600 South Odessa Ave Egg Harbor City, NJ 08215
Follow Us:

Tag: Substance Abuse

Why AA Celebrates Milestones

An addict’s first Alcoholics Anonymous meeting will be a very welcoming experience. Members of AA would describe it as a miracle. There are twenty-four-hour tokens given to its newcomers in their first 30 days of sobriety. Some members would describe this time as the most difficult. It’s important to give alcoholics in early recovery a positive first impression so that they keep coming back. It’s crucial that newcomers hear the experience, strength, and hope of those who came before them. It’s also important for the older members to see and hear what it would be like to drink again. The stories that are told by newcomers are reminders that while in the disease, it’s ugly and dark. Although life will never be perfect, newcomers can see there’s another way. Those working the 12 steps, can be proof for those skeptical that the program really works.

Newcomers are told they never have to drink again. Simple slogans such as one day at a time, easy does it, and keep it simple, are there as guides to stay present and grateful during such a challenging time. Members of AA can choose to count their days sober and that’s what gives them the chance to celebrate milestones. Each group has a set of different guidelines for the distribution of tokens, but on average groups will celebrate thirty days, sixty days, ninety days, six months, nine months, one year and thereafter. This gives alcoholics a sense of accomplishment and motivation. Some groups will ask that they tell the others how they did it but never pressure anyone to do anything that may feel uncomfortable. The point is to show newcomers that sobriety is possible, while in early recovery, it’s easy to feel hopeless.

Having milestones also gives the alcoholic something to look forward to. It’s not recommended to think about the future as much as it is to be given the chance to live sober. When others tell to the group how they did what seemed impossible, the explanation serves as a guide to give the newcomer tools to move forward. The 12-steps should always be suggested in order to achieve the gifts sobriety has to offer. No one has to do anything they don’t want. Sobriety the AA way only proposes suggestions. However, if the newcomer wants to receive the promises of Alcoholics Anonymous, there are a few things they must do and maintain. The program’s members lead by example. A sponsor is suggested to take newcomers through the steps as a way to stay sober themselves. It’s a beautiful cycle of alcoholics helping other alcoholics and that is a big deal worth celebrating. Now, let them eat cake!

Enlightened Solutions believes that a 12-step program will help maintain sobriety when re entering life after treatment. It’s crucial that the addict keep working on their recovery and we offer guidance into AA in our partial program treatment facility. Call 833-801-5483 today for information on our partial care programs in New Jersey.

Healthy Relationships

Before an addict enters treatment there are many aspects of life are lacking. When abusing substances it is hard to main healthy relationships with friends and family. Depending on how functioning the addict was, the range of seclusion varied from those who had only good intent. Some were able to hide their addiction well, while others fell into a life of isolation only allowing others who were enabling their usage. Addicts in the disease push out everyone in their life who might get in their way of getting high. It may get to the point where the addict only communicates with other addicts and/or drug dealers. It’s an extremely lonely feeling for the addict and it becomes easy to slip into the victim role. Until the addict decides to accept recovery, more loved ones tend to slip away.

Upon entering treatment the addict is suggested to cut off contact with others who are still using. It’s time to move forward and never look back. When the addict regains their healthy state of mind, they will find that they will attract others who live healthy lifestyles. The addict who learns how to set boundaries with friends and family will find a new confidence within. There are those who are “people pleasers” and those who are more controlling but both need to know the balance between the two. Boundaries help the addict feel safe and secure in any relationship. Although it’s recommended not to get in a relationship the first year of sobriety, when the addict it ready, this applies to romantic relationships as well. The concept that “two sicks, don’t make a well” can offer a simple explanation. If a relationship doesn’t serve the addict, it’s okay to move on. No one is forcing a relationship on anyone and although it may be painful, it’s apart of life that will need to be handled properly. It may be uncomfortable but that’s part of the transformation.

The addict becomes aware again of the importance of the intuition. In early recovery, it’s essential to listen to the treatment staff or others who support the addict’s recovery. After some time of sobriety, the addict will be able to feel in their gut or intuition who they should surround themselves. Boundaries can difficult to set and it takes practice. It’s suggested the addict attend support groups which will be a learning experience in boundaries setting right off the bat. Following the recommendations of others who manage well in sobriety, can give the addict an example to follow. Once the addict establishes relationships in life, there will be less of a need to numb the resentful communications with others. The law of attraction will come into play, and the addict will be able to let go of the painful past a little more each day.

