Finding the Best Inpatient Dual Diagnosis Treatment Centers

When it comes to addressing complex mental health and substance abuse issues, finding the right treatment facility is crucial. Inpatient dual-diagnosis treatment centers specialize in treating individuals who have co-occurring disorders. A co-occurring disorder is when we see a mental health disorder simultaneously occur alongside a substance abuse problem. To find the best facility, it’s essential to understand what to look for, the importance of trauma-informed care, and how proper diagnosis and inpatient care can aid in recovery. Integrative Life Center in Nashville, TN, provides guidance on the key aspects to consider when searching for the best inpatient dual diagnosis treatment centers near you.

Understanding Co-occurring disorders

Co-occurring disorders, also known as dual diagnosis, are when we see the presence of both a mental health disorder and a substance use disorder. Common co-occurring disorders include conditions such as depression and alcoholism, anxiety and opioid addiction, or bipolar disorder and cocaine abuse. Understanding the complexity of these conditions is critical, as they often interact in ways that can complicate treatment and recovery. For example, alcohol and depression rehab programs must address both the emotional aspects of depression and the addictive behaviors related to alcohol use.

Importance of Correct Diagnosis

One of the most critical factors in dual diagnosis treatment is obtaining an accurate diagnosis. Misdiagnosis can lead to ineffective treatment plans and prolonged suffering. Dual diagnosis inpatient treatment centers are equipped with professionals who specialize in recognizing the subtle interplay between different disorders. Correct diagnosis ensures that both the mental health disorder and the substance use disorder are addressed simultaneously, leading to more comprehensive and effective treatment plans

Key Features to Look For

When searching for the best inpatient dual diagnosis treatment centers, there are several key features to consider:

• Accreditation and Licensing: Ensure the facility is accredited and licensed by relevant health authorities. This guarantees that the center meets high standards of care and professionalism.
• Experienced Staff: The presence of experienced and qualified medical and therapeutic staff is vital. Look for centers with professionals who specialize in co-occurring disorders.
• Comprehensive Assessment: The best centers conduct thorough assessments to develop personalized treatment plans. This includes psychological evaluations, medical examinations, and substance use history.
• Integrated Treatment Plans: Effective dual diagnosis treatment requires an integrated approach that addresses both disorders simultaneously. Ensure the facility offers comprehensive care plans that incorporate both mental health and substance abuse treatments.
• Trauma-Informed Care: Many individuals with co-occurring disorders have experienced trauma. Facilities that offer trauma-informed care can provide more sensitive and effective treatment by acknowledging the impact of past traumas on current behaviors and mental health.
• Holistic Approach: Centers that offer holistic treatments, such as meditation, yoga, and nutritional counseling, can enhance traditional therapies and contribute to overall well-being.
• Aftercare Programs: Recovery doesn’t end with inpatient treatment. Look for centers that offer robust aftercare programs, including outpatient therapy, support groups, and relapse prevention strategies.

Importance of Trauma-Informed Care

Trauma-informed care is an approach that recognizes the widespread impact of trauma and understands potential paths for recovery. It involves acknowledging the signs and symptoms of trauma in patients and integrating this knowledge into treatment practices. Dual diagnosis inpatient treatment centers that employ trauma-informed care can create a safer and more supportive environment for patients, which is crucial for effective healing and recovery. This approach can be particularly beneficial for those dealing with alcohol and eating disorders, as trauma often underlies these conditions. ILC offers a comprehensive addiction treatment guide that helps provide an individualized plan for the best course to recovery. 

Benefits of Inpatient Care

Inpatient care offers several advantages for individuals with dual diagnoses:

• Structured Environment: Inpatient facilities provide a structured environment that can help patients focus solely on their recovery without the distractions and triggers of daily life.
• Intensive Therapy: Inpatient care allows for more intensive therapy sessions, including individual, group, and family therapy.
• Supportive Community: Being surrounded by others who are undergoing similar challenges can provide a sense of community and mutual support.
• Comprehensive Services: Many inpatient dual diagnosis treatment centers offer a range of services, including psychiatric care and holistic therapies.

