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Recovery from substance abuse is challenging at any time of year, but it can be especially discouraging during the long winter months. We often forget just how much impact natural light has on our overall mood until the days become shorter and cloudiness is the new norm. Increased feelings of sadness during this season are such a common phenomenon that it has a name: seasonal affective disorder (SAD).

Those in recovery from substance abuse may already have depression. Seasonal depression, on top of that, can potentially increase the risk of relapse. Fortunately, support is out there. Learning about healthy resources can help you cultivate healthy coping strategies that don’t involve alcohol or drugs.

What Is Seasonal Affective Disorder?

SAD functions similarly to clinical depression. The symptoms – pervasive feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and lack of energy for longer than two weeks – can overlap. For most people, the onset of symptoms happens during autumn and worsens after Daylight Savings time, when the days contain less sunlight. Symptoms can naturally dissolve on their own come spring, but the months leading up to that change in season can feel long and begrudging.

Other symptoms of SAD include losing interest in activities you once enjoyed, disrupted sleep, and sometimes suicidal thoughts. People in recovery from addiction may experience an increased temptation to use substances during this period.

The Link Between Seasonal Affective Disorder and Substance Abuse

It’s quite common for people experiencing addiction to have a co-occurring mental health disorder. The most common mental health disorders include anxiety and depression, which can be an underlying cause of substance use as a means of “escaping” negative emotions. Using substances as a coping mechanism for depression can train the brain to rely on those chemicals to feel better, altering the pleasure center to lose interest in other activities. When the effects wear off, it will require higher amounts of drugs or alcohol to reach that place of pleasure again. This is how addiction develops.

SAD and substance abuse can go hand in hand, though they do not have to. While the correlation between SAD and substance abuse exists, there is no definitive proof that one causes the other. These conditions are more likely to affect people who are already predisposed, either through genetics or their environment.

Building Resilience While Coping With SAD in Recovery

It’s a two-fold battle to simultaneously deal with SAD and substance abuse recovery. Don’t beat yourself up for struggling more during this season – you are far from alone! Here are a few suggestions to prioritize recovery during these literal dark days.

Attend Recovery Meetings

Local 12-Step meetings can be constructive for building community and finding encouragement. Chances are, you will not be the only person struggling harder with recovery during the winter months. This is an opportunity to talk with others who share that same experience.

Meet With a Mentor or Sponsor

Most 12-Step groups have a sponsor or mentorship program where you can meet one-on-one outside of group meetings for individual help. These mentors or sponsors are often further along in their recovery journey and can offer encouragement, accountability, and advice.

Practice Healthy Self-Care Habits

You’ll want to be especially kind to yourself during the winter season. Make sure you’re eating well, getting plenty of exercise, and getting outside when you can. The sun is still present even on cloudy days, and a little bit of natural light is better than none at all.

Holistic Seasonal Affective Disorder Treatment

The most common treatment for depression is antidepressants. These medications are an effective solution for managing depression symptoms for some, though not everyone responds well to them. Some antidepressants cause unpleasant side effects in certain people, which your doctor should explain before prescribing them. These side effects can include weight gain, insomnia, and a loss of libido. It often requires tinkering with the dosage or changing medications more than once to find the proper regimen.

These medications can correct chemical imbalances in the brain but aren’t a permanent solution. That’s why Enlightened Recovery believes in developing healthy coping mechanisms along with holistic treatments that can be easily integrated into your lifestyle. There is no prescription needed for healthier life choices. Many people who have had little luck with prescription drugs find renewed hope and solid answers in our treatment program. The natural healing path may not be for everyone, but we believe it is the most effective.

Natural Treatments for SAD in Recovery

We offer a variety of treatment methods for depression, anxiety, and substance abuse that are natural and sustainable. While we are not against using medications, we discourage relying on them as the primary way of changing negative thought and behavior patterns. Instead, we recommend a combination of herbal supplements, experiential therapies, acupuncture, and more.

We believe that true clarity and peace are possible when the body is free of as many unnatural chemicals as possible. This is part of our comprehensive “whole-person” approach. Being unwell in the body leads to unwellness in the mind and spirit. Our treatment methods aim to heal you completely rather than specific parts and pieces. We teach our clients to find solutions within themselves, which are free to access at any time, without a prescription or the need for insurance. With this approach, unwanted side effects can be avoided.

Recovery from substance abuse is hard, and the dark days of winter certainly don’t make it any easier. If you struggle harder with depression and the temptation to relapse once you turn the clocks back, you are not alone. At Enlightened Recovery, we offer a variety of natural and sustainable treatments for co-occurring disorders, including mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety, substance use disorder, and more. Whether you need to detox from drugs or alcohol or a rehabilitation program specific to your situation, we are here to help. If you’re struggling with SAD, addiction, or both, please call us today at (833) 801-LIVE and speak with our knowledgeable, compassionate staff to learn about your options.

