mindfullness

Post Acute Withdrawal Syndrome

November 27, 2017 // by Aton Center

When residents enter into treatment, often they fear the physical withdrawal symptoms and forget about the emotional and psychological withdrawal symptoms that can make long-term sobriety so difficult.

These emotional and psychological symptoms comprise the second stage of withdrawal, called “Post Acute Withdrawal Syndrome” or P.A.W.S. There is no set length of time that these symptoms may linger. It depends on variables such as age, length and type of substance misuse, environment, and recovery program.

Post Acute Withdrawal symptoms may include the following:

Lethargy
Anhedonia
Emotional Lability
Stress Sensitivity
Memory Problems
Sleep Disturbances
Physical Coordination Problems

At AToN Center, we teach you how to manage P.A.W.S symptoms by providing recovery study groups, mindfulness exercises and developing healthy habits with emphasis on the following:

Stabilization and Awareness (Mindfulness)
Nutrition
Exercise
Relaxation
Spirituality
Balanced Living

While there is no short- term “cure” for Post Acute Withdrawal Syndrome, AToN Center focuses on developing the ability to accept and manage the uncomfortable symptoms. Recovery from addiction is a process that requires learning new coping skills and developing a healthy support group to be maintained long after leaving AToN Center.

Kate Judd M.S., CADC-II
CD Counselor

AToN Center 888-525-1516

CD Counselor

Creativity And Problem Solving At AToN Center

November 23, 2017 // by Aton Center

At AToN Center the residents create beautiful floral arrangements as part of a mindfulness and meditation exercise. The exercise illustrates the unique way each individual approached problem solving.

Residents find the opportunity to tap into their creativity, to embrace nature and its natural flow, and to learn a healthy coping technique for reducing stress and developing balance.

Beautiful floral arrangements created by AToN residents.

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

Low Frustration Tolerance

August 2, 2017 // by Aton Center

Low frustration tolerance is a belief that one is incapable or unwarranted in managing feelings or situations that are uncomfortable or difficult. This type of thinking can actually increase the level of actual discomfort. It is important to realize that mild or temporary discomforts are a part of normal life. Discomfort can be a useful feeling, reminding us that something is not right and motivate us to make a change.

Part of the recovery process is strengthening our ability to experience uncomfortable emotions. Here are some useful strategies for building frustration tolerance:

• Understand that we can only change ourselves

• Realize and accept that discomfort will occur

• Practice forms of mindfulness that reduce extreme reactions and internal resistance

• Delay gratification and “reactivity” when possible

• Utilize cognitive strategies including CBT, re-framing, thought stopping, and affirmations which enhance self-efficacy

• Examine common thinking errors

• Eliminate absolutes and demands such as; must, should, and have to

• Practice urge surfing techniques for emotions

• Increase your locus of control by reminding yourself you are not a victim, and you can willfully choose how to respond

Kristin Colton CATC II

Chemical Dependency Counselor
AToN Center 888-535-1516

Mindfulness Based Relapse Prevention

July 7, 2017 // by Aton Center

At AToN Center we get to practice Mindfulness together in group and look at how it can be used in daily life and in high risk situations.

Mindfulness is moment-by-moment awareness of thoughts, feelings, bodily sensations, and surrounding environment, characterized mainly by “acceptance” – attention to thoughts and feelings without judging whether they are right or wrong. Mindfulness focuses the human brain on what is being sensed at each moment, instead of on its normal rumination on the past or on the future.

We practice the SOBER Breathing Space in group which can be used anywhere and at any time as it is brief and simple.

Here are the steps to SOBER Breathing Space

S-Stop : pause wherever you are.
O-Observe : what is happening in your body & mind?
B-Breath : bring focus to the breath to help you focus and stay present.
E-Expand awareness : to your whole body & surroundings.
R-Respond : mindfully vs. automatically.

Kristin Colton CATC II
CD Counselor
AToN Center 888-535-1516

Relax

June 19, 2017 // by Aton Center

Why is relaxation so important for those in recovery from addiction?

There are many benefits from practicing relaxation in recovery including stress reduction, physical relief, quieting the mind, and connecting within. All will help with relapse prevention.

Many individuals use substances to unwind and relieve the stress or avoid the difficult situations that tend to pile up in our lives if left unattended. Mindfulness Based Relapse Prevention is a practice taught at AToN Center that allows our residents to explore how taking time to get centered and grounded can bring about a sense of well being and serenity.

When we learn to manage stress and cope with cravings as well as fully connect with the self we can walk with more confidence in recovery and feel prepared for the challenges life throws our way. Give yourself a gift: Relax… Take it all in… And let go… Just Breathe.

Kristin Colton CATC II
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

The Ancient Wisdom of “Making Meaning” in Recovery

March 10, 2016 // by Aton Center

“People generally see what they look for and hear what they listen for.” -Harper Lee, To Kill a Mockingbird

When a person first comes to treatment they are often hopeless and beaten down by the life they lead in active addiction. Treatment at AToN Center involves education about addictive thinking and rebuilding a life that is meaningful and fulfilling. We strive to help people rebuild a new life free from the wreckage of the past.

In this process, AToN Center endorses the concept of “Making Meaning”. This is a piece of ancient wisdom that is deeply embedded in all spiritual traditions and existential philosophies. Essentially, when we can make sense out of what happened, derive meaning from it and put it into context, we feel better.

The concept of “Making Meaning” is evident in three of AToN’s 6 Foundations of Recovery: Maintain Motivation, Balance Your Life, and Live with Higher Purpose. It is addressed in the following Recovery Studies: Grief and Loss in Recovery, Holistic Recovery, Honesty in Recovery, Recovery Capital, and Trusting Your Story.

Kate Judd
CD Counselor
AToN Center 888-535-1516

Alternative Treatment Modalities

October 25, 2013 // by Aton Center

Alternative Treatment Modalities

Many of the residents who enter treatment at AToN express a desire to explore alternate paths for achieving and sustaining recovery. At AToN we encourage residents in this endeavor by having them examine all aspects of self; physical, mental, emotional and spiritual. This spiritual aspect can be mysterious or elusive.

During our week-end spirituality groups I offer the idea of spirituality as a means of connecting. While this might mean connecting to something larger such as the universe or a higher power, it can be as simple as connecting with our true and more authentic self. The wisdom we receive from simply taking the time to listen mindfully can be astonishingly revealing about the path towards recovery.

Joshua Persoff, CADC-II
AToN Center 888-535-1516

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