Breaking the Stigma of Treatment

Crippling fear, embarrassment and shame are all complex emotions that many who suffer with addiction are subject to. There are untold reasons why those who know they need help with their addiction avoid going to rehab in Los Angeles. But treatment methods are continually evolving and becoming increasingly effective. Furthermore, what was once thought of as a social stigma is now becoming an acceptable and responsible choice.

Why Seeking Treatment is a Good Idea

Realizing that there is an issue helps set in motion the process of recovery. When you seek treatment, you can finally start to address the years of addiction that you have suffered through. Trying to kick the habits cold-turkey, won’t necessarily yield the results that you would want.

The odds of relapse are greater, because you’re not working with someone trained to help those who are serious about recovering from addiction. A rehab facility on the other hand have experienced personnel and psychologists needed to help you through your withdrawal and help you address the underlying problems behind your addictions.

Growing Social Acceptability

It wasn’t that long ago that those who went to rehab were considered social pariahs as soon as others found out. However, this attitude has slowly changed over the years wherein due to greater awareness via information campaigns, people with hidden drug addictions are now being actively encouraged to seek treatment with little in the way of significant social stigma.

What to do About Work

In California, an employer with at least 25 employees must give unpaid time off for those who enter rehab, with few exceptions (one notable exception is if taking that time off would create an unreasonable burden on your employer). You would then use your accrued time off, and your company would be required to keep your treatment and reason for leaving private. Upon return, though, you have to be able to perform your job duties and not pose a risk to others. California gives additional protections to employees, particularly for alcohol rehab.

It wasn’t that long ago when addiction was considered a moral flaw and “treatments” ranged from imprisonment to asylums. But as the years have passed, our attitude towards drug usage and rehabilitation has drastically changed. Likewise, our understanding of what causes addictions has made treatments far more effective. Seeking help is no longer a big social stigma; rather, it’s seen as a necessary step in the right direction.

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‘Study Aide’ Or Adderall Addiction

Adderall is commonly referred to the ‘study drug’ by college students and its abuse is becoming more and more of a problem every year. Many students do not believe that Adderall is actually a legitimate drug due to overwhelming numbers of young children that have been prescribed Adderall. In truth, it is an amphetamine and is legally available by prescription only. It is actually classified as being a Schedule II drug and can cause both psychological and physical dependence. Because of this it has a very high potential for abuse and is thought to be more in the dangerous category of prescription drugs that get abused, according to the DEA.

Even with all this information available, there are many college students who still believe the drug is completely safe, even when they take it recreationally. However, if you are a parent, you may be concerned about your college student and want to be more aware of the symptoms of someone abusing Adderall. If you know what these are, you can seek treatment from a rehab in Los Angeles facility.

Who Needs Adderall?

Adderall is not considered a new drug. It was first designed for people who suffered from narcolepsy and ADHD with success for those who have legitimate symptoms. However, it has also earned the reputation as a ‘study drug’ event though there is no proof that it helps to improve a person’s concentration. It does work to help keep students awake during all-night drinking binges.

Why Abusing Adderall is Dangerous?

Even though it is thought to be a relatively safe drug, it is actually quite dangerous when a person doesn’t really need it. Many people who take this medication often wind up in the emergency room when combining it with binge drinking. If it is abused on a regular basis, addiction is most certainly bound to occur.

Symptoms of Adderall Addiction

If you are a parent who is worried your college student may be abusing Adderall, there are some signs and symptoms to be aware of. These include:

• Malnutrition or weight loss
• Psychological issues such as irritability, mood swings and depression
• Insomnia, poor appetite, dry mouth and headaches
• Tremors, convulsions, muscle twitching and jittery behavior
• Low blood pressure and heart palpitations
• Withdrawal symptoms including vomiting, nausea, exhaustion, increased appetite and stomach cramps

If any of these issues are noticed, it is essential to contact a rehab in Los Angeles facility right away. They will be able to determine whether or not someone is suffering from this addiction and how to get help.

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Providing the Highest Standard of Care

At Gooden Center, we are a Los Angeles rehab center that provides complete care for individuals seeking recovery from addiction. Our drug and alcohol treatment center is focused on providing the highest standard of care for our patients. We work diligently to ensure the most effective techniques and treatments are utilized for the benefit of our patients. For families seeking a Los Angeles rehab center that is fully patient-focused, we are proud to provide our services.

Not every Los Angeles rehab center can provide the comprehensive care and treatment that individuals need. Some take on a singular approach that doesn’t address the root cause of the addiction. However our centralized focus is on ensuring our patients receive a multidisciplinary level of care that integrates different components. This approach encompasses body, mind, and spirit for a full and complete recovery process.

The 12 Step Process

By using the 12 step process, we have helped thousands of individuals seeking addiction recovery. This is one of the most successful approaches that has been proven time and time again. When an individual implements the 12 step approach in their recovery and healing process, they are better able to find the balance they need while developing the confidence to achieve their goals in the program.

We are proud to offer a serene environment where individuals can find the peace and relaxation needed for a better frame of mind. In this relaxing environment, it is easier to find peace and healing. In addition to our peaceful environment in Pasadena, The Gooden Center provides personalized treatment options for men in the local and nearby areas.

When you visit our rehab center, you will immediately feel the serenity and peace that is a natural part of our environment. We welcome you to experience healing and wellness through a uniquely personalized approach to recovery.

If you are seeking recovery from a drug or alcohol addiction, contact The Gooden Center by calling us at 1(800) 931-9884 today.

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Focus For Those In Recovery

Addiction is a disease that comes to many different kinds of people, in many different ways.  It claims the lives of people from every walk of life imaginable, and affects in different ways, creating millions of unique stories and struggles.  Both women and men suffer from addiction, but they often suffer in different ways, and may respond differently to treatment.

As a result, many places that offer treatment from addiction may provide gender specific services, and separate men from women.  Specifically, gender specific treatment promotes focus, removes distractions or anxieties that may otherwise take away from a focus on personal healing.  Here are some of the ways in which gender specific treatment allows people to better focus on their recovery.

Gender Specific Treatment Provides Support

Early recovery is an extremely stressful process.  It involves fighting against very intense physical and mental cravings, learning how to develop new coping mechanisms for stressful feelings that will crop up, and having to face hard moments in your life.

