The Health Benefits of Incorporating Hobbies in Treatment

A man riding a bike through the grass.


You might find it easier to develop specific essential life skills while engaging in activities you enjoy. Hobbies can improve the mind-body connection and be incorporated into various forms of experiential therapy to enhance the rehabilitation experience and decrease overall stress levels. According to Psychosomatic Medicine, “individuals who engaged in more frequent enjoyable leisure activities . . . reported greater [positive affect], life satisfaction, life engagement, social support as well as lower depression.” Exploring new hobbies or returning to ones you previously enjoyed can help you improve social skills, communication, and mental health. Healthy activities can also improve treatment outcomes. At Newport Beach Recovery Center, we encourage clients to focus on recovery while finding ways to relax and break up focused therapy sessions with healthy recreational activities.

Identifying Healthy and Enjoyable Hobbies

Many people in recovery have had their lives revolve around substance misuse for so long that they may have isolated themselves from others and stopped doing things they previously enjoyed. Some individuals go for months or years without having meaningful, engaging social relationships, and they may only engage in maladaptive recreational activities that support substance misuse. Relearning your interests can take time. Making a list of activities you used to enjoy is an excellent place to start.

A few of the most common hobbies include:

  • Crafting
  • Gardening
  • Outdoor activities
  • Sports
  • Gaming
  • Reading or writing
  • Music

Not all hobbies are ideal for individuals in recovery. For example, if the things you used to enjoy involve people or places heavily associated with your substance misuse, you may want to explore alternatives. Finding new hobbies can be fun and increase self-awareness, self-confidence, and self-efficacy. During treatment at a rehabilitation facility, you can look into what recreational activities they offer and try several out to see if any of them help you relax and engage in the moment.

Hobbies and Recreational Therapy

Recreational therapy is a form of experiential therapy that uses activities like hobbies to help you learn and practice essential life skills, including:

  • Verbal and nonverbal communication
  • Problem-solving and conflict management
  • Increased stress tolerance

According to the National Cancer Institute (NCI), some recreational activities are more valuable than others during recreational therapy: “These activities include arts and crafts, music, spending time with animals, sports, and drama.” You can work with your therapist to determine if any of your current interests will be a good fit for recreational therapy.

You can benefit from hobbies even if you do not follow a structured therapy plan. However, the added focus provided by standard methods of therapy can have many advantages, including:

  • Lower levels of stress
  • Fewer symptoms related to anxiety and depression
  • Increased social skills
  • Improved physical health and motor function

The Health Benefits of Relaxing Hobbies

Relaxing hobbies can significantly improve treatment outcomes for individuals with co-occurring mental health disorders. The psychological and physical health benefits of relaxing pursuits include:

  • Increased positivity and mood stability
  • Decreased stress and anxiety
  • Lower blood pressure
  • Hobbies involving physical activities can reduce the risk of heart disease
  • Stronger mind-body connection
  • Increased self-awareness, self-confidence, and self-esteem
  • Improved general well-being
  • Healthier relationships and social interactions

3 Common Hobbies You Can Do During Treatment

Hobbies like drama and sports usually require a particular setting or equipment. However, participating in easy, inexpensive, and accessible hobbies during treatment and aftercare can benefit you. Below are three popular hobbies that provide significant health benefits.

#1. Reading, Writing, and Art

Reading, writing, art, and related hobbies can be ideal for individuals in treatment because they can be done almost anywhere with inexpensive tools. In addition, many research studies have proven the effectiveness of reading, writing, and art in improving mental health during treatment for substance use disorder.

#2. Simple Crafts, Including Paper Crafts

Partial hospitalization (PHP), intensive outpatient (IOP), and outpatient programs provide more structured schedules and settings that lend themselves to hobbies that do not require much time or space. Paper crafts and other handcraft hobbies are easy to master and take little effort. The necessary materials are often inexpensive and easy to store, and it takes no skill to start learning. Many people use mindfulness-based techniques to relax and focus the mind during simple crafts.

#3. Outdoor Activities and Exercise

Outdoor activities are prevalent in treatment facilities because science has proven that physical health directly affects mental health. In addition, many people who have misused substances for an extended period may need help establishing routines like weekly exercises to recover from the physical side effects of SUD.

Joining a local club or group that regularly meets to do various outdoor activities is an excellent way to improve social skills and practice healthy coping skills while keeping your body in shape. You can find local groups by doing the following:

  • Searching online group directories
  • Checking your city website or newsletter
  • Reaching out to the local recreational centers

There are countless ways to engage in healthy hobbies while in treatment and recovery that will benefit your physical and mental health. The first step is thinking about the activities that have brought you joy in the past and focusing on those that fit into your journey to sobriety.

