Blog Posts | AToN Center

How Do I Know if I am Addicted to Marijuana?

January 24, 2020 // by ATON RECOVERY

Because marijuana is now legal in California and so many other states, people do not talk as much about dependence or addiction. Even if marijuana is less addictive than many other substances, it doesn’t mean that marijuana addiction does not ruin lives just like other substance addictions. The big question is how do I know if I am addicted to marijuana?

Anytime we ask ourselves if we are addicted to something, it is likely that we have some type of problem. Asking the question can be the first indicator. Marijuana carries with it a high rate of dependency, which does differ from addiction. Whether or not we are dependent upon marijuana or if we are actually addicted, it is an excellent question to ask.

Medical Marijuana vs. Recreational Marijuana

Perhaps the most extensive research about marijuana that has been done is the medicinal use. Most often, Cannabidiol, also known as CBD oil is what people use for medical purposes. Some of the serious medical conditions that are commonly treated with CBD oil include seizures, anxiety, insomnia, and chronic pain. This treatment, when prescribed and supervised by a medical doctor, often works when other treatments have failed.

CBD oil is actually derived from the hemp plant and does not contain THC, therefore it does not produce a “high” like marijuana products. This means that is also not addictive. Even if there is so much more to be learned about CBD oil and its efficacy in medical treatments, some aspects of its safety have definitely been established. There are still risks in using it, and it is yet to be regulated by the FDA. But again, CBD oil is not addictive.

Marijuana Dependency

According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), approximately 30 percent of adults who use marijuana will become dependent upon it. Dependency occurs when we feel symptoms of withdrawal when we are not using marijuana. Our brain becomes used to large quantities of the drug in our brains, and will actually change production in some of its own transmitters to compensate. So when we stop using the drug, there is a physiological response.

Some of the symptoms we can expect to have when stopping our marijuana use include irritability, sleep difficulties, mood changes, restlessness, decreased appetite, cravings, and other forms of physical discomfort. These symptoms often peak within the first week of abstinence and can last for up to two weeks.

Marijuana Addiction

While the stats for marijuana dependence vs. addiction vary due to different criteria from various sources, the estimates are that one adult in ten who uses marijuana will become addicted. Marijuana addiction includes the same struggles as a dependency, including the withdrawal symptoms. The big difference is that those with an addiction cannot stop. Despite the drug interfering with multiple aspects of our lives, preventing us from functioning, no matter how hard we try, we cannot quit. At least not on our own.

We can know if we are addicted to marijuana if we are giving up other activities in order to use marijuana, such as time with family and friends and important events. Additionally, addiction leaves us more susceptible to the side effects of the drug, including problems with learning, memory, and attention. Certainly, if this sounds familiar, it is worth looking into treatment.

Consequences of Potency

Not enough is known about how the potency of marijuana impacts us. Being plant-based and unregulated by government or health officials, there is no control over what we are ingesting each time we use marijuana. Anyone who has used marijuana will say that it is not the quantity, it is the quality. To that end, NIDA did do a study that has alarming results: the potency of THC in marijuana that was confiscated in the 1990’s vs. 2014 rose three times within just 15 years. The theory is that the higher levels of THC will result in more side effects, more dependency, and more addiction. Other consequences are completely unknown at this time. While we wait for science to catch up with legislation and recreation, we should be very careful that we know what we are putting into our bodies, particularly since the short and long-term effects are still unknown.

Can I Overdose on Marijuana?

By definition, no, using too much marijuana is not directly fatal, meaning we cannot directly overdose on THC or marijuana. That we know of. However, too much of the drug is likely to land us in the Emergency Room. People often experience increased levels of anxiety, paranoia, panic, hallucinations, increased blood pressure or heart rates, and severe nausea or vomiting. Additionally, marijuana, when mixed with other drugs, including prescription drugs, can contribute to serious health problems and even fatality.

How do you know if you are addicted to marijuana? There is not a blood test, but you know if you have a problem. Maybe it is merely dependency, or maybe it is addiction. Either way, it can be very difficult to stop on your own. Accessing treatment gives you a safe way to stop using marijuana, and gives you the tools to a better quality of life without dependency or addiction. You deserve to see clearly, to live free of dependency and addiction. Make the call today for a better future.

Find out how to treat marijuana addiction by calling AToN Center at (888) 813-5928. You can truly free your mind in recovery.

The Value of a Good Night’s Sleep

January 23, 2020 // by ATON RECOVERY

There is a reason that sleep deprivation is used as a form of torture. Or why parents of young babies constantly look like zombies. Sleep is crucial to our health, both mental and physical. Try to imagine, then, after using substances for however long, how important sleep is on our recovery. Although many of us find sleep as elusive as ever upon entering recovery, establishing a regular sleep pattern is one of the important tenets of a successful recovery.

Lack of Sleep is Part of the Problem

The most obvious link between substance abuse and sleep is when people turn to some kind of substance because they have not been able to get enough sleep. Drugs as “innocent” as caffeine or more extremely, anything from amphetamines to cocaine. It starts at a very young age, as one study found that up to 75 percent of young students are not getting a good night’s sleep. The deprivation increases with age, with college students often pulling “all-nighters,” and continues into adulthood with the responsibilities of jobs and parenthood.

