Calm Without Dependence: Anxiety Medication for Recovery

For individuals navigating the complex challenges of dual diagnosis, where anxiety disorders and substance use issues co-occur, the path to healing is deeply personal and often fraught with tough decisions. One of the most pressing concerns for many in recovery is how to manage anxiety without jeopardizing their sobriety. Traditional medications like benzodiazepines—though effective—pose a significant risk of dependence. But thankfully, non-addictive anxiety medication options are emerging as powerful tools for those seeking calm without the consequences of dependency.

At Integrative Life Center in Nashville, TN, we understand the deep connection between trauma, anxiety, and addiction. Our trauma-informed, holistic approach to healing recognizes that managing anxiety is not just about symptom suppression—it’s about long-term emotional regulation, empowerment, and whole-person recovery. Whether you’re in early recovery or continuing your healing journey, learning about non-addictive antianxiety medication and alternative tools can help you stay grounded, safe, and supported.

The Dual Diagnosis Dilemma: Anxiety and Addiction

Dual diagnosis refers to the presence of both a mental health condition (like generalized anxiety disorder or PTSD) and a substance use disorder. This co-occurrence is especially common among individuals with trauma histories. In many cases, substance use begins as an attempt to self-medicate anxiety symptoms, only to develop into a harmful pattern of dependency.

For individuals with high-functioning anxiety, a form where outward success masks internal distress, the pressure to maintain appearances can be overwhelming. Over time, this can drive the use of substances like alcohol, marijuana, or stimulants to self-soothe.

Unfortunately, many traditional anti-anxiety medications, such as benzodiazepines (Xanax, Ativan), while effective in the short term, are highly addictive and counterproductive for those in recovery. That’s why exploring non-addictive anxiety medication options is not just a preference—it’s a necessity.

What Is Non-Addictive Anxiety Medication?

Non-addictive anxiety medications are drugs or supplements used to reduce anxiety symptoms without activating the brain’s reward system in ways that lead to dependence. These medications provide relief without creating a “high” or developing physical cravings.

Some examples include:

1. SSRIs and SNRIs (Selective Serotonin/Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors)

• Examples: Sertraline (Zoloft), Fluoxetine (Prozac), Venlafaxine (Effexor)
• These are often first-line treatments for anxiety and depression.
• They are non-habit-forming, though they may take several weeks to reach full effect.
  

2. Buspirone

• Specifically designed for anxiety, Buspirone is non-sedating and non-addictive.
• It’s ideal for long-term anxiety management in recovery settings.
  

3. Hydroxyzine

• An antihistamine that reduces anxiety quickly—making it a great option for fast-acting anxiety medication non-addictive.
• It is non-habit-forming and can be used on an as-needed basis.
  

4. Gabapentin

• Initially designed for seizures, Gabapentin has shown promise in treating anxiety and alcohol withdrawal symptoms.
• Although it has some potential for misuse, it is far less addictive than benzodiazepines.
  

5. Non-Addictive Anxiety Medication for Sleep

• Sleep disorders are common in recovery. Non-addictive aids like trazodone, melatonin, or low-dose doxepin may help reduce nighttime anxiety without triggering dependency.
  

Always consult with a medical professional to determine the best option for your specific situation, especially if you have a history of substance use.

Anxiety Recovery Stages: It’s Not Linear

Anxiety recovery unfolds in stages and may include:

1. Crisis Management
   Managing panic attacks or high-anxiety episodes using fast-acting non-addictive methods.
2. Stabilization
   Developing regular routines with medication, therapy, and lifestyle changes.
3. Processing and Healing
   Exploring underlying trauma with EMDR therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy exercises for anxiety, or group therapy.
4. Integration
   Living life with greater emotional regulation, using mindfulness and anxiety and meditation techniques, coping strategies, and social support.
   

At Integrative Life Center, our women’s residential treatment program provides a safe space for women to move through these stages in a nurturing, empowering environment.

Holistic Healing Beyond Medication

Medication can play a vital role in recovery, but true healing requires a whole-person approach. Our trauma-informed programs blend medical treatment with:

Mindfulness and Meditation

Clients learn to pause, observe their thoughts, and reduce the automatic reactivity that often fuels anxiety.

Yoga and Somatic Experiencing

These body-based therapies help regulate the nervous system and release trauma stored in the body.