Most people enjoy getting outside and enjoying the beauty of nature. Aside from being abundantly beautiful, did you also know that it’s good for your health? Nature has intrinsic properties that help restore balance to our souls and peace in our moods. Whether you’re getting outside for a hike, paddling across a lake, or simply admiring a beautiful flower in your yard, you are not just feasting your eyes: you are healing your body and your mind.

This process is a form of horticulture therapy, which encourages healing from all types of maladies, addiction being one of them.

The Health Benefits of Being Out in Nature

Saying “nature heals” isn’t some new-age quackery; it’s legitimately backed by science. Being out in nature has been proven to heal the body and mind in many ways, from relieving depression and anxiety symptoms to lowering blood pressure. Spending roughly half an hour per day outdoors, away from screens and other technological distractions, is enough to improve your health a little bit each day. You can notice an increase in your health and overall mood just by making time outdoors a regular part of your day (just don’t forget to put on sunscreen).

There is also much to be said about exposure to natural light as opposed to synthetic light. These days, most of us get light exposure from artificial means, such as light bulbs and phone or computer screens. These forms of light can be useful but pale in comparison to the benefits of natural sunlight. No form of electricity can replicate the vitamin D that sunlight contains. Exposure to natural light elevates mood, boosts creativity, helps relieve anxiety, and reduces the side effects of seasonal affective disorder (SAD) during the long winter months when days are shortest.

How Nature Affects the Brain

For people affected by substance abuse and depression, serotonin levels in the brain need to increase in order to feel happier. Serotonin is a chemical that regulates mood, and clinical depression happens when your brain doesn’t make enough of it. While prescription antidepressants can help (“store-bought serotonin”), being out in nature is a natural way to enjoy this benefit. Natural beauty increases blood flow in the brain’s amygdala, which is where fear and anxiety are manufactured. Natural scenes, such as mountains, trees, ocean fronts, or flowers, activate the pleasure and empathy centers of the brain. Walking through these scenes, as you are able, decreases activity in the part of the brain that is linked to depressed rumination.

In other words, plants and nature activate the parts of the brain that make you happy. Do you need a better reason to get outdoors?

Horticulture Therapy for Recovery

Horticulture therapy has been used for centuries to treat all kinds of maladies, both physical and mental. It depends on the use of plants, as well as plant-based activities, for healing and rehabilitation. As an official therapeutic practice, Dr. Benjamin Rush is credited with its founding in the early 19th century. As a psychiatrist, Rush noticed how his patients seemed to improve in mental health as they worked with plants, which led him to prescribe them as part of treatment for mental illness.

Horticulture therapy is a highly accessible form of treatment, regardless of gardening experience. Anyone with a variety of physical, mental, social, and other disabilities can find plants to be non-discriminating and welcoming when working in a stable, calm environment. Plants also don’t care about cultural or ethnic differences related to race, religion, sex, or creed, which helps lend to horticulture therapy’s high success rate. When recovering from substance abuse or other traumatic experiences, working with plants can help re-develop core skills for adjusting to the world once again.

Types of Horticulture Therapy

Horticulture therapy is hardly monolithic. It largely depends on the facility and the clients in terms of what it looks like in practice. Fortunately, it is highly adaptable to different treatment centers and therapeutic needs, including but not limited to substance abuse treatment, nursing homes, and even prisons.

There are at least three different types of horticulture therapy that are most commonly used: vocational, therapeutic, and social.

Vocational Horticultural Therapy

Intended to teach skills and behavioral practices for jobs and workplaces, vocational horticulture therapy is useful for people pursuing careers in greenhouses, gardening, landscaping, and plant sales and services. Skills learned in this department include repotting, water usage, and moving plants from one space to another. It relies heavily on basic plant root systems and the environments they need to thrive. While mostly career-based, people also learn how to support themselves mentally as well as financially.

Therapeutic Horticultural Therapy

While all forms of horticulture therapy are beneficial for mental and physical wellness to some degree, therapeutic therapy is explicitly for that purpose. Activities may include repetitive actions such as digging or watering in order to improve motor skills and other physical functions. Making observations about plant growth, starting from seed to full development, helps sharpen mental health. Even the excitement that comes with observing the health of something you nurtured is beneficial to emotional health and establishing confidence.

Social Horticultural Therapy

Focused on plant growth as a form of building a support system, social horticultural therapy seeks to enhance quality of life. Participants will be advised about herbs and spices to both add flavor as well as cure minor maladies. The experience of growing, cultivating, and picking their own herbs helps foster confidence and community.

At Enlightened Recovery, we don’t just believe that being out in nature is good for one’s health: we know it is! That’s why we offer horticulture therapy as part of the treatment plan for our clients. Nothing quite heals the mind and body like natural light, fresh air, and the beautiful sights of the outdoors. Our treatment programs include teaching clients how to nurture themselves by nurturing living things, taking the focus away from the self. If you’re struggling with substance addiction and want to learn more about the programs we offer, please call us today at (833) 801-LIVE. Our programs are individualized and tailored to meet your unique needs.