Integrative Life Center in Nashville, TN is here to help you on your journey to healing. 

When searching, “dual diagnosis inpatient treatment centers near me,” you’ll want to carefully consider several factors. If you or a loved one is struggling with co-occurring disorders, it’s essential to seek out a facility that meets these criteria. At Integrative Life Center in Nashville, TN, (615) 891-2226, we offer specialized care tailored to the unique needs of individuals with dual diagnoses. Our comprehensive, holistic approach ensures that every aspect of a patient’s mental health and substance abuse issues is addressed, providing a solid foundation for recovery. We are here to help.

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Can You Relate to These Love Addiction Symptoms?

It’s easy to feel on top of the world in a loving relationship with someone. Simply put, being in love is a wonderful thing. But when love addiction enters the picture, a relationship can get turned upside down. That’s why it’s important to understand the common love addiction symptoms—and get the help you need if you’re concerned that either your or your loved one’s affections are unhealthy.

What is Love Addiction?

So exactly what is love addiction? If you’re struggling with love addiction symptoms, that means you have an unhealthy, even obsessive fixation on your partner or loved one. Essentially, you’re dependent on your partner and will alter your life to be with them. This may range from devoting all your time and energy towards your partner or neglecting your own health, well-being, career, and relationships to remain together. 

At the same time, if you’re a love addict, you’re likely addicted to the process of falling in love and being in a relationship. Often, you’re more drawn to the early stages of the relationship, when the initial feelings of love are most magnified. Falling in love with someone brings euphoria, and you become dependent on those feelings like a drug addict may become dependent on drugs. However, once the initial feelings wear off, it’s common for love addicts to seek out a new relationship to capture those euphoric feelings again. 

The Four Love Addiction Types

Love addiction may look different from person to person, even influencing symptoms of love addiction. In fact, there are four types of love addiction, including: 

• Obsessive: An obsessive love addiction involves having trouble detaching from your partner. Such an addict will stay with the partner even if it’s an unhealthy relationship out of fear of being alone. 
• Codependent: Signs of a codependent relationship include the love addict using their partner to enhance their own self-worth. They may feel validated in trying to fix a partner who is emotionally unavailable or struggles with addictions of their own. 
• Narcissistic: A narcissistic love addict will control the relationship. Driven by selfishness, the addict will exploit their partner to boost their own ego. 
• Ambivalent/Avoidant: A love avoidant addict may struggle with fear of intimacy, seeking emotionally unavailable partners as a result. They also can experience several instances of unrequited love. 

Common Love Addiction Symptoms to Look Out For

As mentioned previously, love addiction symptoms can vary based on the relationship. That’s why it’s helpful to know a range of symptoms to look out for as you look at your own relationships and romantic partners. However, the most consistently recognizable symptom of love addiction is the unhealthy fixation on another person that leads to obsessive compulsions, shares VerywellMind.com. This may look like calling someone too often, trying to control the other person, or stalking. 

According to PsychCentral.com and psychologist Kerry Cohen, the signs of love addiction include two key traits. First, your feelings and behaviors associated with love will often lead to negative, distressing consequences for yourself and others. And second, you rely on romantic partners to meet your needs and avoid emotional pain. 

While these signs can be helpful to identify an unhealthy relationship, other love addiction symptoms include: 

• The need to be “in love”
• Chasing new love interests regularly
• The inability to be alone
• Feeling incomplete if you don’t have a partner
• Feeling lost without your partner
• Fearing your partner leaving you
• Prioritizing being in love over having a healthy relationship
• Obsessing over potential romantic partners
• Getting depressed and obsessive when a romantic interest declines your advances
• Putting your partner on a pedestal
• Intense euphoric feelings associated with a new love interest
• Waning interest in your partner once the relationship is established
• Finding it challenging to leave an unhealthy relationship
• Making poor life decisions based on your feelings for your partner
• Using a relationship to escape your negative feelings or circumstances
• Depending too much on your partner
• Needing romance and love for happiness
• Feeling withdrawal symptoms when you’re not in a romantic relationship

