How Trauma-Informed Care Fosters Resilience in Recovery

Surviving trauma is a journey in itself, but thriving after trauma—especially in the context of addiction recovery—requires more than just healing from the wounds of the past. Trauma-informed care recognizes the deep impact that trauma has on individuals and offers a path to healing that extends beyond mere survival. For those struggling with addiction, addressing the trauma that often underlies substance use is a critical part of recovery.

In this blog, we’ll explore how trauma informed care fosters resilience, encourages healthy coping mechanisms, and empowers individuals in their journey from substance abuse recovery to mental health recovery. We’ll discuss the long-term benefits of this approach, focusing on how it enables individuals to thrive in their recovery, not just survive.

What Is Trauma-Informed Care?

Trauma-informed care is an approach to treatment that recognizes the widespread impact of trauma on individuals and integrates this understanding into all aspects of care. It ensures that every part of the recovery process, from initial intake to long-term treatment, is sensitive to the needs of those who have experienced trauma. This approach fosters safety, trust, and empowerment, which are essential for individuals in addiction recovery.

When it comes to substance abuse recovery, the impacts of trauma are often profound. Many people struggling with addiction have experienced childhood trauma or adverse childhood experiences that continue to affect their emotional and mental health. Trauma and recovery go hand in hand, as the healing process must address both the trauma and the addiction.

How Trauma-Informed Care Supports Resilience in Addiction Recovery

In addiction recovery, a trauma-informed care approach focuses on addressing both the psychological and emotional aspects of addiction. Here’s how this model fosters resilience:

• Empowering Individuals to Cope Effectively: Trauma and recovery are not just about overcoming physical dependency. Trauma-informed care helps individuals develop healthy coping mechanisms, replacing maladaptive behaviors like substance use with strategies that promote emotional regulation and resilience.
  
• Building Emotional Strength: Trauma-informed care nurtures emotional resilience by providing individuals with tools and strategies for coping with triggers and difficult emotions. Instead of turning to substances for relief, individuals learn to process their emotions in healthier ways.
  
• Healing from the Inside Out: The holistic approach of trauma-informed care goes beyond the physical symptoms of addiction. By integrating therapy modalities such as internal family systems therapy and mindfulness practices, this model helps individuals heal from past trauma, build self-awareness, and create a solid foundation for lasting recovery.
  
• Fostering a Safe and Supportive Environment: One of the most crucial components of trauma-informed care is the creation of a safe space where individuals can begin their healing journey. This environment fosters trust and reduces feelings of shame, making it easier for individuals to open up and confront the underlying trauma that may have contributed to their addiction.
  

The Role of Trauma Treatment Programs in Addiction Recovery

Trauma treatment programs are essential for individuals with addiction who have experienced trauma. These programs focus on healing the emotional wounds that contribute to addictive behaviors, offering a structured and supportive environment for recovery. The recovery process from addiction is often deeply intertwined with healing from trauma, and programs that incorporate trauma-informed care are designed to address both aspects simultaneously.

Key elements of a trauma treatment program include:

• Therapies such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), which help individuals identify and reframe negative thought patterns.
• Support groups and peer therapy, where individuals can share their experiences and support one another in healing.
• Mindfulness-based approaches to help individuals stay present and manage stress and anxiety without resorting to substances.
• Holistic therapy services, such as yoga and nutrition counseling, to support both emotional and physical healing.
  

The Importance of Addressing the Long-Term Effects of Childhood Trauma

The long term effects of childhood trauma are often at the root of substance use disorders. Individuals who have experienced trauma during childhood may turn to substances to numb the pain or to cope with overwhelming emotions. Trauma-informed care provides a framework for healing these deep wounds, allowing individuals to address the trauma and its lingering effects on their mental and emotional well-being.

In addition to the substance abuse recovery strategies mentioned above, addressing the trauma and recovery process involves helping individuals understand the connection between their past trauma and their addiction. Find our childhood trauma test to start learning more. This insight is crucial for breaking the cycle of substance abuse and fostering long-term recovery.

The Value of a Holistic Approach in Addiction Recovery

A holistic approach to addiction recovery recognizes that individuals are more than just their addiction. It considers the emotional, physical, and spiritual well-being of the individual and helps them regain balance in all aspects of their life. By incorporating therapies that address the whole person, such as trauma treatment, substance abuse treatment, and mental health treatment, individuals can heal from the root causes of their addiction and build a fulfilling, sober life.

The holistic approach is particularly effective for individuals with compulsive behaviors and mental health issues related to trauma. Instead of focusing solely on abstinence from substances, this approach helps individuals understand the underlying issues that drive their addiction and provides them with the tools to address those issues in a sustainable way.