As the year winds down, it is a time for reflection and resolutions. It can be a great time to create goals around health and wellness in recovery. Your goals will ideally address your specific needs to improve your overall well-being. Treatment offers the opportunity to learn holistic solutions like nutrition and wellness.

Creating wellness goals is a great way to achieve improved health. Goals surrounding wellness generally fall into two categories: behavioral or outcome-related. Behavioral goals are about a specific behavior, such as a goal of going on a 15-minute walk every day. An outcome-related goal is centered around achieving particular results, such as losing 10 pounds.

Regardless of the type, having a goal provides direction for change. It gives you a structure through which to work on changes you want to make in your life. Without goals, you can easily feel overwhelmed by the changes you want to make. Goals provide a specific item on which to work and give you an outcome or behavior to focus on. This can help to improve motivation and continue to make changes as you recover.

What Is Wellness?

Wellness is a state of being in good health in many dimensions of your life. According to The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), wellness includes the following eight dimensions:

Finances
Occupation
Social
Emotional
Spiritual
Intellectual
Physical
Environmental

All of these dimensions play a role in our overall well-being and are connected. This means that when you have an issue in one area, it will not only impact how you feel overall, but it will also impact the other aspects of your well-being. For example, financial concerns can create physical stress, or spiritual discourse can lead to emotional stress.

Finding Your Individual Path

The path to wellness will look different for each individual. It will address your specific needs to help you to improve your health and overall well-being. However, wellness goals commonly include some of the following:

Sleep
Nutrition
Exercise
Stress management
Building community
Life skills such as finances or cooking
Work

Finding Balance

Creating balance in your life is an essential aspect of wellness. Each individual has different needs, aspirations, and preferences, and therefore balance will look different for each person. There will also be specific cultural differences that are important to consider. Remember, finding a balance between work, family, and other needs takes time. If finding such a balance is something you are struggling with, that’s okay. Reaching out to your support network or mental health care professionals can help you identify how to move forward and achieve the balance you want.

Finding a balance helps you get through challenging times. When we are in more stressful periods, we rely on our habits. Having balanced wellness gives us support and options when we need them. This is because we can reach out to family, rely on our physical or mental health, or utilize spiritual support to get through challenges.

The Value of Wellness in Recovery

Mental and physical health are well known to be associated with improved outcomes in recovery. Making goals to improve your well-being can help you successfully maintain your sobriety. Research has found that depressive symptoms, anxiety, and stress can lead to relapse.

Recovery is a long-term path in which you learn to care for yourself and manage situations without drugs or alcohol. Wellness goals in recovery are a great way to grow habits that support your overall well-being. This helps to decrease the risk of relapse while allowing you to live a more satisfied and happy life in recovery.

How We Approach Health and Wellness at Enlightened Recovery

At Enlightened Recovery, we believe in a holistic approach to recovery. Our programs allow and encourage reflection, community building, and making a connection between your core beliefs and actions. We teach skills that can help you to improve your wellness in treatment and beyond.

We help our clients cultivate and practice the following skills to help them learn to care for their wellness:

Nutrition
Sleep
Spiritual
Community
Energy levels
Mental health
Exercise
Stress relief

At Enlightened Recovery, these wellness aspects are incorporated into our treatment programs. This is because we strongly believe in supporting each client in every aspect of their healing. When our clients learn the skills needed to find a balance in their well-being, they can carry these skills into their lives after treatment and beyond.

Each client’s support and needs look different. This includes the goals they create, how they make changes, and the type and amount of support needed. However, goals help clients to make changes on the path to recovery from substance abuse and addiction. In our experience, making attainable goals that address each individual’s needs has successful and fruitful results.

Around the end of the year, people tend to consider some goals and resolutions for the year to come. As a whole, wellness is the combination of every aspect of our lives. These parts intersect and impact each other. Wellness is very important in recovery and plays a role in your ability to maintain sobriety. At Enlightened Recovery, we integrate wellness into every program we offer. We support clients in their needs in order to improve mental and physical health along with spirituality and community. If you are interested in learning more about our programs and how we can help you, call us today at (833) 801-LIVE to speak with a knowledgeable and caring staff member.

Building confidence in recovery is key to your long-term success. Recovery is a process of change. Not only are you abstaining from drugs or alcohol, but you are making adjustments to many parts of your life. As you build new habits, confidence gives you the courage to continue forward and try new things. Feeling confident can be wonderful; however, too much confidence can be problematic.

What Does It Look Like to Be Confident in Recovery?

Being confident in recovery will look different for each individual, but it is often a feeling of self-assuredness in your ability to remain sober. In recovery, this often looks like taking each step forward with conviction and belief. Commonly this means trying new things, making adjustments, or reaching out for help when needed.

