Effective Way to Overcome Negative Emotional Patterns

If you find yourself having dramatic mood shifts but are no bi polar there are ways of charting the moods to help shift the pattern. Some days you may feel cheerful and ready to tackle the world, other days you may just want to crawl under your covers and hide from the world. Sometimes even journal writing and other methods commonly used to lift ones spirits don’t work to shift your mood to a more positive one. By tracking your moods for a month, you may see an emotional pattern to your difficulties.

Use any calendar and mark your moods daily. After a month of charting your moods, look for a pattern. For example if you see that every Wednesday or 3 out of 4 Wednesday of the month you are always in a bad mood, ask yourself what happens or happened on those Wednesdays to throw you off. Maybe it is a particular work assignment you don’t do any other day of the week, staff meeting day, pressure of deadlines. Then look at the days that you are in a good mood. Ask yourself what was different on those days. On the bad mood days, change up your pattern some. Make sure to add something to your day that is enjoyable or something you can look forward to. Maybe it is making the bad day your night out to eat with friends or to catch a movie, or treat yourself to a special lunch. It can be as simple as on your typical bad days you make a point to pamper yourself with a nice relaxing bath, hair and nail day, exercise, work on a project you enjoy, etc.


If you need help, are struggling with an addiction, or know of someone who is, please contact A Better Tomorrow Treatment Center today. We are here to help.
http://www.abttc.net/
Phone: 800.971.1586
Fax: 800.401.8464
24 Hour Addiction HelpLine
Tel. (800) 396-9389 (7 days 24 hours)
e-mail: info@24houraddictionhelp.com
http://www.24houraddictionhelp.org/

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Realistic Relationship

Relationships can be like a drug. Have you heard the term serial dater? It is a person who will date someone for a few weeks during the happy go lucky feel good time when adrenaline is at a high and then as soon as the adrenaline rush starts to dim, boom – the relationship is ended and a new one begins. They do this to get the high feeling that new relationships bring. It is a form of addiction.

Realistically relationships have their ups and downs. It is the commitment to work through the bad that makes a relationship strong. Yes, in the beginning a relationship is fun and exciting full of first and new things and feelings. However, as a relationship ages, those feelings do dim. It may go through stages of highs and lows depending on what is going on around each individual. They can be painful and they can be exhilarating. A stable relation will have highs and low, with the highest percentage of it being just even toned where each partner is happy and comfortable with the other. You will bicker over laundry duties or other insignificant things, and argue over bigger things. You will work out duty details and through disagreements. There can be many things that bring your relationship to those exhilarating moments and just as many things that can bring it to a low. As long as your relationship isn’t like a roller-coaster out of control, you probably have a fairly healthy if not healthy relationship.

However, if it is full of constant battles that repeat regardless of makeup’s you are swimming in troubled waters. One of the biggest obstacles in recovery is placing unrealistic expectations on ones self, others and relationships. It is easy to become carried away with romantic fantasy of the future with a new relationship but when they do not pan out, the hurt hits and your recovery can be in jeopardy if you do not know how to work through it or have people to talk to during the difficult time. It is true relationships can add happiness to ones life, but in order for this to happen, you already have to be happy with where your life is at. You cannot expect a relationship to take you out of a slump. It may for a minute but only because it is new. Once the newness wears off, the slump will return. Relationships remain healthy because both parties are committed to keeping it healthy and happy. It is a dual effort and work.


If you need help, are struggling with an addiction, or know of someone who is, please contact A Better Tomorrow Treatment Center today. We are here to help.
http://www.abttc.net/
Phone: 800.971.1586
Fax: 800.401.8464
24 Hour Addiction HelpLine
Tel. (800) 396-9389 (7 days 24 hours)
e-mail: info@24houraddictionhelp.com
http://www.24houraddictionhelp.org/

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Staying in an Unhealthy Relationship in Treatment and Recovery.

Many people in treatment may find out that the person they were involved during their time of use was not healthy and will break off that relationship. That is a positive move in recovery. However, some, even knowing the relationship was not a healthy one may hang on to the relationship. Some do so because they fear they will not find another, others do thinking that after treatment the relationship will change. If the partner also used or is still currently using, they may think that their recovery will encourage the other to seek treatment and they will live happily ever after in recovery. In some cases this does happen, however, if they do not reach out while you are still in treatment for their own treatment, going back to that situation is only a huge danger zone to your recovery. It simply isn’t worth the risk. Some stay out of fear of being lonely. While in treatment, you should discuss these things with your therapist. Make sure, if you are staying in a relationship that could jeopardize your treatment that it is seriously worth the risk.

The dynamics of your relationship prior to recovery plays a huge role in what is or was a healthy relationship. Just because your partner was clean of drugs and alcohol abuse or addiction while you were the sole user doesn’t always mean it is a healthy relationship. The person is more than likely co-dependent and in the very least should see counseling to learn how to live with a person in recovery, visit their possible co-dependency, and deal with that.


