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person struggling with dangerous addiction to fentanyl

What Makes Fentanyl So Dangerous?

Written by enlightened solutions on December 22, 2023. Posted in Addiction, Addictions Treated, Opioid Addiction. Leave a Comment

Fentanyl, a synthetic opioid up to 100 times more potent than morphine, has become a significant contributor to the opioid crisis in the United States. Understanding what makes fentanyl so dangerous is critical in addressing this growing public health concern.

At Enlightened Solutions, we believe that even the most severe cases of fentanyl addiction can be overcome with the right treatment plan in place. We offer effective, compassionate addiction treatment options to those in need.

What is Fentanyl?

The primary use of fentanyl is to treat patients with severe pain, especially after surgery or those suffering from advanced-stage cancer. Fentanyl is administered in various forms, such as patches, lozenges, and injections.

It is essential to note the stark contrast between pharmaceutical fentanyl used under medical supervision and illicitly manufactured fentanyl (IMF), which is responsible for the surge in overdose cases. Illegal fentanyl often finds its way into the drug market, disguised in other substances, exponentially magnifying their effects and risks.

How Does Fentanyl Work?

As a synthetic opioid, fentanyl interacts with the brain’s opioid receptors at an accelerated pace. This rapid interaction can overwhelm the body’s systems, leading to sedation, unconsciousness, and, in the worst-case scenario, cessation of breathing. The crux of what makes fentanyl so dangerous is its ability to induce overwhelming pleasure circuits alongside critical life-support functions in the brain, increasing the risk of a fatal overdose with even minuscule amounts.

Fentanyl Use in the U.S.

The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) reports that in 2020, over 56,000 deaths in the United States were linked to synthetic opioids like fentanyl. The American Medical Association (AMA) highlights that the presence of fentanyl in counterfeit pills is a growing concern, as many users are unaware of its inclusion. A decrease in painkiller prescriptions has not led to a reduction in opioid-related overdose deaths. Lastly, the World Health Organization (WHO) has identified fentanyl as a significant contributor to the global opioid crisis, underscoring its danger and widespread impact. These statistics paint a grim picture of fentanyl’s role in the ongoing opioid epidemic, emphasizing the need for increased awareness and preventive measures.

The Dangers of Fentanyl

The primary reason fentanyl is so dangerous lies in its extreme potency. Just a tiny dose, equivalent to a few grains of salt, can be lethal. Its high potency increases the risk of overdose, especially when individuals unknowingly consume fentanyl that has been mixed with other drugs.

Potency of Fentanyl

Fentanyl’s potency is unmatched when compared to traditional opioids. Up to 100 times more potent than morphine, this synthetic opioid was initially developed as a pain reliever for medical purposes. It’s now clear that fentanyl’s potency plays a significant role in its danger:

Smaller than a grain of sand, a minute amount can be lethal.
It’s often used to “cut” other drugs, which amplifies their effects unpredictably, causing many users to overdose unintentionally.
Higher potency means that individuals can quickly develop a tolerance, necessitating higher quantities to achieve the same effect, boosting the likelihood of overdose and death.

Overdose Risks

Overdose risks associated with fentanyl are exponentially higher than most other opioids. Given its high potency and the fact users are often unaware of their exposure, overdose can occur rapidly and with little warning.

Fentanyl works by binding to opioid receptors, which are present in areas of the brain that control pain and emotions. Due to its strength, fentanyl’s effects occur swiftly and can suppress breathing, leading to potential hypoxia—a condition that arises when too little oxygen reaches the brain.
The risk of overdose is compounded when fentanyl is mixed with other substances like heroin, cocaine, or prescription painkillers. Since these combinations can alter the effects unpredictably, they pose an even more significant threat.
Individuals with a substance use disorder may seek out fentanyl-laced products for a more intense high, often without fully understanding the likelihood of an overdose.

Role in Opioid Crisis

The accessibility and increased illicit manufacture of fentanyl have exacerbated the crisis:

Overseas production of fentanyl has led to an influx of the drug onto the streets, often disguised as other less potent opioids, which has taken many users by surprise.
Drug dealers use fentanyl to increase the potency of other drugs, unbeknownst to consumers, intensifying the potential for widespread harm.
The federal government’s warning to police about the handling of fentanyl signifies the level of threat this substance poses to both users and public servants.

Addressing the Fentanyl Crisis

Combating the fentanyl problem requires a multi-faceted approach. Public education about the dangers of fentanyl, increased access to treatment for substance use disorders, and the distribution of naloxone, an opioid overdose reversal drug, are all critical. Law enforcement also plays a role in curbing the supply of illicit fentanyl. In order for existing cases of fentanyl addiction to be treated, accessible treatment options like those provided at Enlightened Solutions must be made available.

Fentanyl Abuse Treatment Options

There are multiple treatment options that have proven effective for those grappling with fentanyl abuse. Because no two experiences with active addiction are the same, treatment should always be individualized.

Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT)

MAT combines medications with counseling and behavioral therapies to treat substance use disorders. For fentanyl addiction, this includes medications like methadone, buprenorphine, or naltrexone, which help mitigate withdrawal symptoms and block the euphoric effects of opioids.

Methadone reduces cravings and withdrawal by acting on the same opioid receptors as fentanyl but without the high.
Buprenorphine also binds to opioid receptors with less risk of dependence.
Naltrexone blocks opioid receptors and is used after detox to prevent relapse.

Behavioral Therapies

At Enlightened Solutions, we offer a range of behavioral therapies. These therapies address the psychological component of addiction. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) helps modify a patient’s drug-use expectations and behaviors and effectively manage triggers and stress.

Contingency Management

Another approach is contingency management, which provides incentives for staying drug-free. This motivational strategy has shown promising results in maintaining sobriety.

Support Groups

Joining support groups like Narcotics Anonymous (NA) provides a community of individuals who understand the journey to recovery. Peer support is an invaluable resource during treatment.

Inpatient and Outpatient Programs

Depending on the severity of the addiction, inpatient (residential) treatment or outpatient programs can be tailored to individual needs. Inpatient programs offer a structured environment, whereas outpatient programs allow individuals to maintain specific responsibilities while receiving treatment.

Finding the best treatment option is a significant step toward recovery. While no single treatment is a fit for everyone, a combination of therapy, medication, and community support can pave the road to overcoming fentanyl addiction.

Learn More About Fentanyl Addiction Treatment Near You

Fentanyl’s extreme potency and its widespread illicit production and distribution are central to why it is so dangerous. The opioid crisis, exacerbated by fentanyl, remains a significant public health challenge in the United States. Addressing it requires awareness, education, and accessible treatment options.

At Enlightened Solutions, we have developed an effective and affordable fentanyl addiction treatment program in New Jersey. Contact us today, and one of our experienced staff members will walk you through our simple admissions process. We look forward to speaking with you and helping you begin your personal recovery journey as soon as possible.

The Dangers of Vaping

Written by enlightened solutions on November 27, 2023. Posted in Addiction, Drugs & Alcohol. Leave a Comment

While it’s true that all the medical dangers of vaping aren’t yet fully understood, there’s enough evidence to suggest many reasons not to vape. Despite a lack of comprehensive studies, a significant number of people mistakenly believe that vaping nicotine derived from tobacco is a healthy way to quit smoking. A misconception often fueled by the tobacco industry.

