healthy living

An Apple a Day…

July 27, 2017 // by Aton Center

In treatment at the AToN Center there is often some time given to addressing healthy eating as a part of recovery. Many residents have shared their own negative experiences with their diets while in the midst of their addiction. Some tend towards the over eating side – they can indulge in fast food, frozen foods, candy, sodas and other calorically dense items as a way of staving off a hangover or because one’s will power has been diminished by the addiction.

For those struggling with alcohol they often get their calories from those nearly nutrition-free drinks. Others lose their appetite while using. A person can stop feeling the legitimate feedback of their hunger pains because their body is saturated with mood altering substances.

A positive sign of recovery is when one’s hunger returns in a more balanced and healthy fashion. At the AToN Center we promote wellness in food to such an extent that our chef’s often get more compliments than any other staff members. Remember when you are working on your recovery don’t forget to attend to the energy your body needs. Avoid the junk and load up on the fruits and vegetables.

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

Happiness

July 8, 2017 // by Aton Center

The field of Positive Psychology has focused on how to increase happiness and well being. In studying “naturally happy” people, researchers have found that these people possess the following characteristics: Optimism, gratitude, service.

Positive Psychology researchers have focused on applying this information with a number of different populations and have found that it is possible to increase happiness and well being by having individuals practice “positive activities” (such as service, expressing gratitude, practicing optimism).

Engaging in such positive activities has been shown to satisfy basic psychology needs such as autonomy (control), competence (efficacy) and relatedness (connectedness). This in turn disrupts rumination, inhibits loneliness and facilitates coping.

Take a moment and think about strengthening each of these characteristics in yourself. Try writing a letter of gratitude to someone. Try to find meaning in a difficult situation. Give a helping hand. These simple behaviors might change your whole outlook!

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

Dukkha: A Buddhist Approach to Ending Suffering

July 4, 2017 // by Aton Center

Buddha’s efforts over 2,600 years ago help suggest poignant ways to end our suffering. Buddha offers the Four Noble Truths that inform us of the term, Dukkha. At first glance, Dukkha appears to mean “suffering”. However, author Joseph Goldstein takes a much closer look at the deeper meaning of Dukkha in the following podcast: https://beherenownetwork.com/joseph-goldstein-ep-30-four-noble-truths/. Here, we are reminded that Buddha shares the causes of suffering, how to prevent and mitigate suffering, and how release ourselves from painful thoughts and feelings.

Goldstein’s podcast explores Buddha’s conclusion: “It is our personal attachment to the Five Hindrances that generates our personal suffering”. Joseph Goldstein shares his insight on each of the Five Hindrances to offer the listener a deeper understanding to end suffering.

Chris McDuffie, MA RADT-1
Chemical Dependency Counselor
AToN Center 888-535-1516

How to Celebrate Saint Patrick’s Day (or any holiday) Without Relapsing

March 17, 2016 // by Aton Center

Stick to your routine. Go to work, hit up a community support meeting, go to the gym, etc., just like
you would on any other day.
Plan for triggers. Anticipate and talk about potential triggers. Tell a therapist or a sober support about your expected triggers and game plan on how to manage them.
Build a new tradition. Cook an authentic meal, go on a hike, try a new hobby with sober friends, or plan a movie marathon.
Incorporating positive people in your life. Hang out with positive people that value your friendship. If these people can’t support your sobriety than you need to rethink the relationship, plain and simple.
Rational self-talk. Think about this in advance and write it down! Remind yourself of all of the benefits of not drinking or drugging on that holiday.
Remind yourself of the positives. Again write it down and keep the list with you. For instance not being hung over, not needed to make apologies for belligerent behavior, no self-regret, remembering all of your choices, and not wasting money.
Consider if this holiday is really an important occasion for you, or if in the past it was just an excuse to party.
Skip the risk. Avoid any risky situations such as parties, bars, or parades, especially early in recovery.
The boost of self-esteem and gratitude that comes with helping someone or something other than you can have a powerful impact.
Do something nice for yourself. Get a massage, do yoga, meditate or just stick your toes in the sand. Whatever makes you happy, take a few minutes to care for yourself.

Dr. Sanders, Licensed Psychologist
Program Director
AToN Center 888-535-1516

Chez AToN opened at the beginning of the month

March 17, 2015 // by Aton Center

Chez AToN opened at the beginning of the month

Chez AToN opened at the beginning of the month and we could not be more proud! It will serve many purposes at AToN Center but its primary use will be as a cafeteria and kitchen for the delectable meals prepared by our chefs.

The kitchen and dining area feature brand new stainless steel appliances and furnishings which help create a home-like environment for our residents. The kitchen leads to a separate dinning area as well as an outside dinning space if desired on a sunny, San Diego day. All of our residents eat their meals, made from mostly organic ingredients, together as AToN promotes a healthy sense of community.

Our chefs are committed to preparing healthy and delicious meals for all AToN residents. There is nothing more important than our residents’ recovery and proper nutrition is a big part of that.

In addiction, Chez AToN will host our aftercare for alumni who have completed our program. Aftercare is a great opportunity for past residents to come back for a group facilitated by one of our chemical dependency counselors. We have alumni who finished the program two years ago meeting alumni who finished the program two days ago and it is fantastic to see how they share their experiences of recovery with each other.

Guests for our Visiting Professional’s Day got a sneak-peek at Chez AToN last month with its official opening for our residents and staff taking place a few days after. So far the feedback has been nothing but positive with both staff and our residents showing great enthusiasm for our new addition to AToN Center. 858-535-1516

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