March 2019 - A Step In The Right Direction

ASITRD
QA, treatment
March 28, 2019

Can Storytelling in Therapy Enhance Wellbeing?

The art of storytelling has been a respected skill and tradition in many cultures. Over history, elders and their stories have been regarded as a treasure trove of society. Older members of the community were encouraged to share stories with younger generations, keeping the oral tradition live. Medical and social science researchers are interested in the importance of storytelling as means of entertainment and teaching. Learn more about how it may enhance wellbeing.

Benefits of Storytelling

There have been studies looking at the ability to tell compelling stories. There have been others that look at therapeutic benefits of storytelling. Most interesting is the growing number of people with dementia benefiting from participation in group-based community storytelling. This is used in treatment of other mental health concerns like depression. Too often, people can pick up the phone to talk to someone and not think about what to say. Giving the brain a workout is good because it refines the art of telling stories in a succinct and compelling way. Not in a presentation style, but just in a manner where people can really hear you speak clearly and get your point across.

Tips to Get Started

Wellbeing enhancement comes in many shapes and forms. Some people may not believe how much storytelling can be positive for people but it has many great benefits. These tips are just a few to get started:

Look at performances where you use energy and enthusiasm to tell a story. Get passionate and silly
A person who smiles can be heard for miles. When a person smiles, subtle intonations in voice change. If you are smiling, kyou choose different words and bring more positive energy
Practice taking one story every morning that will be your story for the day. When someone calls or comes over, you will be ready with your story. Be excited to tell it. Let the listener listen to you and be someone who maybe is used to hearing your stories and is willing to sit while you practice
Make it short and simple. Keep practicing how to share your story and make it funny, charming, sweet, or other things which might inject a different way of thinking into the story. It shows growth if you can laugh at some of the challenging parts of your story (when you are ready) and also be sentimental and look at the hard stuff with a clear lens
Pay attention and note details of your day in a notebook. Write down emotions and thoughts and feelings. Don’t overthink it, just write down what happens and use it as material in a story
Don’t think because it is your story it is not interesting. Anything is interesting if you tell it the right way. Storytelling is more about how you tell something than about what you are telling

The compelling aspects of telling stories come from understanding what your story means to you and how to convey that to others. It might be just for personal use, not to tell on a stage but at least you have some way of compiling stories to start sharing with family and friends. It can be very therapeutic to walk through your story, do some theatre, work with a therapist, or use creative means to tell your story. Try different ways and don’t give up because it is hard. It will get better and you will learn how to accept it as your personal story and your life, which is therapeutic in itself.

A Step in the Right Direction provides quality care for clients seeking support for addiction recovery. We teach people how to live a sober life through programs, therapeutic support, and evidence-based therapies. Our recovery program is staffed by people who understand the power of addiction. For more information sober living programs for men and women as well as recovery programs, call (877) 377-3702.

ASITRD
addiction, Blog
March 28, 2019

Why Neurontin Abuse is on the Rise

Neurontin (gabapentin) and Lyrica (pregabalin) are not known for being drugs that get abused much. However, research suggests that’s not really true. These drugs have less abuse potential but are, in fact, abused and misused more than people realize. Neurontin is being misused in combination with other opioids and heroin, which is used to control chronic pain but can easily lead to addiction.

Neurontin and Lyrica

Neurontin and Lyrica are preferred medications among primary care physicians. These drugs are effective at treating chronic pain but opioid dependence has been rising for some time, leading to an epidemic of addiction. Neurontin is stronger than what you see in drug stores but less dangerous than opioids. This drug is part of a group called gabapentinoids, which exert similar actions. Although both developed to control seizures, these drugs have been recognized as effective pain neuromodulators and are often prescribed to ease various types of chronic pain and discomfort.

