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Risks of Combining Klonopin and Xanax

Written by Enlightened Recovery on . Posted in Addiction, Addiction Recovery, Drug Addiction Treatment, Substance Abuse, treatment.

Combining Klonopin and Xanax—both benzodiazepines—is a dangerous risk to take. The effects of these substances can be altered as a result of mixing both, resulting in a potentially life-threatening situation and addiction.

Struggling with these substances can be dangerous. It could lead to permanent changes in the person’s life that could be prevented by avoiding them. Knowing the risks of taking Klonopin and Xanax together can be crucial to preventing potentially fatal results. 

What is Klonopin?

Clonazepam, sold under the brand name Klonopin, is a member of the benzodiazepine family. Its main uses include helping to treat and manage seizure disorders, as well as panic disorders. Klonopin enhances the gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) in the brain, which results in slowed brain activity. Because of slowed brain activity, a person could experience calming and relaxing effects. This helps in cases of seizures or panic disorders, as it helps to prevent the brain from overloading and causing a seizure or a panicking feeling.

Prolonged use of Klonopin can result in dependence, leading to addiction to the medication. Used for anxiety and panic disorders, it is meant for short-term use so as to not build a tolerance and dependence. Due to its controlled substance status, using this medication under the supervision of a medical professional is highly suggested. 

Xanax Uses

Xanax is the brand name for the drug alprazolam. Like Klonopin, Xanax is a benzodiazepine that enhances GABA in the brain producing and resulting in a calmed and relaxed state. This drug is also used to help in the treatment of panic disorders.

The uses of Xanax vary, however, main uses of this medication include generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, social anxiety disorder, and insomnia. The main purpose of Xanax is to help alleviate the symptoms of anxiety and panic disorders. 

Effects of Combining Klonopin and Xanax

Combining Klonopin and Xanax can be fatal. Both of these drugs are benzodiazepines, and both affect the brain by inducing a relaxed, sedated feeling. When both are used together, it can heighten the effects of these drugs.

Moreover, mixing Klonopin and Xanax, even when prescribed by a doctor, should be closely monitored by healthcare professionals in order to prevent long-term, severe consequences. Both drugs affect the central nervous system, and combining Klonopin and Xanax can cause enhanced sedation, resulting in slowed motor movement, extreme drowsiness, and confusion. 

Effects on the Body

Combining Klonopin and Xanax can affect different systems within the body, and it can lead to some severe consequences. The CNS is responsible for different things within the body. This includes breathing. When these 2 substances are mixed, it can lead to respiratory distress. This is where breathing becomes labored and shallow, and can lead to respiratory failure which is a potentially fatal condition.

Mixing these 2 benzodiazepines can also lead to memory impairment. On their own, both Klonopin and Xanax have effects on memory and cognitive function. When combining Klonopin and Xanax, a person runs the risk of exacerbating or even speeding up the effects these drugs can have on memory and cognition. 

The greatest effect on the body that is risked by combining Klonopin and Xanax is dependence and addiction. When mixing these 2 substances, it can begin to build a tolerance, quicker, and result in needing more and more in order to feel better or normal. The more the drug is used, the harder it can be to stop using them.

Once a person develops a dependence on these drugs, and abruptly ends use of them, it can lead to some severe withdrawal symptoms. These symptoms can be extremely uncomfortable and painful to undergo benzodiazepine withdrawal alone. This is best done under professional, medical supervision in order to prevent severe consequences.

The Detox Process

Professional monitoring as an individual goes through the detox process is highly recommended and suggested. Some of the withdrawal symptoms that can be experienced as a result of combining Klonopin and Xanax can be dangerous and result in potentially fatal results. Benzodiazepine detox can be extremely uncomfortable for those who endure it. Professional medical monitoring can help to make the process a lot more comfortable and smoother. This can help to ensure the best possible outcome when it comes to recovering from use of these substances. 

Professional help is available. Seeking it can be the best gift someone could give themselves. Not only can it make the process of withdrawal and beginning recovery easier, but it also helps to ensure that long-term, potentially fatal complications do not occur. Help is available. It is highly recommended that those struggling with Klonopin and Xanax seek professional medical help as they begin to end the use of these substances. 

Get The Help You Deserve

Struggling with Klonopin and Xanax can be dangerous. Leading to health and overall well-being issues, using these substances together can be fatal. Both substances can cause complications that can be affected if they are combined. Struggling with these 2 substances is dangerous. Getting help to begin a life without them is crucial. There is help available, and Enlightened Recovery is available. We offer comprehensive care to those individuals struggling, providing them with a clean start.

Call us today and begin a new way of life. 

Will I Lose My Job Attending Rehab?

Written by Enlightened Recovery on . Posted in Addiction, Addiction Recovery, Alcoholism, Drug Addiction, Drug Addiction Treatment, Drugs & Alcohol, Recovery, Substance Abuse, treatment.

