5 Easy Ways Introverts Can Improve Communication During Therapy Sessions

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Substance use disorder (SUD) treatment often utilizes individual and group therapy. Extroverts may have no difficulty speaking up and sharing their opinions or experiences. However, introverts can easily feel out of place, embarrassed, or judged by others. Communication is essential during recovery, and some introverts may struggle with that aspect of treatment. According to Patient Communication In Substance Abuse Disorders, “Proper communication allows patients to be more knowledgeable about their prognosis and to be more proactive in seeking assistance.†Newport Beach Recovery Center offers a range of treatments to ensure clients feel comfortable communicating openly with our care team.

Coping With Therapy as an Introvert

Not everyone feels comfortable discussing their experiences, thoughts, and beliefs with strangers. Many introverts shy away from sharing embarrassing or incriminating details about past events, and for them, therapy might feel threatening or intrusive.

Some introverts do the following to cope with anxiety or stress related to therapy:

  • Take regular breaks from talking to refocus
  • Utilize grounding techniques like deep breathing
  • Work through difficult discussions over the course of several sessions
  • Write down details instead of sharing them verbally

Co-occurring disorders often worsen symptoms, and introverts with mental health issues might feel misunderstood, alienated, or isolated from peers. The care team at Newport Beach Recovery Center uses a resiliency-focused approach to ensure clients feel safe and accepted during therapy sessions.

5 Ways Introverts Can Communicate Effectively During Therapy

Below are five ways introverts can effectively communicate with their therapist during sessions. We encourage people to use whatever methods help them get the most out of each session.

#1 Take Things One Step at a Time

You may feel easily overwhelmed by new settings, people, or situations. At first, you might want to avoid being vulnerable with a therapist. Take things one step at a time. Focus on getting to your appointment and then introducing yourself. Express your hesitation to the therapist. Your therapist will walk you through the healing process at a pace that keeps you moving forward slowly and comfortably. You shouldn’t feel pressured to open up about certain topics before you’re ready.

#2 Use Grounding Techniques to Avoid Triggers

Triggers can affect your ability to communicate effectively. Moments of extreme stress in public spaces often overwhelm introverts. You might get triggered during sessions and feel unable to continue. Grounding techniques will help you cope and manage side effects.

Many people use the following grounding techniques during treatment sessions:

  • Physical grounding using textures (e.g., touching your clothes or bringing a stim toy or other item with a unique texture)
  • Focusing briefly on the five senses and mentally or verbally listening to what you hear, see, taste, feel, and smell
  • Completing several deep breathing techniques
  • Focusing on specific items within the room and mentally or verbally describing their appearance and function

These activities can help you stay present in the moment. You might feel more capable of emotionally regulating by grounding yourself.

#3 Establish Clear Boundaries

Forcing yourself to keep talking when you feel emotionally or physically exhausted can lead to negative therapy experiences. Effective communication sometimes means knowing when to take a short break. Your therapist can help you establish communication boundaries to improve your mental health. You can also establish safe words to relay to your therapist when you’re getting close to your boundaries and when you’ve hit a hard stopping point.

#4 Practice Body Language and Nonverbal Communication

Therapists observe body language and take cues from the client. You can express your feelings about various topics during sessions by using body language and other forms of nonverbal communication.

Your therapist may look for the following when monitoring your body language:

  • Tensed muscles
  • Shorter or quicker breathing
  • Closed expression
  • Folded arms
  • Speech pattern changes

Closed body language is an excellent way to alert your therapist that you do not feel comfortable discussing specific topics. Additionally, you and your therapist can implement certain ASL signs. “Stop,†“no,†“yes,†and emotion words can help when you feel too overwhelmed to speak out loud.

#5 Engage in More Social Interactions

Engaging in positive social interactions frequently can increase your confidence, thereby improving your communication. According to a study published in Frontiers in Psychology, “[I]ntroverts with high social engagement have higher self-esteem than introverts with low social engagement.†Group therapy and peer interactions during community activities can improve your social skills and ability to communicate during therapy.

Overcoming Shyness and Uncertainty as an Introvert

You can overcome shyness, embarrassment, fear, and uncertainty by finding ways to improve your confidence. Once you find techniques that work for you, therapy sessions will feel less intimidating. Being shy does not have to stop you from taking full advantage of individual and group therapy sessions. You can collaborate with the therapist and your care team to find healthy solutions and resolve issues.

People can work through shyness or hesitancy during therapy sessions in the following ways:

  • Treat the therapist as a friend
  • Try to avoid stimulating activities, drinks, or foods directly before therapy
  • Be kind to yourself
  • Set realistic expectations for therapy sessions

Therapy is an essential tool, and being able to take advantage of it will help you achieve and sustain long-term sobriety. In many cases, individuals with SUD benefit from therapy during aftercare and ongoing recovery. Newport Beach Recovery Center uses evidence-based methods to develop essential life skills like effective communication.

Introverts often feel overwhelmed, shy, or uncertain about having deeply personal conversations in public. During rehabilitation, individual and group therapy sessions are essential to treatment. Some introverts might not feel comfortable talking to someone they do not know about highly personal things like substance abuse, family dynamics, and beliefs about recovery. However, there are things you can do as an introvert to decrease stress during therapy. You can find alternative ways to communicate your needs and get to know your therapist better. Having a more personal connection can reduce anxiety for introverts. Newport Beach Recovery Center makes it easy for clients to build rapport with our therapists. To learn more about our programs and services, call (855) 316-8740.

What Are Defense Mechanisms and How Can They Affect Relationships?

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Everyone faces moments in their relationships where they do not see eye to eye with the other person. Compromise usually resolves these issues. You might avoid certain behaviors or actions that previously caused problems in your relationships. However, in some cases, people develop maladaptive defense mechanisms. According to a book by StatPearls Publishing, “[T]he early identification of defense mechanisms can have great clinical significance.†Identifying defense mechanisms and processing the underlying causes can improve the effectiveness of treatments at Newport Beach Recovery Center.

What Are Defense Mechanisms?

The famous psychologists Sigmund and Anna Freud used the term “defense mechanism†to describe an unconscious process that protects the ego from internal or external stress. In modern psychology, defense mechanisms can indicate how a person may react to stressors and treatment. According to a study in Frontiers in Psychology, “More than half century of empirical research has demonstrated the impact of defensive functioning in psychological well-being, personality organization and treatment process-outcome.†How you automatically respond to pressure or stress within your environment often depends on what defenses you have developed.