Love Addiction and Co-Occurring Disorders

If you or your loved one can resonate with any of the love addiction symptoms above, there’s often more going on beneath the surface. Love addicts may deal with co-occurring disorders alongside their addiction. It’s common for love addicts to struggle with anxiety disorder or depression, and the challenges of love addiction may exacerbate these conditions. Eating disorders and personality disorders are also associated with love addiction. And an addiction to love, like many other addictions, is usually rooted in unresolved past trauma, such as adverse childhood experiences. 

What Should You Do If You Recognize Love Addiction Symptoms in Your Own Life?

If you think you may have a love addiction, then your relationship with your partner (or any future partners, for that matter) is likely an unhealthy one. However you can find healing and learn how to have healthy romantic relationships. The best way to do this is by seeking professional help for your love addiction symptoms. After all, an addiction can’t be healed by just managing your symptoms by yourself. You need to address the underlying root causes of these symptoms with trauma-informed care. 

At Integrative Life Center in Nashville, TN, our intimacy disorder treatment program provides comprehensive love addiction treatment personalized to your unique needs. As a dual diagnosis treatment facility, we can also address any co-occurring disorders simultaneously, giving you the best chance at long-term healing all in one place. If you’re ready to reclaim your life and be empowered to have healthy relationships, call our team today. 

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Porn Relapse: What You Should Do Next

Maybe you installed a porn blocker on your devices. Perhaps you were even doing good for a while, managing your triggers. But then it happened: you had a porn relapse. 

When you’re trying to learn how to stop porn addiction for good, relapsing on porn can happen sometimes. And when it does, that doesn’t mean your efforts to quit have failed. Or that you’re back to the drawing board. However, what you decide to do next in response to a porn addiction relapse is critical. 

Understanding Porn Addiction

As we discuss porn relapse, it’s important to understand the addiction behind it. Porn addiction is a form of compulsive sexual behavior known as hypersexual disorder. Rooted in trauma, porn addiction is caused by using pornography as a coping mechanism for unresolved struggles in your past, difficult circumstances, or stress. 

As you watch porn, it releases large amounts of the feel-good pleasure chemical dopamine in your brain. So when you need to self-medicate for trauma’s negative feelings, you remember the dopamine rush you got from porn and seek it out again and again. Yet over time, the pleasure you get from porn isn’t as satisfying as it used to be, so you need to watch more to achieve the same effect. Before long, you have a full-blown addiction on your hands. 

What is a Porn Relapse? 

When you realize what porn does to your brain, it’s easy to understand why it’s so hard to break free from its grip. Throw in porn withdrawal symptoms into the mix, and it’s even more physically and mentally challenging. That’s why a porn relapse is something that can always happen, no matter where you are on the recovery journey. 

If you’ve relapsed on porn, it means you consumed pornographic content after abstaining from it for a length of time. Yet a relapse isn’t just a one-time event; it’s reverting back to your old ways time and time again. 

Considering the ubiquity of porn on the internet and how triggers can show up anywhere, a porn relapse can affect anyone. Maybe you’ve just realized your porn addiction struggles and have been trying to quit on your own. Or perhaps you sought help for your addiction already and have been in recovery for years prior to this porn relapse. Regardless, you may feel like you’re at a crossroads. So what should you do next? 

Relapsed on Porn? Consider These Next Steps

Once you’ve relapsed on porn, you have a decision to make. After all, you can respond in multiple ways. Yet it’s important to be intentional in taking steps that can help you get back on track:

Don’t Throw in the Towel

It’s likely you feel discouraged and frustrated, maybe even hopeless. You may even feel scared that all your hard work has been wasted. However, this porn addiction relapse is a setback, not a life sentence. The last thing you want to do in response is throw in the towel and give up. Your long-term recovery is still attainable (just think about the progress you’ve made!). Instead, accept that this setback occurred and give yourself some grace. No one’s perfect. Continue the work of recovery and healing. 