Reasons People Vape

People vape for various reasons, influenced by personal, social, and health-related factors:

As an Alternative to Smoking: Many people turn to vaping as a way to quit or reduce smoking traditional cigarettes.
Social Influence: Peer pressure or social circles where vaping is common influences individuals to start vaping. Especially, among teens and young adults.
Curiosity and Experimentation: Curiosity often drives people, particularly younger individuals, to try vaping. The variety of flavors and the novelty of the devices can be appealing.
Stress and Anxiety Relief: Some people use vaping as a means to cope with mental health issues like stress, anxiety, or depression, similar to how some use cigarettes or other substances like alcohol and drugs.
Recreational Use: The recreational aspect, including the enjoyment of different flavors and the physical act of vaping, appeals to some users.
Control Over Nicotine Intake: Vaping devices allow users to control their nicotine intake, including options with lower nicotine or no nicotine at all.
Avoidance of Smoking Bans: In places where smoking cigarettes is banned, some people might choose to vape instead.
Perceived as Safer: There’s a common perception, though not entirely accurate, that vaping is safer than smoking cigarettes. This perception motivates people to choose vaping over smoking.
Weight Management: Some people use vaping as a tool for weight management, as nicotine can suppress appetite.
Image and Lifestyle: Vaping is sometimes associated with a certain lifestyle or image that people want to be part of, influenced by marketing and social media.

It’s important to note that while vaping might be less harmful than traditional smoking, it is not without health risks. Especially, for non-smokers and young people. The long-term effects of vaping are still being studied. However, there are clear reasons not to vape.

The Misconception of Vaping as a Healthy Alternative

The perception of vaping as “harmless” seems to be known more by today’s teens and tweens than their parents. Initially promoted as a safer alternative to smoking tobacco, the popularity of vaping soared. The absence of carcinogens and tars that are usually found in conventional tobacco products painted vaping in a harmless light. The promise of no secondhand smoke was an additional selling point.

At face value, it appeared quite benign. However, these assumptions were far from accurate. Vaping isn’t just about inhaling harmless water vapor. It’s an aerosol filled with toxic particles, posing a multitude of potential risks. These risks stem from device-specific issues, the composition of the vaporized liquid products, and the potential toxicity of both nicotine and marijuana when inhaled in concentrated forms.

It’s conceivable to consider vaping as a “lesser of evils” compared to traditional cigarette smoking. But, there is a stark reality—there is still so much we do not understand about vaping. Much of our learning curve will come from reports of potential health complications linked to vaping made to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

Understanding the Composition of Vape Aerosols

To truly understand the dangers of vaping, it’s essential to be aware of what users are breathing in. Vaping aerosols, sometimes inappropriately referred to as ‘water vapor’, contain various potentially harmful substances. Despite containing components that are considered safe for cosmetic or food use like glycerol (vegetable glycerin) and propylene glycol (PG), their safety when inhaled long-term remains unknown.

Vaping operates by heating a liquid into an aerosol that is then inhaled into the lungs. This isn’t the harmless water vapor many think it is, but a cocktail of particles including nicotine, flavoring, and other unknown substances. These particles, suspended in air, travel from the mouthpiece of the e-cigarette into the user’s mouth, down the throat, and then into the lungs.

Scientifically published research conducted by Papaefstathiou et al. (2020) assessed the particle size distributions and volatile organic compounds exhaled by e-cigarette users. Their findings further illuminate the reality of vape aerosols and add another point to the dangers of vaping.

A common component of e-cigarettes—the element used to transform the liquid into an aerosol—is often misconceived as being as harmless as ‘water vapor’. Contrarily, it’s a combination of multiple substances, each bringing a risk factor. E-cigarettes or vape pens are powered by batteries. As it powers on, it heats the liquid to create the aerosol.

These vaping products deliver not only nicotine, proven to have not only detrimental health effects and addictive properties but also potentially other addictive substances like THC, the psychoactive component of cannabis, and illicitly, even methamphetamines. Each hit from the device draws these substances into unsuspecting lungs, unveiling the hidden dangers of vaping.

Device-Specific Issues and Potential Dangers

Vaping devices can cause mechanical injuries, burns, or even explosions, due to malfunctioning. Safety standards are set to minimize these risks, but even certified devices are not completely safe, especially when near oxygen sources where they can cause fires. Furthermore, the aerosols that come from vaping contain harmful substances like nicotine, flavoring agents, and unidentified substances, and have been associated with delivering methamphetamines and THC.

Research links vaping to diminished fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO) and increased respiratory impedance, highlighting its potential health dangers. In addition, evidence linking vaping to lipoid pneumonia, a serious health condition, is mounting too. These and many other revelations have begun to erode the perception of vaping as safe. The reasons not to vape are becoming increasingly clear and compelling.

Lung and Organ Damage From Vaping

Vaping, despite commonly being perceived as a safer alternative to smoking, carries a multitude of health risks including organ damage. The chemicals not only damage the lungs but also critical organs such as the heart and brain. Further risks include a severe lung condition known as EVALI (e-cigarette or vaping product use associated lung injury), increased severity in existing respiratory conditions, and a permanent lung scarring condition called “popcorn lung” caused by a chemical named diacetyl.

In addition, the electronic nicotine delivery system (ENDS) present in these devices creates potentially harmful vapors from nicotine, flavorings, and other additives. Many are seemingly unaware of these dangers, drawing parallels to the delayed understanding of the harm cigarettes cause. The addition of these foreign substances, even as vapor, disrupts lung function and can provoke severe health complications.

The Potential for Addiction to Vaping

Vaping, while perceived as less damaging than traditional smoking, still presents significant addiction risks. Many vaping products contain nicotine, an addictive substance that can cause harm to the brain, particularly in teens and young adults. Even though certain products claim to be nicotine-free, they have been found to contain it. Even slight usage of e-cigarettes can lead to addiction.

The Most Compelling Reasons Not to Vape

To summarize, there are numerous reasons not to vape. Especially, for non-smokers, young people, and pregnant women:

Health Risks: Vaping exposes the user to various chemicals, including nicotine, which is addictive and harms adolescent brain development. Other substances in vape juice also pose health risks.
Addiction: Nicotine is highly addictive. Like other substances of addiction, vaping can lead to nicotine addiction. Thereby, making it hard to quit and potentially leading to the use of traditional cigarettes.
Impact on Lung Health: Vaping has been associated with lung problems. The inhalation of certain substances in vape juice, like vitamin E acetate, has been linked to serious lung conditions.
Gateway to Smoking: For non-smokers, especially teenagers and young adults, vaping acts as a gateway to smoking traditional cigarettes. Consequently, reversing decades of progress in tobacco control.
Unknown Long-Term Effects: The long-term effects of vaping are still not fully understood. Vaping is relatively new, and more research is needed to understand long-term health consequences.
Expenses: The cost of purchasing vaping devices and refill cartridges adds up.
Social Influence and Peer Pressure: Young people, in particular, may face peer pressure to vape. Thus, leading to unhealthy habits and lifestyle choices.
Secondhand Exposure: While less harmful than traditional cigarette smoke, the aerosol from e-cigarettes still contains chemicals that may be harmful to bystanders.
Pregnancy Risks: Vaping during pregnancy can be harmful to the fetus. Nicotine exposure during pregnancy affects fetal brain and lung development.
Environmental Impact: The waste from disposable e-cigarettes and cartridges contributes to environmental pollution. Many vaping products are not biodegradable or recyclable.