There are many barriers that people face before going to rehab. One of the most common concerns is whether or not a person will lose their job while attending rehab. Fortunately, laws are in place to protect people in recovery from fear of termination while getting treatment.

Enlightened Recovery understands that drug and alcohol rehab needs to be flexible to fit into a person’s life. For some, that means finding a program that allows a person to get treatment without causing major disruptions in their work life. That is why we offer varying types of rehab that fit our clients’ busy lives.

Can I Work During Rehab?

Whether or not a client works during rehab depends upon the level of care that they need. For instance, a person undergoing drug detox followed by residential treatment would not be able to leave an inpatient facility to attend work. However, with remote options, some clients can work out a limited work schedule while attending inpatient rehab. Of course, this also depends on the policies of the treatment center.

Many rehab programs are strict about limiting contact with work because this can distract clients from focusing on getting better themselves. But, on an outpatient level of care, a client is free to work when they are not in their program. Outpatient rehab is more flexible, as a client does not reside within the treatment facility. Depending upon how intensive their program is, they might have time to work part or even full-time hours.

Are There Laws to Protect Me from Getting Fired?

There are laws in place that can protect a client from getting fired to attend a rehab program. However, if drug or alcohol use affects a person’s job performance, they might be terminated. Thus, laws protect clients who worry they will lose their job by attending rehab. 

But, these laws do not protect people who actively use drugs or alcohol on the job. A person might be fired when addiction is an underlying factor in poor performance, frequent call-outs, or conflicts with others. 

Specifically, 2 laws protect employees from discrimination for taking leave due to medical reasons, which include drug and alcohol rehab. These laws are the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)

The FMLA protects employees from termination when they need to take time off for medical reasons. These protections help people take time off for themselves as well as to care for family members, like a spouse, child, or parent. For substance use treatment, a person might use FMLA leave for inpatient rehab, detox, or outpatient rehab services that occur during work hours.

The FMLA allows employees up to 12 weeks of absence within a 12-month period. Essentially, a person’s position will be waiting for them upon their return from addiction treatment. 

Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)

The ADA protects employees from discrimination based on having a substance use disorder (SUD). While the ADA does not protect those currently using drugs or alcohol, the ADA protects employees who have a history of addiction and are currently in recovery. Therefore, the ADA prevents employers from withholding promotions based on past behaviors.

The ADA prohibits behaviors, such as refusing to hire someone in recovery from SUD. Additionally, the ADA also protects employees from losing their job for attending rehab, either currently or in the past. 

Which Rehab Type is the Best for Me?

The best type of rehab program is the program that a client needs to engage in recovery. Some might need inpatient detox services to get sober safely. Still, others could need less restrictive services, such as intensive outpatient programs—especially if they have been in recovery long term.

The following are the types of rehab offered at Enlightened Recovery:

  • Inpatient detox and residential
    • Live within the treatment facility
    • Detox lasts about 1 to 2 weeks, while residential programs can be a month or longer
    • Keeps clients safe from triggers and temptations to use drugs or alcohol
  • Partial care program
    • Also called a partial hospitalization program (PHP)
    • Attend the program for several hours per day, arriving in the morning and leaving in the afternoon
    • Clients can reside at home or at a sober living program
  • Intensive outpatient program
    • Clients live either at home or at a sober living home
    • Flexible schedule with the program only lasting a few hours per week
    • Comprehensive programs that address physical and mental well-being, as well as, social and relationship issues

Ideally, clients should attend the type of program that best suits their needs for treatment. For clients who need to work while in rehab, an outpatient program would offer the most flexibility. 

What Happens When Going Back to Work?

After returning to work following rehab, clients can discuss as much about their experiences as they wish with their co-workers. In other words, attending rehab and having a medical condition—like a substance use disorder—is a private matter. Some clients share with their co-workers and feel supported. Alternatively, others worry about being treated differently afterward.

Regardless, the laws protect employees in recovery from discrimination and termination as long as substance abuse does not interfere with a person’s ability to perform their job. Generally, being open and honest with an employer—and HR representatives—about needing to attend rehab could prevent an employee from continuing further down the path of addiction.

Find Help for Drug and Alcohol Addiction Today

Many people fear that they will lose their job for attending rehab. However, laws like the FMLA and the ADA protect employees from discrimination when they are in recovery. Enlightened Recovery offers flexible programming to meet the needs of our clients, even those who need to continue working during treatment. We have locations in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Michigan to help our clients achieve recovery.

Contact us today to learn more about our treatment options.

What Does Holistic Treatment Include?

Written by Enlightened Recovery on . Posted in 12 Step Program, Addiction, Addiction Recovery, Alternative Therapy, Holistic Treatment, Substance Abuse, treatment.

Holistic treatment is a form of treating a person as a whole, rather than individual ailments. In terms of substance abuse treatment, it is the same. The benefits provided by this form of treatment can help those who are struggling to find peace and recovery.