 There is enough stress in your life simply by being a part of this hard process of working towards sobriety and healing, and so it is good to do whatever you can to be as comfortable and focused as possible.   Having a space of men-only, or women-only space is one way to produce feelings of comfort, and make things as easy as possible.  

A Safe Place 

Peer support groups, in which a group of people struggling with addiction and recovery share their past and present issues, can be one of the most valuable and helpful ways for people to explore their inner feelings and learn from each other. However, the effectiveness of these groups is dependent on the willingness of its members to share honestly and be vulnerable with each other. Being honest with yourself and counselors is at the core of addiction treatment programs from initial treatment to after care.

The group must be a space where people can be totally safe with each other, and where people are encouraged and made to feel comfortable revealing their most vulnerable self. In a mixed gender space, the subconscious temptation for men or women to “impress” each other may kick in and prevent real intimate sharing.

Also, some people may feel less comfortable sharing about certain issues with members of the other gender present.  Creating men or women only spaces is one way in which a support group can work to make sure that everyone feels safe within it.  

Focus On The Ways Men And Women Experience Addiction Differently  

Both men and women come to the recovery process with a lot of stigma, guilt, and fear that sometimes gets in the way of letting them ask for help.  Yet this fear often gets manifested differently for men and women, in ways that reflect their different experiences, areas of concern, and social roles.

Women are often more likely to experience feelings of shame for needing help with addiction, whereas men may be more likely to deny there is a problem in the first place.  Women are often more anxious about things related to family relationships, whereas men are often more concerned about careers.  Limited our focus to one gender or the other allows for greater sensitivity and awareness to these issues.  

Takes The Focus Off Romantic Relationships

Recovery is one of the most intense and revolutionary things you will do as a person, and so the people you go through these experiences with can easily become some of the most intense and profound relationships in your life. These friendships can be extremely helpful in giving both people a sense of human connection, and hope from a common experience.

These relationships get a great deal of value from their stability, so that you continue to be sharing intimately as you work through complex feelings together. That is why deep friendships are so valuable. More whirlwind, unstable romances can have the opposite effect, and so should be avoided in early recovery. This is precisely why most rehab centers will not allow romantic relationships in their residential or sober living programs. A same-gender environment allows the formation of friendships, while making romances less likely.

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The Psyche Of An Addict

Addiction is a somewhat unique disease because of the fact that it affects both the mind and body of an addict. When a person is addicted to drugs or alcohol, their body is highly affected as virtually all of their major organs feel the effect of drugs or alcohol on them. Addiction also takes a huge toll on an addict’s mind.

When a person is addicted to a substance, their brain’s reward receptors are impacted and become so used to receiving the substance that brings them pleasure that the brain’s synapses are actually transformed and cause the brain to be singularly focused on finding and using more drugs. For this and many other reasons, a person’s psyche is truly transformed when they enter a treatment program.

Treatment And Detox

The first step in achieving a transformation in treatment is for an addict to go through the process of detoxing. Detox is a crucial step because it is the phase during which a recovering addict allows the drugs and alcohol to leave their body. Detox may be a very difficult process because of the fact that it is such a transformational time for both the body and mind. During detox, the mind must undergo the process of withdrawing from drugs or alcohol and transforming to a place where it is no longer dependent on drugs or alcohol.

Often, when the brain does not receive the substance it is addicted to, it will fire off signals to create withdrawal symptoms, which can include things like nausea, headaches, hallucinations, and tremors. In treatment, a recovering addict will have access to the professional help they need to get through withdrawing successfully.  Once they have done this, they will have transformed their brains to the point that they will no longer be chemically dependent on the substance they are addicted to.

Identifying and Addressing Triggers

When a person is addicted to drugs and alcohol, there are often a number of factors that drive them to use. These factors are often referred to as triggers and may include a wide variety of people, places, or events. It is very common for an addict to feel the urge to use when they are in the company of certain people or when the experience certain emotions.

In this way, an addict’s psyche has been built to revolve around using as well as to turn to drugs or alcohol as a solution for anger, sadness, boredom, nervousness. In treatment, a recovering addict works with a team of professionals who helps them not only identify triggers as they arise but also to find ways of addressing triggers without drugs or alcohol. The idea is that with a client-centered treatment philosophy, identifying and addressing triggers becomes a much more personal process.

Recovery Brings About Hope and Change

The road to recovery is a challenging one, but the total transformation that occurs in treatment brings about a lifetime of hope and a renewed sense of purpose for many addicts. With the right treatment program, it is truly possible for any addict to change the way they think and view the world. The idea of employing a change of perception does not come easily to one who is steeped in their addictive behavior. It is definitely going to be a road that requires some determination and an ultimate willingness to change.

Finding the willingness to change will be the catalyst for getting clean and sober, and by applying oneself it can ultimately lead to a change of perception. When one is struggling with addiction it is tough to see the big picture, and when you enter treatment you are blessed with the opportunity to give sobriety a chance. Treatment is an opportunity to change your life, and one gets out of it what they decide to put into it. 

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Approaching An Intervention

If someone you love is struggling with drug or alcohol addiction, chances are, you are feeling a wide variety of emotions. It is not uncommon to feel frustrated, angry, and helpless when a loved one is struggling with addiction. Addiction is a dangerous disease that can truly wreck havoc on an addict’s life and have a profoundly negative impact on their behavior.

When a person is struggling with addiction, they may effectively become a “different person,” and often will become very angry or defensive when confronted about their drug or alcohol use. For this reason, many people experience anxiety about how exactly to approach a loved one about their addiction. Here are a few useful tips on how to successfully stage an intervention for a loved one.

Seek the Help of a Professional Interventionist

It is not advisable to stage an intervention without seeking the support of a professional. There are a few reasons for this. Firstly, a professional interventionist is very experienced with different kinds of interventions and can give you an idea of what kinds of behaviors you may expect to encounter when you confront your lived one about their intervention.

This can help prevent you from coming across any surprises during what is an already trying situation. An interventionist is also a valuable resource because they are not emotionally invested in the addict’s behavior and can act as a calm and rational moderator who can keep the discussion on track during the intervention. This can be very useful if an intervention becomes very heated or emotional.

