Watch Out for Self Sabotaging Behavior in Recovery

The goal isn’t just sobriety in recovery. It’s also to reclaim the life that addiction took from you so you can become your authentic self. It isn’t necessarily easy to achieve this, as recovery can be full of challenges. However, some of these challenges can be self-inflicted, in the form of self sabotaging behavior. If you’ve done this yourself, what’s going on behind the scenes? And how can you get help for your own self destructive behavior?

Self Sabotaging Behavior, Explained

What is self sabotaging behavior, exactly? Healthline.com defines self-sabotaging behavior as specific behaviors or thought patterns that hold you back from doing what you want to do. This kind of behavior is intentional and purposeful in keeping you from reaching success, even if you do want to achieve success (strange, right?). Though you can also be wholly unaware that you’re sabotaging yourself.  

Self sabotage can also be a frequent aspect of the addiction recovery journey. For some, it’s the fears, negative emotions, or struggles associated with staying the course and maintaining sobriety that leads to self-sabotaging behaviors. For others, it’s rooted in self-doubt that true recovery is possible. 

Recognizing the Signs of Self Sabotage

How do you know if you’re sabotaging yourself along your recovery journey? It may be obvious to you, or, alternatively, it could be much more subtle. If you think you may be doing it to yourself, here are some common signs of self sabotage to look out for:

Returning to Substance Use

Reverting back to your addictive substance — or taking on a new substance instead — is classic self sabotaging behavior when in recovery. Using drugs or alcohol again hinders your sobriety momentum and leads to relapse. 

Procrastination

You may know something you need to do that will help your recovery, yet you delay doing it. Whether it’s prioritizing fitness, signing up for a recovery mentor, or joining an alumni group, you choose to wait and put things off, and eventually, never do pursue them at all.

Discounting Your Recovery Efforts

When recovery gets challenging, you may question whether it’s all worth it. Maybe you experience euphoric recall and romanticize past substance use. Eventually, this leads to minimizing the need for recovery or thinking you’ve “figured it out” and don’t need help anymore. Perhaps you may start to think that using again is OK. 

No Longer Taking Care of Yourself

Taking care of yourself (getting proper sleep, practicing hygiene, eating well, exercising) are important to staying healthy. But no longer pursuing self-care can be both self-sabotage and self-destructive behavior in recovery. Without self-care, you’re more vulnerable to relapse. 

Social Isolation

You understand that community is key in recovery, but you choose instead not to seek it. Maybe you drop out of a support group, don’t answer a friend’s phone calls, or stop seeing your therapist. Socially isolating yourself prevents you from getting the accountability, friendship, and support you need to stay the course. 

The Source of Self Sabotaging Behavior

Can you identify with some of the signs of self sabotage in your recovery journey? If so, perhaps you’re wondering why. Pursuing recovery is a worthwhile endeavor, so why mess it up?

Self sabotaging behavior in many ways is tied to addiction’s common root cause: trauma. When you’re struggling with unresolved past trauma, even ACES trauma from your childhood, you may want to find ways to cope. Like using addictive substances, self sabotaging behaviors can be a form of self-medication in recovery, too. 

Sabotaging yourself can also be rooted in fear of your own success or failure. Recovery in your mind may not be worth pursuing if failing at it sounds scarier than not trying at all. On the other hand, succeeding in recovery provides new unknowns. Life change, increased responsibilities, or even the possibility of future failure down the road may drive you to keep your own success at bay because you’re comfortable with what you know.

Struggling with self-limiting beliefs or poor self-esteem can also lead to self sabotaging behavior. You may feel that you’re unworthy or a bad person as you’ve internalized common stigmas associated with addiction. Engaging in self destructive behavior is a way to match how you feel about yourself with the actions you take. 

Overcome Self Destructive Behavior in Recovery 

Are you engaging in self sabotaging behaviors? You don’t have to prevent yourself from achieving the sobriety and long-term healing you deserve. It’s time to fight back against self sabotage. At Integrative Life Center in Nashville, TN, our aftercare and alumni programs can help you navigate your recovery in a supportive, caring environment. And our trauma-informed care is here for you if you think you may have unresolved past trauma that still needs to be addressed. To learn more, contact our team today. 

