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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.

Why Should I Seek Holistic Treatment?

Written by Enlightened Recovery on . Posted in treatment.

What do you think of when you hear the word holistic? Do you think of natural remedies? Do you think about things that connect the mind and body? The term holistic refers to a comprehensive approach. In terms of addiction recovery, holistic means treating the whole person.

At Enlightened Recovery, we believe in utilizing treatments and strategies that help unify and heal the mind, body, and spirit. After all, you need all three to fully recover from addiction. We aim to address all areas of wellness to ensure the best possible outcome.

Connecting the mind, body, and spirit will help you form relationships between your behaviors and emotions. Through activities promoting this connection, you can not only mentally and physically, but also spiritually.

Yoga and Meditation

Yoga and meditation involve significant mind, body, and spirit collaboration. Our instructors help you develop a practice that serves you and enables you to heal. We tie in the 12-Step process to help connect what you are learning outside of the studio to what your body is doing in the studio.

Yoga and meditation connect the mind and body through mindfulness. Mindfulness is the practice of focusing on your thoughts, feelings, and experiences in the present moment. Practicing mindfulness can help strengthen the connection between the mind, body, and spirit.

Acupuncture Practices

Acupuncture involves the use of tiny needles and pressure points. While it sounds a little daunting, it can be extremely relaxing and beneficial. We know that addiction can create chronic anxiety and stress. Our focus on the Autonomic Point and Shenmen helps ease stress and increase relaxation. This acupuncture technique also focuses on the Kidney Point, Liver Point, and Lung Point. The kidneys, liver, and lungs all play important roles in healing and recovering from addiction. Learn more about how addiction affects health here.

The advantages of acupuncture are immense. Each of the benefits addresses the healing of the mind, body, or spirit. A few of the benefits include improved sleep, mindfulness, reduced cravings, more energy, improved mood, and more. Read about more benefits of acupuncture here.

Chiropractic Care

Chiropractic care is all about resolving imbalances. Addiction creates imbalance and disruption to the mind, body, and spirit. Substances such as benzos, opioids, and alcohol are often used to suppress physical or emotional pain. During treatment at Enlightened Recovery, you will be encouraged to focus on and pay close attention to the pain you are experiencing. You can then learn how to cope and heal from the pain in healthy and natural ways.

Addiction leads to an abundance of tension, most of which is held in the neck and spine. When you are struggling with a substance use disorder (SUD), you are most likely eating poorly, failing to exercise, and neglecting all forms of self-care. In turn, stress and tension will build up in the body, causing more and more discomfort and pain. Our chiropractic care can help release this tension and restore your body’s natural balance.

Art and Music Therapy

Art and music therapy have a way of connecting us to ourselves and one another. These activities often occur in a group setting, allowing you to feel a sense of community and bond over shared experiences. Healing through the arts is something extraordinary. While traditional talk therapy has many advantages when it comes to addiction recovery, it is not always effective on its own.

Art and music therapy offer different methods for processing and expressing your thoughts and feelings. Sometimes, you may not feel up to speaking about what you are feeling. Sometimes, it may feel more manageable to paint how you are feeling or listen to music that represents your current state.

Self-expression through art and music can be extremely healing and enlightening. Music and art often uncover emotions that otherwise would have remained unlocked. This powerful ability of music to aid in self-expression is essential for healing in recovery.

Enlightened Recovery doesn’t just claim to be a holistic treatment program – it lives up to the claim. The services mentioned above are only a few of the many offerings we provide to help promote the healing of the whole person.

We know that recovery will not be as successful without healing in all areas. Each day, our treatment team meets to discuss the progress and needs of everyone in our care. This is to ensure we are providing the best and most individualized holistic care possible to every client. Our programs help restore overall wellness and instill healing practices that clients are able to carry with them beyond treatment.

A holistic approach to treatment usually involves a variety of strategies and methods to address the healing of the whole person. When it comes to addiction recovery, holistic treatment is extremely beneficial for success. Our physical health affects our mental health. Our mental health affects our physical and spiritual health, and the pattern continues. In order to fully recover, you must work to improve each of these areas. At Enlightened Recovery, we have designed our program to encompass healing mediums and therapies to address the mind, body, and spirit. By strengthening all three and encouraging a connection between them, clients are better prepared to navigate recovery. If you or someone you care about is struggling with an addiction to drugs or alcohol and could benefit from our holistic treatment program, we would love to speak with you. To get started, call Enlightened Recovery today at (833) 801-LIVE. 

Healing Our Community for Over 20 Years

Written by Enlightened Recovery on . Posted in treatment.

For any industry with a mission to serve, community inclusion and service are crucial to success and sustainability. Creating space for community members in need and offering something different to fulfill those needs is critical. Enlightened Recovery has accomplished this and more by finding creative ways to promote healing within the community.

For over two decades, the Enlightened Recovery family, rooted in the Hansen Foundation, has been immersed in the community through various events and hosting activities open to the public. By doing so, awareness of the services offered and the potential for community change and treatment through Enlightened’s unique treatment approaches has increased.

