nutrition

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

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

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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