The post Watch Out for Self Sabotaging Behavior in Recovery appeared first on Integrative Life Center.

source https://integrativelifecenter.com/recovery/watch-out-for-self-sabotaging-behavior-in-recovery/

What to Expect During Alcohol Detox: Trauma-Informed Support

Making the decision to stop drinking is a life-changing step. Whether you’re taking this journey for the first time or have undergone alcohol addiction treatment before, it’s important to understand what happens during alcohol detox and why trauma-informed care can be a critical part of your recovery. If you have already been exploring the benefits of not drinking alcohol and are ready to seek sobriety, it is vital to know what to expect during detox and how trauma-informed approaches can provide meaningful, compassionate support.

Understanding Alcohol Detox

Alcohol detox is the process by which your body clears itself of alcohol and begins to adjust to functioning without it. For people who have been drinking heavily or for a long time, detox can be physically and emotionally challenging.

In the first few hours after your last drink, withdrawal symptoms may begin. These can range from mild anxiety and irritability to more serious symptoms such as tremors, nausea, insomnia, and sweating. For some, especially those with severe alcohol dependence, withdrawal may progress to a dangerous condition known as delirium tremens (DTs), which can include seizures, hallucinations, confusion, and even death if not properly managed.

Because of these risks, knowing how to detox from alcohol safely is crucial. 

How Long Does It Take to Detox From Alcohol?

A common question people ask is: how long does it take to detox from alcohol? While the timeline can vary depending on factors such as the severity of alcohol use, overall health, and co-occurring conditions, most withdrawal symptoms peak within 24–72 hours after the last drink. For some, symptoms may begin to subside after 5–7 days. However, lingering effects like anxiety, insomnia, and mood swings may persist for weeks.

Steps can be taken to mitigate some of these symptoms. The National Health Service of the UK advises, “During detox, make sure you drink plenty of fluids…However, avoid drinking large amounts of caffeinated drinks, including tea and coffee, because they can make your sleep problems worse and cause feelings of anxiety.”

A variety of alcohol withdrawal syndrome treatments can ease your detox as well. These range from medication to talk therapy to holistic alcohol detox treatments such as trauma-informed yoga and nutrition therapy.

Understanding how long to detox from alcohol can help set realistic expectations. It’s not just about the physical withdrawal, however; detox is the first step in a longer healing process that includes addressing the root causes of alcohol use.

The Role of Trauma in Alcoholism

For many individuals struggling with alcohol dependence and other compulsive behaviors, trauma plays a significant role. Childhood abuse, domestic violence, war, or other traumatic experiences or situations can deeply affect the brain and body. Alcohol may become a coping mechanism to numb painful memories.

This is why trauma-informed care is essential at drug and alcohol recovery centers. Rather than asking, “What’s wrong with you?” trauma-informed care asks, “What happened to you?” It recognizes that healing from addiction also means healing from trauma.

What Is Trauma-Informed Care?

Trauma-informed care is an approach that emphasizes safety, trust, choice, collaboration, and empowerment. In the context of alcohol detox, it means creating a supportive environment where individuals feel respected and understood.

Here’s how trauma-informed care supports you during detox:

• Safety: Ensures both physical and emotional safety by creating a calming, respectful environment free from judgment or re-traumatization.
  
• Trustworthiness: Maintains transparency in treatment decisions and encourages honesty in communication.
  
• Empowerment: Encourages individuals to take part in their recovery decisions and honors their autonomy.
  
• Peer Support: Connects individuals with others who have experienced similar struggles, reducing isolation.
  
• Cultural Sensitivity: Recognizes and respects diverse backgrounds and identities.

How to Detox From Alcohol Abuse

If you’re wondering how to detox from alcohol, the first step is recognizing the need for help and seeking appropriate support. While some people may be tempted to go “cold turkey” at home, this can be dangerous depending on the severity of the alcohol use.

A medically supervised detox is often recommended, especially if there is a history of heavy drinking or past withdrawal complications. These programs provide not just medical support but emotional care tailored to your needs—especially if trauma is part of your story.

For those with milder dependence or under medical advice, learning how to safely detox from alcohol at home is possible, but should be approached with caution. Always consult with a healthcare provider before attempting home detox. 

A good compromise between medically supervised, fully inpatient detox and at-home detox is outpatient alcohol treatment. Here, you spend structured amounts of time in an alcohol treatment center undergoing detox and then therapy, while being able to live at your own house and continue normal daily routines. 

Find Healing from Alcohol Abuse at Integrative Life Center

Perhaps those around you are worried about your alcohol use. Maybe you’ve taken an “am I an alcoholic?” quiz and are unsettled by the results. For whatever reason, you may find yourself seeking how to detox from alcohol and ready to begin the journey to recovery. 

