addiction Archives - Page 17 of 27 - Enlightened Solutions

Reiki: Everything You Wanted To Know About Energy Healing

Written by enlightened solutions on March 12, 2018. Posted in Alternative Therapy, Healthy Living. Leave a Comment

Reiki is becoming a buzzword in 2018 and it seems everyone is becoming a reiki practitioner or master. The holistic practice of creating healing energy was developed by Mikao Usui in 1922 in Japan. Since the 1920s the practice has expanded around the globe. People everywhere are trained in the ability to tune into their own energy and provide energy healing to others. A survey from 2007 found that at the time over one million adults in the United States had tried a reiki session. Today, reiki healing is being used in rehabilitation for addiction, to treat patients undergoing chemo, and many other medical as well as psychological settings.

Eastern philosophy believes that we have channels in our bodies, called meridians, through which energy flows. When our channels get clogged up our blocked, our mental and physical health suffers. We might have something blocking the flow of energy through our chakras, our meridians, or other parts of our body. Reiki healers can tune in and find out where our energy is blocked. They won’t necessarily be able to tell us why. However, each meridian and each chakra relates to components of our life, as holistic theory would suggest. We can take a hint from these metaphors and find awareness in how we can open ourselves up to more energy flow.

Though healers are moving energy, they are creating a wealth of benefits. Reiki has been shown to reduce pain and inflammation, cravings and difficult emotions, and symptoms of many other diseases. By moving and releasing energy, reiki healers can conduct their healing.

People who receive reiki healing report feeling different sensations during their sessions. Feelings of warmth or coolness in the body are common. Some are able to visualize the energy moving through their body and can see exactly where the reiki practitioner is releasing blocked energy.

For men and women who are in treatment for drug and alcohol addiction, reiki healing is especially helpful. Addiction tears apart the mind/body relationship and disconnects a person from themselves. Being in such heightened states caused by stimulant substances or depressed states caused by depressant substances, alters the energy flow of the body. Releasing old energy helps those in treatment release emotions which they have held onto for some time. Reiki directly encourages the therapeutic process for healing mind, body, and spirit.

Enlightened Solutions offers a clinical, holistic and 12-step approach to the road to recovery. If you’re struggling with addiction and/or mental illness, our program is specialized in dual-diagnosis treatments. Don’t hesitate and call today: 844-234-LIVE.

Suffering And Impermanence In Addiction

Written by enlightened solutions on March 7, 2018. Posted in Addiction, Healthy Living. Leave a Comment

All of life is suffering, said the great Buddha in his teachings. All of life is pain. There is freedom from pain and suffering, he offered, and that is enlightenment. Dukkha is the pali word for suffering and translates directly to suffering. Suffering isn’t always pain, however. Dukkha can mean a variety of emotional states and the suffering which comes from them.

“Dukkha refers to the psychological experience- sometimes conscious, sometimes not conscious- of the profound fact that everything is impermanent, ungraspable, and not really knowable” writes author Norman Fischer in Suffering Opens the Real Path. Fischer explains that we all know on some level that we are suffering. We know at our core the true nature of things, but we try to know something else. As a result we live in samsara, the cycle of existence and suffering we face when we tightly hold onto everything which is passing and impermanent- like our addictions.

Our phases of intoxication are impermanent. Only addicts and alcoholics know the true depth of this. We suffer in angst as we await the next time we are to be intoxicated. Even when we are relishing the euphoric effects of our drugs of choice, we subtly suffer, anticipating the moment when the euphoria ends. As we enter a stage of detox and withdrawal we suffer even more. We cannot hold onto the high and we cannot bear the come down. The cycle is relentless.

To anyone who has not suffered from addiction to drugs and alcohol, the cycle seems silly and self-imposed. Why would anyone choose to do that to themselves? Yet as human beings we are all prone to various “addictions” which keep us in the same cycle. We hold onto hopes that are unrealistic, pleasures which are passing, and expectations which only lead to disappointments. Why would we choose to do that? It is not until we become aware of the fact that we are choosing our suffering that we can find enlightenment and release from our suffering.