Men’s Residential Treatment Program: A Safe Space for Healing

For men struggling with addiction and trauma, men’s residential treatment programs offer a structured, supportive environment where they can heal in a safe, male-centric space. These programs are designed to address the unique challenges that men face in recovery and provide the tools they need to overcome their addiction and trauma.

Through the trauma-informed care approach, men’s residential treatment programs allow individuals to focus on both their addiction recovery and emotional healing, helping them build the resilience needed to thrive in sobriety.

From Surviving to Thriving with Trauma-Informed Care

Trauma-informed care helps individuals move beyond merely surviving addiction to truly thriving in their recovery. By addressing the emotional and psychological aspects of addiction, trauma-informed care fosters the development of inner strength, resilience, and healthier coping mechanisms. Through a holistic approach, individuals can heal from trauma and addiction simultaneously, allowing them to create a meaningful, fulfilling life in sobriety. At ILC, we accept insurance through in-network providers, including Aetna mental health. 

If you or a loved one is struggling with addiction and trauma, ILC offers holistic substance abuse treatment programs that integrate trauma-informed care to help you heal and thrive. Our trauma treatment program is designed to support you through every stage of recovery, helping you break free from the past and build a brighter future.

To learn more about our services or to begin your healing journey, contact us at (615) 891-2226 or visit our website.

The post How Trauma-Informed Care Fosters Resilience in Recovery appeared first on Integrative Life Center.

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Transfer Addiction or Cross Addiction: What Causes It?

Feel like you’re finally getting sober from an addiction? For some, what can follow is a sense of lack, like there’s a void in their life that needs to be filled. After all, an addiction makes up a big part of someone’s daily existence. As a result, people may begin to look for some other “substance” to replace what they quit. They may become addicted to sex, food, alcohol, gambling, or some other drug, ending up with a transfer addiction on their hands. And deep down, they never truly got sober in the first place. Can you relate?

Transfer Addiction, Explained

Commonly called cross addiction or addiction transfer, a transfer addiction occurs when you replace one addiction with another, according to Blue Cross Blue Shield. This is done in an attempt to cope and make up for the uncomfortable absence of your former habits and routines. Cross addiction can also lead to polysubstance abuse, or struggling with an addiction to multiple substances at one time. 

If you get sober from cocaine, for example, but then start taking up chronic masturbation so much that you get addicted to it, then you’ve likely succumbed to transfer addiction. When an addiction transfer happens, you may feel puzzled and discouraged at the fallout. While taking on a new, completely different addiction may seem strange, most addictions actually work the same beneath the surface.

The Inner Workings of Cross Addiction

Whether you’re dealing with drug addiction, alcohol addiction, or porn addiction symptoms, each experience has a common source: unresolved past trauma. As different types of trauma remain unhealed, you may continue to feel their effects. This can lead you to substances as a way to cope with trauma and its associated negative feelings. Whether those “substances” are meth, alcohol, sex, or porn, the same chemical gets produced in your brain when they’re used. Known as dopamine, this pleasure chemical signals to you that the experience is rewarding, so you want to seek it out again. Feeding your brain a regular dopamine rush can lead to tolerance and eventually addiction, however.

Consequently, quitting one substance may drive you to take up another as a way to get your steady dopamine supply. Not to mention continuing to cope with the unresolved trauma in your life. You make up for your lack of dopamine, your addictive behaviors continue, and you have a new transfer addiction. Even though you stopped one substance, true sobriety didn’t actually happen. 

Triggers and Addiction Transfer

When you quit a substance, that doesn’t mean your addiction recovery ends. In fact, the process of recovery lasts a lifetime. In many ways, that is because addiction triggers will continue to exist in everyday life. 

From porn triggers to alcohol or prescription opioid triggers, a common one among them all is often anxiety. When you feel the void left from quitting an addictive substance, it may lead to anxiety, which then triggers your body’s trauma responses. To remedy those feelings, it’s easy to seek out new ways to cope. Before long, you’ve taken up a transfer addiction in recovery. As new anxieties or other difficult emotions arise, you go back to that new addiction over and over again to keep the dopamine flowing. 

How to Protect Yourself From Transfer Addiction

Even if you feel confident in your addiction sobriety, it’s wise to have healthy coping strategies ready for keeping cross addiction at bay. It can always show up in unexpected ways along your recovery journey, after all. Here are a few good coping mechanisms you can utilize when addiction transfer becomes tempting: 

• Exercise: Physical fitness is an excellent source of stress relief as well as cravings reduction. And it provides a better alternative to dopamine production. 
• The great outdoors: Going to the park, taking a hike, or spending time in nature helps reduce stress, make you feel calm, and can provide a healthy distraction. 
• Family time: A loved one’s affection actually generates dopamine, believe it or not. Being around family can give you the encouragement and support you need, too. 
• Meditation: Useful anytime and anywhere, meditation helps you focus on the present moment and away from addiction triggers
• New activities or hobbies: A great way to replace addictive behaviors, a new hobby or activity can generate self-confidence and new community in the process. 

