Bored, Stressed and Home Alone: Many Find Themselves Drinking to Excess During the Pandemic

Anxiety, Depression and Substance Abuse During COVID-19

The world has been struggling with the Covid-19 pandemic for most of 2020, and the virus shows no signs of slowing down. If anything, the rate of infection in much of the world has accelerated in recent weeks, and public health experts warn that the worst may be still to come.

In response, many governments are implementing more lockdowns, closing restaurants, shuttering local stores, and banning even small holiday gatherings. And while those public health experts are trying to walk a fine line between keeping people safe and protecting their economies, those who suffer from anxiety, depression, stress, and isolation find it increasingly harder to cope.

In the wake of the COVID-19 quarantine and ongoing lockdowns, alcoholism and alcohol abuse rates are increasing in many parts of the world. As the virus rages on, another epidemic is in place, one with those suffering from social isolation struggling like never before.

Why Many Are Turning To Alcohol in This Difficult Time

In the age of the coronavirus, nothing feels normal anymore. People are dealing with multiple unforeseen stresses and searching for ways to cope.  Unfortunately, for many that means drinking more alcohol.  Many casual drinkers who have always moderated their alcohol use in the past are now finding themselves drinking to excess as they deal with isolation and overwhelm.  For people who have already been struggling with alcohol abuse, coping with quarantine restrictions and an uncertain future can mean that sobriety takes a backseat.  The long term implications for individuals and society are worrying.

There are many reasons why people are turning to alcohol during this difficult time, but an attempt to deal with depression and anxiety is certainly one of the most profound. When stress and fear are all around us in times like these, it is easy to turn to the soothing balm of alcohol, even if the relief is only temporary.

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Effects on People in Recovery

Anyone can fall victim to excessive drinking and alcoholism during a stressful time, but those in recovery are at even greater risk. After working so hard to get sober, many recovering alcoholics are suddenly finding themselves falling into old behaviors.

It has not helped that many cities and states have kept their liquor stores open during coronavirus quarantines, and in some places, even allowing for alcohol to be delivered to people at home.  At the same time, community centers, 12-step meetings and churches have had to close their doors. The contradictions are all too obvious, especially to those struggling to keep their support network strong and stay sober during such a stressful time.

How to Know When Drinking Has Become a Problem

Many people are turning to alcohol in the age of the coronavirus.  There have been plenty of jokes on late night talk-shows and viral videos about drunken Zoom calls and virtual happy hours. Its easy to think that drinking more is just a normal part of life right now.  But how do you know if your drinking  has crossed the line and become a problem?

For many years one of the signs of alcoholism has been drinking alone, now due to Covid-19 restrictions, many people are home alone, making this a tricky grey area.  If you find yourself drinking regularly to escape your daily struggles, then you are using alcohol as an emotional crutch and it is time to take a hard look at your behavior.  If you have a history of alcoholism and substance abuse, any return to drinking is cause for serious concern and a reason to make a call for support right away.

Ways to Cope with Stress Without Alcohol or Drugs

It’s easy to turn to alcohol in stressful times because it’s readily available and socially acceptable to do so.  But its important to remember that numbing your emotions with alcohol only provides a temporary escape and only makes feelings of anxiety and depression worse over time.  There are many more effective ways to cope with the stresses surrounding COVID-19.

Get Some Exercise: Something as simple as taking a walk can do you a world of good, and you do not have to pick up a glass or open a bottle to enjoy it. Just bring your mask, practice social distancing and get some exercise in the open air.

Stay Connected:  Its more important now than ever to keep your support system close.  Call friends and family more than usual, it will be good for both of you.  You can also schedule virtual group calls.  However you choose to connect, its crucial to stay in close touch with friends, family, your sponsor, your sober coach, and anyone else who supports you in positive ways.

Meet Up Virtually:  If you’re in recovery, another important part of keeping your support system strong is continuing to attend support groups and 12-step meetings.  Many are happening either online or outdoors these days so you should be able to find groups you feel comfortable attending.  Also, don’t forget about other kinds of groups and meet-ups that bring like-minded people together around common interests.  Again, many of these are happening virtually now, bringing the added benefit that you can join up with groups around the country, and even across the globe, that you wouldn’t have had access to if it were in-person.

Practice Self Care: Caring for yourself is always essential to good mental health, but right now its important to really prioritize your self-care.  Make sure you’re giving yourself ample time for things you enjoy and that you know are good for you, at least on a daily basis.  Focusing on activities that bring you joy can help you cope with the COVID-19 pandemic without falling prey to the dangers of alcoholism and substance abuse.

If you’re worried about your drinking and have questions, or if you’re ready to seek help, we urge you to reach out today. Quality behavioral health treatment, like that at Legacy Healing Center, is more essential in these strange times than ever before.  Our staff is here to help you get the support you need, whether its for yourself or someone you care about.  Call 888.534.2295 anytime 24/7.  Calls are completely confidential.

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Benefits of Getting Out of Town for Addiction Treatment

Why It’s Helpful to Leave Town for Treatment

When you’re struggling with active addiction, it’s easy to feel isolated and alone. The loneliness associated with addiction has been well documented, and people often feel like no one truly understands what they’re going through. Those feelings of loneliness are certainly understandable, but people suffering from substance use disorders may have more good company available to them than they realize. When seeking addiction treatment services, having the ability to travel out of town can provide a network of supportive people who won’t adversely impact your recovery.

While in residential rehab away from their hometown, people discover a supportive community that understands what they’re going through.  The people encountered in residential addiction treatment are not associated with your history of substance abuse. People, places, and numerous other triggers can make even the most well-intentioned attempts at recovery that much more challenging but traveling to a behavioral health center is one way to reduce those triggers.

Traveling for Addiction Treatment Removes Negative Influences

No matter how strong you you are, being surrounded by the same old triggers can be overwhelming, and the desire to go back to your old ways can be irresistible. That’s why it can be beneficial for people to get out of town when they seek treatment for drug and alcohol addiction.

If you’re serious about your recovery and ready to beat substance abuse forever, why not start with a refreshing change of scenery?  Simply getting out of town enables you to break free of your negative surroundings, enhancing your chances of sobriety, especially when you find an exceptional treatment facility.

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Getting Out of Town Helps You Focus on Your Recovery

They say that travel is good for the soul, and it can also do wonders for your addiction recovery. Getting out of town allows you to place the focus where it belongs, on your recovery.

Instead of worrying about your friends, family, work, and other responsibilities, you can focus on your recovery by being temporarily removed from it all.  During this time away from your familiar environment, you can focus on attending individual and group counseling sessions and making new sober friends who can support your addiction recovery instead of undermining it. Sometimes you just need a clean break, and taking the step to travel to another city could be a key ingredient in your successful recovery.

Traveling for Rehab Gives an Opportunity for Reflection

When you travel to a new city for your addiction treatment, you can enjoy other benefits as well. In addition to the new surroundings, you will have a chance to reflect on where you have been and where you are going.

No one sets out to become addicted to drugs and alcohol, and no one wants to be saddled with a substance abuse problem. Reflecting on the origins of your substance use disorder and the factors that influenced you through the years will be critical to your successful recovery. Sometimes, that process starts with a change of scenery and a new environment so you can separate yourself from your past.

Traveling Out of Town Gives a Greater Sense of Privacy and Confidentiality

Unfortunately the stigma of addiction and drug abuse remains prevalent in our society, potentially making admitting that you have a problem an even greater challenge.

When you travel to a new city to begin your recovery journey, no one needs to know where you’ve been unless you want them to.  You can leave any possible judgement and stigma behind you. Making a clean break and getting a fresh start in a different location can give you the privacy and confidentiality you seek. This change enables you to focus on getting better, identifying your triggers, and developing the coping skills you’ll need going forward.

Residential Treatment Centers are Often in Beautiful Vacation Locations

Travel should be a delight and a reward, it can also help you transform your life for the better. If you’ve been struggling with substance abuse and are looking for a new lease on life, why not get started in a beautiful location where you can relax and start to feel positive about yourself and your surroundings.