Our Founder

Jennifer Hansen is the founder of Enlightened Recovery and the well-known non-profit The Hansen Foundation. She created The Hansen Foundation approximately two decades ago to fund sober living facilities for men and women in South Jersey after entering recovery herself. After this success, Jennifer founded Enlightened Recovery to continue helping others who were impacted by substance abuse. Jennifer has dedicated herself to healing and restoring the community over the last two decades.

Jennifer lives a holistic lifestyle and believes in the value it can bring to community members and those in treatment and recovery. A yoga instructor herself, she incorporates yoga into the treatment programs offered at Enlightened Recovery. Through yoga, clients and community members can experience healing of the body, mind, and spirit. Specialized yoga classes tieing in the 12-Step process have been proven especially beneficial for those in treatment. Each of the Twelve Steps is associated with a unique yoga pose, allowing for a physical connection to that step.

Jennifer finds great value in consuming organic, nutritious foods and feels strongly about protecting and nurturing the earth that provides them. You will find that the menu at Enlightened Recovery sites is composed of locally grown fresh foods to promote healing from the inside out.

The Enlightened Farm

The Enlightened Farm serves as somewhat of a focal point and produces the nutrient-rich, organic foods that Enlightened Recovery offers its clients. Horticulture programs at the farm aim to bring together those battling addiction, those in recovery, and those who strive for holistic wellness.

Through the Regenerative Agriculture Program, organic vegetables, eggs, herbs, and flowers are produced and provided to the various Enlightened campuses and Serenity Houses in South Jersey. Things such as soil health, companion planting, and integration with wildlife are prioritized. The farm’s Sustainability Program involves transferring all food scraps from the various kitchen sites weekly to be used as compost creating organic fertilizer and topsoil.

The farm also hosts horticulture therapy. This allows clients to experience various natural mediums to promote healing, overall wellness, and environmental awareness. Sessions are offered to clients twice a week, and families are welcome to attend monthly to encourage reintegration. This alternative therapy is one of many offered by Enlightened Recovery.

The Enlightened Farm also provides opportunities for community service, volunteering, and employment. This can be a huge area of need for those in treatment or recovery. The Growing Gratitude Program offers weekly opportunities to serve the community through service at the farm.

The Enlightened Volunteer Program is a community-inclusive activity and is open to anyone interested in learning to care for a farm or wanting to contribute to the overall mission. Alumni, community members, and members of local organizations and businesses are welcome to participate.

By hosting Community Volunteer Day open to the public twice per month, community members are able to get involved and learn more about what Enlightened has to offer. Participating members are offered a free recreational class in appreciation for their efforts.

Seeking and securing employment can be difficult following treatment and during recovery. Enlightened Farm offers a Solid Roots Employment Program that assists those new to recovery in transitioning back into the work world. Benefits include job training, skill development, and positive socialization and fellowship.

Community Events

In addition to recurring offerings at the farm, Enlightened Recovery hosts a variety of events each year designed to serve and involve the community. Examples include a Charity Golf Tournament, Fluke Tournament, and drug and alcohol-free music festivals. By offering such events, the community becomes more aware of the mission and more inclined to consider getting involved.

Enlightened Recovery makes every effort to remain integrated into the community and extend its knowledge and belief in holistic healing. By offering programs and activities at the farm and hosting large events for the community, Enlightened continues to reach and positively impact more community members each year. Consider stopping by the farm or attending the next open event to experience the power of community healing for yourself.

Enlightened Recovery is unique in a variety of ways. In addition to our various holistic treatment modalities offered and whole-person healing objectives, we aim to serve and involve the community as much as possible. We believe in helping the community become healthier, more informed, and live more sustainably. The Enlightened Farm offers many programs to meet the needs of those in treatment, in recovery, or who want to learn more about farming or our mission. By providing opportunities for community service, volunteering, and employment, the farm can serve as a stepping stone for those in treatment or new to recovery as they regain their footing and prepare to re-enter the workforce. By involving the community in farm activities and local events, Enlightened Recovery touches lives and spreads the mission of the organization well beyond the facility doors. If you are in need of treatment, call Enlightened Recovery at (833) 801-LIVE.

How to Find Your Community in Treatment and Recovery

Written by Enlightened Recovery on . Posted in treatment.

Everyone wants to feel like they belong. Feeling as though you are a part of something can be very encouraging and motivating. Having a close network of friends or supporters is so important when it comes to a good quality of life.

Finding and feeling a sense of community is critical when it comes to treatment and recovery. Typically, following addiction, you will have a very different group of friends with whom you spend your time. Many may find themselves feeling isolated and alone as they enter treatment and begin recovery. Enlightened Recovery facilitates many opportunities to meet like-minded people and integrate into the recovery community.

We understand how important it is to feel like you belong and serve as a part of something bigger than just yourself. We encourage you to make healthy connections and engage with other clients, alumni, and community members during treatment and your recovery.