How Abuse Starts

Substance misuse and abuse are different things. When a legal prescription medication is taken other than prescribed, this is misuse. When a person cannot stop taking a drug, this is considered dependence or addiction, particularly when people take the drug for a euphoric feeling. Neurontin starts with being used for pain, psychiatric conditions, substance use disorders, and more. Neurontin is often prescribed to people who exhibit higher frequency of abuse. Not everyone who abuses Neurontin has prescriptions for medications. Diversion is big business for dealers. These drugs find their way to the streets and then people can buy it on the black market. People who experience neuropathic and chronic pain or discomfort turn to medication for pain relief. Physicians should be on the lookout for signs a person may be misusing drugs, including the following:

People with psychiatric or substance use disorder may have higher abuse potential
Indications of abuse include patients asking for Neurontin or Lyrica by name in higher doses than necessary
Physicians should make sure people are not doctor shopping or getting multiple prescriptions from different providers

Seeking Help

Abuse of Neurontin and Lyrica affects only a minority of people, mostly those who are predisposed to abuse, including people with opioid dependence. Even in cases of overdose, the effects are usually mild and transient. If a loved one takes drugs for legitimate usage, these drugs can still lead to dependence before a person realizes it has happened. To minimize risk of abuse, it helps to be monitored closely by a physician but also to notice whether you take more than prescribed at any given time. In addition, anybody who starts to suspect they may be falling into addiction should seek medical addition immediately from their provider. There is help available for addiction to Neurontin, or any other drug, through treatment and recovery programs specializing in this care. Recovery is possible and support for chronic pain can be managed without struggling through addiction to painkillers and the risk to your life and health.

ASITRD
QA, treatment
March 27, 2019

What is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and How Does it Work?

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is treatment that helps people understand their thoughts and feelings that influence behavior. CBT is commonly used to treat a wide range of disorders, including phobias, addictions, depression, and anxiety. Cognitive behavioral therapy is generally short-term and focused on helping clients deal with specific issues. During treatment, people learn to identify and change destructive patterns of behavior that influence them. Learn more about how it works and how it might support recovery.

Basics

The underlying concept behind CBT is that thoughts and feelings play a role in our behavior. A person who spends a lot of time thinking about plane crashes, accidents, and air disasters may find themselves avoiding air travel. The goal of therapy is to teach people while they cannot control their world, they can control their interpretation. CBT has become popular with both mental health consumers and treatment professionals. CBT is usually short-term treatment and more affordable than other therapies. CBT is supported and shown to help those with difficult disorders and behaviors.

Main Focus

One of the main focuses of cognitive-behavioral therapy is on changing automatic negative thoughts that contribute to emotional challenges. These negative thoughts spring forth and are often accepted as true, due to negative influence. People are often able when they look at their thoughts to be more realistic and aware of unrealistic thoughts that bring mood down. Healthier thinking patterns are necessary.

Process

During the process of CBT, the therapist tends to take an active role. CBT is highly goal-oriented and focused. The client and therapist are collaborators, working together. The therapist can explain the process and often they are given homework to finish between times. Cognitive-behavioral therapy can be used as short-term treatment centered on helping the person deal with a specific problem. Some of the uses of CBT include:

Anxiety
Phobias
Depression
Addiction
Eating disorders
Panic disorders
Anger

CBT is a researched type of therapy and is focused on specific goals and results measured easily. Compared to psychoanalytic types of therapy, CBT is often best-suited for people more comfortable with a focused approach in which therapist often takes instructional role. It is a great way to learn how internal states impact outward behavior. CBT is well-suited for people in short-term treatment or need help with emotional issues. It is great for developing coping skills now and in the future and benefits many people in recovery.

ASITRD
Blog, treatment
March 27, 2019

What to Know About Neurotherapy Treatment for Addiction

Facing addiction can feel like a huge challenge for people who are fighting back against the mental and physical toll it takes. Relapse is always a possibility for people who are trying to stay away from triggers but find it hard to keep moving forward with recovery. Addiction rehab can feel like a never-ending presence in their lives while they cope with the reality of triggers, cravings, and relapse potential. Neurotherapy, also known as neurofeedback, is an approach to therapy that can help successfully end the cycle of addiction.

