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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Common Weed Withdrawal Symptoms and How to Manage Them

Common Weed Withdrawal Symptoms and How to Manage Them

For many people, it’s easy to assume that marijuana addiction doesn’t exist. However, while marijuana can be less addictive or harmful than other substances, it still comes with warnings. As weed use becomes increasingly legal and socially acceptable, it’s still important to recognize withdrawal can impact a person. Understanding marijuana and the symptoms of marijuana withdrawal is crucial for those looking to reduce or quit their weed consumption. Integrative Life Center in Nashville, TN shares some of the common weed withdrawal symptoms and provides guidance on managing addictions. 

Identifying Weed Withdrawal Symptoms

Weed withdrawal symptoms can vary in severity and length, depending on each person. Things like how often you use weed, how much you use, and your individual physical and mental health all play a part in your withdrawal symptoms. Common withdrawal symptoms from weed include:

1. Mood changes: Many people experience mood swings, irritability, and anxiety. In some cases, depression can also occur as the brain adjusts to the absence of THC. These emotional fluctuations can be intense and are often the first sign of withdrawal noted by those attempting to quit.
2. Sleep disturbances: Insomnia is one of the most reported symptoms of quitting weed. Users might also experience strange dreams or nightmares when they do manage to sleep. The disruption of sleep patterns can significantly affect daily functioning and mood.
3. Physical discomfort: Headaches, nausea, and sweating are common physical withdrawal symptoms of marijuana. Some individuals might also experience stomach pain and a decrease in appetite. These symptoms can be uncomfortable and deter individuals from continuing their efforts to quit.
4. Cravings: The desire to use marijuana can increase significantly during withdrawal, making it one of the more challenging symptoms to manage. Cravings can be triggered by stress, environmental cues, or simply the body’s response to the absence of THC.

Strategies for Managing Marijuana Withdrawal Symptoms

Successfully managing symptoms of marijuana withdrawal requires a combination of self-care strategies and, in some cases, professional help. Here are some effective ways to cope:

1. Create a supportive environment: Surround yourself with supportive friends and family who understand your goals and can offer encouragement. Eliminate or secure any marijuana and related paraphernalia from your home to reduce temptation.
2. Engage in physical activity: Exercise can alleviate some physical drug addiction symptoms like headaches and sweating, and it’s also beneficial for mood stabilization and stress reduction. Regular physical activity boosts endorphins, which can improve mood and reduce the perception of pain.
3. Practice good sleep hygiene: Establish a bedtime routine that promotes relaxation, such as reading or taking a warm bath. Keep electronics out of the bedroom to combat insomnia associated with weed withdrawal. Creating a calm and comfortable sleep environment can also help improve sleep quality.
4. Consider professional help: For severe withdrawal symptoms, consider enrolling in a residential addiction treatment program where medical professionals can monitor your health and provide support through the detox process. Holistic drug and alcohol rehab programs can also be beneficial, as they often incorporate therapies that address both the physical and psychological aspects of addiction.
5. Develop new coping mechanisms: Learning new coping skills for substance abuse can be invaluable. This might involve strategies such as mindfulness meditation, journaling, or engaging in new hobbies that divert attention from cravings and improve overall well-being.
6. Stay hydrated and eat well: Proper nutrition and hydration can help alleviate withdrawal symptoms. Focus on a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins to nourish your body and ease discomfort.

Long-term Management of Weed Withdrawal

Managing weed withdrawal symptoms is not just about overcoming the initial withdrawal phase; it involves long-term strategies to prevent relapse. Here are additional tips:

1. Educate yourself: Use resources like our addiction treatment guide to understand the nature of addiction and withdrawal. Knowledge can empower you to make informed decisions about your health and recovery.
2. Seek ongoing therapy: Continuing therapy after the initial withdrawal phase can help address underlying issues that may have contributed to marijuana use. This can include treatment for compulsive behavior or high-functioning drug addiction, which might not be immediately apparent. At Integrative Life Center, we practice trauma-informed therapy to help patients understand the root of their addiction. 
3. Join support groups: Whether online or in person, support groups can provide a sense of community and shared experience that is vital for sustained recovery. Here, you can share strategies, successes, and challenges with others who are also learning to live without marijuana.
4. Consider maintenance strategies: For some, maintenance strategies such as participation in regular counseling sessions or occasional visits to a holistic drug rehab center can reinforce the coping skills needed to manage life without marijuana.