When you travel to a beautiful luxury treatment center like Legacy Healing Center in South Florida, you can enjoy the best of both worlds. You’ll get to make a clean break from the people, places, and activities that had previously served as triggers for your addiction, and you’ll get to enjoy a beautiful tropical setting in the process.

The team at Legacy Healing Center understands the value of taking a break from day to day life.  That’s why our facilities are located in a beautiful vacation destination and include spa like amenities, swimming pools, and lush tropical outdoor spaces for relaxing.  If you feel like getting out of town would provide a much needed break, now may be the perfect opportunity.  Contact Legacy Healing Center today to discover how our treatment programs and our South Florida location can be ideal for your addiction recovery journey.  Call Legacy Healing Center anytime 24/7 at 888.534.2295, calls are completely confidential.

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10 Quotes from Celebrities Who Have Recovered from Drug and Alcohol Addiction

Many Top Celebrities Have Struggled with Addiction and Come Out to Share Their Stories.

As we all know, the disease of addiction does not discriminate.  Addiction does not care if you are rich or poor, young or old, thriving in your career or struggling to get a foothold in the world.  The fact that some of the most successful people in the world have struggled with substance abuse is testament to the fact that the disease of addiction can affect anyone.

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Fortunately, many celebrities who have recovered from drug and alcohol abuse have used their platform to bring awareness to the disease of addiction and offer hope and guidance to others.  Read on to learn more about celebrities who have struggled with, and ultimately overcome, their battles with addiction.

Russell Brand

While mostly known for his quirky roles in many blockbusters, this comedic genius struggled with alcohol and heroin addiction for years.  With the encouragement of his manager, he enrolled in a 12-step program which helped jump start his recovery.  His success in recovery inspired him to write a book, “Recovery: Freedom from Our Addictions” where he shares his spin on the traditional 12 steps of recovery.  In an interview with The Los Angeles Times, Russell speaks about how meditation has been instrumental in helping him in recovery, “It gives you a beautiful serenity.  It’s a cornerstone of recovery because it changes consciousness.”

Robert Downey Jr.

Before we knew him as Iron Man, Robert Downey Jr’s addictions were put on public display several times through arrests, escapes from rehabs, and even being found passed out in his neighbor’s son’s bed.  After spending a year in prison, Downey made the decision to enter rehab and has since been clean.  When asked what he has learned from his time in prison and rehab, Downey told Vanity Fair, “Job one is get out of that cave.  A lot of people do get out but don’t change.  So, the thing is to get out and recognize the significance of that aggressive denial of your fate, come through the crucible forged into a stronger metal.”

Ben Affleck

Ben Affleck’s struggle with alcohol was very publicly brought to light when his marriage to Jennifer Garner was dissolving in 2015.  In a candid interview with The New York Times, Affleck reflected on the guilt he felt for how his marriage ended, “Shame is really toxic.  There is no positive byproduct of shame.  It’s just stewing in a toxic, hideous feeling of low self-worth and self-loathing.  But you’ve got to pick yourself up, learn from it, learn some more, and try to move forward.”

Bradley Cooper 

Cooper, who has been sober since 2004, has been a huge asset to other celebrities in recovery.  Both Robert Downey Jr. and Ben Affleck have gushed over the support they received from him on their journey to recovery.  This speaks to the importance of having a strong support system in your corner.  In an interview with Barbara Walters, Cooper said, “I would never be sitting with you, no way, no chance, [if I hadn’t gotten sober].

Drew Barrymore

Growing up in the spotlight is no walk in the park, and often child stars have access to drugs and alcohol at a very young age, eventually resulting in addiction. This was the case for the young Drew Barrymore who’s first stint at rehab was at just 12 years old.  After a couple trips to rehab, Drew, has created quite the life for herself in recovery.  She’s had several hit movies, a makeup line, a daytime talk show, and two beautiful daughters.  “Life is very interesting… in the end, some of your greatest pains become your greatest strengths”, she said when reflecting on her life in recovery.

Jamie Lee Curtis

While Jamie Lee Curtis’ struggle with Vicodin and alcohol was not as public as others on this list, she has been very open about her battle with addiction.  She revealed that she was two years sober when she landed a cover story for Redbook.  While reflecting during an interview for the story, a lightbulb went off.  Her success and personal growth were due in large part to the fact that she was sober, a revelation she had not publicly shared until that time.  She stated that “stepping over the line of anonymity into a public conversation has been therapeutic”.

Keith Urban

The country music superstar turned to cocaine and alcohol beginning in 1992 when his career did not take off the way he had envisioned.  Over the years, his substance abuse spiraled out of control until 2006, when his new wife, Nicole Kidman, staged an intervention prompting him to enter rehab and get sober. About the decision to get treatment he has said, “I was going to lose it all.  It was like, if I don’t choose this moment to do the right thing and do something that’s going to give me life, all of the things I’m scared of losing, I’m going to lose anyway.”

Daniel Radcliffe 

Despite his role in the wildly successful Harry Potter series, Radcliffe struggled with alcoholism.  In an interview with Indie Wire, he said, “A lot of drinking happened towards the end of Potter and for a little bit after it finished, it was panic, a little bit not knowing what to do next-not being comfortable enough in who I was to remain sober.”

Carrie Fisher

Famous for her role as Princess Leia in Star Wars, Carrie Fisher’s struggle with addiction was also well known.  Fisher often spoke openly about her battle to beat addiction, which ultimately contributed to her fatal heart attack in 2016.  Fisher was an incredible asset to the mental health community due to her willingness to share her experiences with both Bipolar disorder and addiction, neither of which get enough attention in popular media.  Fisher famously said of recovery, “Sometimes you can only find Heaven by slowly backing away from Hell”.

Edie Falco

Edie Falco’s real-life experiences with addiction have helped her in her role in the HBO series Nurse Jackie. With 20 years of sobriety under her belt, she attributes the life lessons she learned battling alcoholism to her success in portraying her character.  When asked about her experience getting sober, Falco said, “Its like learning to ride a bike, you know?  You have to get your bearings and you have to stay stable”.

If you or someone you love is struggling with substance abuse, you are not alone.  Countless people, from celebrities to people you interact with in your daily life, have been where you are.  If you’re considering whether treatment for drug or alcohol abuse may be the next right step for you, please reach out to the intake specialists at Legacy Healing Center today.  Our specialists are available to help 24/7 and your call is always confidential.  Don’t delay, let our team of experienced clinicians help you start your recovery now!  Call today, (888)534-2295 or visit us on the web at www.legacyhealing.com.

 

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6 Tips for Talking to a Loved One About Their Drinking

Discussing Drinking Habits With Someone You Care About

Alcohol use disorder is a complex disease, yet alcohol abuse often remains misunderstood or even disregarded because alcohol consumption is legal and mostly socially accepted. Misconceptions about problem drinking can have long-lasting repercussions, not only for the individual suffering from alcohol use disorder but also for the people who care about them. The prevalence of misunderstandings about alcohol abuse makes it even more important to learn how to talk to a loved one about their drinking.

Being willing to talk honestly about a drinking problem with a loved one is an essential step in making a positive change. So how can you speak to a loved one about their drinking, and how should you handle such a delicate matter to encourage your beloved friend or family member to get the help they need?  We’ve compiled some tips for talking to a loved one about their drinking and supporting them in pursuing a life of sobriety.

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How to Discuss Drinking Issues With Alcoholics

There are some definite do’s and don’ts when talking to a loved one about their drinking, and the right approach can make all the difference in the world. Here are some key actions to keep in mind as you navigate the tricky waters alcohol use disorder can leave behind:

1. Wait for a window of sobriety: Even the worst problem drinker has moments of sobriety, so choose your time wisely and wait until the situation presents itself. Talking to a loved one about their alcohol use disorder while they’re intoxicated can be unproductive at best and explosive at worst, so wait for a window of sobriety before making your move.

2. Be specific about the situation and the problems it’s creating: When deciding how to talk to your loved one about their drinking, think carefully about what you will say. Instead of merely stating the individual is an alcoholic, be specific about their drinking problems. For instance, you might mention their issues with keeping a job or the fact they recently got a DUI. The more specific you can be about the problems their drinking creates, the better, so choose your words carefully and let your experience be your guide.

