CBT

Thoughts

May 16, 2018 // by Aton Center

Our thoughts are powerful. So powerful, that an entire style of therapy has been centered around how we identify and manage our thoughts. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy is an evidenced based treatment for substance dependence, and AToN’s curriculum is centered on this treatment. Our residents learn how to identify their “automatic thoughts” which in turn influence their emotions.

Our private rehab residents not only learn how to identify these thoughts, but they also learn how to modify them into rational thoughts, which in turn can stabilize emotional distress. These techniques, once learned, must be continually utilized for maximum effect.

If you are interested in learning how to utilize Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to help you with relapse prevention and mood stabilization, AToN’s private rehab in San diego may be a good fit for you. Don’t hesitate to call AToN when you are ready to make the next step.

Cassandra Cannon, Ph.D.
Clinical Director
AToN Center, Private Rehab in San Diego 888-535-1516

Fortune Telling Error

January 25, 2018 // by Aton Center

In working with the residents at the AToN center a empirically based treatment modality we use is called Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. This form of psychotherapy can help with addictions but also help address underlying mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety, OCD, panic and others. CBT can assist people in identifying and changing distorted thought patterns that can lead to exaggerated emotional responses and unhealthy behaviors. One of these thought patters can be called “Fortune Telling Error” or another way of putting it is “Self-Fulfilling Prophecies.”

If stuck in this process a person may have thoughts like “I’ll never be able to quit, I can’t do it, nothing will ever change for the better, I’m destined to relapse.” These thoughts create their own reality that may be different from the actual situation you are facing. When a person is convinced of a given outcome they will conceded and act appropriately. Resolving this distortion involves taking a more objective view of one’s situation and potential.

Using CBT techniques a person can influence their thinking with more accurate and positive perspectives on their difficulties. Instead of the examples above a person can learn to say to themselves “I can not use this day, hour, minute; change for the better is possible, I can put effort into the task, today hasn’t happened yet, sobriety can happen.” These messages create the possibility for improvement and change and can propel someone towards taking constructive steps in their recovery.

Chad K. Cox PsyD PSY23320
AToN Center 888-535-1516

Cravings

November 19, 2017 // by Aton Center

An important part of treatment is to learn how to manage cravings when they occur. Cravings can be characterized as an intense desire to use a substance that can feel almost impossible to withstand. Fortunately, if you have learned coping management skills, you can have the self confidence to make it through these intense periods of time.

Cravings, Managing Your Cravings

SMART Recovery encourages individuals to “ride the wave” of craving. They also recommend the DiSARM Method (see the SMART Recovery Workbook), in which one personifies their craving and “fights back” so to speak, against this craving.

Many residents at AToN Center use the imagery that their craving is Darth Vader, and they are fighting against the craving (and Darth Vader!) with lightsabers. While these cognitive skills are helpful, they do not address the physiological processes of the craving that occur out of one’s awareness. Using these strategies with other physiological self management strategies can enhance success in managing cravings.

In recent years, some researchers have been analyzing the association between physiological stress management and craving intensity. The specific modality being studied is Heart Rate Variability Biofeedback, which is offered as a treatment at the AToN Center.

A new study published in the Applied Psychophysiology and Biofeedback Journal demonstrates some promise in the application of stress management utilizing biofeedback and the reduction of cravings. In this study, the researchers implemented a three-session biofeedback protocol to a portion of residents in an inpatient substance misuse treatment facility. In this very short intervention, the results were promising and warrant further investigation. Specifically, those patients who participated in the protocol experienced a medium effect size greater reduction in craving in comparison to those patients who did not receive biofeedback as a part of their treatment. Additionally, these patients also experienced improvements in mood stability.

In recovery, it is important to use every tool available to enhance treatment outcomes. At AToN, we believe that we offer a wide variety of treatments that can be tailored to individual needs. In combining Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Relapse Prevention Skill Building and other modalities (heart rate variability biofeedback, hypnotherapy, EMDR, yoga, meditation, acupuncture, massage) we believe that we offer the very best that treatment available.