Beginning Your Recovery Journey

The journey to overcoming marijuana addiction can be challenging, especially when faced with symptoms of marijuana withdrawal. However, with the right strategies and support, it is entirely possible to manage these symptoms effectively and regain control over your life. If you are struggling with marijuana use and are considering quitting, remember that help is available. Residential addiction treatment centers and holistic drug rehab programs can provide the support needed to successfully navigate this process.

If you need assistance or more information about managing marijuana withdrawal or other forms of addiction, don’t hesitate to contact us at (615) 891-2226. At Integrative Life Center, we are committed to providing resources and support to help you achieve a healthier, substance-free life.

The post Common Weed Withdrawal Symptoms and How to Manage Them appeared first on Integrative Life Center.

source https://integrativelifecenter.com/substance-abuse/common-weed-withdrawal-symptoms-and-how-to-manage-them/

Fentanyl Rehab: What to Expect

Are you or someone you love considering fentanyl rehab? Your decision to go to a fentanyl treatment center could very well be the difference between life and death. And we’re not joking, either. According to the United States Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), 136 people die every day from an opioid overdose, and fentanyl is often the primary culprit.  

Not only can fentanyl rehab save your life, it can also help you break free from your opioid addiction. By partnering with a fentanyl addiction treatment center, you can directly address both the symptoms and underlying causes of your drug abuse. It may be challenging at times. But, once you know what to expect in rehab for fentanyl, you realize it’s well worth the time and effort. 

Why is Fentanyl So Dangerous?

A synthetic opioid with a legitimate medical use, fentanyl is 100 times more potent than morphine. When it’s produced and sold illegally, fentanyl is mixed with other illicit drugs or sold as a counterfeit pill with a potentially lethal dose. This is sadly unbeknownst to the addicted user. And unfortunately, only two milligrams of fentanyl are enough to kill someone—and one kilogram is enough to kill 500,000 people, shares the DEA. So, the next illicit opioid you take (especially if you know it’s a fentanyl pill) could be a death sentence. 

Fentanyl Rehab: Addiction Warning Signs

As you can tell, if you’re addicted to fentanyl, entering into a fentanyl treatment center is a critically serious issue. But how can you determine if you have a fentanyl addiction? Common addiction symptoms that indicate it’s time to explore your fentanyl rehab options can include:

• Continued use of fentanyl after your medication ends
• Struggling with strong cravings for fentanyl
• Spending substantial amount of time obtaining or using fentanyl
• Obtaining fentanyl illegally
• Experiencing withdrawal symptoms once you take a break from fentanyl use
• Using fentanyl despite its negative consequences
• Losing interest in your favorite activities or hobbies
• Neglecting personal or work responsibilities
• Social withdrawal
• Sudden weight loss
• Increased drowsiness
• Insomnia 
• Slurred speech

 

As in the case with other opioids, fentanyl helps to reduce pain while simultaneously causing feelings of euphoria and relaxation. Inside your brain, the drug triggers the release of dopamine, a chemical associated with pleasure. As you continue to use fentanyl over time, you simultaneously build up a tolerance for the drug and crave more of it, thanks to your brain’s chemical dependence on the dopamine it provides. 

Because of the chemical dependence behind the scenes, a fentanyl addiction becomes more than just about behavior modification. And even if you try to quit, unpleasant fentanyl withdrawal symptoms like nausea, muscle aches, and insomnia can hinder your attempts to stop before you ever really gain any traction. So if you truly want to overcome your addiction, you need help from a fentanyl rehab center.