3. Avoid defensiveness and blame: It’s easy to feel like placing blame when a loved one is drinking to excess. However, criticism is unlikely to produce a good outcome. Blaming an alcoholic for their alcohol use disorder is like yelling at a person with diabetes for their elevated blood sugar. Moving the conversation in a positive direction will mean avoiding both accusations and defensiveness.

4. Listen to what your loved one says: Dealing with alcohol use disorder causes difficulty for family members, but it is even more challenging for the alcoholic themselves. No one wants to be in this situation, and the concept of how to talk to your loved one about their drinking is a two-way street. After your family member has listened to what you have to say, give them time to talk and say their piece.

5. Look for practical solutions: For those in active alcohol addiction, the future can seem hopeless. Problem drinkers often feel isolated and alone, even when family and friends surround them. Instead of succumbing to those feelings of hopelessness, look for practical solutions to their problem. Talk about how alcohol rehab may help and how medical detox can reduce withdrawal pain and make quitting drinking easier.

6. Make a plan for moving forward: When considering talking to a loved one about their drinking, it’s important to realize the conversation is the first step on a journey, not the end of the road. Once you’ve had this difficult conversation, it is time to move forward with a solid plan.

Depending on the situation, that plan of action may include calling a behavioral health center, setting up a meeting with a detox facility, or researching local AA meetings. Most likely, a combination approach will be needed, encompassing community support and guidance plus medical help and assistance from a professional addiction treatment facility.

Once you’ve taken the first step, the rest of the process could be more productive than you think. Contact Legacy Healing Center today at 888.534.2295 to learn how our individualized holistic treatment can help your loved one turn their life around for good.

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Mindfulness Tips for Addiction Recovery

Mindfulness and Addiction Recovery: How the Right Attitude Can Heal Your Body, Mind, and Spirit

The development of coping skills remains an integral part of any successful addiction recovery. If you want to enjoy a happier, more successful life, mindfulness can be a big help.

Mindfulness can build on the coping skills you’ve already learned, enhance your addiction recovery, and help you succeed in the outside world. The right attitude can work wonders, and once you start a mindfulness practice, you will see how effective it can be.

What Is Mindfulness?

Mindfulness can seem like a vague term, but it is much simpler than you might think. Mindfulness provides a way to focus your mind, shutting out the outside world’s distractions and providing you with the coping skills you need to strengthen your mind and emotional life.

There are many ways to practice this mental exercise, from formal guided meditation sessions to simple do-it-yourself practices. There is no one right approach, so you may want to experiment with several different options until you find what works the best for you. Just as every addiction recovery journey is unique, no two mindfulness practices will be the same, and that is fine.

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How Does Mindfulness Benefit Those in Recovery?

Practicing mindfulness can be useful for everyone, from those suffering from stress at work to people recovering from a severe illness or recent hospitalization. But for those in addiction recovery, this practice can be a lifesaver.

By focusing and calming the mind, mindfulness practices can aid in the development and growth of coping skills. With its focus on breathing, mindfulness can speed physical healing, helping those in addiction recovery overcome any health issues substance abuse may have caused. With all these benefits, its clear why mindfulness practices have become such an integral part of so many addiction recovery programs.

Mindfulness Tips

Practicing mindfulness is not as difficult or challenging as you might think. You do not have to be a meditation expert, or even particularly good at it, to benefit from the power of mindfulness and the amazing impact it can have on your individual recovery.

If you are serious about building a better life for yourself, the following tips can help you get going. Here are some key steps to keep in mind as you embark on your unique addiction recovery journey:

1. Be present in the moment: This is the foundation of mindfulness practice.  It’s easy to get caught up in worrying about the future and regretting the past, but mindfulness helps you be fully present. You cannot change what has happened before, and the future remains unknown.  Being present helps us to let go and fully appreciate the moment. This practice doesn’t just apply to when you are sitting in meditation.  Practicing being more fully present in conversations, when eating, and when going through all the activities of your day serves to enrich your life in countless ways.

2. Focus on your breathing: In good times and bad, your breath is always there, so much so that it often goes unnoticed. As you practice this exercise, start by focusing on your breath, becoming more and more aware of every inhale and exhale. Breathing is a unique function in that it is essential to keep us alive and yet we can control it when we choose to.  The breath is closely tied to our nervous system and heart rate and focusing on deep slow breathing has a direct calming effect on the mind and body.

3. Recognize that your thoughts are your own: Everyone has their unique views, and no one has the right to judge others’ ideas. Part of mindfulness involves recognizing that thoughts are personal, so acknowledge your thoughts by allowing them to come and go without too much attachment.

4. Expand your circle of compassion outward: When you are in addiction recovery, you may be spending a lot of time in sharing circles, and the process of understanding works in much the same way. Think about the people in your life, then expand your circle of compassion outward to people in your town, state, country, and the world.

5. Practice stillness: Quieting your mind and staying still in body and spirit can be difficult, but that is what mindfulness is all about. Find a quiet place where you will not be disturbed, focus your mind inward, and remain still practicing your mindfulness exercises. Even if it is difficult at the beginning, don’t feel discouraged, that is part of the process and it will get easier as time goes by.

Recovery from addiction does not just involve the physical nature of dependence. To truly overcome drug or alcohol addiction, its essential to address the whole person in body, mind and spirit.  Developing healthy coping skills like mindfulness can help you overcome unwanted urges and destructive behaviors. Contact Legacy Healing Center today to learn how you can start your addiction recovery journey 888.534.2295.  Our intake specialists are standing by 24/7 and all calls are confidential.

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The Role of Nutrition in Addiction Treatment

The Importance of Good Nutrition in Successful Addiction Recovery

You know the old saying, “you are what you eat”? It speaks to how proper nutrition can fuel your body and contribute to overall better quality of life. For people struggling with substance abuse, adequate nutrition is even more important.

While in the midst of active addiction, it is not uncommon for people to neglect nutrition. Lacking quality food can make the physical effects of addiction even worse and makes proper nourishment an essential element of successful addiction treatment.

The Toll Drug and Alcohol Abuse Takes on the Body

As with anything you put into your body, any long-term, excessive drug and alcohol use will significantly impact your health and nutrition. When proper nutrition remains neglected, it can disrupt the physiological functioning of our bodies. Common impairments include:

• Poor Diets: When substances are prioritized over adequate nutrition, diets are typically not full of nutrient-dense foods that help the body thrive.
• Overeating or Suppressed Appetite: Depending on the abused substances, they may inhibit or supercharge a person’s appetite. This drastic change can lead to excessive weight gain or malnutrition. Too much weight gain can lead to many health issues, such as hypertension and diabetes. Malnourishment is also problematic because it changes the body’s ability to absorb necessary nutrients.
• Gastrointestinal Disorders: Drinking alcohol excessively causes the stomach to produce more acid, which can cause gastritis (the inflammation of the stomach lining). Gastritis can lead to pain, vomiting, and even bleeding. Drugs and alcohol can also cause Irritable Bowel Syndrome and inflammation in the digestive tract.
• Organ Damage: Over time, substance abuse can lead to high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, liver disease, and digestive issues. Breast, mouth, throat, esophagus, liver, and colon cancers can also develop. Hepatitis, cirrhosis, and fatty liver disease can also occur due to excessive drinking.
• Hypoglycemia: When improper nutrition is paired with substance abuse, it can cause blood sugar imbalance.

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How Nutrition Supports Recovery

Eating healthy food fuels the body to function best, particularly when someone is in recovery. Consuming a nutrient-dense diet will allow the body to thrive while learning how to live without substances. The food you put in your body serves as your fuel and energy for the day. The more nutrients you can consume, the better your body will respond while going through the challenges of recovery.

The Importance of Nutrition During Detox

Detoxing your body from drugs, alcohol, and other toxins represents one of the most challenging parts of recovery. It can be both physically and mentally exhausting, so the body must receive the necessary nutrients to function at its best.

Keep in mind, detox can decrease your appetite, so supplementing your meals with vitamins, protein shakes, and smoothies helps maintain the nutrients you need to be successful. This process will also help to make up for any vitamin deficiencies you may have. Common vitamins given during detox are Vitamin D, B, Zinc, Iron, and Folate.

