relapse prevention

Mindfulness Based Relapse Prevention

June 10, 2018 // by Aton Center

We practice and discuss Mindfulness Meditations and see how one responds in the moment to difficult or triggering situations. Becoming aware in the moment of sights, sounds, sensations, thoughts and emotions is part of Mindfulness training. Practicing Being in the moment, Urge Surfing, The Mountain, and SOBER Breathing Space have been found to be most helpful for many residents here at AToN Center.

The more aware one is the more they are able to assess what is needed as they pause and consider as opposed to behaving in a way that is not consistent with how one wants to be today in recovery.

Kristin Colton CATC II
Chemical Dependency Counselor
AToN Center 888-535-1516

The 3 Rs to Recovery from Addiction

June 4, 2017 // by Aton Center

In my time working with those suffering from addiction I have seen what I determine to be patterns in a highly successful recovery process. These “stages” represent the chief turning points that a once afflicted individual passes through. These three critical stages are: Resentments, Relief, and Relapse Prevention.

Let’s explore each stage in some detail. An appreciation of these target points may help you when discussing the recovery process with a loved one in need. It is critical to note that there is no set time frame or speed that one stays at or passes through each of the following stages:

Resentments

This is the earliest stage that a recovering individual passes through on the journey of recovery. Here, the individual begins to parse a history of real and/or perceived trauma. The individual in this stage will likely wrestle with their own victimization and their bitterness of realizing their past mistakes, their indiscretions, their violations of trust, etc. In this critical first stage, the recovering person is encouraged to be extremely honest with themselves and their therapist. A high quality treatment center will effectively support the recovering individual throughout this typically stressful process. In short, identifying resentments and beginning to address them in counseling sessions will help propel this recovering individual to the second critical stage.

Relief

Here the suffering individual begins to understand that there are things that they simply cannot control (i.e. the past or the future). They begin to come to terms, in therapy, with a realization that if anything, they can only “control” themselves. In recovery, this individual begins to accept what is beyond their reach; namely, their genetics, their age, and what others may think of them. This stage allows the individual in treatment to bring relief to him/herself. This relief allows the client to breathe, relax, and begin accepting that they should begin working on only that within their locus of control (i.e. themselves).

Relapse Prevention

Indeed the “longest” stage of recovery is living a fulfilled, sober life. Here the recovering individual accepts “life on life’s terms”. The individual is no longer suffering; he/she has addressed past mistakes, past victimization, and has accepted that it is best to continue to monitor him/herself. The goal here is daily attention to relapse prevention. The lifesaving coping tools learned in a high quality residential treatment program are to be practiced daily. Mindful that relapse is preventable, the recovering individual is practicing self-monitoring, self-regulation, and self-preservation via the help of friends in recovery, continued therapy and an appreciation for life sober.

Chris McDuffie, MA., RRW

CD Counselor

AToN Center 888-535-1516

Relapse Prevention and Abstinence Self–Efficacy

May 14, 2017 // by Aton Center

Some researchers in the field of addictive behaviors have focused on the concept of “Abstinence self–efficacy”, which is defined as the confidence to abstain from using alcohol or drugs in different situations. Multiple research studies have identified increased abstinence self–efficacy as a consistent predictor of positive treatment outcome. Due to these findings, many treatment facilities attempt to increase their resident’s abstinence self–efficacy to further prepare them for success.

AToN Center’s San Diego rehab has been utilizing the Abstinence Self Efficacy Scale to measure abstinence self–efficacy. This scale address four separate domains: negative affect, social/celebratory, cravings/urges and physical discomfort. Negative Affect addresses one’s confidence in maintaining sobriety when experiencing emotional discomfort. Social/Celebratory addresses situations such as parties, vacations, etc. Cravings/Urges addresses confidence in managing triggers, and physical discomfort addresses the domains of pain, detoxification discomfort and other physical symptoms.

Take a moment and identify what your largest area of weakness may be. Use this knowledge to help you be vigilant in your every day life to help you bolster your success in recovery. Focus on increasing your skills and confidence in each area. Remember that AToN Center is here to help you along your path. I wish you success, health and happiness!

Cassandra Cannon, Ph.D., Clinical Health Psychologist – Clinical Director

AToN Center – Drug and Alcohol Treatment Center, California 888-535-1516

Developing Coping Strategies

February 6, 2017 // by Aton Center

At the AToN Center, one of my roles is to conduct a “Psychology Group” with our residents. During one of these groups I engaged our residents in a brainstorming session to develop their coping strategies for cravings.

I stood at the dry erase board, had the residents yell out different things they would do rather than use and I furiously scribbled them down. Within about 5 minutes we developed an extensive list which included…

Walking, running, driving, yoga, walking the dog, throwing a ball against a wall, shooting basketball hoops, asking for a hug, calling a friend, calling another friend, calling a sponsor, calling a family member, calling a crisis line, deep breathing, meditating, preying, relaxation techniques, screaming into a pillow, crying, taking a shower, hot tub, sauna, swim, playing video games, solitaire, a crossword, doing Sudoku, eating a cheeseburger, eating an apple, drinking a glass of water, getting a massage, doing the dishes, laundry, cleaning out the car, starting a campfire, roasting marshmallows, listening to music, watching a funny movie, watching a sad movie, distraction techniques, cooking, shopping, reading, etc. etc. etc.

This wasn’t even the whole list. The point to the exercise is that there are options. Many, many options for coping, other than using drugs and alcohol. Take a little time and use your imagination.

Chad K. Cox, PsyD

AToN Center 888-535-1516

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