Inhale. Exhale. Repeat. We take about half a billion breaths over the course of our life and yet many of us don’t fully pay attention to our breathing. But learning to breathe deeply and consciously can be a valuable tool in your recovery. It’s simple and it’s pretty powerful when it comes to bringing more mindfulness and peace in your life.
Some other health benefits of conscious, deep breathing include:
How to Practice Breathing Deeply
It’s kind of funny to think that we need to practice something that is so core to survival, but most of us need to learn how to breathe deeply. Here are a few steps:
Christian-Based Addiction Rehab
Whether you’re in need of mental health services, inpatient addiction treatment or supervised drug detox, we can help you get the Christian based care you need to heal your mind, body, and spirit. Call today to learn more about our addiction treatment services for Christians: 877-310-9545.
Psalm 46:10: He says, “Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.”
Quiet time, or making an effort to unplug and remove yourself from such distractions as phones, electronics, social obligations, etc., can do wonders for your long-term sobriety. For one, you’ll be better able to process the lessons of recovery. In addition, a little stillness among the daily chaos of life can give you time to reflect on short- and long-term recovery goals. And, perhaps the best part, it’s not that hard to do. Try one (or all) of these quiet-time strategies this weekend:
A Christian Partner in Your Recovery Journey
Part of being a Christian in recovery is finding your way back to the Lord before you can achieve truly lasting sobriety. At Christian Rehab Network, we make sure that you never have to walk that journey alone. To learn about our faith-based programs, call today: 877-310-9545.
It’s a common myth that treatment for a drug or alcohol addiction isn’t really needed until the individual has hit rock-bottom.
And, work recently published by two UConn Health Researchers has refuted that misconception. Serving as guest editors for a special issue of the scientific journal, Addiction, Thomas Babor and Frances Del Boca conducted a meta-analysis of prior research reports.
After combing the data, they found that individuals exhibiting a few of the early symptoms of addiction, profoundly benefitted from early interventional care – helping them to course correct their behavior and reduce their risk of developing a full-blown addiction.
“Brief intervention refers to any time-limited effort, maybe one or two conversations or meetings, to provide information or advice, increase motivation to avoid substance abuse, or to teach behavior change skills that will reduce substance abuse as well as the chances of negative consequences,” says Babor, the Health Net Inc. Endowed Chair in Community Medicine and Public Health in the UConn School of Medicine.
Babor and Del Boca found substance abusers are far more likely to curtail their dangerous behaviors when a primary care physician refers them to treatment (if needed) after a brief screening incorporated into routine office visits.
“The idea of translating research into practice is a hope that is seldom realized in addiction science,” says assistant professor Bonnie McRee, one of the report authors. “To go from the development of screening tests to national implementation programs in the course of 20 years is a dream come true for an addiction scientist.”
Based this addiction research, the findings suggest that there is an opportunity to expand the use of addiction screenings to help prevent the disease of addiction from progressing in high-risk individuals. By identifying individuals early and helping them access addiction treatment quickly, it can help serve as a powerful tool in the fight against drug and alcohol addiction.
Whether you’re seeking guidance for yourself or for your loved one, Christian Rehab Network offers access to a variety of services geared toward a fully integrated plan of action tailored to your specific needs. When you combine the techniques of professionals from medicine, mental health, addiction care with a foundation in of the teachings of Christ, healing can be achieved in mind, body, and spirit. Get help now: 877-310-9545.
Halfway houses. Dry houses. Sober living homes. While they may go by a variety of different names, the common denominator remains the same – they offer an extremely effective tool for preventing relapse.
Typically, residents who choose sober living arrangements do so after completing an intensive inpatient treatment program and still need some additional support. Sober living facilities are similar to rehab centers in that they offer in-residence addiction recovery support. Though, clients have a greater level of independence and can leave the facility throughout the day to go to work and visit friends and family members – as long as they follow “house rules” like curfew and pass drug and alcohol tests.
If you (or someone you love) is about to graduate from an inpatient drug rehab facility, it’s a good idea to research sober living arrangements in his or her community. Still on the fence?
Here are three reasons why sober living homes are highly recommended by so many addiction recovery specialists.
Want to build on the recovery you gained during inpatient rehabilitation?
At Christian Rehab Network, we offer highly affordable sober living arrangements for those seeking a safe place to continue their recovery and rebuild their life. A stay in one of these group homes will allow you to bridge the gap between rehab and the real world, surrounded by other followers of Christ who are committed to their sobriety. Call (877) 310-9545 to learn more today.
It’s a staggering statistic. 17.5 million adults currently suffer from a serious mental illness according to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). And, among those with behavioral health issues, four million adults also have a co-occurring addiction to drugs or alcohol.