Also, establishing a routine of consuming three nutritious meals and two snacks each day will allow your metabolism to adjust to proper nutrition.

Consuming enough fiber will help prevent constipation, common with opioid use, so ensure you are eating enough fruits and vegetables.

Healing Common Nutrient Deficiencies Found in Recovering Addicts

While in recovery, be sure to eat foods that will help balance the serotonin levels in your brain. To do this, foods high in complex carbohydrates should be added to meals. This list includes beans, lentils, potatoes, rice, and whole-grain bread. When combined with protein, it will help regulate serotonin better. B-complex vitamin deficiencies are also common with alcoholism. These vitamins may include thiamine, folic acid, and B12. Most multivitamins contain these, so talk to your physician about supplementing your diet with vitamins.

Learning How to Eat for Long-Term Success in Recovery

After you complete detox, you will work with registered dietitians to learn how to plan meals to help you be successful in your recovery. Legacy Healing Center will help tailor a plan that fits your specific needs. Some of the dietary adjustments our dietitians may suggest include:

• Eating more complex carbs such as grains, beans, pasta, bread, and lentils, which will provide your body with long-lasting energy.
• Developing a consistent exercise routine to boost mood and metabolism while increasing energy.
• Taking vitamins and supplements to repair any deficiencies you may have.
• Limiting sugar and caffeine as it can cause dehydration and appetite suppression.
• Reducing sugar intake because it can trigger the chemicals in your brain that are activated by substance use.
• Consuming adequate protein and fiber to give you energy and prevent constipation.
• Establishing a meal schedule to provide your body consistency and avoid episodes of low blood sugar.

If you are ready to work towards a better life than you have ever imagined possible, please reach out to our addiction specialists at Legacy Healing Center today. As always, your call is confidential, and our specialists are standing by 24/7 to help get you started.

from Legacy Healing Center https://www.legacyhealing.com/the-role-of-nutrition-in-addiction-treatment/
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What to Expect at Your First 12-Step Meeting

12-Step Meetings: How to Prepare for Your First Time Out

For those struggling with alcohol or drug dependency, the 12-step program remains an integral part of successful addiction recovery. The meetings entail groups of current and former addicts sharing stories about addiction struggles and coping techniques to overcome their dependence.  They are also places where people in recovery come together to celebrate milestones in their sobriety.

Recovering addicts who have been attending 12-step programs for some time can become quite comfortable with the structure, the discipline, and the support of their fellow attendees. However, for newcomers, merely walking through those doors can be a frightening experience.

To help ease people into how 12-step meetings operate, we’ve compiled a few helpful things to know about attending the group sessions.

Your First AA or NA Meeting: What to Expect

Whether the meetings are run by Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), Narcotics Anonymous (NA), or another organization, the people who manage 12-step meetings follow the same basic structure. The support and sharing circle is a hallmark of 12-step and addiction recovery programs, so here is what to expect on your first time out.

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When you arrive, you will smell coffee brewing, and there may be some light snacks to calm your nerves and fill your stomach. After the greeting formalities, the chairs will be arranged in a circle, with dozens of people gathered around to support one another and share their addiction stories.

How 12-Step Meetings Work

The meetings begin with the chairperson reading the AA or NA motto and talking about the organization. The chairperson will then ask if there are any newcomers in attendance, and that will be your cue to speak up and introduce yourself.

Introducing yourself to a room full of strangers can be intimidating, but 12-step meetings are designed to be warm and welcoming environments. You should not be afraid to talk about your addiction recovery journey. Rather, you can be proud of all you have accomplished and the many challenges you have already overcome just by attending the session.

Its important to know that if you don’t feel like talking, you don’t have to.  Just showing up is the most important thing.  Being there and listening to the stories of others is more than enough if that’s all you feel up for.

Different Types of Meetings

In some ways, there is no such thing as a typical 12-step meeting. Instead, multiple 12 step-meetings are happening at any given time, each with their own focus and approach.

Some 12-step meetings are speaker focused, with special guests there to share their addiction recovery journey. These speakers may be people you know, including celebrities or local business leaders, or they may be anonymous former addicts like yourself. No matter their background, they all have compelling stories to tell, and the speaker-based approach can be instrumental.

Other 12-step meetings can be closed to the public, shielding the identity and protecting the participants’ privacy. For many first-time attendees, these closed meetings can seem like a safe space where they can reveal their fears and share their concerns with an understanding audience.

For others in addiction recovery, the convenience of an open 12-step program may be more appropriate. These free meetings are available to everyone, so anyone struggling to overcome their addiction can stop in and find the support they need. If you are worried about relapse and struggling to cope with life after rehab, having a list of open 12-step programs in your back pocket could be an excellent idea.

Importance of Sharing

Whether they are open, closed, or speaker-based, sharing entails an integral part of virtually all 12-step meetings. These meetings are a place for recovering addicts to share their stories and gain an understanding of sobriety.

Depending on the structure and set up of the 12-step meetings being held, you may be asked to share your own experience, so think about what you want to say and the specific challenges you are working to overcome. If you prefer to stay silent at your first 12-step meeting, you can generally do that, but you may still be inspired to share your story once you are in the presence of others who understand your experience.

Try Different Meetings

Not all 12-step meetings are the same, and choosing one that feels right for you is important for your recovery.  Meetings can have a different feel based on things like:

• How they are run
• Where they are located
• What time they are held
• Who is in attendance

If you are new to the 12-step meeting process, you may not know what to expect, so keep trying different meetings until you find one that feels like “home”.  It can be helpful to find several meetings that you know you like.  Many people have a home meeting that they attend regularly as well as others they attend when the time or place is more convenient.

Attend all the different types of 12-step meetings, including speaker-focused meetings, support circles, open meetings, and closed ones. The more you get to know the process, the easier it will be to make the right choice for your addiction recovery journey. Every meeting has its unique atmosphere, and trying several different types will help you find the approach that works best for you.

12 step meetings are plentiful, they can be found all over the world and at all times of day and night.  Many people enjoy attending open meetings in different cities and towns when travelling.  This can be a great way to connect with like minded people when you’re in a new place and helps you continue to feel supported when you’re away from home.

If you or a loved one is struggling with substance abuse, don’t hesitate to call Legacy Healing Center today at 888.534.2295.  Our intake specialists are standing by ready to answer your questions, and calls are completely confidential.

from Legacy Healing Center https://www.legacyhealing.com/what-to-expect-at-your-first-12-step-meeting/
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How to Survive a Party Where Others are Drinking

Alcohol Use Disorder and Socializing: How to Be the Life of the Party Without a Drink in Your Hand

Recovery from alcohol use disorder is a lifelong affair requiring lots of hard work and focus. Maintaining your newfound sobriety for a lifetime will require you to put to use all the coping skills you learned during treatment.

Once you’ve completed your time at a behavioral health center and taken the first vital steps on the road to recovery, you can move forward with the rest of your life. However, navigating the tricky waters of parties and other social gatherings can be quite a complicated process for someone who suffers from alcohol use disorder.

For those who do not suffer from alcohol use disorder, having a glass of wine with dinner or picking up a beer at a party may be no big deal, but when you are struggling to maintain your sobriety, the world looks a lot different. Simply being invited to a party can trigger all kinds of unhappy memories, so what should you do, and how can you cope?

Click here to speak with a treatment specialist today or call us anytime 24/7 at (888) 534-2295

It is possible to maintain your sobriety to prevent relapse but still find ways to enjoy social gatherings with friends and family.

Have a Plan in Place to Maintain Your Recovery

Overcoming alcohol use disorder and being in recovery does not mean you have to withdraw from society or spend your weekends all alone. Parties and sobriety can coexist, but you will need to formulate a plan and stay focused on it.

Here are some common-sense steps you can follow to enjoy your next party without fear, and without putting your hard-earned recovery at risk:

Find out who will be attending the party.

If the gathering in question will include your old drinking buddies or others still struggling with alcohol use disorder, you might want to turn down the invitation. Avoiding triggers remains a big part of successful recovery, so use your common sense and decide accordingly.

Eat a healthy meal before you leave home.