Starting Rehab at a Fentanyl Detox Center

If you decide to pursue rehab for fentanyl, the first step is safely getting the drug out of your system under medical supervision. This process is called detox and takes place at a fentanyl detox center, either onsite at the fentanyl treatment center or perhaps at a partner location. 

Because your body has become dependent on fentanyl, it needs to physically adjust to the drug’s departure, leading to the withdrawal symptoms we mentioned above. However, a fentanyl detox center will provide round-the-clock medical care to make your detox process as seamless as possible. And because you’re supervised, this prevents you from relapsing—which can be deadly in its own right—allowing you to stay the course.

Residential Fentanyl Rehab: Treating the Root Causes of Addiction

With fentanyl safely out of your system, the next step is to directly address your addiction itself. Enrolling in a residential fentanyl addiction treatment program gives you the space and comprehensive care you need to treat the root causes of your addiction, not just your symptoms. By staying at a treatment facility, you’re in an environment that can keep you accountable and free from temptations or distractions. In other words, you’re totally able to focus on getting sober. 

As addictions are often rooted in trauma, residential fentanyl rehab may utilize trauma-informed care to uncover the difficulties associated with your past that are pulling the strings of your addiction. Through evidence-based treatment modalities like cognitive behavioral therapy, you can heal mentally and emotionally from your addiction. And with hands-on experiential therapies like yoga or art, you can be empowered to find better coping skills to keep you healthy moving forward. 

Is Fentanyl Controlling You? Take Back Your Life at Integrative Life Center

Don’t leave your life to chance by continuing down the destructive path of fentanyl addiction. With the right fentanyl rehab treatment, you can break free from your substance use disorder and achieve long-term sobriety. 

At Integrative Life Center in Nashville, TN, our comprehensive fentanyl addiction treatment program utilizes both a traditional and holistic approach to healing. With residential, partial hospitalization, intensive outpatient, and aftercare programs, we partner with you every step of the way on your recovery journey. If you’re ready to get started in reclaiming your life, call our team now. 

The post Fentanyl Rehab: What to Expect appeared first on Integrative Life Center.

source https://integrativelifecenter.com/substance-abuse/fentanyl-rehab-what-to-expect/

How Long Does It Take to Break an Addiction?

Breaking free from addiction is a challenging journey that varies from person to person to person. However, hope and freedom are possible. At Integrative Life Center in Nashville, TN, we provide trauma-informed care to help individuals understand the root of their addiction. Understanding how long it takes to break an addiction can help set realistic expectations and foster patience during the recovery process. Whether dealing with substance abuse yourself or supporting a loved one, knowing what to expect can make a significant difference.

Understanding Addiction and Recovery

Addiction is a complex condition that affects both the body and mind. The process of breaking an addiction involves more than just stopping the use of the substance; it requires a comprehensive approach to address the underlying issues and triggers. The timeline for breaking an addiction can vary widely based on several factors:

Factors Influencing the Duration of Breaking an Addiction

1. Type of Substance: Different substances have different effects on the body and withdrawal timelines. For example, alcohol withdrawal might peak within a few days but can have lingering effects, while opioid withdrawal might be more intense but shorter in duration.
2. Duration and Intensity of Use: The longer and more heavily someone has used a substance, the longer it may take to break the addiction. Long-term, heavy use can lead to more severe withdrawal symptoms and a more prolonged recovery process.
3. Individual Factors: Personal health, genetics, mental health conditions, and social support all play a role in how long it takes to break an addiction. Each person’s journey is unique.
4. Treatment Approach: The type of treatment received also affects the recovery timeline. Residential addiction treatment provides intensive support, potentially shortening the recovery process compared to less intensive outpatient programs.

How Long Does It Take to Break an Addiction?

Generally, the initial detox period in alcohol rehab can last from a few days to a couple of weeks, depending on the substance. However, breaking an addiction is an ongoing process that extends well beyond detox. Recovery involves addressing addiction behavior patterns and building a new, healthy lifestyle. This can take months or even years, depending on the individual’s situation and the resources they have access to.