Make A Written List Of The Ways In Which Your Loved One’s Behavior Has Impacted You

It is very important that all parties involved bear in mind what the purpose of an intervention is: to help make an addict aware of the way that their addiction and their addictive behavior is affecting the people in their life. This is not a time for blame or anger.

It is very easy, however, to lose sight of the intention of an intervention when emotions run high, so making a list ahead of time of everything you would like to say can help make sure that you avoid statements that come from a place of anger. Most importantly, the subject of the intervention must answer some questions sincerely. Reality does not always set in at the onset of the intervention, and time must pass for the subject to come to full grips with reality regarding their addiction.

Talk To Others Who May Have Been Affected By Your Loved One’s Addiction

Chances are there are a number of people in your loved one’s life who are being affected by their behavior. Approach the people who you believe may also be interested in attending an intervention. Once you know who would like to be in attendance, tell everyone who is interested that they may join you when you visit the professional interventionist so that the whole group may strategize together. Approaching others should always come, however, from a place of helping the addict and not gossiping about them.

Assess When The Best Time And Place For An Intervention Is

Ideally, an intervention should occur at a place where an addict feels that they are in a safe place and will not feel threatened. It is very likely that an addict may become angry or defensive at the onset of an intervention, so choosing a location where they feel safe can help minimize feelings of vulnerability on the part of the addict.

It is also preferable that the addict be sober at the time of the intervention so that they can process the information that is being given to them as calmly and rationally as possible. For many addicts, mornings are the time when they may be most likely to be sober. If you live with an addict, take not of the moments they seem to be sober.

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Dissociative Disorders Guide

Within the spectrum of mental illness there are certain categories such as dissociative disorders which can include a number of different conditions related to the general issue of dissociation.  People with severe trauma in some cases will use dissociation as a defense mechanism that allows them to detach from immediate surroundings or from their own physical and emotional experience.

Dissociative disorders usually involve disruptions of memory, awareness, identity or perception and it occurs pathologically or involuntarily. Although there are a few different types of dissociative disorders, the most well-known is dissociative identity disorder which was once called multiple personality disorder.

Every type of dissociative disorder involves some type of detachment from the self that began to develop as a response to extreme stress or trauma early in life. With treatment, many of the symptoms of these types of disorders can be more manageable and people can begin to gain control over the dissociative process.

Types of Dissociative Disorders

There are a few different conditions that involve a pattern of dissociation in response to stress and they each have their own unique set of symptoms. The most commonly discussed type is called dissociative identity disorder (formerly multiple personality disorder) and it involves a person having two or more alternating identities with the main or “host” personality being unaware of the other personalities or when they emerge.

There are other, lesser known types of dissociative disorders including dissociative amnesia which involves a temporary loss of recall or episodic memory due to a traumatic or stressful event. Another disorder called dissociative fugue is actually a type of dissociative amnesia that is reversible and is often accompanied by the establishment of a new identity. The last type of dissociative disorder is called depersonalization disorder and it causes periods of detachment from the self or surroundings which may be experienced as “unreal” with limited awareness.

Is Dissociative Identity Disorder Real?

One of the most controversial and misunderstood types of mental illnesses is dissociative identity disorder because of the myths surrounding the condition. Some stories in the media or even discussions from mental health professionals may question whether dissociative identity disorder is a real illness.

Unfortunately there is a lack of education and training in this disorder for some people in mental health and they may mistakenly believe that patients with DID are inventing their memories of abuse. The reality is that dissociative identity disorder is a very real and debilitating problem and patients sometimes only remember certain aspects or episodes of their abuse. It is actually very rare for patients to falsely “remember” abuse that never occurred but rather they will remember pieces of real trauma that caused them to develop different identities.

What is Dissociative Identity Disorder?

In order to combat the myths about dissociative identity disorder, it is important to know more about the illness itself and how it affects people. The condition is characterized by two or more distinct identities and personalities which are present in the same individual and have power over their behavior.

A person with this disorder will have memory variations which fluctuate with the alternating personalities. Each personality will have its own name, age, sex, and race as well as their own postures, gestures and distinct way of talking. When a person switches identity, their own main personality will be unaware and not remember anything that they said or did while acting as another identity. The personalities often serve to help the individual cope with problems in their life and new identities may emerge as a result of painful or difficult events.

Dissociative Identity Disorder Symptoms

Although movies and TV may depict multiple personalities as being very exaggerated and overstated, real dissociative identity disorder is actually much more subtle. It may not be so obvious when someone has the disorder but there are certain symptoms and signs which may indicate that they need to be diagnosed. One of the major symptoms of this disorder is the tendency to have occasional amnesia after they enter different identities of states of being.

Someone with DID will often be unable to recall things that they have said or done beyond simple forgetfulness. They may also enter trances or have “out of body experiences” when they switch identities or seem to space out for periods of time. Other symptoms of DID can include depression, mood swings, headache and time loss. When someone’s behavior and personality changes dramatically but they seem to have no knowledge of this happening then it could indicate dissociative identity disorder.

Causes of Dissociative Identity Disorder

Although many mental illnesses lack a definite cause, dissociative identity disorder is one type of illness that is thought to develop due to specific environmental circumstances. In an overwhelming 97 percent of cases of DID, patients reported a history of abuse. Although the disorder can sometimes run in families, it has no known biological cause and is thought to be a result mainly of early childhood trauma. Most patients with dissociative identity disorder have a personal history of recurring, overpowering, severe and often life-threatening traumas including physical or sexual abuse before the age of nine or extreme neglect and emotional abuse. People who experience dissociation often were raised by parents who were frightening and unpredictable. People who develop the disorder tend to have these experiences at an early age along with a stronger tendency to dissociate reflected in the fact that they are easily hypnotized.

Taking a Dissociative Disorder Test

If you are concerned that you or someone you love has been experiencing symptoms of dissociative identity disorder or any other type of dissociation then it might be time to get an assessment from a professional. Prior to making an appointment you can begin by taking a self-assessment test or asking your loved one to do a screening test online. This will give you a better idea of whether the symptoms could potentially indicate a disorder.