Consider taking that journey with the Integrative Life Center in Nashville, TN. Though we do not offer detox at ILC, we can help facilitate detox for you. Our holistic approach to treatment runs through everything we do, from outpatient treatment to an alcohol rehab retreat to our women’s and men’s residential therapy programs. We integrate the whole person in recovery–physical, emotional, and spiritual. 

We understand that for those with a history of trauma, this process can be particularly challenging, potentially triggering heightened emotional distress, anxiety, and even memories of past traumatic experiences. A trauma-informed approach to care provides crucial support at each stage of withdrawal. This includes creating a safe and predictable environment, offering gentle and compassionate care, making available many addiction recovery resources, and utilizing specific techniques to help manage both the physical and emotional symptoms that may arise.

Do not hesitate to begin your healing journey. Call us at the Integrative Life Center today. One phone call to 615-378-8806 to talk to someone about beginning your path to a healthier life.

The post What to Expect During Alcohol Detox: Trauma-Informed Support appeared first on Integrative Life Center.

source https://integrativelifecenter.com/alcohol-addiction/what-to-expect-during-alcohol-detox-trauma-informed-support/

Mental Health Stigma: Don’t Let It Hold You Back From Healing

According to the National Institute of Mental Health, one in five adults in the United States lives with a mental illness. That’s almost 60 million people. Yet for many people living with mental health disorders, according to the World Health Organization (WHO), the negative perceptions and behaviors that arise in others — as well as themselves — are even worse than experiencing the disorder itself. That’s because mental health stigma is pervasive in our society, and it can be one of the main barriers to mental health treatment, too. 

What is Mental Health Stigma?

Even though more and more people struggle with their mental health today, the stigma around mental health still seems to be holding all the cards. So what exactly is mental health stigma? According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), mental health stigma refers to the “negative attitudes, beliefs, and stereotypes people may hold towards those who experience mental health conditions.” Simply put, if you’re experiencing mental health stigma, someone is thinking badly of you because your mental health condition is perceived negatively, shares the Mayo Clinic. 

The stigma around mental health can take on many forms. According to the CDC, these are some of the main mental health stigmas you may encounter:

• Public stigma: Negative attitudes or beliefs from individuals or larger groups toward people with mental health disorders
• Self-stigma: Believing you there is something wrong with you or that you’re to blame for your own mental health disorder
• Structural stigma: Having laws, regulations, or policies in place that may limit your rights if you have a mental health condition

 

Common mental health stigmas may assume that you’re dangerous, incompetent, unpredictable, or to blame for your condition. You may also be perceived as weak or weak-minded. These assumptions and stereotypes can prevent you from getting a job, finding a place to live, or even having access to proper health care, shares the American Psychiatric Association. This stigma can also extend towards family members, friends, or loved ones associated with you. 

Stigma Around Mental Health: Underlying Causes

Mental health stigma has existed for centuries. Even with increasing knowledge of the need for mental health, stigmas surrounding it are still very widespread. But what keeps these stigmas persisting? Here are a few root causes:

Media Representation

What we see on TV, in movies, in books, or on social media can influence how we see the world, and this is no different with mental health. Often, movies and TV shows portray damaging stereotypes of people with mental illness, making the characters violent, reclusive, or simply bad guys. News media often doesn’t help either, as crimes committed by people with mental health issues get more headlines, shares the National Council on Aging (NCOA). All of these representations tend to reinforce bias and prejudice that furthers mental health stigma today. 

A Lack of Education or Awareness

Unlike physical health conditions or sickness, mental health disorders are often unseen on the surface. People today often lack solid education or awareness on mental health in general, as well as on mental health disorders and how to address them. Consequently, misinformation easily spreads and stereotypes are naturally adopted, paving the way for stigma surrounding mental health. 

Longstanding Cultural Ideals

Independence, cool-headedness, and self-reliance are longstanding values in our culture. The myth of the lone ranger, a hero who has it all together and doesn’t need anybody or any help, is still held in high regard. Consequently, struggling with your mental health can easily be seen as less-than, weak, or unmanly (among guys). The idea of being vulnerable, asking for help, or seeking treatment are often viewed as unorthodox or strange. And since you can keep your struggles hidden inside, it gets easy to bury your issues instead of addressing them. 

The Impact of Mental Health Stigma Today

As mental health stigma continues on, no doubt there’s a fallout upon those already struggling. The impact of stigma on people with mental illness may include:

• A lack of understanding from family or friends
• Harassment or bullying
• Fear or reluctance to ask for help or seek mental health treatment
• Self-doubt that overcoming illness or changing your life impossible
• A lack of employment or opportunities to connect socially

 

SOURCE: Better Health Channel

If you have a mental health condition, you may struggle with self-stigma, internalizing the public stigmas you face. This may lead to feelings of shame, guilt, or helplessness, followed by self-isolation. Consequently, your mental health challenges may get worse, and you could even seek substances to cope, leading to co-occurring disorders. 