Through treatment and therapy we start the path to enlightenment by releasing our addictions to drugs and alcohol. Evolving on the course of our journey we confront other addictions in our life like our addiction to thoughts, feelings, actions, beliefs, and behaviors. We realize that our addictions were merely one manifestation of our suffering, one dukkha in our life of samsara but that enlightenment is possible in all of these areas. We slowly detach and find our way to healing, each moment of liberation a living nirvana.

Snapchat Filters Have Caused A Rise In Body Dysmorphia

Written by enlightened solutions on March 6, 2018. Posted in Recovery, Sober Living. Leave a Comment

Social media platforms like Snapchat have a growing list of problematic effects they are causing for their users. Ironically, it is the magical effects of Snapchat’s platform which draw people to it yet cause the most problems. Many social media platforms have followed Snapchat’s lead in developing filters which layer over a real time image to create an enhanced picture. Some of Snapchat’s filters include animal parts, like dog ears, nose and tongue. In most of their filters, however, it is the simple facial modifications which draw people into compulsive selfie-taking. Snapchat’s facial filters smooth the face, eliminate blemishes, and alter the eyes, lips, and eyelashes. Many of the “ideal” beauty modifications once restricted to major publications with advanced editing tools are now achievable with a quick selfie. Rather than compare themselves to models in magazines, people can compare themselves to themselves in just a few seconds. The contrast between what they see in the mirror and what they see through their Snapchat filters is causing many people psychological distress and resulting in the development of body dysmorphia.

Body dysmorphic disorder affects 1 in 50 people and causes a severe skew in one’s perception of themselves. Striving for “perfect”, someone with body dysmorphic disorder can turn to multiple surgeries and procedures to achieve the look they want. All of their worth and how they feel about themselves on the inside is defined by how they think they look on the outside. In the case of “Snapchat Dysmorphia” people want to look how their Snapchat filters make them look. They’re turning to plastic surgery to achieve those modifications. In the process, they’re developing a mental illness which could last a lifetime.

People start to believe that the way they look on Snapchat is the way they should look in real life. The hyperreal filters create a disappointment in what is truly real about how people look. People’s expectations are high not just for themselves but for others. Disappointment from such unrealistic high expectations can be deeply damaging, ruining relationships, and causing severe self-esteem issues in people with altered perceptions.

You Only Need 3 Things To Set Boundaries In Your Life

Written by enlightened solutions on March 5, 2018. Posted in Healthy Living, Recovery. Leave a Comment

Being in recovery from drug and alcohol addiction is being in recovery of the self. We tend to lose ourselves in addiction. Slowly but surely, we let go of the most core components of who we are. We do things we said we would never do. We act in ways we could never have fathomed acting. We go against morals, values, and ethics we are both aware of and unaware of. The consequences are exponential. Patterns of energy and habit are set forth which tell us that we have no boundaries within ourselves. By going against who we are and identifying ourselves only through our addiction, we lose sight of where our rights and our wrongs both end and begin.

You need to know who you are, mostly, at least:

Through the treatment process, we find ourselves again. Therapy, energy healing, spiritual experiences, and trauma resolution help us determine what our values, morals, ethics, and beliefs are. Empowered, we find ownership in who we are. Knowing exactly what we believe is right or wrong takes time because our brains, deeply affected by addiction, need time to heal. As we continue through our healing journey, we can set boundaries for what we are willing to accept, willing to tolerate, or what we are not willing to accept and tolerate.

Boundaries are set when we know who we are. Some of our boundaries are flexible while others are rigid. Either way, we know who we are in our highest vibrational being and we honor who that person is by respecting their boundaries.

You need to be able to communicate your boundaries:

Ask someone in the early months of their recovery how they are feeling and be met with a face of contemplation. Addiction deeply changes the brain. People in recovery use “feeling charts” to help them identify how they feel. Communication is a key part of life for interacting with any other being. Those who are in recovery have to first learn to communicate with and for themselves, starting with the very basics of “How do I feel?” From there, the communication can evolve.