EMDR Treatment for Anxiety

This evidence-based therapy helps individuals reprocess traumatic memories that drive anxiety and substance use.

Creative Expression and Nature Therapy

Activities like art, music, and time in nature offer self-soothing techniques and support neuroplasticity—the brain’s ability to heal and adapt.

Our Nashville-based center emphasizes personalized care that evolves with each stage of your healing journey.

Mental Health First: Why Prioritizing Anxiety Can Support Sobriety

For many dual diagnosis clients, mental health treatment is the primary concern, and addiction is a byproduct of unmanaged symptoms. That’s why treating anxiety first—using non-addictive antianxiety medication and trauma therapies—is a critical part of achieving and maintaining sobriety.

Aetna mental health plans often cover dual diagnosis treatment, including medication management, therapy, and residential care. Our admissions team can assist you in verifying insurance benefits and helping you navigate your mental health coverage options.

What to Expect in a Dual Diagnosis Program

A trauma-informed, dual diagnosis program will include:

• Comprehensive intake assessment
• Psychiatric evaluation with focus on non-addictive medication options
• Customized medication plan (SSRIs, Buspirone, etc.)
• Integrated trauma treatment (EMDR, CBT, somatic therapies)
• Group support focused on emotional resilience and relapse prevention
• Aftercare planning with continued access to therapy, medication, and support groups
  

We also encourage tools like the ACE assessment and drug use screening tests to tailor care to each individual’s unique experiences and needs.

Final Thoughts: Healing Without Dependence Is Possible

In the realm of dual diagnosis treatment, managing anxiety with non-addictive anxiety medication is not only possible—it’s essential. True healing comes from addressing both the surface symptoms and the deep emotional wounds that fuel addiction. With the right support, safe medication options, and a trauma-informed, holistic treatment environment, you can find peace without compromise.

At Integrative Life Center in Nashville, our programs are designed to support long-term healing for individuals seeking recovery that respects the complexity of their experiences. Whether you’re dealing with high-functioning anxiety, PTSD, or trauma-related substance use, our team is here to walk with you toward a future rooted in calm, clarity, and connection.

Take the Next Step

Call us today at (615) 891-2226 to learn more about non-addictive anxiety medication options, verify Aetna mental health benefits, or speak confidentially with a compassionate member of our team. Recovery begins with the courage to ask for help—and we’re here when you’re ready.

The post Calm Without Dependence: Anxiety Medication for Recovery appeared first on Integrative Life Center.

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Opioids Like Vicodin: Navigating Recovery with Sensitivity

In the United States, millions of people have been prescribed opioids like Vicodin for legitimate pain management needs. However, these medications carry a high risk of misuse and dependency—particularly for individuals with a history of trauma. At Integrative Life Center in Nashville, TN, we take a trauma-informed approach to addiction recovery, recognizing that healing from substances like Vicodin often involves addressing deeply rooted emotional pain.

Let’s answer a common question—“Is Vicodin an opioid?”—and explore how understanding this classification informs effective, sensitive care. We’ll discuss the implications of Vicodin use, signs of dependence, and how a trauma-sensitive environment like ours offers a more compassionate, holistic path to long-term recovery.

Is Vicodin an Opioid? Understanding What You’re Taking

Yes, Vicodin is an opioid. It combines two active ingredients: hydrocodone, a synthetic opioid, and acetaminophen, a non-opioid pain reliever. The hydrocodone component is what makes Vicodin potentially habit-forming.

Like other opioids, Vicodin works by attaching to opioid receptors in the brain and spinal cord to block pain and create a sense of euphoria. This euphoria can be particularly appealing to those living with untreated trauma or chronic emotional distress.

So, is Vicodin an opioid? Absolutely—and this classification is critical in understanding why dependency can develop so quickly, especially in vulnerable populations.

Why Trauma Survivors Are Especially Vulnerable to Opioid Use

For people with a trauma history, opioids like Vicodin may do more than mask physical pain—they can numb emotional pain too. Individuals may unconsciously self-medicate unresolved feelings of fear, grief, abandonment, or loss.

This is why a trauma-informed lens is essential in any substance abuse treatment plan. Trauma doesn’t just influence why someone uses drugs—it impacts how they experience withdrawal, engage in therapy, and rebuild trust in themselves and others.