If you are struggling with addiction, Enlightened Solutions offers group therapy geared towards maintaining healthy relationships while boundaries. With our holistic, clinical, and 12-step approach, an addicted loved one can learn how to respect themselves and others. Come to New Jersey and begin your path to recovery today: 833-801-5483.

Differentiating Bipolar I & II

As of lately the diagnosis of bipolar has been thrown around casually without much knowledge about the topic. That is why it is crucial to find out what is really going on; if there really is any behavior that shows signs of the bipolar diagnosis, or if it’s something else. Being in a treatment facility can be extremely beneficial in being diagnosed. There are three stages to withdrawal; mild, moderate and severe. After the detoxification period is over, a licensed psychiatrist will be able to diagnose based on behavior, without substances clouding the mind. There are two forms of bipolar disorder. Bipolar I will have episodes of manic behavior, while bipolar II is more calm with hypomania. This may seem like only a slight difference at first, but it is very obvious in the bigger spectrum. Those with bipolar I can also have symptoms of bipolar II, but those with bipolar II do not have symptoms of bipolar I.

Those of who have Bipolar I will have very erratic behavior lasting for longer periods of time. This behavior is more bizarre, out of control, and impulsive. While being diagnosed, a psychiatrist will look at the patient’s history regarding mania and depression. There is a criterion that must be met, in order to put this diagnosis on any medical record. Since this form of bipolar is more extreme, a prescribed mood stabilizer will help with symptoms. While on mood stabilizers there can be no substance abuse in any form. Medication and therapy combined should allow for an enormous shift in the patient’s behavior. However, this is a lifelong diagnosis that will have to be taken very seriously. Often times when a patient start to feel better, they go off of the medication, which leads to a downward spiral once again.

Bipolar II is classified as being milder, but not any less of a concern for psychiatrists treating a patient who shows these symptoms. However, this behavior doesn’t interfere with daily life as much as bipolar I. Those with bipolar II disorder, have been linked to poorer health-related issues, and higher depressed day count. Patients with bipolar II are also less likely to be able to return to normal lives as those with bipolar I. Both bipolar I and II have stages of euthymia, which means a normal state of mind. There is no way to tell how long these will last for or when they might occur. Much like the disease of alcoholism, no two bipolar diagnoses are exactly the same. Each person will have their own symptoms and story. As long as the patient is willing to accept this diagnosis, life will keep having preventable, unnecessary ups and downs.

If you are struggling with a mental illness and/or addiction, Enlightened Solutions offers dual-diagnosis treatment with licensed professionals. Our holistic, clinical and 12 step approach is designed to help patients prosper in the road to recovery. For more information call today: 833-801-5483.

Superfoods In Early Recovery

While in early recovery the body is enabled a return to a healthy state. Depending on which substance the addict was abusing. Researchers at the University of Colorado Boulder have done a study about the way the brain’s immune system and inflammation should be targeted alongside brain chemicals in early recovery. Microglia in the brain’s immune system that defends against infection of toxic waste. When the microglia is in action, inflammatory signals are released. The pro-inflammatory substances that activate microglia include alcohol and most drug such as alcohol, narcotics, methamphetamines, and cocaine. This response coordinates with addiction and this is why it’s important to take this into consideration in while recovering.

The first step would be to eliminate inflammatory triggers. These come in forms of gluten, most grains, dairy and all foods with added sugar. Instead, the addict can incorporate quinoa, buckwheat, millet, and amaranth. If there is a need for something sweet, reach for citrus fruits or use stevia. The herb turmeric has also been proven to act like cortisol, in that reduces inflammation and naturally increases anti-inflammatory compounds. Introducing probiotic foods will contain beneficial microbes as well. These microbes work with the immune system, cleansing toxic waste and reducing inflammation. The supplements, Vitality SuperGreen, Super Spirulina Plus, and InnergyBiotic each aid in increasing probiotics. Coconut Water Kefir and homemade cultured vegetables also make the list.  

Protecting the liver is the goal here, people. It is a well-known fact that alcohol, drugs and other bad habits will negatively affect the liver. Substance abuse will do a number of detrimental harms to the processing and the functions of vital body organs, but the liver is where most addicts get into trouble. Another recommended supplement is, Livamend is a formulated blend to aid in this process of eliminating toxic waste. There’s no way of getting around the fact that while abusing substances, the body as a whole becomes weakened in one way or another.  Restoring the body back to health will be a work in progress and there will have to be an acknowledgment of the damage done. Depending on how badly the body had been depleted, it will take to recover. Removing substances, why not attempt to reach the healthiest, brightest light at the end of the tunnel? For an addict in early recovery, there’s no better time.