Unconscious emotional defenses protect you by doing the following:

  • Helping you avoid situations that can cause pain or discomfort
  • Lessening the emotional impact of traumatic events
  • Keeping you from fixating on things you cannot change or control

However, the majority of defense mechanisms are inherently maladaptive. Risk-taking behaviors like substance abuse often manifest as an unhealthy defense against stress. By entering into treatment, you can heal from substance use disorder (SUD) and work to create more positive coping skills.

Common Types of Defense Mechanisms

Most people have unconscious mechanisms they use to decrease stress or emotional pain. In some cases, they may play a significant role in your ability to function from day to day. However, they can also cause social and relationship issues. Everyone is unique. Your defenses might look very different from the ones other people use.

Some of the different types of defense mechanisms include:

  • Acting out
  • Avoidance
  • Compensation
  • Conversion
  • Denial
  • Displacement
  • Humor
  • Identification
  • Intellectualization
  • Isolation
  • Projection
  • Rationalization
  • Regression
  • Repression
  • Sexualization
  • Schizoid fantasy
  • Splitting
  • Sublimation
  • Suppression

Many categories and sub-categories of defense mechanisms exist. You may unconsciously use some of these in your relationships to cope with stress related to recovery or other issues.

What Are Signs You Have Maladaptive Defense Mechanisms?

The cause and effects of defense mechanisms vary significantly from person to person. However, there are some noticeable signs that someone has a maladaptive defense against specific thoughts, feelings, behaviors, or situations. You may use unhealthy defense mechanisms if you do the following:

  • Gaslight and manipulate others
  • Act out
  • Become dismissive or argumentative
  • Self-isolate
  • Project personal issues onto others
  • Rationalize negative behaviors
  • Deny negative behaviors and beliefs

Often defense mechanisms have a negative effect on social relationships. In many cases, adverse defenses play a role in the development of SUD. Treatment for SUD can help clients learn healthier ways to avoid stress. You do not have to continue relying on defense mechanisms that will decrease your quality of life.

How Do Defense Mechanisms Affect Social Interactions?

Most defense functions provide some distance between you and the people, thoughts, or situations that might cause you distress. Unfortunately, this can lead to aggressive behaviors, self-isolating, and manipulative tactics. If you often feel victimized, you may shut yourself off from emotional intimacy with loved ones. Also, if you lash out during stressful social situations, it can make it harder for you to form healthy attachments. Rehabilitation will give you the tools you need to overcome defensive urges by teaching you the following:

  • Effective communication
  • Establishing and respecting social boundaries
  • Conflict resolution
  • Essential life skills
  • Mindfulness and grounding techniques

Once you have the skills in place to cope with your stress, you can begin to replace defense mechanisms with healthier behaviors.

How Can You Effectively Redirect Your Defenses?

Redirecting your thoughts or behaviors is one way to stop relying on unhelpful defense mechanisms. Your therapist can help you learn how to recognize defense mechanisms and their possible triggers. You can use that information to redirect your focus when you notice yourself slipping back into unhealthy thought patterns.

Some common ways people redirect their thoughts or behaviors include:

  • Using mindfulness-based grounding techniques to focus on the present moment
  • Focusing on positive experiences that directly contradict maladaptive thought patterns (a technique called thought-balancing)
  • Mentally taking a step back and looking at a situation objectively to determine the best way forward

By healthily diverting your defense mechanisms, you open yourself up to healing. You’ll find yourself engaging with your emotions instead of stifling them. It may feel painful and difficult at first, but it’s an important part of getting better.

Take Back Control of Your Behaviors

Defense mechanisms can control your thoughts, beliefs, and behaviors. However, you can change them by processing whatever underlying issues caused them to manifest. The dedicated care team at Newport Beach Recovery Center can help you overwrite maladaptive defenses and replace them. You do not have to continue living with the consequences of unhealthy defense mechanisms.

Defense mechanisms often interfere with relationships. If you find yourself frequently experiencing conflict with loved ones, you might have maladaptive defense mechanisms. In many cases, they stop people from communicating effectively and connecting on a deeper level with the people around them. Conflict resolution is an important skill taught in every level of care at Newport Beach Recovery Center. We can help you find healthier ways to avoid emotional distress without resorting to maladaptive defense mechanisms. This will allow you to slowly open yourself up to underlying issues. No matter where you are in your recovery, our team will guide you through identifying and overcoming self-destructive patterns. To learn more, call our office today at (855) 316-8740.

The Importance of Giving Your Loved One Space During Their Treatment

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Watching a loved one struggle with substance use disorder (SUD) can leave you feeling helpless and uncertain about how to help. Some people benefit from taking time away from loved ones during detox and early treatment. The extra space allows them to focus entirely on their own health and well-being. However, you can still help support your loved one while giving them that space. According to the Office of Addiction Services and Supports (OASAS), “Learning about addiction, treatment, and recovery can help you relate to and support your loved ones on their path to recovery.” Newport Beach Recovery Center offers high-quality treatment programs to help individuals and families heal from the effects of SUD.

How to Respect a Loved One’s Need for Space During Treatment

Individuals participating in detox, residential (RTC), intensive outpatient (IOP), or partial hospitalization (PHP) programs might need space and time to heal. In some cases, you may need to stop communication with your loved one for a short period. If someone you care about has participated in treatment for SUD, it might feel scary to suddenly have little or no contact with that person.

Usually, when someone cuts off communication with loved ones during treatment, the client does it to ensure they have the following:

  • Enough energy to establish new routines and learn essential coping skills
  • Targeted focus on maintaining self-awareness and making steady progress
  • Fewer distractions and concerns that may increase stress and worsen symptoms of withdrawal or co-occurring mental health disorders
  • An opportunity to improve communication and social skills

Close family and friends can interfere with a person’s treatment if they insist on maintaining frequent contact during early recovery. Instead, it would be best if you allowed the person in recovery to focus all their energy and attention on improving their mental well-being. The wait can feel distressing at times. However, in the end, waiting for your loved one to reach out to you when they feel emotionally and physically stable will help them heal faster.

Be Patient and Give Them Space

Patience is essential when someone you care about enters treatment for SUD. You may feel anxious and want to play a more significant role in helping them. It can be hard to distance yourself. You want to assist them in avoiding relapse and building healthier routines. However, the motivation to follow through with necessary lifestyle changes must come from within. You cannot do rehabilitation for your loved one. Stepping aside and patiently waiting for them to do the hard work often ensures the best possible outcome.

