communication

Dysregulation in addiction and early Sobriety

September 15, 2017 // by Aton Center

An individual making the transition from a life of addiction to recovery faces the task of reorganizing the method in which they live. The influence of addiction on a person’s life can result in a multi-faceted dysregulated experience. Being dysregulated has a wide range of influence on our experience. A person’s emotions can be unpredictable and rapidly changing. Strong emotion can swing from high to lows including problems with anger.

Our relationships grow intense and stressful with an ever present fear of being alone and abandoned. We don’t know where we fit in or who we are. A person can feel empty and easily bored. When a person is dysregulated, behavior can grow impulsive and reckless. A person can act without thinking of consequence. A person can feel disconnected. Thinking is cloudy. A person can develop an experience of numbness and shut down.

Mending this dysregulated experience is greatly supported with the right environment and treatment. The first 30 days of an individual’s sobriety can set the foundation for long lasting sobriety. Essential elements in early treatment will tend to emotions, thinking, relationships, and development of a new self-identity.

Education about therapeutic tools and skills can aid an individual toward mindfully managing difficult emotions. The adjustment in one’s thinking can result in a new trend of effective behaviors. A sober support system is developed from day one. An individual can learn new ways of engaging relationships based on respect. These skills can be applied with friends and family during your healing process.

Community is a priority to combat feeling alone, numb, and disconnected. Overcoming the dysregulation in one’s life exacerbated by addiction involves the entire individuals experience. Treatment should include safety, empathy, and intentionality of treatment determined to care for each unique person in a holistic fashion.

E. Matt Van Dusen PsyD LMFT LAADC
AToN Center 888-535-1516

The Big Change

June 15, 2017 // by Aton Center

Often in my work with clients at the AToN center it starts to dawn upon them that sobriety is more than just “not drinking or using.” Initially, many people believe that they will be able to live the exact same lifestyle that they were engaged in beforehand. With some reflection and feedback they start to realize how many aspects of their life were touched by their use.

If previously your family occasions involved drinking, how would that change if you are not? If you previously would “always drink” at concerts or sporting events, what would it be like to attend these sober? If your business meetings are frequently held in bars, how are you going to find a way around being exposed to that kind of trigger?

The good news is that while these issues are part of a stressful transition, there is hope in managing each of them effectively. You can develop the confidence to stay sober and communicate this assertively to your loved ones. You can learn that concerts and sporting events are even more fun to attend when you are paying attention to the show and you actually remember what happened.

You may also find that your co-workers are more impressed with your improved productivity and clarity of thought when you return to work. Sobriety can feel intimidating at first but with proper care and effort, it can lead to a depth and meaning you previously could not imagine.

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

AToN Center’s 6 Foundations of Recovery

January 8, 2017 // by Aton Center

In an effort to eliminate the presence of self-destructive and maladaptive behaviors, we subscribe to these basic principles:

AToN Center’s 6 Foundations of Recovery:

1. Maintain motivation: AToN Center believes that motivation can be built rather than it needing to already exist prior to entering treatment. Building motivation makes a significant difference when facing the temptations to leave treatment, discontinue IOP, or cease going to meetings. Having the motivation to adhere to structure can assist in the prevention of relapse.

2. Cope with craving: Cravings will only last for a period of time and therefore, developing the capacity to wait through them contributes to experiencing cravings less frequently and less intensely.

3. Manage emotions: Emotional flooding is a trigger for relapse. Applying CBT principles like thought records assist clients in identifying irrational thought patterns and emotional responses. Utilizing these tools can assist clients in developing the ability to manage their emotions effectively.

4. Nurture healthy relationships: Assertiveness training and developing communication skills are important components of the recovery process. AToN Center encourages the building of relationships that will aide in our client’s recovery, while taking a hard look at the ones that aren’t. Solid relationships are helpful to a clients’ overall recovery.

5. Balance your life: Balancing physical, emotional, intellectual and spiritual components assist in maintaining recovery. Being out of balance contributes to relapse, and therefore it is important that clients recognize how to care for themselves in each of these areas.

6. Live with a higher purpose: Being of service and getting “out of self” allows clients the opportunity to give back, while also developing a sense of purpose and esteem.

AToN Center Addiction Treatment Center San Diego 888-535-1516

The Joint Commission

Affiliations

Licensure and Certification

AToN Center – Proud Supporter

Drug and Alcohol Treatment for Men and Women