There’s a fine line between helping and enabling a loved one struggling with addiction. But how do you tell the difference? And how do you know when your “help” isn’t actually helping and may even be delaying treatment?

Let’s start by looking at the definitions:

• To help someone means to do something for someone else that they are not capable of doing for themselves.
• To enable someone, on the other hand, means to do something for someone else that they can and should be doing for themselves.

So “helping” by doing a loved one’s chores or completing his or her school or work obligations is really enabling him or her to shirk responsibilities in favor of pursing the addiction.

It’s perfectly natural to want to help your loved ones, whether a child, spouse or sibling. And even if your desire is well intentioned – you could be causing more harm than good. This is because picking up the pieces or pretending that everything is OK can prevent him or her from dealing with the consequences, getting help and getting well.

Here are a few more examples of “helpful” acts that are actually enabling your loved one:

• You make excuses to his/her employer or teacher about why he didn’t show up or is always running late.
• You pay bills or debts.
• You cover up any acceptable behavior or make-up lies or excuses to others (even yourself).
• You take on more to compensate for your loved one’s failure to meet responsibilities.
• You bail out your loved one from disasters created due to active addiction.
• You put your own needs aside to continually take care of your loved one.

Healing Families at Christian Rehab
If you or someone you care about is caught in the bondage of drugs or alcoholism, Christian Rehab Network can help. We help families to find faith-based drug rehab programs based in Biblical truth. To learn more, call today: 877-310-9545.

Relapse triggers are a very real part of addiction – but you can take steps to fight back. Your first step: Identify your personal triggers. Next, create a plan to take action so they don’t threaten your hard-won sobriety. Here are a few common triggers to watch out for:

1. HALT: Hunger, Anger, Loneliness, and Tiredness: This acronym was designed to remind you to stop and ask yourself: “Am I feeling hungry, angry, lonely, or tired?” When these basic needs aren’t met, you’re more likely to engage in self-destructive behaviors, including relapse.

2. Social isolation: Isolating yourself from friends, family, peers and professionals from the addiction community is a slippery slope into relapse. Now more than ever, it’s essential to have a solid support system in place.

3. Celebration: Not all triggers are negative. In fact, a positive event – like a job promotion or new apartment – can make you rationalize a celebratory drink, for instance. Take time to plan ahead and have a list of some sober ways to celebrate your successes.

4. Overconfidence: While self-confidence is an important part of your mental health and lasting sobriety, too much confidence can be dangerous to your recovery. It can lead you to mistakenly think you can handle a high-risk situation that could easily trigger a relapse. The trick is finding a healthy balance of confidence, cautiousness and humility

5. New relationships: Most addiction experts urge against romantic relationships within the first year of recovery. This is because it’s easy to develop an unhealthy dependence and to relapse should the relationship come to an end.

Aftercare for Lifetime Sobriety
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 help you develop relapse prevention strategies and build on the recovery you gained during rehab. To learn more, call today: 877-310-9545.

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:

• Reduced anxiety and depression
• Lower/stabilized blood pressure
• Increased energy levels
• More relaxed muscles
• Better sleep
• Decreased stress
• Better ability to withstand pain
• Greater productivity and learning
• Better decision-making
• Heightened self-awareness

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:

• Sit or lie down in a quiet, comfortable place. Take a normal breath. Now, take a deep breath by breathing in slowly through your nose and hold it for a count of 7. Your chest and lower belly should rise as you fill your lungs.
• Slowly exhale through your mouth (or nose, if that feels more natural) for a count of 8.
• Repeat the cycle four more times for a total of 5 deep breaths.
• Once you become comfortable with the above steps, you may consider blending deep breathing with imagery or a mantra or prayer to deepen relaxation.

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:

• Take a mindful walk. While sweat inducing speed walking is great for your body and mind, so is slowing the pace once in a while so you can breathe in your surroundings. Stroll through the park this weekend and really take notice of the flowers, trees, birds – you’ll be surprised how quickly it helps quiet your mind.
• Make room for meditation. You can meditate before you begin your day or as part of your bedtime ritual to help you wind down. Either way, this calming practice is sure to help quiet your mind from the constant chatter of daily life.
• Start a journal – and stick with it. You’ve likely heard the many health perks of journaling and for good reason: Using writing (or typing) to unleash your feelings is the perfect exercise to clear, quiet and focus your mind during recovery.

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.

Faith-Based Inpatient and Outpatient Care

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.

1. They offer support during the most critical time. Many addiction recovery professionals note that the risk of relapse is the most pronounced during first 30 to 90 days after inpatient treatment. By sheltering residents with continued support during this sensitive transitional period, clients can prevent a lapse in their sobriety.
2. Access to support, 24/7. One of the most profound benefits of choosing a sober living arrangement is that you can still access support from sober coaches and house managers who are also living on-site – day or night.
3. Get back into a regular routine. While every facility is different in their approach, most sober living homes allow residents to get back into a regular routine – simple things like grocery shopping, cooking dinner and helping with basic housework. While it may seem like a small step towards last sobriety, these types of activities can help residents regain a sense of normalcy, independence and confidence to fuel lasting sobriety.

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.

3 Things You Need to Know about Talk Therapy

1. MYTH: Therapy is just about talking about your problems.

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.

2. MYTH: Only psychiatrists offer therapy sessions.

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.

3. MYTH: Only crazy people go to therapy.

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.

Find Comprehensive Treatment Services for Co-Occurring Disorders

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.

3 Reasons Why You Should Spend More Time Outside

(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.

Helping You Heal

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.

What Is an Addition Trigger?

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.

Create an Action Plan to Overcome Addiction Triggers

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?

• What were you feeling?
• What were you doing?
• Who were you with?

Step 2: Consider why those situations or emotions triggered your alcohol or drug abuse.

• Were you trying to numb uncomfortable feelings?
• Did you feel pressured by others?

Step 3: Make a list of healthier ways you can react to those influences.

• If your trigger is stress-related, what can you do to overcome feelings of anxiety?
• If social situations where drugs and alcohol spark your cravings, how can you avoid those high-risk situations?

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.

Discover Christian-based Addiction Outpatient Treatment and Sober Living

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 known 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.