Month: September 2015

Substance addiction is a complex problem; there’s rarely just one reason why you decided to travel down this destructive path. Some people are genetically susceptible to addictive behavior, while others are more likely to drown their sorrows in substances when tensions are high.

Addiction can also be a way to gain the attention of others. While it may not be a conscious decision, leading yourself into the downward spiral of drugs or alcohol can be seen as a form of acting out.

Not Just for Kids

Acting out is usually seen as something associated with kids. You may have seen it in your own child when they are tired, hungry, or frustrated. While the acting out of a child is usually an inappropriate outburst or a tantrum, adult-sized acting out may come in the form of drug addiction, sexual promiscuity, or other acts of rebellion. However, the causes of acting out and the need for attention are similar in both children and adults.

Adults who act out through substance abuse may be harboring frustration, stress and lack of confidence. Many have suffered a trauma in their childhood that they never quite processed or “got over.” Low self esteem, panic, and being emotionally stuck after experiencing trauma at a young age are common reasons for falling into addiction. It’s actually the need for attention that drives addicts to use, because they don’t know how else to deal with their problems and get the attention (of a parent, spouse, employer) they crave.

Learning to Cope

The difference in an addict and non-addict’s way of reacting to these challenging issues is having healthy coping skills. Drug and alcohol rehab treatment give you the tools to deal with life’s curveballs in a positive, productive way as you learn to live a sober life. Each plan is individualized to your specific needs. Treatments designed to help you communicate and cope more effectively may include:

• Family therapy
• Recovery assignments
• 12-step integration

California Residential Rehab

10 Acre Ranch is a men’s addiction center specializing in social treatment models. Individual and group counseling, meditation, recreation activities, and life skills workshops help community members learn to connect with their peers and develop coping skills that will serve them during recovery and beyond. To learn more about our recovery programs or speak with an intake specialist about our affordable payment options, call 877.228.4679 today.

There is an old axiom that says, “If you don’t respect yourself, no one else will.” Nowhere is this truer than in rehab. Yes, you will be a better father if you are sober; yes, you’ll be more responsible on the job. But the real change that will occur is in you: you will be making conscious decisions instead of letting alcohol or drugs control your life.

How Can I Respect Myself?
Feelings of guilt, doubt, and self-recrimination may have been part of the reason you entered rehab, but they have no place in recovery. Now you must work to build a sense of personal worth and empowerment. Here are 4 steps to help you learn to respect yourself and enjoy life.

Step 1. Start with simple things.
Develop a daily routine that includes personal grooming, nutrition, and exercise. Take care to bathe, brush hair and teeth, and dress in clothing that is clean, neat and appropriate. Take an active role in shopping and preparing your meals. Exercise on a regular basis. You may have neglected your health while you were in addiction, so set up regular visits with your dentist and medical doctor.

Step 2. Learn to relax and have fun.
Recovery is hard work, but it should also be a time to discover new interests. Your fun and social activities no longer have to revolve around drugs or alcohol. Why not try something new? Community colleges offer a variety of adult learning classes, and gyms host sports leagues and competitions. Join a group hike, community garden, or drama club. The recreational choices are endless, but be sure to plan ahead to fill your free time with challenging and healthy activities so you don’t get bored and fall into old habits.

Step 3. Practice reflection without reproach.
Avoiding relapse triggers is a difficult part of recovery. Practice mindfulness to become aware of emotions that act as triggers, and take up meditation to help you relax and alleviate anxieties. Make gratitude part of your daily routine to help you keep perspective and remind you that recovery is something to be thankful for.

Step 4. Accept support and be prepared to give it.
Dealing with the roots of addictive behavior is often painful and frightening, but you are certainly not alone in the struggle. Sharing your feelings and experiences can ease the pain. Participate in a support group. You should find that giving support is just as helpful as receiving it.

The social model at 10 Acre Ranch offers men in addiction treatment the support and clinical treatment needed for successful recovery. A daily routine of therapy, meditation, recovery activities, and recreation prepare you for a fulfilling life in sobriety. Fill out our online contact form now, and a recovery staff member will be in touch promptly to discuss your journey to sobriety.

While romantic relationships can be a source of strength for men recovering from addiction and substance abuse, they can also pose challenges that can inhibit or even derail the healing process. Addiction experts have noted that both new and previously established romantic relationships are a significant cause of relapses, especially in cases where the relationship goes awry. When a man in recovery is not adequately prepared for the emotional and psychological fallout of relationship problems, he is more likely to revert to addictive behavior. This is largely because he hasn’t yet developed new, healthy coping mechanisms for dealing with the situation.

Romantic Relationships and the Early Phase of Recovery

While every situation is different, the prevailing wisdom among professional addiction counselors is that men should avoid establishing new romantic or sexual relationships during their first year of recovery. Here’s why:

• Substance abuse and sexual activity stimulate the same essential reward centers in the brain, thus delving the recovering individual into risky psychological and emotional territory.
• Men are more likely to enter into unhealthy relationships early in addiction recovery when they should be focusing on their treatment.
• The romantic relationship may come to serve as a “replacement” for addiction to drugs or alcohol, creating fundamental instability that can become dangerous if the relationship fails.
• Making a full recovery from substance abuse and addiction requires focus, concentration and commitment, which can become diluted if the recovering individual becomes deeply involved in a new relationship.

It is essential for men recovering from addiction and substance abuse to take the time to get to know their true selves and restore their damaged sense of self-esteem. Entering into a relationship before these objectives have been accomplished can threaten the forward trajectory of the treatment program.

Existing Romantic Relationships and Addiction Recovery

Addiction often does significant damage to established relationships, and repairing lost trust can take a very long time. During recovery, men need to focus on becoming a better person in the present rather than immersing themselves in the failures of the past. Existing romantic partners need to adapt to the recovering individual’s new situation, and that isn’t always easy; the stresses of a relationship can plunge the recovering person back into the throes of the substance abuse and addiction cycle.

During initial phases of treatment, the recovering individual should have a comprehensive discussion about his existing romantic relationships with his counselor. While evaluations should always be made on a case-by-case basis, it is often necessary for both partners to take a step back before they can take a step forward.

The caring, experienced professionals at the 10-Acre Ranch addiction center for men understand that recovery is a process. While the people you care about can be great pillars of strength, relationships should be carefully managed—especially during the early phases of treatment. Our multimodal approach to treatment helps men develop the tools and skills they need to move past addiction and grow into a healthy psychological and emotional place. To learn more, please confidentially contact a member of our counseling staff by phone or email.