For these reasons, individuals, especially those who do not currently smoke, are generally advised to avoid starting vaping. Those who do vape should be aware of these risks and consider seeking help to quit.

Begin a Healthier, Happier Lifestyle at Enlightened Solutions

Enlightened Solutions Recovery helps individuals seeking a life liberated from the grasp of harmful substances. Our holistic approach goes beyond abstaining from drugs and alcohol. It’s about nurturing a healthy lifestyle that heals the mind, body, and spirit. We believe that true recovery encompasses physical well-being, mental clarity, and spiritual balance.

veteran in therapy for trauma and addiction

The Connection Between Trauma and Addiction

Written by enlightened solutions on November 10, 2023. Posted in Addiction, Holistic Treatment, Mental Health. Leave a Comment

Addiction often serves as a response to past trauma, whether the individual is aware of it or not. The inability to identify and acknowledge this connection between past hurt and substance abuse can complicate the treatment of the underlying addiction. Ideally, understanding these specific connections between trauma and addiction sheds light on how past stress or abuse influences substance abuse patterns.

Understanding Trauma and Its Impact

Unveiling the hidden association between trauma and addiction offers a fresh perspective on the behaviors and consequences of addiction disorders. It also accentuates the profound impact of adverse childhood experiences and chronic stress on substance abuse. Childhood trauma and stress can follow an individual into adolescence and adulthood, shaping their thoughts, behavior, and reactions.

The consensus among experts is that there’s a strong connection between trauma and addiction, with some suggesting that addiction is almost always a result of underlying trauma or a history of abuse.

What is Trauma?

Trauma refers to any event that’s distressing, disturbing, or significantly upsetting. Defined by the DSM-5-TR, trauma can become an individual’s reality following exposure to actual or threatened death, significant injury, or sexual violence. This exposure can occur directly, as a bystander, or through repeated exposure to traumatic event details.

Types of Traumatic Events

Traumatic events can stem from a multitude of unfavorable experiences. Some common examples include sexual assault, domestic violence, combat, and natural disasters. Impressively, about 90% of individuals seeking help in a behavioral healthcare setting say they were victims of a traumatic event. This means the majority of individuals grappling with mental and emotional health challenges have had their lives drastically altered by trauma.

Trauma can occur as a single event like a car accident or the traumatic loss of a loved one or as a long-term stressor like living in an abusive household. As such, it’s crucial to understand that these experiences can happen to anyone, at any point in life.

How Trauma Affects the Brain

The connection between trauma and addiction stems from how negatively these instances affect individuals’ mental, emotional, and physiological well-being. Trauma triggers feelings of hyperarousal, reactivity, intensely overwhelming emotions, panic, and other mental health conditions that can be challenging to manage without proper support. In a bid to suppress these challenging feelings, individuals often turn to substances, thus creating a vicious cycle.

It’s important also to note that trauma is more than a negative experience. It’s an event or series of circumstances that have lasting effects on individuals’ mental, emotional, physical, social, and spiritual well-being. Specifically, childhood trauma strongly correlates with addiction.

Data shows that lifetime trauma incidence is the best predictor of addiction. This is why treating trauma is highly beneficial for addiction recovery. With this understanding, key interventions can be made to break the deadly cycle of dependence and abuse resulting from unaddressed trauma. This illuminates the need for professionals who specialize in trauma-informed and trauma-focused treatments, capable of addressing the roots of addiction while providing supportive mechanisms for handling trauma-related issues.

In essence, understanding the connection between trauma and addiction is vital. The task then becomes aiding individuals to recognize their emotions, identifying triggers, and developing healthy coping mechanisms. This understanding marks a significant step towards lasting change, and ultimately, recovery.

The Cycle of Trauma and Addiction

Understanding the cycle of trauma and addiction is vital especially when seeking solutions to break this destructive cycle. With an aligned mental health approach—including psychotherapy, professional guidance, and treatment, individuals stand a better chance to regain control of their lives.

Signs of Trauma

There are widespread symptoms associated with trauma, however, these can vary significantly in intensity and nature among individuals. Emotional dysregulation, panic attacks, and struggles with executive functions, are key signs often noted. Furthermore, those who’ve undergone childhood trauma in particular, may experience far-reaching psychological and behavioral aftereffects. Moreover, trauma can impact anyone, regardless of age, gender, or background. Hence, paying attention to these signs is crucial.

Escaping Emotional Pain

Studies suggest that attempts to escape or numb emotional distress often prompt the onset of substance use. To escape the overwhelming feelings associated with trauma, individuals may turn to drugs or alcohol as a means of temporary relief from their mental anguish. Vulnerable groups to these effects include women, adolescents, and individuals from marginalized populations. However, the reality remains that any person can experience childhood trauma and consequently struggle with subsequent addiction.

The Role of Self-Medication

Once faced with the grim reality of trauma and its resulting distress, the act of self-medication is often the default reaction for many. Substance misuse often becomes a coping mechanism. Thereby, temporarily alleviating the emotional pain caused by trauma. The link between trauma and substance use becomes apparent when the substance is used to ward off traumatic triggers or memories. Understanding that self-medication is a common, albeit unhealthy, response to trauma initiates the process of breaking the addiction cycle.

Addiction as a Source of Further Trauma

Dependence brought on by self-medication and addiction can itself prove traumatic, further perpetuating the cycle. Addiction negatively influences relationships and can cause economic strain, leading to additional trauma stimuli. Furthermore, according to Pharmacology Biochemistry & Behavior, “It is estimated that addiction-related costs to society exceed $740 billion annually due to crime, loss of productivity and healthcare.” The repercussions of addiction extend beyond the individual, impacting society broadly.

Are You Experiencing Trauma and Self-Medicating?

Identifying trauma and understanding its connection to substance use is the first stride toward dismantling the traumatic addiction cycle. Recognizing increased substance use following distressing events, or using such substances to cope with trauma-related triggers, could signify a trauma-addiction connection. Seeking professional assistance that specializes in trauma-informed and trauma-focused treatments, coupled with social support and early intervention, can greatly reduce the magnitude of trauma symptoms and ultimately curb substance use issues.

Unraveling the complex link between trauma and addiction requires careful understanding, expert insight, and caring intervention, certainly proving challenging yet not insurmountable.

Stress: The Middleman Between Trauma and Addiction

Scientific evidence strongly links trauma, especially childhood trauma, to addiction. Trauma incidence is the most reliable predictor of addiction, and the correlation between the two is deeply intertwined. Trauma can lead to stress that escalates to addiction and has negative effects on emotional skills, cognitive development, and even the risk of neurodegenerative diseases. The lack of natural chemicals like oxytocin and serotonin can make individuals vulnerable to substance abuse.

Treating trauma with trauma-informed methods is crucial to breaking the cycle. Integrating addiction treatments with stress management strategies could revolutionize perspectives on addiction. Society needs to strive for understanding, compassion, and actionable solutions in dealing with trauma. Recognizing and addressing the connection between trauma and addiction is essential for a future free from addiction’s hold.

How Childhood Trauma Leads to Addiction

Understanding the intricacies of trauma and addiction originates from delving into a key contributing factor: Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs). Specifically, the impact these ACEs have on developing addictive behaviors later in life cannot be overstated.

