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/

Understanding PTSD from Childhood Trauma and Addiction

Childhood trauma can have profound and long-lasting effects on an individual’s emotional and psychological well-being. One of the most common and often debilitating consequences of such trauma is PTSD from childhood trauma. This condition can manifest in various forms and significantly impact a person’s ability to navigate life in a healthy way. For many individuals, complex PTSD from childhood trauma leads to a cycle of emotional pain that can later contribute to substance use as a coping mechanism.

How does PTSD affect a person? At the Integrative Life Center in Nashville, TN we explore how PTSD from childhood trauma develops, its connection to addiction, and the importance of a trauma-informed care approach in recovery. We also examine PTSD from childhood trauma symptoms and how a comprehensive treatment program can help address both the emotional wounds and the substance use issues.

What Is PTSD from Childhood Trauma?

PTSD from childhood trauma occurs when a person experiences severe stress or trauma during their formative years, and these experiences leave a lasting imprint on their emotional health. This can include events like abuse, neglect, witnessing violence, or other forms of trauma that disrupt a child’s sense of safety and security. The long-term effects of childhood trauma can manifest as PTSD in adulthood, with individuals often struggling with feelings of fear, helplessness, or hypervigilance.

For many, the symptoms of PTSD from childhood trauma can be overwhelming and stages of PTSD may involve:

• Flashbacks to traumatic events
• Intrusive thoughts or memories related to the trauma
• Avoidance of certain situations or people
• Emotional numbness or detachment
• Irritability or aggression
• Hyperarousal, including sleep disturbances and heightened startle responses
  

This emotional distress often becomes too much for individuals to cope with on their own, which is where addiction often enters the picture.

The Connection Between Childhood Trauma and Addiction

The connection between PTSD from childhood trauma and addiction is significant and complex. For many individuals, substances like alcohol, drugs, or even behaviors like overeating or gambling, are used to numb the emotional pain caused by trauma. Addiction can serve as a temporary escape from the overwhelming emotions associated with PTSD symptoms from childhood trauma.

Substance use may seem like a quick solution, but it only exacerbates the problem in the long term. It often leads to compulsive behaviors, worsens mental health conditions, and prevents individuals from fully healing from their past wounds. Unfortunately, this cycle of addiction and trauma can be hard to break without the proper support.

Holistic Approach to Treating PTSD and Addiction

One of the most effective ways to treat PTSD from childhood trauma and addiction is through a holistic approach. This approach recognizes that addiction is not just about substance use—it is also about the trauma that may be driving the need for coping mechanisms. A trauma treatment program that integrates mental health treatment and addiction recovery offers the most comprehensive care for those struggling with both issues.

The holistic approach to recovery from addiction and trauma emphasizes:

• Healing the mind, body, and spirit through therapies like dialectical behavioral therapy, mindfulness practices, and trauma-informed care
  
• Addressing the root cause of addiction by understanding how trauma influences behavior and thought patterns
  
• Empowering individuals to process their experiences, manage emotional distress, and develop healthier coping mechanisms
  

Through a trauma-informed care approach, individuals are provided with a safe environment where they can begin to confront their past trauma while addressing their addiction.

PTSD Treatment and Coping Strategies for Addiction Recovery

Incorporating PTSD coping strategies into treatment is essential for breaking the cycle of addiction. These strategies include:

• Mindfulness meditation: Helping individuals stay present and manage distressing emotions without turning to substances.
• Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT): Teaching individuals how to identify and change negative thought patterns and behaviors related to both trauma and addiction.
• Support groups: Building a community of individuals who understand the struggles of both substance abuse and PTSD.
• Trauma therapy: Processing unresolved trauma in a safe, supportive setting, enabling individuals to heal emotionally and mentally.
  

Additionally, for individuals with severe PTSD, alternative therapies like equine-assisted therapy for PTSD or working with a PTSD service dog can provide non-verbal, emotional support during the healing process.