If you are looking for help with addiction and a new healthy lifestyle, Enlightened Solutions will teach methods of sustaining a grounded, full life ahead. We offer a safe detoxification process, the gives the addict a clear mind to find their transformation. Call 833-801-5483 today for information on our partial care programs in New Jersey.

Letting Go of Materialism

In society today, we have access to a massive amount of material goods. Materialism has taken a large space in the lives of people almost everywhere in the world. One could say though, that the more accumulated, the more miserable the person. When people with addiction problems find shopping to be an easy escape, it’s because there’s a need to fill an empty void that lingers subconsciously. When an addict feels the compulsion to buy things, an underlying uncomfortable feeling has been triggered. Shopping addiction is a real psychiatric disorder going back to the early nineteenth century. There are consequences of these purchases and even though shopping addicts know better, it happens anyway. Similarly to alcoholism, the addict had already relapsed in their mind before it had actually taken place.

Impulsively spending money on unnecessary objects has been proven to only provide happiness for a small period of time. The addict will many times find themselves in tight spots when it could have been prevented. Credit card debt piles up and soon enough, shopping addicts resort to filing for bankruptcy. This madness can be contained by simply feeling the pain and difficulty that life has to offer. The idea that pain is bad, leads people to avoid it at any cost. In actuality, those who handle their pain by understanding and processing through will find that they are free to live without obsessing about something shiny and new. Being courageous to walk through the pain will always have its benefits in the long term. It’s not easy, but neither is dealing with creditors.

Being in denial about spending too much money on material objects is how things can get out of control, fast. Acceptance is always the first step in the right direction. Once the healing has begun, the addict will be able to see what they had been missing for so long. A gratitude list is always suggested to get a grasp on reality. Decluttering the addicts like will be an eye-opening experience. Purging unwanted stuff, and still feeling happy is a true transformation of a shopping addict. It can be easy to swap one addiction for another, which is why this is common in early sobriety. To continue down a spiritual path will always result in appreciation created by God, and not sweat shops with children working for low wages.

If you are looking to simplify your life and become less stressed, Enlightened Solutions is for you. Our partial program will allow for a spiritual transformation into enlightenment. Call 833-801-5483 today for information on our partial care programs in New Jersey.

Art Therapy to Help Express Feelings

Treatment centers all over the world use art therapy in treatment centers geared towards addiction. Patients who come into treatment, sometimes feel this kind of therapy isn’t going to work for them. This can be partially due to their control issues. Those who are used to serious work environments, find this to be a humbling experience. Let’s be real, who really has time for this when there are other most important matters at hand? That’s the kind of thinking that can become overwhelming and lead to constant anxiety. This is the patient that should be encouraged to needs to slow down and ground themselves. Recovering patient must stay open-minded throughout the process in order to receive the benefits. It’s only a small portion of a lifespan, and the alcoholic should be encouraged to take it all in, for a second chance at life.

Each patient expresses themselves differently. Sometimes the alcoholic is defiant against art therapy but gains most out of it. It can be a very enlightening for alcoholics or it can be felt like a waste of time. Either way, the story of the addict, is often that they had never really fit in with others. Those who have a hard time talking about feelings can use art to relate the message through art therapy. Some patients will even have break-throughs. Seeing the visual outcome of each project gives insight into what is going on, what isn’t being said in ordinary therapy sessions. Patients who struggle with perfectionism should not focus as much on the presentation, as what the process felt like while creating the piece. The therapist is trained to help read what the patient is trying to let out, whether they’re trying to or not.

While working on the various art projects assigned, the mind of the alcoholic will be less likely to obsess on other topics that don’t serve them anymore. It’s a learned process to change the way the mind thinks. Each day patients working on trauma will be able to use art therapy as a meditative technique. Clearing the mind is powerful to encourage the feelings that had been stuffed down for years, come to the surface. Treatment facilities such as Enlightened Solutions, offer a safe environment to freely express feelings and emotions.This is when the healing can begin.

If you are looking to transform your life and begin to heal, Enlightened Solution’s therapist give patients the ability to express feelings in different ways. The solution is here in New Jersey for real growth in our holistic, dual diagnosis program. For more questions call 833-801-5483.