Additionally, they can learn new and positive ways of thinking and coping. There are practices that someone can implement into day-to-day routines. These can help those struggling with substance abuse gain control of their life back, and begin a life in recovery. 

What is Holistic Treatment?

Holistic medicine is a form of healing. It implements different practices to not only treat the physical ailment but treats the person as a whole. This form of treatment addresses not only the body, but the mind and soul as well. In holistic treatment, practitioners believe a person is made up of different parts. Thus if one part is off balance, the other parts will be affected. What does holistic treatment entail?

While treating the person as a whole, mind, body and soul, is done so by using traditional pharmaceutical medications. Practitioners also add in alternative therapies. These alternative therapies can include practices like yoga, sound healing, meditation, acupuncture, and massage therapy.

It can also include nutritional education, wellness classes and planning in order to teach someone how food and nutrition can affect the body. Finding balance in all aspects can only be beneficial for the individual, and holistic treatment has a goal of balance for those who use it.

Why is Holistic Treatment Effective and Popular?

The reason holistic treatment is effective is that it does what its main focus is, treats the person as a whole. While the physical symptoms associated with addiction should be addressed and treated, other parts of the individual should also be addressed and treated.

Using alternative therapies like massage, yoga, and meditation can help to release stresses in life that often lead to using drugs and alcohol as a means of coping. Its popularity is due in part to the way holistic treatment is approached.

Because it is not just focused on medicinal routes, and can implement the other therapies into the lives of others, there are other things someone can be taught in order to get through the symptoms they are experiencing that don’t necessarily involve pharmaceuticals.

Many people feel as though using natural or non-medicinal forms of treatment can help to heal. These natural medications can heal without them depending solely on medications to feel better. The goal of holistic treatment is to provide balance.

So using the different therapies in conjunction with traditional medications can help to create a balanced life. These other therapies can provide that extra balance for the mind and spirit to be calmed and at ease, while addressing the physical body as well.

Benefits for Addiction and Mental Health

Individuals who struggle with mental health and addiction often feel like their life is chaotic and off balance. The only thing they have control over is using drugs or alcohol. When seeking help, and using holistic treatment to address addiction and mental health, not only does it provide a positive outlet but it also creates a routine.

Those struggling with addiction to drugs and alcohol benefit from routine. A holistic treatment used for mental health and addiction also helps with stress. Stress often leads to relapse after someone has successfully stopped using drugs and alcohol. This form of treatment (via meditation, sound healing or yoga) also implements healthy coping skills into the lives of those who struggle with addiction and mental health. 

Spiritual connection is another benefit. This is not to be confused with a spiritual being in religious factions. Additionally, 12-step fellowships such as AA and NA stress the importance of a spiritual connection with a higher power. This does not mean God in the sense of the Bible or any other religious material.

It means a connection with something greater. It is commonly seen in those working 12-step programs that the stronger their spiritual connection, the stronger their recovery. Another benefit of holistic treatment is better overall health.

The basis of holistic medicine is that all parts of the body are connected, and one is not balanced, the other parts will also fall off center. So, when the mind and soul are treated along with the body it provides a state of balance in all parts making it all around healthier.

Finding Holistic Treatment 

Treating the person as a whole has become increasingly more popular, especially when treating mental health as well as drug and alcohol addiction.

Being able to maintain recovery is the number one goal of anyone who seeks treatment for mental health or addiction to substances. Using alternative therapies and holistic treatments in order to do so can be extremely beneficial. If you or a loved one are struggling, there is help.

Contact us and begin the next stage of your life.

How Do I Choose the Right Treatment Program?

Written by Enlightened Recovery on . Posted in treatment.

Addiction is a challenging yet treatable disease. Research has found many methods that can help people stop using drugs and live healthy and sober lives. Of these methods, one of the most crucial is to find effective treatment that fits your needs. Spending time choosing a treatment program that is right for you is well worth it, as you are more likely to get the help you need to be delivered in a way that you connect with.

Choosing the best treatment program for you can seem daunting, but luckily, there are many different options out there. They vary in the types of therapy they offer, what they specialize in, cost, location, and other factors. These are all aspects of a treatment program you should consider when exploring the right treatment program for you.

Identifying What You Need From a Treatment Program

The first step to identifying the right treatment program for you is to determine what you need out of it, recognizing what substances, behaviors, and mental health disorders you are looking to find treatment for. For example, if you need treatment for addiction and a co-occurring mental health disorder, you will want to look for a program that includes dual-diagnosis care.

You also need to explore different treatment approaches and which of them you think will work for you. It can be challenging to figure this out, but speaking with a mental health care provider can help you to identify your needs better if this is something you are struggling with.

Treatment Program Options

Addiction treatment programs include different options. Below, we will discuss what aspect of a treatment program to ask about and consider when deciding on a program.

