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Author Stephanie Maitner Categories Uncategorized

Hosting an Intervention

Interventions are often required when your loved one needs addiction treatment. Especially when an individual is unaware of their addiction, an intervention can be very effective when implemented correctly. Denial is a natural response to intervention. By hosting an intervention, you can help a loved one see the severity of their situation and seek help.

Your primary job during this time is to provide support and encouragement. You can host a successful intervention by following some simple steps. Keep in mind that it can be overwhelming. If planning the event feels like too much to handle, it can help to work with a professional interventionist.

What Is an Intervention?

An intervention is a gathering of friends, family, and loved ones. Intervention is typically associated with addiction or substance use disorder (SUD), but it can be used for other ailments as well. The group gathers to help a loved one experiencing SUD, behavioral addiction, mental illness, or chronic conditions. However, you could host interventions for all sorts of reasons. You may look to help a loved one leave a toxic relationship or live a healthier lifestyle.

What Happens During an Intervention?

The primary goal of an intervention is to make your loved one aware there is a problem, educate them on their options, and ultimately convince them to seek help. You will also provide resources to your loved one during an intervention. Additionally, the loved ones who gather can speak about how they have been affected by the addiction or illness.

It is important to note that this is not a time to make a loved one feel shame or guilt. However, hearing narratives about how their struggle has impacted the people they love can motivate them to seek the necessary help they require.

Interventions must be planned, though. You don’t want the intervention to fail. If you go into it without a proper plan, emotions will likely get the better of everyone. By thoroughly planning ahead, you can keep the intervention on track if things begin to go awry.

10 Steps to Hosting an Intervention

Once you understand more about interventions, their goal, and what situations warrant an intervention, you can begin to plan one effectively. Here are ten steps you can follow to host a successful intervention today.

#1. Seek Professional Help

This is optional, but seeking professional help increases the level of support and prevents you from planning one alone.

#2. Create an Intervention Team

Intervention teams consist of friends and family members who will gather to help a loved one. They’ll often participate in the planning.

#3. Make a Plan

An intervention is not something you can wing. Schedule a specific date and time, create a guest list, and develop a procedure to follow along with. You should have an itinerary long before you intervene. This will include the order in which people will speak.

#4. Research and Gather Information

As mentioned, part of the intervention consists of offering resources and treatment to your loved one. In order to provide the best information, you must research viable options. You must also obtain foundational knowledge. Ultimately, you need to know the basic facts about their illness to educate them.

#5. Write Out Your Narratives

Individuals attending will also want to write and rehearse their narratives or impact statements. You must prepare what you want to say and practice it. Emotions can run high during the event. Preparation is the best way to combat these intense emotions. These statements should not be used to attack your loved one. They should come from a place of honesty and compassion.

#6. Provide Support

In addition to offering resources, you must also provide support. That includes being involved throughout detox, rehabilitation, and recovery. You may provide car rides to and from treatment. Also, you might attend family counseling and group meetings with your loved one. Recovery is a long-term process, and your loved one will appreciate feeling supported throughout their sobriety journey.

#7. Set Boundaries

You must also set boundaries during an intervention. Your loved one needs to know what you will do if your loved one refuses treatment. You should implement consequences that protect your well-being. It may seem harsh at first, but these consequences show how serious you are about a loved one seeking help. Also, you should be prepared to follow through on the boundaries.

#8. Rehearse

Next, you must rehearse the plan. That includes each person reading through their narrative statements. An intervention is not time for tangents. Rehearse at least once to help individuals know what they will say, how long it will take, when to speak, and when to cede the floor.

#9. Manage Your Expectations

In addition to setting boundaries, you must manage your expectations. Not everyone seeks treatment immediately. You must understand that you can’t force your loved one into treatment. Also, a “no” isn’t a failure. Many people say no initially but come around in the days or weeks following.

#10. Follow Up

Lastly, follow up with your loved one. You should ask how the treatment is going and what you can do to help. When they are exiting treatment, you can talk about their continued support needs throughout recovery.