What are ACEs?

ACEs, or adverse childhood experiences, refer to traumatic events that occur during a person’s early years. These experiences, such as abuse or neglect, can have a significant impact on a person’s mental and physical health. Many people have experienced at least one ACE, and the more ACEs a person has experienced, the more likely they are to face addiction and other health issues.

It is important to address these experiences early and provide mental health support to break the cycle.

Recognizing and Treating Trauma and Addiction

Trauma and addiction are closely related, and it is important to recognize this connection to provide effective treatment for underlying addictions. Trauma often leads to substance abuse as a coping mechanism, with conditions like PTSD and substance abuse commonly occurring together. Integrated treatment approaches that address both disorders concurrently are more effective than separate treatments.

Healing from both disorders requires acknowledging the relationship between the two and seeking professional assistance for trauma-focused treatments. With the right help, lasting recovery is within reach.

Moving Toward Recovery and Resilience

Understanding the profound connection between trauma and addiction sets the stage for lasting recovery. Individuals on this path need an arsenal of tools and resources to help them navigate their journeys. Resilience and empowerment tend to be key elements in overcoming the challenges associated with trauma and substance use.

A Holistic Perspective of Mental and Physical Health: Unresolved Trauma and Addiction

Unresolved trauma often plays a role in addiction, and adopting a trauma-informed perspective can lead to more successful recovery journeys. This perspective recognizes an individual’s strengths and resilience, taking into account the impact of past trauma on substance abuse. Building resilience and fostering positive connections are emphasized, with a focus on repairing relational dynamics.

Family and community support, as well as holistic counseling services, are important components of treatment. Integrating strategies that address both trauma and substance abuse is crucial to breaking the cycle of addiction and intergenerational trauma.

Comprehensive Treatment for Trauma and Addiction at Enlightened Solutions

Trauma can have lasting effects on cognitive development, emotions, stress responses, and mood regulation, leading individuals to turn to substance use as a means of escape. Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) greatly influence addictive behaviors later in life, making early intervention and quality mental health care essential for addressing ACEs and breaking the cycle.

A strength-based, trauma-informed approach that focuses on resilience, empowerment, positive connections, and healthy relationships is necessary for overcoming trauma and substance use.

Contact us at Enlightened Solutions to learn about our comprehensive approach to treating co-occurring mental health and substance use disorders.

A woman struggling with opioid addiction

Opioid Addiction Symptoms, Signs, and Treatment

Written by enlightened solutions on August 4, 2023. Posted in Addiction, Addiction Recovery, Opioid Addiction. Leave a Comment

Opioid addiction is a global health crisis with severe impacts on physical and mental well-being, relationships, work or school performance, and financial stability. Breaking free from its grip often requires professional help. Therefore, understanding the signs of opioid addiction is crucial. Treatment options, including medications and therapies, help individuals recover and lead meaningful lives. A comprehensive aftercare plan with lifestyle modifications is key to maintaining long-term recovery.

What Are Opioids?

Opioids are very potent and extremely addictive drugs that come from opium, which is derived from the poppy plant. Opioids include a variety of drugs. Some are natural, synthetic, legal, illegal, recreational, or medicinal. The Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) classifies prescription opioids as Schedule II controlled substances because they have a medical use but also a high risk of misuse.

Natural opioids have been used to treat nervous disorders, cancers, and other conditions. Most painkillers are opioids and are prescribed to relieve chronic or severe pain. People with opioid use disorder will usually take more than the required dose and obtain more illegally. Synthetic or manmade opioids have similar effects but can be used as an option for opioid addiction treatment.

Any long-term use of opioids increases the risk of addiction, even prescription drugs. Opioid tolerance triggers the vicious cycle of addiction. People take more and more of the substance to reach that pleasurable feeling from the first time using. The continuous increase in use puts a person at a very high risk of overdose.

What drugs are opioids?

Schedule II prescription opioid drugs include:

Oxycodone
Oxymorphone
Hydrocodone
Hydromorphone
Fentanyl
Morphine
Codeine
Methadone
Tramadol
Buprenorphine

Heroin, an illegal synthetic street drug derived from morphine, is also an opioid but a Schedule I controlled substance with no currently accepted medical use in the United States. It is one of the most powerful and dangerous drugs and a person can become addicted after just one use.

Physical Symptoms of Opioid Addiction

Opioid addiction can manifest in physical symptoms, indicating the presence of opioid use disorder. Physical symptoms may vary depending on the specific opioids being used, the dosage, and the individual’s overall health. If someone is struggling with opioid addiction, it’s critical to encourage them to seek professional addiction treatment and support right away.

Some common physical symptoms of opioid addiction include:

Constricted pupils: Opioids cause the pupils to become noticeably smaller than usual.
Drowsiness or nodding off: Individuals addicted to opioids may frequently appear sleepy or drift in and out of consciousness.
Slurred speech: Opioid use can lead to difficulty in articulating words clearly and coherently.
Poor coordination: Opioid addiction affects motor skills and coordination. Thus, leading to unsteady movements.
Weight changes: Some people may experience fluctuations in weight, either gaining or losing, due to opioid addiction.
Itchy or flushed skin: Opioids can cause the skin to become itchy and red.
Nausea and vomiting: Opioid use often causes gastrointestinal problems, leading to nausea and vomiting.
Constipation: Opioids commonly cause constipation, as they slow down body systems.
Respiratory issues: Opioid use depresses the respiratory system, leading to shallow breathing or difficulty breathing.
Needle marks or track marks: Intravenous drug use leaves visible puncture marks on the skin, especially in the arms or other injection sites.

Behavioral Signs of Opioid Addiction

Opioid addiction is recognizable through various behavioral signs and changes in a person’s actions and habits. It’s essential to approach someone showing behavioral signs of opioid addiction with empathy and understanding. Encourage them to seek professional opioid addiction treatment and support for their recovery.

Some common behavioral signs of opioid addiction include:

Obsession with obtaining opioids: An individual thinks about or obsesses over obtaining and using opioids. Which can lead to a preoccupation with drug-seeking behaviors.
Doctor shopping: They may visit multiple doctors or healthcare providers to obtain multiple prescriptions for the drugs.
Neglecting responsibilities: Individuals may neglect important responsibilities at work, school, or home, as obtaining and using drugs becomes a priority.
Social withdrawal: Individuals may withdraw from social interactions and activities they once enjoyed in favor of drug use.
Continued use despite negative consequences: Even when facing adverse effects on health, relationships, finances, or legal problems they continue using the drugs.
Secretive behavior: People addicted to opioids may become secretive about their activities and whereabouts, trying to hide their drug use from others.
Changes in friendships and social circles: The person associates with new groups of people who are also involved in drug use.
Risky behaviors: Opioid addiction can lead to engaging in risky behaviors to obtain drugs, such as stealing or participating in illegal activities.
Increased tolerance: Over time, an individual may require higher doses of opioids to achieve the same effects, leading to increased tolerance.
Withdrawal symptoms: When opioids wear off, individuals may experience withdrawal symptoms like irritability, anxiety, nausea, and muscle pain, driving them to use opioids to relieve these symptoms.
Failed attempts to quit: Someone with opioid addiction may try to quit or cut back on drug use but find it challenging to do so due to withdrawal symptoms and cravings.