Being hungry could encourage you to drink, and indulging in party foods could leave you vulnerable. Eating a healthy meal before attending the party will help satisfy your appetite and make you be a better party guest.

Make socializing the focus of the party.

Attending a party is not an excuse to drink. Parties are great places to chat with old friends and meet new ones, so make socializing your only priority.

Lend your designated driver services.

Not drinking has all sorts of benefits, including the ability to get your friends home safely. Offering a safe ride home will give you one more reason to stay sober and on the road to a lifetime of recovery.

Soak up the feeling of success.

Attending a party can trigger those with alcohol use disorder, but overcoming those temptations remains a vital part of the recovery process. Once you are home, give yourself time to reflect on your accomplishments and appreciate your efforts.

Sober Fun for a Sober Life

When you were in the midst of active addiction, you may have felt like the life of every party. In reality, you were not even fully present for those gatherings because you were intoxicated.  You may even look back at your behavior from that time and cringe.  And your memories of hangovers might be more vivid than your memories of the parties themselves.

After achieving sobriety and real happiness, you can still be the life of the party, and the amount of joy and satisfaction you derive from genuinely connecting with others at those get-togethers will be even more significant. You do not need alcohol to have a great time, or a drink in your hand to be sociable, friendly, and engaging.  Without the crutch of alcohol, you can be yourself, which will allow you to have more fun than ever before. 

Do you find yourself struggling with alcohol in social situations?  Perhaps you’re considering reaching out for help with problem drinking.  Or maybe you’ve achieved sobriety but are concerned that it may be in jeopardy.  Whatever the reason, don’t hesitate to call Legacy Healing Center any time day or night.  Our caring professional staff is available 24/7 to answer your questions and help you take steps toward a better life.  Call 888.534.2295 today.  Calls are completely confidential.

from Legacy Healing Center https://www.legacyhealing.com/how-to-survive-a-party-where-others-are-drinking/
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Sobriety Life Hacks: 8 Everyday Habits that Make a Big Difference

Small Steps Add Up to Long-Term Success in Recovery

It has often been said that breaking free of addiction is more of a marathon than a sprint. Anyone in recovery can tell you that maintaining sobriety for a lifetime requires work and focus, and that it is worth every ounce of effort.

While many who have never struggled with addiction do not understand the long-term nature of recovery or the importance of developing healthy coping skills, those who do have that direct experience understand it well. So how can you develop the coping skills you will need to maintain your newfound sobriety for a lifetime? And what life hacks can you use to stay sober in a world filled with triggers? 

Click here to speak with a treatment specialist today or call us anytime 24/7 at (888) 534-2295

Tips and Tricks to Help You Stay on Track in Recovery

Here are some tips and tricks you can use on your sobriety journey to help you stay focused while achieving a lifetime of addiction recovery:

1. Focus your mind on exercise and physical activity. Whether you hold a yoga pose for five minutes, meditate twice a day to focus your mind, or run around the block, physical exercise is a great way to enhance your addiction recovery and maintain your sobriety.
2. Develop strong coping skills. The development of coping skills is a vital step on the road to addiction recovery, so look for ways to cope with the challenges you will face along the way.
3. Find a support group that understands your background and meets your needs. Whether you attend AA or NA meetings or join a group of like-minded former addicts, the community support will do you and your sobriety wonders.
4. Identify your triggers. When you are in addiction recovery, it is essential to avoid the activities that could trigger a harmful relapse, but you need to identify them to help prevent them. Make a list of your triggers, then come up with strategies to avoid those risky situations.
5. Break free of toxic people and influences. Sometimes you will need to let go of people in your life to maintain your sobriety, so do not be afraid to make a clean break when you need to. Being surrounded by others who are urging you to drink or consume drugs is no way to live, so look for ways to replace those toxic influences with a more supportive group of friends.
6. Seek out spiritual support and guidance. Spirituality can be a critical part of addiction recovery, but spiritual life does not always follow a predictable path. Whether you return to the religion you once knew or embrace a brand new one, the spiritual guidance you develop could be critical to your long-term recovery.
7. Lean into the support of family members and friends. No matter how alone you might feel in your addiction recovery, you have people in your life who care about you. So please resist the urge to push them away out of fear or embarrassment; don’t be afraid to depend on their support and use it to guide you in your sobriety.
8. Learn as much as you can about substance use disorder and addiction recovery. Substance abuse disorder is not a personal failing or a sign of weakness; it is an actual disease that can impact anyone no matter their age, income level, or gender. As you continue in your addiction recovery, learn as much as you can about addiction and recovery, so you can build on your sobriety and maintain it for the rest of your life.

Getting clean and sober is the first part of the recovery journey. Staying on track requires support, self care, avoiding toxic influences, and improving your mental, physical, and spiritual health. Legacy Healing Center is dedicated to helping patients heal from the inside out and learn valuable life skills that lead to successful long term recovery.  If you or someone you love is struggling with substance abuse, call Legacy Healing Center today at 888.534.2295.  Our intake specialists are available 24/7 and calls are completely confidential.  

from Legacy Healing Center https://www.legacyhealing.com/sobriety-life-hacks-8-everyday-habits-that-make-a-big-difference/
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The Connection Between Mental Illness and Substance Abuse

Drug Use and Mental Illness

Co-occurring mental health conditions and substance use disorders affect millions of Americans each year.  Studies show that nearly 50% of people diagnosed with mental illness also struggle with substance abuse.  Dual diagnosis is a term that is often used to describe someone who suffers from co-occurring mental illness and substance abuse.  Dual diagnosis is a bit of a chicken and egg scenario, often one condition leads to the other, but the symptoms of each condition contribute to the worsening of the other.

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How Substance Abuse Impacts Mental Illness and Vice Versa

For people with a mental health disorder, feelings and emotions can be unpleasant and difficult to process.   It is not uncommon for people to want to get rid of those uncomfortable emotions any way they can, including by using drugs and alcohol to self-medicate. While substance abuse may initially mask these unpleasant feelings, it only provides temporary relief and can lead to addiction later down the road.

Substance use can also put a person with a diagnosed mental health condition at risk for dangerous drug interactions. For example, antidepressants should not be taken if the person is using alcohol.

Conversely, excessive substance use can cause underlying mental health disorders to come to the surface. Someone who is heavily abusing drugs or alcohol is likely neglecting other aspects of their lives, such as work, hygiene, family, or other areas of life that may have been important to them before, which can then create turmoil within themselves, triggering them to continue abusing these substances that they once turned to for enjoyment.

Common Mental Health Diagnoses that Co-Occurring with Substance Abuse

Substance use disorders occur more commonly in people who struggle with specific mental health issues including the following:

Depression

People struggling with depression often reach for alcohol as a means to try to lift their spirits, but as a central nervous system depressant, alcohol only exacerbates symptoms of lethargy and sadness.

Anxiety

People with anxiety often turn to drugs or alcohol as a way to calm themselves.  Substance use becomes a means of escape for these individuals.  Unfortunately, alcohol and drugs can trigger anxiety and even panic attacks, over time, this attempt to self medicate only makes the anxiety disorder worse.

Bipolar Disorder

Bipolar disorder is associated with intense shifts in mood, behavior and energy levels.  People with the diagnosis are more likely to have higher rates of economic instability, relationship problems, and also addiction.  According to a recent study by the American Journal of Managed Care, about 56% of people with bipolar disorder who participated in the study had experienced drug or alcohol addiction during their lifetime.

PTSD

Past trauma is one of the most common underlying causes of substance use disorder.  Post traumatic stress disorder causes intense anxiety, intrusive memories and flashbacks that interfere with daily life.  It is common for people with PTSD to turn to alcohol and drugs as a means of escaping these strong uncomfortable feelings.  Unfortunately, as with all of these conditions, using substances to manage PTSD symptoms only make the condition worse in the long run.

Why Youth are Particularly Susceptible to Dual Diagnosis

During adolescence years, the brain continues to develop. The areas of the brain that regulate emotions, impulsivity, and appropriate decision-making are not fully developed until early adulthood. This late development is why some mental health diagnoses, such as Bipolar and Schizophrenia, are usually not officially diagnosed until people are in their early twenties.