At Integrative Life Center, our clinicians understand that asking someone to give up Vicodin without also addressing the underlying trauma is not only ineffective—it can be re-traumatizing.

Recognizing the Signs of Opioid Use

If you’re concerned that you or someone you love may be misusing Vicodin, it’s important to know the signs of opioid use, which may include:

• Drowsiness or sedation
• Constricted (“pinpoint”) pupils
• Slowed breathing
• Euphoria or mood swings
• Difficulty concentrating
• Constipation or nausea
• Changes in sleep patterns
• Doctor shopping or frequent ER visits for pain complaints

Though Vicodin is often introduced under medical supervision, dependency can creep in quickly. Recognizing these warning signs early can prevent further complications, including overdose.

What Are Signs of Opioid Overdose?

Because Vicodin is an opioid, it carries the same overdose risks as stronger drugs like oxycodone or heroin. Overdose symptoms include:

• Extremely slowed or stopped breathing
• Loss of consciousness or inability to wake
• Blue or grayish skin, lips, or fingernails
• Gurgling or choking sounds
• Limp body
• Pinpoint pupils
• Cold, clammy skin
  

Opioid overdose prevention starts with awareness. Naloxone (Narcan), an opioid antagonist, can reverse an overdose if administered promptly. Knowing how to recognize overdose symptoms and respond immediately can be life-saving.

Withdrawal: Why Medically-Supervised Detox Matters

When someone dependent on Vicodin stops taking it abruptly, they may experience withdrawal symptoms such as:

• Muscle aches
• Nausea and vomiting
• Sweating and chills
• Insomnia
• Anxiety and irritability
• Cravings
  

These symptoms, while not always life-threatening, can be intense—especially for someone with trauma history. Without proper support, many return to use just to stop the discomfort.

That’s why we recommend medically-supervised detox as the first step in opioid recovery. Our staff at Integrative Life Center prioritizes safety and compassion, ensuring that every client begins recovery with the support they need—physically, emotionally, and mentally.

Trauma-Informed Opioid Addiction Recovery

Trauma-informed care goes beyond the clinical definition of treatment. It means:

• Recognizing the impact of past trauma on present behavior
• Avoiding re-traumatization in therapy
• Building emotional safety and trust
• Empowering clients with choices and control
  

Many people living with opioid addiction, especially men, carry unspoken trauma—from childhood neglect to military combat, from emotional abuse to high-pressure careers. Our men’s residential treatment program allows space for vulnerability without shame, helping clients safely unpack what lies beneath their substance use.

Holistic Substance Abuse Treatment for Mind and Body

Vicodin misuse is not just a brain disease—it’s a full-body, whole-person condition. That’s why we incorporate holistic substance abuse treatment alongside evidence-based therapies. These may include:

• Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) to challenge distorted thinking
• Yoga and somatic therapy to release trauma stored in the body
• Nutrition and movement to restore energy and balance
• Art and music therapy to unlock emotional expression
• Spiritual care to reconnect with meaning and purpose
  

Our holistic approach ensures that clients aren’t just removing Vicodin from their lives—they’re learning to live without needing it.

Understanding the Role of Dual Diagnosis

Often, the question isn’t just is Vicodin an opioid?—it’s also why did I need it in the first place?

Many clients at Integrative Life Center arrive with dual diagnoses, such as:

• PTSD and Vicodin misuse
• alcohol poisoning symptoms
• Anxiety and alcohol use
• Depression and marijuana dependence
  

This is where trauma-informed therapy truly shines. We help clients see how their emotional pain and their substance use are two sides of the same coin, and that true recovery comes from treating both conditions simultaneously.

Specialized Programs for Men

Men often face stigma around emotional vulnerability, which can prevent them from seeking help until their addiction spirals. That’s why our substance abuse treatment for men includes gender-responsive care, peer support, and the space to confront both external and internal pressures.

From group therapy to trauma processing, every aspect of our men’s program is built on respect, confidentiality, and accountability.

Do You Have Aetna Mental Health Coverage?

Worried about cost? Aetna mental health plans often cover detox, inpatient rehab, therapy, and aftercare services. At Integrative Life Center, our admissions team will help you verify benefits, explain any limitations, and advocate on your behalf to ensure you get the coverage you deserve.

We can also assist with other insurers and walk you through any appeals process if needed.