Opioid Addiction Treatment

Opioid addiction treatment typically involves a combination of medical interventions, behavioral therapies, and support systems to help individuals recover from opioid use disorder. The main goals of opioid addiction treatment are to reduce cravings, manage withdrawal symptoms, and address the underlying issues contributing to addiction.

Here are some common approaches to opioid addiction treatment:

Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT): MAT combines the use of FDA-approved medications with behavioral therapies. These medications help safely reduce opioid cravings and withdrawal symptoms. Thereby, allowing individuals to focus on their recovery without experiencing intense physical discomfort.
Behavioral Therapies: Various behavioral therapies, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT), are effective in treating opioid addiction. These therapies help individuals recognize and change negative thought patterns and behaviors. While also learning coping skills, and promoting healthier decision-making.
Counseling and Support Groups: Individual and group counseling sessions provide a safe space for individuals to discuss their challenges related to addiction. Additionally, support groups offer a supportive community of peers who understand the struggles of addiction.
Detoxification: Medically supervised detoxification helps manage acute withdrawal symptoms when someone stops using opioids. Medical detox is often the first step in the treatment process.
Dual Diagnosis Treatment: Many individuals also have co-occurring mental health disorders. Dual diagnosis treatment addresses both addiction and mental health disorders simultaneously for more effective outcomes.
Holistic Therapies: Some treatment programs incorporate holistic approaches, such as mindfulness, yoga, art therapy, and meditation, to promote overall well-being during the recovery process.
Aftercare and Continuing Support: After completing a treatment program, individuals benefit from ongoing support to prevent relapse. Aftercare involves outpatient counseling, 12-step meetings, or other support to the individual’s needs.
Family Involvement: Involving family members in the treatment process improves communication and support networks. Therefore, fostering a healthier home environment for the person in recovery.

Find Safe and Effective Opioid Addiction Treatment at Enlightened Solutions

Recovery begins with you. You make the decision to call and ask for help and start a transformational, life-changing journey. The power to heal is yours. Let Enlightened Solutions show you the path of holistic treatment, bringing together the best practices of evidence-based clinical care, proven alternative healing practices, and a trusted 12-step philosophy.

What to Expect from Nutrition-Based Recovery

Written by enlightened solutions on January 23, 2023. Posted in Addiction Recovery.

You’ve probably heard the expression, “You are what you eat.” This is true, to an extent. The foods we put into our bodies have a direct effect on both mental and physical health. Surprisingly, the term “comfort food” doesn’t actually refer to foods that are healthy and balanced. There are many times in life when stress, anxiety, or depression enables us to turn to unhealthy foods. They’re convenient; they’re inexpensive; they also just taste good.

When people think of addiction recovery, chances are they think of the medical side of things. That is certainly a big part of recovery; long-term substance abuse can wreak havoc on the body, which requires extensive medical care. As you move further along in recovery, you can start to focus on building up healthy habits, one of which includes food choices. At Enlightened Solutions, we use holistic methods as part of our treatment for complete mental and physical health. Proper nutrition goes a long way to restoring bodies that have been deprived of nutrients and proper care during years of drinking or drug use.

By learning how to make better nutrition choices, you have a much better chance of retaining a healthy, sober lifestyle. The healthier you are, the better you will feel, both mentally and physically: so much so that you can learn to stop craving toxic substances. Let’s learn more about how integral good nutrition is to addiction recovery, and what to expect from this treatment method at Enlightened Solutions.

What to Expect: Wellness and Nutrition-Based Recovery

No matter what treatment method is right for you, personalized therapy is available. Nutrition and wellness treatment, however, is done in a group setting. This is because the support that is found in a group environment, as everyone works toward one goal, is critical to the recovery process. After all, everyone has to eat, right? Nutrition groups at Enlightened Solutions allow people to share their experiences and build accountability to stay on track with recovery goals. Once these goals are made known to others, the better chance you have to follow through on them.

In nutrition and wellness groups, holistic and healthy living is one of those goals. No matter where our clients are in their recovery, good nutrition is important at every stage. Everyone is learning how to get rid of the toxic substances that have been habitually put into the body and replace bad habits with healthier ones. Healthy food by itself cannot cure the damage done by substance abuse, but it is true that consuming healthy food promotes clearer thinking, increased energy, and improved health in the long run.

Learning Healthy Nutrition Habits at Enlightened Solutions

Enlightened Solutions has an executive chef on-site who uses only the freshest and organic ingredients for meals. Along with our chef is a certified nutritionist who also assists in preparing menus for our residential clients that target parts of the body in need of healing. Those who have dietary restrictions will find their needs catered to as well.

As nice as it is to have a professional chef prepare your meals, eventually, you will return to your regular life, ready to put the skills you learned here into practice. That includes, among other things, learning how to cook. Nutrition and wellness groups will show you how to choose healthy ingredients, pay attention to portions, and engage in creativity when coming up with recipe ideas. You are doing far more than simply preparing meals, but learning important skills as far as impulse control, patience, responsibility, and more. Food also just tastes better when you know everything that goes into it.

As you work toward your recovery goals, you will learn about how each component of your meals interacts with your body. It is far more effective to create healthy meals for yourself outside of treatment when you understand how your body responds to specific foods. Because our treatment plans are customized to the unique needs of our clients, you can learn which specific nutrients your body is lacking and needs more. With time, you can begin to restore an upset balance by making wiser choices about what goes into your body. Every type of treatment offered at Enlightened Solutions has a built-in lesson about mind and body health, nutrition included.

Understanding the Relationship Between Wellness and Nutrition

Your body needs energy to function, and that energy is found in food. But the right kind of food can produce real energy, rather than a quick burst that wears off fast, making you feel more tired than before. That’s the effect you can expect from artificial, processed “fast” foods. The better you feel on the inside through cultivating good nutrition, the better able you will be to redirect and heal a brain affected by addiction. However, good nutrition alone does not lead to comprehensive wellness; regular exercise and good sleep habits are also important. And guess what? Enlightened Solutions can teach you about those, too.

Health and wellness practices at Enlightened Solutions provide the following benefits:

Mindfulness and self-awareness
Community and accountability
Physical strength
Self-control and reduced temptations or cravings
An improved ability to follow instructions, as well as take instructions and suggestions for improvement
A desire to try new things
Learn how to listen to your body
Healthy self-care
An improved immune system
Natural energy that is not dependent on caffeine

There’s so much to re-learn when you decide to start a life of recovery: Every unhealthy habit must be replaced with a healthier one. At Enlightened Solutions, we can help get you started on a new, sober lifestyle. We can teach you not only better nutrition habits but coping mechanisms for life’s problems and much more. Our holistic treatment methods have helped many people successfully quit drinking and doing drugs and go on to live full, sober lives. With encouragement and support from our knowledgeable and compassionate staff and the accountability from group therapy, you, too, can start a new life of recovery. Call us today at (833) 801-LIVE to learn more.

What to Expect in Individual Therapy for Recovery

Written by enlightened solutions on January 14, 2023. Posted in Addiction Recovery.

Individual and group therapy are two of the treatment programs offered at Enlightened Recovery, a facility that helps people overcome the effects of substance addiction. Individual therapy, in particular, is one form of treatment provided to every client that walks through our doors, regardless of the additional services they seek. These sessions consist of working with a trained and licensed mental health professional – one who understands the science and nuances of addiction and the role it plays in your unique life and circumstances.