So, if a person appears to be confident, they must feel confident, right? Not exactly. While a person may look self-assured on the outside, it does not always feel like that on the inside. In recovery, you will need to make many changes that often feel uncomfortable. This can range from long-needed conversations with family to addressing very painful traumas. Confidence in recovery can feel different for each person, and it is normal to have times when you aren’t sure. There are steps you can take when and if you feel like you lack confidence during your recovery journey. Reaching out to a trusted facility, mental health care professionals, or a peer group can help you rediscover your self-confidence.

Value of Being Confident in Recovery

Feeling confident requires self-esteem. Self-esteem is the understanding of oneself, their ability to succeed, and their value. At Enlightened Recovery, we believe in treating the entire person. This includes helping clients to overcome low self-esteem. As clients improve their self-esteem, they start believing in their ability to change and live sober lives.

Research published in 2011 shows us the value of self-esteem in addiction recovery. Researchers have found that those involved with addiction have lower self-esteem and that improving confidence helped individuals to decrease their tendency toward addiction. Being confident is essential in recovery. It allows you to be assertive and take the steps you need to take as you make changes in your life.

Overconfidence: The Pink Cloud Effect

While it is essential to build confidence, there is such a thing as too much confidence in recovery. This is known as the “pink cloud effect” or the “pink cloud phase” in recovery. It is the feeling like you have conquered addiction. Associated with the pink cloud effect is the belief that you are “cured” of addiction – without any more work to do. Signs of the pink cloud include the following:

Overly energetic
Euphoric
Assuming there will be no addiction-related issues in the future
Wildly optimistic look on your recovery
Unconcerned about relapse

Dangers of Overconfidence

The pink cloud effect in recovery may feel great, but it has many downsides. Research has shown that overconfident people underestimate their addiction and their self-control. This distorted view of self and ability can lead you to believe that you no longer need to maintain the changes which you have made to stay sober.

However, the lifestyle changes and support networks you built are important to maintaining sobriety. Due to these changes, being overconfident can lead to complementary behaviors, which, in turn, often lead to relapse. It is essential to recognize the pink cloud in recovery and reach out for help as needed.

Owning Your Recovery

While it is a delicate balance, you can find ways to feel confident without becoming overconfident. Recovery is a long journey, and there will be many ups and downs. Enjoying feeling confident is okay. However, remember that your feelings of confidence may change over time. The pink cloud can pass quickly and leave you feeling discouraged.

Having a plan for support, regardless of your confidence, is one way to strike a balance. This means setting up a schedule and routine that provides a structure for you and helps you succeed in recovery. Remember that it’s your recovery; finding what works for you is the most important thing.

Another way to own your recovery and avoid overconfidence is to practice honesty. While it is easy to say, being honest and aware of yourself is challenging and a skill that takes practice. In treatment and beyond, you can practice this skill by taking time to reflect. Sharing your feelings and getting feedback can also help get an outside perspective of your actions.

You can gain knowledge of yourself through peer support groups or working with a mental health professional. They can help you to feel confident in your ability to succeed and help to keep you level-headed. Understand that recovery is a journey that you will continue to grow through. However, you are capable of making the changes you want to make.

Being confident when coming out of treatment is vital to recovery success. It helps you to know that you can make the changes that you need to make as you adjust to a sober life. However, there is such a thing as overconfidence in recovery. The pink cloud of recovery is named for its feelings of elation, as if addiction can not ever touch you again. At Enlightened Recovery, we help our clients learn skills in order to be successful in recovery after they leave treatment. Clients learn awareness, self-care skills, and improved communication methods. We believe that every client deserves care that meets their individual needs. To learn more, call us at (833) 801-LIVE today.

Substance abuse addiction is a condition that thrives in secrecy. The first crucial step toward recovery is letting other people know about your struggle, which involves reaching out for help. For many people, this is the hardest step. It’s not always easy, but when the right people know and can help, the recovery process becomes less daunting. The temporary embarrassment that may come with asking for help pales in comparison to the support of mentors and other alumni in the recovery journey.

Communal support in recovery is so vital that alumni programs for sobriety have sprung up around the country. If you’ve ever wondered how other people achieved sobriety and wanted to get their advice, this is the place to learn from them. They not only offer the encouragement to keep going when it’s hard but can also help you find healthier coping mechanisms for life’s challenges.

What Addiction Alumni Programs Do

Alumni programs are made up of people who have overcome their addiction struggles and wish to give back by helping others do the same thing. While people who are struggling may have friends and family who want to help, there’s something unique about people who know firsthand what addiction is really like. They know just what you’re going through and are well-equipped to offer advice during this time of healing. They can answer some of your most challenging questions and serve as a source of inspiration when you feel like you’re stuck in a rut.

Alumni members aren’t superhuman or extraordinary; they got well with the help of others, too. And if they can do it, so can you.