If you are a loved one is struggling with substance misuse, and are looking for a program with an individualized approach – do not hesitate to call our intake line for further information.

Cassandra Cannon, Ph.D.
Clinical Director
AToN Center 888-535-1516

Reference:Eddie, D., Kim, C., Lehrer, P., Deneke, E., & Bates, M. (2014). A Pilot Study of Brief Heart Rate Variability Biofeedback to Reduce Craving in Young Adult Men Receiving Inpatient Treatment for Substance Use Disorders. Applied Psychophysiology and Biofeedback,39(3-4), 181-192.

Maintaining Motivation

November 8, 2017 // by Aton Center

Residents at AToN Center are making major lifestyle changes. They “reset” their lives in a way – they stop drinking and using.

They learn new ways of communicating, thinking and caring for themselves. By the time they stand at their AToN Ceremony, they are essentially a new person! So how do you maintain those positive changes that you worked so hard for? Here are some helpful tips:

1. Remember the reasons you changed your life! They likely include your well being, health, family, educational/career aspirations and more! Check out the CBAs you completed within the first few days of your admission at AToN. You could probably add to them! Review and update these lists often!

2. Review your AToN Workbook and AToN Binder periodically. You will find new insights as you progress through your recovery, which will help you maintain motivation!

3. Make future plans – plans that you can only achieve while in recovery. I believe that joy comes from personal growth and progression. Sign up for a class, take up a new hobby – SMART Recovery’s Vital Absorbing Creative Interest (VACI) tool can assist you!

4. Share you goals and your progress with someone! That person can keep you accountable and cheer you on when you need it.

5. Play the tape through – this not only works as a relapse prevention tactic, but as a motivation builder. Think about what you will gain by maintaining your active recovery plan!

6. Be gentle with yourself! We all have ups and downs. Turn to your support group and reset goals if you need to. Look at what you learned as a way to rebuild and maintain momentum.

Remember to ask yourself these three questions: What do I want for my future? What am I currently doing to achieve that? How do I feel about what I’m currently doing? SMART Recovery’s “Three Questions” exercise can always assist in maintaining motivation. These questions will help you evaluate your goals and your progress.

Dr. Cassandra Cannon
Clinical Director

AToN Center 888-535-1516

Shame and Vulnerability

October 3, 2017 // by Aton Center

Overwhelming shame prevents people from seeking treatment to overcome addiction. Rather than allowing professionals to assist in developing a solution, people choose to stay numb to emotional pain and fear of judgment. This perpetuates a cycle of distress and substance use- people stay stuck. Often this shame is a direct result of a departure from a values based life, thus the person attempts to keep their behaviors and habits hidden for fear of being seen.

According to Researcher and Storyteller, Brene Brown, in her TED Talk on The Power of Vulnerability, “Shame is understood as the fear of disconnection…and in order for connection to happen we have to allow ourselves to be seen.”

At The AToN Center, we understand that this is easier said than done. This is why we don’t use labels and provide an individually tailored treatment plan to each resident we serve using CBT, DBT, ACT, Motivational Interviewing, holistics and mindfulness. Connection requires a level of comfort and respect between clinician and resident.

The clinical team wants all of the residents at The AToN Center to feel safe to “be seen” and process their pain and shame while also being uplifted and inspired to be courageous. According to Brene Brown, “the courage to be imperfect” is to “tell the story of who you are with your whole heart”. Overcoming addiction requires our residents to go through, not around the pain and shame. We are honored to facilitate this courageous and vulnerable process.

Kate Judd, MS CADC II
CD Counselor
AToN Center 888-535-1516

Gratitude in Recovery

September 19, 2017 // by Aton Center

In working with residents at the AToN Center I often see how developing an attitude of gratitude can be a very powerful asset in recovery. I think of gratitude from the perspective of being a Cognitive Behavioral Therapist. I look at the results of a client’s thought processes and give them options to change and modify their thinking. For example, if a person has thoughts such as “I can’t believe I’m being treated this way, this is totally unfair”, “I’m being taken advantage of”, “It’s my friend’s, parent’s, or partner’s fault that I’m in this condition”, a person will likely be encouraging their sense of entitlement and resentments.