However, it is not merely the natural consequences of missing sleep and turning to substances to stay awake. There is also a correlation to missed sleep leading to future use of all types of substances. The report above also looked at how adults missing sleep impacted specific dopamine receptors, leaving them at risk for future substance use in an effort to compensate for the lowered dopamine levels. The bottom line is that one way or the other, missing sleep itself can increase our risk of substance use.

Substances Interrupt Healthy Sleep Patterns

Everyone has what is known as a circadian rhythm. This is a 24-hour sleep-wake cycle that regulates not only how much sleep we need, but when we need it. Substance abuse has been shown to interrupt that cycle. Certain substances, such as those listed above, intentionally keep us awake. Others simply interfere with sleep as a side effect.

There is also data to suggest, as a 2012 study noted, that when the circadian rhythm is interrupted by substance use, the circadian rhythm, in turn, increases the need in the brain for more substance, creating a vicious cycle. The more obvious cycle is like the one above, where something like an amphetamine is used to stay awake, but then the drug interferes with sleep when we want to sleep, leading to sometimes another substance being introduced to induce sleep, which creates a vicious cycle of substances controlling our sleep pattern instead of our own body’s natural cycle.

Substance-Induced Sleep Disorder

Many substances create sleep disorders. Sleep is interrupted by insomnia, or not being able to get to sleep, as well as difficulties staying asleep, and interference with the sleep cycles such as non-REM sleep and REM sleep. In this situation, the substance itself is interfering with our sleep process, which then makes us excessively sleepy and puts us at higher risk for accidents and other consequences of sleepiness.

When our sleep is consistently impaired, such as with insomnia, it becomes an actual sleep disorder. The natural instinct is to self-medicate a sleep disorder with alcohol or another substance that can cause sleepiness. Unfortunately, this only helps short-term, because the substance is needed in increasing quantities in order to be effective, at which point the other consequences of substance use come into play. Sleep disorders are very real and require appropriate medical intervention to be able to overcome them.

Sleep and Withdrawal

One side effect of detoxification is sleep disturbances during the withdrawal process. In fact, many of us struggle with sleep disturbances further into recovery. Because our brains have often been re-wired during substance use, it can take some time for the natural circadian rhythm to return. It does get better, though. As we do all of the things to restore our mental, physical, and emotional health, natural sleep patterns can return.

Sleep as Self-Care

One of the basic principles of recovery is self-care, or daily routines to take care of our mental, physical, and emotional health. Sleep is one of the very important ones, and we need to be vigilant in protecting our sleep. Some people advocate the use of sleep-inducing medications, with sleep being a quality of life issue. However, this is something we can discuss with a trusted doctor, as such medications can also be addictive and can impact our recovery negatively. There are many other non-addictive things we can do which will help restore a normal sleep cycle, such as meditation, yoga, and exercise. These activities have the side-effect of improving our mental and physical health while helping our bodies to sleep better and sleep on schedule.

Many of us don’t even realize that our sleep is being impacted because substances do so much to interfere with our whole lives. Perhaps you weren’t aware of the love-hate relationship that substance use and sleep have. But you can restore your body’s natural sleep patterns. When you enter recovery, you seek health. Proper sleep is incredibly important to your overall health, both body and mind. So it is important to find a facility that understands holistic health, such as AToN Center. Together, you can start your healing process, and in that process, restore your natural sleep patterns. Never underestimate the value of a good night’s sleep.

Restore your help and your sleep cycle at AToN Center. Call (888) 813-5928 today and recover your mental and physical health and also your sleep.

Are There Gender Differences in Recovery?

January 21, 2020 // by ATON RECOVERY

The human experience of recovery impacts us all on every level, regardless of gender. However, there are actually differences in the way that males and females experience recovery that is more commonly attributed to gender. Being aware of the differences and shared experiences helps all of us to be mindful of one another as we recover.

Separate but Equal Paths to Substance Use

Substance abuse is an equal-opportunity life destroyer, but how we get there is often different depending on our gender. For example, women are more likely than men to have co-occurring disorders such as depression or anxiety or eating disorders. Many women cite sexual trauma in childhood or later as the impetus for their substance use. There is also a higher number of women who suffer from PTSD and turn to substances. Women are often introduced to substances by a familial or romantic relationship, and statistically, women progress in their addiction from casual use to addiction much more quickly than men do.

Men, on the other hand, are statistically more likely to start using and also to become addicted to substances than women, particularly young men. Men are more likely to use substances due to peer pressure. Men are also far more likely to engage in risk-taking behaviors while using substances. This includes unprotected sex, sex with multiple partners, violence and criminal behavior, sexual violence, and accidents. The rate of substance use amongst males who are incarcerated is astronomically higher than that of the general population.

How we start using substances is often different, how quickly we become addicted or whether or not we become addicted is different, and what we do while under the influence can be different, too. But addiction still impacts our entire lives, regardless of whether we are male or female.