Mental Health Awareness: Breaking the Stigma

If you’re dealing with mental health challenges, it’s important to not let mental health stigmas hold you back from getting the health you need. This starts with being aware of stigma’s power and choosing not to be its next victim. Yet you also need to partner with a compassionate, stigma-free mental health treatment center that understands your condition. 

At Integrative Life Center in Nashville, TN, we provide comprehensive mental health treatment in a safe, supportive environment. If you’re ready to heal your mind, body, and spirit, contact our team today. With our help, you can reclaim your life, as well as be a stigma-breaking voice of encouragement to others struggling, too. 

The post Mental Health Stigma: Don’t Let It Hold You Back From Healing appeared first on Integrative Life Center.

source https://integrativelifecenter.com/mental-health-treatment/mental-health-stigma-dont-let-it-hold-you-back-from-healing/

Benzo Addiction: Knowing the Risks and Finding Treatment

In a world where anxiety, stress, and insomnia have become common struggles, it’s no surprise that benzodiazepines—commonly known as benzos—have become widely prescribed. While these medications can provide short-term relief for serious conditions, they also carry a significant risk of dependence. Benzo addiction is a growing concern in mental health and substance use treatment communities, often developing quietly before becoming a full-blown crisis. As tolerance builds and withdrawal symptoms set in, individuals may find themselves relying on increasing doses just to feel “normal,” making it difficult to stop without professional support.

At Integrative Life Center in Nashville, TN, we understand the complexities of benzo addiction and offer compassionate, comprehensive care that supports both physical detox and deeper emotional healing. Whether you’re personally struggling or searching for help for drug addiction for a loved one, understanding the risks and available treatments is the first step toward recovery. With the right tools and trauma-informed support, lasting healing is possible.

Are Benzos Addictive?

The National Library of Medicine states that 30.6 million Americans have struggled with benzo addiction. The answer is, yes, absolutely—are benzos addictive is not a question of “if” but “how quickly.” Medications like Xanax, Ativan, Valium, and Klonopin are designed to calm the nervous system by enhancing the effects of GABA, a neurotransmitter that promotes relaxation. Over time, the brain becomes dependent on this external source to regulate anxiety and stress, leading to tolerance, withdrawal symptoms, and the cycle of addiction.

Many individuals who develop addiction to benzos start with a legitimate prescription. Because the effects are subtle at first, people often don’t realize how reliant they’ve become until they try to stop or reduce their dose. Symptoms of dependence can include insomnia, panic attacks, mood swings, tremors, and severe anxiety—ironically, the very conditions benzos are meant to treat.

The Hidden Link Between Mental Health and Benzo Addiction

Benzo addiction often intersects with underlying mental health conditions. Anxiety disorders, panic attacks, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), and trauma are all frequently linked with benzodiazepine use. For some, the use of benzos becomes a way to manage emotional pain or trauma, leading to compulsive behaviors and emotional dependency.

At Integrative Life Center, we treat addiction as a symptom of deeper emotional wounds. Our Mental Health recovery model addresses the root causes of substance use, helping clients reclaim peace and stability without the need for numbing medications.

Signs and Symptoms of Benzo Addiction

Recognizing the signs of benzos addiction is critical for timely intervention. Common symptoms include:

• Taking larger doses than prescribed
  
• Doctor shopping or seeking multiple prescriptions
  
• Social withdrawal and neglect of responsibilities
  
• Memory problems and cognitive fog
  
• Heightened anxiety when doses are missed
  
• Difficulty stopping use despite consequences
  

If these patterns sound familiar, it may be time to seek professional benzo addiction treatment.

Why Professional Treatment Matters

Benzodiazepine withdrawal can be not only uncomfortable but dangerous. Symptoms can include seizures, hallucinations, and severe rebound anxiety. Attempting to quit “cold turkey” without medical supervision can lead to serious complications.

That’s why a residential drug rehab facility like Integrative Life Center is essential. We provide safe medical detox in a tranquil, supportive setting for individuals who are drug addicted, followed by intensive therapeutic work to support lasting change.

A Holistic Approach to Benzo Addiction Treatment

Successful recovery requires more than medication management. At Integrative Life Center, we use a holistic approach that treats the whole person—not just the addiction. Our programs combine evidence-based therapies with alternative modalities that foster spiritual, emotional, and physical well-being.