Encourage, Uplift, and Empower While Respecting Their Space

Respecting your loved one’s request for space does not have to stop you from continuing to support them. After they complete the program, you may be an essential member of their support system. However, it would be best if you waited for them to feel comfortable accepting help outside their care team. The long wait might feel difficult if you have never gone long periods without contacting your loved one. This process can also help break down any sense of codependency that may exist.

Family and close friends play an essential role in recovery after treatment. According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), “While there is no one-size-fits-all solution . . . research shows that family support can play a major role in helping a loved one with mental and substance use disorders.” For many people, having time away from loved ones provides essential insights and personal growth.

Educate Your Community and Combat Stigmas About Treatment

Educating others is an excellent way to support your loved one from a distance. Talk to people in your community about the realities of addiction and push back against stereotyping and stigmas. Self-help groups for friends and family members can provide you with local resources and education opportunities. The groups can include Al-Anon, Nar-Anon, and SMART Recovery Family and Friends.

You can help others unlearn myths surrounding stigmas related to SUD and recovery. Common myths include the following:

  • People only misuse substances to get attention, and they can quit anytime
  • Substance misuse is a moral decision
  • People who misuse substances are “crazy” and dangerous
  • Substance misuse makes someone a bad person
  • People cannot recover from substance use disorder, and treatment programs do not work
  • Only certain “types of people” misuse substances or experiences addiction

By combatting these myths and stigmas, you can create a more positive community where your loved one can heal without judgment.

You Can Help Motivate Long-Term Recovery

Family and friendship are some of the strongest motivators for individuals in recovery. Many people want to become a better version of themselves to protect, support, or encourage their loved ones. You can give your loved one something to hold onto. Your support can serve as a motivation for establishing and maintaining sobriety. Be present and show an interest in their life, but respect their wishes when they choose to take a temporary break from the relationship.

Withdrawal affects a person’s ability to cope with strong emotions. Interacting with loved ones may help some people feel more balanced, but not everyone feels that way. If you have a loved one in rehabilitation for SUD, you might feel uncertain about how to help them. In treatment, the focus is on the individual receiving treatment. Family involvement is often limited to ensure their safety and comfort. However, you’ll have opportunities to support your loved one. You can give them space to begin healing. Newport Beach Recovery Center offers family support groups to help you cope. You can maintain contact with family if it serves them. We also provide family therapy and support. To find out more, call (855) 316-8740.

Do Arts and Crafts Really Help With Recovery?

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Many rehabilitation programs offer alternative holistic therapies, including art and music therapy. In recent years, many facilities have used arts and crafts in combination with a wide range of therapy styles and treatments. According to the Journal of Addictions Nursing, “36.8% of treatment programs offered art therapy and 14.7% of programs offered music therapy.” Art can improve your overall health and emotional well-being. Newport Beach Recovery Center offers art and music therapy services to provide clients with additional support.

Why Do So Many Rehabilitation Programs Incorporate Arts and Crafts?

Art and music therapy have become more common in rehabilitation facilities in the last few decades. Creative self-expression is an excellent tool for mental healing. Many recovery programs use a variety of mediums and activities, including:

  • Art or music therapy
  • Dancing and other creative forms of movement
  • Creative writing
  • Hands-on crafting

You can benefit from both participating in and observing creative activities. According to the American Journal of Public Health, “[T]here is evidence that engagement with artistic activities, either as an observer of the creative efforts of others or as an initiator of one’s own creative efforts, can enhance one’s moods, emotions, and other psychological states.” Everyone can find some form of creativity that engages them on an emotional level. You can use that connection to increase self-awareness and positivity.

What Treatments Utilize Arts and Creativity?

Many alternative therapies use creative activities to encourage self-expression, including:

  • Lyric or creative writing
  • Playing musical instruments
  • Dancing
  • Painting or drawing
  • Digital art

Arts and crafts can include guided discussions or leave the client alone to create without specific instructions. Collages, dream boards, sculpting, and other hands-on crafts can provide clients with a healthy outlet for strong emotions. Psychotherapy can incorporate journaling or other creative activities. However, in most cases, complementary therapies take place separately. Some programs also use arts and crafts as a form of group therapy to encourage positive social interactions.

What Are the Mental Health Benefits of Arts and Crafts?

Movement, problem-solving, and creative expression contribute to overall well-being. Art therapy and other activities can help you develop essential skills. According to Frontiers in Psychology, observing or creating artistic content can do the following:

  • Improve cognition and sensorimotor function
  • Increase self-esteem and self-awareness
  • Promote emotional stability and resilience
  • Provide critical insights
  • Encourage positive long-term changes

Arts and crafts can provide an ideal space for practicing the coping skills you learn during therapy sessions. You can also use art as a way to express things that you have trouble verbalizing. Instead of going through your feelings in therapy, you can express them through writing, music, dance, or artwork. Different styles of art can provide emotional relief if you have difficulty finding healthy ways to process certain emotions.

How Can You Use Arts and Crafts to Improve Long-Term Recovery?

Art can have a cumulative positive effect on mental health. The benefits make it an excellent tool for rehabilitation, aftercare, and long-term recovery. You will continue to improve if you regularly participate in creative activities. Many people attend art, dance, or music therapy during recovery as a form of aftercare. For many people, art is a way to connect with internalized processes and beliefs. You can create art for your own emotional processing. Then, you can use it as a way to express your feelings, thoughts, and values to others.

Long-Term Physical Health Effects of Creative Therapy

In addition to providing emotional relief and improving mental health, creative therapy and hobbies also positively affect physical health. Your mind and body are connected, and taking steps to improve one will positively affect the other. Some known health benefits of creative therapy include the following:

  • Reduced pain for individuals who struggle with chronic health issues
  • Decreased physical effects of stress, anxiety, and depression
  • Improved quality of life

Substance use disorder (SUD) can lead to various symptoms that affect emotional and physical health. Artistic hobbies can reduce the effects of those symptoms, improving overall wellness. You will feel better if you regularly participate in physical activities and exercises.

The Importance of Learning New Hobbies

Hobbies allow you to expand your social circle. In addition, learning new activities can improve mental and physical health. If your hobby involves creativity, movement, problem-solving, or social interactions, you may experience the following:

  • Decreased feelings of loneliness or isolation
  • Improved mood and positivity
  • Lower risk of relapse
  • Increased self-confidence and self-efficacy
  • Improved conflict resolution skills

When you’re in recovery, you often have too much time on your hands. Many people must find new ways to fill the time previously spent planning, participating in, or recovering from substance abuse. Hobbies and physical activities provide a healthy distraction and can help you continue moving forward in your recovery. You can work with your care team at Newport Beach Recovery Center to discover activities that interest you and support your recovery goals.