Group Learning

One of the ways in which Enlightened Recovery creates a sense of community is by encouraging group learning when it comes to wellness and nutrition. We place a significant emphasis on health and wellness during the treatment process. We do this because we know the importance of holistic health and how feeling good physically and mentally aids in your recovery.

We find that when it comes to health and wellness, people tend to learn better in groups. This allows for exchanging ideas, brainstorming, and providing encouragement to one another as you discover new strengths, interests, and ways of life.

Enlightened Recovery offers various health and wellness groups and activities, such as yoga and meditation in group settings. These activities can be very beneficial in establishing a mind and body connection that is essential to good mental and physical health.

We also offer food-based activities such as gardening in the form of horticulture therapy at our Enlightened Farm. This allows you to understand the value of organic, nutritious foods. It also allows you to explore the benefits of fresh herbs and fresh fruits and vegetables when it comes to healing.

Group Therapy

In addition to the food and exercise focus group activities, Enlightened Recovery offers many experiential therapies that promote teamwork and a sense of community among our clients. These activities often encourage sharing personal experiences, struggles, and feelings in the form of art, music, poetry, and more. Allowing you to express yourself in creative ways can be extremely healing and can encourage and facilitate peer connections.

We also offer a variety of therapy groups. We know that there are tremendous benefits when it comes to group therapy for substance-abuse treatment. We also understand that there are advantages to both coed and gender-specific environments. Often, gender-specific therapy can be beneficial in the beginning stages of treatment. This is a time when you are just learning to become comfortable sharing your experiences and struggles aloud. Creating a space of same-gender peers can often make you feel a little more comfortable sharing. This provides a sense of safety, belonging, and relatability within the group.

Community Involvement

Enlightened Recovery makes many efforts to remain connected to the community and allow alumni clients to continue to stay engaged. One of the ways in which we do this is through the Enlightened Farm. Our farm serves many functions, one of which is community engagement. The farm hosts volunteer days, which always pull in community members and provide opportunities to learn more about our recovery-based organization. This allows you to stay connected with Enlightened Recovery programs and helps other supportive community members to get involved.

Forming connections and building your community in treatment and recovery is essential. Having a good support network can help hold you accountable, keep you motivated, and allow you to stay on track and avoid relapse. In order to build relationships and connections, you have to know how to communicate and network within your community. Through our programs at Enlightened Recovery, you will learn how to communicate better, form quality relationships, and maintain those connections that are healthy and serve you well. We offer a variety of classes to help you develop these skills and facilitate daily opportunities to practice them during your time in treatment with us.

Surrounding yourself with other supportive, like-minded people is key to success in recovery from addiction long-term. At Enlightened Recovery, we create a safe and welcoming environment that encourages healing and growth for everyone. By beginning to build your connections and support network in treatment, you are sure to feel a sense of belonging and community in recovery.

Feeling a sense of community is critical for everyone. No one enjoys feeling isolated and alone. The truth is, recovery and treatment for drug or alcohol addiction can be a little isolating and leave you feeling like others may not understand or be able to relate. At Enlightened Recovery, we understand the importance of belonging. We help clients form positive relationships and learn to develop and maintain a good support network in and after treatment. We offer a variety of group therapy styles and learning experiences throughout treatment that will help you begin to build your community in recovery. If you or someone you care about is struggling with drug or alcohol addiction, we would love to help them heal and find their sense of community in recovery. If you need help, please call Enlightened Recovery today at (833) 801-LIVE. Our caring team is here for you. 

How Can I Have a Healthy Relationship With Food?

Written by Enlightened Recovery on . Posted in treatment.

How do you view food? Are you someone who is constantly on the go and just grabs whatever is quick and convenient? Maybe you’re someone who carefully plans each and every meal and prepares ahead of time when possible. Or, maybe you are somebody who tries your best to eat a healthy and balanced diet but occasionally gives in to cravings for brownies or junk food from time to time.

Establishing and maintaining a healthy relationship with food is important to your health. Sure, treating yourself on occasion is absolutely alright. Sometimes, tough times or stress can distract us from prioritizing healthy eating. However, consuming a balanced and healthy diet is essential to good mental and physical health and can aid in addiction recovery.

Addiction and Appetite

Addiction can impact your appetite and the way you eat. Some people find themselves eating very little while they are struggling with substance use disorder (SUD). Food becomes a lesser priority than drugs or alcohol and can often be pushed aside or forgotten. Others may find themselves consuming way too much food or all the wrong types of food during their addiction. Certain substances can encourage you to eat more while others can suppress your appetite leading you to eat less or not enough.

Whether your addiction is to benzos, heroin, or other substances, you are likely to possess some poor eating habits. This being the case, you may find yourself either gaining weight or losing weight during the treatment process. During treatment, your body has the opportunity to heal as it learns to function again without drugs or alcohol. By removing these toxins, your body can reset and begin to absorb the benefits of eating good, nutritious food again.

Food should serve as a source of energy, nutrition, and fuel for everyday functioning. You will see and feel your body change as you start to incorporate healthy foods in healthy amounts into your diet. You will sleep better, have better focus, and feel better overall.