You can improve your mental and physical health by regularly participating in hobbies. In addition to improving your general well-being, they can allow you to make healthy social connections with others who share your interests. Various therapeutic approaches, including psychodrama and recreational therapy, incorporate relaxing recreational activities into treatment. You can use your hobbies during rehabilitation to decrease stress and unwind between therapy sessions. In addition, you can benefit from having something low-stress to focus on during continuing care and long-term recovery. Many people use hobbies to connect with others, strengthen personal relationships, and improve coping skills. At Newport Beach Recovery Center, we use adventure therapy and recreational therapy to help clients develop skills that will decrease the risk of relapse. We encourage clients to participate in hobbies that fit within the treatment program. Learn more about our facility and services by calling us today at (855) 316-8740.

How Can You Avoid Retraumatization During Treatment?

Two women sitting in chairs talking to each other.


The Newport Beach Recovery Center team uses a trauma-informed approach that lowers the risk of re-traumatization for individuals recovering from substance use disorder (SUD). Our team can provide excellent personalized care for individuals with co-occurring trauma-related mental health issues like post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or generalized anxiety disorder. According to Clinical Psychology, “Among individuals with PTSD, nearly half (46.4%) also met criteria for a SUD and more than one-in-five (22.3%) met criteria for substance dependence.” We understand that trauma and substance misuse often negatively interact and cause increased side effects or symptoms.

What Is Trauma-Informed Care?

The trauma-informed care includes various services that make our facility more comfortable and secure. According to the National Center on Substance Abuse and Child Welfare (NCSACW), professionals trained to provide trauma-informed care have the ability “to better understand services through the eyes of their clients; uncovered inadvertent trauma triggers; and generated concrete changes necessary to become a more trauma-informed system.” At Newport Beach Recovery Center, we treat all our clients with compassion and respect. Our care team considers each client’s preferences when creating therapy sessions.

Trauma-informed care applies to the following:

  • Treatment and aftercare planning
  • Peer interactions
  • Policies and procedures
  • Facility accommodations
  • Interactions between the client and care team

Why Does Newport Beach Recovery Center Use Trauma-Informed Care?

We use trauma-informed care to make our facility more inviting and safe for individuals who have experienced trauma. We believe that most people who attend treatment centers for SUD have experienced some form of trauma they would benefit from working through in therapy. Past traumas common among individuals with SUD include:

  • Sexual abuse
  • Neglect
  • Physical abuse and domestic violence
  • Trauma-related to war or terrorism
  • Witnessing or surviving a natural disaster
  • Childhood abuse or neglect
  • Witnessing or experiencing a severe accident, illness, or injury
  • Human trafficking
  • Workplace harassment
  • Dysfunctional family dynamics, including family members with untreated SUD
  • Experiencing or witnessing an overdose

The evidence-based and alternative holistic therapies we offer can help you heal from trauma and relieve symptoms like anxiety, panic, self-harming ideations, or depression.

How Can Trauma Responses Impact Recovery?

Trauma responses can increase stress and make you feel less safe. Triggers are different for everyone, which means that a specific setting or group might feel comfortable for one person and threatening to someone else. The most common types of trauma responses people encounter during treatment include:

  • Being easily startled and jumpy around unexpected noises or movements
  • Feeling disconnected from others or dissociating
  • Experiencing flashbacks or intrusive thoughts and sensations
  • Specific phobias

The care team and support staff at Newport Beach Recovery Center use trauma-informed personalized care to ensure you have the best experience possible. Our team will work to avoid potential triggers and create a safe space for healing and personal growth.

What Is Re-Traumatization?

Re-traumatization occurs when someone encounters a trigger that sets off trauma responses, including distressing thoughts, feelings, or flashbacks. For example, individuals in recovery can experience re-traumatization if they hear, see, smell, taste, or feel something that reminds them strongly of a traumatic event.

The side effects of re-traumatization include:

  • Reduced sense of self-worth and self-efficacy
  • Increased stress and more severe symptoms
  • Difficulty trusting others

The goal of therapy is to address current and underlying issues that contribute to substance misuse and may increase the risk of relapse. We attempt to avoid triggers except in cases where the client is in a controlled environment with active support to help them learn how to rewrite the trauma responses. Experiential and exposure therapies can provide significant relief from trauma and allow clients to reprocess distressing memories, making them less disruptive over time.

How Can Trauma-Informed Care Decrease the Risk of Re-Traumatization?

The Newport Beach Recovery Center care team can help you avoid re-traumatization by providing tools for coping with stressors, preventative strategies to avoid or overcome triggers, and a healthy structure of social support. You will never have to face these moments alone during treatment until you reach a place where you feel confident in your ability to cope with them.

Trauma-informed care can prevent relapse by doing the following:

  • Providing you with a space where you feel heard, respected, and understood
  • Giving you exposure to positive social interactions that reduce stress
  • Allowing you to build deep and trusting relationships
  • Exposing you to various triggers in a controlled environment

Overcoming long-term trauma is a process; most people need months or years of therapy to move forward with their lives successfully. At our facility, we use short-term methods that provide long-term positive results. For example, experiential therapy and other treatments can help you rewire how your brain stores and responds to traumatic memories. As a result, you can heal from the effects of trauma and SUD.