Difficulty in Treatment

Addiction is still associated with some stigma, with some people thinking addiction is caused by weakness, poor self-control, or lack of discipline. This can cause people who struggle with addiction to be filled with guilt, shame, and anxiety. This may make the path to recovery more difficult. Addiction is a very real condition, making it hard to treat. Addictive disorders can be debilitating, impacting every area of a person’s life. Some people are left unable to re-acclimate to normal life after treatment, increasing risk of relapse.

Neurotherapy

Unlike other approaches, neurotherapy treats addiction by focusing on retraining the brain. Many people relapse during times of high emotion or stress, so neurotherapy works by teaching techniques to soothe and calm the brain. This allows the person to make rational choices with a clear mindset. Some medication may be used to help reset the brain’s thinking. This is only a step in recovery, not a long-term solution. Neurotherapy retrains the brain so that even without medication, it is not a long-term solution. Neurotherapy retrains the brain so that, without medication, the person may stay free of substances even beyond the 30-day rehabilitation stage. Neurotherapy usually is included in a comprehensive therapeutic approach, working alongside other methods like medication, support groups, or talk therapy.

How it Works

Neurotherapy corrects brain activity that causes irrational behaviors that lead to addiction. Neurotherapy aims to support the malfunctioning areas linked to arousal, connectivity, and impulse control by replacing negative behaviors with healthier reactions and habits. This type of therapy requires people to be active participants and help him or her be aware of triggers that cause them to engage in addiction. With neurotherapy, a person gets tools they need to beat addiction. Many people dismiss addiction as a personal weakness, addictive disorders are real and damaging mental illnesses. This requires intensive treatments, often involving several different aspects of treatment for psychological and physiological factors contributing to addiction. Through neurotherapy or neurofeedback, people are given tools to overcome the malfunctioning brain that triggers addictive behaviors. Neurotherapy gives them a chance to beat addiction for the long haul.

Different treatments can be provided for people in different stages of addiction and from many walks of life. At A Step in the Right Direction, our goal is to provide the care you need with a focus on your individual situation. Our recovery program is staffed by people who understand the power of addiction. For more information sober living programs for men and women as well as recovery programs, call (877) 377-3702.

ASITRD
Mental Health, QA
March 26, 2019

What’s the Difference Between Fear and Anxiety?

Fear and anxiety often occur together but they are not interchangeable. Even though symptoms overlap, a person’s experience with these emotions differs based on context. Fear is about a known or understood threat. Anxiety follows from a poorly defined threat that does not seem to have an end.

Stress Responses

Fear and anxiety produce similar responses to certain dangers. Many experts believe there are important differences between the two. These differences can account for how people respond to various stressors in the environment. Muscle tension, increased heart rate, and shortness of breath mark physiological symptoms associated with a response to danger. This comes from a fight-or-flight response thought necessary for survival. Without this, our mind might not receive danger signs our bodies need to prepare to flee. However, it can raise cortisol and stress so much a person feels unable to control their fear and anxiety.

Anxiety

Anxiety is a vague sense of apprehension. It is often a response to an unknown threat. Imagine walking down a street and feeling uneasy. This anxiety that comes up can come from many things. It is not the result of a known or specific threat. It comes from an interpretation of dangers that may arise. Some symptoms of anxiety include:

Headaches
Muscle tension
Chest pain
Ringing or pulsing in ears
Excessive sweating
Shortness of breath
Feeling like you might go insane

Fear

Fear is an emotional response to a known threat or a definite one. The danger feels real in the moment. Although the focus of the response is different, fear and anxiety are interrelated. When faced with fear, most people will experience physical reactions under anxiety.

Help

Fear and anxiety are associated with mental health conditions. These feelings are often linked to anxiety disorders like phobias and panic disorders. Once diagnosed, a treatment plan can be adapted that will support you in reducing and controlling your fear and anxiety. The goal is to help manage symptoms and determine a cause of the fear and anxiety to support your journey in recovery.