We set boundaries within ourselves which apply to others. Though we know what our boundaries for others are, others cannot know our boundaries for them until we tell them what they are. Communication is the way that we effectively inform others of who we are and what we are accepting of- something we have to do with ourselves first.

You need to be mindful:

You build a fence to keep in a herd of sheep. These boundaries are meant to confine the sheep to one area. While you look away, trusting in your boundaries, a sheep somehow escapes. This can happen in our lives. Our boundaries aren’t flashing around us in neon lights. We have to tenderly and compassionately mind our boundaries and check on them in all situations. It can be expected that our boundaries will need maintenance and checking up on.

Sponsor Shopping

Written by enlightened solutions on February 23, 2018. Posted in Addiction Recovery, Sober Living. Leave a Comment

In Alcoholics Anonymous it is suggested to get a sponsor. A sponsor is another member of AA that takes the sponsee through the 12 steps. It’s important that the sponsor has what the alcoholic wants in life. Not materialistically, but spiritually and through ways, one can relate. It might take a few attempts until he/she finds the right fit. This is why it is suggested to ask a fellow member to be a temporary sponsor first. A sponsee might want to interview the potential sponsor to see if they are really willing to do the things asked of them. Everyone is different and personalities don’t always mesh well either. It’s important to let the sponsee know this in advance and make it clear that this process should never be taken personally.

A good way to find a sponsor is to go to meetings. Finding meetings that suit the sponsees taste, will be a proper guide to finding someone relatable and understanding. Sometimes people need a sponsor who offers tough love, and some prefer a more gentle approach. Some feel more comfortable with a sponsor who went through similar circumstances, but to some, this might not matter. It is suggested to ask a member of the same sex to sponsor. However, there are no real rules or guidelines about this. All that matters is that the sponsor is consistent with taking the sponsee through the steps because that is the way to stay sober.

While it seems like the sponsee would be the one getting the most out of the relationship, this couldn’t be further from the truth. When members of AA help another member, they are really doing this to stay sober themselves. It’s the act of helping another member is gratifying and feeds the soul. It keeps the sponsor in tune with what happens while in the disease. While going through the steps with another alcoholic, the sponsor is also going through them themselves in a way. Members of AA believe that in order to stay sober you must live in the steps and this is the way to do so.

If you are interested in becoming sober and have the willingness to go to any lengths, the 12 steps will take you there. Here at Enlightened Solutions, we encourage patients to dig deep and heal the body, mind, and soul for a brighter future. For more information call 833-801-5483.

The Power of the Mala Bead

Written by enlightened solutions on February 15, 2018. Posted in Addiction, Alternative Therapy. Leave a Comment

Mala beads are not only beautiful pieces of jewelry but a powerful tool to recite mantras. As many experiences, meditation takes a discipline and focus. The idea is to repeat a mantra 108 times during meditation while using the beads as guidance. 108 beads have a special meaning that, one symbolizes God, zero symbolizes humility and eight stands for infinity. There is often a charm, or another bead to differentiate from the rest of the beads that act as the guru bead or the starting point. This helps with counting how many times the mantras had been recited.

When using the beads, each person will sit in a comfortable meditation position. Preferably with the spine straight, eyes closed, and focus on the breath.The strand of beads will be loosely held in the right hand and the thumb pushes back each bead after every mantra. Each strand will consist of 19, 21, 28, 54, or 108 beads. One, zero, and eight each have their own special meaning. One recognizes one God, zero symbolizes humility, and eight stands for infinity.

There are different meanings behind each strand of beads because of the various gemstones used. Each strand can have different properties, energies, and meaning. There are also different sizes, textures, and colors to suit each person’s needs. It’s important to be aware of the energy being drawn to the body and if there is the option it may be beneficial to choose wisely which gemstone best represents a person’s intention.

Sometimes it’s hard to sit down and meditate. It’s a learning experience and there should be no judgment. There are many different ways to meditate because a person feels as if he/she is with a higher power in any moment of the day. Saying mantras is a great way to focus on a positive affirmation or prayer. Consistency is key to benefit a person the most. Using mala beads have not only been shown to help improve the meditation practice for many people but are also a staple in seasoned meditators alike.