Food and You

So, how do you establish a good relationship with food? This can certainly be easier said than done, especially after developing poor habits as a result of your addiction. It’s important to change your perspective on food. Whether you viewed food as an obligation to survive or eagerly awaited each meal, allowing food to serve as a motivator or comfort, it’s time to change how you view it.

As previously stated, food should serve as fuel for your body. In order to utilize food for its intended purpose, you must select the correct foods to ensure you are getting proper nutrition. When you adjust your perspective to consider food as something that should be working for you and not against you, you can begin to alter what you choose to put in your body and the portions you choose to consume.

It’s important to acknowledge when you’re full. It is equally important to acknowledge when you’re hungry. Learning to listen to your body and its cues can help in creating a healthy relationship with food. Our body has a way of communicating with us and letting us know what it needs. By cleansing your body of substances, you are better able to identify these cues, and your body can clearly communicate them.

Organic Eating

You have probably heard the hype about choosing organic foods. There’s hype around this topic for a good reason. Organic foods are free of pesticides and harmful chemicals that often exist in non-organic foods and are often more nutrient-dense and ethically grown.

Organic eating can be more simple than you might think. Growing your own organic produce and herbs could be a great way to ensure you always have a selection easily accessible and available to you. Here at Enlightened Recovery, we grow our own local produce at our farm to create a menu full of nutritious and healthy meals for our clients. We understand the value of eating well and want to share that with those in our care.

In what ways could you change your relationship with food during recovery? Here are a few key takeaways:

  • View food as fuel
  • Listen to your body
  • Choose organic

By keeping these tips in mind, you can successfully change your viewpoint and perspective on food and will be able to make better decisions when it comes to what you put into your body. Healthy eating is essential to your wellness and can support your efforts to maintain good health throughout treatment and addiction recovery.

Food should serve as fuel for your body, providing essential vitamins and nutrients for good health and optimal functioning. Addiction to drugs or alcohol can cause you to develop unhealthy eating habits. At Enlightened Recovery, we prioritize healthy and organic eating and incorporate this value into our treatment program. At our farm, we grow organic produce and herbs that you as a resident can take part in. You will learn about the growing process, participate in giving back to the community, and come to understand how good nutrition can support you in healing your body and mind after battling substance abuse. If you or someone you care about could benefit from our holistic approach to treatment, please reach out. We would love to help you heal mentally, physically, and spiritually and live the life you deserve free of drugs and alcohol. Call Enlightened Recovery today at (833) 801-LIVE.

Can Trying New Things Help Me in Recovery?

Written by Enlightened Recovery on . Posted in treatment.

It is no secret that addiction can cause you to lose touch with yourself and the things that you really enjoy. Addiction has a way of stripping you of everything that adds value to your life, forcing you to focus solely on getting the next fix. Many will stop participating in activities they used to really love and lose interest in hobbies altogether.

Treatment often offers opportunities to try new things. Taking advantage of these opportunities is a great idea, as you are likely to need new things to spend time and energy on as you enter recovery. It’s important to stay busy and devote energy to meaningful things. Keeping your mind and body busy and intentional can help reduce the risk of relapse and keep you on track.

Trying new things can often be very empowering and motivating. You may discover that you have skills in certain areas that you were not aware of. Imagine trying something for the first time, such as gardening or paddleboarding, and finding that you really have a talent for it. It can happen!

Some new things that you may try during treatment could be optional, while others may be required as part of your treatment plan and program. Have an open mind. Therapy, group education, and wellness and nutrition groups are incorporated into treatment programs for a reason. At Enlightened Recovery, we offer a variety of activities to our clients to promote skill building, peer interaction, and healing. We encourage certain activities and programs for our clients that we feel may benefit them and enhance their progress.

New Activities During Treatment

Make an effort to try activities that maybe you otherwise would not have. Give an art group a try, or consider trying yoga for the first time. Activities that incorporate a mind and body connection, such as yoga, can have tremendous benefits during treatment and recovery.

Engaging in art or horticulture therapy can be new to many and will often serve as an outlet for stress and anxiety during treatment and recovery. Art therapy promotes healing and relaxation and can bring out creative abilities and skills that you may not have even been aware of. Horticulture therapy offers opportunities to interact with various plants and herbs. Even if you aren’t a plant person, you may be surprised by what you gain from spending some time working in a garden or enjoying nature. Trying new things can be a huge confidence booster.

Group therapy can be a new experience for many. Studies show that there are many benefits to group therapy experiences. Many develop connections and find a sense of community as a result of group meetings during treatment and recovery. Learn more about the benefits of group therapy here.

Self Discovery

How do you know if you’re good at something without trying it? You don’t! You may find that after learning to surf or paddleboard during treatment, you’re actually quite good at it. By picking up a paintbrush for the first time and learning to express feelings and emotions through art, you may discover that you have quite the artistic streak.

By trying new activities during treatment, you can really explore who you are without drugs or alcohol. It can be easy to forget and lose touch with yourself as a result of addiction. Trying new things and discovering new talents and preferences can really boost your confidence and leave you feeling prepared as you exit treatment.