Key components of our program include:

• Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT): Helps clients identify thought patterns and behaviors contributing to addiction.
  
• Yoga Therapy Program: Enhances self-awareness, reduces stress, and reconnects individuals with their bodies.
  
• Trauma recovery: Addresses past trauma that may be fueling benzo misuse.
  
• Coping skills for drug addiction: Teaches emotional regulation, stress management, and resilience techniques.
  
• Holistic Therapies: Nutrition, acupuncture, meditation, and expressive arts are incorporated for deeper healing.
  

This integrated model makes Integrative Life Center a standout in drug addiction treatment and a true addiction recovery retreat for those seeking a restorative environment.

Specialized Support for Co-Occurring Conditions

Conditions like OCD drug abuse, depression, and PTSD frequently accompany benzo addiction. Our dual diagnosis program ensures that both substance use and mental health challenges are addressed concurrently. Treating one without the other can lead to relapse and prolonged suffering.

By tailoring treatment plans to meet each individual’s unique needs, we help clients break free from the cycle of dependency while building a sustainable foundation for wellness.

Long-Term Recovery and Life Beyond Benzos

Recovery doesn’t end with detox. Building a life free from benzo addiction involves continued care, community, and personal growth. At Integrative Life Center, we provide comprehensive aftercare planning, access to peer support groups, and life skills coaching. These experiential treatments ensure clients has the tools they need for long-term success. Our team works closely with each individual to create a sustainable recovery roadmap that includes ongoing therapy, relapse prevention strategies, and mindfulness practices. Whether you’re navigating professional demands, family life, or a return to school, our team is here to support your transition back into everyday living with confidence and clarity. We believe that lasting recovery is not only possible—it’s within reach when you have the right support, structure, and self-awareness to guide your next chapter.

Take the First Step Toward Healing in Nashville, TN

You are not alone, and there is a path forward. If you or someone you love is struggling with benzo addiction and are in need of substance abuse treatment, Integrative Life Center in Nashville offers compassionate, comprehensive care in a peaceful, natural setting. Our team of experienced clinicians, holistic practitioners, and recovery specialists is ready to walk with you every step of the way.

Contact us today at 615-891-2226 to learn more about our programs and begin your journey to healing. With the right support, recovery from addiction to benzos is not only possible—it can be the gateway to a more grounded, empowered, and fulfilling life. Get in touch with one of our team members now to start your journey to healing.

The post Benzo Addiction: Knowing the Risks and Finding Treatment  appeared first on Integrative Life Center.

source https://integrativelifecenter.com/substance-abuse/benzo-addiction-knowing-the-risks-and-finding-treatment/

How to Find the Right Treatment for Binge Eating Disorder

Binge Eating Disorder (BED) is a serious and often misunderstood condition that affects millions of people across the United States. It is characterized by recurring episodes of consuming large quantities of food, often in secret and accompanied by feelings of shame, guilt, and a loss of control. While BED can significantly impact physical and emotional health, recovery is entirely possible with the right support. This guide will walk you through how to find the most effective binge eating disorder treatment for yourself or a loved one.

At Integrative Life Center in Nashville, TN, we offer comprehensive care for eating disorders, including our specialized Women’s Residential Eating Disorder Program and Holistic Therapy Services. Our trauma-informed, holistic approach is designed to treat the whole person—mind, body, and spirit.

Step 1: Understand What Binge Eating Disorder Is

Before seeking treatment for binge eating disorder, it’s essential to understand the nature of the condition. BED is not a matter of willpower or overeating during the holidays. It is a recognized mental health disorder often linked to emotional distress, unresolved trauma, and compulsive behaviors that act as coping mechanisms. BED can also coexist with depression, anxiety, and substance use disorders.

Step 2: Recognize the Need for Help

Acknowledging the need for binge eating disorder treatment is a significant step toward healing. Common signs that treatment may be necessary include:

• Repeated episodes of eating large amounts of food in a short period
  
• Eating in secret or when not physically hungry
  
• Feelings of disgust, shame, or guilt after eating
  
• Frequent dieting without long-term success
  
• Emotional distress linked to eating behaviors
  

If these patterns sound familiar, it may be time to explore binge eating disorder treatments that address the root causes.

Step 3: Explore Levels of Care

BED treatment is not one-size-fits-all. The right level of care depends on the severity of symptoms and individual needs. Options include:

Outpatient Therapy

Ideal for individuals who can maintain daily responsibilities while attending therapy sessions. It typically includes individual, group, and family therapy.