The Benefits of Participating in Alumni Programs

Here are a few of the specific ways that alumni programs can help your recovery process:

Provides Access to Valuable Resources

When life falls apart because of addiction, it’s hard to know where to start rebuilding. You may need new housing, a job, and treatment but don’t know where or how to get it. Alumni programs have knowledge and access to these resources for people who are ready to get their lives back on track. These resources can include safe housing, job training programs, 12-Step programs, and more.

Fosters a Supportive Environment

The support and encouragement found in an alumni program aren’t just to make you feel good (although that is a benefit). That support can help carry you through the hard times when your own strength doesn’t feel like enough. Anyone who has experienced addiction knows how hard recovery is. The desire to get better is often at odds with the brain’s desire to use substances; that’s exactly what prolonged drug use has trained it to do.

No matter where you are in your journey, an alumni program contains someone who has been exactly where you are. They can tell you what worked for them and what didn’t. They can remind you that the hard times don’t last forever and the struggle for sobriety is always worth it.

Builds a Bridge From Rehab Back to Daily Life

Completing a treatment program and being released back into the “real world” can be disorienting. The tools for staying sober acquired in a rehab facility may be hard to use when no longer in that safe, secure environment. Alumni programs serve as a bridge from rehab back into daily life, so you don’t have to feel like you’re being tossed into the deep end of the pool and expected to remember how to swim. Alumni programs can connect you with transitional living options, such as sober living homes, which can provide a provisional step between treatment and the daily grind.

Offers Help for Coping With Recovery Challenges

The temptation to relapse is expected in recovery; it doesn’t make you a failure. While treatment programs address the physical repercussions of substance abuse, alumni programs can help provide tools for coping with the emotional side effects. In the past, you may have gotten drunk or high to escape depression or trauma.

While not necessarily composed of therapists, alumni programs can help you develop healthier strategies for dealing with difficult emotions or circumstances. Some tools may include calling a sponsor when you’re struggling or having someone you check in with weekly to establish accountability.

Alumni Support Has a Proven Success Rate

There are physical and emotional components to addiction recovery. The physical treatment may be more immediate, but treating the body doesn’t necessarily treat the addicted mind. Many people who drop out of treatment programs report that they would have been more inclined to complete it if only they had more assistance and support. Alumni programs should not be overlooked as merely “social clubs” but as vital tools for recovery.

Alumni Support Pairs Well With 12-Step Programs

Many people achieve sobriety with the help of 12-Step programs in their communities. Alumni programs have similarly structured meetings with built-in support and encouragement from other participants. They can be led by clinical professionals or therapists and may include workshops or organized talks from other alumni. They can also be more laid back and casual, allowing members to share their struggles and triumphs. However they are structured, one thing remains true: Alumni programs work to help people get and stay sober.

Recovery is challenging, but you don’t have to go it alone. At Enlightened Recovery, we implement only the highest standards of both medical and emotional care, utilizing holistic and evidence-based methods that include balanced nutrition, music and art therapy, and individualized care. We recognize that every person who walks through our doors has unique needs. While we prioritize social and psychological needs, we recognize that not every client needs all those things in exactly the same way. No matter what treatment methods are used, we recognize that a supportive community is vital to recovery. That is why we connect our clients with ongoing alumni support. To learn more about our recovery programs, call us at (833) 801-LIVE.

What do you think when you hear the term “mindful eating”? Before answering that question, you need to know what mindfulness entails. The practice of being mindful refers to being present. It means to be aware of your thoughts, feelings, and senses in a given moment.

Practicing mindfulness has many benefits and can lead to better focus, sleep, and overall performance and health. When it comes to addiction recovery, mindfulness plays a significant role in change and healing. Learn more about the important benefits of practicing mindfulness in recovery from addiction to drugs or alcohol here.

Being mindful requires you to drown out distractions. This is necessary for you to focus on being present in the moment. It may sound simple, but it can take some practice to master for some people.

The Practice of Mindful Eating

Mindful eating requires the same attention to your experience in the moment. The idea is to focus on each bite, noting each flavor and texture. Sounds easy, right? It can be. It can also be tough to kick old habits that make mindful eating difficult. Below are a few tips for practicing mindful eating, followed by the benefits of enjoying food this way.

#1. Remove Distractions

When was the last time you had a meal without watching TV, scrolling on your phone, or having a conversation with someone? In today’s society, eating a meal without some sort of distraction or level of multitasking is a rarity.

Mindful eating requires complete focus on the food you are putting in your mouth. In order to achieve this level of focus, you have to put down your phone and turn off your TV. You might find that you enjoy your food more when you take the time to really appreciate it.

#2. Slow Down

Everyone is in a rush these days. Taking the time to sit down and slowly eat a meal is not always possible. More often than not, we scarf down our breakfast to get out the door in time for work. Or, we mindlessly eat our lunch or dinner in a hurry only to move on to the next activity.

