triggers

January 28, 2018 // by Aton Center

One topic that we address consistently is how to manage triggers. I also see many of the AToN principles incorporated into the following steps. I hope this can help someone in a pinch!

How to Deal with Triggers:

Stop, breathe, calm yourself.
Think about what just happened. . .what exactly was triggering? Why? What feelings did it provoke? Were those feelings a rational reaction to the situation?
Tell yourself verbally that you are not going to let this hinder your recovery.
Make a list of all the reasons for recovering.
If there is someone you can talk to, go to them. Even if you don’t go into specifics, let them help.
Allow yourself to feel upset about the trigger – you can’t hide away your feelings! Acknowledge that the situation affected you and take steps toward carrying on regardless.
Remember the bigger picture – the end goal: FREEDOM
You are loved and worthy.
Do something that pleases you.
Relax, you’re doing so well, I believe in you.

I found this Information from Ocd9Teen and felt it was an intelligent, concise, step-by-step “how to” that could be of benefit to anyone in recovery. I cannot take credit for the following steps – but I am grateful for all of the support that is out there for all in recovery.

Cassandra Cannon, Ph.D.

Clinical Director

AToN Center 888-535-1516

Why It Can Actually be a Good Thing to be Triggered in Rehab

October 9, 2017 // by Aton Center

Residential treatment can be a good reprieve from daily life. It takes you away from home, lifestyle, stressors, and other cues that are associated with drinking and using – called “triggers.”

This allows people to heal and feel more in control of their lives.

On the other hand, the point of residential treatment is not to create a bubble of solitude, free from all stress and anxiety. The fact of the matter is, life still goes on. Problems arise, people don’t meet your expectations, things don’t go as planned, etc. All of these things, as much as they can cause pain in the moment, are also opportunities. Residential treatment offers the opportunity to triggers without turning to the familiar coping style of changing feelings through substances.

This forces reality to be dealt with just as it is, for new coping skills to be realized and practiced. And after that getting through that difficult moment, the realization is that it is possible. That’s why when people feel triggered, when all is said and done and the moment has passed, it is so often a success to be celebrated.

Kirsten Helgager, PsyD
Clinical Psychologist
AToN Center 888-535-1516

Internal & External Triggers

August 13, 2017 // by Aton Center

Triggers can be feelings, experiences, people, places, and things that you associate with your drinking or drug use. There are different types of triggers: internal, external, and sensory triggers. All three usually work together to create a craving.

INTERNAL TRIGGERS are feelings that people have before or during drinking or using drugs. For instance, some people may feel insecure about sex and think they have to drink alcohol in order to relax before having sex. Other people may use drugs when they feel angry, lonely, depressed, sad, or bored – but any feeling can become an internal trigger.

EXTERNAL TRIGGERS are the people, places, and things associated with drinking or using drugs. For some people, external triggers might be: places where they bought or used drugs, certain bars and clubs they hung out at while they were drinking or high, people they drank or used drugs with, and even certain days and times, such as Friday nights and holidays.

SENSORY TRIGGERS are related to the senses of sight, sound, taste, and touch. They might include certain styles of music or specific songs, or the taste of a drug. For example, powdered sugar or artificial sweetener, which resembles powdered drugs, can be a powerful trigger for people who used cocaine, methamphetamines, or heroin.

The are many triggers in each category that were not mentioned, but once you have identified your triggers, use some tools like the thought records or talk to someone. If you are in a self-help program, ask for help in a meeting or with a confidant. You can overcome the power of these triggers with help and prevent a relapse of substance abuse.

Paul Aguirre, CADC – II
AToN Center 888-535-1516

Breaking Ties With Bad Influences

May 21, 2017 // by Aton Center

In working with residents at AToN Center, part of our curriculum is dedicated to addressing the social circumstances that may have promoted or enabled our residents ongoing addictions.

Humans are designed to form connections with others and breaking these ties, even when there is obvious dysfunction, can still be a difficult process. The scope of the problem can range from learning what to communicate to a neighbor that you might have shared a beer with at a barbecue, to setting a firm boundary with a partner still in active addiction. Many times the first part of the process is to get right with yourself before you will even know how or what to communicate to others.

Changing yourself is a difficult enough process, but once some momentum has been gained in being clear from your addiction, then you may start to develop a confidence that can be instrumental in setting and maintaining healthy boundaries with others. Often times others can be resistant to your changes, even if these are for the better. They may see your progress as a threat to your connection. What is important is to have compassion, communicate respectfully and learn that you can still be OK even if another person is not happy with the boundary you are setting.

There can be a loss in letting go of that negative influence but in doing so you are protecting your recovery and opening yourself up to new, healthier connections.

