoubtedly, you’ve seen first-hand how addiction can negatively impact your loved one’s life. And, certainly, you want them to be a healthier and happier version of themselves. But, what many loved ones of addicts don’t know is that sometimes enabling can feel like helping. However, in reality, enabling behavior does more harm than good. That’s why it’s crucial for the loved ones of people in recovery for addiction to be aware of enabling and also things they can do to avoid enabling and assist their loved one with the recovery process in healthy and supportive ways.

What is Enabling Behavior?

It’s completely understandable that you can identify that a loved one going through addiction is struggling and you want to help as a person who’s supportive and loving. However, sometimes, helping is confused with enabling in these situations. So, what is the difference between helping and enabling?

Enabling is when a person provides care, monetary support, or other help to an addict when they could and should otherwise provide for themselves. Essentially, enabling is when a person provides ‘help’ to an addicted loved one that prevents them from experiencing the consequences of their own actions. For example, enabling can look like:

  • giving money
  • providing transportation
  • offering a place to live/stay
  • bailing a loved one out of jail
  • paying for legal fees
  • making excuses for an addicted loved one’s actions
  • assisting with an addicted loved one’s personal responsibilities (calling out of work for them, taking care of their household chores, paying bills, etc.)

Basically, while it may seem like you’re helping a loved one that’s struggling with addiction through enabling behaviors, all you’re really doing is delaying the consequences of their behavior. And, as a result, delaying them from getting the help they really need through treatment.

What is Helping?

It can be difficult for a loved one of someone struggling with addiction to not only identify their own enabling behaviors but stop doing them in general. In contrast to enabling, helping is much more difficult. Stopping enabling behavior is one way you can truly help your loved one that’s living in a cycle of addiction. It forces them to not lean on you in order to delay the consequences of their drug abuse. You can also help in a number of other ways including encouraging treatment, providing a listening ear, setting healthy boundaries, and being a supportive friend/loved one for recovery. Help is when someone provides the support they could otherwise not provide for themselves. It is not protecting a loved one from negative consequences.

Getting Help as a Unit for Substance Use Disorder

One of the most effective and helpful things you can do to help a loved one who is in recovery from substance use disorder is to be an active part of their recovery. This means providing support by learning about their disorder, how to set healthy boundaries within your relationship, and how to steer clear of enabling. All of these things are touched upon in family therapy sessions, which are typically available from substance abuse treatment facilities like Delray Center for Recovery.

Here, we provide support for both individuals struggling with addiction, their families, and their loved ones on an outpatient basis. Learn more about how we can help you and your family to learn more about enabling and assistive ways of helping a loved one who’s dealing with active addiction.