Tell a Trusted Confidant About Your Porn Relapse

It’s tempting to keep your porn relapse a secret, especially if people know you’ve been trying to quit porn. Yet shame thrives in isolation, so not telling anyone about your setback leaves you vulnerable to further ones. In fact, porn consumption is linked to increased loneliness, shares the Journal of Sex & Marital Therapy. Instead, tell a trusted friend, counselor, or accountability partner that you’ve relapsed on porn. You’ll find that having someone in your corner combats loneliness and provides the encouragement you need to move forward. 

Join a Support Group

Beyond sharing with someone you know, joining a porn addiction support group can be instrumental in getting the support you need to continue your recovery. In a support group, you meet with other people who are on the same journey as you. This gives you the chance to learn from their experiences and get equipped with tools, accountability, and perspective to help you overcome your addiction.

Seek Professional Porn Addiction Treatment

If you’re trying to figure out how to stop watching porn and break free from your addiction, getting professional help is the best way forward. A porn addiction treatment program can help you address the underlying traumas in your life and learn better ways to cope. And if you’ve relapsed on porn after treatment, consider reaching out to your CSAT therapist or participating in your treatment center’s aftercare or outpatient programming to get refocused. 

Stay the Course After a Porn Relapse at Integrative Life Center

A porn addiction relapse is a normal challenge in recovery. While you may feel discouraged now, know that you can continue to make positive progress after this setback. At Integrative Life Center in Nashville, TN, we provide a comprehensive porn addiction treatment program that heals the underlying causes of your addiction, not just your symptoms. We also provide aftercare and alumni programs to help you stay the course after a relapse during recovery. To learn more, contact our team today. 

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What is Trauma Informed Yoga and How Can It Help Recovery?

The journey to therapeutic recovery can be long and will take lots of hard work. Whether you or a loved one is struggling from a substance abuse disorder, an eating disorder, or any mental health condition, there is hope. Thankfully, treatment programs like Integrative Life Center in Nashville, TN offer clients many tools to assist them on this journey. One of the tools we utilize is trauma informed yoga. More than just a work out or a meditative practice, trauma-informed yoga offers a gentle and comprehensive exercise for facing trauma and finding resilience toward recovery. 

What Is Trauma?

Trauma is when a person becomes emotionally overwhelmed by an event or circumstance happening to them or to someone they love, or witnessed by them. According to the National Council for Behavioral Health, some 70 percent of adults in the United States have experienced some type of traumatic event. These events can vary, and can include:

• Adverse childhood experiences
• Accidents or natural disasters
• Witnessing acts of violence
• Grief and loss
• Severe illness
• Effects of emotional abuse
• Physical or sexual abuse
• War and other forms of violence

Not everyone who experiences a traumatic event needs professional care to deal with the experience, but many people do develop physical and/or mental health concerns. In fact, according to the National Council for Behavioral Health, trauma is a risk factor in nearly all behavioral health and substance abuse disorders. Additionally, over 33 percent of young people who are exposed to violence in their communities will develop Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), the most severe reaction to traumatic events.

Symptoms of trauma

Though you may not have developed PTSD, some signs that you may be dealing with the fallout from a traumatic event are:

• Unexplained headaches or stomach aches
• Changes in sleep patterns
• Easily startled by sounds or touch
• Depression or anxiety
• Outbursts of anger
• Increased use of alcohol or drugs
• Overeating
• Feelings of detachment/self-isolation
• Loss of interest in everyday activities
• Nightmares and flashbacks
• Self-blame or shame
• More susceptibility to colds or other illnesses

Trauma-Informed Care

Thankfully, there is help available for those who are suffering after experiencing a traumatic event. If this is you or a loved one, it is important that you seek out trauma informed care. Otherwise, more harm than good may be done, as the possibility of re-traumatization–even in a therapeutic setting–will be present. In trauma informed care, a provider works to help their client heal from a traumatic event through a trauma informed lens, relying on the five guiding principles of:

• Safety
• Trustworthiness
• Choice
• Collaboration
• Empowerment

Whether in talk therapy, group therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, or any other methodology, trauma-informed practitioners keep in mind the triggers a traumatized individual may have and work to make them aware of these triggers themselves. Above all, anyone working to recover from a traumatic event must feel safe along every step of the recovery journey, participating alongside their provider to address, process, and heal from the trauma.