ASITRD
addiction, Blog
March 26, 2019

How to Overcome Addiction (for Good)

People who engage in addictive behaviors may go on to develop an actual addiction and find that overcoming it is more challenging than expected. Even though people face difficulties with quitting drugs, they often feel they may quit any time they like as an exception to the rule. Overcoming addiction is not as simple as many like to think, but it is possible. What makes it complex is myriad behaviors, thought patterns, and personal histories. Learn more about addiction and how to work towards overcoming it for good.

Deciding to Quit

Denial is a strong factor in keeping people from moving away from addictive behaviors. Sooner or later, most people who have addiction decide a change must happen. Once it is made, most people have a specific goal in mind. Unfortunately, people do not realize the truth until it is too late. By this time, they recognize the need for change and may not want to do it. It may take years of negative consequences, losing friends, or even jobs, to make a person finally quit. Many people faced with drug use and addictive behaviors believe they will quit or taper down use, but addiction is not that simple. Getting clear on goals before trying to quit is helpful in changing the pattern of addictive behavior.

Decide to Change

A person who decides to change is on the path to recovery. It takes deciding what that change looks like and putting it into action. It is a process that often takes time. This is known as the contemplation stage, because it involves contemplating, or thinking about, whether or not to change and what the change involves. Ambitious goals are not always best. It is better to set a goal that will be achieved rather than to plan on quitting cold turkey, with relapse inevitable. Once a person decides to change, they can work on preparing their hearts and minds for the shift.

Getting Ready

People who are faced with addiction and prepare to take the next step towards recovery often find that removing things from their home and triggers in their lives is helpful. Getting rid of reminders and physical objects that keep you from moving forward with addiction recovery is a good first step. Suddenly quitting any addictive behavior or drug can be harmful and is often not the case for people who need or want to quit using drugs. It can help to let friends who drink, use drugs, or engage with addictive behaviors know you are planning to change. People may not understand but they will support it when they know you are serious and, if they don’t, you need to put their friendship aside for the moment until you can find the support you need to succeed.

Treatment Options

The best way to kick a bad habit with addiction is to seek out treatment options. This includes medical, spiritual, and psychological treatments as needed. There is no one-stop-shop for your addiction treatment needs. Mindfulness-based approaches are more popular now and can be easier to relate to for many people. Mindfulness is helpful for people with underlying mental health problems, including anxiety or depression. A variety of treatments may be helpful. Medication can sometimes be helpful in both short or long term. Coping with withdrawal symptoms and seeking treatment support is necessary for long term success and healing in recovery. This will provide a pathway to a longer addiction recovery pathway.

Our goal is to teach you what you need to be successful in recovery. We cannot do it for you but we can give you the tools and steps you need to move forward. A Step in the Right Direction provides quality care for clients seeking support for addiction recovery. For more information sober living programs for men and women as well as recovery programs, call (877) 377-3702.

ASITRD
addiction, QA
March 25, 2019

What is a Rebound Effect?

A rebound effect and a comedown are all drug after-effects that cause different symptoms. It is important to understand each condition and how the set of symptoms plays a role in addiction. The rebound effect is what happens when the body tries to get itself into balance after a drug is taken. One of the ironies of addiction is that it may cause people the same effects they hoped to escape through drug use but there are ways to combat it with the right tools.

The Comedown

The ‘comedown’ effect is what a person feels as a drug gradually wears off after a period of intoxication. The experience varies depending on which drug was taken, how much, and the previous substance use history. There is no right or wrong way to experience a comedown. The best approach to managing this is to recognize you are still under a drug’s influence, stay in a safe space, and do what makes you feel comfortable. You are vulnerable, so avoid situations that are stressful or require mental focus. You do not have your full mental abilities, so don’t try to take care of children or vulnerable people while coming down from a drug. Medication complications can arise so be sure to be in contact with a treating physician during this time.

