The Healing Power of Privacy and Exclusivity in Addiction Care

Privacy is paramount in the recovery process, and luxury rehab centers offer an unparalleled level of discretion. Exclusivity is another hallmark, providing a sense of serenity and focus that can be critical for recovery. The peace of mind that comes with this confidentiality fosters an open and honest therapeutic atmosphere.

In addition to the assurance of privacy, there is also the matter of the environment in which healing takes place. Luxury rehabs tend to be located in tranquil settings that allow for contemplation and relaxation, far removed from the distractions and stresses that often contribute to substance abuse issues.

The exclusivity of these centers means smaller group sizes, which encourages deep, meaningful connections with peers. These intimate settings create a supportive community where individuals can share experiences and insights without fear of judgment.

Holistic Approach to Addiction Treatment in High-End Facilities

Luxury rehab centers are known for their holistic approach to treating addiction. This means they offer more than just clinical therapy; they consider the whole person, including physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual health. Nutrition, fitness, mindfulness, and complementary therapies are often integral parts of the treatment program.

By providing gourmet meals prepared by professional chefs, individuals can enjoy the benefits of balanced, nutritious diets that aid in physical recovery. Additionally, wellness activities such as yoga, meditation, and acupuncture can help clients find balance and internal peace.

The serene and often beautiful surroundings of high-end facilities provide the perfect backdrop for reflective practices like journaling or art therapy. These therapeutic activities allow individuals to express emotions, confront inner conflicts, and develop coping strategies in a supportive environment.

The Role of Amenities in Supporting Recovery at Luxury Rehab Centers

High-end amenities are a staple of luxury rehab centers and serve a significant role in the recovery process. Amenities such as private gyms, swimming pools, and spa facilities not only provide comfort but are essential for nurturing physical health and well-being during treatment.

Recreational opportunities, such as hiking trails, beach access, or golf courses, offer constructive outlets for stress and provide the chance to develop new healthy hobbies. These activities also encourage clients to reconnect with nature and find joy in sober living.

State-of-the-art therapy rooms and conference centers enhance the treatment experience, making therapy sessions and educational workshops both inviting and effective. In well-appointed spaces, clients are more likely to engage actively in their recovery journey.

The Long-Term Benefits of Personalized Care in Upscale Addiction Treatment

Long-term recovery success is closely linked to the quality of care received during treatment. Luxury rehab centers offer extensive follow-up and aftercare services that are tailored to the individual’s life circumstances, ensuring the continuity of care and support. These services can range from ongoing therapy sessions to alumni programs that create a supportive community.

The personalized care received in a luxury rehab setting not only supports clients through their initial stages of detox and treatment but also prepares them for the challenges of post-rehab life. The skills, coping strategies, and self-awareness gained in rehab are invaluable tools for maintaining sobriety.

Overall, the path to recovery is highly personal, and luxury rehab centers exemplify the pinnacle of individualized care. With their focus on tailored treatment plans, privacy, holistic healing, exclusive amenities, and long-term support, these facilities provide the framework for a successful journey to sobriety and a healthier, more fulfilling life.

Photo Credits

Photos are by Jessie Guerrero

Understanding Opioid Addiction

Opioid addiction is a complex condition that affects the brain and body. It often begins with the use of prescribed painkillers, which can lead to reliance and increasing doses. Over time, individuals may find themselves needing opioids not just for pain management but also to avoid withdrawal symptoms. Understanding the nature of addiction is important for anyone on the recovery journey, as it helps to identify the underlying factors contributing to the addiction. Recognizing that addiction is a disease rather than a personal flaw can foster compassion towards oneself and others experiencing similar struggles.

Emotional and Mental Health

Recovery from opioid addiction often intersects significantly with emotional and mental health. Many individuals may have underlying mental health issues such as anxiety, depression, or trauma that contribute to substance use. Addressing these emotional challenges is necessary for a comprehensive recovery process. Engaging in therapy or support groups can provide invaluable support, allowing individuals to express their feelings and learn coping strategies. It is important to acknowledge that recovery is not just about abstaining from substance use but also about improving mental well-being.

Building a Support Network

Having a strong support network is a key aspect of the recovery journey. This network can consist of family members, friends, and professionals who understand the complexities of addiction. Open communication with supportive individuals can encourage accountability and provide comfort during difficult times. Participants in recovery programs often benefit from connections made with peers who share similar experiences. Establishing these connections fosters a sense of belonging, making the path to recovery feel less isolating.