If you need help, are struggling with an addiction, or know of someone who is, please contact A Better Tomorrow Treatment Center today. We are here to help.
http://www.abttc.net/
Phone: 800.971.1586
Fax: 800.401.8464
24 Hour Addiction HelpLine
Tel. (800) 396-9389 (7 days 24 hours)
e-mail: info@24houraddictionhelp.com
http://www.24houraddictionhelp.org/

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Commitment

Think about the word commitment for a minute. What does it mean to you? For people in recovery it means committing to not use for the next minute, day, week, month, to year. It is being revisited at all times. Is it impossible to have more than one commitment in recovery? No, its not. However early in recovery it is wise to keep your serious commitment levels manageable beings your commitment to staying clean and sober will be a challenging one. Adding a new relationship commitment during the early stages of recovery could threaten your sobriety.

Relationships are tricky and when they are new, fresh, and exciting they can be the perfect motivation to stay clean. However, when the newness wears out, and the honeymoon is over, those relationships can put a serious strain on new sobriety.

So how does one know when it is safe to step into the dating arena when in recovery? Honestly, only you know when you are ready but a good rule of thumb is, if you were not already in a ongoing relationship prior to entering treatment, give yourself a good year in recovery before considering adding more to your plate.

When you do step out into the dating arena, take things slow. Be honest with your recovery and if the person cares about you at all, they will be sincere in their efforts to support you in your recovery and not expect you to enter into situations that could jeopardize it. If the person you are dating expects you to attend a function or enter into a situation that would be unhealthy for your recovery or is trigger heavy with the debate that you should be able to handle it, they are genuinely concerned about your sobriety and are only concerned about their own good time.

However, at the same time if you meet someone who you do click with, who is supportive, and you feel a strong connection with, do not be afraid to make a commitment if it gets to that level. Keep in mind, communication will be very important, to both of you. If you do not have a open communication base, or feel uncomfortable talking about your feelings and thoughts with this person, reconsider the relationship or talk to a therapist in regards to opening the lines of communication with your partner. Many who used drugs and alcohol have done so to hide feelings rather than express them. If you have difficulty with this, wait before entering any serious committed relationship until you are comfortable talking about not only the good feelings that come in a relationship, but the bad as well.


If you need help, are struggling with an addiction, or know of someone who is, please contact A Better Tomorrow Treatment Center today. We are here to help.
http://www.abttc.net/
Phone: 800.971.1586
Fax: 800.401.8464
24 Hour Addiction HelpLine
Tel. (800) 396-9389 (7 days 24 hours)
e-mail: info@24houraddictionhelp.com
http://www.24houraddictionhelp.org/

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Leanna’s Story

This Friday I want to leave you with the life story of a young woman and her battle with addiction. This is all in her words, nothing altered, as I felt her story was a powerful one as it was, told straight from her. Thank you again Leanna for sharing your story with everyone. For you readers, if you find yourself in this story, I pray it gives you the strength to take the steps to a better tomorrow because you can beat your addiction. Do not let it beat you.

“Just a typical 21 year old going to the clubs and partying. That's how it all began. It seemed like I was always the friend who ended up drunk, making a fool of myself dancing on the bar...hooking up with strangers...losing my friends...not remembering the next morning. This was normal right?

I was introduced to GHB and I thought I went to heaven. Just a lil capful and I no longer needed to load up on drinks to get that buzz I craved. Saved money on drinks...no hangover. Just a lil more than a capful and I found myself in the alley outside the club not knowing how I got there. Or waking up in my smashed car on the middle of the highway from G'ing out.

Through some X in the mix......now I've totally lost my mind....but I feel really good. Like I'm in my body but outside my body. I thought this brought me closer to God and my senses were heightened beyond belief. What is real...what is fake?

On top of all this why not throw in some coke when the roll started to wear off....and another cap...and some nitrous. Why not. Everyone does this right?
This lasted for a few years of intense weekend partying all while I was attending professional school to get what else....a doctorate in Pharmacy of all things. I managed to achieve that goal...barely...while doing bumps in between classes to stay awake and focus.

Landed a successful job in pharmacy....here I was introduced to Vicodin......all the Vicodin I wanted at my fingertips. Recipe for disaster. At this time in my life I was using GHB 24/7. I needed a cap to wake up (the best buzz of my day)...a cap roughly each hour to ward off anxiety....an extra cap to knock myself out at night only to get about 3 hours of "sleep"...only to wake back up and start the cycle again. Tough laws were passed banning GHB...I was getting it online or finding people who were making it. They could no longer get the ingredients...and I was SOL. Had to quit cold turkey.

The hallucinations and anxiety from the withdrawal were severe. I dissociated from myself. I felt like I was going crazy and was seeing and hearing things that weren't there. So I started drinking to fight off the anxiety. I had to drink myself into a blackout to get any relief. So here is where my chronic alcoholism began.

This continued for a few years. Drinking became a 24/7 activity now. I ended up losing my license to practice pharmacy because I turned into a sloppy drunk who was writing out my own prescriptions for narcotics. I lost my marriage, my job, but worst of all my self-respect. All the things I valued so much. Gone.