Intensive Outpatient and Partial Hospitalization Programs (IOP/PHP)

These provide more structured care, with therapy several days a week. They are a good option for those who need more support but do not require full-time care. Many insurances have options that cover PHP/IOP services. 

Residential Eating Disorder Treatment

For individuals whose daily functioning is significantly affected, residential eating disorder treatment offers round-the-clock support in a safe and healing environment. At Integrative Life Center, our Women’s Residential Eating Disorder Program provides immersive care tailored to the unique needs of women navigating BED. The structure of residential care allows for a complete focus on healing, free from everyday stressors and triggers.

Step 4: Seek a Holistic Approach

Traditional therapies are vital, but long-term recovery is most successful when treatment also supports emotional, physical, and spiritual healing. A holistic approach includes a combination of:

• Individual Therapy: Evidence-based modalities like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
  
• Nutritional Counseling: To develop a peaceful relationship with food
  
• Movement and Body Connection: Yoga and dance therapy to foster body trust
  
• Mindfulness and meditation for eating disorders: Helping individuals slow down, self-soothe, and increase awareness around eating habits
  
• Trauma-Informed Care: Since trauma and eating disorders often go hand-in-hand, addressing trauma is essential for full recovery
  

Integrative Life Center specializes in these Holistic Therapy Services, ensuring that every aspect of your well-being is considered. Clients often find this blend of care not only treats symptoms but inspires lasting personal transformation. 

Elizabeth Woods, LPC-MHSP is a therapist at ILC that focuses on eating disorder treatment.

“So often in eating disorders there is a narrow focus on what a person’s body looks like and what they’re eating or not eating. They often feel like there’s not enough space for the other parts of their life and their identity. I always want to help clients identify, what do you wish you had more room for in your life that you could have if your eating disorder weren’t such a big part of your life?

A holistic approach helps clients to look at the big picture of their eating disorder and find a way through to recovery.

Step 5: Evaluate the Program’s Philosophy and Environment

Not all treatment centers are created equal. The best binge eating disorder treatment centers prioritize compassion, connection, and personalized care. When researching programs, consider the following:

• Does the center treat underlying trauma?
  
• Are holistic therapies offered?
  
• Is the staff experienced in binge eating disorder treatment?
  
• Is the environment supportive, inclusive, and nonjudgmental?
  

Integrative Life Center in Nashville provides a nurturing, retreat-like atmosphere where healing is prioritized. Our trauma-informed team understands the emotional complexities of BED and guides clients through a personalized healing journey.

Step 6: Inquire About Long-Term Support

Treatments for binge eating disorder should also include aftercare planning and relapse prevention. A strong discharge plan might include:

• Continued outpatient therapy
  
• Peer support groups
  
• Family involvement and education
  
• Access to alumni or recovery communities
  

Our team at Integrative Life Center helps clients establish tools and networks for ongoing success beyond residential treatment.

Step 7: Consider Insurance and Accessibility

Understanding insurance coverage is an important practical step in accessing care. Integrative Life Center works with several insurance providers and offers admissions support to help clients navigate financial options. Don’t let the complexity of payment stand in the way of beginning your healing journey.

Step 8: Take the First Step

There is no perfect moment to begin recovery—just a moment when you decide you deserve to feel whole again. If you’re still wondering how to find the right binge eating disorder treatment, reach out to our admissions team for a confidential conversation. Asking for help is not a weakness—it’s a declaration that your well-being matters.

Healing Is Possible in Nashville, TN

BED is not a character flaw, and recovery is not about control—it’s about connection, understanding, and compassion. At Integrative Life Center, we believe in the power of integrative healing, and we walk with you every step of the way. Whether you’re looking for an eating disorder cure or a place to begin your journey, our programs offer the depth and support necessary for sustainable change. We provide comprehensive, trauma-informed care in a peaceful setting that encourages inner healing and long-term success. No matter where you are in your recovery journey, we meet you with empathy, experience, and a customized treatment plan designed just for you.

If you’re ready to explore treatment for binge eating disorder, contact Integrative Life Center today. A peaceful, empowered life is within reach, and we’re here to help you find it. We are just one phone call away at 615-891-2226. Give us a call to speak to one of our qualified professionals.