Many individuals struggling with addiction, mental illnesses, or other chronic conditions may not realize the severity of their situation. Interventions are often required when helping your loved one seek treatment. An intervention occurs when friends and family of your loved one gather to address the issue and offer help. The staff at Excel Treatment Center can help you prepare for an intervention. We believe it’s never too early or late to seek treatment. When your loved one is ready to seek treatment, we can offer them various levels of care that meet their unique needs. They’ll get access to all our support programs, setting them on the path to recovery. For more information, call Excel Treatment Center at (833) 883-9235.

Author Stephanie Maitner Categories Uncategorized

Avoiding Holiday Triggers and Relapse

The holiday season can be hard for individuals trying to avoid holiday triggers and relapse. There are many reasons the holidays can be challenging to navigate in recovery. Unfortunately, it’s not the “most wonderful time of the year” for everyone.

Individuals new to recovery may face more difficulties coping with their first holiday season while sober. Many triggers increase the risk of relapse. Opportunities for relapse may seem endless, but do not let the risk consume you. You can find ways to enjoy this time of year while successfully maintaining your newfound recovery.

Why Are the Holidays Hard?

Many people experience turmoil during this time of cheer. You may struggle with uncomfortable family relationships or unhappy home lives. The stress of spending money during the holidays could get to you. Additionally, the pressure of maintaining sobriety makes the season more daunting in recovery. In addition to all of these factors, you must also navigate new holiday triggers and avoid relapse.

Common Holiday Triggers

Risks for relapse may be higher during the holidays. However, recognizing possible triggers and possessing efficient coping techniques can help people avoid relapsing. Since many people struggle with recovery during the holidays, we know of common triggers to look out for.

Alcohol-Filled Holiday Parties

The first common holiday trigger to watch out for is an increased presence of alcohol. ‘Tis the season for holiday parties. When was the last time you heard of a holiday party with no alcohol present? Drinking is a socially accepted vice. Anytime people gather and celebrate, alcohol is usually involved. That makes these cheerful gatherings hard if you’re struggling with alcohol use disorder (AUD). Additionally, it creates a risk of addiction transference if you previously used other substances.

Depending on family and friend dynamics, you may be able to avoid the presence of alcohol. If you just left treatment, you will still be new to recovery. Your family and friends may recognize this and decide that there will be no alcohol at the holiday party this year. Yes, you must learn to cope with the presence of alcohol at some point, but it may help you to avoid this trigger so early in recovery.

Handling Family During the Holidays

As mentioned, family is another common holiday trigger that you must prepare for. No one can drive you as crazy as a family can. Some families are great and will do all they can to make a recovery transition as smooth as possible. However, other families come with trauma and tense relationships. The added stress of dealing with that can be triggering. Given your relationship with your family, you may know ahead of time which scenario to prepare for.

Family stress does not necessarily mean you must avoid everyone during the holidays. Isolation can be even more dangerous. It does, however, mean you must set boundaries and be vigilant in identifying triggers. Additionally, resources and effective coping skills will help you manage the stress of your family.

Other Holiday Triggers You May Not Think Of

One holiday trigger some people may fail to think of is the lack of structure. Having structure and routine is crucial to individuals in recovery. During the holidays, people often take time off, abandon daily exercise routines, or forgo other daily disciplines. Abrupt changes to schedules and routines can increase the risk of relapse. It’s crucial to continue attending therapy and weekly support group meetings.

An additional holiday trigger that people overlook is seasonal depression. If you have co-occurring addiction and seasonal affective disorder (SAD), it may feel more tempting to relapse. Substances may have been your way of self-medicating the symptoms in the past. You need to make sure you’re using aftercare resources for your mental health.

Avoiding Holiday Triggers

You can focus on preparation and reinforcement to make it through the holidays and maintain sobriety.