Turning point came last April. I let myself go to the point of not showering, my hair was knotted to my scalp, and I gave up eating. Mind you....I'm the type of person who takes great pride in my appearance. I looked like the walking dead...all 90 pounds of me. All I did was drink...all day...til I ended up in the ICU for 2 alcoholic seizures. They said my organs were failing and asked my mom if she really wanted to see me in the condition I was brought in. This was my absolute worst bottom.

9 days later I was released and started an intensive outpatient program. I was forced to look at myself...all the traumas in my life...who was I really? What was I hiding from?.....I learned that I was using these substances because I couldn't face the person looking at me in the mirror.

I hated AA in the beginning and didn't get it at all. Why the hell are these people talking about God. I just wanna stop drinking and using!!! God doesn't care about me.....or I wouldn't be here in these rooms with these freaks. I kept going to meetings. Suit up and show up! Bring the body...the mind will follow. WTH!!!!!

A few weeks of meetings and I started to understand. A little. This program is gonna teach me how to live without using. Cool cuz I never tried that before. Once I completely surrendered and stopped half-measuring the program I started to get "it". I started getting to know people in the meetings, hangin out with them and I slowly realized....I could do this! Sweet.

God brought me to AA and AA brought me to God. I've been clean and sober for a little over a year and my heart is overwhelmed with gratitude for the simplest things in life. I have learned to love myself....to recognize my defects...to forgive...to pray...and to just do the next right thing.

AA saved my life. Sure I lost all the material things and my 6 figure job.....but I've never been this at peace with myself. Miracles happen every day these days. And helping another addict lets me keep what I have. I love recovery. “


If you need help, are struggling with an addiction, or know of someone who is, please contact A Better Tomorrow Treatment Center today. We are here to help.
http://www.abttc.net/
Phone: 800.971.1586
Fax: 800.401.8464
24 Hour Addiction HelpLine
Tel. (800) 396-9389 (7 days 24 hours)
e-mail: info@24houraddictionhelp.com
http://www.24houraddictionhelp.org/

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Dealing with Bi-Polar

Bipolar is a long-term illness, one that cannot be cured. However, even though episodes of mania and depression naturally come and go, it is important to understand that by staying on treatment, even during well times, can help keep the disease under control and reduce the chance of having recurrent, worsening episodes. With someone who is being effectively treated for bi-polar who is in recovery, stopping treatment for the disease can lead to a relapse of the addiction.

Anyone with bipolar disorder should be under the care of a psychiatrist skilled in the diagnosis and treatment of this disease. Other mental health professionals, such as psychologists and psychiatric social workers, can assist in providing the person and family with additional approaches to treatment. Staying firm with your recovery and having a strong support system will also help with mania episodes and decrease the risks of relapse. It is important that those who are in your inner most support circle know of your diagnosis of bipolar so they can educate themselves to be better able to help you if you do experience any manic mood swings and encourage you to check with your doctor to see if your medications need altering.


If you need help, are struggling with an addiction, or know of someone who is, please contact A Better Tomorrow Treatment Center today. We are here to help.
http://www.abttc.net/
Phone: 800.971.1586
Fax: 800.401.8464
24 Hour Addiction HelpLine
Tel. (800) 396-9389 (7 days 24 hours)
e-mail: info@24houraddictionhelp.com
http://www.24houraddictionhelp.org/

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Psychosocial Treatments for Bi-polar

As an addition to medication, psychosocial treatments –including certain forms of psychotherapy (or “talk” therapy) –are helpful in providing support, education, and guidance to people with bipolar disorder and their families. Studies have shown that psychosocial interventions can lead to increased mood stability, fewer hospitalizations, and improved patient functioning. It is also very effective when a person is suffering from bi-polar as well as fighting an addiction.

Psychosocial interventions commonly used for bipolar disorder are cognitive behavioral therapy, psycho-education, family therapy, and a newer technique, interpersonal and social rhythm therapy. Cognitive behavioral therapy helps people with bipolar disorder learn to change inappropriate or negative thought patterns and behaviors associated with the illness. Family therapy uses strategies to reduce the level of distress within the family that may either contribute to or result from the ill person’s symptoms. Interpersonal and social rhythm therapy helps to improve interpersonal relationships and to regularize their daily routines.

In some situations where medication and psychosocial treatment prove ineffective or work too slowly to relieve severe symptoms, electro-convulsive therapy (ECT) may be considered. However, the potential benefits and risks should be carefully reviewed with the attending psychiatrist.

If you need help, are struggling with an addiction, or know of someone who is, please contact A Better Tomorrow Treatment Center today. We are here to help.
http://www.abttc.net/
Phone: 800.971.1586
Fax: 800.401.8464
24 Hour Addiction HelpLine
Tel. (800) 396-9389 (7 days 24 hours)
e-mail: info@24houraddictionhelp.com
http://www.24houraddictionhelp.org/

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