Inpatient vs. Outpatient Treatment

Addiction treatment generally comes in two forms – inpatient programs and outpatient programs. An inpatient program offers live-in care as you receive treatment; this often includes a medical detox that initiates the treatment process. Outpatient programs require you to live at home as you go to a treatment center to receive services during the day.

Each of these options has a place in treatment and recovery. Inpatient programs are generally suggested for those entering treatment for the first time. However, an intensive outpatient program (IOP) is beneficial for individuals concerned about relapse or who have recently relapsed.

Treatment Specialties

Every treatment center has certain types of addiction they treat and methods of treatment. For example, some treatment facilities only offer treatment for alcohol addiction.

Specialties can also include the approach of the treatment center. For example, at Enlightened Recovery, we specialize in holistic addiction treatment. This means that our treatment options are centered around treating the whole person. Due to this specialty, we include organic food, exercise programs, and stress management skills in our treatment programs.

Treatments and Therapies Available

Different types of therapies and treatments will be more effective for you than others. If you do not know what is or will be most effective for you, that’s okay. The first step is reading about the types of treatments available for addiction and learning what is offered within the programs you are looking into.

Treatment options often include some of the following:

  • Individual therapy
  • Family therapy
  • Adventure therapy
  • Different types of group therapy
  • Learning life skills
  • Therapy for specific mental health disorders
  • Detox

Speaking with a mental health care professional at a treatment facility can help you decide. Such a conversation will be two-sided and informative. They will ask you questions that help them – and you – learn if the specific treatment program is well-suited for your individual needs.

Location of the Treatment Program

The location of a treatment program is also essential. However, this is a preference that will vary for each person. Some may want to stay close to family and friends, while others may desire and benefit from treatment far from home and in a different environment.

Length of the Treatment Program

Treatment facilities often offer multiple options regarding the length of treatment. Standard program lengths are 30, 60, or 90 days. An ideal length of a program will vary depending on your needs. The cost, amount of time available, and need for detox can all play into your decision.

Again, speaking with a provider will help you to determine what is best for your needs in terms of length of stay. They will be able to help you understand the benefits and downsides of different program lengths.

Price of Services

The cost of addiction treatment is an important factor when considering different programs. Asking the facility what options are available and the cost of different programs will help you to learn if they will work for you.

Many treatment programs take insurance and will verify if your insurance company will cover your treatment if you inquire about it. This is a great option to look into and can make treatment affordable.

Treatment programs vary in price, length, location, and more. Finding the right program that fits your needs will help you to be more successful in your recovery. At Enlightened Recovery, we offer holistic treatment options that address mental health and substance use disorders. Our specialty is treating each client as a whole person. We help our clients learn life skills through treatment so they can return to their everyday lives with a foundation to build a sober life. If you are searching for the best treatment option for you, we can help. Call us today at (833) 801-LIVE to speak with a staff member about our program and if it is the right fit for you. 

5 Ways to Connect With Nature Through Horticulture Therapy

Written by Enlightened Recovery on . Posted in treatment.

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. 

How Can I Give Back During Treatment and Recovery?

Written by Enlightened Recovery on . Posted in treatment.

What does giving back mean to you? For some, giving back might mean donating to charity. Others may consider giving back as helping someone with their groceries or paying for the coffee for the person ahead of them in the drive-thru.

Whatever giving back looks like for you, it probably gives you a sense of warmth and fulfillment to do it. During treatment and recovery, giving back is essential. Addiction has a way of making you lose your sense of purpose. You may lose sight of your goals and feel disconnected from loved ones and the community.

One of the best ways to reconnect and find your place in society in recovery is by giving back. There are many ways to contribute to your community while healing and recovering from substance use disorder (SUD).

Volunteering/Community Service

Community service tends to have a negative connotation. The truth is, however, that people may participate in community service for many different reasons. One of them, of course, can be to fulfill a court order. Some, however, choose to serve the community voluntarily.

For many, giving their time and efforts to better their neighborhoods is very rewarding. Working together to accomplish a common goal that will be seen or experienced by other community members can be very healing. At Enlightened Recovery, we offer a volunteer program through the Enlightened Farm that welcomes treatment recipients and community members to work together.

Giving back through our volunteer program allows clients to connect with supportive members of the community who share common goals and believe in the mission. An added advantage is an opportunity to learn farm functions and develop new skills.

Sharing Skills and Talents

During treatment and recovery, you may likely tap into some skills and hobbies you may have forgotten about. It can be common to neglect your interests and passions amid addiction. One way of giving back during treatment and recovery is by using your skills and abilities to benefit those around you.

For example, suppose you are a skilled singer or musician. In that case, you may volunteer to play for special recovery events or utilize your talents to support others during a music therapy session. Perhaps you have a green thumb and want to contribute by offering to teach a skill during therapeutic horticulture.

Through Enlightened Recovery’ employment program at the farm, we urge clients to learn new skills and build confidence in their ability to use them. Giving back to the program by putting newly acquired skills to work really becomes a full-circle moment that clients tend to feel great about.