Ready to Overcome Transfer Addiction?

If you stopped one substance but have taken on another transfer addiction, we can help at Integrative Life Center. Based in Nashville, Tennessee, we utilize trauma-informed care to help you overcome alcohol addiction, drug addiction, sex addiction, eating disorders, and more. With our help, you can learn to heal the root causes of your struggles and pursue recovery without cross addiction taking control. To learn more about our treatment programs, call us today. 

The post Transfer Addiction or Cross Addiction: What Causes It? appeared first on Integrative Life Center.

source https://integrativelifecenter.com/substance-abuse/transfer-addiction-or-cross-addiction-what-causes-it/

Aetna Drug Rehab Coverage: What to Expect

You know you’re struggling with substance abuse and need help. And if you have Aetna benefits at work, your Aetna drug rehab coverage can help you reduce treatment facility costs, making your healing more accessible. Before choosing a rehab facility however, it’s important to know how your coverage works, as well as what treatment options may fit best. After all, you want to make sure you’re choosing Aetna drug rehab facilities when considering your options. 

Getting Help for Drug Abuse and Addiction

According to the Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, more than 20 million people in the United States have a substance use disorder. Unfortunately, a majority of them don’t seek the treatment they need to overcome their addiction. However, realizing that you’re abusing substances and in need of professional help is the first step in not becoming another statistic like this.

If you have a drug addiction, no matter if it’s to marijuana, cocaine, prescription opioids, meth, or something else, you simply can’t overcome it on your own. Willpower and self-discipline won’t work, and trying to quit cold turkey can sometimes be dangerous. This is all because your brain has developed a chemical dependency on the steady supply of dopamine that drugs provide. And your substance abuse is also often rooted in unresolved past trauma, such as adverse childhood experiences (find out here if you have ACEs trauma). This means you need to address your trauma too if you want complete healing from substance abuse.

When you’re at this crossroads, you need to seek out a professional treatment facility that provides addiction rehab as well as trauma-informed care. Partnering with a rehab center gives you the best chance to achieve long-term recovery. But, considering your insurance coverage, your next step would be to narrow your search to Aetna drug rehabs. 

Determining Your Aetna Drug Rehab Coverage Options

Not all insurance policies are the same, nor are all Aetna drug rehab facilities the same. Before exploring rehab centers, you want to make sure you understand the coverage options in your benefits package when it comes to drug addiction treatment. This may involve reaching out to your employer’s human resources department or contacting Aetna directly. Some rehab centers will also help you determine if their treatment programs are covered by your insurance as well. 

If an addiction treatment center is in-network with Aetna, then its treatment costs may be partially or fully covered by your insurance. Recovering from a drug addiction is a journey, not a one-step process. Comprehensive Aetna drug rehab centers may offer a full continuum of care meant to take you through a step-by-step process of healing and recovery. You’ll want to verify with Aetna what your coverage would look like for each phase of treatment, including: 

Drug Rehab Treatment Phases

• Detox: Often the first step in treatment, a medically-assisted detox will help you safely remove the presence of drugs from your body so you can begin addiction therapy.
• Residential treatment: An inpatient or residential treatment program provides 24/7 addiction recovery care onsite at a rehab facility. These programs often last 30 days or more and provide in-depth individual and group therapy. 
• Partial hospitalization programming (PHP): PHP provides a step-down level of care, allowing for continued treatment while beginning to transition back into the real world. Participants temporarily stay in facility housing during PHP. 
• Outpatient treatment: Outpatient Aetna drug rehab allows you to continue with weekly therapy sessions at the treatment facility while living and working at home. You often start with Intensive outpatient programs (IOP) when beginning outpatient rehab.  
• Dual Diagnosis treatment: If you’re struggling with both an addiction and mental health disorder (called co-occurring disorders), dual diagnosis treatment centers are equipped to address both conditions simultaneously. 