Final Thoughts: Is Vicodin an Opioid? Yes. But Recovery Is Possible.

Vicodin is an opioid, and like other opioids, it can entangle individuals in a painful cycle of relief and regret—especially for those coping with trauma. But recovery is possible. With the right blend of trauma-informed care, holistic healing, and medical support, individuals can reclaim their lives.

At Integrative Life Center in Nashville, we’re not just helping people with drug addiction treatment, we’re helping them remember who they were before the pain, and envision who they can become after it.

Ready to Begin Healing?

If you or someone you love is struggling with Vicodin use and needs compassionate, personalized care or a addiction treatment guide, call Integrative Life Center today at (615) 891-2226. Let us help you walk the path from pain to peace—with every step rooted in safety, dignity, and healing.

The post Opioids Like Vicodin: Navigating Recovery with Sensitivity appeared first on Integrative Life Center.

source https://integrativelifecenter.com/substance-abuse/opioids-like-vicodin-navigating-recovery-with-sensitivity/

Common Aetna Coverage Questions, Answered: Addiction & Mental Health Treatment

You have Aetna insurance, and you’re interested in getting mental health treatment or addiction treatment. What should you do next? You may have several questions about treatment, its costs, and how your Aetna insurance coverage works. As a clinic in-network with Aetna, we’re here today to answer common Aetna coverage questions we encounter so you can have peace of mind as you take the next steps toward healing. 

Common Aetna Coverage Questions

What Does It Mean to Be In-Network? 

As we examine Aetna insurance coverage questions, one of the foundational understandings you must have is recognizing the difference between an in-network and out-of-network provider. Getting treatment at an in-network treatment center means the provider accepts your insurance coverage. 

According to the New Hampshire Insurance Department, an in-network provider will have a contract with an insurance carrier to provide services to its members at an agreed-upon rate. At Integrative Life Center, we’re in-network with Aetna and Blue Cross Blue Shield, for example. 

Consequently, you pay lower out-of-pocket costs at an in-network provider. An out-of-network provider, on the other hand, won’t have a contract with your insurance carrier. This means you’ll end up paying more for your care if you choose an out-of-network treatment center. 

Does Aetna Cover Rehabilitation from Drugs or Alcohol?

Yes, Aetna insurance can cover alcohol or drug rehab. With any coverage plan, it’s best to check your benefits to verify whether your insurance works with a particular treatment plan. We can help you navigate your insurance to ensure you have the facts before making a decision. But in general, an Aetna drug rehab coverage plan may cover both residential, inpatient substance use disorder treatment, as well as outpatient rehab. 

Does Aetna Cover Inpatient Mental Health Treatment? 

Mental health disorders, like substance use disorders, often require a full spectrum of care. As such, one of the Aetna coverage questions you may have could involve insurance for inpatient treatment. After all, the residential treatment phase is one of the most intensive levels of care in the recovery process. Inpatient treatment can include:

• Temporary housing at the treatment center’s gender-specific campus 
• 24/7 care
• 35 hours per week of group therapy for multiple weeks
• Catered meals
• Individual therapy sessions
• Psychiatric care and medication management

 

With that said, does Aetna cover inpatient mental health treatment? Because we’re in-network with Aetna, coverage will typically apply to our residential level of mental health treatment. Again, it’s best to reach out to us beforehand to verify your Aetna mental health insurance benefits. 

What’s the Process for Determining My Insurance Coverage?

When you begin treatment, your verification of benefits will determine what, if any, out-of-pocket costs you’ll need to pay. The cost of admission for treatment will vary as a result. At Integrative LIfe Center, we follow a standard process to determine your insurance coverage and your costs:

1. Benefits verification: We partner with you to review your insurance plan details with Aetna.
2. Coverage and cost confirmation: Once your insurance plan is analyzed, we determine what costs will be covered by Aetna and the amount you’ll need to pay yourself.
3. Client authorization: Aetna provides us with your prior authorization. Once you’re in treatment, additional authorizations or reviews may be requested as your therapy progresses. 
4. Insurance claims processing: We submit all your insurance claims and address any extemporaneous insurance issues so you can focus on your healing and recovery. 

Does Aetna Cover Both Therapy and Medication?