Lifestyle Changes

Making lifestyle changes can greatly influence the success of recovery from opioid addiction. This may involve adjustments to daily routines, such as incorporating healthier eating habits, regular exercise, and adequate sleep. Engaging in new hobbies or interests can also provide positive distractions and reinforce self-esteem. Avoiding environments or situations that trigger cravings is essential for maintaining progress. These lifestyle changes help create a solid foundation that supports long-term recovery.

The Ongoing Nature of Recovery

Recovery from opioid addiction is an ongoing process that often requires continuous effort and vigilance. Individuals may encounter challenges throughout their journey, including potential relapses. Understanding that setbacks can occur can help cultivators of recovery respond rather than react emotionally. Many individuals find it beneficial to regularly engage in aftercare and detox programs, like Skypoint Recovery, or follow-up therapy to stay on track. Embracing recovery as a lifelong commitment encourages personal growth and development, fostering resilience in the face of challenges.

Embarking on the journey to recovery from opioid addiction is a brave and rewarding endeavor. It requires patience, support, and a commitment to personal well-being. Understanding the complexities of addiction, addressing emotional health, and building a supportive network, can help you cultivate meaningful change in your life. Remember, recovery is a journey filled with ups and downs, and every step taken toward healing is a step worth celebrating. Stay connected to resources and communities that uplift you, as these connections can make the path feel more navigable. Embrace the journey ahead, knowing that a brighter and healthier future is possible.

Photo Credit

Photo is from Pexels

Guest Author Bio
Rachelle Wilber

Rachelle Wilber is a freelance writer living in the San Diego, California area. She graduated from San Diego State University with her Bachelor’s in journalism and media studies. She tries to find an interest in all topics and themes, which prompts her writing. When she isn’t on her porch writing in the sun, you can find her shopping, on the beach, or at the gym.

The Dual Challenge of Injury and Addiction

Injuries, whether minor or severe, can disrupt one’s life significantly. The pain and discomfort are just the tip of the iceberg. For many, the real challenge begins with the onset of immobility and the subsequent reliance on pain medications, which can spiral into dependency or full-blown addiction. Here, we explore how injuries can lead to addictive behaviors and highlight the significance of addressing both physical and psychological health in recovery.

Understanding the Link Between Physical Injury and Addiction

Injuries often require medical interventions that may involve pain-relieving medications. While effective for managing pain, these medications can also pose a high risk of addiction. The body’s physical dependence on these substances can sometimes mirror emotional reliance, complicating the recovery process. As the physical healing progresses, the psychological battle against addiction might remain, necessitating a comprehensive recovery strategy.

The Role of Physical Therapy in Recovery

Physical therapy plays a pivotal role in the recovery process from both injuries and addiction. It not only aids in the restoration of physical function but also enhances mental health. Engaging in regular, structured physical activities can help your body recover through “feel good” chemicals, such as endorphins, which naturally combat the effects of pain and stress. This element of therapy is crucial in breaking the cycle of dependency by providing a natural and healthy alternative to pain management.

Legal Guidance in the Recovery Process

Accidents and injuries often involve legal complexities that can be overwhelming for the injured parties. Navigating the legal landscape is a critical component of the recovery journey, whether it’s dealing with insurance claims, understanding liability, or securing compensation. This segment delves into how expert legal advice can support the recovery process by alleviating financial burdens and ensuring that justice contributes to psychological closure and healing.

The decision to seek legal advice should come early in the recovery process. Legal professionals specializing in personal injury law understand the intricacies of such cases and can provide invaluable guidance and support. From filing claims to negotiating with insurance companies consulting legal experts will help ensure that the injured parties receive the compensation they deserve, which can significantly ease the recovery process.

Integrated Recovery Approaches: Blending Physical and Psychological Therapies

Recovery from injury and addiction is most effective when treatment approaches are integrated, addressing both physical injuries and psychological health. This holistic approach ensures that as the body heals from physical trauma, the mind is supported to overcome dependency issues related to pain management.

The Benefits of Integrated Treatment Plans

Integrated treatment plans involve a combination of physical therapy, psychological counseling, and, if necessary, medically supervised detoxification. These plans are tailored to meet the unique needs of each individual, considering the specifics of their injury and the nature of their addiction. By treating the person as a whole, integrated plans foster a more sustainable recovery and a higher quality of life post-recovery.

• Physical Therapy: Focuses on improving mobility, strength, and flexibility, helping individuals regain function and reduce pain through physical means rather than relying solely on medications.
• Psychological Support: Counseling and therapy sessions address the emotional and psychological impacts of injury and addiction, offering strategies to manage stress, anxiety, and depression that may accompany or exacerbate addiction.
• Medical Oversight: In cases where medication is necessary, medical professionals oversee its use to ensure it supports recovery without leading to further dependency.