Preparing for the Holidays

One way to avoid holiday triggers is to prepare for them before leaving treatment. For example, you can take advantage of case management services. Moreover, relapse prevention can help you prepare for obstacles and set goals for your recovery. If you’re concerned about relapsing during the holidays, you can ask for help planning for your first holiday season post-treatment.

In addition to planning, you should also research support group meetings in your areas. Support groups are a great way to handle the pressure of holiday triggers. When returning to your family home for the season, you can look up what support group meetings are in the area. It’s smart to find one in case the pressure becomes too much. Chances are others will also be looking for a little extra support during the holiday season too.

When In Doubt, Bring Reinforcements

Additionally, you may consider bringing a friend or an accountability buddy to events this holiday season. That individual should be a trusted member of your support network. They should be capable of helping you cope with triggers and avoid relapse.

Even better, you can consider hosting a few holiday events of your own. You can give back to your recovery community by hosting a sober holiday gathering. It provides people with a safe and sober space to celebrate the holidays, create bonds, and establish new traditions.

Maintaining recovery throughout the holidays is very much possible. Individuals struggling with addiction and not yet in recovery should consider treatment today.

Have you recently left an addiction treatment program and are feeling anxious about your first holiday season in recovery? If so, know that you are not alone. Many people struggle with maintaining their sobriety during the holiday season. Despite the risk of relapse, maintaining recovery is very much possible. It may just take a little extra effort. Excel Treatment Center can provide you with extra sobriety support throughout the holidays. Our groups, therapies, and support network can offer you peace of mind. You’ll have people to lean on as you navigate and cope with common holiday triggers. When you need a helping hand, call Excel Treatment Center at (833) 883-9235. 

Author Stephanie Maitner Categories Uncategorized

Is There a Standard Length of Treatment?

Addiction recovery professionals should tailor treatment to each individual. When they do, there should not necessarily be a rigid time limit on how long it will last. Everyone reaches recovery at their own pace, so expecting a standard length of time for you is unrealistic. Factors like your duration of use and type of substance should influence the general time frame. The type of program you are in will also influence the length of treatment.

Unfortunately, other factors influence the length of treatment too. Often, factors like finances, insurance coverage, or other clerical technicalities come into play. Nevertheless, individuals should not let these factors hinder the transformative process of treatment. Feel empowered to advocate for your recovery needs, collaborate with your medical team, and sense when the right time is for you to leave treatment.

Outpatient Treatment

The length of treatment initially depends on the type of program. Two specific options for treatment include outpatient and inpatient. Both are equally effective; however, one may be a better fit for your particular situation.

Outpatient treatment allows clients to seek treatment at a facility but return home to accommodate their daily needs. A program like this is an excellent way to get the help necessary to live a life of sobriety while continuing with your day-to-day responsibilities.

Additionally, outpatient treatment has many other benefits, including the chance to practice holistic therapy, continue working, and grow through traditional therapy methods. With outpatient treatment, there are no strict timelines. You can attend therapy sessions once a week or more if you would like, and there is much more flexibility which helps clients feel empowered in their recovery journey.

Unfortunately, outpatient treatment is not efficient for everyone. You will likely require more intense treatment if you are in the very early stages of addiction treatment. Your support needs will be higher when detoxing. Additionally, doctors must stabilize you before releasing you if you self-harm and experience suicidal thoughts. In these scenarios, inpatient treatment is necessary.

Inpatient Treatment

Individuals who need more intensive care will benefit from an inpatient treatment program. Inpatient rehab, also known as residential care, is when a person comes to live in a treatment facility. During an inpatient treatment program, you will usually have access to several services, including:

  • Medically supervised detoxification where clients can be closely monitored and administered medications to help with withdrawal symptoms
  • Group and individual therapy sessions that help you get the root cause of your addiction, including cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), motivational interviewing, and family-based therapy
  • Aftercare planning or relapse prevention programs, which will aid your transition from residential treatment to life post-treatment

During inpatient treatment, you can develop a sober support system by creating friendships with other people in recovery. You can also focus on rediscovering your identity outside of addiction.