Rehabilitation requires a lot of focus, energy, and motivation to continue making progress. Many people benefit from taking time to relax and practice self-expression through low-stress activities. Arts, crafts, and other activities can effectively complement evidence-based therapy like CBT. Newport Beach Recovery Center offers various options for creative expression. You will have an opportunity to try different types of arts and crafts to see what works best for you. Observing or participating in creative activities can improve your overall well-being and increase your quality of life. You can take advantage of our facility’s many complimentary therapies and treatments. To learn more about our services and the programs we offer, call us today at (855) 316-8740.

How to Support a Loved One With an Active Substance Use Disorder While in Treatment

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Many people in treatment for substance use disorder (SUD) have loved ones who actively abuse substances. Remaining in contact with someone who actively abuses substances may endanger your treatment progress. According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), “[R]esearch shows that family support can play a major role in helping a loved one with mental and substance use disorders.” Newport Beach Recovery Center encourages clients to connect with their families if it does not endanger their recovery and sobriety. Our dedicated mental health professionals can help you determine how to support your loved one without risking your safety.Â

Family Members With Substance Use Disorder

Sometimes family can try to interfere with an individual’s recovery. If a family member pressures you in any way, it can affect your mental health. The dedicated mental health professionals at Newport Beach Recovery Center can help you establish and maintain boundaries with family members. We prioritize the health of all our clients and do everything possible to protect them from toxic outside influences.Â

SUD is often multigenerational, and you may have multiple family members who struggle with the condition. According to Progress in Biophysics and Molecular Biology, “Familial inheritance of drug abuse is composed of both genetic and environmental factors.” In some cases, a genetic predisposition may be activated by external triggers. Environmental factors that can increase a person’s risk of developing SUD include:

  • TraumaÂ
  • Chronic stressÂ
  • Toxic family dynamicsÂ

Your relationship with the person misusing substances will play a role in determining how best to respond. A spouse, parent, child, or sibling struggling with active SUD might leave you feeling overwhelmed. If you rely on them financially or live with them, it can add another layer of complication. Individuals in outpatient, intensive outpatient (IOP), or partial hospitalization (PHP) programs, should avoid contact with individuals who may endanger their sobriety. Newport Beach Recovery Center offers a wide range of services and levels of care if you need a safe, sober space to establish new routines.

Should You Cut off Communication During Substance Use Disorder Treatment?

Many people in treatment do not feel comfortable communicating with loved ones who still actively abuse substances. In some cases, it is unsafe to maintain those connections until you feel more comfortable in your recovery. However, family therapy might help your loved one come to terms with the realities of addiction and give them the motivation to get help. Our team will collaborate with you to determine if you should maintain communication with your loved one during treatment and early recovery.

How to Support a Loved One Without Endangering Your Sobriety

The most important thing to consider is how your loved one’s substance abuse might affect your recovery. You can talk with your therapist and care team to figure out how to address the issue if you want to support them without putting yourself in harm’s way.

A few ways you can help your loved one without directly interacting during treatment include:

  • Sending one-way messages of support through mail, by phone, or online
  • Providing information about recovery resources through a third party
  • Regularly updating them on your status to showcase the benefits of treatment

What method you use will depend on your relationship and current mental health status. Our mental health professionals have years of experience helping clients and their families navigate recovery.

You Cannot Force Your Loved One to Change

No matter how much you want to help them, you cannot force your loved one to get help or change. However, you can encourage them and become a role model, showing the benefits of rehabilitation. If you and your care team believe maintaining contact during treatment will benefit your mental health, you can participate in family therapy or reach out in a removed way. Individuals struggling with substance abuse often need outside motivation to make positive changes.

Your friend or family member might not feel comfortable with the idea of treatment, and it can take time to reach them. Some signs that your loved one might not be ready to get help yet include:

  • Denial of addictive behaviors
  • Lack of self-awareness about their health issues
  • Angry or violent outbursts when confronted with the reality of their condition

Even if they are ready to make a change, sometimes people do not have easy access to resources. You can work with your case manager to provide your loved one with essential information about recovery support services in their area. The emotional support you provide might inspire them to make positive changes. You do not have to face this challenge alone. The dedicated team at Newport Beach Recovery Center is here to help you, and your loved one find a healthy path forward.

Watching someone you care about struggle with substance abuse can trigger cravings and leave you feeling helpless. You can take actions to limit the risk to yourself while supporting your loved one. At Newport Beach Recovery Center, we can help you determine if interacting with your loved one will affect your health and recovery. If you feel comfortable contacting them, you can encourage your loved one to get professional support. In addition, seeing you improve during treatment may inspire them to reach out on their own. Newport Beach Recovery Center provides family support services and family therapy to help you remain connected with your loved ones during treatment. To learn more, call us today at (855) 316-8740.

 

What Sets Trauma Therapy Apart From Other Forms of Therapy?

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Individuals who live through traumatic experiences have a higher risk of developing substance use disorder (SUD) and co-occurring issues like post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Rehabilitation often requires dual diagnosis treatment using evidence-based methods like trauma therapy. According to the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), “Individuals with PTSD and SUD can safely engage in and benefit from trauma-focused, cognitive behavioral psychotherapies for PTSD.” Newport Beach Recovery Center uses a trauma-informed approach and trauma therapy to help clients recover from SUD and co-occurring disorders. Rather than taking a trauma-focused mindset, we like to consider ourselves resiliency-focused.

What Is Trauma Therapy?

Trauma therapy focuses on identifying how traumatic events have impacted a person’s mental, physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being. In most cases, the therapist will have specialized training that allows them to recognize and address trauma.

Trauma therapy provides clients with the following:

  • Emotional stabilization
  • Symptom relief
  • Skill development
  • A safe healing environment
  • Effective collaboration
  • Resiliency-factor awareness

Trauma therapy is an essential tool used to treat many co-occurring mental health issues. According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), “Individuals who have experienced trauma often have complex medical, behavioral health, and social service needs and, therefore, receive care from an array of providers.” Newport Beach Recovery Center connects clients with local support services to ensure they have all the necessary resources. We can make sure you have access to complimentary treatments as well.

What Are the Benefits of Trauma-Focused Therapy?