In micro-focusing on what you don’t have you miss out on all of the things that you do have. Thoughts such as “I appreciate those around me, “I’m glad that help is available”, “This isn’t exactly what I wanted but I’ll make the most of it”, and “I’ve been given a great deal,” can help a person focus on what they already have. Changing your thought process can facilitate having more gratitude and appreciation in life.

Dr.Chad Cox PsyD
AToN Center 888-535-1516

WHEN

August 19, 2017 // by Aton Center

I was recently given an assignment by my sponsor/coach to write on the acronym WHEN. The assignment was to give a word to each letter and explain why you choose that word. I was able to see how using the word WHEN can really effect the way one is living today. I want to encourage you to do this and see what comes out of it.

I chose the words:

W-Waiting
H-Hard
E-Everything
N-Never

When writing on all of these words I was able to reflect on how these words have so much power over my life TODAY! If I am focused on when this or that happens and not in the present moment I miss all that life is offering me NOW.

At AToN Center we get to do a lot of work on Mindfulness, practicing Present Moment focus, as well as CBT and testing the POWER of words and thoughts on the emotions and actions.

I am so excited to be a part of a program that continues to teach me as I teach others, as well as grow in my own recovery and life! So instead of focusing on WHEN, I want to challenge us all to look at NOW, as this is truly all we have…

Kristin Colton CATC II

Chemical Dependency Counselor

AToN Center 888-535-1516

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Helps with Depression and Anxiety

May 1, 2015 // by Aton Center

Depression and anxiety are the chief areas that one addresses when entering a high quality residential treatment facility. At AToN Center, we specialize in using multiple evidence-based approaches to help our residents. Depression and anxiety are chief among the host of emotions that one typically suffers from when using or abusing drugs or alcohol. The individual believes that long term drug abuse is his/her only or “best” option to relive their pain. This pain may include, but be limited to, emotional, physical, economic, financial, family and post traumatic stressors.

At AToN Center, our highly trained staff specializes in using Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), SMART Recovery, 12 Step approaches, biofeedback, EMDR, acupuncture, hypnotherapy, individual and group sessions, as well as a host of rewarding holistic approaches including yoga, watsu, and outings in beautiful San Diego. This comprehensive package of approaches helps our residents with depression and anxiety to become empowered. At AToN Center, we excel in helping our residents to both identify and address the causes of one’s depression and anxiety, including the fear of living a highly successful life free of drugs and alcohol.

Research from The National Registry of Evidence-based Programs and Practices (NREPP) articulates clearly the importance of using CBT strategies when addressing depression and anxiety.

CBT is perhaps one of the most frequently used psychotherapeutic orientations, with considerable research supporting its effectiveness and adaptability in clinical practice. As cognitive therapy seeks to change behavior by challenging maladaptive thoughts, behavioral therapy employs more direct, yet complimentary methods, such as pairing reinforcing stimuli with a desired behavior or aversive stimuli with an undesired behavior. While the efficacy of CBT has been firmly established in the treatment of a variety of disorders and problems, its history and utility are deeply rooted in the treatment of anxiety and depression symptoms.

I encourage anyone suffering from anxiety and depression, in addition to substance abuse, to visit AToN Center and learn more about our therapeutic programs.

Chris McDuffie
RRW, CADCA

Chemical Dependency Counselor

Thoughts

September 12, 2013 // by Aton Center

Our thoughts are powerful, Addiction Recovery Our thoughts are powerful. So powerful, that an entire style of therapy has been centered around how we identify and manage our thoughts. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy is an evidenced based treatment for substance dependence, and AToN’s curriculum is centered on this treatment. Our residents learn how to identify their “automatic thoughts” which in turn influence their emotions.

Cassandra Cannon, Ph.D.
Clinical Director
AToN Center, Private Rehab in San Diego 888-535-1516

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