These types of test are by no means a diagnosis and they are not a true clinical exam but merely a way to determine if a serious assessment by a psychiatrist is necessary. If you score high for having a dissociative disorder on the test then you should seek a medical professional to help you get an evaluation and diagnosis. Once you receive a diagnosis you can then take the steps towards getting treatment for the disorder and reducing symptoms with psychotherapy.

Dissociative Identity Disorder Treatment Methods

Although DID is a very complex disorder with multiple symptoms, it is possible through treatment to help patients function better in their daily lives. As with many mental illnesses, the main component of treatment for dissociative identity disorder is psychotherapy with a licensed professional therapist who is specially trained for this type of illness.

Therapists often work with patients to help them become more comfortable with difficult emotions such as anxiety or painful memories so that they can decrease negative responses and be less likely to dissociate. They might use techniques such as dialectical or cognitive behavior therapy to increase mindfulness and soothe the patient so that they can confront emotional issues.

Although some therapists may try to “reintegrate” multiple personalities into one single identity, not all patients are willing to take this step. Therapists might instead focus on helping them increase control over their other personalities and create a more peaceful co-existence with their different identities.

Medication for Dissociative Identity Disorder

The core of treatment for DID is through plenty of psychotherapy sessions, but medication may also be used in some cases to help minimize symptoms. Many people with dissociative identity disorder have co-occurring symptoms that go along with their condition such as depression, anxiety, anger and impulse control problems.

These can be treated with various types of medication such as anti-depressants such citalopram or sertraline and anxiety medication such as Xanax and valium. For people with DID who have manic or violent behavior, depressants can be helpful in diminishing the hyperactivity of the brain and also prevent seizures which can sometimes occur with the disorder.

Issues with anger and impulse control can be minimized with anti-psychotic medication which can help tranquilize and stabilize the mood. While medication can help reduce some of these co-occurring symptoms, these should only be supplemental to treatment that is mainly focused on therapy.

Enrolling in Dissociative Disorder Treatment

Because it is such a difficult disorder to live with, it is often helpful for people to enter residential treatment for dissociative disorder for a period of time. Living in a treatment facility allows them to receive 24 hour care from a team of professionals that are specially trained to understand people with DID. Treatment centers usually focus on treating patients holistically so that every aspect of their mental and physical health will improve as they stay in the facility.

Each patient will have a treatment plan that caters to their individual needs and offers specific behavioral therapies that are designed to improve the symptoms of DID. Many treatment programs offer alternative types of treatment that can ease stress and provide therapeutic benefits. The amount of time spent in the treatment center can depend on each individual case but a period of a few months will allow them time to understand their disorder and learn how to handle the symptoms.

The Identities of Dissociative Personality Disorder

Even though treatment can help ease some of their suffering, not all patients with DID will be able to rid themselves of their alternate identities. Many of them have been dissociating since a very young age and their other personalities have helped them escape and cope with severe physical and mental abuse. Their alternate identities are a type of survival tactic or defense mechanism that makes it easier for them to deal with very painful experiences. For example, many people with DID will develop a personality that is tough and strong or willing to fight back in a way that the individual is not able to do. In fact, a legendary pro football star named Herschel Walker has openly discussed his own experiences with DID and certain personalities that he developed which made him stronger and more competitive after being bullied as a child.

Recovery from Dissociative Identity Disorder

Since it may not always be possible to integrate each of a patient’s different personalities back into one single identity, recovery focuses more on overall mental well-being. There is often one or more personalities within an individual that are dealing with the bulk of their pain and anger at being abused as children.

Reaching these specific personalities during therapy and helping them deal with their emotions can relieve some of the suffering that they are burdened with. Some patients may choose not to integrate their personalities and instead want to improve harmony among their different identities.

For those that would like to integrate, therapists can help them recognize each personality as a fractured part of themselves that should be embraced rather than eliminated. Integration often means dissolving the barrier between different states so that patients can come to terms with different parts of their identity.

Coping with Dissociative Identity Disorder

Even though DID is a disorder that can cause a lot of personal problems, with treatment and therapy people can still live very normal lives. Those living with dissociative identity disorder can still perform jobs with high level responsibilities and contribute to society in a number of different professional environments. They can also have very functional and fulfilling relationships with others including spouses or partners.

When people with DID learn how to handle their feelings of stress, depression and anxiety they can minimize their dissociation and take more control of their lives to feel healthier and more productive. Therapy can help people cope with their different identities by making them all aware of one another so that they can exist together and work cooperatively. With healing and therapy, DID does not mean having to hide from society due to your condition.

You can work and live a normal life without fear or shame after completing treatment for DID.

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Advantages of a Men’s Drug Rehab

For many people in recovery, few parts of the rehab experience prove more helpful in supporting their sobriety than community. By engaging with other people also struggling with their addiction and substance abuse, you learn you are not alone, receive advice from other people facing similar situations, and begin to build up a network of supportive friends you can turn to when things get hard.

Though a lot of the time in rehab will be spent focusing on yourself, much of the benefits of the process come from not being alone. Many rehab centers are gender-specific, open only to men or women. If you are male, here are some of the reasons why a men-only rehab might give you a better rehab experience.

How Gender Affects Addiction: A 2009 survey by the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism found that one in ten men abused an illicit drug, compared to only one in fifteen women. Men are more likely to engage in substance abuse, more likely to develop serious physical or physiological problems from their drug use, and more likely to be driven to angry and violent behavior because of their substance abuse.

Furthermore, certain treatments have been shown to more effective for most women then most men. Many men are less comfortable with the deep and direct sharing their emotions in traditional group therapy. Alternatives such as art or music therapy, engaging in physical activities together, or sports that build trust and bonding are often more effective at getting men to dig deep into themselves.

Focus on Men’s Issues: Addiction affects people of all genders and walks of life, but the way forward is not the same for everyone. This is because men and women face different challenges, and different social pressures that are manifested in the ways addiction festers and disrupts life. Men are often more likely to need help managing anger, whereas women may struggle with low self-worth. Without confronting the reality of socialized gender differences, many issues related to recovery may go unaddressed.