What Is Trauma Informed Yoga?

Successful recovery from trauma will involve many different steps and strategies. One of those strategies may be trauma informed yoga.

You may be familiar with the idea of yoga treatment in residential or outpatient mental health facilities. Much more than exercise, yoga is a combination of postures, breath, and meditation that facilitates overall wellbeing and is a vital part of a holistic approach to care. Yoga treatment creates a deep connection to the self that can help people learn to control and guide their thoughts and feelings.

Learning to do this is especially important in trauma informed care, where a client may experience sudden and seemingly uncontrollable flashbacks to a traumatic event. Trauma-informed yoga seeks to help a person control those thoughts without re-traumatizing them by triggering traumatic memories. For example, instead of encouraging practitioners to simply “move through” a particular pose that may be conjuring up traumatic memories, trauma-informed yoga instructors teach participants to pay careful attention to their feelings and thoughts and, if need be, follow them into a time of rest rather than strain.

Trauma informed yoga also acknowledges that trauma affects not only the mind but the body. It can present itself in unusual ways–tension in a particular muscle, a fear of a certain position. Trauma informed practitioners never push a participant to do anything that triggers them; rather, they seek to help clients become more grounded in their own bodies and minds, listening to them instead of running from them.

Experience the Benefits of Trauma Informed Yoga

If you or a loved one is suffering from the effects of a traumatic experience, now is the time to seek healing. Recovery is possible, and a future without fear awaits. At Integrative Life Center in Nashville, TN, trauma treatment includes an array of holistic and evidence-based options personalized to your needs, including trauma informed yoga. With our help, you can address both the mental and physical effects of your trauma and achieve long-term healing. Call 615-378-8806 today to start your healing journey. You are not alone.

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Signs Your Body is Releasing Trauma

Trauma can leave lasting imprints on both the mind and body. As you embark on a path toward recovery and healing, it’s important to recognize the signs your body is releasing trauma. This awareness helps patients take stock of behaviors and find a healthier way forward. At Integrative Life Center in Nashville, TN, we understand the complexities of trauma recovery and offer trauma informed care to support you through this process.

Understanding Trauma and Its Impact

Trauma is a deeply distressing or disturbing experience that overwhelms a person’s ability to cope. Whether stemming from a single event or prolonged exposure to stress, trauma can significantly impact mental and physical health. The body’s response to trauma is not just a psychological phenomenon; it often manifests in physical ways as well. This is why recognizing the signs your body is releasing trauma is essential for holistic healing.

Signs Your Body is Releasing Trauma

The process of releasing trauma is unique to each individual, but there are common signs that indicate your body is letting go of past trauma. Here are some key indicators:

1. Physical Sensations

• Tremors or Shaking: These involuntary movements can occur as the body releases stored energy associated with traumatic experiences.
• Tingling or Warmth: You may feel tingling sensations or warmth in certain areas of your body as trauma is processed and released.
• Muscle Tension and Relaxation: Muscles that have been chronically tense due to trauma may suddenly relax, leading to a sensation of relief or heaviness.

2. Emotional Releases

• Crying or Laughing: Unexpected bouts of crying or laughter can be a sign your body is releasing trauma. These emotional releases are natural and therapeutic.
• Mood Swings: Fluctuations in mood, such as feeling elated one moment and sad the next, can indicate that deep-seated emotions are being processed.

3. Behavioral Changes

• Restlessness or Fatigue: As the body works through trauma, you might experience periods of restlessness or extreme fatigue.
• Changes in Eating or Sleeping Patterns: Trauma release can disrupt regular eating and sleeping habits, leading to changes in appetite or sleep quality.

