Dr.Chad Cox

Underestimation

January 4, 2018 // by Aton Center

In working with residents at the AToN center I am often struck by how easy it is for a person to underestimate the strength of their addiction. Many people can spend years in a cycle of dependence on their substances and still the story they can tell themselves is that “I’ve got it, its under control and I can quit whenever I want.”

Underestimating the role of the drugs/alcohol in your life is a sneaky tactic the drugs use to sustain their supremacy. It can be a humbling experience to take stock of the ways that the one has lost control over their lives. There can also be a strong desire to attempt to find some way of moderating use and not having negative consequences.

But for some, once the line has been crossed into addition they will need to take stock and acknowledge the corrupting nature of the substances. Knowing the power of the drugs will help you go gather strength and support from others to fight back. Dedicating energy and effort to emotional healing and lifestyle changes takes work but making these efforts will pay off in the long run.

Chad K. Cox PsyD
Licensed Psychologist
AToN Center Addiction Treatment 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

Creativity in Sobriety

July 25, 2017 // by Aton Center

An initial challenge that many face in getting sober is the vacuum of time and energy which presents itself when no longer occupied by an addiction.

While in the thralls of using and abusing substances this can become the primary source of recreation and even socialization. When entering into recovery suddenly a person can find themselves feeling bored or empty. It is simple to make the drugs the solution but when removed then more options will need to be explored. Here is when sobriety requires some creative thinking and planning.

One way of searching this is by asking yourself about activities in the past that you once enjoyed. If you played sports in high school you may want to find an athletic pass time. If the guitar or piano has gathered too much dust from lack of use, you could sign up for lessons or find others to play with. If the old friends were all oriented around drinking or using this will mean looking for a club, hobby, or activity that will bring people together for a healthy reason.

Finding these sober activities may require more creativity and effort but they will lead to a more sustained recovery and deeper meaning in life.

Chad K. Cox PsyD
AToN Center Treatment 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

Boredom and Addiction

June 8, 2017 // by Aton Center

When working with residents at AToN Center they often describe boredom as a very difficult challenge for them when they are just getting into sobriety.

The kind of boredom experienced in early recovery is not the same as having little to do on a Sunday afternoon. This feeling is one of restlessness, tension, worry, agitation, or just generally wanting to jump out of your skin. During one’s addiction the brain is saturated in mood elevating and altering chemicals that are provided with minimal amounts of effort. Once these chemicals are removed the brain can throw a series of “tantrums” making a person feel uncomfortable in an effort to get back to using.

Fortunately ,if you are mindful of your thinking you can catch thoughts such as, “I have nothing to do” or “Everything is lame” or “I don’t want to…” and work on these ideas. It could be more beneficial to fight this discomfort with saying “I’ll feel better after going out” or “I can call people and ask for help” or “This won’t last forever.” Your efforts, persistence, and dedication to a healthy lifestyle will pay off.

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

Positive Visions for the Future

May 26, 2017 // by Aton Center

In working as a Psychologist with the residents at the AToN Center I often see states of despair or hopelessness when residents are considering their futures. Some enter into treatment feeling defeated and beaten down by their addictions and struggle to believe that they will be able to sustain their sobriety. Many have experienced treatment in the past, having gone to multiple rehabilitation centers and countless meetings and therapy sessions, yet still become caught by their cravings.

It can be very helpful to then imagine a future that is free of addiction. The simple fact is that today hasn’t happened yet. This means that each day you are presented with you have the chance to influence it for the better. Having a positive vision for the future can also help create drive and motivation for the work your recovery will entail.

Imagine a day that you want to experience some time in the next few months or even years…this could be your graduation, a friend or family member’s wedding, achieving a year of sobriety, running a marathon, or getting a new job. These positive visions for the future can often sustain you through difficult times as you can connect your current difficulties with an eventual positive outcome.

What is your positive vision for the future?

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

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