The Internal Stamina Needed for Recovery

Beyond the physical aspects, breaking an addiction requires immense internal strength and resilience. Here are some key components of the internal stamina needed:

• Commitment to Change: Recovery starts with a strong commitment to change. This involves recognizing the need for help and being willing to take the necessary steps toward healing.
• Emotional Resilience: Building emotional resilience is crucial. This involves developing healthy coping mechanisms to manage stress, anxiety, and other emotions without turning to substances. Learning coping skills for substance abuse is essential for sustaining long-term recovery.
• Support Systems: A strong support system is vital. This can include family, friends, therapists, and support groups who provide encouragement, accountability, and practical assistance.
• Holistic Approaches: Incorporating holistic treatments, such as mindfulness, yoga, and nutrition, can support overall well-being and enhance the recovery process. A holistic treatment center can offer a variety of therapies to address the mind, body, and spirit.

Effective Strategies for Breaking an Addiction

1. Seek Professional Help: Professional addiction treatment programs offer structured support, medical supervision, and therapeutic interventions. Programs such as residential addiction treatment provide a controlled environment conducive to recovery.
2. Build a Support Network: Engaging with support groups, family, and friends can provide the emotional backing needed during recovery. These relationships offer encouragement and accountability.
3. Develop Healthy Coping Skills: Learning how to break addiction involves finding new ways to cope with stress and emotions. Techniques such as exercise, meditation, and engaging in hobbies can be beneficial.
4. Create a Relapse Prevention Plan: A comprehensive plan helps identify triggers and develop strategies to avoid or manage them. This proactive approach can help sustain long-term recovery.
5. Consider Holistic Treatments: A holistic treatment center can provide therapies that address physical, mental, and spiritual health. These treatments can enhance overall well-being and support recovery.

What is the Average Timeline for Recovery?

How long does it take to break an addiction? Recovery is a lifelong journey. While the initial stages of breaking an addiction might take weeks or months, maintaining sobriety requires ongoing effort and support. Resources like ILC’s addiction treatment guide can offer valuable information and strategies for staying on track.

Find the Support You Need

If you or a loved one is struggling with addiction, seeking professional help is crucial. At Integrative Life Center, we offer comprehensive addiction treatment programs designed to meet each individual’s unique needs. Contact ILC at (615) 891-2226 to learn more about our holistic addiction treatment programs and take the first step toward lasting recovery. Whether you need an alcohol rehab retreat, guidance on how to stop an addiction, or support for other addiction-related challenges, we’re here to help.

Start Your Recovery Journey Today

Breaking an addiction is a challenging journey, but you don’t have to do it alone. With the right support and treatment, recovery is possible. Understanding how long it takes to break an addiction and the internal strength required can help you or your loved one embark on a successful recovery journey. Reach out today to begin the path to healing and reclaim your life from addiction.

The post How Long Does It Take to Break an Addiction? appeared first on Integrative Life Center.

source https://integrativelifecenter.com/treatment-programs/how-long-does-it-take-to-break-an-addiction/

Heroin Rehab: Pulling Back the Curtain

Is someone you love struggling with heroin addiction? You may have considered talking to them about heroin rehab, but you likely have no idea what goes on behind the scenes. That’s why it’s a good idea to do your research beforehand and so you can understand what your loved one should expect. 

We also want to take a moment to remind you that there is hope for your loved one’s healing. According to a story by NPR, 75% of people who experience addiction will eventually recover. In fact, there are currently about 22 million Americans living in recovery after a substance use disorder. So take heart—with the right heroin addiction treatment, your loved one can reclaim their life for the long haul. 

Is Heroin Rehab Right for Your Loved One?

As you begin your heroin rehab research, you may be unsure whether heroin treatment centers are right for your loved one or not. In short, heroin rehab is designed for people who desire to heal from their heroin addiction. It’s difficult to legally force someone into heroin rehab. That’s why it’s best if they’re willing participants.