Together, you and your therapist will develop a “plan of action” to deal with triggers or cravings outside of the treatment center in a healthy way.

Common Topics Addressed in Individual Therapy

There are no official “rules” about what is addressed in therapy, especially when using techniques that are client-driven. However, it is common to see the following issues raised during individual therapy sessions:

Knowledge about the science and psychology of addiction
Recognizing and changing codependent habits
Improving interpersonal relationships
Addressing mental health disorders such as depression, anxiety, or PTSD, and discussing past traumas that may have influenced addiction
Introduction to the 12-Step program

Therapeutic Methods and Models

Individual therapy encompasses a wide range of different techniques and models, depending on whether substance addiction is accompanied by a co-occurring condition, such as depression, anxiety disorder, PTSD, etc.

The following methods and models are used at Enlightened Recovery:

Motivational Interviewing

Motivational interviewing is a therapeutic method that helps people who are perhaps ambivalent or apathetic find the motivation they need to change their lives. Notably, motivational interviewing does recognize that it is incredibly difficult for some people to find the motivation to change long-term negative behaviors, especially if the reason for that lack of motivation is rooted in depression. However, with motivational interviewing, it is possible to overcome this barrier with the right support.

Motivational interviewing is a client-centered approach that helps an individual find the solutions on their own as much as possible, rather than giving unsolicited advice or other “encouragements” that could feel patronizing. The therapist’s role is essentially to come alongside the client to help them see how they can make necessary changes.

Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is highly successful and used by many therapists for a variety of issues, including addiction, depression, anxiety, eating disorders, marital problems, and much more. CBT involves redirecting or reframing negative thoughts or behaviors to see changed behaviors and different results. As such, it is highly adaptable to many different issues or ailments.

CBT is guided by core principles, which include:

The belief that many psychological issues are based, in part, on negative thinking patterns
The belief that many negative circumstances can be changed or avoided by unlearning negative behavior patterns
Negative core beliefs about how the self and the world influence negative behaviors (to change behaviors, these negative beliefs must be reframed)
People who are struggling mentally can learn healthier coping mechanisms to improve their mental and emotional health

Gestalt Therapy

The word “gestalt” is German and doesn’t have a clear English equivalent. However, it is generally used to mean “whole.” The idea behind this therapeutic technique is to consider the whole person: the body, mind, and emotions, not just the addiction itself. This form of therapy helps clients focus on what is happening in their lives at present, emphasizing the here and now, rather than the past. Gestalt therapy strongly emphasizes the belief that people are influenced and shaped by their present environments.

Rogerian Therapy

Rogerian therapy is an approach that allows the client to direct the course of each session. The therapist may have expert knowledge of psychology and addiction, but the client is the expert on their own life and experiences. By verbally processing the problems, it is common for the client to eventually arrive at their own solution with minimal intervention from the therapist at all.

Solution-Focused Techniques

Change is a natural and expected part of getting sober. In many cases, it requires a complete overhaul of one’s lifestyle habits. Solution-focused techniques are necessary to help clients move closer to achieving their recovery goals. These could be learning healthier coping mechanisms in place of drinking or doing drugs in response to stress. It can also include learning how to eat well and exercise regularly, which plays a vital role in overall wellness.

Individual Therapy with Enlightened Recovery

Every client is matched with a therapist who is both qualified and compatible. We understand that the client/therapist relationship depends on building up a rapport, so it’s paramount that clients feel comfortable disclosing their true feelings and experiences in that space. Whatever additional issues a person struggles with that perhaps fueled or enabled substance abuse, we can find someone who is equipped to understand and guide them.

Therapy appointments are recommended at least once a week, depending on the goals outlined in a client’s treatment plan. It’s important for clients to develop a list of goals they want to achieve, both in and out of treatment. A therapist can help each client get started if they struggle to come up with ideas at first.

We believe that having a safe, judgment-free environment is critical for developing the confidence and encouragement needed in order to help clients develop confidence in both themselves and in the future, outside of treatment. No matter how challenging it may seem at first, a healthier life is possible.

Recovering from substance addiction is a hard thing to do on your own. That’s why Enlightened Recovery exists: to help people struggling with the abuse of drugs or alcohol get started on the overwhelming process of recovery. Our staff is uniquely equipped to understand the nuances of both addiction and mental health. We understand how both types of conditions often go together, feeding each other in a destructive cycle. If you’re struggling with addiction and turn to substances as a form of self-medicating for such things as depression or PTSD, we are here to help. Please reach out to us today at (833) 801-LIVE to learn more about how individual therapy and our other treatment programs can help you.

Can I Be Too Confident in Recovery?

Written by enlightened solutions on December 5, 2022. Posted in Holistic Treatment.

Building confidence in recovery is key to your long-term success. Recovery is a process of change. Not only are you abstaining from drugs or alcohol, but you are making adjustments to many parts of your life. As you build new habits, confidence gives you the courage to continue forward and try new things. Feeling confident can be wonderful; however, too much confidence can be problematic.

What Does It Look Like to Be Confident in Recovery?

Being confident in recovery will look different for each individual, but it is often a feeling of self-assuredness in your ability to remain sober. In recovery, this often looks like taking each step forward with conviction and belief. Commonly this means trying new things, making adjustments, or reaching out for help when needed.

So, if a person appears to be confident, they must feel confident, right? Not exactly. While a person may look self-assured on the outside, it does not always feel like that on the inside. In recovery, you will need to make many changes that often feel uncomfortable. This can range from long-needed conversations with family to addressing very painful traumas. Confidence in recovery can feel different for each person, and it is normal to have times when you aren’t sure. There are steps you can take when and if you feel like you lack confidence during your recovery journey. Reaching out to a trusted facility, mental health care professionals, or a peer group can help you rediscover your self-confidence.

Value of Being Confident in Recovery

Feeling confident requires self-esteem. Self-esteem is the understanding of oneself, their ability to succeed, and their value. At Enlightened Solutions, we believe in treating the entire person. This includes helping clients to overcome low self-esteem. As clients improve their self-esteem, they start believing in their ability to change and live sober lives.

Research published in 2011 shows us the value of self-esteem in addiction recovery. Researchers have found that those involved with addiction have lower self-esteem and that improving confidence helped individuals to decrease their tendency toward addiction. Being confident is essential in recovery. It allows you to be assertive and take the steps you need to take as you make changes in your life.

Overconfidence: The Pink Cloud Effect

While it is essential to build confidence, there is such a thing as too much confidence in recovery. This is known as the “pink cloud effect” or the “pink cloud phase” in recovery. It is the feeling like you have conquered addiction. Associated with the pink cloud effect is the belief that you are “cured” of addiction – without any more work to do. Signs of the pink cloud include the following:

Overly energetic
Euphoric
Assuming there will be no addiction-related issues in the future
Wildly optimistic look on your recovery
Unconcerned about relapse

Dangers of Overconfidence

The pink cloud effect in recovery may feel great, but it has many downsides. Research has shown that overconfident people underestimate their addiction and their self-control. This distorted view of self and ability can lead you to believe that you no longer need to maintain the changes which you have made to stay sober.

However, the lifestyle changes and support networks you built are important to maintaining sobriety. Due to these changes, being overconfident can lead to complementary behaviors, which, in turn, often lead to relapse. It is essential to recognize the pink cloud in recovery and reach out for help as needed.