In a men’s recovery facility, you are able to appreciate commonalities in how you process information, express emotion, and view the world around you. This common ground can help you reveal many important things about the recovery program that will work best for you.

Safety and Honesty: Masculinity can often be a mask. From the time we are little boys, we are often punished for revealing emotions, expected to be “big and strong,” never reveal weakness or victimhood, and never admit we need help from anyone else. These lies often cause men to repress internal pain, ignoring the ways they hurt, and hiding their traumas from both the world and themselves. In a men’s recovery group, you have the opportunity to let go of the mask. You must admit your weaknesses and vulnerabilities, going against tremendous social conditioning.

Fortunately, a lot of other men are right there with you, and they will treat you with respect and show you a non-judgmental attitude that lets you know that you are safe. Together, you are working on a new way to be men, one rooted in honesty, self-reflection, and respect for each other. Admitting you need to change, and taking the steps to seek a lifetime of sobriety is a sign of strength, not weakness. When engaging with the opposite sex, many people are more likely to speak with less candor or comfort, even without intending to. Being in a group of men can help you feel more free to speak your own mind.

For all these reasons, a men-only drug rehab facility can be very advantageous to many men ready to begin the recovery process. A good treatment should not just stick you in with the same program as everyone else, but take into consideration your unique challenges

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5 Ways Treatment Changes Your Outlook on Life

Recovery is a time of major transformation and a chance for recovering addicts to take stock of their lives. There are a number of majorly transformative elements of recovery, all of which truly change the way that a recovering addict views themselves and their place in the world. It is, in fact, necessary for a recovering addict to change their thought processes and behaviors if they are to recover, because addiction is such a powerful and complicated disease that one must make serious changes to their attitudes and outlooks if they are to successfully cultivate the kinds of thoughts and actions that constitute a healthy lifestyle.

Here are five ways that treatment changes your outlook on life.

1. You Start to See Your Role in Conflicts

It is very common for addicts and non-addicts alike to see every problem that comes their way as the fault of someone else. One reason that addicts are so quick to blame others for their problems may be that it is a means of prolonging the amount of time that they can continue to use for. Choosing not to take personal responsibility can help to keep an addict in denial and thus works as a tactic to prolong seeking help. In treatment, you learn that you must always be open to understanding what your role in any conflict is.

2. You Have a Renewed Sense of Gratitude

Gratitude is perhaps one of the most important emotions that any recovering addict can hope to cultivate within themselves. The reason it is important to be mindful of the things you are grateful for is that when you are truly grateful, you are much more likely to be happy and to have a higher sense of self worth. Gratitude also gives way to an appreciation for the things and people you have in your life and thus a a desire to do what it takes to keep them safe.

3. You Understand That You Are Capable of Amazing Things

It is certainly true that going into treatment means setting off on a journey that will be a struggle. Getting sober is no easy feat and the path to a healthy life is full of challenges. The wonderful thing about treatment and recovery, however, is that it offers you the chance to fully understand what you are capable of. Learning to get through triggers without using and to face your emotions with strength and bravery helps to build your confidence and allows you to see the version of yourself that is strong and powerful.

4. You Realize That You Are Helpless Without God

Recovery and spirituality go hand in hand. This is because God gives us the strength we need to get through the most troubling of times. A relationship with God is the key to a happy and healthy life and by understanding that we do not have control over everything, we can begin to stop trying to control our lives through drugs and allow God to show us the path that He intends for us to walk down.

5. You Have Goals For the Future

One of the most devastating things about addiction is that it takes a hold of your entire life and begins to rob you of the belief that your goals and dreams are attainable. In treatment, however, you begin to see that with sobriety comes the ability to make your dreams a reality. You will once again know that you have the ability to maintain healthy and meaningful relationships and you will rediscover a passion for the things that excite and inspire you.

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Dealing with Failure in Recovery

Failure of anything is a difficult feeling to overcome. During early recovery, it can be even more difficult to face failure, especially when it comes in the form of a relapse.

For many people, this failure becomes more than just a small bump in the road to recovery; it becomes an insurmountable obstacle. Failure does not have to damage the work you put into recovery. Knowing how to deal with failure and respond in a healthy manner can help you remain strong.

Recognize that Failure is Not Always Bad

Too often, people only look at the negative qualities of failure. They become so afraid of failing that they will not even try something because they believe they will fail. However, by overcoming this fear of failure, you can have the strength to try. Often, one must fail in order to finally succeed, and it might even take several failures to find the right path. Instead of focusing on failure as something dreadful, see it as a normal part of life. Sometimes people fail and other times they succeed, and it is not always completely up to a person as to which of the two happens.

Learn from Failure

Failure can be a positive thing, especially if you take the time to learn from it. Instead of wallowing in the fact that you failed, take the time to consider what you did wrong and learn from your mistakes. Maybe you were introduced to a trigger too early or something else happened that you can change the next time. Instead of focusing on the bad, look at how you can learn from it. This means that you should not deny that you made mistakes or failed. Instead, own up to the fact that you failed and use it as a way to learn so that you avoid doing so in the future.

Stop Associating your Self-Worth with Failure

Another reason people have such a difficult time with failure is that they let it define their self-worth. When they succeed, they see themselves as strong and good. Alternatively, they become terrible people when they fail — also known as failures. If you no longer associate your self-worth with whether you succeed or fail, then you will be freer to try. Acknowledge and respect the effort you are putting into something, not the outcome. Eventually, you will succeed, especially if recognize that there are many definitions of success.

Learn Healthy Ways to Cope with Failure

When failure happens, whether directly related to your recovery or some other type of failure, you need to have a healthy way to cope with the negative feelings that occur. Most addicts used to turn to their substance of choice when they encountered failure. Therefore, recovering addicts need to replace these unhealthy coping mechanisms with a healthy one, such as meditating, yoga, praying, or some other mindfulness or relaxation techniques.

Express your Feelings

When you experience failure, do not feel like you have to hide it form the world. Discuss your feelings with a trusted family or friend. This can help you to get an objective viewpoint of the failure, which can help you to learn from it and see the positive aspects. If you do not feel comfortable talking about it, you can journal or express your feelings through a creative outlet.

