positive outcomes

Mindfulness, what is it all about?

May 28, 2018 // by Aton Center

Practicing Mindfulness seems to be all the rave these days, we hear a lot about it and it seems to be everywhere, but why?

People have been practicing mindfulness for many years and in recovery it has been a theme since the beginning. We have had slogans floating around to remind us to be in the moment in recovery groups forever: One Day at a Time; Just for Today; The Power of Now; One Breath at a Time; HALT; Acceptance is the Answer; Live and Let Live; Be in the Moment; Right Here, Right Now; Let Go, Let God; Keep it Simple; and If You Have One Foot in the Past and One Foot in the Future, You’re Wasting Away Today.

The thing is, when using substances people often experience a sense of time either standing still or just passing us by. When in active addiction you want to escape reality or at least the moment you’re in. When faced with the reality of life, it can be painful, overwhelming, or a flood of emotions that can be common when getting sober and even into long term recovery for some.

Practicing Radical Acceptance and Mindfulness, pure awareness and acceptance in the moment from a non-judgmental place, we can grow and learn to have compassion for ourselves and others.

As we begin to recognize and pay attention to our thoughts, emotions and body sensations, we can learn to detect where we may need to make shifts in our lives.

As we practice sitting quietly we can use this intuition to guide us to wiser decisions.

“Yesterday is history. Tomorrow is a mystery. Today is a gift That’s why it’s called the present.” – Alice Morse Earle

Kristin Colton, CADC II, CATC II
Addiction Counselor
AToN Center 888-535-1516

Affirmations

August 15, 2017 // by Aton Center

Affirmations are like self-commands that we give ourselves daily. They are assertions that something exists and is true.

For an affirmation to work it needs to be in the present tense, positive and specific. The affirmation above is one of my favorite quotes and is applicable to many perceived accomplishments.

Paul Aguirre
CD Counselor
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

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

Important Factors When Seeking Treatment for Addiction

July 30, 2016 // by Aton Center

An interesting read about what people view as important when seeking treatment in contrast to their opinions after treatment. Family members and individuals seeking treatment are often at a disadvantage when attempting to find treatment programs. Unfortunately the world of addiction treatment is fraught with “bait and switch” techniques, insurance roadblocks and aggressive sales pitches, so consumers need to be aware of how to show around and what program components are most important.

Surprisingly this research shows increases in all domains suggesting that people only felt stronger about their preference at the end of treatment. Of note the two highest domains post treatment were Individual Therapies and Treatment Specialties. AToN Center has stressed individual therapy since it’s inception and continues to provide daily individual session Monday through Friday in addition to our rigorous curriculum. We find that the daily sessions support real progress in a short period of time. Within these individual sessions we are able to provide specialized treatment modalities including EMDR, Biofeedback, family therapy, exposure therapy and CBT with licensed Psychologists and Certified CD Counselors.

Leslie Sanders
Program Director
AToN Center 888-535-1516

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