If you are looking to transform your life and begin on a new path to recovery, help is here! Enlightened Solutions offers a clinical, holistic, and 12-step approach to help patients find self-love and hope for the future. It’s never too late to take back your life and heal your body, mind, and soul. Call today for more information: 844-234-LOVE.

Marijuana Maintenance Program

Written by enlightened solutions on February 6, 2018. Posted in 12 Step Program, Alternative Therapy, Marijuana Addiction. Leave a Comment

Being sober means different things to different people. However, one of the main goals in sobriety is to live life without the assistance of any substance in the body. When entering in the world of recovery, there are many areas of life that are suggested to work on within themselves. The marijuana maintenance program is the theory that a person can smoke marijuana safely without using any other mind alternating substance. This can be a controversial topic because many don’t feel marijuana is considered to be harmful in any way. What others feel, is that marijuana alters the mind, therefore, those who partake are not technically sober. There are few exceptions.

Recently the legalization of marijuana has been a hot topic. By 2017, twenty-nine states had passed laws regulating the amount users can hold. This was a huge win amongst its supporters. However, not all users are looking to get the relief from the high. The medicinal usage is becoming more acknowledged as a form of treatment. There are benefits for those with seizure disorders such as epilepsy and this is truly progress. This along with other medically inclined benefits are solid reasons for the law to have been changed.

Often times, marijuana is compared to alcohol in the sense that it’s not a “hard drug.” In these cases, marijuana can seemingly act as a legal substance without harm, for those without addiction. There is a commonality that expresses that alcohol and marijuana are a gateway into the darker world of hard substances. This may not be true but when someone uses marijuana, the mind has been altered. When the mind is altered, those with addiction become vulnerable and numb which is what the mind wants.

The disease of addiction boils down to the urge to fill an empty void inside. When a person with addiction or alcoholism accepts this and begins to focus on the healing process, the need to numb will fade away. It takes willingness and consistency to let things go. Pain and struggles are apart of life and the only way to grow is to feel feelings. Whether or not marijuana is considered a drug, it alters the mind. The disease of addiction may as well be the disease of the mind. Reaching for any substances to escape or even relax, wont do any good. Sobriety, meditation, and healing will do more than enough.

If you are suffering from alcoholism, addiction and/or mental health, there is hope for you! Open your mind to life-changing treatment in beautiful New Jersey at Enlightened Solutions. For more information please call today: 833-801-5483.

Why Social Media Isn’t Productive In Recovery

Written by enlightened solutions on February 2, 2018. Posted in 12 Step Program, Recovery. Leave a Comment

Recovery is fragile and should be treated like so. There are many things people should not participate in during early recovery, or ever. One, in particular, is social media. Social media is addictive in itself. This can be addicting and time consuming for anyone who is or not struggling with addiction. It’s easy to get distracted by constantly signing onto Facebook, only to be sitting there for hours. When people sign on in the evening, there is more of a probability to suffer from sleep deprivation. It is suggested to meditate or at least attempt to wind down for a good night’s rest. If there is something bothersome on the mind while falling asleep, it’s just as likely to wake up thinking about the same thing.

One of the bigger issues with social media is how people portray what is really going on in their life. It’s easy to sit and compare lives of those who look like they’re having the time of their lives. However, no one really knows what’s going on behind closed doors. Often times, people post pictures glamorizing the way alcohol had enhanced their day or night in some way. Although, it might have, or there’s something that’s not being shown in the pictures. No one wants to show the negative parts of life to the facebook world.

Some people have the tendency to post about thoughts and feelings. This is never a great idea, as potential and present employers sometimes use facebook as a tool to understand who’s really working for them. If there happens to be inappropriate or controversial material posted, it could show a lack of character judgment. The safest way to go about social media in early recovery is to delete it. Live life for yourself and forget what other people are doing. Become closer with your real friends and begin to feel the real highs in life. This rather than the high from a notification. Sobriety is about the addict taking back ownership of life and stop stressing about what cannot be controlled.