Trauma can happen to anyone and includes a wide range of experiences. According to SAMHSA, “Examples of trauma include, but are not limited to:

  • Experiencing or observing physical, sexual, and emotional abuse;
  • Childhood neglect;
  • Having a family member with a mental health or substance use disorder;
  • Experiencing or witnessing violence in the community or while serving in the military; and
  • Poverty and systemic discrimination”

Trauma therapy can treat individuals struggling with any of these issues. The primary benefits of trauma-informed care include the following:

  • Sessions address multiple underlying traumas using a handful of techniques
  • Methods used integrate easily into individualized treatment plans
  • Therapists trained to address trauma can provide stress reduction

Often, clients feel more comfortable talking to a trauma therapist about underlying issues related to co-occurring mental health disorders. Many people feel more comfortable talking about difficult topics if they know the therapist has special training in that area.

How Does Therapy Affect Co-occurring Disorders?

Most people with SUD have co-occurring disorders that impact their ability to function. Healing from substance abuse takes dedication and motivation. If left untreated, co-occurring conditions can make it difficult to focus on rehabilitation. Newport Beach Recovery Center uses evidence-based methods like trauma therapy to help clients overcome challenges related to mental health. Once you have the tools to manage your symptoms, you can refocus your energy on recovering from SUD.

A few ways co-occurring disorders can affect recovery include:

  • More severe and prolonged symptoms
  • Difficulty establishing and maintaining healthy social connections
  • Overlapping symptoms might make diagnosis more challenging

Early intervention and treatment can help people avoid complications caused by co-occurring disorders. Newport Beach Recovery Center uses comprehensive admissions assessments to determine if there are any active mental health issues. Treatments usually involve a combination of psychotherapies, holistic therapies, and prescription medication.

What Therapeutic Methods Work Best?

Everyone reacts differently to trauma. The treatment options your care team offers will depend on various factors, including the type and severity of your symptoms. However, trauma-focused talk therapy provides the most significant relief for many people. Other therapeutic techniques used to treat SUD and trauma include:

  • Exposure therapy (ET)
  • Eye-movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR)
  • Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)
  • Biofeedback therapy

Many respond the best to traditional talk therapy like CBT. According to the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), “[T]he most effective trauma-related behavioral health treatments are trauma focused CBTs, which are broadly defined to include ET and EMDR.” The care team will often combine these techniques with holistic therapies or prescription medication.

What Are the Lasting Effects of Trauma Therapy?

Recovering from trauma and SUD sometimes requires ongoing therapy and medication. However, many people achieve emotional stability and learn to effectively manage their symptoms. Rehabilitation provides a structured environment that allows you to focus all your attention on healing  Ultimately, you’ll make positive life changes.

Some of the most significant lasting effects of trauma therapy include the following:

  • Increased quality of life
  • Greater self-confidence and self-efficacy
  • Improved communication and social skills

Newport Beach Recovery Center uses evidence-based methods like EMDR and CBT to help clients with trauma achieve sobriety and emotional stability. We offer a smooth transition between levels of care and ongoing recovery. Many clients also benefit from our alumni services that help them maintain sobriety during aftercare. You can successfully overcome the effects of trauma and SUD with the help of trauma therapy and other treatments.

Trauma can cause mental health issues like post-traumatic stress disorder. The symptoms range from mild to severe. They increase the risk of a person developing SUD. Many people who abuse substances have a history of adult or childhood trauma. Newport Beach Recovery Center offers trauma therapy to address those issues. Our care team encourages every client to attend trauma therapy. The focused treatment can help you process thoughts, feelings, behaviors, and beliefs affected by past events. It’ll also help you learn your resiliency. You can successfully heal from SUD and trauma. Our team will guide you through developing coping skills and other tools to help you heal. To find out more, call us at (855) 316-8740.

6 Ways to Overcome Emotional Fatigue During Rehabilitation

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Recovering from substance use disorder (SUD) is hard work and requires a deep emotional investment. Some people have difficulty maintaining that level of mental and emotional engagement for long periods. The overexertion of emotions can cause burnout or emotional fatigue. Newport Beach Recovery Center prioritizes client safety and comfort. We ensure our clients have the emotional support and coping tools they need to fully engage in recovery and heal from SUD.

What Is Emotional Fatigue?

Emotional fatigue can affect anyone, and it involves a decreased ability to cope with emotionally stressful or uncomfortable situations. High emotional stress or significant lifestyle changes often contribute to emotional exhaustion. Additionally, if you grew up in emotionally stifling environments, you may experience emotional fatigue much faster.

You might feel unmotivated, depressed, and anxious, or you may have difficulty emotionally engaging. However, there are things you can do if you start to feel emotionally exhausted during treatment or aftercare. You can avoid feeling burnt out by doing the following:

  • Developing essential coping skills
  • Prioritizing your health and well-being
  • Moving past the fear of asking for help

Maintaining progress requires sustainable motivation and realistic recovery goals. Emotional relapse is one of the stages of relapse that can cause emotional fatigue. You might struggle with emotional relapse if you start to feel tired when monitoring your interactions, behaviors, and emotions. Collaborate with your care team and support system to learn practical coping skills to avoid the risk of relapse.

Common Causes and Signs of Emotional Fatigue

When you’re starting treatment, it’s important to know the factors that can make you more prone to emotional exhaustion. Certain health issues increase the risk of experiencing emotional fatigue, including:

  • Chronic pain and stress
  • Unhealthy eating habits or dehydration
  • Sleep disturbances like insomnia
  • Lack of recommended exercise
  • Co-occurring mental health issues
  • Chronic illness or injury

When you’re prone to fatigue through any of these factors, you should learn about the symptoms of emotional burnout. Everyone reacts differently to this condition, and the symptoms can vary from person to person. However, some common warning signs include:

  • Sudden disinterest in activities you used to enjoy
  • Increased symptoms of anxiety or depression
  • Social isolation from close friends, family, and peers
  • Repeatedly rescheduling treatment appointments
  • Angry outbursts or unusual irritation
  • Feeling emotionally distant and disconnected from friends and family
  • Ambivalence about sobriety
  • Self-harming thoughts or behaviors
  • Increased symptoms of co-occurring mental health disorders
  • Suicidal ideations

Now that you know what to look for, you can keep your medical team aware when you start checking off signs on the above list. They’ll help you navigate the complex experiences that come with emotional fatigue.

6 Ways to Combat Emotional Fatigue

Newport Beach Recovery Center collaborates with our clients to tailor treatment plans and incorporate therapies and alternative holistic treatments that support emotional health and wellness. At our facility, we’ll be able to assist you in maintaining your emotional presence in individual and group therapy sessions. Additionally, below are six ways you can help yourself avoid emotional burnout.