Barriers to Treatment

Just like our paths to addiction can be different, men and women can face different barriers to treatment. For example, the most common barrier to treatment for women is that statistically, women are the primary caregivers in their families, whether they care for children, elderly, or family members with disabilities, access to residential treatment is difficult due to their role in their families. While women are more successful in abstinence from substances while they are pregnant or actively caregiving, their role as caregivers is prohibitive in getting the help they need.

Men face cultural barriers as well. The traditional male stereotype of the male being strong and capable makes it very difficult to admit that there is a problem, let alone ask for help. Men are also more ambivalent about seeking help for health issues. Whether it is a matter of avoidance of the problem or that stereotype of perceived weakness, these can be barriers for men in seeking help for substance use.

Gender-specific Challenges in Treatment

The challenges that women uniquely face in treatment include finding appropriate treatment for a co-occurring disorder, which creates a ping pong effect in a relapse of the other disorder, then substance abuse, and back again endlessly. The caregiver role once again makes it difficult, because even if they are able to find care for their family members for which they are responsible, women have a more difficult time with the emotional separation during treatment. Additionally, women have to be concerned about pregnancy or potentially becoming pregnant during recovery, which is more difficult at such an emotionally vulnerable time.

Men experience more powerful withdrawal symptoms in recovery, making it a more unique physical challenge for them. Men stereotypically struggle with expressing their emotions, making the recovery process more difficult and potentially longer for them. Men also feel more shame for their substance use, often due to cultural perceptions of strength and weakness that are placed on them. All of these factors can make the recovery process more difficult for a specific gender.

Recovery: The Shared Experience

All of the challenges, statistics, and stereotypes about substance use and recovery amongst the different genders are helpful in understanding differences. But at the end of the day, we are all still human. All of us are struggling with something that is beyond our power to control. We can celebrate our differences, but we struggle together as one. We need each other to heal, no matter how we got here or what our individual challenges may be.

That woman who is always crying and pulling out pictures of her kids can use support just as much as the man who is struggling to open up at all. Because at the end of the day, we all need every ounce of support that we can get. Addiction does not care what gender we are or any other demographic aspect that we fall into. Luckily, recovery also does not care what gender we are, it is there for us to embrace and make our own, with the support of the shared experience.

Men and women often access substances differently. Our reasons for using substances may be different, but the pain is the same. The result is the same. And our need for recovery is the same. Even if we experience unique challenges in accessing treatment based on our gender, we benefit from sharing our experiences as we recover. We can be sensitive to gender differences while offering support equally in recovery. Substance abuse may be an equal opportunity life-destroyer, but recovery is an equal opportunity lifesaver. Whatever your gender, you can start your recovery today.

Find a personalized recovery for you. Call AToN Center at (888) 813-5928 today to begin your journey.

The Slippery Slope of Opioid Addiction

January 20, 2020 // by ATON RECOVERY

It always starts with the concept of healing. Healing from often intense pain. Not emotional pain or childhood trauma, but rather pain from an injury, surgery, or illness that greatly impacts your quality of life. The first time you take a prescription pain medication can end well, with relief from physical pain and eventually no longer requiring the prescription drug. Unfortunately, all too often, it results in an uncontrollable addiction. It is an addiction that threatens to ruin your life, or, worse, take your life. Prescription pain medications are often necessary, but you must always beware of the slippery slope that leads to opioid addiction.

I’m Not a Drug Addict

One of the most dangerous aspects of opioid addiction is the stigma associated with addiction. Society paints the image of addicts as serial troublemakers who have dropped out of school and are actively seeking street drugs to get high. Awareness of the opioid addict next door is sadly swept under the carpet. The mother with 2.5 children who lives in a well-kept home and drives the carpool to school and extracurricular activities. The well-dressed lawyer who gives time to charity and goes to church every week. These are the true faces of opioid addiction. It doesn’t have to be sought after, it can come right to you, from the person you trust most: your doctor.

How It Begins

Opioid addiction begins after an injury or surgery, or maybe to treat serious pain due to illness. Your doctor writes out a prescription for pain medication. If he or she is doing their job well, they will give you a stern lecture about the risks of addiction, discuss other pain treatment options with you, and/or give you pamphlets about the risks of addiction. When you fill the prescription at the pharmacy, your medication will likely also arrive with warnings about potential addiction. It is always up to you to know what you are taking, though.

You take your first pill or pills, according to the doctor’s directions. Because, after all, you are only seeking relief from physical pain. Some people get that relief. For other people, it is not enough. Pain is a beast that is difficult to tame. For some people, the reaction to the medication is so positive that they want more right away. For others, it can take some time before they are increasing their own dosage. Whether it is for the blissful, numbing feeling that the drug offers, or for the need for more pain relief, at some point you lose control over the dosage you are taking. Now the medication has control over you instead.

There is another way that opioid addiction from prescription pain pills begins, and that is when someone shares their medication with a friend. When used for recreational purposes, the pills are most likely going to develop into an addiction, because they are used not as directed, as an illicit drug, to produce a “high” or an escape from emotional pain.