Alumni Program

Remaining involved after completing your treatment program has many benefits. New clients can see that success through the program is possible, which gives them hope.

Alumni events at Enlightened Recovery occur regularly and focus on interaction and having fun. Allowing incoming clients or individuals who may be new to recovery to hear firsthand stories of success can be incredibly motivating.

Additionally, our alumni program encourages graduates of the program to remain connected. A robust support system is critical in recovery. Our programs promote relationship-building and encourage clients to form bonds with each other as they work toward a common goal of sobriety. By staying active as alumni, clients can continue to grow these relationships and support each other throughout recovery.

Benefits of Giving Back

Doing good for others benefits both parties. It helps the recipient, which could be a person, a group, or the community as a whole. Giving back also benefits the person doing the giving in many ways.

Finding Purpose

As mentioned, addiction can leave you feeling unsure of what is next and uncertain of your purpose in the world. Giving back reminds you that you can make a difference in the lives of others and your community despite everything you have been through. It can help ease the feelings of shame and guilt that so often accompany substance abuse.

Staying Busy

It is important to stay busy and productive during treatment and recovery. By participating in any of the activities mentioned above or by finding other ways to give back, you can occupy your time with positive activities. You will learn to replace old, bad habits with new, healthier ones. These can include eating well, staying active, remaining mindful, attending 12-Step meetings, and more. Along with these lifestyle changes, scheduling time to do something good for others is a great addition.

Enlightened Recovery offers a variety of ways for clients and alumni to give back on a regular basis. We understand the importance of connecting with the community and contributing in a positive way. Consider giving back to others during treatment and recovery; the benefits are endless and can remind you how much you matter.

Giving back while you are going through treatment and as you enter recovery has many advantages. Getting connected with others in the community is crucial when recovering from addiction. This can help establish a network of supporters who can encourage and motivate you when you need it most. Giving back can also restore your sense of purpose and keep your mind and body busy. Enlightened Recovery offers many opportunities for clients and alumni to give back to others and the community. If you or a loved one is struggling with an addiction to drugs or alcohol, we would love to help. To learn more about our treatment programs, call Enlightened Recovery today at (833) 801-LIVE.

What Is Codependency and Am I Impacted by It?

Written by Enlightened Recovery on . Posted in treatment.

Codependency refers to being reliant on someone else for your own happiness and sense of well-being. In a codependent relationship, one individual requires the support of the codependent person. Over time, both individuals will normalize their lack of independence and rely on one another in unhealthy ways. You can see how this could create some conflict. It can even destroy the relationship by leading to resentment or unhealthy boundaries.

In terms of addiction, codependency usually refers to a loved one becoming consumingly concerned with supporting and caring for another. For the person struggling with an addiction to substances such as benzos, opioids, or alcohol, this can encourage substance use. This can lead to enabling and create more of a problem for both people.

In a codependent relationship, there is an imbalance. One person is putting in a lot of effort while the other is not. Often, this level of giving and not receiving leads to neglect of the codependent person’s personal needs. This can result in poor mental health, financial struggles, and resentment toward the other person.

Signs of Codependency

There are some telltale signs of codependency that could indicate a problem. Sometimes, it can be hard to detect codependency in the thick of things. If you or a loved one is struggling with addiction, you may not discover it until treatment is underway and you both begin to recover. Getting help can help restore balance to the relationship and allow time and space for healing.

It is important to know that codependent relationships stretch far beyond solely romantic relationships or partnerships. Still, it is important to be aware of the common signs that could indicate that your relationship with a loved one may be codependent.

Weak Boundaries

One of the signs of codependency is weak boundaries. Setting boundaries in relationships is essential. When it comes to addiction, boundaries are often crossed or disregarded. For the codependent person, boundaries are not important. They are so concerned with caring for the other person that they lose sight of what is important to them.

Unhealthy Caretaking

Often, a codependent person takes on the role of taking care of the other. This may eventually cause them to neglect their own needs. Rather than prioritizing their own health and well-being, a codependent person may prioritize the health and well-being of their partner who is struggling with an addiction. This might involve paying their partner’s bills or loaning them money. It could also include offering a place to live or providing transportation.

Many consider themselves caretakers by nature. Having a gift or passion for caring for others is very different than codependency. Caring for others while also caring for yourself can be healthy and rewarding. However, taking on the caretaker role while ignoring your own self-care and mental health is harmful.

Low Self-Esteem or Self-Worth

In a codependent relationship, the person struggling with codependency often experiences low self-esteem or self-worth. This is because they gauge their worth by the success, happiness, and well-being, of the other person. Taking on this responsibility can be a huge burden and is often a losing battle.

If your loved one is struggling with addiction, chances are they will not be successful or well until they seek treatment and begin their recovery journey. Working to control the situation and worrying about their well-being amidst their addiction can be exhausting and defeating.