With that said, if you think someone is using heroin, how can you know if they’re addicted to it? Well, in all likelihood they are, as you can get addicted to heroin just after a few uses. In addition to regular heroin usage, here are some other heroin addict signs you can look out for:

• Odd sleeping habits
• Noticeable weight loss
• Bad hygiene
• Mood swings
• Excessive itching
• Strong cravings for heroin
• The inability to stop heroin usage
• Withdrawal from others
• Skipping out on responsibilities at home or at work
• Hallucinations and paranoia

 

If you recognize these symptoms in someone you love, know that just telling them to stop using drugs won’t be effective. Their brains have developed a chemical dependence on heroin, so it’s not something they can quit on their own. They need heroin rehab to heal. 

Rehab Begins at a Heroin Detox Center

Once your loved one gets admitted to a heroin addiction treatment facility, they need to get heroin’s toxins out of their body under supervision. This takes place at a heroin detox center, either onsite at the heroin rehab facility or at a separate location. 

The heroin detoxification (or detox) process begins with the medical staff evaluating your loved one for the amount of heroin in their body, as well as the possibility of other conditions. Next, your loved one receives assisted help to wean off the drug into a stable, safe, and substance-free state. This process may involve medication if necessary. 

Because of heroin’s unpleasant withdrawal effects, it’s critical that your loved one detoxes under medical supervision and not on their own. As their body adjusts to the absence of heroin, your loved one may experience vomiting, mood swings, panic attacks, tremors, and more over the course of a few days (and be tempted to use heroin again to find relief). Because they’re at a heroin detox center, however, they’ll receive 24/7 care to keep them safe and help alleviate any withdrawal symptoms. 

What to Expect in Inpatient Rehab for Heroin

Once your loved one is physically heroin-free, they should transition to the residential treatment phase of heroin rehab. After all, healing from addiction is more than just behavior modification. The best residential heroin treatment centers exist to directly address the root causes of your loved one’s addiction—and not just the symptoms—putting them in a better position to attain lasting healing.

Unfortunately, heroin addiction is often the result of using drugs to cope with co-occurring disorders like post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, or depression. Because of this, some heroin rehab centers provide dual diagnosis treatment options to address your loved one’s mental health conditions at the same time. Often, evidence-based treatment methods like dialectical behavior therapy, neurofeedback, or EMDR can help your loved one heal their mind so they can discover better ways to cope in the future. 

As many addictions are associated with past trauma, heroin rehab will often utilize trauma-informed care to create a safe place for your loved one to address and overcome trauma’s hold on their life. In addition to talk therapy, this part of heroin rehab may take a holistic treatment approach and offer experiential therapies like equine therapy, yoga, or art therapy. These hands-on experiences can help your loved one better their life skills and improve their overall wellness. 

Find Healing from Heroin at Integrative Life Center

If your loved one is ready for heroin rehab, it’s important to make sure they choose a treatment center that can provide comprehensive healing. At Integrative Life Center in Nashville, TN, our residential heroin addiction treatment program can help your loved one overcome their drug abuse and heal from any co-occurring disorders all in one place. To learn more about our treatment options, contact our team today.  

If your loved one’s addiction has resulted in deep family struggles, download our FREE Drama Triangle workbook to learn how to heal your family dynamics and better support your addicted loved one.

The post Heroin Rehab: Pulling Back the Curtain appeared first on Integrative Life Center.

source https://integrativelifecenter.com/substance-abuse/heroin-rehab-pulling-back-the-curtain/

Understanding Fear of Intimacy

Intimacy is a natural part of life. When we’re intimate with others, we form meaningful connections and relationships. However, for some, the thought of intimacy with others is downright scary. If that’s you, it’s probably easy for you to push others away and maintain surface-level relationships. This helps you feel like you’re in control, after all. But deep down, you know that your fear of intimacy is holding you back from the life you truly want.

According to Psychology Today, about 17% of adults in Western cultures struggle with fear of intimacy and avoiding closeness in relationships. Your fear or phobia of intimacy is likely rooted in trauma or other fears. But if you’re scared of intimacy, that doesn’t mean your lot in life is to be a loner—as long as you’re willing to put in the work to learn how to overcome fear of intimacy. 