Sliding Down the Slope

Once you are increasing your own dosage, you are already sliding down that slope. People will ask multiple doctors for prescriptions for pain medications, or turn to illegal sources and buy pills on the street. In addition to the carnage this creates in their lives in terms of relationships, jobs, families, and even freedom, the addiction is so powerful that “normal” people like you and I will resort to doing just about anything to get their medications. When that is not enough, “ordinary” people turn to heroin or fentanyl because the cravings are just that intense, and pain pills are simply not enough.

A Slope Less Traveled

The slippery slope can actually be a very short road from an “upstanding” person next door to a heroin addict. The transformation is often astonishing to everyone around you. Not only are opioid drugs like OxyContin, Vicodin, codeine, and morphine incredibly addictive, they can easily lead you to use illicit drugs like heroin and fentanyl. All of these drugs run a very high risk of overdose. Even when people seek treatment, a relapse commonly becomes an overdose.

But it doesn’t have to be this way. At any point in your use of prescription opioids or even heroin or fentanyl, you can and should seek medical treatment. Even though opioids carry an intense withdrawal process, there are many medications that can be given with medical supervision that make the process safer for you physically and emotionally. Successful treatment for opioid addiction may be difficult, but it should not be the slope less traveled.

Avoiding the Slope

Does this mean that you should never take prescription opioid medications that are prescribed by your doctor? Not necessarily. You can counsel with your doctor or even multiple doctors about the risks and benefits. If your life is greatly impacted by pain, you don’t have control over it, either. There are non-opioid pain medications that can be used, sometimes in tandem. And other, more effective pain medications are being developed, too.

You always have a say in what you do or do not take. Until you take something that is highly addictive. So you need to be vigilant and protect yourself from “accidental” addiction. If you are already sliding down the slippery slope of opioid addiction, it is not too late. Make a call to get help today. Because the rock bottom of opioid addiction is not something you can always recover from.

You can heal your life at AToN Center. Call (888) 813-5928 today to escape the relentless claws of opioid addiction.

Why is Family So Crucial?

January 17, 2020 // by ATON RECOVERY

Treatment for substance use is finite, but families are infinite. We attend treatment and learn the skills to move forward in our lives, and then we return to our families. If we do not include our families in our treatment and recovery, we are missing out on an opportunity for a long-term, built-in support network. Families rejoice with us in times of success and are there to pick up the pieces when we are broken. Why is family so crucial? Because of the power of their unconditional love.

Let’s be fair, probably not even Norman Rockwell himself had a perfect family. The chances of us even having a functional family is lowered exponentially when we have used substances. Perhaps our family would be completely unwilling to even meet with us in treatment, but even in dysfunctional families, there is enough love there that they could be willing to try if they are even remotely able. Even if our family is less capable than we are in our crisis, extending the olive branch and attempting to expose them to what we are doing and learning about in treatment can benefit everyone. Certainly, right now, we can use all the support we can get.

The Power of Knowledge

There is a reason that most recovery programs seek to involve the family in our treatment: Our families are our worlds. When we leave treatment with our shiny new skills, we go home to… yes, you guessed it… family. They need to know. They need to know about you, about your substance use, about the changes you are making in your life. They need to know that they are needed.

Knowledge destroys stigma. There is likely a fair bit of stigma in our families about us, our substance use, and now this treatment thing we are doing. Allowing our families the opportunity to come to treatment and learn about our pain, our past, and how we got here humanizes us and our condition. It helps them to understand us better, to understand substance abuse better, and to take a vested interest in our recovery.

That is just the tip of the iceberg, though. They can learn about communication, family dynamics, the different types of therapy, and the most important ways that they will be able to support you going forward. Knowledge is power, and when we give our families the power to support us, we are unlocking a treasure trove of power to bless us now and throughout our lives.

The Power of Support

Anyone who has ever played a sport, performed in some way, or otherwise put themselves in front of a lot of people knows that having some of those people be on our side is everything. In this way, our family is like our own personal fan club. We know that they will be there for us when we win, or even in the event that we should fall flat on our faces. This kind of support is crucial to keep us going, to keep us taking chances and making the effort to live courageously.

Our families can do more than cheer us on, though. They can be our partners in wellness, our emotional support animals, and our in-home life coaches. They can help us maintain our self-care, practice our skills, exercise, eat healthily, and more. They can be our inspiration to keep putting one foot in front of the other, and our daily reminders of why we are working so hard to be a better person.

Sometimes family members may even be inspired to support us by emulating the change they see in us. Whether it be giving up a habit such as coffee or smoking, or simply exercising more, eating healthier, or joining us in yoga or meditation, sometimes the support comes in the shape of a chain reaction of change. Whatever way our family chooses to support us is up to them. But support in any form is a blessing in our recovery.

The Power of Love

The words our families say to us may not always feel like unconditional love. Yet there is no other love like familial love. Whether it is family that we have chosen, such as a partner or spouse, or family we were adopted into or born into, there is a love there that is not like any other in our worlds. There is power in this love, no matter how crazy our family is. Knowing they are there, and particularly knowing of their support on any level they are able to give it is a healing bond in our lives. Even just knowing there is another human being out there with familial DNA fortifies us in ways that other relationships cannot. For families who can express their love, the healing is that much more powerful.