Failure is not the end of the world. All successful people have failed again and again. How you deal with failure can make a huge difference in your recovery. Do not let it overwhelm you and make you feel hopeless. Instead, embrace it and let it teach you how to do better next time.

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source http://www.goodencenter.org/failure-in-recovery/

Self-Harm Guide

Mental health issues, left untreated, can sometimes lead to some unhealthy and even dangerous behaviors such as self-harm. Although people who hurt themselves intentionally are often in intense mental anguish, self-harm is not necessarily a suicide attempt. It is an attempt to ease psychic suffering by focusing on physical pain and it serves as a habitual coping mechanism for people dealing with issues of depression and anxiety.

Intentional self-harm is actually one of the most common reasons young people go to the emergency room in the U.S. and 80-90 percent of those who self-harm have at least one psychiatric disorder. Treatment is usually necessary in order to minimize the behavior and prevent self-injury from escalating. Underlying mental health issues are usually the cause of self-harm and these need to be treated by professionals who can address the reasons for the behavior.

Different Forms of Self-Harm

It can be difficult to recognize self-harm, as many individuals may hide their scars out of shame or the need for secrecy. There are several types of self-harm that people may engage in as a way to escape their feelings and a single person might use more than one type.

The most common form of self-harm is cutting which involves literally making small cuts on parts of the body such as the wrists, arms and legs using tools like razors. Cutting will leave a number of raised scars which some may hide using long sleeves or pants. People also engage in self-harm by burning themselves with hot objects such as lighters and cigarettes.

 Other types of self-injury include hair pulling (trichotillomania), head-banging, hitting (with a heavy object or hammer) and biting. At times, self-harm methods may simply heal unnoticed but in more severe cases the individual will end up in the emergency room on multiple occasions.

Why do People Self-Harm?

There are many reasons why a person might hurt themselves but most often there are psychological issues and intense feelings at the root of the behavior. When someone is in overwhelming emotional pain or is experiencing a type of distress that they don’t know how to cope with then they might turn to self-harm as a temporary release. A minor injury allows them to feel physical pain on the outside which can distract them from their emotional pain inside.

Some people who have experienced physical or sexual abuse might harm themselves as a way of controlling and managing pain because they cannot control the abuse that happens to them. Others might engage in self-harm as an indirect call for attention or cry for help because they want to feel someone cares about them. Cutting can also be a symptom of low self-esteem and self-hatred when the person hurts themselves as a form of punishment because they feel they are worthless or undeserving of love.

Recognizing Types of Self-Harm

If you think someone you love might be involved in self-injury then there are some signs you can look for that will help you recognize certain types of self-harm. If they tend to always wear loose baggy clothing or long sleeves and pants even in very hot weather then they might be trying to hide scars or cuts.

In some cases you might notice that they do have cuts or burns on their body but they make excuses for them or invent stories for how they got them. When you are in the person’s home or bedroom you might find razors, lighters, scissors or knives in strange places or even hidden in one container. They might spend long periods of time locked in the bathroom or bedroom where they are self-harming and then hide the evidence. Someone who engages in self-harm might become isolated or avoid social situations because of their behavior.

How Do I Tell Someone I Self-Harm?

If you have been involved in self-harm for a period of time it may feel intimidating to tell someone. You might feel worried about being judged or making loved ones angry because of your behavior. However, if you feel ready to stop hiding and get help then talking to someone about your problem is an important step to take.

You should be cautious about who to tell and carefully choose someone you really trust that will be supportive. Talking to them face to face is the best option but if you decide to write a letter or e-mail make sure to follow it up with a conversation in person. The person may be shocked initially so give them some time to digest and answer any questions that they have about it. Understand that it may be difficult for them to hear and avoid blaming them or anyone else for why you self-harm. You should also make it clear that you want to get help so that they don’t have to worry unnecessarily.

Getting Self Harm Treatment

When you or someone you love feel ready to get help for self-injury then it is time to look into getting an assessment for treatment. Most often, the underlying cause of self-harm is an undiagnosed mental disorder so it is important to make an appointment with a psychiatrist to determine if there are any conditions for which you meet the criteria. Mental illnesses such as major depression, anxiety disorders or bipolar disorder are often associated with self-injury and each of these problems requires professional treatment.

You can choose to enter a treatment center or receive help from a personal therapist that will help treat the emotional issues that cause you to hurt yourself. In therapy you will learn more about what triggers you to self-harm and ways to avoid engaging in the behavior. You can also learn better coping mechanisms which are healthier ways of handling strong emotions and distress.

Understanding Self-Harm Addiction

While a person may begin the habit of self-harm due to emotional issues, the act becomes an addictive pattern that they may have trouble quitting. Because actions like cutting or burning act as a temporary relief from emotional pain, they become like a drug for people who continually self-harm.

Surprisingly, getting hurt can be addictive because it can give people a sense of euphoria. When our bodies are injured, endorphins get released into the bloodstream to help us handle the injury which results in a natural high. Cutting can become a type of self-medicating and it gets harder for a person to stop because it’s the method that they’ve developed to handle their feelings.In order to break the addiction, they need to learn alternative ways to release pain or stress and feel better. They can substitute destructive behaviors with non-harmful ones until their urge to self-harm subsides.

Self-Harm Disorder and Mental Illness

Although self-harm is a very prevalent problem, especially among young people below the age of 17 it has not yet been classified as its own disorder. Although it was recently under consideration to be included in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders as a disorder known as non-suicidal self-injury it instead became listed as a condition requiring further study.

Mental health professionals were concerned about how often self-injury is mistaken for suicidal behavior when that is usually not the case. The new DSM V did not classify self-injury as a separate disorder but as a symptom of various other conditions including borderline personality disorder, eating disorders, substance abuse, depression and anxiety. Self-injury is closely linked to mental illness but in itself is not considered a mental illness. That being said, many therapists have been specially trained to treat people with issues of self-harm and reduce instances of the behavior.

Finding Self-Harm Treatment Centers

Even without classification as a disorder, there are still treatment centers that cater specifically toward those who have issues with self-harm. If you have been diagnosed with an illness such as depression or anxiety, it is important to attend a treatment center that will address both your illness and your symptoms of self-harm simultaneously. Look for a treatment center that has qualified staff who are well-experienced in treating people that self-harm and also has programs designed for self-injury recovery.