Try slowing down a bit. Make an effort to chew each bite thoroughly and allow your taste buds to fully experience each bite you take. Eating your meals slower has many benefits aside from providing you the opportunity to appreciate the food you are consuming.

#3. Eat the Right Amount

We all can admit to overeating on occasion. Additionally, we can probably all recall a situation where we skipped a meal or grabbed a handful of almonds and called it lunch. By prioritizing your meals and taking time to eat them properly, you allow your body time to process the nutrients and recognize when it is satisfied.

When you eat too fast, it can be easy to consume too much. When you don’t prioritize and plan time for meals, you may not eat enough. Either scenario can leave you feeling lethargic, distracted, and unwell.

As you become more accustomed to mindful eating, you will learn the best portion sizes and be able to determine what your body needs. Focusing on how the food you eat makes you feel can offer insight and help you understand the signals when your body has had enough.

The Benefits of Mindful Eating

Participating in regular mindful eating can have many benefits to your overall health and wellness. If you are struggling with substance abuse or are in treatment or recovery, eating well is essential to your success. At Enlightened Recovery, we offer wellness and nutrition groups that feature harvesting, cooking, and preparing healthy and organic meals. Our clients are encouraged to practice mindfulness throughout every day, and mealtime is no exception.

Mindful eating can be advantageous to the mind and body in many ways. A few examples include:

Better focus
Improved sleep
Weight management
Less waste
Better digestion
Reduced stress
Increased self-awareness

As you can see, mindful eating can enhance your life in many significant ways. If you love food, why not make the extra effort to really enjoy it? Substance abuse can significantly affect your appetite, digestion, and metabolism. Mindful eating can help restore balance and promote better functioning.

The next time you sit down for a meal and habitually open up your phone to start scrolling, remind yourself to stop and take a moment to enjoy your food. You might gain a new appreciation for what you eat and how it can fuel your body. Mindfulness in all areas of life is beneficial. Adopting the practice of mindful eating can help you feel well, allowing you to focus on your goals in treatment and recovery.

The practice of mindful eating is something we could all benefit from. It involves appreciating and focusing on each bite. There are many advantages to this important practice. These can include better focus, more quality sleep, improved digestion, less stress, and more. Mindfulness is something we focus on at Enlightened Recovery. We believe that the connection between the mind, body, and spirit is essential when it comes to success in recovery. We also prioritize eating well and harvest fresh, organic ingredients from our garden to serve our clients. This allows for healing from the inside out. If you or someone you care about is struggling with addiction, we can help. Reach out to Enlightened Recovery today by calling (833) 801-LIVE.

Delivering news that you know will be unpleasant is always hard. This could include something like informing someone of a mistake, loss, or lie. When it comes to disclosing the fact that you are struggling with substance addiction, you could get various responses.

Let’s first discuss who you may want or need to share this information with. It can be common for those struggling with addiction to hide their problems from others. This often leads to dishonesty, mistrust, and even strained relationships. When things become tense, and you feel the need to lie to your loved ones, this may indicate that it is time to be honest and disclose your addiction.

Telling a Spouse or Partner

Informing your spouse or partner of your addiction can be challenging. You may fear rejection or a negative response. The risk of losing the person can sometimes be enough to keep you from telling the truth.

Sooner or later, those close to you will become aware that something isn’t right. When it comes to your spouse or partner, chances are, they have already become a little suspicious. When you are struggling with addiction, your behavior tends to change, priorities shift, and you may display some signs of dishonesty or secrecy.

If your spouse or partner has noticed any of these signs, they may already have an idea of the issue. Having an open and honest conversation could help them feel more justified in their feelings and observations.

Telling a Parent or Sibling

Sharing with a parent or sibling that you are struggling with an addiction to drugs or alcohol can be equally challenging. Often, we want our family members to be proud of us. Making good choices is something that many families aim to instill in their children. Knowing your parents or family will be disappointed can be a barrier to breaking the news. Addiction does tend to impact the whole family.

One of the things to keep in mind is that, in most cases, your family members love you unconditionally. This means that even if you share some information that they may not like, they will still love and support you.

Being open and honest about your struggles can often improve your relationships with family members. Again, they have likely noticed a shift in your behavior and actions and may feel a little relieved to know that you are aware of the issue and willing to talk about it.

Telling a Friend or Roommate

Informing a friend or roommate of your addiction can be a bit uncomfortable. Your friends or roommates may also drink alcohol or use drugs. They might be struggling with addiction as well, or maybe they consider themselves to be more recreational users.

In this case, talking to them about your addiction may or may not alter their behavior or decisions. However, being clear about your concerns and your decision to seek support is important. You may need to evaluate the friendship or reconsider your living situation if they do not support you or do not share similar goals.