Regardless of where our relationships stand with our families right now, we can invite them into our recovery process. When we do this, we stand to gain the power of love and support that only family can bring. By giving them the knowledge to understand and support our journey, we give ourselves a force field of love and protection that will help us be successful in our recovery. Why is family so crucial? Because they hold the knowledge, support, and unconditional love that we need to heal.

Learn about the healing influence of family by calling AToN Center at (888) 813-5928. Heal yourself and mend relationships for your future.

Rediscovering Me

January 16, 2020 // by ATON RECOVERY

When substance use takes over our lives, a lot of things get lost in the shuffle. Probably the most important thing that gets lost is ourselves. We forget who we are, what we want, and the things we love to do. Often, our very personalities change, and we are literally strangers in the mirror. One of the best gifts that we can take advantage of in recovery is to rediscover ourselves.

The Before Version

As we begin our journey of recovery, it can be a time of reflection. In finding where we want to go, it is sometimes helpful to look back on who we were before it all begin. What did we like to do with our time? What were our favorite things? What kind of people did we surround ourselves with? What were our dreams for the future?

Sometimes, our previous version of ourselves was not entirely rewarding, either. Perhaps we were saddled with past trauma or pain that influenced all of our choices and behaviors, even before turning to substances. Yet at the core of ourselves, there should be some clues as to who we were and where we wanted to go in our life.

Often, however, there is much we can gain from looking at our previous selves. Even if we were not exactly the person we wanted to be, there are likely things we can remember about ourselves that are still inherently us. Whether it was the music we listened to, the hobbies we had, or the people we spent the most time with, we can now look back and draw from our past life experiences to rebuild our new selves.

Version 2.0: Healing

As we begin the healing experience, change is the plan. Not that we should intentionally seek to become an entirely different person – at the heart of our life experiences, we are all unique in who we are. During healing, we have the opportunity to sort through the parts that total the sum or ourselves and pick and choose the pieces that we still identify with as we grow.

For example, as we are in recovery, we may remember that as a child, we watched baseball with our dad, and we realize that not only were those fond memories which allowed us to bond with our father but that perhaps the sport itself calls to us and we truly enjoy watching it now. This type of realization is part of the healing process, part of building our new and improved, version 2.0 selves.

Finding Ourselves Again

Another part of rediscovery is to explore new interests and hobbies, as well as try out new lifestyles and ways of doing things. We may try new things and not like them at all, but being willing to try new things is empowering in its own right. Finding new interests and hobbies that we do like is exhilarating, and gives us the motivation to continue on our recovery journey. Exploring ourselves and opening our minds to new possibilities also keeps our minds open to continuing on our journey of wellness.

Some of the things we can do to explore our world are:

• Try at least one new food per week. We can explore various types of ethnic foods, we can try new recipes, new restaurants, or seek out different desserts, sides, entrees, etc.

• Take a class. Find a new sport, hobby, or other activity and learn about it. Try it on for size. In addition to learning something new and stretching your mind and body, you also have the opportunity to meet new people.

• Renew a hobby or activity. If there was something you used to do but stopped, pick it up again. Whether it be playing an instrument, some form of art, a sport, or whatever, pick it up where you left off and see if it still brings you joy and fulfillment.

• Travel someplace new. Is there a destination that you have always wanted to go to, but never got there? Take this chance, plan a trip, and jump into the experience with fresh eyes. You may be surprised by how enjoyable it can be to be present and alive and explore a new destination.

The Importance of Self

All of the work of rediscovery serves to transform ourselves into who we want to be now. This is crucial to develop a strong self-identity, but also to give us purpose. When we invest in ourselves and finding our purpose, then we also create an intention for staying sober and continuing to better ourselves. When we work to give our lives meaning, we are also telling ourselves that we believe in ourselves, that we matter. We are worth the work, and we value who we are.

Step onto this path bravely to recover your life and rediscover who you are. As you change courses from the shackles of addiction to the freedom of recovery, you can explore the world with fresh eyes. As you learn a new way of life, you can also make new choices about yourself and what you want. Rediscover passions from your youth and find new ways to express yourself and enjoy your new journey. You are worth a rebuild of your identity and what you like to do, from top to bottom. Seize this opportunity to rediscover yourself today.

Find yourself again at AToN Center. Call (888) 813-5928 right now to begin your journey explore your life to find your true self.

What is Dialectical Behavior Therapy?

January 14, 2020 // by ATON RECOVERY

Along with the learning curve that is recovery itself, there is a lot of vocabulary surrounding different therapy methods. Chances are good that we didn’t even know that there were different types of therapy. Amongst all of the different types, one is highly recommended for substance use recovery, and yet the name can seem a little confusing. What exactly is Dialectical Behavior Therapy?

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) is effective because it combines two opposing ideas or forces, which is what dialectical means. In DBT, those opposing ideas are acceptance and change. On the one hand, acceptance is a peaceful, static concept, while change represents movement and anything from transformation to revolution. Combining these two opposite concepts creates a powerful force within us and gives us the ability to navigate our lives in dynamic new ways.