It has been shown that early substance use significantly increases the risk of mental health disorders and substance abuse disorder later in life. It is also interesting to note that undiagnosed or untreated childhood ADHD can increase the risk of substance abuse as an adult. This misunderstanding presents a unique challenge because the medications prescribed to treat ADHD are stimulants and are addictive in nature. However, research has not associated increased risk of substance use with stimulant use.

Seeking Treatment for Dual Diagnosis

When considering treatment for a dual diagnosis, it is essential to keep in mind the need to address both the mental health disorder and the substance use disorder. If you’ve decided to seek treatment, it is important to find a behavioral health center, such as Legacy Healing Center, that specialized in dual diagnosis treatment to get to the root causes of addiction.  The road to recovery will not be without its challenges.  The most important thing is to be patient with yourself and keep moving forward on your path to a better life.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a common form of therapy used when treating dual diagnoses because it teaches the person to challenge negative thoughts or unhealthy urges. Effective coping skills are learned so that the person has tools to cope with inevitable life stresses and avoid undesired behavior.

Multidimensional Family Therapy is used when treating a teen with a dual diagnosis. MDFT utilizes a comprehensive approach to treatment by addressing relationship issues, their environment, and parental behaviors, including family and individual therapy.

Medications are an essential aspect of treatment as well. Prior to beginning treatment, the patient will go through a period of  medical detox under the careful supervision of our doctors and nurses. Medication may also be prescribed to appropriately treat a patient’s mental health condition eliminating the need to self medicate with dangerous or illicit substances.

If you or someone you love are struggling with a co-occurring mental health issue and a substance use disorder, reach out to Legacy Healing Center today to learn more about our specialized dual diagnosis treatment.  At Legacy Healing Center we take a holistic approach to treatment healing patients in body, mind and spirit.  Our specialists are available 24/7 on our confidential line to help you begin your journey. Call 888-534-2295 now.

from Legacy Healing Center https://www.legacyhealing.com/the-connection-between-mental-illness-and-substance-abuse/
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Benefits of Exercise in Addiction Recovery

Addiction Recovery and Exercise – A Winning Combination

Substance abuse can genuinely take a toll on your body. From the ever-present risk of overdose to the impact on eating habits and overall health, addiction recovery can present enormous challenges for those struggling to overcome their dependence.

However, to begin the road to addiction recovery and take back control of your life, a valuable weapon remains in your arsenal. Regular exercise can have a profound impact on your recovery, not just in terms of your physical health and well-being but in terms of your emotional and spiritual state as well.

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Physical Benefits of Exercise

Exercise possesses several powerful benefits for everyone in recovery, from helping your body heal from the long-term damage it has sustained to giving you the strength required to move through the world with confidence. Whether you are brand new to addiction recovery or struggling to continue on the path, regular exercise can play a vital part in the process.

The physical aspects of exercise can be particularly useful for you and your recovery. If you have been suffering from substance abuse disorder for a long time, chances are your body is a bit worse for wear. From neglecting your food intake in the quest for drugs to not knowing where you would sleep at night, you likely faced many physical challenges before you decided to get clean and embark on the road to recovery.

Now that you’re on that road, routine exercise can help your body heal. As you start on your workout plan, you may be surprised at just how resilient your body is, and how fast you begin to heal as you become active.

You do not have to become a gym rat to enjoy the healthy benefits of exercise in recovery. Something as simple as walking around the block and saying hello to your neighbors can do wonders for your physical health and well-being by being mentally and physically fit.

Mental Benefits of Exercise

Recovering from addiction does not just entail a physical process; it is a mental game as well. If you have been struggling with substance abuse disorder for a long time, the development of healthy coping skills will be an essential part of lasting recovery and drug-free living. Taking good care of your mental and emotional health will be just as important as healing your body from the effects of drugs and alcohol, and once again, exercise can play a crucial role.

If you used to run or work out in the gym, you might already be familiar with the euphoric feelings that physical movement can produce. And now that you are ready to stay clean, finding other ways to experience joy and a sense of mental well being will be more critical than ever.

Regular exercise can give you a sense of emotional well-being by lifting your spirits when you need it most and helping you develop the coping skills needed to succeed long after the formal rehab program has ended. Exercise is right for your body, but it is even better for your brain.

How Exercise Helps Those in Addiction Recovery

Regular exercise is good for everyone. That is why medical professionals, community organizations, and well-meaning friends are always touting its benefits. But keeping your body moving can be even more powerful as you move on from a life of substance abuse and embark on the road to addiction recovery.

As you develop the coping skills you will need to move forward and stay successful, having a workout routine in place can fill your days, lift your spirits, and help you build a better life. Whether you work out a few times a week or every day, you can enjoy the many benefits exercise has to offer, so you can heal your body, soothe your soul and let your spirit soar. Activity remains one of the best steps you can take for yourself, so lace up your running shoes, put on some comfortable clothes, and get ready to enhance your recovery journey.

Legacy Healing Center understands that successful addiction treatment involves healing the body, mind and spirit.  Our treatment programs include workouts with a personal trainer, nutrient dense meals and cold pressed juices, as well as holistic therapies all designed to help our clients heal inside and out.  Call today to learn how Legacy Healing Center can help you or someone you love to transform your life for good.  Call 888.534.2295 anytime 24/7.  Calls are completely confidential.

from Legacy Healing Center https://www.legacyhealing.com/benefits-of-exercise-in-addiction-recovery/
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What Is a Relapse?

Learning About Relapse Can Help Lessen the Dangers of Drug Addiction

If you are fortunate enough to have never suffered from an alcohol or drug addiction, you may have heard the term “relapse” but not necessarily understood what it meant. You might also think seeking help and staying sober entails the end of the recovery journey. However, those who have suffered from these kinds of life-changing habits know that completing treatment at a behavioral health center does not mean the end goal was achieved on the journey to recovery. Instead, it is the beginning of a lifelong process that can be challenging at times.  Understanding what a relapse is can go a long way in helping to prevent one from occurring in the first place.

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Those with direct experience on this kind of journey understand the risk of relapse always remains present. The best action to implement involves recognizing that fact and working hard every day to avoid people, places, and situations that could serve as triggers for relapse.

So what is a relapse, and why is it so dangerous? Whether you have suffered from drug or alcohol dependency in the past or are concerned about someone you love, understanding the dangers of relapse, and working to prevent one could save a life.

What Is Relapse?

In the world of medicine, the term relapse refers to the return of a previous condition. Doctors may talk about this in medical terms, and they may say a patient who had previously been cured of a disease has relapsed when the situation reappears.

Drug and alcohol abuse are also diseases, and the term relapse can accurately be used in that regard as well. When an individual who had previously overcome a drug or alcohol addiction begins to use drugs or drink again, they have suffered from a relapse.

Why Is Relapse So Dangerous?

Returning to drug use or problem drinking is a setback, and there are multiple reasons why it can be incredibly dangerous. During the physical detoxification process, the body is cleared of toxic substances, giving the user a new lease on life and making the recovery process more manageable. But at the same time, this process lowers resistance to those same toxic substances, and if they begin to use again, they are at a greater risk of overdose.

Without the tolerance they had previously built up, newly sober individuals are at a unique risk of death from overdose. This risk is especially acute among former opioid addicts, who may turn to heroin that has been altered with even more powerful and deadly substances.

What Are Some Common Triggers for Relapse?

Whether you are struggling to maintain your sobriety or worried about someone in your family or circle of friends, it is vital to recognize the most common relapse triggers. Several factors can make a return to drug use more likely, and recognizing the early warning signs of relapse could save your life or the life of someone you love.

There are many common relapse triggers, including a return to the places frequented while using. If someone you care about begins hanging out at their old haunts, it may be time to intervene.

Other relapse triggers include the “H.A.L.T” risk factors. For those with a history of addiction, being Hungry, Angry, Lonely, or Tired could trigger a dangerous relapse, and it is essential to recognize and blunt those triggers. It could be as simple as grabbing a quick snack, taking a nap, meditating to calm down, or seeking the company of those they love, and these early interventions can make a world of difference.