Each person’s treatment journey is unique and personalized at Integrative Life Center. Some treatment plans will involve medication-assisted recovery and others won’t. All will include a mixture of evidence-based therapies and experiential therapies. 

Considering this common Aetna coverage question, your insurance plan may or may not cover both therapy and medication. On the other hand, both may be fully or partially covered. We’ll work with you to determine your coverage so we can create the tailored plan of care that best meets your individual needs. 

Get Answers to Your Aetna Coverage Questions and Find Long-Term Healing

You may have more Aetna coverage questions as you consider your treatment options. If so, we can help at Integrative Life Center in Nashville, TN. We’ve been doing this a long time, so we’re pros at navigating the insurance world for our treatment clients. The next step in the process would be to verify your insurance with our team. 

And if you’re unsure whether you need treatment for your mental health or addiction struggles, we can help with that, too. Call our admissions team today to get clarity on how to obtain the lasting healing you deserve. 

The post Common Aetna Coverage Questions, Answered: Addiction & Mental Health Treatment appeared first on Integrative Life Center.

source https://integrativelifecenter.com/treatment-programs/common-aetna-coverage-questions-answered-addiction-mental-health-treatment/

Understanding Separation Anxiety in Adults and Addiction

For years, separation anxiety disorder (SAD) has been considered a childhood disorder–clinginess, crying, and fear of being separated from another person (usually a caregiver) that go beyond developmentally appropriate expectations. 

Now, new criteria in the DSM-V have identified separation anxiety in adults as a real condition often requiring mental health treatment. Many times a result of anxiety from childhood trauma, separation anxiety disorder in adults can be comorbid with debilitating addictions, making the road to health and wholeness even more complex.

However, with the proper understanding of how the diagnoses of separation anxiety and addiction intertwine, healing is possible.

What Does Separation Anxiety in Adults Look Like?

While they do not closely resemble the tantrums or clinginess of separation anxiety in children, symptoms of separation anxiety in adults include:

• Reluctance to leave the attachment figure
• Physical symptoms during real or anticipated separation, including stomach upset or headaches
• Recurring nightmares about separation
• Fear of being alone
• Reluctance to sleep away from attachment figure
• Excessive worry about losing the attachment figure
• Excessive distress before and during separation

Some of these symptoms are normal in moderate amounts when an adult is closely attached to another, but the key word tipping them into disordered territory is “excessive,” meaning inhibiting social, occupational, or academic functioning. Fear of losing the attachment figure begins to control the adult’s life, bringing harm to them or those around them.

Sometimes, adults with separation anxiety are written off as controlling or overbearing, but SAD goes beyond personality quirks. It is rooted not in a desire to control another but in an intense fear of losing them.

As for who adults with separation anxiety tend to attach to, MedicalNewsToday indicates that spouses, romantic partners, or children most often become the attachment figures. Understandably, SAD can have devastating effects on these relationships.

Separation Anxiety in Adults and Addiction 

Studies have shown that up to 60 percent of adults with SAD have comorbidity with other mental health disorders. One of those is often addiction, or substance use disorder (SUD).

Why is this the case? Adults overwhelmed with anxiety about being separated from a loved one–even a high functioning anxiety that can be easy to hide from others–are more susceptible to engage in compulsive behaviors for relief. These behaviors end up perpetuating the cycle of fear rather than helping end it, often with devastating consequences.

Some experiencing separation anxiety symptoms in adults turn to drugs or alcohol and soon develop a debilitating addiction. 

These are not the only addictions adults with SAD fall into, however. One study of university students found a positive correlation between separation anxiety in adults and internet addiction.

How Attachment Trauma Complicates Recovery

Separation anxiety and addiction often share a common root: early attachment trauma. If a person experienced inconsistent caregiving, emotional neglect, abandonment, or loss in childhood, they may develop an anxious attachment style that persists into adulthood.

In these cases, the fear of separation is not irrational—it is learned. The brain remembers that separation equals pain, and the body responds with panic, even in safe and secure relationships.

For adults struggling with both SAD and addiction, recovery must address these early wounds. This may include:

• Exploring childhood attachment dynamics
• Identifying maladaptive beliefs like “I’m unlovable without this person”
• Practicing self-regulation skills that replace the role of substances
• Rewriting the body’s sense of safety and connection

Without addressing this deeper emotional layer, addiction treatment alone may not resolve the compulsive need for closeness or the fear of abandonment that drives both SAD and substance use.