The Power of Acceptance

Often what creates a crisis in our life is what we make up about what has happened or what is happening to us, and mentally or literally fighting those things, whether real or imagined. Learning to simply accept what is going on, without judgment, gives us the power to more clearly see the world without our own emotional lenses. When we do this, our reactions are very different, and we are able to interact more effectively with the world around us.

The Power of Change

So often we say that we want to change, but we don’t take action. Some of the things that can stop us are a distraction, fear, worthiness, and more. When we take away the things which prevent us from acting, we learn how to take action. We can be the force for change in our own lives and in others when we harness the powers that are already within us.

Powerful Skills

As we are in therapy in our recovery, we also learn powerful new skills in DBT that help us to unleash our full potential. These skills include:

• Mindfulness – this is that acceptance piece, being present and accepting what is in front of us, without judgment. This takes practice and is best learned and honed in mindfulness meditation. Mindfulness is a skill that when used consistently in our lives allows us greater peace and the ability to function more effectively in all areas of our lives.

• Stress Management – life happens. It is our reaction to it that makes life stressful. In DBT, we learn how to manage the stress in our lives so that we are not buried by it. Learning to function while things are still happening all around us is a crucial skill for those of us who often have more than our fair share of stressors.

• Communication – even if we excel in public communication, often we can use some improvement in our personal communication skills. We can improve at everything from the actual words we speak to our tone and our body language. Specifically, we can learn to be an advocate for ourselves, to ask for what we want and what we need. We can learn to ask in ways that we will actually get what we need, to communicate more effectively in all areas of our lives.

• Emotional Regulation – emotions can control us, or we can control them. When emotions control us, we don’t have a lot of control over the outcome of our lives. When we learn to regulate our emotions, to match them to what is going on around us, those same emotions can work for us and create peace and harmony within us and with the people around us. Emotional regulation is not about trying to meet some kind of societal norm, it is about our brain reacting appropriately. For example, dropping a coin should not elicit the same response as nearly being hit by a large truck when crossing the street. One is harmless, the other potentially fatal. However, substance use can cause our brains to react similarly in very different situations, and emotional regulation helps us take that power of appropriate emotional response back.

The Power of DBT in Recovery

The very concept of DBT is perfect for recovery: we are in need of peace and change simultaneously. The power of the opposing forces gives us the power to make the big changes we need at this point in our lives. DBT is also very empowering, giving us the driver’s seat in our own recovery, but also not making us as dependent on a rigid system or other people to maintain our recovery. We can use the skills of mindfulness, stress management, communication, and emotional regulation on a daily basis, beginning when we are first in treatment, and continuing throughout our lives. DBT can heal us, teach us, and give us the power to change now and for our future.

Even if it is difficult to remember the term Dialectical Behavior Therapy, be sure to remember DBT. By harnessing the dynamic duo of acceptance and change, you can heal from your past and create an all-new future for yourself. Find the skills, learn how to apply them to your unique life and situation, and create peace and transformation in your world. DBT is a gamechanger when you are in recovery, changing the course of your life permanently.

Change the course of your life at AToN Center by calling (888) 813-5928 today. There are a wide variety of methods and therapies waiting to help you change your life.

Understanding the Neurobiology of Addiction

January 13, 2020 // by ATON RECOVERY

For years, addiction has been viewed as some sort of moral failing or character flaw. Over time, however, research has proven that addiction is actually a physiological process, occurring primarily in the brain. To understand what addiction is and how it works, we need to understand the neurobiology of addiction.

How the Brain Responds to Substances

While various substances create different reactions within the brain, the overall response is to increase the amount of dopamine within what is known as the reward center of our brains, or the limbic center. Typically, dopamine is released when we experience other pleasing activities, such as food or sex. However, substances cause too much dopamine to be released, which can create a sense of euphoria.

Dopamine is related directly to our behaviors – when dopamine is released, it creates a greater desire for the behavior that caused the release. When we experience pleasure, that motivates us to repeat activities. So, with drugs and alcohol, the brain learns to want the substance more. In fact, because the dopamine levels are artificially so much higher in relation to substance use, our brain prioritizes the seeking of substances ahead of other activities, even over seeking food.

What Happens with Repeat Exposure to Substances

The brain will continue to seek out substances and responds similarly even to cues that are related to substances. For example, if your substance is alcohol and you see an ad for a certain brand of beer or drive by a bar, your brain will actually release dopamine in anticipation of the reward of alcohol.

Additionally, the more you use a substance, the less euphoria actually happens. This is because the more we use, the more our brain demands and we can actually damage the dopamine release and receptors. In time, we are no longer even capable of feeling “high,” our brains simply demand the substance just to feel “normal.” Addiction occurs like this when our brain becomes dependent upon a substance.

Why the Brain Demands More

Just like how the reward center of our brain reacts when we experience something related to our survival, such as food, that response also happens when we ingest substances. Except with a greater perceived reward. This is the beginning of our brain being “fooled” into thinking that something is good for us.

