Dr Cassandra Cannon

A Message to Families of Substance Abusers

Posted on April 8, 2018

in al-anon, Dr Cassandra Cannon, families, family support, San Diego, SMART Recovery, substance abuse

Many of you may have heard that Jackie Chan, who is a Narcotics Control Ambassador for the Chinese police, and is an anti-drug advocate, has been struggling with some recent events. It has become known that his son, Jaycee, has been arrested for drug related...

Support Recovery Residents Give to Each Other

Support that Recovery Residents Give to Each Other

Posted on January 1, 2018

in AToN Center, Dr Cassandra Cannon, recovery, support

by Aton Center

One of the most common things I notice here at AToN Center is the support that our residents give to each other. When a new resident walks into our doors, they have been in isolation; hiding their use, lying to themselves and others, and frightened...

Live With a Higher Purpose

Posted on November 5, 2017

in Dr Cassandra Cannon, growth, purpose, recovery

by Aton Center

Lately I have found myself asking our residents the following question: "What do you do that brings you self fulfillment and joy?" This question is often met with a shrug of the shoulders or a blank stare. One of AToN's Foundations for Recovery is, "Live with...

Manage Emotions In Recovery

Posted on July 5, 2017

in Dr Cassandra Cannon, emotional regulation, emotions, recovery

by Aton Center

One of the foundations of recovery as taught at AToN Center is the importance of managing emotions. This seems to be a stumbling block that can be overcome when we have realistic expectations regarding emotional health. One of the biggest misconceptions about emotions is that...

Do I Have a Problem with Addiction?

Posted on June 26, 2017

in 12 Step, addiction, alcohol treatment, alternative treatment, AToN Center, Dr Cassandra Cannon, drug abuse, SMART Recovery

by Aton Center

It can be difficult to look in the mirror and admit it. How do you admit that you've got a problem that seems so overwhelming? The stigma of the word, "addiction," is enough to bury your head in the sand. Here are some questions to...

Approach Coping Responses

Posted on June 9, 2017

in AToN Center, coping strategies, Dr Cassandra Cannon, problem solving, Relapse Prevention, support

by Aton Center

At AToN Center, a large portion of treatment is focusing on developing positive coping responses to life’s stressors that can precipitate relapse. So an important question to ask is: “What are the best types of coping responses?” Recent research suggests that the most positive and beneficial...

Relapse Prevention and Abstinence Self–Efficacy

Posted on May 14, 2017

in abstinence, addiction, Alcohol, AToN Center, California, cravings, Dr Cassandra Cannon, drug and alcohol treatment center, drugs, pain, San Diego rehab, sobriety

by Aton Center

Some researchers in the field of addictive behaviors have focused on the concept of "Abstinence self–efficacy", which is defined as the confidence to abstain from using alcohol or drugs in different situations. Multiple research studies have identified increased abstinence self–efficacy as a consistent predictor of...

Benefits of Meditation in Recovery

Posted on February 9, 2017

in Dr Cassandra Cannon, Mayo Clinic, meditation, relaxation, Stress reduction

by Aton Center

At AToN Center, we strive to educate our residents on how to balance the mind, body and spirit. One important tool that many of our residents utilize is meditation. Meditation has been practiced for thousands of years, and for good reason! It can help with...

Stress Awareness Month

Posted on April 10, 2014

in AToN Center, Dr Cassandra Cannon, Eliminate Stress, relaxation, spiritual health, stress awareness month, Stress reduction

by Aton Center

April is Stress Awareness Month! Unfortunately, we all have stress in our lives. Some stress we are able to eliminate. When are are not able to eliminate stress, it is important to take good care of our emotional, spiritual and physical health. Below are some tips...

Thoughts

Posted on September 12, 2013

in AToN Center, CBT, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dr Cassandra Cannon, emotions, private rehab, rational thoughts, San Diego, stabilization, substance abuse, Therapy, thoughts

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...