Why Trauma Therapy is So Hard

Healing from trauma is a challenging process for most people. Why is trauma therapy so hard? Trauma therapy can be difficult because it involves confronting painful memories and emotions. However, this process is crucial for recovery. At ILC Integrative Life Center, we utilize a holistic approach to anxiety and trauma treatment to provide comprehensive support.

Trauma-informed care recognizes the widespread impact of trauma and understands potential paths for recovery. It emphasizes safety, trustworthiness, peer support, collaboration, empowerment, and cultural, historical, and gender issues. By integrating these principles, trauma-informed care creates a supportive environment where individuals feel safe to explore and heal from their trauma. 

Link Between Childhood Trauma and Memory Loss

Childhood trauma can have profound effects on memory. Research shows that traumatic experiences in childhood can lead to memory loss or the development of repressed memories. These repressed memories can resurface during the healing process, often as signs your body is releasing trauma. At ILC, we support each patient in understanding the impact of their own childhood. 

Holistic Approaches to Trauma Recovery

A holistic approach to trauma recovery addresses the mind, body, and spirit. At Integrative Life Center, we offer various therapies that support holistic healing, including mindfulness practices, somatic therapies, and experiential activities. These therapies help individuals reconnect with their bodies, release stored trauma, and develop healthier coping mechanisms.

1. Mindfulness Practices

• Meditation and Deep Breathing: These practices can help calm the nervous system and create a sense of inner peace.
• Yoga and Movement: Engaging in gentle movement can help release physical tension and promote emotional healing.

2. Somatic Therapies

• Body Awareness Techniques: Learning to tune into bodily sensations can aid in identifying and releasing trauma stored in the body.
• Massage and Acupuncture: These therapies can help release physical blockages and promote overall well-being.

3. Experiential Therapies

• Art and Music Therapy: Creative expression can provide an outlet for processing and releasing emotions.
• Nature Therapy: Spending time in nature can be grounding and restorative, helping to alleviate symptoms of trauma.

How to Support Your Body Through Trauma Release

Supporting your body as it releases trauma is crucial for your overall well-being. Here are some tips to help you navigate this process:

1. Stay Hydrated and Nourished

• Drink plenty of water and eat nutrient-rich foods to support your body’s healing process.

2. Get Adequate Rest

• Ensure you get enough sleep and take breaks as needed to allow your body to recover.

3. Practice Self-Care

• Engage in activities that bring you joy and relaxation, such as reading, taking a bath, or spending time with loved ones.

4. Seek Professional Support

• Working with a trauma-informed therapist can provide the guidance and support you need to navigate the complexities of trauma recovery.

Recognizing the signs your body is releasing trauma is a vital step in the healing journey. By understanding these signs and seeking appropriate care, you can support your body’s natural process of healing and recovery. At ILC, we are committed to providing compassionate and comprehensive trauma treatment to help you reclaim your life. If you or a loved one is struggling with trauma, don’t hesitate to reach out to us. Together, we can work towards a brighter, healthier future.

For more information on trauma-informed care, childhood trauma and memory loss, repressed memories, and why trauma therapy is so hard, explore our resources. Contact LC today at (615) 891-2226 to learn more about our holistic approach to anxiety and trauma treatment.

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Is Counseling Effective in Alcohol Use Disorder? Understanding the Impact of Therapy on Recovery

Weddings, funerals, birthday parties, beach trips, after-work happy hours: in American culture, alcohol is embedded into all of these experiences and many more. For most, this does not pose a problem, but for those struggling with alcohol use disorder (AUD), the ubiquitous nature of alcohol can be troubling. Recovering from AUD is a lifelong process that may include many methodologies, including residential alcohol rehab, membership in a 12-step program, and even talk therapy or counseling. 

If you or a loved one is in the throes of alcohol use disorder, you may be wondering, is counseling effective in alcohol use disorder? What possible effect could talking have on my struggles with alcohol consumption? The answer is, thankfully, a powerful one.

What Is Alcohol Use Disorder?