Letting Go of Controlling Behavior

Manipulative behavior is common amongst addicts still trying to control everyone around.  This normally means that the addict is not spiritually fit with the soul. When the addict becomes aware of this, there is a better chance at holding a strong connection with God. When the addict lacks a connection, it’s not uncommon for he/she to try and take control over most, if not all situations in life. There is a large spectrum where an addicts might fall, which is why this can seem like a bit of a generalization of this group. Unfortunately, the more an addict tries to manage an out of control lifestyle, the less likely they are to succeed in sobriety. There must be acceptance of the unmanageability created by addictive substances. As you would imagine, it not as easy as it sounds, and it takes time.

Having boundaries put in place helps with communication and comfortability in all areas of life. For example, when a family member will not listen to direction given by parents or siblings, perhaps it’s time to stop with the unsolicited advice. It’s not someone else’s job to manage another person’s affairs. Another example, many people do not want to talk about finances, and that’s their right that should be respected with a boundary. People in relationships find themselves micromanaging their significant other’s life, and this is not healthy behavior. Each person deserves the right to make their own decisions. Letting go of control for an addict takes time and practice. Admitting defeat to the disease is the first step.

Once the fog begins to clear after detoxing, other issues or character defects will arise. The addict must start looking at resentments differently. Our treatment center will make recommendations and if an addict is truly willing to do what it takes to stay sober, they will follow suit. This isn’t to say that all addicts have to do every single thing suggested or else they will fail, but it’s more of a probability that the addict builds the strong foundation needed to protect their sobriety. Learning how to let things go, will give the alcoholic a new freedom. Giving over all power to a higher power is relieving and comforting. No matter what anyone says, life is going to happen how it’s supposed to happen. It’s God’s world, and we’re just living in it.

Learning about boundaries is a tool Enlightened Solutions will cover in our partial treatment program for addiction and co-occurring disorders. We encourage placing healthy boundaries for healthy relationships and self-care. For more information, please call: 833-801-5483.

Self-Love is the Solution

Self-love is the solution true happiness. There are many ways one can express themselves through self-love.  Self-love is expressed in a variety of ways that each have their own special impact on how life can be interpreted. The act of being mindful of one’s surroundings places an appreciation for what is really going on around with the body and soul. Addicts struggle with this while in the disease and that’s a realization discovered once all substances exit the body. Listening to the body is will encourage the addict to take proper care of its vital needs. This includes nourishing the body with essential nutrients. Getting enough exercise keeps the body moving throughout the years. Stimulating the mind by activities such reading will keep it functioning like a well-oiled machine.

The concept of self-love is both selfish and selfless. Genuinely caring about other’s needs and having compassion, is regarded to be a factor of staying sane. It is not ideal to be selfish in a way that is narcissistic. For example, being of service will actually help with self-esteem. On the inside, an average person’s heart will feel full. While in the disease of addiction, the addict has let his/her mind take over control. The mind’s powerful voice disregards others, for its own selfish needs. This turns out to be miserable because the addict’s mind can never reach satisfaction. In our world today having compassion for others serves the addict in a ways that keeps sobriety intact. Therefore, learning about how to help out the surrounding community is an act of self-love in itself.

Projecting negative thoughts onto oneself is never a good idea. Addicts in the disease have the tendency to have depressing thoughts while lacking hope for the future. After the addict has safely quit drinking or using, there must be some kind of change in thought pattern. Degrading or putting oneself down, can lead to a sad, lonely life. God did not put us on earth to fail. Addicts should take sobriety and run with it in all directions. The addict should begin to say nice words about themselves such as affirmations or prayers. Manifesting wonderful futures as well as praying for the good of others is self-love that most find it hard to see while in and out of the disease. It’s okay to start small with a gratitude list, some volunteer work, or starting to rid the body of all toxins. Self-love is crucial to living life to the fullest, All recovering addicts must embrace this sooner than later. Share the love!

Enlightened Solutions encourages patients to practice self-love in all areas of life. Our wellness and nutrition groups enhance patient’s life skills in always staying in the solution. Call 833-801-5483 today for information on our partial care programs in New Jersey.