In this type of treatment center you will be a part of a community that is dealing with similar problems to your own. You can connect with other patients and share the experience of recovery so that it will become more meaningful. Staying in a treatment center that specializes in treating self-harm addiction will help ensure that you do not relapse when you leave the facility.  

What Happens in Rehab Self Harm

If you choose to enter a residential treatment center and live in the facility for a period of time then you can focus more intently on recovery. It can be easier to break the cycle of self-harm when you are in a safe environment without access to the type of tools you used in the past to hurt yourself. A treatment facility is also a therapeutic place that will allow you to talk to people about the emotional pain you have been experiencing instead of turning to physical pain to cope.

In rehab you can talk one on one with a qualified therapist who understands the causes and treatment solutions that are necessary to prevent self-harm. They can help you deal with the symptoms of self-harm and any mental illness that is associated with your problem. You will also have group therapy and family therapy in some treatment centers to help you communicate more with others about your personal problems.  

How to Get Rid of Self-Harm Scars

People who are in recovery may want to move on from their past issues of self-harm and part of that process may include getting rid of scars. Although some scars may never fully disappear, there are plenty of products, home remedies and even medical procedures that can help reduce the appearance of scars and make you feel more confident.

Over the counter products like silicon gel sheets, topical creams or gels may be applied to scars and over time will help flatten and reduce scarring. These kinds of products can take several months so see any kind of improvement but they are relatively inexpensive and can be found at a local drug store. For more serious scarring there are medical procedures available such as dermabrasion, skin grafting, scar revision surgery and laser resurfacing. These procedures can make a dramatic difference but they usually require anesthesia and can be much more costly than over the counter options.

Self-Harm Recovery

When you have completed treatment you will have to return home and learn to live your everyday life without engaging in self-harm. This can be a difficult transition because many people have a very strong habit of self-injury and any time they experienced emotional pain they would react by hurting themselves. In normal life you will still feel pressure, stress, anger and many other emotions that could be triggering.

The important thing is to learn to recognize your triggers and find an alternate solution when you are feeling the urge to self-harm. You can use techniques like deep breathing, meditation, or talking to a close friend to help prevent you from relapsing. It can be helpful for people in recovery to continue attending therapy sessions to keep them on track with their progress even after leaving a treatment center.

Self-Harm Awareness

As a person in recovery, it can feel cathartic to do something to give back to help people in need. Getting involved in self-harm awareness projects can be a great way to keep you grounded, prevent you from backsliding into old patterns and help others who are in a difficult place.

March in the U.S. is known as self-harm awareness month and it is a good time to get involved in community activities that help promote awareness and understanding. If you want to help organizations such as the Self Injury Foundation or other non-profit programs you can volunteer to give your time, donate funds or even share your story with others who are struggling with the same problems that you once did.

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source http://www.goodencenter.org/self-harm-guide/

Borderline Personality Disorder Guide

Every kind of personality disorder has their own unique set of symptoms and borderline personality disorder is one of the most common types that people experience. It is a serious mood disorder that can affect a person’s life and ability to function normally because it can create a lot of instability.  People with borderline personality disorder can experience intense episodes with very extreme mood swings that might last for a few hours or even days.

About 1.6% of the population has been diagnosed with borderline personality disorder and it is more likely to be found among women who represent about 75% of those with the disorder. With so many individual suffering from this illness it is important to understand more about the disorder and be able to recognize the symptoms in yourself or in others so that they can get the treatment they need.

What is Borderline Personality Disorder?

Like many mental health disorders, borderline personality disorder involves issues with moods that can occur in patterns and cause problems for an individual. The disorder is characterized by the person lacking a sense of self which can cause a lot of feelings of emptiness and abandonment.

People with borderline personality disorder can have intense but unstable relationships and emotional outbursts of anger, violence or depression. The symptoms can make a person become very impulsive so that they act in unpredictable ways or engage in risky, dangerous behavior.

What drives many of the symptoms of BPD is the individual’s struggle with self-image or having a deep uncertainty about who they are. This uncertainty can cause their values and interests to change rapidly and they experience high amounts of stress about relationships, fearing that people will leave them. They react strongly to negativity and may become angry or distressed even about minor separations from people they are close with.  

Borderline Personality Disorder Symptoms

In order to identify whether you or someone you love may have this disorder, it is important to familiarize yourself with the most common symptoms. Someone with borderline personality disorder will go through frantic and extreme measures to avoid any separation or rejection because of their fears of abandonment.

Even minor separations such as a business trip will cause issues for them. They will also have a pattern of very unstable and intense relationships, often idealizing people and then suddenly believing the person is cruel and uncaring. People with the disorder have a distorted self-image that can change frequently from one moment to the next.

They may engage in very impulsive and risky behavior such as gambling, reckless driving, unsafe sex, spending sprees, drug abuse, binge-eating or suddenly quitting a job. Their impulsiveness can cause problems and make it difficult for them to function. Many people with the disorder have periods of intense anger and they may engage in self-harm or attempt suicide in some cases.  

Do I Have Borderline Personality Disorder?

If you seem to have many of the symptoms typically associated with this disorder then you may need to be diagnosed. One of the clearest ways to tell if you have a mental health problem is evaluating how much your mood changes or other symptoms tend to interfere with your daily life. If you find it hard to stay at a job and frequently quit or have problems with poor performance because of your issues then it could be due to a disorder.

Having problems staying in stable relationships because of serious mood swings and fear of abandonment is also an indication of BPD. Impulsive behavior that leads to serious consequences such as a dire financial situation because of reckless shopping sprees could mean that you need to get help. If there are areas of your life that you feel have been seriously impacted by your symptoms then it is a good idea to be assessed by a mental health professional so that you can enter treatment for borderline personality disorder.

Borderline Personality Disorder Facts

Although borderline personality disorder is actually more common than schizophrenia, it is one of the least understood disorders by the public. People may not be very familiar with the disorder, but there are actually more than four million people in the U.S. alone that have been diagnosed.

Women tend to be more prone to developing BPD with a ratio of 3 women to one man diagnosed with the disorder. It can be a very dangerous illness to live with because 70% of all people with BPD will make at least one suicide attempt in their lifetimes and 8 to 10 percent of those with the disorder will complete suicide.