If you are looking to get sober, come out to New Jersey and step away from the stressors of life. Enlightened Solutions offers a program consisting of a clinical, holistic, and 12-step approach. Take back your life today and begin to heal your mind, body, and soul. Call today for more information: 833-801-5483.

First Year in Recovery

Written by enlightened solutions on February 1, 2018. Posted in Addiction Recovery, Sober Living. Leave a Comment

The first year in recovery is a fragile time. Starting from day one, the people must start following direction and taking suggestions of those who have their best interest at heart. The clinical staff and sober support will have a large part in helping get back on their own two feet. It’s a humbling experience and it takes a whole lot of acceptance from the beginning. Admitting the lack of control over alcoholism, addiction and/or mental health is crucial. This is when people begin to realize the unmanageability of life as it was in the disease. Once there is a willingness to do what it takes to become sober there will be many commitments to be made. There might be some resistance, but when the person pushes through, the transformation is being made.

Entering a treatment facility is optional but recommended for those who have lost the choice to drink. Patient’s are on voluntary lockdown with no drugs or alcohol. While in different therapy groups, the patients can begin to let go of the painful past. In order to move forward, there must be change in the way things had been done previously. It is suggested to attend 12-step meetings and begin to work on the 12 steps with a sponsor. The footwork must be a priority before the miracles of sobriety can take place. The miracles may be small or large, but they are present every day.

Upon completing rehab, people can step down into a an after care program and/or sober living. This will give patients a safe environment and while staying accountable. They should always stay away from old behaviors and preventable triggers. While doing the recommended steps of Alcoholics Anonymous, it’s essential to find the higher power from within. This will help in guiding those who are recovering to do the next right thing in a difficult time.

If the person can help it, it’s suggested to not make any huge life decisions at this time. This time should be selfishly based around sobriety. Sobriety should never be thought of as a sentence, rather a beautiful gift from their Higher Power.

Enlightened Solutions clinical, holistic, and 12-step approach to recovery is a phone call away from taking back your life. Don’t let substance abuse control you anymore. For more information please call today: 833-801-5483.

How To Find a Treatment Center

Written by enlightened solutions on January 29, 2018. Posted in 12 Step Program, Drugs & Alcohol. Leave a Comment

Right now there are treatment centers popping up across the country. Before choosing a facility, there should be certain questions asked about the program first. Often times, it’s a good idea to get the person who’s struggling out of the location he/she had been while in the behavior. First, the person must detox from the substances used. This is crucial because there can be serious problems that arise out of the withdrawal period. Some treatment centers offer this and some will require it happen before entering the facility. There are both inpatient and outpatient treatment as options, and there might be an assessment to find which is right for them.

If the person is struggling with both addiction and mental health, a dual-diagnosis center would be the best fit. Here there will be the ability to incorporate both issues to find the best solution. There are gender-specific centers, which allow for less distraction and more focus on the issue at hand. This might have more of an effect on some more than others. Additionally, it’s important to look at the criteria of the treatment plan. There are some programs that incorporate the 12-steps and some that don’t. There are more clinical rehabs and some more holistic. Some have a combination of different factors to get through to patients in unique ways. The person might want to look at the different kinds of therapy the rehab offers. This being said, it’s important for people to stay open-minded in the process.

At this point, perspective patients will want to look at their insurance plan’s coverage. There may be the option to pay with cash also. However, if insurance is the only option, the insurance company will have the final say and approval. Sometimes the insurance company will be able to cover a portion of the bill and sometimes they would be able to pay the bill in full. This can be the most frustrating part of it all, but once this part has been taken care of its as smooth sailing as early recovery can get. All there is to do now is take it all in, and stay on the path to recovery!

If you are seeking transformation and looking for a dual-diagnosis treatment, our facility’s amazing program could be the answer you’ve been searching for! Enlightened Solutions offers a clinical, holistic and 12-step approach for the addiction recovery process. For more information call today: 833-801-5483.

Tag: addiction