Owning Your Recovery

While it is a delicate balance, you can find ways to feel confident without becoming overconfident. Recovery is a long journey, and there will be many ups and downs. Enjoying feeling confident is okay. However, remember that your feelings of confidence may change over time. The pink cloud can pass quickly and leave you feeling discouraged.

Having a plan for support, regardless of your confidence, is one way to strike a balance. This means setting up a schedule and routine that provides a structure for you and helps you succeed in recovery. Remember that it’s your recovery; finding what works for you is the most important thing.

Another way to own your recovery and avoid overconfidence is to practice honesty. While it is easy to say, being honest and aware of yourself is challenging and a skill that takes practice. In treatment and beyond, you can practice this skill by taking time to reflect. Sharing your feelings and getting feedback can also help get an outside perspective of your actions.

You can gain knowledge of yourself through peer support groups or working with a mental health professional. They can help you to feel confident in your ability to succeed and help to keep you level-headed. Understand that recovery is a journey that you will continue to grow through. However, you are capable of making the changes you want to make.

Being confident when coming out of treatment is vital to recovery success. It helps you to know that you can make the changes that you need to make as you adjust to a sober life. However, there is such a thing as overconfidence in recovery. The pink cloud of recovery is named for its feelings of elation, as if addiction can not ever touch you again. At Enlightened Solutions, we help our clients learn skills in order to be successful in recovery after they leave treatment. Clients learn awareness, self-care skills, and improved communication methods. We believe that every client deserves care that meets their individual needs. To learn more, call us at (833) 801-LIVE today.

How an Alumni Program Helps You Cope With the Challenges of Recovery

Written by enlightened solutions on December 5, 2022. Posted in Recovery.

Substance abuse addiction is a condition that thrives in secrecy. The first crucial step toward recovery is letting other people know about your struggle, which involves reaching out for help. For many people, this is the hardest step. It’s not always easy, but when the right people know and can help, the recovery process becomes less daunting. The temporary embarrassment that may come with asking for help pales in comparison to the support of mentors and other alumni in the recovery journey.

Communal support in recovery is so vital that alumni programs for sobriety have sprung up around the country. If you’ve ever wondered how other people achieved sobriety and wanted to get their advice, this is the place to learn from them. They not only offer the encouragement to keep going when it’s hard but can also help you find healthier coping mechanisms for life’s challenges.

What Addiction Alumni Programs Do

Alumni programs are made up of people who have overcome their addiction struggles and wish to give back by helping others do the same thing. While people who are struggling may have friends and family who want to help, there’s something unique about people who know firsthand what addiction is really like. They know just what you’re going through and are well-equipped to offer advice during this time of healing. They can answer some of your most challenging questions and serve as a source of inspiration when you feel like you’re stuck in a rut.

Alumni members aren’t superhuman or extraordinary; they got well with the help of others, too. And if they can do it, so can you.

The Benefits of Participating in Alumni Programs

Here are a few of the specific ways that alumni programs can help your recovery process:

Provides Access to Valuable Resources

When life falls apart because of addiction, it’s hard to know where to start rebuilding. You may need new housing, a job, and treatment but don’t know where or how to get it. Alumni programs have knowledge and access to these resources for people who are ready to get their lives back on track. These resources can include safe housing, job training programs, 12-Step programs, and more.

Fosters a Supportive Environment

The support and encouragement found in an alumni program aren’t just to make you feel good (although that is a benefit). That support can help carry you through the hard times when your own strength doesn’t feel like enough. Anyone who has experienced addiction knows how hard recovery is. The desire to get better is often at odds with the brain’s desire to use substances; that’s exactly what prolonged drug use has trained it to do.

No matter where you are in your journey, an alumni program contains someone who has been exactly where you are. They can tell you what worked for them and what didn’t. They can remind you that the hard times don’t last forever and the struggle for sobriety is always worth it.

Builds a Bridge From Rehab Back to Daily Life

Completing a treatment program and being released back into the “real world” can be disorienting. The tools for staying sober acquired in a rehab facility may be hard to use when no longer in that safe, secure environment. Alumni programs serve as a bridge from rehab back into daily life, so you don’t have to feel like you’re being tossed into the deep end of the pool and expected to remember how to swim. Alumni programs can connect you with transitional living options, such as sober living homes, which can provide a provisional step between treatment and the daily grind.

Offers Help for Coping With Recovery Challenges

The temptation to relapse is expected in recovery; it doesn’t make you a failure. While treatment programs address the physical repercussions of substance abuse, alumni programs can help provide tools for coping with the emotional side effects. In the past, you may have gotten drunk or high to escape depression or trauma.

While not necessarily composed of therapists, alumni programs can help you develop healthier strategies for dealing with difficult emotions or circumstances. Some tools may include calling a sponsor when you’re struggling or having someone you check in with weekly to establish accountability.

Alumni Support Has a Proven Success Rate

There are physical and emotional components to addiction recovery. The physical treatment may be more immediate, but treating the body doesn’t necessarily treat the addicted mind. Many people who drop out of treatment programs report that they would have been more inclined to complete it if only they had more assistance and support. Alumni programs should not be overlooked as merely “social clubs” but as vital tools for recovery.

Alumni Support Pairs Well With 12-Step Programs

Many people achieve sobriety with the help of 12-Step programs in their communities. Alumni programs have similarly structured meetings with built-in support and encouragement from other participants. They can be led by clinical professionals or therapists and may include workshops or organized talks from other alumni. They can also be more laid back and casual, allowing members to share their struggles and triumphs. However they are structured, one thing remains true: Alumni programs work to help people get and stay sober.

Recovery is challenging, but you don’t have to go it alone. At Enlightened Solutions, we implement only the highest standards of both medical and emotional care, utilizing holistic and evidence-based methods that include balanced nutrition, music and art therapy, and individualized care. We recognize that every person who walks through our doors has unique needs. While we prioritize social and psychological needs, we recognize that not every client needs all those things in exactly the same way. No matter what treatment methods are used, we recognize that a supportive community is vital to recovery. That is why we connect our clients with ongoing alumni support. To learn more about our recovery programs, call us at (833) 801-LIVE.

How Do I Avoid Feeling Isolated in Recovery?

Written by enlightened solutions on November 19, 2022. Posted in Addiction Recovery.

Addiction can be isolating. You often lose friends, create distance between yourself and family members, and tend to lose interest in the things that used to bring you joy and fulfillment. You become so focused on seeking and using substances that everything and everyone else often becomes secondary.

Recovery can also be isolating. You might think that once you give up using drugs and alcohol, things will fall back into place. Unfortunately, it is not usually that easy. If you have lost friends and burned a few bridges with family members or loved ones, it might take some time to rebuild these relationships.

While addiction and recovery can lead to loneliness, there are a few ways you can reconnect and get engaged with others and in a community of peers.

Meetings and Groups

Typically, attending 12-Step meetings or therapy groups is a requirement as part of your treatment program. This allows you to build bonds and receive support from others who can relate and are going through the same thing.

It is important to continue attending meetings and groups even after completing your treatment program. You will continue to build stronger relationships with others who are also working to stay sober.