On the contrary, you may still have some friends who don’t use substances, or perhaps you live with roommates who do not share your lifestyle. Ideally, these people will encourage you to seek help and will support you in your efforts to get clean.

How to Break the News

When it comes time to have the difficult conversation, be sure you are prepared. You want to be sure you schedule enough time to have the conversation, as there may be follow-up questions or a discussion. Most likely, the person you are delivering the information to is going to want to talk through options for getting help.

Be sure to have the conversation in an appropriate environment. This is not a conversation you want to have in a public place. Struggling with substance abuse can come with some shame and guilt and certainly carries a fair share of stigma. Having the conversation in a private place can make all parties more comfortable.

Lastly, be honest. Most likely, there have been some instances that have resulted in a lack of trust up to this point. As a result, it is very important to be upfront about your struggles and make an effort to be fully transparent about how addiction is affecting you.

Having this conversation can often come as a result of the decision to seek treatment. At Enlightened Recovery, we help facilitate communication and provide guidance when it comes to mending broken relationships. Our family program helps to inform your loved ones about your situation and provides tools for navigating the healing and recovery process. Disclosing your addiction to those you care about is never easy, but it is an essential step toward recovery.

Discussing your struggle with substance abuse with loved ones can be challenging. You may receive negative feedback, judgment, rejection, or worse. It is important, however, to share your struggle with those who may be in a position to support you or encourage you to seek help. They may also serve as a great support system as you exit treatment and enter recovery. At Enlightened Recovery, we offer a family program that helps to facilitate communication and growth among family members and loved ones in treatment. We help create understanding and encourage methods for healing everyone involved. If you or someone you love is struggling with addiction to drugs or alcohol, call Enlightened Recovery today at (833) 801-LIVE.

Trust is a fundamental component of relationships of all types – whether they are friends, co-workers, loved ones, peers, or other relationships. Without trust, what do you have? Bonds are built on trust, and it can be very difficult to rebuild trust once it is broken.

Substance abuse tends to leave a trail of destruction regarding trust and relationships. Drugs and alcohol can lead you to behave in ways that may be out of character, leading to a lot of wreckage, including broken trust. The great news is that with time and a lot of work, trust can be rebuilt if both or all parties are open to it.

Re-establishing trust within a relationship can take weeks, months, or even years. It is essential to be patient, communicative, and understanding as you and those you care about move through the healing process. Following a few steps for rebuilding trust can help guide things in the right direction and make navigating things a little easier.

#1. Take Responsibility

Owning up to your mistakes is never easy. Addiction can lead us to do and say things that we may regret. These things can include lying and deceiving those we care about most. Losing the trust of someone you love can be very detrimental, and if left unresolved, it can ruin the relationship.

Facing your wrongs and admitting your fault in things is the first step toward mending a relationship with broken trust. If you have been struggling with addiction, it is likely that your loved ones have watched you spiral and lose control as a result of drugs or alcohol. While this doesn’t lessen the blow when it comes to the things that damaged their trust, it does provide an explanation.

By taking responsibility for your actions, you are allowing space for understanding and empathy. Communicating about the things you remember doing wrong and even listening and acknowledging things you may not recall can help your loved ones begin to heal.

#2. Allow Time and Space

When you first come clean about your struggle with addiction and the consequences it has brought to your life, your loved ones may need some time to process the information. You can expect to receive some feedback that may be difficult to receive. They might share how your behavior or actions made them feel. You may learn of the sacrifices they have made to try to help you or hear about the many excuses they have made for you in your absence.

It is important for you to give your loved ones time and space to understand, grieve, and process the situation. If they knew of your struggle with addiction, they might find some peace in your decision to try to make amends. Maybe they were unsure of why things unfolded the way they did and are now learning that substance abuse led to the breaking of their trust.

Be prepared to be patient and try your best to show empathy for your loved one’s feelings. Understand that if they are close to you, they, too, have been significantly impacted by your addiction and need time to heal before rebuilding trust.

#3. Commit to Making a Change

This is where things can really begin to take a turn. Admitting your faults and accepting whatever the response may be is essentially preliminary work. After having these initial tough conversations, it is time to make a change.

One of the best ways to show your loved ones that you are working to make a change and rebuild trust is by seeking help for your addiction. Making the call to enter treatment displays that you are self-aware and recognize the weight of your problem.

Committing not only to mending the relationship but also to living a life of sobriety speaks volumes. This decision gives your loved ones confidence in you and hopes for mending the relationship.

Enlightened Recovery offers many opportunities for family members and loved ones to get involved in the treatment and healing process. We understand how addiction can affect the whole family and seek to establish understanding and help facilitate healthy relationships moving forward. Through our family program, loved ones can learn more about substance abuse, develop tools for coping and support, and find comfort among others who are navigating similar situations.

Trust is a hard thing to build and can be even more challenging to rebuild once it is broken. Unfortunately, substance abuse tends to lead to broken trust and strained relationships. By following the tips listed above and making the commitment to change, you can rebuild trust after addiction. Getting family members involved in the treatment process can promote healing for everyone and provide you and your loved ones with the support needed to move forward.