Ways to Stay Grounded

In today’s fast-paced world, we aren’t allowed to take our sweet time. There are coffee shops on every corner and the conception that the more productivity the more successful. This may be true to a certain extent. However, it’s always important to stop and smell the roses. The goal is to work towards staying grounded. This is a good practice when a person is overwhelmed with life’s stressors.

Upon waking, take some at least five minutes for meditation. Sitting with God, asking for guidance will show to be a game changer. It’s recommended to take time for yoga or some kind of exercise that helps clear the mind. Going for a run outside or a hike is especially valuable for being amongst mother nature.

Another way to stay grounded is to eat well. That absolutely does not mean counting calories or any crazy fad diets. People forget that food helps in the healing process. The nutrients found in whole organic, non-processed foods help aid in keeping the body going throughout the day. Being mindful with food is a way of listening to the body, how it feels, and what it needs most. What it doesn’t need is processed, high sugar diets slowing it down. This might be hard at first, but eating for the nutrients will change anyone’s relationship with food for the better.

A major issue swallowing up this and new generations to come is the connectivity to electronic devices. This is unfortunate, given that one should strive to connect with themselves, and the earth. The earth does so much and works so hard to be able to sustain life. When there is respect for the planet, a person will feel more at peace with their actions. Appreciating the earth and mother nature is a key component in becoming less self-absorbed.

The intuition is always there, willing to help guide whenever it is listened to. Intuitive thoughts cannot be heard if the mind is running the show. Being aware of the bodies chakras and find the root of any problem will help clear the vessel connecting God, the body, and the earth. Taking care of our bodies shows it the respect it deserves. This is a form of self-love which is linked to living a healthy, well-rounded life on earth. Human beings must attempt to become grounded if there will be any hope to cope with life’s daily struggles with grace and dignity.

 

Enlightened Solutions encourages patients to grow from their trauma and come out stronger on the other end with peace and serenity. Staying free of drugs and alcohol can give addicts a new look at life’s surrounding beauty. Call us in New Jersey today: 833-801-5483.

Nature for Recovery

One might find that being out in nature is that of being with God. Those who struggle with addiction or mental disorders live a life full of fear. When there is fear, there is no faith and this faith can be disguised in many different ways. While in the disease nothing matters as much as staying numb to the world outside. Alcohol and drugs will hinder the addict’s ability to see true beauty in mother nature. While in early recovery it’s essential to spend time outside. There are multiple reasons besides the fresh air. It’s a natural remedy for mild depression as well. Addict who had been isolating will find that they begin to feel more energized and optimistic about the future. The addict who embraces the outdoors will find a sense of calm and ease that only life outside can give forth. Being outside always gives way for activity and that alone will promote a new healthy lifestyle.

Gardening is a way to connect with mother earth. Treatment centers encourage patients to become responsible for the plant’s outcome. Learning to take care of and respect another living thing is a step in the right direction towards the addicts growth process. Taking proper care of a garden also gets the addict out of their head. The mind will keep running if you let it, and if you give it that choice it will. Gardening can be therapeutic and meditative. Focusing on something other than the self is the same concept as an addict helping another addict. Self-absorption is what drives addiction. Caring for a garden can give the addict the opportunity to be nurturing and this brings out emotions from deep inside that must come out to move forward in life.

Besides all of the wonderful therapeutic advantages of being outside, it’s a simple, easy way to relax. Nature helps release happy hormones, which means we’re reminded what’s good for ourselves just by taking a hike. Staying in the day is sometimes difficult for addicts to comprehend, but once again, being outside will help with this as well. Addicts need to keep in mind that there is no time like the present, and it’s unnecessary to stress about the future. An addict shouldn’t plan to be sober a year from now, just for the next day, maybe an hour, or minute. It’s a journey and addicts can easily forget what life has to offer while in the disease. Being outside truly brings the addict back to the basics. Life has its simple pleasures and that doesn’t include drinking or using.

Enlightened Solutions believes in grounding an addict’s chaotic lifestyle. Our holistic approach guides our patients to find peace through the simple pleasures in life. Call 833-801-5483 today for information on our partial care programs in New Jersey.

Contact Us

We are here to help. Contact us today and get the answers you need to start your journey to recovery!

  • Discuss treatment options

  • Get help for a loved one

  • Verify insurance coverage

  • Start the admissions process

Get In Touch

Fill out this form and we’ll respond to your message

    This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

    You Have Any Questions?

    • Don't hesitate to contact us or visit our clinic.


    Copyright © 2023 Enlightened Solutions | All Rights Reserved