A Sudden Illness

Anything that saps your strength can make a relapse more likely, so taking care of your physical health and mental well-being will be vital moving forward. But if you fall ill, you may need to work extra hard to maintain your sobriety, work with your doctors, and allow your loved ones to care for you while you get better.

It is essential for your caregivers, including your family doctor, to know about your medical history, including your past substance abuse. This knowledge will help these medical professionals tailor a treatment plan just for you, one that addresses your physical illness without triggering a dangerous relapse.

Preventing relapse is a key part of addiction recovery and a critical requirement for a lifetime of sobriety and a more successful life. Recognizing the danger of relapse and actively working to avoid its risks are important for anyone struggling with addiction, and it could save lives.

 

If you or someone you love are struggling with substance abuse or are at risk of a relapse, call Legacy Healing Center today to learn how our holistic patient centered treatment can help.  Call 888.534.2295 anytime 24/7.  Calls are completely confidential.

from Legacy Healing Center https://www.legacyhealing.com/what-is-a-relapse/
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How to Talk to Someone About Addiction

Developing Skills to Discuss Someone’s Addiction Takes Patience

With nearly 20 million Americans suffering from a substance use disorder, you likely know someone struggling with substance use. Caring for someone struggling with addiction can bring up a range of emotions, from heartbreak to frustration, and you have probably experienced it all.  Yet, learning how to talk to someone about their addiction in a way that is helpful is important.  

As with everything in life, if you have not personally experienced addiction’s challenges, it may be difficult for you to understand or empathize with your loved one. Deciding whether to confront someone about their use can seem daunting and uncomfortable. 

However, it is essential to remember that they are not their addiction, and they are worthy of a fulfilling life. Perhaps your encouragement may be what they need to jumpstart their journey to recovery. If you’ve decided to speak to your loved one about their substance use, keep reading to learn our tips for how to talk to someone about their addiction.

Click here to speak with a treatment specialist today or call us anytime 24/7 at (888) 534-2295

6 Tips to Consider When Discussing Addiction

1. Utilize other family members and close friends: If you have concerns about your loved ones’ substance use, likely, others around you do too. Discuss your thoughts with your family and determine how you want to broach the subject. This conversation may be met with some resistance by the person you are talking to, so plan how you will address it.

2. Decide what you want to say to this person: Conversations like this are never easy to have, so it is essential to know what you want to say before you do so. If you get nervous quickly, it may be a good idea to write out a letter to read to the person during the conversation. Taking an empathetic stance will allow your concerns to be heard without making the person feel even more attacked. Use “I” statements to convey your message without coming off too strong. For example, “When you do ____, I feel ____.” Make sure that you are separating your love for the person and their troubling behavior. This method presents an excellent time to assess if they are willing to talk to a professional about their use and gauge their addiction severity. Maybe they are unaware of how their addiction affects their loved ones or don’t see an issue in their behavior. Having this conversation will help you learn where they stand.   

3. Find an appropriate time to engage them: Find a private place where this conversation can occur. Ensure it is somewhere where the person is comfortable, so they are more receptive to what you say. Ideally, it is best to speak to the person when they are not already under the influence, so they do not get overly defensive or agree to something they don’t plan on following through with. 

4. Be supportive but do not enable: Know the difference between helping someone and enabling. Inform the drug abuser that you are willing to help in any way, but do not allow them to continue to be self-destructive.   

5. Remain calm and understand they may not be willing to accept help initially: It is difficult for anyone to learn that their family and friends are worried about their behavior, so do not be surprised if your loved one reacts emotionally. Let them know that you see they are upset, but your concern comes from a place of love. You want what’s best for them, and that is why you are voicing your worries.   

6. Know when to consult professionals: Residential treatment programs have helped thousands of individuals struggling with addiction find their road to recovery. If your loved one expresses hope to the idea of treatment, reach out to an addiction specialist right away. Our addiction specialists at Legacy Healing Centers are always available online or by phone to start their path to recovery. If your loved one chooses to begin their journey with us, it will begin with a medical detox closely monitored by our treatment team and precisely tailored to their needs. 

It may be challenging but it is worth it to talk to your loved one about addiction.  Do not delay helping them get the care they need. Contact our team of specialists at Legacy Healing Center today to learn how we can help, (888) 534-2295.

from Legacy Healing Center https://www.legacyhealing.com/how-to-talk-to-someone-about-addiction/
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8 Opioid Overdose Risk Factors

Learn to Recognize Risk Factors for Overdose

While the global COVID-19 pandemic has been grabbing all the headlines, another epidemic is happening right now. The opioid epidemic has not gone away, and many public health experts fear that addiction levels will only increase as the coronavirus lock downs wear on.

In the face of this global health crisis, it is crucial for family members, coworkers, and others to know the warning signs of opioid addiction as well as overdose risk factors that could turn a drug abuse disorder into a fatal event.

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It is essential to know who is at risk for an opioid overdose, as well as how to prevent this dangerous addiction from taking the life of someone you love. The sad truth is that everyone is potentially at risk of opioid addiction, but those taking pain medications for chronic conditions or post-surgical discomfort can be at the greatest risk.

Eight opioid overdose risk factors everyone should be aware of include:

1. A history of substance abuse – A history of alcohol abuse and/or past drug use can put an individual at increased risk of overdose. Family members can reduce the risk by seeking help right away.

2. Untreated mental health disorder – Untreated mental health disorders are a common underlying factor in addiction.  Many people who have an undiagnosed mental or behavioral health condition use illicit drugs in an attempt to self medicate.  Recognizing and seeking treatment for mental health issues can significantly reduce the risk of addiction and overdose.

3. Recent surgery – Recovering from surgery can take time, and the pain of recovery can be intense. That is why opioid pain medications are often prescribed after surgery, and this can put the patient at an increased risk of dependency and even overdose. Talk to your doctor about prescribing the least amount of pain medication possible, and ask about alternative forms of pain relief like acupuncture and non-opioid medications.

4. Multiple medications – Those taking multiple medications, especially substances like benzodiazepines and anti-anxiety drugs, may be at higher risk of an opioid overdose.

5. Relapse – People who relapse after a period of sobriety are at an increased risk of a deadly overdose. A relapsing person’s tolerance will typically be lower than it was when they were last using opioids.  People may not realize this and take their previous dosage putting them at risk for an overdose.  This is one of the reasons aftercare support is so important for individuals transitioning from recovery to a lifetime of sober living.

6. Being male – Those born biologically male may be predisposed not only to addiction but an increased risk of overdose as well. To reduce the risk of overdose in males, it is especially important to seek treatment for substance abuse as early as possible.

7. Economic deprivation – Diversity in income plays a role in the opioid epidemic and other forms of substance abuse. Those at the lower end of the socioeconomic ladder have less access to resources needed to overcome drug addiction which can increase their risk.

8. A history of volatile relationships – The support of loved ones can serve as a bridge across troubled waters, but a lack of support can lead to addiction and ultimately overdose. Supporting your loved one through their struggles is the best way to help them avoid these dangerous overdose risk factors.

Being able to recognize these risk factors and how they apply to you or someone you love could help prevent a tragic overdose.

Seek Help Today

The best way to avoid the risk of an overdose is to seek treatment for substance abuse early on.  If you are concerned about someone in your life and worried about them experiencing an overdose, don’t wait to get help. Contact Legacy Healing Center today to learn how we can help.  Once you reach out, we will guide you through every step along the way.

from Legacy Healing Center https://www.legacyhealing.com/8-opioid-overdose-risk-factors/
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Dennis Feinstein’s Story of Recovery

How Rehab Can Impact Lives

During active addiction, Dennis Feinstein’s life was the epitome of chaos. His need to consume drugs spiraled to the point where he could no longer care for his children. “I was homeless, my family stopped talking to me, my wife died in active addiction,” he said.

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Dennis’s parents took over his parenting responsibility, and his relationship with his children and his family became non-existent. Although he would come to his parent’s house under the guise of asking for food, his parents knew better.

“My parents would only let me in the house if my kids were awake and right there. My daughter would run to her room to hide her piggy bank from me. The only part of that that bothered me was that I may not be able to find it.”

In a word, Dennis’s life was spiraling. “I just didn’t care. I needed to get away with what I got.”