Chad K. Cox PsyD PSY23320
AToN Center 888-535-1516

Beware the Curve Ball In Recovery

March 7, 2017 // by Aton Center

Beware the Curve-ball

In teaching Psychology skills at the AToN center to prevent relapse, I often help residents identify specific situations they have experienced in the past that lead to relapse. People in recovery can often anticipate seeing the friend you used to drink with, avoiding the neighborhood where you bought drugs, the family member that “drives you to drink.”

However, beware of the curve-ball. In working on maintaining recovery there is likely to be a incident or issue that you did not see coming. Could be an old acquaintance contacting you, a sudden loss of business, a car accident or sprained knee. All of a sudden you are in a novel situation that you did not anticipate and it is threatening your recovery.

In taking a skill based approach to recovery the good news is that once these skills are learned, practiced and implemented you will be much more prepared for the different contingencies that can occur. You may not always know what tactics the addiction will use to try to bring you back into its grasp, but you will have many more tools and tactics at your disposal.

Chad K. Cox, PsyD

AToN Center 888-535-1516

After Your Loved One or Friend Gets Out of Treatment

July 8, 2016 // by Aton Center

After your loved one or friend gets out of treatment, you’ll likely want to support him or her as much as possible. While there are many things you can do to ensure that you are not enabling your loved one, there are also more simple actions you can take to empower your friend and make their recovery walk just a little bit easier. So whether you’re an ally to coworkers, acquaintances, friends or family, follow these recommendations in order to best support people in recovery who are getting used to a new lifestyle in an often unfamiliar and challenging environment.

1. Dispel myths. Unfortunately, it is not uncommon to hear many misconceptions about people in recovery. Although almost every American is impacted by addiction in some way, we tend to act like it is something that only happens to other people. If you hear a falsehood about addiction or recovery, speak up! Some of the most common myths are: people in recovery don’t have fun, people in recovery cannot be trusted, addicted people cannot recover, people in recovery can relapse at any moment, and you can spot someone with an addiction just by looking at them.

2. Speak respectfully and with compassion about people with substance use concerns. Remember, they are people first. When we casually call someone a drunkard, junkie, alkie, stoner, cokehead, boozer etc., we can trivialize the seriousness of the situation and shame people at the same time.

3. Be open to doing activities with your loved one that don’t revolve around substance use. What can you both do together where alcohol is not the main focus? Having fun in early recovery is important for your loved one, and they need to know you support them. One great way to do that is to engage in healthy and fun recreational activities together.

4. Discuss drinking and using around them beforehand so they can make an informed choice. If you’re best friend is newly sober, be understanding if they opt out of attending your birthday party at a bar. They may just not feel comfortable doing so, and having your support will mean a lot. If you discuss a potentially risky event beforehand, they’ll be less likely to feel pressured and they’ll be able to clearly think through things and make a wise choice.

5. Don’t “out” them. Do not ever share your friend’s story without their permission. Addiction and recovery are very personal matters for many people, and it is up to them how they decide to disclose these things to outsiders. It is not your responsibility to do it for them.

6. If you don’t know, ASK! Everyone in recovery is unique and has their own preferences, desires and dislikes. Your loved one is not suddenly an alien just because they get sober! Ask them how they would like you to handle things in order to best support them, and just do the best you can.

In summary, there is a lot you can do to be helpful to your newly sober loved one. While it is true that people in recovery are responsible for their own choices, and in the end what they decide to do is outside of your control, you can still make their journey just a little bit easier by being a supportive force in their life. Remember, AToN is here to answer any questions you may have and we can connect you with support networks. Thankfully, you don’t have to figure it out alone.

Dr. Zucker
AToN Psychologist 888-535-1516

Denial & Loss of Belief Can be Triggers for Relapse

January 29, 2016 // by Aton Center

1. Become Defensive and Begin the Pattern of Denial
If you are sliding back into your old addictive patterns, you probably don’t see it, and you may take a defensive stance toward others who point it out. An extremely defensive attitude should send a message to you and those close to you that you may be in relapse mode. Recovery involves a willingness to accept feedback and be open to the concerns of loved ones and friends.

Steps to Help:
If you notice that you or your loved one has become defensive, it could be a sign that he or she is using again, or is at risk for a relapse. Keep communication open with a gentle approach.

If you recognize that you are becoming defensive, you may want to call your sponsor, if you have one, or a sober friend, counselor, or relative to discuss your attitude and feelings.

2. Change in Attitude or Behavior, Loss of Belief in Recovery

Sudden behavioral and attitude changes are clear signals that something is wrong. If you are abandoning your recovery efforts and noticing changes in your attitude and/or sudden feelings of depression, resentment, and loneliness, a relapse may be imminent.

Talk to a doctor or therapist to learn about alternative options that may be helpful.