Lifestyle Adjustments for Long-Term Resilience

Adopting lifestyle changes is crucial for sustaining recovery and building resilience. Lifestyle adjustments not only aid in maintaining physical and mental health but also help in mitigating the risk of relapse into addictive behaviors or re-injury.

Key Lifestyle Changes to Consider

• Regular Exercise: Engaging in routine physical activity can continue to help your body recover through “feel good” chemicals and ensure ongoing physical rehabilitation.
• Healthy Diet: Nutrition plays a critical role in recovery. A balanced diet rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants supports tissue repair and overall health.
• Mindfulness and Stress Management: Techniques such as meditation, yoga, and mindfulness can significantly reduce stress levels, which is vital for mental health maintenance.
• Community Support: Joining support groups or community activities can provide social support and encouragement, which are essential for emotional well-being.

Empowering Recovery: The Role of Self-Efficacy and Community Support

Understanding and enhancing self-efficacy—the belief in one’s ability to influence events that affect one’s life—is crucial in the journey towards recovery and resilience. Building self-efficacy can empower individuals, fostering a proactive approach to recovery and a resilient mindset.

Enhancing Self-Efficacy through Knowledge and Support

• Education on Condition and Recovery: Being well-informed about the nature of one’s injuries and the recovery process can boost confidence and participation in the treatment.
• Skill Development: Learning new skills or hobbies can redirect focus and energy, reducing dependence on substances and enriching life experiences.
• Support Networks: Strong relationships with family, friends, and healthcare providers can reinforce recovery efforts and provide necessary emotional support.

Building Towards a Resilient Future

As individuals navigate the complex road from injury to recovery, incorporating a comprehensive approach that addresses both physical and psychological needs is paramount. This journey is about returning to a pre-injury state and moving forward with greater strength and resilience.

Embracing a multifaceted recovery process, supported by expert legal advice and an integrated treatment framework, lays the foundation for not only regaining health but also enhancing life quality in previously unimaginable ways. By prioritizing comprehensive care and support, individuals can transform their recovery experience into a profound personal growth and resilience journey.

By ensuring a recovery infused with the right resources—from physical therapy and legal support to psychological counseling and lifestyle adjustments—each step forward is a step toward a healthier, more resilient future.

Photo Credit

Photo by Kampus Production on Pexels

Guest Author Bio
Danika

Danika is a ten-year veteran of the SEO industry and is based in Boise, Idaho. Outside of work, she enjoys playing video games and podcasting about The Bachelor.

Then, as we enter adulthood, the shift begins as our parents age and need our support. It’s the circle of life, and one in which many health-related problems can be thrown our way. Addiction is becoming more and more common, and when it comes to alcohol addiction for an example, the effects can be deadly.

The number of people suffering from alcohol abuse around the world is quite staggering, and for those that are suffering from it as they enter older age, the health implications can be large.

We all want to see our parents have relationships with our children, so if you want them to have a healthy final few decades on the planet and a great relationship with their grandchildren, then if you think they’re suffering from addiction, action should be taken.

It isn’t easy, particularly as they are still your parents and in effect will feel they should be looking after you. However, it must be done, and here’s how…

Firstly, gather the evidence

When it comes to addiction, it doesn’t matter who you are, there will be denial encountered first. Most people who have a problem refuse to believe that and therefore it’s vital that you gather evidence so you can prove they do.

You know your parents incredibly well, so you’ll be able to find such evidence quite easy, as well as even highlighting particular events that have impacted your life due to their alcoholism. That could be more recent, or even stretch back to childhood if they have suffered with the problem for a long period of time. By having evidence, you can then share this and it may make it easier to understand when they are confronted.

Involve loved ones

If you have brothers and sisters, family friends, or perhaps even grown up children, then get them involved. It’s a strength in numbers scenario and it will also ensure you have a support network while going through what is quite a stressful situation.

Loved ones will also be able to provide their evidence and any circumstances where your parent’s alcoholism has affected them, which can only bolster your cause when it comes to that confrontation.

Give them solutions

Don’t just arrive at the confrontation stage with the problems, give them solutions too. Do your research into rehabilitation programmes and give them a number of options that you think will best suit them.

By having the options already there for them, they be more inclined to accept they need to do something about their addiction and you can even set up consultations with treatment centres so they find the right treatment for them.

Set a date, and come at them with love

You need to confront your parent or parents, but you need to do so with love, support and understanding. While a person’s addiction can lead to many things that can cause anger, they need to know you’re doing it for them and because you love them.