Because alcohol use is all around us, it can be difficult at times to see that we are struggling with alcohol use disorder. It is important to understand the criteria for alcohol use disorder, which includes:

• Continuing to use alcohol despite recurrent social or interpersonal problems caused by alcohol use
• Needing increasing amounts of alcohol to achieve a desired effect
• Giving up important social or recreational activities because of drinking
• Repeated, unsuccessful efforts to cut down on or control drinking
• Recurrent use of alcohol in situations when it is dangerous (i.e., driving a car or operating machinery)
• Drinking in larger amounts or for a longer period than you intended

What treatment is available? 

If you or a loved one are experiencing any of these symptoms, you may feel it is time to seek alcohol addiction treatment. It is important to understand that there is not a one-size-fits-all kind of treatment, but rather many alcohol rehab treatment options. These include:

• Detox treatment: this initial treatment for alcohol use disorder cleanses the body of toxic substances on which it has come to rely. This can include medication, medical supervision, and symptom management. It’s important to note that alcohol detox should include medical supervision. We do not offer detox at ILC. 
• Residential treatment: this 24-hour-a-day, around-the-clock option provides the most support for those in recovery. Clients are immersed in a structured experience for a pre-ordained amount of time, separated from the stresses and cares of everyday life so they can focus on recovery.
• Partial hospitalization: if full-time residence is not an option, those seeking recovery from alcohol use disorder may choose to receive intensive care during the day and return to their own homes in the evening. This is a good middle ground for people who are not able to commit to full-time residential treatment.
• Intensive outpatient treatment: this option is good for professionals who need to keep their daily commitments. This kind of treatment can work around a person’s schedule to provide them the care they need.
• Alcohol rehab retreat: this “jump start” to recovery can happen over a variety of days. It is an opportunity for those seeking recovery to distance themselves from familiar surroundings and relationships that may trigger alcohol cravings so they have time to begin the healing process.

It is important to note that in most, if not all, of these options, the question of “is counseling effective in alcohol use disorder?” is answered with a resounding “yes!” Trauma-informed counseling and talk therapy are integral parts of recovery from addiction.

How is Counseling Effective in Reducing Alcohol Use Disorder?

Most addiction treatment guides will include recommendations for counseling. According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, evidence shows that behavioral health care (including counseling) can be as effective as medication in treating alcohol use disorder. This kind of trauma-informed treatment aims to do the following:  

• Help patients set their own goals
• Identify their drinking “triggers”
• Develop skills to help them stop responding to those triggers
• Healthfully manage their emotions and stresses
• Build strong relationships that will help support their treatment goals

A strong holistic alcohol rehab center will include many modalities for recovery, including meditation for alcohol addiction, nutrition care, medical oversight, and, yes, counseling. Counseling methods vary and can be tailored to fit a client’s specific needs. For example, cognitive behavioral therapy focuses on identifying and managing the triggers that lead to heavy drinking. Motivational enhancement therapy helps people build their own motivations and develop a plan to follow through on those motivations.

Begin the Journey to Recovery in Nashville, TN

If you are wondering “Is counseling effective in alcohol use disorder?” know that the answer is a “yes.” Begin making changes in your life and drinking habits at the Integrative Life Center in Nashville, TN. We offer a range of treatments designed to heal the whole person. From innovative approaches like equine therapy and martial arts therapy to counseling and talk therapy, our programs cater to diverse needs. Our alcohol rehab programs help you break the cycle of addiction and find true freedom. Our program also addresses co-occurring disorders, such as anxiety or depression.

If you or a loved one is ready to overcome an alcohol use disorder, call us today.

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How to Incorporate Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Exercises into Your Daily Routine

You may have heard the term cognitive behavioral therapy in a therapist’s office, but did you know it does not have to stay there? Cognitive behavioral therapy exercises are practices you can use every day to promote your own mental well-being. With some understanding of the exercises and their uses, you can continue the work of therapy even outside of a session. At Integrative Life Center in Nashville, TN, we provide trauma-informed approaches to healing. Mental health disorders and addiction can plague an individual, but hope is still available. 