The post How to Find the Right Treatment for Binge Eating Disorder appeared first on Integrative Life Center.

source https://integrativelifecenter.com/eating-disorders/how-to-find-the-right-treatment-for-binge-eating-disorder/

Gas Station Drugs: An Overview

:Did you know that you potentially can find addictive drugs sold on the shelves at the gas station convenience store down the street right now? Next to the candy, energy drinks, and lottery tickets, you may see tianeptine, delta-8, kratom, and more. These drugs make up what are called “gas station drugs”, and are synthetic, unregulated drugs sold at everyday retail establishments. While they may seem harmless on the surface, they can sadly become dangerous and addictive—and are growing in popularity as a result.

What are Gas Station Drugs?

It’s got a cool brand name and appealing product packaging. It’s commonly for sale at corner stores, gas stations, smoke or vape shops, and more. What we’re talking about here is not a soda, chip, candy, or road trip snack brand. Nor is it just plain old beer or tobacco. These are substances called gas station drugs, which are unregulated by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA). 

These synthetic drugs mimic the effects of controlled substances a doctor would prescribe, according to the Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC). Commonly labeled as dietary supplements, mood enhancers, herbal products, and anxiety relievers, these gas station drugs can be addictive, and may even be combined with other drugs. 

But why are these gas station drugs being sold in retail environments? In many ways, substances like these fall into legal gray areas. Consequently, they don’t abide by the strict regulatory standards that pharmaceuticals would, creating further complications and increased risks. They may contain undisclosed ingredients, for example, and often make misleading claims. By taking a gas station drug, you’re potentially consuming harmful ingredients and even risking substance abuse and addiction. 

Common Gas Station Drugs

If you’re concerned about unwanted exposure to gas station drugs, it’s important to know the specific types of drugs you may encounter on the convenience store shelves. You may actually already be familiar with some of the names. With that said, common gas station drugs include:

Tianeptine (Gas Station Heroin)

Tianeptine, also known as “gas station heroin,” touts its ability to temporarily increase your cognitive abilities and enhance your mood. Sold on the shelves under names like ZaZa, Neptune’s Fix, Pegasus Red, Tianaa, and Purple Magic, tianeptine has caused a dramatic spike in cases at US poison control centers. Authorities also warn that gas station heroin poses overdose, dependency, and withdrawal risks, according to NPR. 

Like other gas station drugs, tianeptine’s legality is nebulous. It’s illegal to market and sell the drug, but it’s also not on the US list of federally controlled substances. You can buy tianeptine online just as easily as you can at the neighborhood convenience store. With that said, a growing number of states have banned tianeptine, and the drug has never been cleared by the FDA for medical use. 

Kratom

Kratom is a common gas station drug you’re likely to find at smoke or vape shops, or even at certain vitamin stores. Sold as a supplement, kratom claims to:

• Boost energy levels
• Enhance mood
• Relieve pain,
• Alleviate opioid withdrawal symptoms

 

Kratom comes from a tree in Southeast Asia, where the leaves may be chewed, dried and brewed as kratom tea, or added in liquids. However, the Mayo Clinic has declared kratom to be “unsafe and ineffective.” Not only are there health and safety problems linked to its use, but kratom also carries its own risk of addiction.

Delta-8 THC

Delta-8 tetrahydrocannabinol, also known as delta-8 THC, is a gas station drug associated with cannabis. While delta-8 occurs naturally within the cannabis plant, it’s usually just in small amounts. Consequently, delta-8 THC products you buy at stores can expose you to much higher levels of the substance than what you may get through historical use of cannabis, according to the FDA. Delta-8 has psychoactive and intoxicating effects, even though people perceive it as therapeutic. Studies have even shown both increasing adverse effects and increasing national poison control center exposure cases due to delta-8. 

Phenibut

The former Soviet Union developed phenibut to help military personnel overcome anxiety and improve cognitive function. Today, however, it’s one of the primary gas station drugs marketed in the United States as a way to improve brain function. However, the therapeutic effects of phenibut remain questionable, according to Basic & Clinical Pharmacology & Toxicology (BCPT). Unfortunately, many negative effects have been reported instead, including intoxication and life-threatening hospitalization. Prolonged phenibut use can also lead to addiction. 

Overcome Addiction to Gas Station Drugs at Integrative Life Center

While substances like alcohol, cocaine, heroin, and opioids have become well-known for their addictive properties, gas stations drug addiction is on the rise as well. If you’re struggling with addiction to gas station drugs like kratom or phenibut, we can help. At Integrative Life Center in Nashville, TN, our comprehensive substance abuse treatment programs are personalized to address the root causes of your addiction, not just your symptoms. Call us today to start your journey to lasting sobriety.