Benefits of Inpatient Treatment

Inpatient programs are vital for individuals still in the deep of active addiction and offer many benefits, like:

  • Structure and routines allow clients to focus solely on their treatment, mental health, and long-term sobriety
  • Around-the-clock care is essential; you wake up at night with intense cravings or other symptoms, and 24/7 care will support you
  • Being in a safe environment will allow you to detox, practice coping skills, and plan for your life in recovery

One downside of residential care is that there will come a time for it to end. If insurance and finances allow, you may be able to extend your time, but that is not always the case.

Why Limit Length of Treatment?

On average, a treatment facility’s program will last about 30 days initially. You can sometimes extend treatment, but insurance companies may not cover it. There could be other stipulations if you stay.

Some facilities also focus on specific areas of recovery. One facility may have long-term programs to help with lifestyle practices post-treatment. Others focus primarily on detox and early treatment.

In reality, individuals cannot remain in addiction treatment for extended periods. Treatment is the first step in a much longer journey. The next step is life in recovery, but you must leave treatment to experience this next step.

Leaving treatment, especially when you have 24/7 support, is scary, but it is a testament to how far you have come. As long as you are open and honest with professionals at your facility, your treatment program should prepare you for what’s to come.

Is There a Right or Wrong Length of Treatment?

Regarding how long it takes for treatment to work, the American Psychological Association (APA) indicates on their page titled “How Long Will It Take for Treatment to Work?” that the length of treatment for psychological problems varies greatly from one patient to another. According to them, treatment “should always be matched appropriately to the nature and severity of the person’s presenting difficulties.”

In other words, the right length of treatment depends on your individual needs. Do not let the standards of others define what you require for your recovery journey. You started the healing process, and you can help decide your needs.

There is no right or wrong length of treatment for individuals struggling with addiction, substance use, disorder (SUD), or other mental illnesses. How long treatment takes should depend on your condition and the severity of your struggle. The length of treatment will also depend on the type of program you are in. Excel Treatment Center offers four levels of care that require varying amounts of time. We offer groups that help you bond with sober peers. Additionally, you’ll be able to participate in many traditional and holistic therapies. Our care is truly individualized from the psych assessment all the way to your aftercare. To seek help or receive more information, call (833) 883-9235 today. 

Author Stephanie Maitner Categories Uncategorized

Returning to Work Post-Treatment

After going through addiction treatment, it’s normal for you to feel anxious about returning to work post-treatment. Whether you’re nervous about reintegrating into the working environment or fearful about seeing your co-workers for the first time since treatment, these feelings are valid.

Another factor that may influence your emotions is whether you can return to your previous job post-treatment. Your employer may or may not feel comfortable with you coming back to your previous position. This article will discuss your movement back into the workspace.

What to Consider Before Returning to Work Post-Treatment

There are many things to remember when returning to work post-treatment. Life post-treatment comes with many challenges. You must find a residence, a support system, and other resources to aid your recovery journey. Moreover, you must make sure you’re setting healthy boundaries. This can feel difficult fresh out of treatment.

Unfortunately, finding employment may be another challenge. As mentioned, a previous employer may have concerns about you returning to work. It’s especially tricky if addiction impacted your performance. Luckily, more employers today look at addiction as a disease. Your employer might have resources to offer you, such as employee assistance programs. These kinds of programs may be a great asset as you gain your footing in recovery.

Now Might Be Time for a Change

If you cannot return to an employer post-treatment and need a silver lining, consider that now may be the time to do something new. Recovery is all about making life changes. Why not make one more and consider a new career? Maybe you should throw yourself into a job you always wanted to try.

Treatment can be a perfect time to set new goals for your career and life in recovery. You can begin with small objectives. Instead of jumping right into major career movies, concentrate on becoming comfortable with your newfound life of recovery. Focus on mending relationships and cutting out past acquaintances associated with substance use. Find a support group in your area and attend your first meeting. These are all small tasks you can begin to guide yourself post-treatment.