The Importance of Men’s Residential Treatment Programs

For individuals struggling with PTSD from childhood trauma, men’s residential treatment program provide a dedicated space to focus on both emotional healing and recovery. These programs are designed to create a safe, structured environment where men can address their unique struggles related to addiction and trauma.

Residential programs offer the benefit of continuous care and support, giving individuals the tools they need to manage both their addiction and PTSD symptoms in a safe, supportive space. With holistic therapy services and trauma-informed care, residential treatment offers the deep support needed for lasting recovery.

The Role of Dual Diagnosis Treatment

Many individuals struggling with PTSD from childhood trauma also experience co-occurring disorders, such as depression or anxiety. Dual diagnosis treatment is crucial for treating both addiction and mental health issues simultaneously. By addressing both the substance use disorder and the underlying trauma, individuals are more likely to achieve lasting recovery.

At ILC, we offer dual diagnosis treatment that addresses the emotional, psychological, and physical aspects of both addiction and trauma. This integrated care ensures that individuals receive the comprehensive treatment they need to heal and recover fully.

Healing Beyond the Trauma

Understanding the profound link between PTSD from childhood trauma and addiction is essential for creating effective treatment plans. ILC offers a childhood trauma test online to begin understanding the process. Healing from addiction requires more than just managing withdrawal symptoms or stopping substance use. It requires addressing the impacts of trauma and the underlying emotional pain that fuels addiction.

If you or a loved one is struggling with PTSD treatment and addiction recovery, ILC offers a trauma-informed care approach that supports comprehensive healing. We provide a safe and supportive environment for individuals to process their trauma. Here, you can build coping skills and work toward long-term recovery.

To learn more about our mental health treatment and substance abuse recovery programs, contact us today at (615) 891-2226 or visit our website.

The post Understanding PTSD from Childhood Trauma and Addiction appeared first on Integrative Life Center.

source https://integrativelifecenter.com/mental-health-treatment/understanding-ptsd-from-childhood-trauma-and-addiction/

Understanding Aetna Mental Health Coverage

Are you struggling with depression, anxiety, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)? Getting professional mental health treatment can help you find lasting healing. But if you have Aetna, does your insurance cover treatment like this? Let’s take a look at Aetna mental health coverage, as well as how it works here at Integrative Life Center in Nashville, TN. 

When You’re Facing Mental Health Challenges

Before diving into Aetna insurance mental health coverage, it’s best to understand what we’re talking about when referring to mental health treatment. Mental health treatment often addresses a variety of challenges and mental health disorders, such as:

• Anxiety
• Depression
• Grief and loss
• Bipolar disorder
• Trauma
• PTSD
• Personality disorders
• Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)

 

You can’t overcome a mental health disorder through willpower, self-help books, or your own ways to cope. In fact, some people who’ve self-medicated their mental health challenges have developed addictions as a result, leading to co-occurring disorders. Instead, it’s important to seek out professional help to address your mental health disorder’s root causes, which are often related to unresolved past trauma, as well as your symptoms. This requires intentional, personalized, and comprehensive treatment to help you overcome your struggles. 

Because mental health treatment often requires holistic care, there are different levels of treatment involved. Your individual treatment plan will often be determined in collaboration with your therapy team and may look entirely different from someone else’s. With that said, some of the different levels of mental health treatment you may encounter include:

• Residential (inpatient) treatment
• Partial hospitalization programming (PHP)
• Intensive outpatient programming (IOP)
• Traditional outpatient treatment
• Aftercare programming
• Family programs

Getting Familiar With Your Aetna Mental Health Coverage

If you think you may need professional treatment for your mental health, the first step is to understand your health insurance policy. According to the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAAF), a health insurance policy is an agreement between you and your insurance company, listing a package of tests, drugs, and treatment services that are covered by the insurance provider. Your policy may also list the types of services that are not covered in your benefits. 