Because the dopamine receptors are motivated by behaviors and vice versa, the seeking of substances becomes a priority. The initial substance use creates an interest, then a need, then an unquenchable appetite for the substance to create that continuous response. Certain drugs, such as cocaine and methamphetamine release such an overload of dopamine that they are incredibly addictive. But they also have more extreme side effects on the rest of brain function.

How Substance Use Affects the Brain Long-term

The communication in the reward center also alters how the brain communicates and functions in relation to our emotions, the controlling of our movements, and our ability to reason or make decisions. Using substances can actually re-wire our brains, particularly as we prioritize the seeking of substances over other needs and functions.

The substances themselves can also cause physiological changes within the brain, which is why so many functions can be impaired as well. The changes to our brains will depend on the substances we use, how long we use them for, in addition to our own genetics and physical and emotional health. Unlike the previous misconceptions of addiction being some sort of moral weakness or behavioral issues, with functional brain imaging, it is actually possible to see some of the damage caused by extensive substance use.

Can Recovery Reverse Changes to the Brain?

The question of healing from substance use is a delicate one. One answer is that substance use can cause irreversible damage, not only to our brains but also to our bodies. Our physical and mental health can be literally scarred for life.

However, there is another answer to the question. Yes. Sometimes, some of the damage to our brains is reversible in recovery. The brain can be surprisingly resilient, and with improved treatment for addiction which looks at your health holistically – mind, body, and soul – there are cases in which some of the changes to the brain can be reversed. Unfortunately, there is no guarantee one way or the other. Just like the damage itself, there are many factors, such as type of substances used, extent of use, our own health and genetics, etc.

The only certainty is that without treatment, things will only get worse. As we continue to use substances, the re-wiring of our brain continues and the addiction also becomes more powerful. Physical side effects also grow, particularly as the normal, healthy needs like food, sleep, and exercise are ignored in the seeking of substance use. We know that active addiction can kill us. So why not take the chance that recovery could improve our chances of a healthy mind and body?

We know that addiction is a process that occurs in our brains. We know that it is a physiological response when we partake in substances. That means we also know we are not morally weak, that we have the strength to take our lives back from the addiction. As long as we are still alive, it is not too late to get the help we need. We can rise above the chemical processes happening in our brains and work to become whole again.

Learn more about how your brain can be healthy again at AToN Center. Call (888) 813-5928 right now to reactivate the normal function in your brain.

How Can I Be There for the People in My Life Again?

January 10, 2020 // by ATON RECOVERY

One of the ways that substance abuse impacts the people around us the most is in our inability to show up for others. Whether it is at home, with friends, or at work, time and time again we make promises, and time and time again we break them. It is not that we are trying to hurt them, we want to be there. We just don’t know how to. How can we be there for the people in our lives again?

We are unable to show up for others because we are not even there for ourselves. Substance use becomes all-consuming. Because of what the substance does to our brains, we are focused on whatever it takes to get that next drink, that next high, that next fix. We are not even concerned for ourselves, because if we really looked in the mirror both physically and metaphorically, we would have taken action well before we got to this place.

Regardless of where we have been or how we got here, now we are here. We are willing to take the big step into recovery. As we shed the layers of substance use and prepare to boldly walk back into our world substance-free, one of our biggest concerns is for the other people in our lives. We know we have let them down, the forgiveness piece is another whole problem to solve, but how can we show up for them? How do I know that I won’t let them down again?

Being Present

One of the life-changing skills you will learn in recovery is the ability to be present. This is more than some strange spiritual jargon. It is the act of being able to focus only on what is happening right here and right now. This can be particularly challenging for us when we have lived for substances, allowing them to control our every thought, motivation, and behavior. That type of focus did not serve us well and was the biggest reason we have been unable to show up in our lives until now.

When we are able to live in the present, we are not worrying about things that have happened before, we are not focused on what we are having for dinner. We are simply here. Now. This means that if we can be present now, we will be able to be present tomorrow at 3 o’clock for that work meeting. We can be present tonight for that date we promised our partner. We can also be present for our best friend’s birthday party next week. Being present is literally showing up, wherever we are, whenever we need to be there. It is also being truly present, not distracted or some version of ourselves. It is us. Here. Now.

Living with Humility

In the past, perhaps we made excuses for not showing up. Maybe we even blamed others or other things for being late or going missing. However, by adding humility to our vocabulary, we can be honest and vulnerable when life happens. Being humble enough to accept responsibility for the things we had control over, being humble enough to apologize if we fail to meet the expectations of others or promises that we made… humility is a sign of strength rather than what is sometimes perceived as a weakness. When we are humble enough to admit to our humanity, then we are able to more fully connect with all of humanity.

Living with Integrity

The words honesty and integrity are rarely associated with us when we use substances. That is because we are not honest with ourselves when we use substances. If we do not have integrity when it comes to our relationship with ourselves, how can we have integrity in the rest of our lives? As we submit ourselves to recovery, as we commit ourselves to our personal recovery, and as we begin to live our own recovery, we learn to have integrity. When we have integrity, we show up. We say we will do something, so we do. We say we will be somewhere at a certain time, so we get there. It is actually that simple to show up.