Aetna Drug Rehab at Integrative Life Center

At Integrative Life Center in Nashville, TN, our drug rehab programs are in-network with Aetna. That means your Aetna drug rehab coverage will work with all our levels of care, including:

• Residential treatment
• Partial hospitalization programming (PHP)
• Intensive outpatient treatment (IOP)
• Aftercare

 

We’re also in-network with Aetna mental health coverage, providing dual diagnosis treatment if you’re struggling with depression, anxiety, PTSD, and beyond alongside your substance abuse. Our substance use disorder treatment programs include:

• Alcohol rehab
• Marijuana addiction treatment
• Meth addiction treatment
• Cocaine addiction treatment
• Heroin addiction treatment 
• Prescription opioid addiction treatment
• Fentanyl addiction treatment

 

As a holistic rehab facility, we utilize both evidence-based treatment alongside experiential therapy to help you overcome your addiction. We also take a trauma-informed approach to your treatment, equipping you to heal from the root causes of your substance abuse so you can finally experience lasting recovery. 

If you’re unsure about your Aetna drug rehab coverage, our team can help verify your insurance so that there are no cost surprises. Don’t let insurance uncertainty prevent you from achieving the healing you deserve. Call us now to start your sobriety journey and reclaim your life. 

The post Aetna Drug Rehab Coverage: What to Expect appeared first on Integrative Life Center.

source https://integrativelifecenter.com/substance-abuse/aetna-drug-rehab-coverage-what-to-expect/

Trauma-Informed Mental Health Retreat for Addiction Recovery

In a world that makes demands and asks questions but gives few answers, many find themselves caught in the grips of addiction—seeking solace from pain, trauma, or overwhelming stress. For those navigating the rocky path to recovery, the journey requires more than abstinence; it demands healing at the deepest levels. Enter the trauma-informed mental health retreat—a sanctuary that offers not just treatment, but understanding, compassion, and a holistic approach to recovery.

Understanding Trauma and Addiction

Addiction rarely exists in a vacuum. Beneath the surface, unresolved trauma often lies at the root of substance use disorders. Particularly, the long term effects of childhood trauma can cause actual changes to brain function, making the victim more susceptible to substance abuse disorder. Studies have shown that traumatic, extremely stressful experiences like abuse, neglect, death of a loved one, or domestic violence make a person more susceptible to addiction. Substance use becomes a form of self-medication—a temporary escape from emotional pain.

Traditional addiction treatment programs have made strides in helping individuals detox and learn coping strategies. However, without addressing the impacts of trauma, long-term recovery can be elusive. That’s where trauma-informed care steps in—recognizing the complex relationship between trauma and addiction and creating a space where healing is not just possible, but sustainable.

If you or a loved one are experiencing any of the symptoms of trauma–such as depression, low self-esteem, compulsive behaviors, distrust of others, nightmares, or chronic pain–consider taking a childhood trauma test to gain some perspective on your own life experiences and possibly begin dealing with the root of some unwanted behaviors. 

What is a Trauma-Informed Mental Health Retreat?

A trauma-informed mental health retreat is a therapeutic sanctuary designed to promote recovery by integrating mental, emotional, and physical healing. These retreats differ from clinical rehab centers in their approach and environment. 

Here, participants are not treated as “patients,” but as individuals with unique stories and needs. The trauma-informed philosophy prioritizes safety, trust, collaboration, and empowerment. Therapists and staff are trained to recognize trauma responses and avoid retraumatization, focusing instead on building resilience and self-awareness.

A key component of these retreats is individualized care. Guests may engage in a variety of therapeutic modalities, including:

• Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) for trauma resolution.
  
• Group therapy, where shared experiences foster connection and community.
  
• Holistic practices like yoga, mindfulness and meditation, nutrition counseling, and equine therapy.

Unlike one-size-fits-all rehab programs, trauma-informed mental health retreats recognize that healing takes many forms and allow participants to explore what works best for them.

What to Expect

These retreats prioritize dignity and respect. The shame and guilt that often accompany addiction are gently unraveled and replaced with understanding and self-compassion. Participants are not labeled or judged—they are seen, heard, and supported.

Crucially, trauma-informed mental health retreats integrate education with healing. Guests learn about the physiological and psychological impacts of trauma and addiction, empowering them with knowledge and tools they can use long after the retreat ends. This emphasis on self-efficacy is critical to maintaining long-term recovery and preventing relapse.

The community element of mental health retreats is especially healing for those whose trauma stems from interpersonal relationships. In a safe and supportive environment, guests begin to rebuild trust and learn how to form healthy connections. For many, this is the first step in reclaiming a sense of belonging and purpose.

Why Choose a Trauma-Informed Retreat for Recovery?

Choosing a trauma-informed mental health retreat for addiction recovery isn’t just about where you heal—it’s about how you heal. These specialized retreats offer a powerful alternative to traditional rehab by focusing on the whole person rather than just the addiction. Whether you’re seeking healing from long-term substance use or co-occurring mental health conditions, trauma-informed retreats provide the tools, space, and support needed to rebuild a strong foundation.