With that said, it’s always a good idea to familiarize yourself with your own Aetna insurance policy. In addition to Aetna mental health coverage, you’ll be able to learn how your medical, dental, and vision coverages work, too. This can likely be found in your Summary of Benefits document provided by your employer or Aetna itself.

In general, Aetna mental health coverage may include both residential and outpatient therapy programs, while other specific plans may only cover specific levels of mental health treatment. As a larger insurance carrier, Aetna typically has broad mental health coverage to make this type of care more accessible to its clients. Many evidence-based therapies you may encounter in treatment are often included as part of Aetna insurance mental health coverage, such as: 

• Motivational interviewing
• Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT)
• Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)
• Internal family systems therapy 
• Narrative therapy

Aetna Mental Health Coverage at Integrative Life Center

When you’re selecting a mental health treatment program, it’s important that the options you’re choosing from are Aetna mental health providers. This means your treatment program is in-network with Aetna. In other words, the facility is part of Aetna’s network of providers with which the insurance company has negotiated a discount. When you use an in-network provider, you typically pay less than choosing one that is out-of-network, shares HealthInsurance.org.  

At Integrative Life Center in Nashville, TN, we are in-network with Aetna mental health coverage. As a result, you pay substantially less for mental health coverage compared to working with a treatment program that doesn’t accept insurance. Our Aetna mental health coverage extends to all our mental health treatment programs (anxiety, depression, PTSD, OCD, and more) as well as dual diagnosis treatment for co-occurring addictions. You’re also able to participate in our full continuum of care (inpatient, PHP, and outpatient treatment) under Aetna insurance mental health coverage.

Answering Your Insurance-Related Questions and Healing Your Mental Health

When you have Aetna, getting insured mental health treatment at Integrative Life Center is a smooth process. But we also realize that understanding your insurance benefits can feel complicated. That’s why we help get your questions answered. Since we work with most major insurance carriers, we’re well-versed in navigating the insurance world. We can help you verify your insurance so that there are no financial surprises in treatment. And if you’re ready to heal your mental health challenges, reclaim your life, and become your authentic self, contact us today to get started. 

The post Understanding Aetna Mental Health Coverage appeared first on Integrative Life Center.

source https://integrativelifecenter.com/mental-health-treatment/understanding-aetna-mental-health-coverage/

Mental Health and Family Support in Trauma-Informed Recovery

Healing from addiction is rarely done alone. It needs support from both professionals and loved ones. In trauma-informed addiction recovery, mental health and family support are very important. They help make the recovery process complete, effective, and lasting. 

At Integrative Life Center, we know that addiction often comes from unresolved trauma. This trauma can greatly impact a person’s mental health and behavior. Today we will explore the essential role of mental health and support in recovery. We’ll look at the importance of trauma-informed care that integrates family dynamics into the healing process.

The Importance of Mental Health in Trauma-Informed Addiction Recovery

Mental health issues often connect with addiction. Trauma can greatly affect how people face and deal with these problems. Without addressing the mental health and support needs of individuals, addiction recovery can be incomplete or even unsuccessful. 

A trauma-informed approach to mental health treatment helps people get the care they need. This approach addresses both addiction and any hidden psychological trauma.

Addiction is often a coping mechanism for unresolved trauma, such as childhood trauma or adverse childhood experiences. The long-term effects of childhood trauma can affect how a person manages emotions, relationships, and their perception of self. When addiction is coupled with unresolved trauma, you’ll need mental health treatment and trauma treatment to achieve lasting recovery. Our childhood trauma test offers a way to begin the healing process.

Family Support: A Pillar of Recovery

When it comes to mental health and family support, it’s not just about giving comfort. It’s also about building understanding and open communication. Family members play an important role in recovery. Involving them in a supportive way can help ensure long-term success. 

This is where experiential family therapy comes into play. It allows family members to engage in the recovery process actively.

A few key benefits of family support in addiction recovery include:

• Healing Family Dynamics: Addiction doesn’t just affect the individual; it impacts the entire family system. By addressing the impacts of trauma on the family, experiential therapy helps heal relationships, reduce conflict, and rebuild trust.
  