Get all the family together and be organized with what you’re going to say, presenting evidence and offering solutions. This will allow the conversation to flow in a much more structured way and ensure you tell them everything they need to know without it turning into a slanging match. That won’t help anyone. You need to be cool, calm, collected and make sure that your parents know the seriousness of the matter and that they do need help.

Photo Credit

Image by DiamondRehabThailand from Pixabay

Guest Author Bio
Adam Richman

Adam is an avid gamer and loves baking. As well as spending time in the kitchen, in his spare time, he enjoys reading, writing and spending time with his family.

Signs of a Dry Drunk

A “dry drunk” is someone who is no longer drinking but still displays the same attitudes and behavior as an alcoholic. Some specialists refer to it as untreated alcoholism or post-acute withdrawal syndrome (PAWS). Symptoms of a “dry drunk” include:

• Cross-addiction to other substances
• Anger towards sober friends and family
• Risky behavior
• Acting irritably
• Blaming others
• Displaying a self-centered and pessimistic attitude
• A negative view of sobriety
• Difficulty concentrating and completing tasks
• Fearing relapse
• Failure to admit the pain and damage alcoholism has created
• Depression and low self-esteem
• Poor sleep patterns
• Defensive when criticized
• Making fun of or displaying jealousy towards others in recovery
• Nostalgic feelings about past addiction
• Black and white thinking

Which Thoughts and Actions Threaten Sobriety?

Sobriety isn’t just about not drinking anymore. Alcohol is often used to “treat” other problems like depression and anxiety or to replace another addiction. It may start as a way to cover up difficult emotions, fears, and stress.

A National Center for Biotechnology Information study featured five stages of relapse and rules for recovery, including:

• Make a permanent change in your life. If you stay around your old triggers, you will relapse. Recovery can only be mastered by creating a life that encourages you not to use.
• Be totally honest. This means telling people about your addiction and opening up. Talk to friends, family, therapists, and counselors about your feelings and how you got there.
• Get help. Often, recovery fails because the addict thinks they can do it on their own. But addiction isn’t treated without assistance and accountability. Addicts need to realize that temptation will be a constant factor in the rest of their lives. After treatment is completed, accountability is the best practice. Outpatient therapy will keep the recovering alcoholic on task.
• Embrace self-care. Most people use drugs or alcohol to escape or reward themselves. Replacing addictions with healthy pampering techniques can go a long way in recovery.
• Don’t bend the rules. Loopholes will only help you sabotage your recovery.

Therapy

Cognitive therapy is helpful to bring about real change and the development of coping skills. Conquering negative thoughts is a large part of recovery. Some negative thoughts addicts struggle with are:

• Not being able to handle life without alcohol
• Other people caused their alcoholism
• Life isn’t fun without alcohol
• Recovery is too much work
• The cravings will be too much to handle

Stopping a “Dry Drunk”

According to an article published by the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, entitled Alcoholism and Psychiatric Disorders Diagnostic Challenges, clinicians often struggle with determining if alcohol is a contributing factor or result of several psychiatric disorders. Many times the reason someone becomes a “dry drunk” is due to one or more comorbidities.

Diagnosis of comorbidities is vital to recovery. Depression, bipolar disorder, and anxiety disorder, ASPD, social anxiety disorder, and other externalizing disorders are all tied to the abuse of alcohol or drugs. If the psychiatric condition is accurately diagnosed and treated, recovery is more effective. Comorbidities will continue to plague the recovering alcoholic without the proper medication, resulting in a “dry drunk” condition.

It is important to note that personal growth should be the focus in all recovery situations. Broadly, the stages of recovery include abstinence, repair, and growth. Once an individual has achieved abstinence, the repair and growth stages must occur to complete the process. Additionally, healing is a lifelong task to continuously defeat alcoholism.

Sources

ncbi.nlm.nih.gov – Relapse Prevention and the Five Rules of Recovery
pubs.niaaa.nih.gov – Alcoholism and Psychiatric Disorders Diagnostic Challenges
sciencedirect.com – Comorbidity of social anxiety disorder and antisocial personality disorder in the National Epidemiological Survey on Alcohol and Related Conditions (NESARC)
sunshinebehavioralhealth.com – Learn About What Dual Diagnosis Treatment Programs Offer

Photo Credit

Photo is from pixabay

Guest Author Bio
Tasnova Malek

Tasnova Malek, MD, graduated from Bangladesh Medical College and practiced as a primary care physician for six years in Bangladesh. After moving to the USA, she worked at Emory University Hospital in Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine and Hospital medicine research. During COVID-19, she worked as a crisis counselor in Florida Corona Virus Emergency Response Team. Currently, she is working in the National Suicidal Prevention Center. In addition, she has extensive research experience in medicine and psychiatry in the USA.