The Crash

The crash is an intense exhaustion people feel after using drugs, especially stimulants like cocaine, meth, and high doses of caffeine. The crash is caused by the body’s attempts to balance out over-stimulation of of the central nervous system (CNS) that occurs during intoxication phase. A crash is more of a pronounced type of rebound effect involving the body’s recovery from the effects of the drugs. This is also due to:

Lack of sleep
Injuries
Infections
Other harms caused from drugs

More of the drug is needed to maintain the level of energy the person had before taking the drug. Because the body feels fatigued from overstimulation of drugs, it is likely the person has been awake for longer. As the drug is taken, the fatigue increases and, in combination with mood, goes from elation to euphoria during the intoxication phase. The crash may last longer than the high.

Energy Recovery

Personal experiences with recovery vary. The good news is most people who stop using drugs and alcohol regain energy, sometimes within just a few weeks. How quickly a person recovers depends on their state of health, how long they used substances, and lifestyle. It is unlikely to feel healthy until stopping drugs and alcohol. No matter how much a person tries, there is not much to be done unless a person is willing to admit the need for help. Once a person accepts this, they are moving forward in recovery and working towards both inner and outer healing.

ASITRD
Blog, recovery
March 25, 2019

How to Beat the Power of Denial of Addiction

Acceptance is a key component of finally arriving at a good place in your recovery journey. Accepting who you are, where you’ve come from and where you are going. When you are hurt or hurting others, it can be hard to accept what is going on. That is when denial rears its ugly head.

What is Denial

Denial is a state of being where you deny or do not accept the reality of what is happening. If you ignore the problem, it minimizes people concerns or blames others for issues that are ongoing. Whether it is alcohol or gambling, denial is a powerful coping mechanism for delaying the truth. It is common for people with addiction to struggle with denial as that is one vehicle that keeps people from fully embracing their personal truth about addiction. A person with addiction will rationalize their addiction and deceive themselves or others to keep addiction going.

Moving Past Denial

The power of denial is incredibly hard to break. It often takes hitting ‘rock bottom,’ or letting life get so difficult it forces the person to deal with the reality of their problems. It is a unique opportunity to finally face what is going on when you can see through denial and begin to notice what is happening in your personal world.

Therapy: a person who specializes in addiction therapy can help you face your problems and process the experiences
Journaling: keeping a journal on addictive behaviors, whether it is writing down drinks you have or how much money you spend, it can provide proof of a very real issue
Consequences: jot down the negative consequences like depletion of a bank account, end of a relationship, or loss of a job due to addiction
Education: many people do not realize they are struggling with addiction but they recognize behaviors within themselves and are able to start making changes

Denial as Coping

Denial is a powerful coping mechanism that people with addiction use to justify or rationalize their addiction. This can vary in duration up to a few weeks for some people. Treatment cannot begin in earnest and will often end in relapse. With a combination of therapy and support, a person with addiction can begin to accept the reality of their circumstances and take important steps to recovery.

Denial is a powerful mechanism in recovery. If you are struggling to get past denial, we are here to help you. A Step in the Right Direction provides quality care for clients seeking support for addiction recovery.. Our recovery program is staffed by people who understand the power of addiction. For more information sober living programs for men and women as well as recovery programs, call (877) 377-3702.

ASITRD
QA, treatment
March 22, 2019

What is Klonopin Withdrawal Like?

People who struggle with Klonopin addiction often experience symptoms like nausea and anxiety if they try to quit on their own. These symptoms develop because people’s brains and bodies have become dependent on Klonopin to function. Withdrawal happens when the body is trying to adjust without the drug in the system. Learn more about Klonopin withdrawal and what to expect.

How it Works

Klonopin enhances the effects of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), a brain chemical that creates a sense of calm. GABA slows down certain nerve signals in the brain and relaxes the body and brain. Without the drug blocking receptors, Klonopin can become overwhelming for the person going through withdrawal. It takes as little as a month to develop dependence on Klonopin. The person needs to keep taking the drug to prevent withdrawal symptoms.