Recovering from Separation Anxiety and Addiction

Though separation anxiety in adults is often overlooked, it is real, and must be really addressed for recovery to happen. The question of how to treat separation anxiety in adults has a variety of answers.

High quality anxiety treatment understands that the roots of separation anxiety in adults can be intertwined with past trauma and attachment difficulties, often going back to childhood. Treatment–which may include talk therapies such as cognitive behavior therapy–must address these roots and begin healing them for true recovery to occur.

This kind of work is best done in a trauma informed environment. Trauma informed care is sensitive to a patient’s past and seeks to heal past trauma without re-traumatizing the patient. It focuses on building a therapeutic relationship based in safety, trustworthiness, and collaboration, offering the patient choice in their journey to recovery so they can be empowered to process their trauma on their own terms. 

Processing past trauma is a vital step to understanding adult separation anxiety and developing healthy coping mechanisms that will not lead to addiction but rather stable, whole relationships with loved ones.

A holistic approach to anxiety treatment is also important, incorporating the whole body’s response to trauma, addiction, and separation anxiety. With treatment options ranging from dance and movement therapy to mindfulness and meditation, holistic treatment acknowledges that we are more than just mind–we are mind, body, and spirit, and for lasting recovery, all must be addressed.

The Importance of Community in Healing

For individuals struggling with separation anxiety, developing healthy, secure relationships in a therapeutic setting is often one of the most healing parts of treatment. Group therapy, community meals, shared outdoor activities, and peer support groups allow individuals to build connections outside of their primary attachment figure.

These connections help adults practice:

• Communicating needs clearly and respectfully
• Tolerating brief separations or relational distance
• Building self-esteem outside of codependent dynamics
• Feeling supported and seen without relying on substances
  

Through repeated safe experiences with others, the nervous system begins to learn a new story: separation does not always lead to harm, and connection can be safe and nurturing.

Holistic Care for the Whole Person

A holistic approach to anxiety treatment is also important, incorporating the whole body’s response to trauma, addiction, and separation anxiety. With treatment options ranging from dance and movement therapy to mindfulness and meditation, holistic treatment acknowledges that we are more than just mind—we are mind, body, and spirit, and for lasting recovery, all must be addressed.

At Integrative Life Center in Nashville, TN, clients can also explore unique modalities such as:

• Equine Therapy: building trust and emotional regulation through relationships with horses
• Yoga and Martial Arts: developing physical discipline and grounding
• Nature Immersion: reconnecting with a sense of wonder, awe, and safety
• Nutrition Counseling: supporting gut-brain balance for anxiety and mood
  

These practices support clients in learning how to self-soothe without substances, navigate distressing emotions, and rebuild a sense of inner safety—critical milestones for those healing from separation anxiety and addiction.

Find Healing from Separation Anxiety and Addiction in Nashville, TN 

If you or a loved one are experiencing the devastating symptoms of separation anxiety in adults, there is hope. Consider reaching out to the Integrative Life Center in Nashville, TN. Our holistic approach to healing combines evidence-based therapies–such as Internal Family Systems and EMDR–with holistic experiences including equine therapy, trauma-informed yoga, and martial arts. 

Anxiety recovery, though complex, is possible, and Integrative Life Center will develop an individualized treatment plan to guide you through. Whether you opt for intensive outpatient treatment or for one of our men’s or women’s residency treatment programs, we will help you find the best path forward to freedom and health.

So do not hesitate. Reach out to us today at (615) 891-2226 to begin recovering from separation anxiety and addiction.

The post Understanding Separation Anxiety in Adults and Addiction appeared first on Integrative Life Center.

source https://integrativelifecenter.com/mental-health-treatment/understanding-separation-anxiety-in-adults-and-addiction/

Helpful Ideas for New Year’s Resolutions in Recovery

With a new year approaching, there is a lot of hope about what’s in store for the recovery journey. You may have some big dreams considering the progress you’ve made. But are new year’s resolutions a good idea if you’re in recovery? No doubt others are practicing this annual tradition, but should you? And what are good new year’s resolution ideas to pursue in recovery? The clock is ticking. Let’s explore.