Naloxone is the name of the medication but a common brand name of this medication is Narcan, which people may be more familiar with. Naloxone is also present in Suboxone, a medication that is commonly prescribed to minimize opioid withdrawal symptoms. While naloxone does not affect withdrawal symptoms itself, it does make it difficult or even impossible to get high on opioids while naloxone is in someone’s system.

The way naloxone works is fairly simple and very effective at reversing opioid overdose and even opioid intoxication. This medication binds to the same receptors in the brain and body that opioids do. Unsurprisingly, these receptors are known as “opioid receptors” and while naloxone binds to them, it does not activate them in the same way that opioids do, thus it does not produce euphoric effects.

While opioids are known as opioid “agonists” since they stimulate these receptors, naloxone is known as an opioid receptor “antagonist.” Naloxone will bind to the same receptors as opioids, but it has a MUCH stronger binding affinity, or pull, for these receptors than any opioid drug does. This means that if opioids are present in the receptors when naloxone is used, it will literally displace the opioids and take their place, effectively neutralizing their effects for a time. This is only temporary, however, as naloxone has a much shorter half-life than most opioids.

Once naloxone is used, the opioids will be temporarily displaced from opioid receptors in the body, but since naloxone does not last as long as most opioids, they will outlast this medication and return to the receptors once the naloxone has been metabolized. In practice, this could cause someone to wake up from an overdose for a while, but as the naloxone wears off, they may relapse into unconsciousness. It is extremely important to seek medical help for someone who has recently used naloxone for an opioid overdose.

Thankfully, access to naloxone is increasing and improving. Not only access to the medication itself, but also to training courses and classes, so that someone knows exactly how and when to use this medication. If someone is experiencing an overdose and uses naloxone, it may well buy enough time for emergency medical help to arrive and save their life.

In addition to naloxone access improving, there have also been major legislative changes in the form of “Good Samaritan” laws that protect anyone who calls for emergency help in the event of an overdose. These laws vary from state to state, but in many states, a person who calls for medical help is protected from prosecution even if they are high themselves or have personal-use quantities of drugs on them. These laws remove many of the hurdles that made people second-guess calling the police or EMS when someone they were with was overdosing.

Before someone can use naloxone effectively, they need to know what they’re doing. Some helpful resources for naloxone training can be found at different government, medical, or community sites across the country. There are also some nationwide naloxone education resources that include naloxone training, where to find naloxone, and information about Good Samaritan laws in each state. Some of these resources include:

NEXT Distro: This national naloxone access site provides locations to find naloxone, information on Good Samaritan laws in each state, and a wide variety of ways to get involved in harm reduction and overdose prevention.

Get Naloxone Now: A naloxone education and access website, they provide online training classes for safe and effective naloxone use as well as places to find naloxone near you.

Narcan.com: A brand name of naloxone, Narcan is one of the most common forms of naloxone available. Their website provides information about how to get Narcan through insurance and how to get it without a prescription.

The number of overdoses in America is still on the rise, but thankfully more and more tools are becoming available for people to fight back. If we take responsibility and get educated, informed, and equipped for overdose prevention, each and every one of us can play a role in reducing the number of people that die each year from opioid overdoses. Addiction is a subtle foe, and it may be a friend or family member of yours that may live or die depending on a bystander being prepared to do what is necessary to save their life.

Photo Credit

Photo is by Myriams-Fotos on Pixabay

Guest Author Bio
Mike Smeth

Mike Smeth is a purpose-driven entrepreneur that focuses his creative energy towards making trusted addiction recovery resources accessible to as many people as possible. Check out his personal website for more information about Mike and the causes he works to support.

Blog / Website: Mike Smeth

Many individuals recovering from substance abuse or addiction feel they have lost connection with their mind and body because addiction serves as a way to disconnect from your mind and body.

However, meditation and yoga, when used in treating addiction, are considered alternative therapy. Alternative therapies provide a natural, non-medicated way for those in recovery to manage their signs even after leaving the rehab. Studies have suggested that yoga and meditation can become crucial techniques for people affected by addiction to help handle cravings and reduce the risk of relapse. 

However, many rehab centers offer holistic addiction treatment and recovery, which includes traditional and alternative therapies. So, let’s see how yoga and meditation can help with addiction recovery?

How does mindfulness meditation work?

Earlier, meditation techniques were taught in informal meditation centers. Many people being introduced to mindful meditation were initially doubtful about the whole idea of meditating. But in recent years, many addiction centers have incorporated therapies into traditional treatment models to provide a natural and holistic treatment. 