The post Gas Station Drugs: An Overview appeared first on Integrative Life Center.

source https://integrativelifecenter.com/substance-abuse/gas-station-drugs-an-overview/

How to Forgive Yourself in Recovery

When you’ve struggled with addiction, whether it’s an alcohol, drug, or sex addiction, it’s easy to blame yourself. You may have a lot of guilt or shame from your past. Consequently, it may be challenging to forgive yourself for the problems your actions and choices have caused in your own life, let alone the lives of your loved ones. But learning how to forgive yourself is a key aspect of your healing and recovery process. 

Why It’s Important to Forgive Yourself in Recovery

Success Magazine describes self-forgiveness as showing mercy to yourself when you slip up, mess up, or fail to live up to your own ideals. It’s a process of accepting what you can’t change and learning from your mistakes, shares VerywellMind.com. At the same time, forgiving yourself involves releasing negative feelings you have in order to promote healing and personal growth, according to PostivePscyhology.com. 

From a recovery context, learning to forgive yourself is critically important to releasing the shame and guilt associated with your addiction. Even if you’re making progress toward long-term sobriety, it’s still common to carry these negative feelings with you in spite of your accomplishments. As your shame persists, it can turn toxic, leading you to feel unworthy of healing, love, or the good things in recovery. As toxic shame grows, it can drive you back into isolation, as well as lead to relapse as you seek to cope. Self-forgiveness prevents this vicious cycle from returning in your life.

Learning how to forgive yourself doesn’t mean you avoid responsibility for your past actions. Rather, you acknowledge what you’ve done and choose to not let it define who you are. By forgiving yourself, you create space to see yourself in a new light as someone who is capable of achieving positive change. This allows you to pursue your recovery with peace and confidence, leading to further healing as you move forward with your sobriety goals. 

What Gets in the Way of Self-Forgiveness?

While it may seem simple in practice, learning to forgive yourself can be a challenge in the recovery process. There are a number of internal barriers that you may face as you overcome addiction that can keep you from self-forgiveness, including: 

• Fear of letting go: You may think that forgiving yourself means disregarding your behavior or avoiding responsibility for your actions, which may feel like betraying those you hurt in the past. 
• Negative self-talk: Your inner voice may continue to point out your past mistakes or failures, preventing you from ever feeling good about forgiving yourself.
• Feeling unworthy: If your addiction has hurt others, you may think you need their forgiveness before you can ever forgive yourself.
• Unrealistic expectations: You may think you have to achieve perfect sobriety without any setbacks or relapses before you can think about forgiving yourself. 

How to Forgive Yourself in Addiction Recovery

So how do you forgive yourself in recovery? Seeking self-forgiveness isn’t necessarily something that happens overnight for most people. It’s a process that takes time and intentionality, as well as compassion and honesty. With that said, if you want to learn how to forgive yourself, here are some steps you can take:

1. Face the Truth About Your Addiction’s Consequences

Instead of minimizing, discounting, or trying to explain away your addiction, own up to the ways your behavior brought about harm to yourself and your loved ones. Honesty in recovery — especially with yourself — allows you to move forward with forgiveness.

2. Take Responsibility for Your Actions and Give Yourself Grace

Take responsibility for your actions, choices, and behaviors, as well as the collateral damage they caused. This may mean seeking out friends and family and directly apologizing to them in the process. At the same time, understand that you don’t have to right every wrong in order to hold yourself accountable. 

3. Fight Against Shame or Your Inner Critic

There may be an inner voice or negative self-talk that tells you that you don’t deserve forgiveness. Make it a point to challenge those thoughts to prevent further shame and secrecy. By doing so, you can begin to make room for self-compassion.

4. Pursue Positive, Loving Self-Talk

In order to forgive yourself, you have to stop beating yourself up. Instead, you need to be kind to yourself and build yourself up. Stay positive about the courage it takes to pursue recovery and amend past mistakes. And don’t forget to acknowledge your own accomplishments along the way.

5. Stay Focused to Growth

Self-forgiveness doesn’t mean you’ve finished recovery. Lasting sobriety is a lifelong goal. Commit to staying the course and continuing to grow, in spite of any future setbacks or challenges. 

We’re Here for You at Integrative Life Center

If you feel stuck on your self-forgiveness or recovery journey, know that there’s help available to you. At Integrative Life Center, we’re here to help you move forward with your healing and sobriety. Our aftercare and alumni programming offer connection, accountability, support, and continued therapy post-treatment. To learn more, contact us today. 

The post How to Forgive Yourself in Recovery appeared first on Integrative Life Center.

source https://integrativelifecenter.com/recovery/how-to-forgive-yourself-in-recovery/