#1 Accept Peer Support

In some cases, sober peers and people in your support system may recognize behavior changes caused by emotional fatigue before you notice them. Accepting peer support and listening to their concerns will protect you from using maladaptive behaviors to cope with the side effects of burnout. Do not be afraid to ask your support system for help if you worry about emotional fatigue.

#2 Look After Your Physical Health

Nutritional meals, hydration, quality sleep, and regular exercise play a role in maintaining your mental well-being. Healthier lifestyle choices also enhance the effectiveness of treatment and reduce the risk of relapse. You will have a better outcome if you prioritize your physical and mental health during treatment and aftercare. When you feel better in your day-to-day life, you are less likely to fall back into old patterns.

#3 Practice Daily Self-Care

Many people do not realize the importance of daily self-care during recovery from SUD. You can avoid emotional fatigue by prioritizing your personal health and wellness. Self-care can include doing the following:

  • Spending quiet time alone
  • Doing activities that you enjoy
  • Spending time with friends and loved ones
  • Asking for emotional support
  • Taking a minute when you become overwhelmed

All of these habits benefit your sobriety and stability. They are healthy needs and boundaries that you set with yourself and others to boost your emotional well-being.

#4 Take Breaks From Emotionally Difficult Relationships

During treatment and early recovery, you might need to take frequent breaks from social or personal relationships that leave you feeling drained. According to Substance Abuse: Research and Treatment, “[T]o reach or maintain abstinence, it is crucial to maintain positive relationships and to engage self-agency to protect oneself from being influenced by negative relationships.†Over time, you will develop the skills to cope with relationships in a healthier way. However, you may benefit from spending less time interacting with individuals who leave you feeling tired after every interaction.

#5 Maintain a Healthy Work-Life Balance

During ongoing recovery, it is essential to maintain a healthy work-life balance. Keep your work responsibilities from interfering with your home life by doing the following:

  • Saying “no†to overtime
  • Setting a clear schedule
  • Avoiding work-related things outside scheduled work hours
  • Being clear about your availability

Creating a healthy work-life balance will help you maintain your overall energy levels. You’ll find yourself more capable of emotional presence in your aftercare.

#6 Create Daily Routines

Daily routines keep you focused, motivated, and goal-oriented. According to the American Journal of Lifestyle Medicine, “[R]outines take time to establish.†Most people in recovery benefit from establishing healthier routines during the early stages of recovery. Maintaining an evening routine is especially important if you struggle with getting enough sleep each night. Sustainable routines should include achievable goals to keep you moving forward every day.

Emotional fatigue is a common problem during recovery from substance misuse. Treatment and aftercare require a lot of emotional and physical energy, which can feel draining after many weeks or months. Ambivalence and emotional fatigue are common triggers for relapse. Remaining motivated and focused on recovery goals will help you maintain positive changes and avoid relapse. Newport Beach Recovery Center can help you prevent emotional fatigue by providing you with essential coping skills. Alongside traditional therapies, we’ll offer holistic treatments to care for your overall well-being. We can help you stay motivated to achieve and maintain sobriety. To learn more about the programs we offer at our facility, call us today at (855) 316-8740. 

3 Ways to Improve Your Verbal and Nonverbal Communication

Two women sitting in a room talking to each other.


Substance use disorder (SUD) can stunt the development of social skills, including verbal and nonverbal communication. Effective communication decreases the risk of relapse and enhances treatment. Many people in recovery need to practice interpersonal skills and healthy self-expression to improve their communication. According to the Journal of Oncology Practice, “The starting place for effective communication is effective listening.†Body language is equally important. You can show interest by facing the other person, keeping open body language, and maintaining eye contact. Newport Beach Recovery Center uses evidence-based methods to teach clients effective verbal and nonverbal communication skills during recovery.

The Importance of Effective Verbal and Nonverbal Communication Skills

Effective communication ensures you can express your needs and wants during rehabilitation and ongoing recovery. In addition, it helps you learn to understand the people around you better. Being honest about how you feel and actively listening to peers will help you connect with them on a deeper level.

Treatment programs like the ones offered at Newport Beach Recovery Center help clients learn to express themselves more clearly by teaching interpersonal communication and conflict resolution. Skill development allows individuals with SUD to learn healthier coping mechanisms and stress reduction techniques.

Experiential treatments, peer activities, and talk therapy can help you learn to communicate more easily with others. The ability to effectively express yourself does the following:

  • Reduces the risk of miscommunication
  • Increases positive social interactions and mutual respect
  • Provides a solid foundation for sharing and expressing ideas
  • Boosts empathy and compassion
  • Decreases communication barriers

You can form more profound bonds with others if you know how to listen and communicate in a way that avoids misunderstandings. The treatment programs at Newport Beach Recovery Center allow clients to improve verbal and nonverbal communication skills.

How You Talk About Substance Abuse Matters

Your choice of language matters when you talk about SUD and mental health topics. Educating yourself about what terms to avoid and using person-first language is important. For example, you should use the phrase “person with SUD†instead of “addict.†According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), “For people with an SUD, stigma may stem from antiquated and inaccurate beliefs that addiction is a moral failing, instead of what we know it to be—a chronic, treatable disease from which patients can recover and continue to lead healthy lives.†By changing our vocabulary, we allow others to see substance use in a different way. The different perspective benefits you and everyone else going through SUD.

Communicating Your Needs to the Care Team

It’s crucial to communicate your needs to your care team. The better they understand your needs, motivations, and goals; the easier it will be for them to tailor your treatment program to ensure a positive outcome. Communicating openly with your care team provides vital insights they can use to create a personalized treatment plan. Realistically, communicating effectively is the only way your care team will know if you feel comfortable with your current recovery progress. As you learn verbal and nonverbal communication skills, it will become easier to speak clearly with your therapists. The more confident you feel about your ability to overcome communication challenges, the lower your risk of relapse.

3 Easy Ways to Improve Your Verbal and Nonverbal Communication

Improving your communication skills should not be a complicated process. A few easy changes can have a significant effect on how you communicate. Below are three ways to express yourself more effectively.

#1 Active Participation in Individual and Group Therapy

Actively listening and participating in individual and group therapy will help you practice verbal and nonverbal communication. The inclusive and friendly environment at Newport Beach Recovery Center makes it easier for you to feel comfortable expressing yourself. During individual therapy, there is no “wrong†way to communicate, which makes it an excellent place to begin trying different things like more open body language.