Mindfulness meditation is the intentional and non-judgemental focus on things happening in the present. During the whole guided meditation session, people are taught to focus on their emotions, sensations, and thoughts. 

How to practice meditation to heal addiction?

In the addiction recovery process, with the help of meditation, there are many meditation forms that you can practice to pull your mind away from thoughts that distract you. Though all meditation techniques are beneficial for slowing down an overactive mind, you need to find one style that vibrates with you best.

Mentioned below are some forms of meditation to choose from:

Instructed meditations

These are guided meditation techniques that are often taught in yoga classes while gazing meditations encourage you to have your eyes open and concentrate on a single object. You can also listen to the guided meditations to anticipate positive outcomes in your life or reduce your stress levels while entering into a deeper state of relaxation. 

Body relaxation scans

A body relaxations scan helps calm your physiology and bring awareness to different body parts that help improve your self-awareness. 

Nature walks

Walking silently in nature is also a form of meditation. 

Primal sound meditation

This is the form of meditation that various recovery centers use. It encourages individuals to sit with closed eyes and concentrate on a sound or mantra to drag their minds away from thoughts and quiet the mind. 

Meditation is among the powerful techniques used in recovery because it can help you detach from thoughts and impulses that may increase addiction cravings. Moreover, meditation teaches that an addiction’s desire is only a thought, and no one is under an obligation to act or respond to it. Instead, you can bring alertness to your breath and allow these thoughts to pass rather than react to them. 

How does yoga work for addiction recovery?

Yoga proves to be another essential tool in addiction recovery as it can help you deal with stress and bring a balance to your life. The word ‘yoga’ means to unite and strengthen the connection between your mind, body, and spirit. Yoga can help to boost strength and improve flexibility. Like meditation, yoga can also help reduce stress, lower the heart rate and blood pressure, reduce cortisol levels, and eliminate anxiety and depression. 

Stress and anxiety are connected to addiction, and studies have suggested that a plurality of people coping with addiction challenges use addictive substances as a way to deal with anxiety. However, yoga can increase a naturally occurring brain chemical that helps to cope with stress and pressure better. 

Addiction to drugs or alcohol reduces the amount of gray matter in the brain. It is responsible for many of your brain’s functions, such as learning skills and memory. Gray matter also affects self-awareness and how you observe the world around you. Luckily, yoga increases the gray matter volume in the brain’s section. 

The frontal and hippocampus sections of the brain control learning and memory. However, a higher level of gray matter helps better control the Amygdala, which signals and responds to fear, anxiety, and stress. Yoga helps those in recovery overcome compulsive, reactive behavior patterns by learning, memorizing, and adapting better and healthier thoughts associated with cognitive-behavioral therapy. 

Basic yoga poses:

• Child pose – reduce stress and fatigue, relaxes front body muscles.
• Corpse pose – relaxes the body, clams brain and relieves mid depression, reduces headache and fatigue, and lowers blood pressure.
• Cobra pose – elevates mood and increases flexibility
• Lying down twist – brings deep relaxation to mind and body

Conclusion

When yoga and meditation are combined with healing addiction, the benefits can increase. Daily yoga and meditation can help those coping with addiction to overcome unpleasant feelings and sensations, release anger and increase positivity. All these benefits contribute to establishing a healthy mind and body, which is the basis of successful addiction recovery. 

Photo Credits

Meditation Image by Ben Kerckx from Pixabay

Yoga Image by Chuck Herrera from Pixabay

Guest Author Bio
Jennifer Aniston

Jennifer Aniston is a health & lifestyle blogger who spends her entire day writing quality blogs. She is a passionate reader and loves to share quality content prevalent on the web with her followers.

To stay organized and motivated with your side gig, dedicate space in your home as an office area. When designing your home office, set it up in a part of the house where you won’t be distracted while working. Keep decor simple and organized — clutter can hinder productivity. Remember to track every cent you make and set aside 25 percent of your profits for taxes. Also, keep records of anything that you purchase for your gigs so you can deduct these items as business expenses. Now, onto some great options for work!

Dog Walking and Pet Sitting

Spending time around pets is great for those in addiction recovery. They actually provide a natural high, as mood-elevating brain chemicals like dopamine and serotonin are elevated when you spend time with them. Pups and cats reduce initial negative emotions like sadness and hostility that can be triggers for drug and alcohol abuse. Interacting with pets also eases anxiety, lowers cortisol levels, and reduces blood pressure.

Dog walking and pet sitting combine the benefits of spending time with pets with the opportunity to make cold hard cash. According to a survey, dog walkers can charge anywhere from $20 to $30 an hour, and pet sitters typically bill $35 to $70 per day/night, depending on location and demand. While you won’t become a wealthy person with this gig, you can definitely make ends meet.