Trust is essential when it comes to forming and maintaining personal and professional relationships. If you are struggling with substance abuse, you may have experienced or caused trust to be broken. Trust can be a difficult thing to get back once it is lost. Sometimes, by following a few steps and putting in some work, over time, you can successfully rebuild trust in recovery. Enlightened Recovery can help guide you every step of the way. If you or someone you know could benefit from our holistic approach to treatment for substance abuse, we would love to hear from you. To start mending relationships through recovery, call Enlightened Recovery today at (833) 801-LIVE.

Sleep is something that we all need. The amount of sleep and the quality of sleep we receive each night determines how well we function. Sleep affects things like focus, energy levels, mood, and more.

Getting enough quality sleep while you are struggling with substance abuse can be difficult. It can even be tricky during treatment and recovery. The truth is that many things impact your ability to fall asleep and stay asleep.

How Anxiety Affects Sleep

Getting adequate sleep can be very difficult for those who also struggle with anxiety. Because it can be such a challenge, the topic of sleep can be very discouraging for some. Anxiety can affect people differently, as some may be more hindered by its symptoms than others. Across the board, though, anxiety commonly interrupts sleep by either making falling asleep hard or causing frequent awakenings during the night.

Have you ever noticed that you tend to lose sleep when you are anticipating something big or are worried about something? This feeling can be frequent or even consistent for those who struggle with anxiety. Those with anxiety often have difficulty shutting their mind off to relax. They can be consumed by negative thoughts and feelings that distract from their ability to be present in the moment.

These consuming, recurring thoughts often disrupt sleep patterns for people with anxiety. When falling asleep or staying asleep becomes a challenge due to anxiety, it is time to take action. You can do things to help promote good sleep each night while working through anxious thoughts and feelings. A few tips are discussed below.

Create a Sound Environment for Sleep

Everyone sleeps better at home, right? This may not always be the case, but if your home consists of a comfortable bed, your favorite pillow, and other items that provide you comfort, you are likely to get quality sleep in this environment.

Creating an environment that is suitable for sleep involves feeling safe. Allowing your mind and body to relax is the key. Without an environment you feel safe in, you are probably unable to relax either one.

Another suggestion for a sleep-encouraging environment is to limit light. Most people sleep best with little to no light at all. Light can be stimulating, so it is best to keep lights dim as you wind down for the night.

Screentime should also be minimal or nonexistent as you create your sleeping environment. It can be common to become accustomed to falling asleep with the TV on or spending time scrolling on your phone before bed. This can lead to reduced melatonin, which makes falling asleep more difficult. If you struggle to get good quality sleep, eliminating screentime in your sleep environment may be worth considering.

Listen to Calming Music

Music can be helpful or harmful when it comes to falling asleep. It is essential to select the correct type of music to listen to as you are trying to wind down. Slower, more calming music can help relax your mind as you prepare for bed. Nature sounds, such as waves or rain, can also be quite relaxing.

If you find your mind working overtime just as you lay down and prepare for sleep, try putting on some calming music at a low volume. Sometimes, this can encourage your mind to slow down as you focus on the sounds you are hearing instead of your thoughts.

Use Essential Oils

The use of essential oils can enhance your treatment and recovery experience in many ways. They can be healing, energizing, and relaxing. Learn more about the therapeutic benefits of essential oils here.

Lavender is known for its relaxing effect and can be used in many different situations where you feel you might need to relax a bit. It is this soothing nature that makes lavender oil an excellent option for encouraging sleep.

One way to use lavender as part of your sleep routine is to diffuse it somewhere near your bed. Diffusers usually run for a reasonable amount of time with little to no sound, making them an excellent option for bedtime.

Try Reading or Journaling

When you struggle to fall asleep or wake up during the night, make every effort to stay off your phone and avoid screens of any kind. Again, screentime reduces melatonin production and will likely make falling asleep even more difficult.

Sometimes, reading a book or journaling can help you relax and settle your mind. If you find yourself battling anxious thoughts, it can help to write them down or redirect them by getting lost in a good book.

Sleeping well with anxiety can be difficult. Since it is so important to healing and progress in recovery, it is critical to make every effort to get the quality sleep you need.

Anxiety has a way of affecting all areas of life. One area affected is sleep. When you are struggling with anxiety, it can be difficult to relax your mind and body at bedtime. During treatment at Enlightened Recovery, we teach clients a variety of holistic strategies for improving sleep in recovery. Establishing an effective bedtime routine can be very helpful. By using things like essential oils, claiming music, low lighting, and more, you can improve your quality and quantity of sleep. If you or someone you care about is struggling with addiction, we would love to help. To begin your journey to recovery, call Enlightened Recovery today at (833) 801-LIVE.

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