Here’s why more individuals are choosing this path:

• Safety First: Trauma-informed retreats prioritize emotional and psychological safety, creating an environment where guests feel secure enough to begin the healing process.
• No “One-Size-Fits-All” Model: Treatment is highly personalized. Therapies are tailored to your individual trauma history, mental health needs, and recovery goals.
• Compassionate, Trained Staff: Every team member is trained to recognize trauma responses and avoid retraumatization, promoting healing through empathy and empowerment.
• Dual Diagnosis Support: Ideal for those with co-occurring mental health disorders such as depression, PTSD, or anxiety, which are often intertwined with substance use.
• Gentle Integration of Therapies: A range of evidence-based and holistic modalities—like EMDR, DBT, yoga, somatic experiencing, and expressive arts—allow participants to find the right path for their healing journey.
• Lasting Resilience: Instead of focusing only on abstinence, retreats emphasize emotional regulation, stress tolerance, and relational healing—skills that sustain recovery well beyond the retreat experience.
• Built-in Community Support: Peer connection is a vital part of healing. Shared experiences in small-group settings help rebuild trust and reduce isolation caused by trauma and addiction.

Making It Accessible: A Mental Health Retreat Covered by Insurance

While the benefits of trauma-informed care are clear, accessibility remains a concern for many. Fortunately, more insurance providers are beginning to recognize the value of these programs, especially when backed by licensed professionals and evidence-based practices. Finding a mental health retreat covered by insurance can make a significant difference for individuals and families who need support but face financial barriers. At ILC, we accept insurance through in-network providers, including Aetna mental health.  

When exploring options, it’s important to verify whether the retreat is accredited and whether the specific therapies and treatments offered fall under mental health coverage. Some retreats even have dedicated staff to help navigate the insurance approval process, making the transition to healing smoother and more attainable.

Experience a Trauma-Informed Mental Health Retreat at Integrative Life Center in Nashville, TN

At the Integrative Life Center in Nashville, TN, we understand that substance use and mental health challenges often go hand-in-hand, and that past trauma can significantly impact both. Our trauma treatment program offers trauma-informed retreats that provide a crucial sanctuary – a safe, supportive, and intentionally therapeutic environment – where individuals can focus on addressing co-occurring mental health issues in a way that is sensitive to their experiences and promotes deeper healing alongside their recovery from addiction.

For those who may be seeking more long-term care for their addiction and/or trauma, we also have a highly successful women’s and men’s residential treatment program. So if you are suffering from the effects of trauma and feel yourself spiraling into addiction, do not hesitate to contact us today. One phone call is all you need (615) 891-2226, call now.

The post Trauma-Informed Mental Health Retreat for Addiction Recovery appeared first on Integrative Life Center.

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Recognizing Red Flags: Alcohol Poisoning Symptoms

When enjoying a night out or celebrating with friends, alcohol often plays a central role in social gatherings. However, it’s easy to forget that alcohol is a powerful substance that can be dangerous consumed in excess. When looking at the criteria for alcoholism, we can see that it goes beyond the occasional night out. Lying about alcohol use, hiding it, repeatedly trying to stop but failing, are all indicators of alcoholism. 

Alcohol use disorder casts a wide shadow of destruction. One of the most critical dangers of the compulsive behaviors that accompany this disease is alcohol poisoning. This is a serious and potentially fatal consequence of drinking too much alcohol in a short period of time. Recognizing alcohol poisoning symptoms quickly can mean the difference between life and death.

What Is Alcohol Poisoning?

Alcohol poisoning occurs when there is so much alcohol in the bloodstream that it begins to shut down vital life-support functions. This includes breathing, heart rate, and body temperature regulation. As the National Health Service of the UK puts it, this condition happens when “you drink alcohol quicker than your body can process it.” It requires immediate medical attention and is not something a person can simply “sleep off.”

What Are Symptoms of Alcohol Poisoning?

You may be wondering, what are symptoms of alcohol poisoning and how do they differ from someone who’s simply drunk? While the line can sometimes seem blurry, there are several distinct signs to watch for. The most common alcohol poisoning symptoms include:

• Confusion or stupor – The person may be unresponsive, disoriented, or unable to communicate clearly.
  
• Vomiting – This is the body’s way of trying to rid itself of excess alcohol, but it can also lead to choking, especially if the person is unconscious.
  
• Seizures – Alcohol poisoning can disrupt the body’s electrolyte balance, triggering seizures.
  
• Slow or irregular breathing – Fewer than eight breaths per minute or a gap of more than 10 seconds between breaths is a critical red flag.
  