Selling Handmade Items

Learning how to make something — anything — gives you a certain amount of control in a world that is often chaotic. Perhaps that’s why creative arts therapies are becoming more prevalent in addiction treatment centers around the country. Arts and crafts are also great outlets for difficult emotions while encouraging relaxation and self-expression.

If you find you’re particularly good at making something, there is a good chance you can sell it through Etsy, which is an online marketplace that specializes in connecting consumers to crafters. Its interface is easy to use, and the company provides numerous tutorials to help you make the most of your “shop.” If you’re interested in selling on Etsy but you don’t have a craft, it helps to know what sells best through the site.

If you’d like to learn more about selling online and e-commerce in general, be sure to consult some online resources and wikis so you can learn about concepts like branding, email marketing, private label, and up-selling.

Put Your Creative Skills to Work

If you’re a visual artist, there are plenty of ways to tap into freelance income that allow you to use your skills. If you have graphic design experience, particularly with Adobe Suite, consider offering logo design or illustration services, or even UI/UX services if you have the background. Photographers can also pick up work with ease, whether it’s freelance shoots or photo editing services. Bonus points if you’re familiar with web design!

Again, these aren’t necessarily high-paying jobs, but they’ll provide you with work and income all on your schedule. Graphic designers tend to average almost $70,000 a year, though this number grows with experience. Photographers, on the other hand, typically have an hourly base of $21. Obviously, your income potential will fluctuate, but finding creative outlets for work can make a significant difference as you navigate recovery.

Teach Music Lessons

Playing music is one of the best things a person can do for the benefit of their cognitive functions. It helps you be more mindful and disciplined. Playing music also creates new pleasure associations in the mind, which is particularly beneficial for those recovering from addiction. Music is great for stress relief, and learning an instrument can help improve patience, self-compassion, and humility, among other benefits.

If you already play an instrument, teaching lessons is a great way to make extra money while sharing the joy of music with others. How much you can charge for private lessons depends on your experience, but generally, tutors can make around $40 an hour. Recruit new students by connecting with local band teachers and advertising your lessons both on and offline.

If you’re not quite ready to jump back into your old career after your addiction recovery begins, it’s perfectly healthy to wait until you feel confident again. To make ends meet in the meantime, pick up a gig or two that combines making money with activities that support your sobriety. Pet sitting, selling crafts, and teaching music lessons are all great examples of these types of gigs.

For more insight into personal growth, art, food, relationships, travel and everything else that’s of human interest, be sure to bookmark Life As A Human magazine.

Photo Credit

Photo by Kelly Sikkema on Unsplash

Guest Author Bio
June Lawrence

June Lawrence is a recovering alcoholic. She’s proud of her journey and knows the incredible amount of work that goes into sobriety every single day, and she’s on a mission to support others find their way to a happy, healthy life through her site, Recovery Island.

Medical examiners use the term “unremarkable”, meaning there was no obvious indicator that could be remarked upon when examining each part of the anatomy. I think I found that to be the most painful and offensive word to read because my daughter was truly remarkable in every way.

Erin was a bright light, full of curiosity, fun, laughter and caring. Her empathy and innocence is how she was so easily lured by a sociopathic and accomplished human sex trafficker when she was just barely 20 years old. He played on her kind heart with lies and subterfuge, leading to her spending two brutal years in a hostage situation where her bright light was extinguished through his horrific and violent abuse. The immediate and ongoing drugging to keep her (and other victims) under his control, resulted in her mind and body coming to a fully addictive state.

When Erin was located and rescued, she came home to us alive but a shell of her former self. It took us several months to learn how to live and communicate with her as she was diagnosed with Complex PTSD. This is a debilitating condition, keeping the sufferer in a constant state of fear, anxiety, night terrors, diminished coping skills and an absent ability to trust. But we had no idea of the depths of her addiction. She was on so many anti-anxiety prescriptions and sleep aids that they were masking what she was really hiding from us. It was a barely-survived overdose on a street drug that took our blinders off – she was in need of more than just counselling for her trauma.

Erin worked hard at her recovery in treatment centres, putting her own struggles aside at times when fellow patients needed a friend. We celebrated with new hope each time she succeeded. But the hungry ghost, as termed by Dr. Gabor Mate in his book, was always lurking in the shadows, waiting for a trigger and there were many of those that came with the type of brutal and prolonged trauma she had experienced.

This beautiful girl: artist, poet and heartfelt friend to people and animals began to disappear as the addiction gained a stronger and stronger hold. At the age of 31, she died alone in her apartment – not with intention but as another victim of the ever growing opioid crisis.