One of the biggest issues with borderline personality disorder is that people are often misdiagnosed as having other disorders such as bipolar or major depressive disorder when they actually have BPD. This can lead to an unfortunately delay in getting the right treatment and medication.

Understanding the Borderline Personality Disorder Definition

What does it mean when someone is diagnosed with borderline personality disorder? There are about ten basic personality disorders that can occur within different categories that include paranoid disorders such as schizoid, erratic disorders like antisocial or borderline and anxious disorders such as avoidant or dependent personality disorders. Borderline falls into the second category of erratic disorders because it involves a lot of emotional instability and impulsive behavior.  

By definition, borderline leads to significant impairment, particularly when it comes to close relationships with others. Personality disorders in general can be difficult to diagnose because it may be hard to distinguish between the extreme moods of other mental illnesses and the specific symptoms associated with borderline. Having a personality disorder like borderline means that someone has certain traits or patterns that are stable across time and consistent across situations and not a result of a certain environment or the influence of substance abuse.

Borderline Personality Disorder Causes

While the causes of most mental illnesses including borderline are not fully understood, there are certain factors which can contribute to someone developing specific symptoms. People who are diagnosed with borderline personality disorder often have a genetic predisposition due to inheriting traits from their parents or grandparents. Someone who has a close relative with borderline or a similar type of disorder is much more likely to develop BPD themselves.

Physical traits such as brain abnormalities are shown to be associated with BPD as many people with the disorder have unusual changes in areas of the brain associated with regulating emotion, impulsivity and aggression. Environmental factors can also help to trigger some of the symptoms of BPD such as a stressful or traumatic childhood. Those who are sexually or physically abused early in life or neglected as children are much more likely to have borderline personality disorder.

How to Deal with Borderline Personality Disorder

Having a mental illness like borderline can be difficult to live with especially since it often negatively affects relationships. Many people with the disorder often don’t understand their own behavior and they feel powerless in controlling the chaos that happens in their lives. It is important with borderline disorder to develop coping skills to reduce some of the more intense emotional states that can cause problems.

Coping mechanisms can also help decrease the chance of harming or destroying relationships by preventing outbursts and even physical aggressions. Educating yourself and trying out different coping skills can help you build confidence and be better able to handle different situations without reacting too strongly. Eventually you will learn what coping skills work for you such as listening to music, talking to someone you trust, doing a fun activity or hobby, deep breathing or mindful meditation which can all help to cool down intense emotions.

Borderline Personality Disorder and Relationships

One of the most complex issues that affects people with borderline personality disorder is the ability to maintain close relationships. Their connections with people close to them can often become tumultuous and strained because of their intense anger, fear of abandonment and sometimes a tendency towards violence.

People with BPD have a very hard time trusting others but also deal with a type of love addiction that makes them obsess over their partner who will ultimately disappoint them because of their own issues with intimacy.  Their feelings of emptiness, anxiety and distorted sense of social norms can lead to a lot of broken relationships. In order to repair their relationships, someone with borderline must learn to be more aware of other people’s feelings and build up their levels of trust. This can be difficult to do unless they receive counseling or treatment from a professional.

Entering Treatment for Borderline Personality Disorder

Although there are methods you can use to help cope with some of the symptoms of mental illness, a serious disorder like borderline usually improves most with treatment. A facility that specializes in the treatment of borderline personality disorder will have a team of staff members who are educated and trained in helping people reduce their symptoms.

Although historically BPD has been considered difficult to treat, there have been many advances in new treatment approaches that are proving very effective for individuals getting help. With the right treatment many people with borderline can experience fewer symptoms and enjoy an overall better quality of life.

Treatment centers can provide different types of counseling and therapies which can have a positive impact on patients dealing with some very complicated emotional symptoms. Treatment can be crucial in preventing some of the more dangerous behaviors in BPD such as suicide attempts.

Residential Treatment Programs for Borderline Personality Disorder

People with very severe symptoms or who have had the disorder for a long time without any diagnosis will benefit the most from residential treatment. This means that they will live onsite in a facility while they are receiving intensive treatment. Residential programs are beneficial because it takes the patient away from the daily stresses of life and difficult relationships that can aggravate their symptoms.

In a more structure environment, patients can focus on learning the coping mechanisms that can help them deal more effectively with their feelings of anger, depression or emptiness. Living in a facility also gives patients a chance to connect with other people who have the same disorder so that they can support each other throughout treatment.

Medication for Borderline Personality Disorder

Although the core approach to treatment for personality disorders like borderline is psychotherapy, other treatments like supplemental medication can help alleviate symptoms. Currently, there are no prescriptions which treat BPD specifically but patients can take medications to help some of their issues with depression, anxiety or other unstable mood problems.

People with the disorder can take antidepressants such as SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors) or antipsychotics to help reduce impulsivity and aggression. SSRIs work well to help stabilize a person’s mood and prevent any intense low periods of depression. Before taking any medication, patients should consult their treatment center or psychiatrist to determine what the best prescription and dosage will be for them.

Finding the Best Inpatient Treatment Centers for Borderline Personality Disorder

When you are looking for treatment it is always a good idea to do plenty of research in order to find the best environment that works for you. Each inpatient facility has its own set of amenities, approaches to treatment and patient schedules. You should look into what a typical day in the facility will look like and take a tour of the treatment center so that you know for certain that you will be comfortable there. Once you feel more familiar with the type of treatment they provide you can be more confident about your ability to be successful in the program.

Living with Borderline Personality Disorder

Professional treatment in a residential facility in many cases can dramatically reduce the symptoms of borderline personality disorder and make it much easier to live with. Although most patients cannot be fully “cured” of their mental illness, learning certain coping skills and getting the right medication can make the disorder much more manageable in their day to day life.

It can take a lot of time, patience and hard work to see improvement from a complex mental health disorder but it is possible for people with borderline personality disorder to have more stable relationships and succeed in the workplace. Treatment can change people’s lives for the better so that they do not have to be held back by issues of mental health.

 

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source http://www.goodencenter.org/borderline-personality-disorder-guide/