• Hypothermia (low body temperature) – The person’s skin may feel cold or appear bluish, particularly around the lips or fingertips.
  
• Unconsciousness – If someone is passed out and cannot be awakened, it is a medical emergency.

These symptoms are very different from being “just drunk.” That’s why understanding the contrast between alcohol poisoning symptoms vs. drunk behavior is essential. Someone who is merely intoxicated may slur their words, stumble, or be overly emotional—but they are typically still conscious, responsive, and breathing normally.

Alcohol Poisoning Symptoms the Next Day

Some people mistakenly believe that once a person sleeps it off, the danger has passed. However, alcohol poisoning symptoms the next day can still be present and dangerous. If the individual remains unresponsive, has difficulty waking up, or continues to show signs of confusion and irregular breathing, it’s not just a hangover—it’s a serious problem that requires medical attention. Delayed symptoms can also include a slow heart rate, persistent vomiting, and even cardiac arrest.

Immediate Actions You Should Take

If you suspect someone is experiencing alcohol poisoning symptoms, don’t assume they’ll recover on their own. Here’s what to do:

1. Call emergency services immediately (911 in the U.S.).
   
2. Do not leave the person alone. Monitor their breathing and position them on their side to prevent choking if they vomit.
   
3. Do not try to “sober them up.” Cold showers, coffee, or walking around will not reverse alcohol poisoning and could even make things worse.
   
4. Stay calm and provide any information you can to emergency responders, including how much the person drank and when.

Diagnosing the Root of Alcohol Poisoning Symptoms

Recognizing the symptoms of alcohol poisoning is just the first step. Once medical care has been administered, the person should evaluate their relationship with alcohol, perhaps by taking an “am I an alcoholic” quiz. If they find that alcohol is having an undesirable effect on their life, but that they have hitherto been unable to quit drinking, they may consider alcohol addiction treatment.

A good treatment program will go beyond simply changing unwanted behaviors to fully addressing the roots of those behaviors–often past trauma or a co-existing mental health condition. If you or a loved one believe help is needed to overcome alcohol use disorder, you may consider an alcohol and depression rehab stay to fully begin the process of healing. You may also seek out holistic treatment for alcoholism. Mental health professionals will help address the full spectrum of your needs, from the spiritual to the emotional and the physical.

You will also need to decide between outpatient treatment–where the patient attends treatment at set times each day but returns home to sleep and work–or a residential alcohol rehab, where you are surrounded by 24/7 care and support and you can be away from addiction triggers and accessibility at home.

Begin Your Healing Journey at the Integrative Life Center in Nashville, TN

If you or a loved one have experienced the devastating symptoms of alcohol poisoning and are ready to put the dangers of alcohol use disorder behind you, consider a stay at the Integrative Life Center. Our holistic approach to healing encompasses the whole person. Using a trauma-informed lens in all of our treatment modalities, we underscore the importance of a compassionate and non-judgmental response when someone is experiencing this life-threatening condition, paving the way for potential recovery that addresses any underlying trauma.

Perhaps you are intrigued but not yet ready to commit to a full residential stay; consider taking part in an alcohol rehab retreat, where you can kick start your recovery. And do not let the cost of rehab for alcohol sway you; our compassionate, professional staff is ready to help you find ways to make your healing happen.

Our addiction recovery resources will help you make sure your recovery is a long-term one, setting you up with support systems to keep you accountable even after your program ends. So do not wait until the harm of alcohol poisoning takes its toll. Reach out to us today to be free from addiction. Call 615-891-2226 to start your journey today! 

The post Recognizing Red Flags: Alcohol Poisoning Symptoms appeared first on Integrative Life Center.

source https://integrativelifecenter.com/alcohol-addiction/recognizing-red-flags-alcohol-poisoning-symptoms/

Understand the Higher Risks of Benzodiazepines and Alcohol

Like many drugs, benzodiazepines can be beneficial. Medicines like Xanax, Valium, and Klonopin can relieve anxiety, panic attacks, and sleep disorders, when prescribed and used properly under the care of one doctor. 

However, when misused (i.e., obtained illegally without a prescription or obtained from prescriptions from multiple doctors), benzodiazepines–particularly benzodiazepines and alcohol–can have deadly effects. 

What Are Benzodiazepines?

Benzodiazepines (known colloquially as “benzos”) are a class of depressants that induce sedation, reduce seizures, and can relieve anxiety. Often prescribed as a short-term solution to relieve intense anxiety, insomnia, or pain, they are not intended for long-term use, as the risk of developing dependence is high. 