• Creating a Safe Environment: A supportive family environment fosters healing, reducing the emotional distress that might trigger relapse. Family members can provide a stable foundation for their loved one’s recovery by understanding and responding appropriately to their needs.
  
• Empathy and Understanding: In trauma-informed care, family members learn about the nature of addiction and trauma, developing empathy for the challenges their loved one is facing. Mental health and support are key in building this understanding, which in turn helps reduce feelings of frustration and guilt among family members.
  

The Role of Peer Support and Mental Health in Addiction Recovery

In addition to family, peer support and mental health are critical components of recovery. Support groups and mental health treatment programs create a sense of community and belonging, helping individuals feel less isolated in their struggles. Sharing experiences with others who understand can reduce stigma and build confidence in the recovery process.

Support groups and mental health professionals provide individuals with the tools to manage their emotions, triggers, and cravings while also offering a safe space to express their feelings. This communal support is essential for fostering lasting substance abuse recovery, as it helps individuals navigate the challenges of recovery and build resilience.

• Peer Support: Engaging with peers who have experienced similar struggles creates a sense of shared experience. Peer support can be a powerful motivator, as individuals support each other in overcoming their challenges and staying committed to their recovery.
  
• Individual Therapy: While peer support is valuable, individual therapy – such as internal family systems therapy, can help individuals address deeper emotional issues related to their addiction and trauma. This therapy focuses on identifying and healing internal conflicts, providing a foundation for personal growth and healing.
  

The Holistic Approach: Integrating Mental Health and Family Support

A holistic approach to addiction recovery goes beyond treating the addiction itself. It involves healing the mind, body, and spirit by addressing the root causes of substance use. In addition to mental health treatment, a holistic approach often incorporates various therapies, such as mindfulness and meditation, trauma-informed care, and coping skills for substance abuse. This comprehensive treatment helps individuals create a balanced and sustainable recovery plan that integrates both personal growth and family healing.

By addressing the full scope of an individual’s needs—emotional, physical, and relational—holistic substance abuse treatment ensures that individuals are supported in all aspects of their recovery. This approach encourages long-term recovery and resilience, making it easier for individuals to maintain sobriety and live fulfilling lives.

Stages of PTSD and Trauma-Informed Addiction Recovery

For individuals who have experienced trauma, especially PTSD from childhood trauma, understanding the stages of recovery is essential. The recovery process involves several stages, including:

• Denial: Individuals may initially resist acknowledging the trauma or the need for help. Compulsive behaviors, such as substance use or other forms of avoidance, often occur during this stage as individuals attempt to cope with the underlying pain.
  
• Confrontation: This stage involves facing the trauma and addressing its emotional impact. Family and mental health treatment professionals can guide individuals through this stage by offering support and coping strategies.
  
• Integration: In the final stage of recovery, individuals begin to incorporate their experiences into a new, healthier sense of self. A trauma-treatment program and continued peer support are critical at this stage to ensure lasting recovery.
  

Empowering Families and Individuals Through Trauma-Informed Care

The journey from addiction to recovery is deeply intertwined with the ability to heal from trauma. Trauma-informed care provides a compassionate, structured approach to addressing the emotional and psychological wounds that contribute to addiction. By integrating mental health and family support, individuals can heal from both the addiction and the trauma that often underlie it.

If you or a loved one is struggling with addiction and trauma, ILC offers comprehensive mental health treatment programs that integrate trauma-informed care. Our programs are designed to support individuals through every stage of recovery, from emotional healing to building resilience.

For more information about our substance abuse recovery programs or to speak with a professional, contact us today at (615) 891-2226 or visit our website.

The post Mental Health and Family Support in Trauma-Informed Recovery appeared first on Integrative Life Center.

source https://integrativelifecenter.com/mental-health-treatment/mental-health-and-family-support-in-trauma-informed-recovery/

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/