Given the fact that so many individuals need help for both substance abuse issues and mental health conditions like depression and anxiety, more addiction recovery specialists recommend treatments, like talk therapy, that can help patients address both conditions concurrently.
If you are seeking help for a co-occurring condition, your addiction recovery team may recommend that you participate in psychotherapy (a.k.a. talk therapy) to help you process your feelings and find healthier alternatives to destructive behaviors.
But, if you have reservations about participating in talk therapy, you shouldn’t. By taking the time to learn more about this therapeutic option, you can ease your fears.
FACT: One of the biggest misconceptions about talk therapy is that it only focuses on what is wrong. In contrast, the focus of talk therapy is all about helping the client seek out and implement solutions for their problems.
FACT: In reality, there are a wide range of professionals you can see to participate in therapy sessions including psychiatrists, psychologists, social workers and counselors.
FACT: Over the past few decades, thousands of people have benefitted from going to therapy to help them work through challenging periods of their lives including divorce, starting a new career or the loss of a loved one. In fact, when individuals seek help for addiction or behavioral health issues, it is a positive sign that the individual is strong enough to prioritize their well-being.
Are you coping with an addiction to drugs or alcohol and suffering from a behavioral health issue like depression, anxiety or post-traumatic stress disorder? At Christian Rehab Network, we can help you get the comprehensive help you need to make you whole again – while also strengthening your relationship with Christ. Learn more about our mental health services for Christians by calling (877) 310-9545.
Have you ever wondered why you sometimes crave spending time outside? What is it about fresh air and a little sunshine that have such a powerful effect on our mood? Multiple research studies have actually proven that the simple act of being outdoors can have a positive impact on virtually every aspect of our physical health and mental well-being – everything from anxiety and stress reduction to increased brain function.
And, the health benefits of the great outdoors can be especially beneficial for those on a journey to addiction recovery. Living through years of drug and alcohol abuse may have drained you of energy and left you feeling less than your best. Though, there are many holistic addiction treatments available – including spending more time outside - that can support your sobriety by helping you recharge.
(1) It can give you a boost of creativity. The next time you are trying to figure out the answer to a problem at work, trying taking a short walk outside. In a research study published by the Journal of Experimental Psychology, participants experienced a greater degree of creative decision making after taking a short walk on a treadmill and a greater benefit when taking a walk outside.
(2) Being outside can help you beat the blues. Researchers at the University of Michigan explored the mental health benefits of walking outdoors and found that group nature walks are linked with significantly lower rates of depression and an improvement in mental health and overall well-being.
(3) You might be able to ward off the flu. In one study conducted by Japanese scientists, research participants spent several days camping and at the end of the study, most were found to have a stronger immune system and less susceptibility to catching a cold or the flu.
The simple act of spending time in the great outdoors has a multitude of physical, mental and spiritual benefits which can benefit everyone – especially those recovering from a life of addiction. If you are building a new life of sobriety, consider ways you can tweak your daily routine to spend a few minutes outside each day. By spending a little more time outdoors each day, you can reduce your risk of relapse and feel more energized about a life free from addiction.
Whether you’re in need of mental health services, inpatient addiction treatment or supervised drug detox, you can rest assured the provider we match you with will be able to treat you with the kind of Christian-based care you need to heal your mind, body, and spirit. Call Christian Rehab Network today at (877) 310-9545, and we will walk by your side through enrollment, treatment, and recovery.
If you’re on a path to addiction recovery and leading a life of sobriety, it takes a lot of inner strength, grit and determination to acknowledge that you need help and get the support you need to start a new life. To continue that positive momentum, it’s also important to put a plan in place to avoid relapse as you carve out a healthier lifestyle that is free from an addiction to drugs or alcohol.
While the cause of addiction is complex, many addiction recovery researchers suggest that it’s fueled by a combination of genetics, and in many instances, environmental and cultural triggers that prompt the addict to use and abuse as a result.
According to the American Society of Addiction Medicine, addiction is characterized by the power of external cues to trigger cravings and addictive behaviors. These triggers can include a wide range of influences including: exposure to drugs and alcohol, other addicts, toxic relationships and stressful situations.
Though, it’s important to remember that you don’t have to be held hostage by your addiction triggers to continue a life of sobriety. By creating a plan that identifies that situations and emotions that you associate with alcohol and drug abuse, you can become more proactive about maintaining a sober lifestyle.
Don’t wait until you are at risk of relapse. Take a few moments today to identify your personal addiction triggers and make a plan that outlines how you can counteract those influences in healthier ways.