Being Authentic

No one is perfect. However, people are drawn to people who are authentic. When we are present, have humility, and live with integrity, then we are real, genuine, and authentic. We are authentic when we are true to ourselves. When we live our lives in the best way we know how to we will also do the things for ourselves that we know will make us healthy and happy, and we are always honest with ourselves and others, then we are authentic.

How can you be there for others? How can you show up? Be present. Live with humility. Live with integrity. And be authentic. How can you do those things? Find your recovery. Live your recovery. Be your recovery. Everything you need is inside of you, you only need to ask for help to become the person you want to be. You are powerful and you are worth it. So are your friends, co-workers, and family. To show up for them, you need to show up for you. Show up by making that call today.

How can you be there for people in your life again? Find out by calling AToN Center at (888) 813-5928. Show up for your family, for your friends, for your co-workers, and most importantly for yourself.

Mindfulness-Based Relapse Prevention

January 9, 2020 // by ATON RECOVERY

With the looming threat of relapse being an occurrence amongst those in recovery, a lot of effort goes into finding better ways to prevent relapse. There are no guarantees in life, but some methods are simply more effective. One method that studies are showing a lot of success with is called Mindfulness-Based Relapse Prevention, or MBRP. Ultimately, success in recovery will be up to the individual. This is why MBRP is so successful, as it gives ownership to the individual for their own success.

What is MBRP?

The main idea of Mindfulness-Based Relapse Prevention is to take the core ideas from common Relapse Prevention techniques, but add the concept of mindfulness, which is also taught with stress reduction and used in cognitive therapy during treatment. Just like other relapse prevention methods, identifying high-risk situations for potential relapse is still at the core.

In MBRP, we are taught to identify early warning signs, increase our awareness of emotional or intellectual cues, and also to identify cues that are directly tied to previous substance use. We are encouraged to develop coping skills and find a belief in ourselves to be able to maintain our recovery. The objective is to make us as self-sufficient as possible in our recovery, taking responsibility for our actions.

Why Use Mindfulness?

Mindfulness is the powerful tool of acceptance and being present in the moment. Because it is so commonly being used in multiple types of therapy, it is a natural fit for relapse prevention. During treatment, we learn to be present and see things for what they are, no judgment. Mindfulness can help us see where we are presently, whether we are having cravings or otherwise thinking about substance use.

Mindfulness is particularly helpful in managing cravings, for example, as it is a skill that we can use to learn to accept and tolerate the consequences of what is happening. This decreases our need to act on a craving by indulging in a substance. Obviously, it is a skill that is honed through experience. But when practiced throughout our lives, it transforms us from simply reacting to “skillful responding.” By training our minds to be in the present and re-training our reactions to everything around us, mindfulness becomes an ideal skill to have to maintain recovery both emotionally and physically.

How Does MBRP Help Prevent Relapses?

By combining the basic concepts of relapse prevention with the powerful tools of mindfulness, we create an ideal, self-sufficient method to maintain our recovery. MBRP helps us to identify triggers but also gives us the tools to neutralize those triggers once identified. According to a study done in 2012, comparing MBRP to the treatment, as usual, those who used MBRP had a significant improvement over the others in terms of substance use, craving, awareness, and acceptance. A significant difference was the way relapse prevention was viewed. Instead of avoiding or suppressing cravings, MBRP teaches tolerance and response to them, which leads to a more positive outcome. There is a lot of research that shows suppression and avoidance is actually more harmful in the long run.

Also of note was the decrease in the severity of the cravings, as MBRP trains us to accept and tolerate positive and negative effects without reacting, the cravings actually lose some of their power over us. MBRP is not just a mind over matter skill set, it is a matter of training our minds to have control over our bodies, environment, emotions, and more. MBRP is powerful in preventing relapses because it addresses potential relapses from every possible angle and gives us the control to navigate our experiences.

Why Does Taking Responsibility for Recovery Work?

Some recoveries are based on an accountability system, where we report to others our progress and lean on others in times of need. While it is always ideal to have a support system in place, cravings often hit at inopportune moments. Triggers can happen when no one else is around. So ideally, we should have a self-sufficient system in place to help us manage our own recovery. We can still seek support from others as needed, but we will have our own mental armor with MBRP to be able to maintain our recovery around the clock.

Taking responsibility for ourselves is an ideal tenet of the human experience. Those who take responsibility for themselves are productive, happy and successful at what they do. Imagine being able to truly take responsibility for our own recovery. Obviously, there are still resources and support available, and reaching out for support is actually part of being responsible. However, self-managing our recovery helps us to be more successful in tolerating cravings and triggers, which in turn improves our self-confidence. We know we are not alone, but we also have the confidence to face it alone when necessary.

After doing the work to stop our substance use, discover and address the reasons that we used substances, and learn so many new skills to help us, protecting our recovery should be a high priority in our lives. With Mindfulness-Based Relapse Prevention, we offer ourselves one of the best sets of tools to prevent relapses, as well as owning our recovery. We can be self-sufficient and ultimately more successful at recovery and in life. We just need to make that call today.

Fortify yourself against relapses at AToN Center. Call (888) 813-5928 right now to gain the skills you need to succeed at recovery now and for your lifetime.

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