Those who participate in addiction and mental health treatment programs can benefit from having a wide range of therapeutic interventions and approaches available to individualize their treatment and recovery journey. Oftentimes, treatment centers utilize a combination of evidence-based and holistic modalities to complement the healing process. One type of clinical modality known as neurofeedback therapy has been especially effective in boosting mental wellness during treatment. Learning more about neurofeedback therapy, including what it is and how it works, can empower individuals to utiliz ..read more

Friends and family of someone who abuses alcohol or drugs are often the first ones to notice self-destructive behavior. They’re also the ones most likely to be hurt by these behaviors, making any intervention an emotionally charged minefield. However, there are ways to approach an intervention that maximize your chances for success. (freepik/Freepik) Hire an Interventionist Hiring a professional who has done many interventions in the past is a good way to keep the conversation on track. They can guide you before the intervention on what to say and how to keep hold of your emotions so you ca ..read more

“I am alive because I fight for sobriety. I am present because I am sober. I am worthy of a sober life. Through Jesus Christ, I can heal and have peace.” A mantra is a motto, saying, or phrase you repeat to yourself to ignite encouragement and focus on your journey to sobriety. Mantras are a form of positive self-talk to change your thought patterns, interrupt intrusive thoughts, and help change your perspective. Mantras can exponentially change your moods and increase willpower in addiction recovery. (user18526052/freepik) Everyone can benefit from repetitive, daily mantras while overcomin ..read more

When an individual is recovering from substance abuse, mental health disorders, and other distressing symptoms, intense shifts in emotion and mood can be expected. Navigating such emotions can be challenging, making it important for individuals to identify and implement effective tools for emotional regulation while undergoing treatment. Meditation, in particular, is a valuable tool that is capable of bringing calmness to the mind and body in the present moment. Understanding the role of meditation in emotional regulation can empower individuals to incorporate this practice into their day-to ..read more

The impact of substance abuse can be monumental, no matter your background, age, race, or gender. But that doesn’t mean that everyone will experience addiction and addiction recovery in the same way. A woman’s addiction recovery may entail a different set of struggles than their male counterparts. Gender differences play a role in how an individual responds to treatment and copes with the transition of giving up drugs or alcohol. This is why many addiction recovery centers offer gender-specific treatment options. Your experience with addiction may vary in severity and is influenced by many va ..read more

It is true that individuals who struggle with substance abuse experience an increased risk of mental health disorders and vice versa. When substance use disorder (SUD) and mental health disorders occur in tandem, they are known as co-occurring disorders. The 2022 National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH), conducted by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Administration (SAMHSA), discovered that nearly 21.5 million adults have a co-occurring disorder in the United States. Leaving co-occurring disorders untreated can foster a host of complications. Thus, gaining a better understanding of ..read more

When someone close to you has an addiction, it can be difficult to know what is helpful and what is enabling them to continue in their destructive behavior. As Christians, aren’t we supposed to give freely, serve others, and turn the other cheek? How do we know when we’ve crossed a line? (John-Mark Smith/Pexels) How God Feels About Drunkenness We all know that one of Jesus’ very first miracles was to turn water into wine, so it isn’t the wine itself that is the problem. Yet people tend to drink to excess and use it to numb feelings. Drunkenness is an excuse when we hurt others, commit crime ..read more

For many, the springtime marks a time of renewal; trees start budding, flowers begin blooming, and animals break from hibernation. As days get longer and warmer, individuals may feel overjoyed and excited considering all of the new opportunities and activities that springtime often brings. For those in recovery from addiction, however, springtime can also be nerve-wracking. Those working to sustain their sobriety in both early and long-term recovery may find that springtime can present new opportunities for temptation and relapse. By addressing all of the ways that springtime can help recover ..read more

Whether you come from a religious background or not, you’ve probably heard about the seven deadly sins. These seven character traits are thought to be the root of every harmful action (or inaction). What you may not know is how these characteristics might have led to your addiction or how they affect you during recovery. (user15285612/Freepik) Pride Pride is at the root of many other deadly sins. It is the inability to accept anyone’s wisdom over your own, even God’s. It makes us unbendable and unteachable. It stops us from seeking help from a drug or alcohol abuse treatment center because ..read more

Taking the first steps to independence in recovery can feel both rewarding and isolating. Early recovery requires one to make several changes to their lifestyle. Thus, it can be a very stressful and lonely stage for some individuals. Therefore, one must develop a strong support system by making healthy connections to promote long-term sobriety. It may be helpful for an individual to participate in sober activities, alumni meetings, and chores together in a sober living home at Renaissance Ranch to gain accountability for a better quality of life.   What Is a Sober Living Home? Research i ..read more