There is nothing worse than feeling unable to answer the question of what’s next. By discovering new interests, hobbies, and goals throughout treatment, you can enter recovery with peace of mind and a plan for how to structure your days outside of residential living.

Life After Treatment

Keep in mind just how much your new hobbies and preferred activities helped you during treatment, and consider bringing them with you as you enter recovery. Of course, after exiting residential care you are likely to resume more of your daily living tasks and responsibilities such as work, school, taking care of family, etc. Don’t let these things distract you from continuing to prioritize your new hobbies and interests.

Continue to try new things throughout recovery as well. Just as you gain confidence, purpose, and joy from exploring new hobbies throughout treatment, you will reap the same benefits from trying new things during recovery.

Consider taking that ceramics class or joining a book club. Take some guitar lessons or try out a new form of exercise. By keeping yourself engaged in positive and meaningful activities, you are less likely to give in to cravings and can focus your thoughts and energy on something positive.

Trying new things takes courage. How often, though, do you regret trying new things? When it comes to exploring hobbies and healthy activities, you are not likely to regret the experience. During treatment, giving new forms of exercise, therapy, and entertainment a try is a great idea. At Enlightened Recovery, we like to introduce our clients to activities that promote healing and growth during and beyond treatment. We place great value in group learning and organic eating and encourage clients to take part in the farming process. This is one example of our many programs and activities designed to introduce clients to fun and therapeutic outlets to practice in recovery. Other examples include art, yoga, fishing, and more. If you or someone you care about is struggling with drug or alcohol addiction, let us help. Call Enlightened Recovery today at (833) 801-LIVE.

Why Is Self-Care Important in Recovery?

Written by Enlightened Recovery on . Posted in treatment.

How do you take care of yourself? Self-care refers to being aware of your needs and making consistent efforts to meet them. For example, self-care could involve meditating or taking a hot bath to unwind and relax if you are feeling overwhelmed or stressed. To be able to serve others, take care of your responsibilities, and even function at your best, you must prioritize taking care of yourself.

Self-care can look different for everyone. For some, self-care may involve scheduling some quiet time to read a good book. For others, it might mean a daily walk at the park or some time spent playing an instrument or listening to music. Whatever your preferred activity is for self-care, it’s important that you make time to do it.

Self-Care, Addiction, and Treatment

Following active addiction and throughout your recovery journey, it’s incredibly important to engage in self-care. Addiction takes a huge toll on your mental health, physical health, and spiritual health. Whether your addiction was to alcohol, benzos, opioids, or other substances, using likely caused damage in each of these areas. As you begin the treatment process and start to heal, it is critical to ensure that you are taking the necessary steps to maintain the healing and progress that you’ve made. Practicing and prioritizing self-care in recovery can help.

Self-care helps us better manage stress, cope with conflict, and perform at our best. Throughout recovery, the way in which you respond to stressors and adversity can make all the difference. Stress can be a huge reason for relapse, so being well equipped to handle any issues that may arise is essential.

Self-Care in Treatment

What might self-care look like during treatment? Again, self-care can be different for everyone. Throughout your treatment experience at Enlightened Recovery, you may find yourself discovering new hobbies, creative outlets, or interests that you may choose to carry with you throughout recovery. These activities could include new methods of exercise, a new interest in painting, or even yoga and meditation.

Treatment helps you incorporate a variety of activities that benefit you physically, mentally, and spiritually throughout your treatment and recovery experience. By engaging in these activities, you are not only exploring new interests and adding value to your life, but you may find that some of these new hobbies can be very therapeutic. They also may be a great activity for self-care after you return to life following treatment.

Yoga and Meditation

Yoga and meditation have countless advantages. Research supports all the different ways in which yoga and meditation can benefit you physically and mentally. Many find yoga and meditation to be relaxing and calming and find that they can be great stress relievers. As a result of these effects, yoga and meditation can serve as excellent forms of self-care.

Outdoor Activities

Trying new outdoor activities during treatment can enlighten you to many hobbies and interests that you may not have discovered otherwise. If you live near the water, surfing, fishing, or paddle boarding can be an excellent escape from the stressors of everyday life. At Enlightened Recovery, we love to take advantage of the earth around us. By engaging in these activities during treatment, you may find that you really enjoy them. Getting lost in nature and enjoying the sounds of the waves and the fresh air can tremendously impact your mental health. Any of these activities could serve as an excellent form of self-care during and following treatment.

Music and Art

Exploring activities that foster your creativity can be very beneficial during treatment and throughout recovery. You may find that you have skills and abilities in certain areas that you would really like to build upon in recovery. Many find music and art to be therapeutic and soothing. Exploring your interest and abilities when it comes to painting, sketching, working with clay, or even playing instruments can help encourage creativity and serve as forms of self-care.