Steps to Help:

Recognize the emotions you are having such as depression, disappointment, sadness, embarrassment, rejection or hurt. Use SMART Recovery and 12 Step Relapse Prevention tools such as “playing the tape through”, “positive self-talk”, “Cost Benefit Analysis” and a “Thought Record” to remind yourself that the escape is just temporary and not worth giving up your sobriety. Your problems and emotions will still be present once the substances wear off.

Relapses often happen because people don’t want to acknowledge their uncomfortable emotions.

3. Break Down of Social Relationships

A network of sober support is a crucial element in maintaining sobriety. A lack of continued focus on maintaining personal connections can mean something is wrong – especially if you find you’re:
• Disagreeing more with friends
• Lying to your loved ones
• Spending less time with family
• Resenting those who are trying to help
• Having a more difficult time accepting help
Steps to Help:
Seek connection with your group of sober friends, go to a meeting or meet up with your sponsor or counselor. Be open with them and explain the issues you’re experiencing. Chances are, they’ve gone through similar problems and can provide you with useful experience, strength and hope.
You can also talk to your therapist if you attend individual therapy and alert that person of your interpersonal concerns. Whatever you do, don’t stifle your fears and feelings. It’s best to discuss them with someone.

4. Loss of Interest in Hobbies and Activities

Positive sober activities can be key in preventing relapse. Loss of interest in the hobbies that you love is a red flag that your focus is in danger of shifting from your recovery to negative feelings, thought patterns and the desire to use.

Steps to Help:

Make a list of the hobbies that you really enjoy. Then plan to do a recreational activity that you once loved. Set a time frame and do the activity, even if it’s hard to get started.
If you do this often, you are likely to find joy in your hobbies once again. Additionally, alert your therapist or sponsor of this sudden change so that you and the therapist/sponsor can collaboratively explore why this may have occurred.

5. Sudden Appearance of Withdrawal Symptoms

When withdrawal symptoms are evident, it is one of the telling signs of relapse because it means that they have begun using again. It’s important to know what the withdrawal symptoms are so that you can notice them happening and offer appropriate assistance.

Steps to Help:

Remember to avoid an angry and confrontational tone, because the person most likely won’t be willing to talk to you if you aren’t compassionate and calm.
Approach the person in a nonjudgmental and empathetic way. Say that you are concerned about them and ask if they’d like to talk about anything.

If your loved one is receptive and admits to using again, you should suggest re-entering a treatment facility and make sure that you will support them every step of the way.

Get help for yourself or your loved one as soon as you see any of these symptoms.

AToN Center is here to help. Call to find out more 888-535-1516.

Discharge Planning at AToN Center

April 16, 2015 // by Aton Center

We begin considering discharge planning for our residents from the beginning of their treatment here at AToN Center. We do this to set our residents up for the most successful transition back out into the world as possible.

Our residents get quite a bit of Exposure Therapy while in treatment that takes place mainly on Saturday outings and off-site dinner on Sunday nights. We do this so that our residents have practice in triggering situations and will be prepared for when they leave by practicing coping skills in a protected environment.

Something that is considered while one is in treatment is the home situation and if it is a safe and supportive environment to return to. If it is clinically recommended, we look at other options for housing, such as Sober Living houses, and will provide local transportation so that our residents can see the houses first-hand. We also prepare our residents for continued treatment with Partial Hospitalization Programs (PHP), Intensive Outpatient Programs (IOP) and other therapeutic needs for support.

While here at AToN Center the resident is exposed to many supportive communities and holistic services such as 12 Step, SMART Recovery, yoga, meditation, hypnotherapy, acupuncture, massage, Watsu, Rock To Recovery, good nutrition and physical training. Many of our residents report continued use of some of these holistic services after they leave treatment.

We hope that individuals find a balanced system of support to take away with them on their journey of recovery and learn how to maintain sobriety and well-being.

Sincerely,

Kristin Colton CATC II

Chemical Dependency Counselor

Preparing for the Holiday Season

August 29, 2013 // by Aton Center

Preparing for the Holiday Season, Staying Sober

With the holidays approaching there may be many emotions surfacing for those in recovery and families as well. Often people in treatment or recovery from addictions are flooded with anxiety, stress, self doubt, and loneliness when thinking of upcoming holidays.

There may be many emotions and memories that trigger urges and cravings to use again. It is a good idea to think ahead and plan for these emotions and situations around the holiday gatherings.

Some tips for enjoying holidays and learning how to create new traditions and experiences in recovery are as follows:

Good Self-Care is Vital.
Enhance Your Support System.
Find New Ways to Celebrate.
Focus on Your Recovery Program.
Release your Resentments.
Bring a Buddy.
“Bookends” are Important.
Get in Touch with Spirituality.

Kristin Colton CATC-II
Addiction Treatment Counselor, San Diego
AToN Center 888-535-1516

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