Step 1: Think about your past substance abuse and what caused those cravings?
Step 2: Consider why those situations or emotions triggered your alcohol or drug abuse.
Step 3: Make a list of healthier ways you can react to those influences.
Addiction recovery is a lifelong process of learning about your personal addiction triggers and developing healthier coping skills. But, if you’re armed with the right support and a relapse prevention plan, you can protect your newfound sobriety and celebrate your Christ-centered life - free from addiction.
Built on the same spiritual foundations as the inpatient facilities and detox services we offer, the use of outpatient drug and alcohol, mental health or other services can be used to build on the recovery you gained at inpatient rehabilitation, or employed as a standalone method of recovery.
Call Christian Rehab Network today at (877) 310-9545, and we will walk by your side through enrollment, treatment, and recovery.
The prescription narcotics know
n as opioids play a fundamental role in helping people recover from surgery or serious injuries. However, they carry a high potential for abuse when misused. In fact, a 2015 study by the Mayo Clinic found that 25% of patients who are prescribed prescription opioids such as hydrocodone (Vicodin) and oxycodone (Percocet) end up with long-term usage patterns that put them at risk of dependence. Patients with a history of tobacco use or other substance abuse struggles are most at risk of developing an addiction.
In recent news, orthopedic surgeons concerned about the dangers of opioid use are experimenting with new approaches to pain relief in rotator cuff surgeries. These pain relief strategies include injecting a non-addictive anesthetic at the base of the neck, implanting a catheter under the skin to deliver anesthetic doses for the initial days after surgery, and using wearable icing devices to reduce pain and swelling. Their goal is to help patients transition to over-the-counter pain relievers like Tylenol within a few days.
Stopping Addiction Before It Starts
Although the general public often considers all medications prescribed by a doctor to be safe, opioid addiction is a serious public health issue. The National Institutes on Drug Abuse report that opioid analgesic poisoning is a more commonly cited cause of death than heroin or cocaine overdose.
Rotator cuff surgery is widely considered one of the most difficult for recovery. If orthopedic surgeons are successful in reducing the need for opioids after this procedure, these techniques could help save many people from the pain of addiction.
Getting Help for an Opioid Addiction
If you've been prescribed opioids and are using your medication for reasons other than pain relief, taking higher doses than what your doctor recommends, experiencing cravings, or lying to friends and family about medication use, you may have a substance abuse problem. Christian Rehab Network can help you get the treatment you need: offering interventions, referrals to faith-based facilities, and spiritual guidance when addiction seems overwhelming.
Call a Christian rehab specialist at 877-310-9545 today, and learn more about taking your first step toward a redeemed future.
Often used by therapists t
o assist clients during the Christian substance abuse recovery process, journaling is a way to purge anxious thoughts, gain clarity about thoughts and emotions, and record an ongoing dialogue with God.
James Pennebaker, researcher and psychologist at the University at Texas at Austin, has studied the benefits of expressive writing on the healing process. Pennebaker reports that routine journaling strengthens T-lymphocytes—a type of immune cell, and that writing about stressful situations helps people come to terms with them.
“When people are given the opportunity to write about emotional upheavals, they often experience improved health,” says Pennebaker. “They got to the doctor less. They have changes in immune function. … People will tell us months afterward that it’s been a very beneficial experience for them.”
Types of Journaling in Christian Rehab
Journaling styles vary broadly, but there are a number of writing approaches that are especially beneficial for people recovering from substance abuse.
Effective Alcohol Addiction Treatment Available Today
If you struggle with prayer or have trouble sharing your mental health issue or chemical dependency with others, journaling is a cathartic way to meditate and record your innermost thoughts. When you are ready to get the help you need, Christian Rehab Network stands beside you—available to help with insurance verification, interventions, and spiritual guidance that can bring about redemption—one day at a time. Call a Christian rehab specialist 24 hours a day at 877-310-9545.
Physical detox is the first
step toward pursuing freedom from addiction, but the majority of the work comes in later—as you “detox” everything from negative thought patterns to enabling relationships. Substance abuse has tainted every part of your life. To achieve true transformation, you must address the impact addiction has had on your faith, family, finances, employment, emotional health, and mental wellness. The good news: You serve a big God, and he is available minute to minute to bring light into every dark corner of your life.
3 Steps to Cleansing Body, Mind & Soul After Addiction
Detox Safely With a Christian Rehab Network Facility
To help you begin your recovery with a clean slate, our faith-based rehab facilities provide supervised, safe medical detox for alcoholism and drug addiction. Then, we walk with you as you begin to detox other areas of your life: spiritual, mental, emotional, and relational. Begin anew today: 877.310.9545.
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