Considering Other Career Paths or Furthering Your Education

Think about your career goals once you feel more established in your new life of recovery. If you have a hard time deciding what you want to do with the rest of your life, don’t fret. A lot of people have trouble with this. Consider seeing a career counselor or shadowing professionals with jobs that interest you. The more you learn about potential careers, the more you can gauge your interest and weigh the pros and cons.

Another option to consider is if you want to go back to school. Many people pursue education post-treatment, especially if it matches their long-term career goals. Consider programs or fields you would like to learn more about while still in treatment. Then upon leaving treatment, sign up for some courses if it makes sense financially.

Learn to Go With the Flow

If your journey with addiction has taught you anything, it’s that you can never really predict what life is going to throw at you. Planning is necessary, but so is adaptability. Set goals for yourself, but don’t let unexpected turns trigger you.

You don’t need to have everything figured out before leaving treatment. Taking the time to be present and acknowledge that you’ve made it to this point is a priority. Early recovery can be challenging, but take it all in. There will be plenty of time to focus on a new career or re-enter the workforce. If time and finances allow, use early recovery to reintroduce yourself to yourself.

Returning to Work Post-Treatment

When transitioning from inpatient rehab back into the outside world, outpatient programs may serve as a good middle step. These programs are an excellent choice for people who do not need 24/7 care and need to hold steady employment. They are flexible and give clients control over the recovery process.

Telehealth treatment may also be a tool that lets you continue receiving addiction treatment when returning to work. The extra support may offset the added stress of returning to the workforce. Additionally, you can attend outpatient therapy just to help you stay on track with your sobriety. Opportunities for support as you go back to work are endless. All you need is the proper guidance and resources to help you do so.

If you feel nervous about returning to work post-treatment, try not to let it get to you. The whole process of getting sober puts you outside your comfort zone. Instead of feeling worried, think about this as an opportunity for growth and renewal. You’ve created a life of recovery for yourself — focus on the joy of living that life.

If you’re anxious about returning to work post-treatment, know that you are not alone. Life post-treatment comes with many challenges, but these are challenges everyone experiences. Utilize your time in treatment to think about your life and set goals for yourself throughout your long-term recovery. If you need support as you navigate a shift in your career, Excel Treatment Center can help. In addition to inpatient services, we offer multiple outpatient programs of varying intensities. You can gradually re-enter the workplace while still receiving addiction treatment. Our therapists can offer you guidance on making sure you don’t overextend yourself early in recovery. For more information on returning to work post-treatment, call Excel Treatment Center at (833) 883-9235. 

Author Stephanie Maitner Categories Uncategorized

The Connection Between Body Dysmorphia and Addiction

Do you find yourself constantly worried about your appearance or concerned about flaws that may not exist? Worries such as these are typical among individuals struggling with body dysmorphia. There are a number of co-occurring disorders people experience when struggling with addiction. People diagnosed with body dysmorphia and addiction may have turned to substance use as a way to cope, ultimately leading to a substance use disorder (SUD).

When seeking addiction treatment, you should also consider therapy for body dysmorphia. Especially if substance use is your escape for coping with symptoms, getting to the core of the issue is vital. Therapy will teach you how to manage symptoms while in recovery while maintaining your sobriety long-term.

What Is Body Dysmorphia?

According to an article published in Dialogues in Clinical Neuroscience, body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) “consists of a distressing or impairing preoccupation with imagined or slight defects in appearance.” It is similar to obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) in terms of symptoms. These similarities sometimes lead to misdiagnoses between body dysmorphia and OCD.

When dealing with body dysmorphia, you develop obsessive thoughts or compulsions about how you look. Obsessive thoughts can include constantly comparing yourself to others. Examples of compulsions include constantly checking yourself in the mirror.

Unfortunately, body dysmorphia goes way beyond caring about appearance. You’ll begin to worry about details or defects that are minimal or non-existent. These perceived flaws are a significant cause for concern. You may realize the irrationality of worrying about something that is not there, but in more severe cases, you may be so convinced that it leads to delusion.