When was the last time you did something just for yourself, even if it was something as simple as taking 10 minutes to sit outside in the quiet and enjoy your coffee? Self-care is so incredibly important for everyone. For those in recovery, it is essential. You must take care of yourself before you can do anything for anyone else. The healing continues after treatment, and so does the work to ensure you continue to progress and maintain your sobriety. Allow yourself time to unwind, relax, and enjoy the things that lift your spirits and leave you feeling refreshed. Make it a point to prioritize self-care; you won’t regret it.

Self-care is very important to your health and overall well-being. Making time for the things you enjoy and activities that promote relaxation is essential for good mental health and success throughout recovery. Following addiction, you will encounter difficulties, stressors, and challenges that could pose a threat to your sobriety. Self-care can help you respond to adversity in a healthy way. At Enlightened Recovery, we encourage self-care regularly. Our programs and activities can introduce you to different methods of self-care and help you develop routines for incorporating these activities even after treatment. Caring for your mental health through frequent self-care can help you avoid relapse and stay on track. If you or someone you love is struggling with drug or alcohol addiction, we would love to help. Make the decision to seek treatment today by calling Enlightened Recovery at (833) 801-LIVE.

How Can Caring for the Earth Help During Treatment and Recovery?

Written by Enlightened Recovery on . Posted in treatment.

When was the last time you played around in the dirt? Studies suggest there are benefits to both mental and physical health for those who spend time interacting with and enjoying nature. Why is this the case?

It is simple. Nature provides a calming and sensory-pleasing environment, one that promotes good health, healing, focus, activity, and even social interaction. There is something about taking a walk outside among beautiful trees or flowers that is much less torturous than walking endless miles on a treadmill. You can hear birds singing, smell fresh flowers or herbs, and feel the warmth of the sun.

This multi-sensory benefit of nature is supported in the following statement by Lara S. Franco, Danielle F. Shanahan, and Richard A. Fuller in their 2017 article entitled “A Review of the Benefits of Nature Experiences: More Than Meets the Eye”:

“We have outlined the evidence that viewing nature both in pictures and through windows can improve health and mood; sounds such as birdsong and nature sounds provide restoration and enhance effect; smells provide numerous physical and psychological benefits; taste affects emotion, and traditional, natural diets have health benefits; petting animals can be very therapeutic; phytoncides can have a positive effect on our immune system; negative air ions affect our physical and mental well-being; and microbiota in the gut and the brain influence each other.”

Benefits of Caring for the Earth

The earth provides such a naturally beautiful canvas for any activity. When it comes to treatment and recovery, spending time caring for the earth can be beneficial in many ways. First of all, you are caring for something other than yourself. This allows you to put effort and focus into something larger than just you. You are contributing to the greater good and making a difference with each seed you plant.

At Enlightened Recovery, clients are encouraged to participate in horticulture therapy at our Enlightened Farm. Caring for the earth through gardening or farming also encourages patience. This includes learning to have patience with yourself as you evolve and growing treatment and patience with the earth as it grows and develops as a result of your efforts.

There is also a direct resemblance between the work and regenerative process occurring within those in treatment and recovery and the regenerative process of nature. By working on improving the earth, you are simultaneously improving yourself through that experience.

Nutritional Advantages

Good nutrition is essential to recovery and overall health. By caring for the earth and maintaining a garden, you are able to produce and provide organic produce for the community. Through your efforts, you are enhancing not only your life but the lives of those around you. This can provide a sense of purpose, value, and integration into the community.

Horticulture Therapy

Horticulture therapy is an excellent experience for those in treatment and recovery from substance abuse. This involves interacting with nature in a variety of new and innovative ways to improve mental, physical, and spiritual well-being. Benefits can include finding peace and calmness, building confidence, and becoming more environmentally involved and aware.

Employment Benefits

Gaining new skills and experience is an important part of the treatment process. For many, jobs have been short-lived or difficult to manage or enjoy during addiction. Leaving treatment feeling confident and capable of securing employment in recovery can be very empowering. Caring for the earth through programs such as Enlightened Solution’s Solid Roots allows you to develop skills transferable to a variety of jobs following treatment.

Community Service

As mentioned, caring for the earth benefits the community in various ways. You are offering something beautiful to look at and enjoy and producing fresh and local produce for others so they can live healthier lives. Caring for a farm or garden is an excellent way to give back and serve your community.

Volunteering

Community engagement and collaboration are critical and can tremendously benefit those in treatment and recovery. Establishing a sense of belonging and communal effort toward a common goal can offer purpose and direction for those who may otherwise feel lost after battling addiction.

Facilities offering programs at sites such as the Enlightened Farm provide more than just an outdoorsy experience. Such programs provide an outlet for those in need of a break or an escape. They also provide an opportunity to learn new skills in farming, gardening, and horticulture, offering a chance to engage and fellowship as a community coming together for the community’s common good. Lastly, such programs provide healing for those who choose to get involved.