Sadly, some people prescribed benzos may become addicted to them and begin to misuse them. Others abuse the drug for the relaxed mood and euphoria they produce. Meant to be ingested orally, they can be crushed up and snorted when misused.

The physical effects benzos have on the body are one of the main reasons that mixing benzodiazepines and alcohol can be so dangerous. This class of drugs slows down the central nervous system drastically, causing drowsiness, impaired coordination, and decreased reflexes. 

What Happens When You Mix Alcohol and Benzodiazepines?

Alcohol, like benzos, is a depressant, slowing down the body’s systems to bring on feelings of drowsiness and impair decision making. Mixing two strong depressants like benzodiazepines and alcohol can have disastrous effects on the body. 

For one, these two substances can increase the effects of each other. Reaction time and mental function can become doubly impaired, leading to harmful decisions that may hurt the user and those around them. 

The most danger comes from the ways in which a benzodiazepine and alcohol combine to slow down body functions. The respiratory system can be so depressed and slowed down so much that the user cannot take enough breaths, so carbon dioxide builds up in the blood stream, essentially suffocating the body. This can lead to heart attack, coma, and death.

Who Is at Risk for Mixing Benzodiazepines and Alcohol?

People who find themselves unable to control their alcohol or drug consumption, who have slid into addiction, are sadly likely to make the risky choice to combine alcohol and benzodiazepines. One study found that 30 percent of adults with alcohol use disorder (AUD) also were misusing benzos.

Reasons for doing this vary. Some combine these substances to enhance the effects of both, since they work in similar ways on the nervous system. Sometimes, because misuse of alcohol and benzos can cause the user to feel their effects less, they are combined to regain the original sense of euphoria the user once felt with them. It is important to note that there is an alcohol and benzodiazepines cross tolerance; in other words, both substances affect the brain in similar ways, so it can react–or tolerate–them indiscriminately.

This is also why combining benzodiazepines and alcohol so often leads to dire health consequences. More and more of each substance may be ingested, all in an effort to feel the desired effects, until finally a line is crossed and the nervous system is depressed far too much.

Hope for Healing from Addiction

Perhaps you or a loved one have begun engaging in the risky behavior of combining benzos and alcohol. Maybe you have tried to stop before, exploring the benefits of not drinking alcohol and understanding the danger of mixing substances, but have not been able to stop the compulsive behaviors of addiction. Now is the time to seek out drug addiction treatment and/or alcohol addiction treatment before it is too late.

The kind of program you choose depends on many factors–but choosing professional help is vital to achieving and maintaining long-term sobriety. White-knuckling recovery on your own is difficult and often misses one of the most essential pieces to healing: community.

Depending on the severity of your substance misuse, you may seek out a program with holistic alcohol detox, so that you will be fully supported as your body rids itself of toxins. You may want a program that offers alcohol withdrawal syndrome treatments to ease the pain of detox–treatments which can, under a doctor’s care and for a carefully controlled amount of time, include medications such as benzodiazepines.

Once detox is completed, the real work of healing can begin. This is where the root of addiction is addressed. Often, that root is past trauma, which is why trauma-informed drug and alcohol recovery centers are so important. Trauma-informed treatment takes a holistic approach to healing, emphasizing collaboration, safety, and personal choice in treatment so that you will feel secure in facing past trauma without re-traumatization. 

Though different aspects can vary, most alcohol treatment centers will equip you with a similar set of tools to build long-term recovery. Whether that be group therapy, individual talk therapy, physical exercise, or mindfulness and meditation, you will leave with addiction recovery resources that will help you the rest of your life.

Begin Your Journey to Recovery at Integrative Life Center in Nashville, TN

If you or a loved one find you are unable to control your substance use, and are engaging in dangerous behaviors such as mixing benzodiazepines and alcohol, consider reaching out to the Integrative Life Center. Our holistic, trauma-informed approach to treatment encompasses the whole person–physically, spiritually, and emotionally. We offer a variety of treatment options, from talk therapies like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and internal family systems to experiential treatments like trauma informed yoga and Wim Hof ice baths.

You may want to try one of our alcohol rehab retreats, or for a more long-term solution, seek out our women’s or men’s residential treatment program.

Whichever option you choose, you can be assured that our team of compassionate, caring professionals will safely guide you to face past trauma so that you can heal from it and from the addiction that springs from it.

Download our addiction treatment guide for more information on what our program can do for you and your family, and do not hesitate to reach out to us today. Healing is just around the corner. You can call one of our trained team members at 615-378-8806.