Additionally, body dysmorphia can become severe enough to affect your ability to function at work or school. The symptoms could impact your daily life as well.

The teenage years can be a particularly common and difficult time for people developing body dysmorphia. During this time, you are already on high alert about your body and how it’s changing. Body dysmorphia can potentially exacerbate these anxieties and continue into adulthood. If untreated, body dysmorphia can become all-consuming and even lead to suicide.

Body Dysmorphia and Addiction: Recognizing the Signs

If you’re unsure about whether you have body dysmorphia in addition to addiction, it’s important to look at the signs. Identifying the problem is the first step to receiving proper treatment.

Firstly, your gender identity doesn’t matter. People of every gender struggle with body dysmorphia. Secondly, your body shape and size are also irrelevant. You don’t have to look a specific way to be impacted by this disorder. Rather, specific signs should help you discern if you need help with body dysmorphia. Some of those signs include:

  • Checking oneself in the mirror frequently
  • Anxious habits, such as biting your nails, picking at your skin, or pulling your hair
  • Constantly asking individuals for reassurance regarding your appearance
  • Comparing yourself to others
  • Talking about how much you hate your appearance
  • Obsessively touching or discussing a perceived flaw you are concerned with

It will also benefit you to recognize the signs of substance addiction. Common symptoms include:

  • Poor performance or other problems at work or school
  • Spending outrageous amounts of money to buy substances
  • Exhibiting unusual or risky behavior
  • Needing more substances to get the same effect
  • Experiencing withdrawal symptoms when trying to stop substance use
  • Loss of interest in other hobbies or activities that were once enjoyable

Addiction affects people in many ways, but if you recognize some of these situations, consult your doctor or seek treatment immediately.

Body Dysmorphia and Self-Medication

The connection between body dysmorphia and addiction is not only apparent when you’re trying to cope with the mental health repercussions of dysmorphia. You may also turn to substance use to alter how you look.

As a person with body dysmorphia, you might focus on weight and muscle mass. To increase muscle mass, you may use steroids for quick, significant results. On the flip side, if your body dysmorphia emphasizes thinness as a value, you may try to lose weight may use cocaine to reduce your appetite. In either situation, you put yourself at risk of becoming dependent, not to mention putting your body at risk by using these drugs.

These are only two examples of how you may try to alter your appearance in unhealthy ways. You might abuse laxatives, binge eat and purge, or refuse to eat. Also, you may refuse to eat and spend countless hours in the gym, hoping it will help you lose weight. Practices like these are unhealthy and dangerous and can cause adverse long-term harm to the body.

Treating Body Dysmorphia and Addiction

Though body dysmorphia and addiction are different beasts, they share similar treatment methods.

  • Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) can help ease body dysmorphia and addiction symptoms. This form of talk therapy helps you identify the root cause of the disorder and learn how to control triggers or symptoms.
  • Certain medications may help treat co-occurring body dysmorphia and SUD. Antidepressants can treat body dysmorphia symptoms, but they should only be used if you’re medication compliant. Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) is another instrumental tool in treating SUD and co-occurring disorders.

Body dysmorphia and addiction affect everyone differently. That means the best treatment for you may need to be determined upon further assessments by a doctor or mental health professional.

If you are trying to cope with body dysmorphia and addiction but require further assistance, seek professional help today.

Are you constantly worrying about how you look or obsessively thinking about perceived flaws regarding your appearance? Do you notice yourself looking in the mirror too frequently or requiring reassurance from others about your appearance? If you answered yes to either of these questions, you may be struggling with body dysmorphia. In an attempt to self-medicate or alter your appearance, you might’ve turned to substances. Excel Treatment Center can treat co-occurring body dysmorphia and substance use disorder. You don’t have to suffer through these disorders alone. We offer a variety of therapy modalities to empower your healing. When you’re ready to change your patterns for the better, call Excel Treatment Center at (833) 883-9235. 

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