In shock and grief, I spent most of my time examining what I could have done differently and wishing I could just die too so I could be with her. My job as a mother, to protect my daughter, was a fail in my mind. Shortly after her death and desperately seeking some sort of connection with Erin I went to see a recommended medium and it was when she said that Erin was asking her to tell me “Mom, it’s not easy here but it’s so much easier than it was there” that I realized and accepted she was no longer in pain. I knew she was adjusting to being in the spirit realm, would find peace and I had to work on continuing to live in this physical realm – without her. I was forever altered, feeling empty in my soul and learning how to adamantly tell people that it was okay for me to NOT be okay.

I began to slowly acknowledge as the long, empty and pain filled months passed, that I was desperately in need to reach out somewhere. I was pushing people away, telling myself that they just “did not get it”. This could not possibly compare to losing a spouse, a parent, a sibling – a child is a physical part of a mother’s DNA and we shared millions of our cells. Losing my daughter was a swift and brutal rendering of what felt like flesh from bone, heart shattered like glass, helpless, defenseless and my body was an empty shell. Who could possibly understand what was left of me?

As mothers, we do not get over it, move on from it, or even move through this kind of world-gone-wrong grief. Never should a child’s death precede a parent’s – it’s just not the natural order of things. So where was I to go from there, with that knowledge? I needed to learn how to integrate my grief into my changed life so that it is was an accepted part of me; felt every moment but not crushing and controlling me. I had to learn to live again. I was at a crossroads, the albatross of grief I carried, keeping me anchored, and all I could do was turn and wonder which way would lead to healing.

Synchronicity is an amazing thing. With anxious trepidation of triggering myself into another round of amplified and debilitating grief, I attended my first public event, with my closest friend in tow for support. It was a feature documentary film made to highlight the need to address the opioid crisis in our community and country. Something still made me go to see it and perhaps meet others walking my painful path. It was there that a chance meeting led to my discovery of Moms Stop The Harm (MSTH) . I searched MSTH when I got home and learned the mission behind this group was advocating for changes to failed drug policies. In that moment of early, raw grief, I thought to myself “too little, too late” for my daughter but I couldn’t deny that perhaps I was sensing a tiny flicker of hope and purpose.

On the the MSTH website, I clicked on a link to Healing Hearts of Victoria – supporting those who had lost loved ones to substance use related death. I had shied away from typical grief groups mainly due to the stigma that comes with losing a loved one to drugs, but I also desperately needed to share a space with other grieving mothers and family members. So I attended my first meeting and was enveloped in tender, caring support where I could say what I wanted, it didn’t matter how “crazy” it sounded and I could cry uncontrollably without feeling embarrassed or awkward. I had found a space to release it.

It’s been just over two years of continuing to learn to live with my grief and I do now see a light of hope and trust that I thought I’d never see or feel again. I support Moms Stop The Harm and their initiative because now I see that a health-based system is the only way to save lives. Punishing the addict because of the disease is cruel and counter-productive. Portugal decriminalized personal possession of drugs in 2001 and has experienced phenomenal success in saving lives. We need to look at this model more closely.

I ignore the stigma that still rears it’s ugly head at times but I do see less and less of it as the public becomes more educated on the complex understanding of addiction in today’s world. I am grateful now to feel more compassion plus I have more patience and less judgement as I understand things are not always as they seem. And I less expect the worst now because the worst has already happened for me. Erin had asked me once, “Mom, what are you afraid of?” And I told her, “Of you dying.”

I can only take baby steps forward and use the knowledge I have gained to see what I can contribute. I have hope that improvements in our judicial system, when it comes to treating the addicted, result in someone’s child not dying alone and in pain, leaving another parent destroyed, struggling to make sense of such a horrific and personal tragedy.

Yes, it is too little, too late to save Erin but I do know that if my daughter had had access to affordable, long-term trauma and addiction treatment, she may be alive today. She would not have suffered only from the pain of addiction but also from the shame of hiding it and the loneliness of dying from it. A safe place to go, with safe drugs, surrounded by dedicated treatment professionals is the best and only hope to save lives.

My slowly healing heart is now able to speak out and I’m not alone. I am immensely in awe of these dedicated women behind Moms Stop The Harm, who found a way to take their grief and turn it into a purpose that can change the world and keep our children, mothers, fathers, cousins, siblings and friends from being Gone Too Soon.

Photo Credits

Four Broken Moms (Feature Image) and Grieving Together  – Rick Collins Photography

Empty Soul – Totally Buffalo:

Wanda and Erin Hug – photo courtesy of Wanda Lambeth