The post Understand the Higher Risks of Benzodiazepines and Alcohol appeared first on Integrative Life Center.

source https://integrativelifecenter.com/alcohol-addiction/understand-the-higher-risks-of-benzodiazepines-and-alcohol/

5 Self Soothing Techniques for Your Recovery Journey

When you felt anxious, stressed, afraid, or lonely, it was easy to use substances like drugs or alcohol to cope. This way of self-medicating likely led to your eventual addiction. But now that you’re in recovery, it’s not a habit you want to continue. So what are some other ways you can cope with future negative feelings without spiraling into substance abuse? Believe it or not, there are some healthy self soothing techniques out there that you can learn to practice (and no, we’re not talking about eating a carton of ice cream or ordering a late-night pizza). As you do, you’ll be equipped to stay the course with your recovery goals. 

What is Self Soothing, Anyway?

If you’re a parent, you’ve probably heard of soothing a baby when they’re crying. But what does self soothing look like on yourself when you’re feeling down, hurt, or angry? PositivePsychology.com describes self-soothing as an emotional regulation tool you can use to regain equilibrium after experiencing an upsetting event. By using self soothing techniques, you learn to calm and regulate your emotions without needing any external validation. And when applied to your recovery journey, self soothing can provide several key benefits:

• Improved mental health: Using self-soothing techniques helps you more easily overcome unwanted stress, anxiety, frustration, or other negative feelings so they don’t persist.
• Better decision-making: Self soothing helps you think more clearly in the moment so you can make better decisions and respond in productive ways.
• Long-term resiliency: When you face challenges or setbacks, self-soothing techniques can keep you focused on the important things instead of throwing in the towel. 
• Emotional self-regulation: You develop the ability to keep yourself calm and present when negative feelings arise. 
• Self-awareness: Self soothing techniques help inform what triggers you so you can proactively use mindfulness to prevent relapse. 
• Stronger relationships: You develop a greater sense of self-control, allowing you to foster healthier relationships and avoid examples of codependent behavior or exaggerated emotional responses. 

How Self Soothing Techniques Shape Your Recovery

Though you’ve completed an addiction treatment program, addiction triggers are still out there. And they’ll be there the rest of your life. That means recovery is an ongoing process, no matter where you are on the journey. You need relapse prevention strategies to help you stay focused, even years after treatment ends. Self soothing techniques can be an excellent resource for maintaining sobriety, especially in the face of future challenges. 

As you develop strong self soothing techniques of your own, you’re less likely to succumb to the unhealthy ones — substance abuse — you often practiced in your past. Not only does this create healthier habits, but you’re also able to better handle the challenges of recovery. After all, future sobriety difficulties are common. But when you face them with healthy self soothing practices, you build both self-confidence and self-esteem in your abilities. And increasing in both of these traits goes a long way in your recovery.

5 Recovery Self Soothing Techniques for Adults

So what kind of self soothing techniques for adults work for your recovery? While there are all kinds out there, it’s a good idea to pick the ones that already align with your lifestyle. However, there a few foundational ones that are good to observe, no matter what:

1. Exercising

Did you know that the endorphins released during exercise are the same as the ones generated from drugs or alcohol? With that said, exercise makes you feel good, both physically and mentally. And it’s good for you (unlike substances). 

2. Spending Time With People

There are times when you may want some solo time as a way to cope with how you’re feeling. But it can’t be a regular habit, as isolation is where addiction thrives. Spending time with friends or family is one of the most vital self-soothing techniques. Not only do you get healthy social connection, but also support and encouragement along your recovery journey. 

3. Grounding Words

For in-the-moment self-soothing, it’s best to have a grounding word. This can be any word or phrase that both calms and brings you back into the present when you feel triggered or start spiraling. As you think of this word and “snap out of it”, you can then pursue other ways to self-soothe.

4. Eating Right

Nutrition is a major aspect of self-care for anyone in any kind of recovery. Yet it’s also a great way to self-soothe. What you eat can affect your stress response, as well as how you feel. So, it’s important to eat right so you can be strong physically and mentally. 

5. Being in Nature

Going outside and getting into nature can be an easy and impactful self-soothing exercise. No matter if it’s taking a walk in your neighborhood or hiking a mountain, being in nature reduces stress and improves your physical health.

We’re Here for Your Recovery at Integrative Live Center

Self soothing techniques are just one strategy you can adopt in your recovery. There are a lot of other great ones out there, too. At Integrative Life Center, we equip and empower your recovery so you can achieve lasting sobriety. Our aftercare and alumni programs are here to help people like you become their authentic selves. To learn more about our recovery resources, call us today. 

The post 5 Self Soothing Techniques for Your Recovery Journey appeared first on Integrative Life Center.

source https://integrativelifecenter.com/recovery/5-self-soothing-techniques-for-your-recovery-journey/