#2 Set Clear Boundaries Using Verbal and Nonverbal Communication

You can use verbal and nonverbal cues to set clear boundaries with your peers, family, friends, and the people you interact with socially. Nonverbal communication changes depending on the context and specific situation. However, you can set boundaries and let others know how you feel by doing the following:

  • Displaying closed body language, including crossing your arms and slightly leaning away from the other person if you want them to back off
  • Openly discussing if something makes you uncomfortable
  • Using positive body language to encourage engagement, including having your arms at your side, slightly leaning toward them, and maintaining eye contact
  • Letting the other person know what you need to feel comfortable
  • Saying “no†or “stop†if you do not consent to what the other person wants

Despite what some people will tell you, there’s nothing wrong with setting boundaries. In fact, it’s a normal and healthy action to take. Setting social and personal boundaries will help you create a comfortable and safe space for healing.

#3 Respecting the Boundaries of Others

Part of setting clear boundaries involves accepting and respecting the boundaries of others. Effective communication requires everyone to be on the same page. You all need to feel safe and comfortable expressing yourselves. Your therapist can help you identify areas where you can improve your personal boundaries and active listening skills.

Verbal and nonverbal communication plays a vital role in how people relate to one another. Substance abuse can affect the development of healthy communication and social skills. In addition, some substances can cause physiological changes that interfere with effective communication. If you struggle to maintain healthy boundaries and relationships, you can benefit from improving your communication skills through individual and group therapy. Newport Beach Recovery Center offers a wide range of therapy options for people in recovery from substance use disorder. Effective communication can improve your rehabilitation experience. Our team can help you expand your verbal and nonverbal communication skills. To learn more about our programs and services, call us today at (855) 316-8740.

Impact of Sleep in Addiction Recovery

A woman sleeping in bed with her eyes closed.

 

Quality sleep is essential during treatment for substance use disorder (SUD). Feeling restful and re-energized after a good night’s sleep will help you maintain focus and improve your general well-being. In addition, sleep plays a vital role in relapse prevention. According to National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), “[P]oor quality sleep may make it harder to learn new coping and self-regulation skills necessary for recovery.” Newport Beach Recovery Center offers evidence-based treatments to help clients establish healthy routines.

What Are Sleep Disturbances?

Everyone experiences nights when they have trouble falling or staying asleep. Stress is the most common cause of these sleep issues. However, lifestyle choices, mental health symptoms, substance misuse, neurological changes, and other factors can contribute to unhealthy sleep patterns. Establishing a healthy sleep schedule is one of the first steps toward emotional and physical recovery during rehabilitation.

Common examples of sleep disturbances include:

  • Insomnia
  • Chronic oversleeping
  • Waking multiple times throughout the night
  • Night terrors
  • Nightmares
  • Sleepwalking
  • Waking too early and being unable to fall back asleep

The symptoms of sleep disturbances vary significantly from person to person. Monitor your mood, behavior, energy level, and emotional stability for unusual changes. Often these are the first signs of unhealthy sleep patterns.

Signs of Unhealthy Sleep Patterns

The recommended amount of sleep is between seven and eight hours of uninterrupted sleep each night. How much sleep you need changes as you age. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), approximately 34.8% of adults reported experiencing sleep disturbances in 2020. Some commonly reported signs of unhealthy sleep patterns include:

  • Feeling tired throughout the day
  • Waking up feeling unrested
  • Difficulty concentrating or “brain fog”
  • Lack of energy or severely fluctuating energy levels
  • Unusual irritation or anger
  • Experiencing work or school burnout
  • Feeling emotionally unstable
  • Frequently napping

Not everyone notices if their sleep behaviors change. However, if you begin to feel tired in the morning or emotionally drained, you might have a sleep problem. In addition, some individuals have co-occurring physical health issues that interfere with their ability to fall or stay asleep. If you wake up often throughout the night and have headaches or feel overly tired, you might want to get a sleep assessment. A sleep study may reveal sleep apnea or other health issues that can interfere with your recovery. Most physical sleep disorders are highly treatable if diagnosed early.

How Do Sleep Disturbances Affect Recovery?

Your quality of sleep can impact the way you feel, think, and act. Control your sleep patterns by eating nutritional meals, staying hydrated, regularly exercising, practicing self-care, and creating healthy daily routines. Sleep disturbances can affect recovery in the following ways:

  • Make it more challenging to overcome ambivalence and stay motivated
  • Increase the risk of relapse and co-occurring mental health issues
  • Lower the effectiveness of therapy and coping skills

What Are Some Ways You Can Improve Your Sleep Patterns?

Even minor changes to your daily routine can improve your sleep cycle. Below are four ways you can increase the quality of your sleep.

#1 Prescription Medications to Manage Symptoms

The symptoms of SUD and mental health issues can interfere with sleep. Also, substance misuse often causes physiological changes in the brain that affect sleep. In some cases, prescription medication is necessary to ensure you get enough sleep to remain healthy and cope with daily stressors.

Several common sleep medications include:

  • Ambien® (zolpidem)
  • Lunesta® (eszopiclone)
  • Rozerem® (ramelteon)
  • Silenor® (doxepin)
  • Sonata® (zaleplon)

#2 Practice Relaxation and Mindfulness-Based Techniques

Relaxation and mindfulness-based techniques like meditation and deep breathing can help your body physically relax. If you consciously relax your muscles and even out your breathing before going to bed, it can help you fall and stay asleep. Relaxation techniques can also help you fall back asleep if you have interrupted sleep during the night.

#3 Set a Sleep Schedule

Residential treatment programs have a structured schedule to help people in early recovery relearn how to develop healthy sleeping patterns. Maintaining a sleep schedule throughout treatment can make recovering from emotional and physical stress easier.

Healthy sleep schedules usually involve the following:

  • Following a set routine every night
  • Preparing to sleep by removing distractions, including tablets, phones, or gaming devices
  • Going to bed at the same time each night
  • Ensuring you have enough time to get the recommended amount of sleep
  • Sleeping in a quiet place that does not have distracting sounds or lights

#4 Talk to Your Support System

If you often lie awake at night thinking about things that worry you, it might help to talk with someone in your support system. Sometimes verbalizing the thoughts inside your head can help you get a good night’s sleep. Use your resources to decrease the amount of stress you feel before starting your bedtime routine.