Attending therapy groups and meetings also helps you establish accountability. Having accountability in treatment and recovery is crucial. You will have good days and bad days. Having support on the days when you aren’t feeling your best can make all the difference. Group members can give you that support.

Community Involvement

Getting involved and serving your community is a great way to combat isolation during recovery. At Enlightened Solutions, we work to stay very connected with the community. We show clients how they can give back and the value in doing so. Through our various programs and events, we help facilitate positive connections between those in treatment and community members.

Staying busy and filling your days with healthy and positive activities is critical in treatment and recovery. Scheduling some time to volunteer or serve your community can be very beneficial to you and others. Sometimes, the people you meet while completing acts of service can lead to future opportunities for employment or spark new friendships.

Social Gatherings

With the holidays approaching, feelings of isolation can really escalate. If you are struggling with addiction or are new to recovery, you might be hesitant to participate in some of the festivities. While this is understandable, and it is wise to be considerate of the environment, there are some strategies for socializing safely while in recovery.

It is important to set appropriate boundaries when it comes to attending parties or gatherings that you suspect could involve things or people who might be triggering. A few good examples are planning to leave early or bringing an accountability partner with you.

Building Bonds in Treatment

At Enlightened Solutions, we recognize the importance of feeling like you belong and have a community of support. Many of our activities take place in a group setting. This is intentional as it offers opportunities for clients to socialize, bond, and support one another.

Wellness Groups

Our wellness and nutrition groups allow individuals to learn new skills and share experiences in a group setting. We find that people learn better in groups when they work together to accomplish a common goal. We teach cooking skills and offer classes on nutrition and the benefit of organic eating, exercise classes and activities, and more.

Allowing clients the opportunity to explore and learn new things among others who are going through similar struggles creates a sense of camaraderie and establishes a natural support system. This support system often extends beyond treatment and into recovery.

Alumni Program

Our Alumni Program offers an opportunity for those who have completed treatment to remain involved and give back to others who are following in their footsteps. This provides a sense of purpose and extends that sense of belonging first discovered in treatment.

We host regular events and activities that focus on fun and encourage friendship. Feeling isolated and alone at times can be common in recovery. Our programs help eliminate these feelings by offering a welcoming and warm environment for clients to heal and connect with other like-minded individuals.

Staying on track during treatment and recovery isn’t always easy. It is important to create a healthy balance between social time and alone time. Being alone sometimes is okay as long as you have plenty of interaction with others who can support you and have your best interest in mind.

By following the tips listed above, you can avoid feeling isolated and alone during recovery. Staying involved in your treatment program and connecting with others through social engagement and community involvement can give you the sense of belonging we all crave.

Feeling isolated can come with substance abuse as well as addiction recovery. In the throes of addiction, it can become a habit to avoid and push people away. In recovery, it can be hard for others to relate, and setting healthy boundaries can sometimes lead to more time spent alone. By staying engaged and active in your program even after completing treatment, you can continue to build bonds with others who can empathize with you. Enlightened Solutions provides many opportunities for clients to make friends, connect with their community, and develop a strong support system. To learn more about our programs and services and how we can help, call us today at (833) 801-LIVE.

How Can Forgiveness Help Me Heal?

Written by enlightened solutions on November 16, 2022. Posted in Addiction Recovery.

Forgiveness can be difficult. We often put off forgiving others by holding a grudge or clinging to feelings of resentment. However, forgiveness can offer a genuine sense of peace. Sometimes, holding on to feelings of anger, bitterness, shame, or guilt can prevent a person from healing.

If you are struggling with addiction to drugs or alcohol, chances are good that you may be feeling some or all of these feelings. Substance abuse creates tension in relationships and can cause you to behave and respond in ways that may be hurtful to others. You might say things you don’t mean. Your priorities might shift, leaving loved ones questioning your loyalty and care for them and yourself.

Behaving in ways that are out of character can leave you feeling regretful and ashamed. Substances can lead you to do and say things that you usually would not. Addiction strips you of your control, resulting in loss, hurt, and more.

Forgiveness is something that you may need to offer to yourself. It’s also something you may need to receive from others. For everyone involved to heal and take steps to move forward, mutual forgiveness must occur.

Forgiving Yourself

As mentioned, addiction almost always comes with feelings of shame and guilt. Often, these feelings can be so strong that they cause a delay in seeking treatment. You may feel disappointed in yourself for allowing things to get this far.

Forgiving yourself and offering a little grace can help you overcome your feelings of guilt and move forward with seeking help. The first step is often accepting responsibility. Acknowledging your mistakes and the decisions that may have led to your addiction is essential.

Assigning blame is something that can be very common among those struggling with substance use disorder (SUD). However, when it comes to forgiving yourself and others, blaming is not helpful. Making excuses can also be very common. You might have been making excuses for yourself or a loved one may have been making them for you.

By assuming responsibility and owning up to your missteps, you can learn from them and work to develop strategies for avoiding making the same mistakes again. This is critical when it comes to staying on track and avoiding relapse.

Receiving Forgiveness

While you may not be in control of this piece, you can help support your loved ones and encourage their forgiveness. Addiction really is a family disease, meaning it has a significant impact on those who love you.

One of the best ways to promote healing and receive forgiveness from loved ones is by getting them involved in the treatment and recovery process along with you. Sometimes, this can take a little convincing. Other times, family members may be open and willing to participate. Often, a lack of understanding can lead to a lack of empathy. This serves as a barrier to healing and moving forward.

Family Program

Enlightened Solutions offers a family program that provides support for those who have loved ones going through treatment. Getting loved ones involved in the treatment process allows them to feel included and offers the opportunity to establish understanding and find some common ground.

We begin by providing information about addiction, as many family members may be unfamiliar with the experience and how powerful it can be. Our family program offers opportunities for loved ones to receive support, advice, and encouragement from other family members who are going through something similar. Creating this sense of community among families can be very comforting and even empowering.

Forgiveness and Healing

Forgiveness is essential when it comes to healing yourself and creating an opportunity for your loved ones to heal. Holding a grudge regarding behavior, choices, or actions that took place as a result of addiction can be common. Substance abuse often leads to lying, risk-taking, avoidance, and other things that can be tough to forgive and overcome.

While some of these things may be hard to forgive, it can be more burdensome to hold onto them and allow resentment to build. Forgiveness can be freeing, both for the forgiver and the one being forgiven. Many times, tough conversations have to be had in order for forgiveness to occur.

Therapists can help you and your loved ones navigate tough conversations. They can also help you learn to process your feelings of shame or regret and work toward forgiving and loving yourself again. Moving forward requires work. Learning to forgive others, forgiving yourself, and being open to forgiveness from others are important pieces of the puzzle.

Recovering from SUD takes time and cannot be done overnight. Taking small steps each day toward forgiveness will instill hope and motivation for moving forward in recovery.

Forgiveness is an important component of addiction recovery. It is critical to forgive yourself for your past mistakes and the things you may have done or said while under the stronghold of addiction. Receiving forgiveness from your loved ones is also essential. By giving and receiving forgiveness, you can mend relationships with yourself and those you care about. This allows you to move forward and find hope in starting fresh in recovery. At Enlightened Solutions, we work to help clients rebuild relationships with their inner selves and loved ones. Our family program creates an opportunity for loved ones to get in involved in the treatment process and begin healing too. To learn more, call Enlightened Solutions today at (833) 801-LIVE.

Tag: Recovery