This leads to low self-esteem and discouragement that carries over into all areas of life for the codependent. They may see their performance at work start to falter. Other relationships may begin to fail or become tense and uncomfortable. Their ability to communicate and make decisions can also be affected.

Identifying and Healing From Codependency

Enlightened Recovery helps clients and their families heal after addiction and learn to grow together in recovery. Parents, spouses, or other loved ones often become so concerned with controlling and managing the situation that they become codependent without realizing it.

Our family programs help loved ones identify codependency and work to become stronger in order to improve wellness and serve as a healthy support system. We understand the impact addiction can have on the family and recognize the need family members have for healing as well.

Codependency affects many people who are impacted by addiction. It not only brings the person experiencing codependency down but also enables the destructive behavior fueling the addiction. This prolongs the problem and leads to more potential for problems such as increased use, overdose, and more.

Identifying codependency is critical. If you discover that you have any of the signs noted above, it may be time to seek help. Our staff at Enlightened Recovery can help you and your family determine the best course of action to ensure success and healing.

Don’t let codependency keep your loved one from getting the help they need. Enabling their addiction is causing more harm and is not addressing the real problem. Encourage treatment instead.

No one wants to admit that codependency is affecting their relationships and life. It can be embarrassing or shameful for some. The truth is that it can be pretty common in the realm of addiction. Loved ones can become so consumed with caring for and worrying about their spouse or family member that they develop codependency without realizing it. It is important to recognize that codependent actions often lead to enabling the behavior of a person struggling with addiction. This only prolongs their substance use and keeps them from seeking treatment. At Enlightened Recovery, we offer a variety of groups through our family program that can help identify and address codependency. This will allow for healing and growth and can instill strategies for setting healthy boundaries and mending broken relationships. If you or someone you love is struggling with addiction, we would love to help. Call Enlightened Recovery today at (833) 801-LIVE.

How Do I Explain Employment Gaps Due to Addiction Treatment?

Written by Enlightened Recovery on . Posted in treatment.

For many, a job is more than just a means of making money; it can be part of their overall identity and why they get up each day. Because employment is so important, it can serve as a barrier to seeking treatment. The thought of losing a job or having a gap in one’s employment history due to treatment for addiction to drugs or alcohol can be troubling.

The truth is, you may be questioned if there are gaps in employment on your resume. In today’s society, hundreds, even thousands of people are often applying for just one job. The thought of this can be very discouraging for anyone looking for work.

Since the job market is so competitive these days, it is essential to be prepared to explain any gaps in employment you may have due to seeking addiction treatment.

Build New Skills

If you make the decision to seek treatment and potentially step away from work, it is important to take full advantage of the opportunities provided. Focus on the new skills you are developing and make every effort to learn when you can. Many of the groups and therapeutic activities that are offered by treatment facilities provide chances to learn new things.

For example, you might pick up a new hobby during horticulture therapy that could eventually lead to an employment opportunity. You might gain new or improved interpersonal skills as a result of a therapy group that will serve you well in your next interview.

Prepare for Future Job Interviews

Preparing is one of the best ways to ensure an interview goes as planned. If you have gaps in your employment history, you need to come prepared to discuss them. While they may not even come up, it is a good idea to have something to say if you are questioned.

Coming prepared for an interview also involves doing a little research. Look into the mission of the company. Research the size and recent growth patterns. Think about what skills you can offer to enhance the organization. Also, be ready to ask a few questions of your own based on your research. The better the conversation goes, the less likely they are to harp on anything from your past.

Be Honest

When discussing reasons for your gaps in employment with a potential supervisor or interviewer, be honest. Often, employers will understand and support your decision to step away from work to seek treatment.

It can be intimidating to have a conversation like this when you are unsure of the outcome. When you are new in recovery, you want to find a workplace that is supportive. Surrounding yourself with people who will encourage you and lift you up. is critical If you find that the discussion does not go as planned after being honest about your past, it may not be the right fit.

Focus on Healing

Seeking treatment for addiction can be a little scary. Walking away from a job or a career to seek help is not always easy, even when you know it is the right thing to do. The truth is, you are not functioning your best at work, or at home, while you are struggling with addiction.

It is time to put yourself first and focus on healing. You will develop new skills, improve your focus, boost your energy levels, and increase your overall wellness by choosing to seek treatment. A gap in employment due to your addiction is a hurdle you can overcome. Focus on the good. Imagine what you will bring to your next job as a result of your sobriety.

Career Building Programs in Recovery

There are several ways to make this transition into the workforce easier. One way is to continue participating in something worthy of noting on your resume while in treatment. Enlightened Recovery offers several different programs through our Enlightened Farm. These programs are designed to help clients develop new skills, build confidence, and give back to the community in a productive and meaningful way.

Enlightened Farm allows those in inpatient treatment, partial care, and sober living – as well as community members – to get involved. The Growing Gratitude Program provides an opportunity to give back through community service. This promotes skill-building and general farm knowledge, which can be added to a resume and used again.