Neurotransmitters

The body stops producing certain chemicals like neurotransmitters, due to the body being provided Klonopin on a daily basis. The body stops creating them because the person with addiction provides the brain with a flush of chemicals. This means the brain cannot create the neurotransmitters itself. When the dosage is declined or use is stopped, the system is thrown off balance. Physical, emotional, and cognitive withdrawal symptoms can occur, including shaking and seizures. People with addiction need to cut down on Klonopin use cause withdrawal symptoms may be lethal.

Withdrawal Symptoms

There are a variety of withdrawal symptoms a person with addiction to Klonopin can have when they stop taking the drug. The intensity depends on a number of factors. This includes:

Length of time for use
Frequency of use
Amount a person took
Whether they mixed Klonopin with alcohol or other drugs
Mental health and medical frequency

Like other benzodiazepines, Klonopin slows down brain activity to relax the person who used drugs. When a person with addiction stops taking Klonopin, the brain becomes hyperactive, causing withdrawal symptoms. Depending on the severity, Klonopin withdrawal symptoms include:

Trouble sleeping
Hallucinations
Sleeplessness
Nausea and vomiting
Anxiety
Seizures
Sweating
Increased pulse
Hand tremors
Coma
Death

The rebound effect is the sudden return of symptoms the drug is designed to control. This may occur while using substances or even during the acute withdrawal phase. People often report rebound anxiety immediately as they begin the withdrawal process. This anxiety can be low-level nervousness or can be severe and include panic attacks. Nobody should stop taking the drug cold turkey. They should focus on getting healthy and healing in the presence of trained professionals who can support their journey of recovery.

To find out more information about how a Step in the Right Direction can support your recovery, give us a call. We are here to help you navigate this difficult journey with our resources and programs designed for your situation, including detox, withdrawal, and a holistic recovery approach. For more information sober living programs for men and women as well as recovery programs, call (877) 377-3702.

ASITRD
Blog, treatment
March 22, 2019

Practicing Brain Exercises May Help Aid Alcohol Recovery

Alcohol damages the brain but it depends on the individual how much they are impacted. Improved therapies and pharmaceutical treatments are being sought all the time, but one therapy in particular looks at ways to exercise parts of the brain damaged by excessive alcohol use, along with the use of thiamine supplements. This has been shown to improve brain regrowth and aid in recovery from alcohol addiction.

Alcoholism Causes Brain Damage

Research has proven alcohol to change cognitive behaviors, such as unusual thinking, confusion, loss of interest, and more. Drinking patterns can negatively impact a person’s brain, whether the individual is a casual drinker or the condition is long-term. Alcoholism may be hard to recognize, as media and American culture easily accept alcohol consumption. However, abusing alcohol comes with a risk. The neurotoxicity of alcohol directly affects nerve cells, which modifies the brain and increases the likelihood of brain damage. If you are concerned for a loved one, learn to recognize the risk factors involved with alcoholism. This includes excessive drinking, personality changes, family history and genetics, and past trauma.

Exercise Can Encourage Regrowth

The level of damage alcohol can have on the brain depends on a number of factors, such as genetics, metabolism, gender, and age. Although alcoholism can cause brain damage, research has found hope for those in recovery. Consuming alcohol shrinks the size of one’s brain, but practicing brain exercises with the right treatment plan can encourage brain regrowth. Incorporating activities that use the frontal cortex of the brain increases the chance of a successful recovery.

Likelihood of Recovery

Alcoholism recovery comes with a range of challenges, but can be a rewarding and life changing process. Implementing frontal cortex brain exercises could be the key to a positive ending. These activities should include practicing problem solving skills and learning to accomplish goals, no matter how big or small. Combining brain exercises with therapy to treat alcoholism can help restore brain function and promote a healthy recovery. Recovery is possible and available for people who are willing to take the steps to find healing.