Although the pieces of Dennis’s life were falling all around him, he still did not want to get clean. He did everything he could to try to find a way to meet his need for drugs.

“That is where my disease took me.”

In Search of a Reason to Change

Like many people who struggle with substance abuse, Dennis realized he needed to take action to get himself off the streets.

“I tricked myself into recovery. I wanted a roof over my head, and I didn’t want to get sick. I still wanted to get high, I just didn’t want to have to.”

Dennis thought he would be able to recover from drug abuse in his own way. He knew he needed to take certain steps to get away from the drugs. However, he was not completely convinced he needed to give up his addiction completely. Dennis thought he could lower his drug tolerance and still be able to maintain a normal life.

“I was going to grow spiritually and get high at the same time. I was going to be the first one to do it.”

The Turning Point

For Dennis, the turning point didn’t come all at once.  He realized that he wanted a roof over his head and that he didn’t want to be sick from withdrawal.  Like a lot of addicts early on he thought he could negotiate his own version of recovery, he thought he’d try to cut down on his use and he decided rehab was required to do it. An old friend came to pick him up to bring him to detox.

“For me, that’s heroic. He showed up right then and there. He looked at me and had a big genuine smile on his face. My friend said, “You know today is the first day of your life.”  When he asked his friend how he could ever repay him, he said, “just help the next addict that comes along.”

Dennis’ journey toward sobriety was not always an easy one. At some point he realized he had no idea who he was.  But recovery began to introduce him to himself.

“My disease manifested in so many ways. I was a junkie; I was a liar, and I was a thief. I put the drugs down, and I’m not a junkie anymore, but I’m a liar and a thief who is no longer comfortable lying and stealing. I had no choice but to start to work steps.”

The Importance of the Steps

Dennis took his journey toward recovery at his own pace.

“Just do it slowly. Do a question a day, two questions a day. I never got deeper than that. I would do one or two questions because I wanted to be thorough,” Dennis said.

Although Dennis was starting to put in the work toward his recovery, he still was not convinced of the process. He did what he was told on his recovery journey because he was scared. He did not want to be homeless again.

“I still wanted to get high, I just didn’t want to have to.”

One of the significant aspects of recovery that Dennis struggled with was learning more about his identity.

“I didn’t dislike myself; I just didn’t know myself. I tried to be whoever I was around. I tried to be you, not me. Wherever that took me.”

Ironically enough, this stance played a pivotal role on Dennis’ recovery. During a meeting, a fellow attendee spoke about how his sponsor told him that he was not allowed to make any decisions within the first year of recovery; he was only allowed to take suggestions.

“I liked the reaction that he got from the group.”

A few days later, Dennis made the same announcement to a different group, even though he didn’t have a sponsor at the time. It was a declaration that remained with him as he undertook his journey to work through the 12 Steps.

A Life Dedicated to Giving Back

Dennis took his friend’s words, “just help the next addict that comes along,” to heart.  He now serves as the Client Outreach and Alumni Coordinator for Legacy Healing Center and works tirelessly to connect with current and past patients in an impactful way. He looks back on his experience of his friend dropping him off at detox as a life-changing one and relishes the day, 17 months after he entered detox, when he first did the same for another homeless man.

Today Dennis lives a fulfilling life.  He’s learned who he is as an individual and accepts himself fully.  He has close and supportive relationships with his family and his message is simple, “just keep coming back”.  He encourages those struggling with substance abuse to turn to Legacy Healing Center for help.

“The entire PHP, from the minute they walk into the door, they are greeted with a high-five,” he said.  Dennis credits this personal approach as to why the Legacy Healing Center is uniquely different from other facilities.  “The minute they get to Legacy, they are treated differently. You are greeted like a family member walking into our home.”

Part of Dennis’s job is to create events and activities for Legacy alumni.  “You come to Legacy for treatment, but you also get a built-in support group the minute you get there because of the family approach that we have.”

“It’s not like a treatment facility you come to [where] you do your 30 days. You stay clean, or you don’t, and you’re gone, and you’re done. With Legacy, the minute you step foot in our program, you are a part of Legacy for life,” Dennis said.

If you or someone you love are struggling with addiction, call Legacy Healing Center today to learn how we can help you get on the road to successful recovery and a happy fulfilling life.  Call 888.534.2295.  Our intake specialists are available 24/7 and calls are completely confidential.

from Legacy Healing Center https://www.legacyhealing.com/dennis-feinsteins-story-of-recovery/
via Legacy Healing Center

Early Warning Signs of Relapse

Learn to Decipher the Initial Stages of Relapse

Much like a marathon, addiction recovery entails slow and steady progress with no quick solutions. Breaking free of a drug or alcohol dependence takes time, dedication, and effort. No matter how competent, no behavioral health center can break the addiction cycle without the determination of its participants. Even after initial success, signs of relapse in the form of triggers and cravings can occur and its important to recognize them as early as possible.

The danger of relapse remains ever-present, so its essential for those who have overcome a drug or alcohol addiction to know how to recognize the early warning signs. It is also critical for spouses, parents, other family members and friends to know these early warning signs because fast action could mean the difference between relapse and continued sobriety.

Click here to speak with a treatment specialist today or call us anytime 24/7 at (888) 534-2295

To honor National Recovery Month in September, we’d like to highlight some early warning signs of relapse.  Recognizing these signs and taking action early on can help to prevent relapse and keep you or your loved one on track in recovery.

Poor Hygiene or a Lack of Self Care

If someone who has previously taken pride in their appearance starts dressing sloppily or skipping their daily hygiene routine, you should be concerned. People who have reentered active addiction may lose interest in the self-care routines they previously practiced, and as their habit worsens, their appearance and hygiene may follow suit.

Asking to Borrow Money

Drug addiction can be expensive, and most addicts need a steady stream of income to support their daily habits. Loved ones should ask questions if a previously self-sufficient family member begins asking to borrow large sums of money.

Theft

Asking to borrow money indicates an early warning sign of relapse, but so does stealing from family members, employers, and others. If someone you care about starts stealing money or other goods, you should seek help for them right away.

Denial or Defensiveness

People struggling with active addiction will rarely admit their issues with substance abuse. When asked directly if they are using again, they will likely deny they have a problem, and they may become defensive or even angry. This kind of reaction should always cause concern, and it is a classic early warning sign of relapse.

Compulsive Behaviors

Those suffering from relapse may engage in compulsive behaviors, from repetitive hand washing to checking and double-checking that the oven is off and the door remains locked. A return to previous drug use could trigger this kind of compulsive behavior, and this sign of relapse should never be ignored.

Reconnecting With Toxic People

Triggers can come from anywhere and are not always physical. Bars and night clubs can act as triggers, but so can the people who inhabit them. If an individual who had previously beaten an addiction begins hanging around with the old crowd again, it is time for family members to get involved. Early intervention at the first signs of relapse remains the best solution, and the sooner you act, the better.

Skipping Meetings or Leaving Support Groups

The help and support of peers can be vital to staying clean and sober in the wake of drug addiction. Support groups and regular meetings hold people accountable for their actions and give individuals the guidance they need to avoid triggers and prevent a dangerous relapse.

Leaving those support groups behind or skipping previously attended meetings indicates a major red flag for relapse. Friends and family members always need to keep tabs on their loved ones who are vulnerable to relapse and act accordingly.

Overcoming the Struggles of Addiction

From opioid addictions caused by powerful pain medications to the abuse of heroin, cocaine, and other street drugs, substance use disorder has become a massive issue in modern society. Timely intervention can make all the difference when you or someone you love suffers from this dangerous disease, but overcoming addiction is not a one-time event.

If you want to maintain your drug-free status for a lifetime, you need to recognize the early warning signs of relapse. If someone you care about is struggling with addiction, knowing the signs of relapse or an overdose could save their life. So take the time to educate yourself, learn the relapse warning signs, and be ready to take action if you are concerned. The staff at Legacy Healing Center can help you through this journey of transformation, putting you or your loved one back on the path to lifetime recovery.

from Legacy Healing Center https://www.legacyhealing.com/early-warning-signs-of-relapse/
via Legacy Healing Center