The Solid Roots Employment Program offers job opportunities and stable income for those in sober living and who are new to recovery. This can serve as an excellent stepping stone between treatment and embarking on a new career path.

Having to explain a lapse in employment can be uncomfortable. Going into treatment knowing you are going to have a gap to explain to future employers can sometimes serve as a deterrent for seeking help. Don’t let this keep you from getting help. There is plenty you can do while in treatment for addiction to make sure you are gaining experience, building skills, and preparing for life and success afterward. At Enlightened Recovery, we provide several different opportunities through the Enlightened Farm to help clients develop new transferrable skills, gain work experience, and earn an income in recovery. Our therapy and wellness groups also promote skill development and provide chances to practice and improve various soft skills. If you or someone you love is struggling with an addiction to drugs or alcohol, we would love to hear from you. To begin healing, call Enlightened Recovery today at (833) 801-LIVE.

Harnessing Your Creativity in Treatment and Recovery

Written by Enlightened Recovery on . Posted in treatment.

Do you consider yourself to be a creative person? Whether your answer is yes or no, creative outlets are important to have when recovering from substance use disorders (SUDs). They can serve as healthy escapes or coping mechanisms for stress and anxiety.

Creativity can be incorporated into almost any activity. Take cooking, for example. You are expressing your creativity by putting your own spin on a recipe. Maybe you are decorating cookies for a holiday party. This involves creativity too!

Expressing creativity is something we all should strive to do. Creating has a long list of benefits regarding mood, mental health, and motivation. In treatment and recovery, finding ways to express yourself creatively can enhance your experience and lead to better success long term.

Benefits of Creativity

As mentioned, finding creative outlets and opportunities for expressing creativity can have many advantages. For those struggling with addiction, creative activities can offer a reprieve from the many significant challenges associated with it.

#1 Aids in Relaxation and Stress Reduction

For many, activities that involve being creative can offer a sense of relaxation. This could include drawing, painting, making pottery, writing, and more. The therapeutic nature of these activities can help calm your nerves and help you focus on what your hands are creating in the moment. This allows you to drown out the things that may be weighing you down or causing stress.

#2 Boosts Confidence

There is something about creating something beautiful with your own two hands that brings a sense of pride. Even if the result may not seem beautiful to others, the beauty is often in the process. Learning to create something usually involves developing new skills. With building new skills comes more confidence.

#3 Fosters Socialization and Community

Activities that involve creativity can often be delivered in group settings. This creates an opportunity for you to bond with others over a common goal. Even if everyone is creating something of their own, the shared experience promotes communication and bonding.

Creative Expression During Treatment

At Enlightened Recovery, you are sure to exercise your creativity regularly. We offer a variety of therapeutic activities that promote healing and encourage creative expression. You may even discover a skill or ability to create that you did not know you had before entering treatment.

We understand that talk therapy can sometimes be intimidating or difficult, especially in the early stages of treatment and recovery. Expressive art therapy techniques, such as the ones we utilize, offer you a different modality for expressing your thoughts and feelings. It can be hard to find words to explain certain emotions at times. Painting a picture or writing a poem that is representative of how you are feeling can sometimes feel more manageable.

Our treatment facility utilizes a variety of different mediums when it comes to expressive art therapy. We offer art therapy groups that can involve painting, sculpting, sketching, and more. Our music therapy classes may include listening to music, playing musical instruments, or even singing. We also aim to help clients harness creativity throughout wellness and nutrition groups.

Creative Outlets Enhance Motivation in Treatment

Staying motivated to engage in creativity-focused activities throughout treatment and recovery can sometimes be challenging. This is most common, perhaps, once you have completed treatment and resumed your busy schedule. It is essential, however, to make time for the things that help you manage stress, build confidence, and offer a sense of community.

This may take some planning ahead and time management. For some, expressing creativity may fall into the self-care category due to the mental health and mood-boosting advantages. Learn more about the importance of self-care in recovery here.

It is essential to recognize how versatile exercising creativity can be. It may look different for everyone. Think about how you might be able to express creativity while participating in hobbies or activities you already enjoy. For example, consider taking a photo of the beautiful sunset next time you are out on your paddleboard. Photography can serve as an excellent creative outlet. Or, consider picking up a few flat stones on your next hike. They can make excellent canvases for painting.

Harnessing your creativity in treatment and recovery can benefit your mental health and help you avoid relapse. Usually, when you are doing something creative, your energy and thoughts are focused on what you are creating. This allows you to ignore and fight cravings, drown out stressors, and feel a sense of accomplishment and purpose. Consider picking up some paintbrushes, or even take a few minutes to doodle or draft a quick poem. You might feel a little more relaxed and joyful as a result.