Sleep affects mental and physical health, mood, and behavior. Lack of sleep or too much sleep can interfere with your ability to focus and function throughout the day. Frequent sleep disturbances also cause emotional distress and lower your stress threshold. You can take steps to ensure that you get the recommended amount of sleep each night. Creating a sleep schedule, practicing self-care, and other tools will help you get enough rest to remain focused and motivated. Ongoing recovery depends on you getting enough quality sleep each night to stay energized. Newport Beach Recovery Center uses strict scheduling and evidence-based treatments to help clients achieve and maintain healthy routines during recovery. To learn more, call us at (855) 316-8740. 

What Happens During the First 24 Hours of Detox Treatment?

A person holding a tablet on the floor

 

Going through detox for the first time can be disorienting and uncomfortable, especially if you do not know what to expect. Treatment will vary significantly depending on the severity of your symptoms and the type of substance you abuse. Detoxing after being diagnosed with substance use disorder (SUD) is safer with a professional care team that can monitor your mental and physical health. Newport Beach Recovery Center prioritizes client safety and comfort to ensure a positive detox experience.Â

What to Expect During the First 24 Hours?Â

Detox is short for detoxification. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), “Detoxification, the process by which the body clears itself of drugs, is designed to manage the acute and potentially dangerous physiological effects of stopping drug use.” The detox period generally lasts from a few days to a week, depending on multiple factors, and often starts within hours of abstinence. Our team provides essential detox care to individuals with SUD. In the first 24 hours, you can expect to meet our team, get an introduction to the program, and start your treatment.Â

The initial side effects of detox are often body aches and anxiety followed by rapidly worsening symptoms that often peak within three to five days. Each substance has unique withdrawal symptoms and a different timeline for the detox process. We will guide you through what to expect from each stage based on your individual circumstances. Medication and therapy support will be available to help you cope with mood changes and other potentially destabilizing side effects as your body purges the last of the toxins from your system.Â

What Are Some Detox Symptoms of Common Substances?Â

The symptoms of detox and withdrawal will differ significantly depending on many factors, including:Â

  • Dose and type of substanceÂ
  • Frequency of intake
  • Length of time abused
  • Overall physical healthÂ

Using medication-assisted treatment (MAT) for certain substances can significantly decrease risks associated with detox and withdrawal. We offer MAT when it benefits the client. Below are brief descriptions of what to expect from detox and withdrawal based on the type of substance abused.Â

AlcoholÂ

Unfortunately, alcohol is the most common substance misused among all age groups. According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA), “More than 14 million adults ages 18 and older have alcohol use disorder (AUD).”Â

Detox and withdrawal from alcohol without MAT can include:Â

  • Flu-like symptoms like sweating, tremors, fatigue, muscle aches, and stomach discomfort
  • AnxietyÂ
  • IrritabilityÂ
  • Insomnia and other sleep disturbances
  • Headache or migraineÂ
  • Unusual mood changesÂ
  • Increased heart rate and blood pressure
  • HyperthermiaÂ
  • Heart palpitations
  • Fast or shallow breathingÂ
  • Seizures
  • HallucinationsÂ

MarijuanaÂ

Many people believe that marijuana is not addictive. However, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that 1 in 10 people will develop a marijuana addiction and detox involves multiple symptoms, including:Â

  • Mood swings and irritabilityÂ
  • Insomnia and other sleep disturbances
  • Reduced appetiteÂ
  • Cravings and intrusive thoughtsÂ
  • Stomach discomfort or nauseaÂ
  • Muscle achesÂ
  • Restlessness

Some people only have a handful of mild symptoms, while others experience more severe detox and withdrawal.Â

Prescription and Illicit Pain RelieversÂ

The opioid epidemic has made people realize how serious pain relievers can be. Prescription and illicit opioids are incredibly addictive. The most common side effects during detox include:Â

  • Mood swings
  • Heightened levels of anxiety
  • Depression
  • IrritabilityÂ
  • Flu-like symptoms like tremors, sweating, nausea and vomiting, chills, muscle aches, and diarrhea
  • Sleep disturbances and insomniaÂ
  • Loss of appetite
  • Extreme cravingsÂ

Benzodiazepines

Individuals who have a high level of benzodiazepines in their system before starting detox may have severe symptoms that can include:Â

  • HallucinationsÂ
  • PsychosisÂ
  • Seizures
  • Suicidal ideationÂ

However, the most common mental and physical reactions include:Â

  • Extreme cravings
  • Sleep disturbancesÂ
  • Muscle aches, stiffness, and tensionÂ
  • AnxietyÂ
  • Panic attacksÂ
  • Difficulty thinking clearly or focusingÂ
  • Perception issuesÂ
  • An unusual amount of sweatingÂ
  • Tremors in extremitiesÂ
  • Heart palpitationsÂ
  • Headache or migraineÂ

Other SubstancesÂ

Symptoms can vary significantly. If you want to know what to expect during detox for other substances, you can contact our care team to learn more. We treat SUDs involving the following:Â

  • Crystal meth
  • Amphetamines
  • Party drugs
  • Ecstasy (MDMA)
  • Ketamine
  • Synthetic or designer drugs

Why Is It Dangerous to Go ‘Cold Turkey’?Â

Quitting “cold turkey” involves abstaining from substances without mental health or medical support. Although popular media shows people successfully quitting tobacco products and other substances “cold turkey,” it rarely works because this form of abstinence does not address the circumstances that caused you to abuse substances in the first place. In addition, unsupervised sudden detox can lead to serious illness, injury, overdose, or death. Â

Withdrawal management is essential to ensure that you remain safe and healthy while your body rids itself of the substance. During detox, the chemicals in your brain and body will fluctuate, causing perception, emotional, and physical changes that can affect mood and behavior. The detox treatment offered at Newport Beach Recovery Center can stabilize your condition until your body acclimates to being without the substance.Â

If you are new to treatment, you might feel uncertain about what to expect from detox and withdrawal. The first 24 hours can feel disorienting if you do not have any prior experience attending rehabilitation. The care team at Newport Beach Recovery Center will briefly introduce the treatment program, our facility, the staff, and what to expect from each stage of the treatment. You may have difficulty focusing during the initial stages of detox. We provide immediate support, including medication-assisted treatment (if necessary) and psychotherapy to manage symptoms. Your first 24 hours of detox will also involve various assessments, the development of your treatment plan, and strict monitoring to ensure your health and safety. To learn more about our services and the programs we have to offer, contact our office today by calling us at (855) 316-8740. We can help you recover from SUD.