Caring for the earth can provide many benefits to those in treatment and recovery. Gardening and horticulture offer opportunities to really enjoy and appreciate nature, while working on improving yourself and the earth. Enlightened Recovery has incorporated a variety of programs and activities held at Enlightened Farm into our programming. We recognize the value in caring for the earth and the correlation between the regenerative process you undergo during treatment and recovery and the similar process occurring in nature. Opportunities to build new skills, increase confidence, collaborate with peers and community members, and discover new interests are provided at the farm. Let us help you get the most out of your treatment experience and leave feeling enlightened about who you can become as a result of your sobriety. If you or someone you care about is struggling with drug or alcohol addiction, call Enlightened Recovery today at (833) 801-LIVE.

How to Tap Into Your Creativity During Treatment

Written by Enlightened Recovery on . Posted in treatment.

When was the last time you did something creative? Maybe you don’t consider yourself to be a creative person, or maybe you haven’t found the time to pick up your old paintbrushes or dust off the old guitar in a while.

Life gets busy, and we often allow the hustle and bustle of everyday life to distract us from making time for things and activities we need to maintain wellness. Spending time being creative is not only enjoyable but can be very therapeutic.

Creative outlets allow us to relieve stress, process thoughts and emotions, and improve our communication skills. Sometimes, art or music can be the only way we are able to understand certain feelings or express thoughts that may be otherwise difficult to communicate. Even if you don’t enjoy art or music necessarily, you can still benefit from exploring what expressive art therapy can offer.

At Enlightened Recovery, we believe that art and music can play a significant role in the healing process. During treatment for substance abuse, tapping into your creative side can be very helpful. You are going to need things to do that you enjoy, and you are going to need to make every effort to heal physically, emotionally, and spiritually. Expressive arts may be just what you need!

Art Therapy

How do you feel when you finish a project? Do you feel a sense of accomplishment? Maybe you experience an overwhelming feeling of pride or success. Using art to help process and express thoughts and feelings can generate a similar feeling.

When you create something, you are present in that moment. You can focus all of your attention on the task at hand. Often, art therapy encourages creating something representative of yourself, your emotions, or your situation. This can allow for a release of tension and open the door for healing.

Art therapy can include many different activities and art mediums. A few examples could include painting, drawing, and sculpting. Throughout the process, many find that they are better able to communicate through art and feel more comfortable doing so. At Enlightened Recovery, our art therapists are trained to help you use the experience to better understand yourself and develop strategies for coping with stress and other difficult emotions.

Sometimes, people feel relieved after finally finding some sort of understanding of how they were feeling and what to make of it. Others may feel a sense of empowerment and courage as a result. As mentioned by Heather L. Stuckey and Jeremy Nobel in her 2010 article, “The Connection Between Art, Healing, and Public Health: A Review of Current Literature,” “Art helps people express experiences that are too difficult to put into words.” In reference to trauma that often accompanies substance abuse, using art as a means of expression can be extremely beneficial.

Music Therapy

Music can be another excellent creative outlet for many during treatment and recovery. Music has a way of helping us understand ourselves by allowing us to relate to the words and stories we hear. Music therapy can involve a variety of activities, including listening to music, playing musical instruments, dancing, singing, and more.

Playing instruments can be very therapeutic as well, even more so than listening to music for some. Whether you have been playing for years or are just learning to play an instrument, the act of doing so can help promote relaxation and reduce stress.

When it comes to co-occurring disorders often found among those with substance use disorder (SUD), music therapy can be particularly helpful. Studies show that better results are produced when music therapy is incorporated as part of treatment than when treatment is provided without it.

Writing/Poetry

Writing is something that is encouraged during treatment and recovery. Journaling is known to help with processing and expression. Creative writing can serve as an excellent outlet during treatment. There is something about writing down your thoughts and emotions that feels freeing. Some may choose to write or read poetry. This, like music and art, can promote better communication and expression.

Expressing your creativity during treatment can not only be healing, but it can help you develop new hobbies and interests. Staying busy and engaging in healthy activities that encourage growth and healing throughout treatment and recovery is key. By sampling various creative outlets during treatment, you can determine what activities you may want to incorporate into your life during recovery.

We all have the ability to be creative. Sometimes, it just takes a little encouragement to get our creative juices flowing. By engaging in things like art therapy, music therapy, or creative writing during treatment, you are bound to discover something you are good at or at least enjoy. You might surprise yourself! Let the music, art, or words help you heal and stay on track to recovery.

Getting creative during treatment and engaging in expressive arts therapy is a great way to increase and reinforce what you are learning and achieving throughout the treatment process. Art, music, and creative writing allow you to better process thoughts and feelings, express yourself, and communicate things that may otherwise be difficult to convey. At Enlightened Recovery, we incorporate many creativity-focused activities into our program as we believe in the value of expressive arts and the role they can play in healing. We offer a variety of art mediums and methods for engagement in music therapy or creative writing and encourage clients to explore what interests and works best for them. If you or someone you love is struggling with substance use disorder and could benefit from our program, don’t hesitate to give us a call. Reach out to Enlightened Recovery today at (833) 801-LIVE.

Benefits of DBT for Co-occurring Disorders

Written by Enlightened Recovery on . Posted in treatment.