What is Fear of Intimacy?

Simply put, fear of intimacy is when you’re afraid to have close relationships with others. When you’re scared of intimacy, you put up metaphorical walls around you that prevent you from forming lasting bonds. These walls keep you from being emotionally vulnerable with anyone. 

But here’s the real kicker: even though you’re scared of intimacy with others, you actually desire that intimate connection with people—yet sadly, your fears prevent your desires from being realized. These fears run deep and are used as a defense mechanism to keep you from perceived hurt or danger. You’d rather not try at all than face possible rejection.

However, your fear of intimacy hurts you in the long run. You can probably think of multiple relationships you’ve purposely sabotaged because you thought they were getting too close, for example. It’s also likely that your fears have kept you locked in a box where you’re unable to fully be yourself around other people, so you feel alone and misunderstood. 

The intimacy you may fear will vary from others. There are multiple types of intimacy you could be afraid of—and ultimately long for, including:

• Physical or sexual intimacy
• Intellectual intimacy 
• Emotional intimacy
• Spiritual intimacy
• Experiential intimacy

Typical Fear of Intimacy Signs and Symptoms

If you think you or someone you love may have a phobia of intimacy, it’s important to understand that this condition doesn’t just affect people in relationships. Single people can just as easily fear intimacy with friends and family members. With that said, typical fear of intimacy signs and symptoms may include: 

• Avoiding physical or sexual contact
• Lack of self-confidence
• Debilitating trust issues
• Dating several people in a short window of time
• Avoiding communication in your relationship
• Struggles to express your feelings
• Sabotaging relationships
• A history of no relationships at all (or very short ones)
• Obsession with people’s views of you, to the point of perfectionism

 What Causes You to Be Scared of Intimacy? 

It’s fair to wonder where your fear of intimacy originated. And for most people, the answer is rooted in trauma. This trauma could be associated with emotional neglect, verbal and physical abuse, lack of parental guidance, relational conflict, or even adverse childhood experiences like divorce, the loss of a parent, or bullying. Carrying this trauma throughout your life can lead to an intimacy phobia in some people. While trauma is often the underlying cause of this phobia, other factors can lead to fear of intimacy, such as: 

• Fear of abandonment
• Fear of rejection
• Low self-esteem
• Lack of communication in a relationship
• Depression and anxiety

The Connection Between Fear of Intimacy and Sex Addiction

While some people who are afraid of intimacy can struggle with love avoidance in the long run, it’s possible others may end up dealing with hypersexual disorder or sexual addiction. This doesn’t happen overnight, but can gradually develop as you seek out experiences that make you feel better. For many, some of these most readily available experiences are associated with sexual pleasure—a strong generator of the feel-good chemical dopamine.

Consequently however, as you engage in sexual activities to feel better, you can begin to use them to cope with your loneliness, trauma, and other challenges. And in isolation, it gets all too easy to develop a porn addiction or masturbation addiction. Before long, you’re struggling with compulsive sexual behavior and using hypersexuality as a coping mechanism for all your challenges. 

How to Overcome Fear of Intimacy

As you grapple with the reality of your intimacy fears, you need to realize that you can overcome them. But, it will take intentionality, mindful choices, and stepping out of your comfort zone to change for the better. It may be helpful to begin with small steps, such as doing an activity with others that you’d normally do alone. You could also begin expressing your feelings to friends or family members you trust. With that said, one of the best ways to overcome your fear of intimacy is to seek professional help, especially if you’re struggling with sex addiction. 

Learn to Build Healthy Intimacy at Integrative Life Center

By partnering with professional therapists or an intimacy disorder treatment center, you can get past your fears and reclaim the healthy intimacy you deserve. At Integrative Life Center in Nashville, TN, we provide comprehensive fear of intimacy treatment for people like you looking to heal long-term. To learn more, contact our team today. 

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source https://integrativelifecenter.com/intimacy-disorders/understanding-fear-of-intimacy/