A Realistic Look at New Year’s Resolutions

According to History.com, the genesis of making new year’s resolutions started about 4,000 years ago with the Babylonians. From there, the practice evolved and was adopted by other cultures. The Romans made promises for good conduct for the coming year to their god, Janus. Eventually, early Christians used the new year to reflect on past mistakes and make resolutions to do better in the coming months. 

You know what the practice of making new year’s resolutions looks like today. Many of the resolutions we make in the twenty-first century are familiar, such as:

• Saving money
• Losing weight
• Getting fit and staying healthy
• Becoming more organized
• Learning something new
• Stopping smoking
• Falling in love
• Spending more time with family

 

While resolutions can be fun to make in the moment, do they come to fruition? You likely already know this answer as well. Studies show that 88% of people who set new year’s resolutions will fail them within the first two weeks, shares the Baylor College of Medicine. Ouch. In other words, sticking with the resolutions you make now won’t be easy. 

Should You Have New Year’s Resolutions in Recovery?

The honest reality of fulfilling new year’s resolutions may feel like a letdown. But making lasting, healthy changes is never easy. With that said, should you even make resolutions for next year if you’re in recovery? The decision is a personal one, and may vary based on your situation. If you decide to make resolutions, here are a few factors you should know as you begin:

Pursuing recovery isn’t the same as checking a resolution off of a to-do list. That’s because recovery is something you work at for life. Even if you accomplish a recovery goal next year, it’s still something you need to manage in the years to come. 

Recovery isn’t always linear, either. You may make progress, then have a setback or relapse. You may need to modify or scale back your new year’s resolutions in three, six, or eight months. If that happens, it’s OK. Accomplishing your resolutions will likely look different than someone else’s experience who isn’t in recovery.

Your resolutions also need to actually be achievable. Nothing too big or lofty. Because recovery is already a challenging road, it’s best to have small and realistic goals as your resolutions. Otherwise, you run the risk of triggering negative emotions like shame, guilt, or additional stress (on top of all that holiday stress you’re managing right now) that could drive you to relapse. 

Productive Recovery New Year’s Resolution Ideas

Like any recovery goals, new year’s resolutions can give you purpose in pursuing your sobriety. With that said, it’s best to share any new year’s resolution ideas with your counselor, support group, or mentor before moving forward with them. Some good new year’s resolution ideas that can get you started for next year include:

• Increasing your recovery community: Become a member of a support group if you’re not in one yet, and maintain regular attendance. Consider participating in alumni programming at your treatment facility. Any opportunity to build your support network in recovery is a win. 
• Serving others: Volunteering makes you feel good and provides encouragement along your recovery journey. Self-confidence and personal satisfaction come from being counted on by others and giving back, ultimately fueling your recovery further. 
• Keeping up with self-care: How disciplined are you with self-care habits? Focus on adding physical fitness, nutrition, and healthy sleep to your daily routines. Caring for yourself is vital to keeping any mental health disorder or addiction from controlling your life.  
• Cultivating thankfulness: Since recovery isn’t linear, gratitude for the small successes along the way is important. Make next year the year you remain consistently thankful, perhaps by writing in a daily gratitude journal. This helps you remember what you’ve achieved through your recovery efforts. 
• Taking on a new hobby: A year in recovery may lead to extra time on your hands. This is the perfect opportunity to fill said time with an activity you enjoy. Think through a hobby you’ve been curious about and adopt it into your life in the new year. Taking on a new hobby can also help with self-care, too. 
• Pursue healthy coping strategies: Challenges and difficult emotions will still come in recovery. When they do, it’s key to have healthy coping strategies at the ready. Consider adding more self-soothing techniques in the new year to help you stay the course. 

Getting Professional Help for Addiction or Mental Health in January

As the new year approaches, are you finding yourself still struggling with addiction or your mental health? If so, perhaps the most important resolution you can make is to seek professional help. 

At Integrative Life Center in Nashville, TN we treat a variety of conditions, from mental health disorders to substance abuse, hypersexual disorder, eating disorders, and more. And we offer dual diagnosis treatment for co-occurring disorders as well. Let this be the year that you finally overcome your challenges and reclaim your life. Call us today to get started.

The post Helpful Ideas for New Year’s Resolutions in Recovery appeared first on Integrative Life Center.

source https://integrativelifecenter.com/recovery/helpful-ideas-for-new-years-resolutions-in-recovery/