DBT stands for dialectical behavior therapy, a technique used to treat many mental health disorders. Initially, it was created to aid those with suicidal ideation. Developed by Dr. Marsha M. Linehan, DBT was created to address and encourage two things: change and acceptance.

DBT has since been used to treat other disorders such as borderline personality disorder, anxiety, depression, and more. DBT has proven to also be useful in treating co-occurring disorders. As described by Linda A. Dimeff and Marsha M. Linehan, in their article “Dialectical Behavior Therapy for Substance Abusers,” which appears in the Addiction Science and Clinical Practice journal, “When DBT is successful, the patient learns to envision, articulate, pursue, and sustain goals that are independent of his or her history of out-of-control behavior, including substance abuse, and is better able to grapple with life’s ordinary problems.”

The use of DBT for those with substance use disorder (SUD) and co-occurring disorders continues to grow. The principles of acceptance and change presented in DBT are consistent with the emphasis on both throughout the 12-Step process. This correlation allows recipients to relate therapy to their learnings in 12-Step groups and apply similar strategies throughout treatment. At Enlightened Recovery, we incorporate both the Twelve Steps and DBT into our treatment programs.

It is important to recognize that DBT is a comprehensive treatment approach rather than a single treatment strategy. Every client is different, having different needs and circumstances that may require some adaptation and special attention. Because DBT can be used to treat various disorders, settings and specifics surrounding treatment can vary.

Functions of DBT

Despite any variations or adaptations, DBT provided for SUD or co-occurring disorders should always address five specific functions. As discussed by Alexander L. Chapman in his 2006 Psychiatry journal article, these five functions of DBT include:

  • Enhancing capabilities
  • Generalizing capabilities
  • Improving motivation and reducing dysfunctional behaviors
  • Enhancing and maintaining therapist capabilities and motivation
  • Structuring the environment

#1. Enhancing Capabilities

Typically, those receiving DBT are in need of developing skills in a few key areas. These areas include interpersonal skills, emotional regulation, mindfulness, and tolerance. It is important for those with co-occurring disorders to enhance these abilities in order to succeed in recovery.

Many times, these skills are addressed through group therapy. This allows for discussion and practicing of these skills with others working on similar goals. Additionally, therapists may assign homework to encourage practicing the skills between group sessions.

#2. Generalizing Capabilities

This function refers to the transferability of the skills learned to the lives of those receiving therapy. Individual sessions are offered to individualize strategies and offer guidance regarding ways to integrate these new skills into daily life. Homework assignments provide opportunities to practice skills such as emotional regulation and mindfulness in real-life situations.

#3. Improving Motivation and Reducing Dysfunctional Behaviors

This function involves self-assessment of behaviors and tracking patterns between individual therapy sessions. This allows the therapist to identify persisting issues and prioritize the behaviors according to risk and consequence. The therapist will determine why the behaviors are occurring and will work to develop strategies for change.

#4. Enhancing and Maintaining Therapist Capabilities and Motivation

It is important for DBT providers to remain focused, compassionate, non-judgmental, and supportive of their clients. This function involves consistent collaboration among therapists to promote problem-solving and offer encouragement. Treating those with co-occurring disorders can be delicate; thus, therapists must be able to navigate difficult and sensitive situations.

#5. Structuring the Environment

For those with co-occurring disorders, it can be common to have people or places that may be triggering. It is important to ensure the environment created is free of triggers and is supportive of the goals of the individual. Therapists may encourage a change in social circles or modifications of certain environments to encourage success.

DBT in Treatment

As mentioned, DBT focuses on change in behavior and acceptance simultaneously. It is important for therapy recipients to work to change behavior patterns that resulted in their addiction while also accepting the things that they cannot change.

DBT offers opportunities for skill development essential for coping with your diagnosis while successfully navigating treatment and recovery. By developing skills such as emotional regulation, distress tolerance, interpersonal efficacy, and mindfulness, you can better cope with your current situation and come prepared to handle obstacles you may face in the future.

DBT techniques can be incorporated into all aspects of treatment and are most effective when this is the case. Co-occurring disorders can determine how you may experience, respond to, and understand substance abuse. The adaptability and generalization of skills associated with this treatment method make it beneficial for those with substance abuse disorders and mental health diagnoses. DBT can help you heal and learn to cope with what lies ahead in recovery.

Substance use disorder often co-occurs with other mental health conditions such as anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, etc.  While it was created to be a treatment for people with suicidal ideation, DBT, or dialectical behavior therapy, is now often used by treatment facilities to address substance abuse and co-occurring disorders. DBT is a method or program designed to evoke change and promote acceptance. Enlightened Recovery incorporates DBT in every aspect of treatment. The skills developed through DBT help with developing positive relationships, coping with conflict, emotional regulation, mindfulness, and being present. At Enlightened Recovery, we conduct a thorough assessment at intake to determine if you have a co-occurring disorder. This allows us to formulate a personalized treatment plan to address your specific needs. If you or someone you love is struggling with substance abuse and could benefit from treatment, give Enlightened Recovery a call today at (833) 801-LIVE.