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy: An Overview

So what is cognitive behavioral therapy? Put simply, it is a form of talk therapy intended to help individuals change faulty or unhelpful ways of thinking that may cause harmful behaviors or psychological problems. It has been proven to be effective in treating everything from alcohol abuse to depression to eating disorders. Importantly, it isn’t a passive form of treatment–it involves intentional practice on the part of the individual. It also encourages a holistic approach to care, considering the whole person–spiritual, physical, emotional, and environmental.

Additionally, cognitive behavioral therapy is an important component of trauma-informed care. This kind of care aims to help a person recover from past trauma without re-traumatizing them. It teaches them to challenge intrusive thoughts of guilt, shame, or despair, and to modify recurring negative thinking about a traumatic event.

Are Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Exercises Right for You?

You may benefit from daily cognitive behavioral therapy exercises if you:

• Are managing symptoms of a mental illness
• Want to cope more effectively with stressful life situations
• Are interested in holistic alcohol treatment
• Want to better manage your emotions
• Are working to resolve relationship conflicts or improve communication
• Are experiencing grief or loss
• Have endured adverse childhood experiences
• Are managing chronic medical illness

Please note that this is not an exhaustive list–people with any manner of mental health goals will benefit from daily cognitive behavioral therapy exercises.

An important first step to incorporating any cognitive behavioral therapy exercise into your daily routine is seeking out “cognitive behavioral therapy near me”–an experienced mental health professional will get you off to your best start with these exercises.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Exercises You Can Use Today

Everyone can benefit from daily cognitive behavioral therapy exercises, but by identifying your personal mental health goals, you can make the most of your choice of exercises and feel progress towards those goals. Here are some cognitive behavioral therapy exercises for anxiety. 

• Relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing and progressive muscle relaxation, can help stop intrusive or racing thoughts in their tracks. By focusing on the physical body, this holistic practice can calm nerves and slow thoughts. It might be helpful to use a video or recording as a guide for these practices.
• Imagining the worst case scenario sounds like the opposite of a healing exercise, but it can actually be an important practice for those struggling with anxiety. By proverbially “playing the script to the end” in your mind, you can come to the realization that even the imagined worst possible outcome is not insurmountable. This CBT for social anxiety is especially helpful. 
• Though it sounds perhaps too simple, do not underestimate the power of countering negative thoughts by saying positive affirmations out loud. For example, if you are suffering from social anxiety (anxiety around social interactions), you might challenge the negative thought “If I go to this party, no one will talk to me because I am unlikeable” by saying aloud, “I am likable and lovable no matter what anyone else does.”

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Exercises for Depression

For individuals dealing with depression, ILC offers dual diagnosis treatment as well. Some helpful CBT tips also include: 

• Journaling is a simple yet excellent strategy for understanding and processing moods, including what may cause feelings of depression or despair. You can take a measure of control over your thought patterns by tracking them and identifying when and where they change.
• For those struggling with feelings of being overwhelmed by life, the proactive cognitive behavioral therapy exercise of structuring your day with small, manageable tasks can help manage depression by giving you a feeling of order and accomplishment rather than despair.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Exercises for OCD

• Exposure and Response Prevention is a cognitive behavioral therapy exercise that, under the care of a mental health professional, can help improve the symptoms of Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD). This practice involves mentally or actually exposing yourself to a stimulus you fear, such as touching a dirty object or using a knife to chop vegetables.

Start your Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Journey at Integrative Life Center in Nashville, TN

It is important to state that some of these exercises, especially Exposure and Response Prevention exercises, should only be used when under the care of a mental health professional. A counselor, therapist, or psychiatrist can help you determine which practices meet your specific mental health goals and keep you accountable during your healing process. They provide the necessary support to overcome anything from alcoholism to depression to OCD. If practiced daily, the exercises they recommend will help you along your healing journey.

To learn more about the mental health services and personalized treatment options Integrative Life Center offers, contact us today at (615) 455-3903.

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