Everyone has the ability to create. Some may enjoy it more than others, but everyone is capable. For many, the challenge is finding something they actually enjoy doing or believe to be meaningful. There are tons of different activities that can incorporate creative expression. A few common mediums include painting, making music, sketching, writing, acting, and even cooking. Sometimes, trying some of these activities for the first time can lead to new hobbies or coping strategies when it comes to managing stress or processing trauma. At Enlightened Recovery, we facilitate various activities that promote creative expression and help clients recognize the impact. Our trained therapists provide art therapy, music therapy, horticulture therapy, and more. If you or someone you care about is struggling with an addiction to drugs or alcohol, we would love to help. Call Enlightened Recovery at (833) 801-LIVE.

Why Connection With Yourself Matters

Written by Enlightened Recovery on . Posted in treatment.

In life, connections are critical. They are essential to have when you need support. They are important when it comes to seeking and maintaining a job. Connections are also important when it comes to forming relationships and friendships.

While the connections with others are certainly valuable, the connection we have with our inner self is equally essential. It is common to lose touch with yourself as a result of addiction. Dependence on opioids, benzos, alcohol, or other substances can cause you to neglect your needs and wellness. Your priorities tend to shift during this time. You might forget about people or things that used to be important to you and bring you joy.

Once you make the decision to enter treatment, you can begin to rebuild your connection with yourself. Let’s discuss some tips for reconnecting.

How to Reconnect

Building a strong connection with your inner self is something that can take practice. Even without addiction, learning to tune in to that inner voice can be difficult. When you throw substance abuse in the mix, you are essentially re-learning the skills you may have had before your addiction.

Connecting with your inner self requires just that, skills. It seems easy enough, right? Believe it or not, for some, making external connections can be much easier. Connecting internally involves self-reflection and, sometimes, a lot of patience. You may need to practice sitting with your thoughts and working to drown out outside distractions. Here are a few methods to consider.

Practice Meditation

Mediation involves practicing mindfulness. Mindfulness encourages several things that can aid in your efforts to reconnect with yourself. Here are a few examples:

#1. Meditation usually takes place in a calm, quiet environment. This allows you to focus on your thoughts and feelings as they occur from moment to moment. It can be easy to drown out or misinterpret both with a lot of external stimuli.

#2. Meditation is usually practiced alone. Again, while forming and maintaining connections with others is incredibly valuable in treatment and recovery, you need to be alone to really connect with yourself.

#3. Meditation promotes relaxation. When you are stressed or tense, it is difficult to devote your full attention to your thoughts and feelings in the present moment.

Meditation is something that many choose to practice daily. Some may meditate in the morning before getting their day started, while others may choose to wrap up their day with some quiet time. Find what works best for you.

Connect With a Higher Power

Spirituality is an important component of addiction recovery for many reasons. Along with healing the body and mind, healing the spirit allows you to fill a void you may feel as you leave drugs and alcohol behind. You may feel as though you have lost your sense of identity. Spirituality will help you find it again.

Connecting with a higher power can be helpful as you rediscover yourself and determine who you are and who you want to be in recovery. It can help you reconnect with the things that bring you happiness and peace from within. Those who are open to spiritual practice are often less likely to relapse after treatment.

Meet Your Needs

Meeting your needs may sound simple, but it is not always as easy as it seems. In order to meet your needs, you must first understand what they are. This is where meditation and spirituality can help. Once you have determined what you need to feel fulfilled, purposeful, and happy, it is important to act on this knowledge.

One of the ways in which you can ensure your needs are met is through practicing self-care. Self-care can look different for everyone; some may require a little more maintenance than others. Life can get busy and hectic. Making time for things that can help you feel refreshed, energized, and motivated is critical.

A few examples could include:

  • Trying new hobbies
  • Spending time outdoors
  • Journaling
  • Creating art

The Value of Self-Connection

In addiction recovery, you must be incredibly self-aware to avoid getting off track. Having a good connection with your inner self allows you to be vigilant and proactive in caring for yourself to prevent relapse. Understanding your thoughts and feelings and staying present in the moment can make all the difference.

Knowing yourself well and prioritizing your needs can help you manage stress well, avoid triggers, and stay motivated to do the things that serve you well and support your goals. At Enlightened Recovery, we will help you develop strategies and implement routines to help you maintain the self-connection required to be successful.

Connections are an important part of life. We need connections in order to work, socialize, and form relationships. Perhaps the most important connection we can have is the one with our inner self. This connection can often become strained as a result of addiction. During treatment, it is important to rebuild the connection with ourselves that we have lost and learn strategies for maintaining it. At Enlightened Recovery, we incorporate many mindfulness-focused activities to help clients learn to listen and process their thoughts and feelings in the moment. This not only helps with healing but can also reduce stress, improve self-awareness, and help clients learn to recognize and meet their needs without drugs or alcohol. Our holistic treatment model offers a variety of programs designed to help you heal and become the best and healthiest version of yourself in recovery. To get help, call Enlightened Recovery today at (833) 801-LIVE.