The Newport Beach Recovery Center care team actively listens to people to ensure they can access the accommodations and resources they need to feel safe and secure during treatment. Many people with substance use disorder have a history of experiencing or witnessing trauma. You can avoid re-traumatization by collaborating closely with your care team to ensure they have all the necessary information to create a tailored treatment plan. Most people benefit from treatments focusing on the underlying cause of trauma and stress. Once you know how to identify potential triggers, you can find ways to avoid or cope with your symptoms. Newport Beach Recovery Center uses evidence-based therapeutic methods to ensure you feel safe and secure during the rehabilitation program. To learn more about the therapies offered at our facility or to set up an appointment, call our office today at (855) 316-8740. 

How to Build a Healthy Support System During Outpatient Treatment

A group of people standing next to each other.

 

Peer support is essential for treating and recovering individuals with substance use disorder (SUD). Most treatment programs involve mandatory group therapy and community activities that encourage healthy social bonding in a structured environment. Newport Beach Recovery Center is a thriving community where clients can heal together.

Peer relationships provide an excellent source of support, encouragement, and accountability. An article in the Substance Abuse and Rehabilitation journal states, “Active engagement in peer support groups have shown to be a key predictor of recovery, and sustaining recovery.” The relationships you make within the recovery community can last a lifetime and can help you build a healthier future.

What Is a Support System?

A support system is a group of people who have your best interest at heart and provide practical support and emotional encouragement. The number of people in the system is less vital than the quality of their support. Recovery is a long process, and having peers who celebrate your successes and help you overcome challenges can make a significant difference in treatment and aftercare.

A support system can include the following individuals:

  • Care team and case manager
  • Medical professionals
  • Therapists or counselors
  • Friends
  • Family members
  • Social peers
  • Mentors and sponsors

Your support system should provide multiple levels and types of support to ensure you have someone to turn to in almost any situation. Having someone available and willing to help you during recovery can make coping with intrusive thoughts, cravings, triggers, and crisis moments easier.

How Can You Expand Your Support System?

Not everyone has a support system when they begin treatment. Many people isolate themselves while under the influence of substances. Part of recovery involves repairing relationships damaged by the effects of addiction and building new social connections. Close family and friends may choose to become a part of your support system. However, not everyone feels capable of providing emotional or practical support to individuals in recovery. Be sure to ask them if they would like to be part of your support system and make sure they understand the responsibilities before relying on them to help you.

You can expand your support system by actively reaching out to people who have shown that they care about your well-being. In some situations, including individual therapy, the people involved in helping you understand that their role inherently makes them a part of your support system.

You can also expand your peer support system by doing the following:

  • Volunteering within the recovery community
  • Attending sober events
  • Joining recreational clubs or groups within the recovery community
  • Actively engaging in your treatment and forming bonds with peers at the facility

Many people make lifelong friends and mentors by becoming part of the community and interacting with others who share a goal of sustained sobriety.

The Mental Health Benefits of Peer Support

A strong support system will improve your mental and emotional health. For example, cravings and intrusive thoughts can lead to backsliding or relapse. You can manage those symptoms by using your coping skills and relying on individuals that care about you.

The mental health benefits of peer support include:

  • Decreased stress
  • Less severe symptoms of anxiety and depression
  • Improved self-confidence and self-esteem
  • Emotional stability
  • Increased sense of self-worth

Self-Help and 12-Step Groups

Positive social interactions can help you feel motivated to continue moving forward in treatment. Almost every outpatient treatment program involves group therapy and complementary self-help groups. Self-help and 12-Step groups also play an essential role in aftercare support. Individuals recovering from SUD can benefit from attending the following:

  • Alcoholics Anonymous (AA)
  • Narcotics Anonymous (NA)
  • Al-anon
  • General support groups
  • Specific support groups

According to the United States Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), recovery support services “provided by professionals and peers, are delivered through a variety of community and faith-based groups, treatment providers, schools, and other specialized services.” You can reach out to clinics, hospitals, therapy offices, and treatment centers like Newport Beach Recovery Center to get details on local meetings.

Maintaining Peer Support During Aftercare

Peer support is critical during aftercare when you do not have access to the same structured environment that facilitates accountability and positive change during residential and outpatient treatment. Peers can step in and motivate you to maintain healthy routines and new thought patterns that help you maintain sobriety.

The most common forms of peer support during aftercare include:

  • Mentors and sponsors
  • Self-help and 12-Step groups
  • Group therapy or counseling
  • Recovery organizations, groups, and events

Outpatient treatment allows you to expand your support system to include self-help groups and peer groups that can help you cope with challenges during treatment and aftercare.

You do not have to go through treatment and ongoing recovery alone. Inclusive communities of compassionate and empathetic peers exist in cities around the country. People in these communities support one another through long-term recovery. You can find them by reaching out to local resources, including therapy and doctor offices, clinics, and rehabilitation facilities like Newport Beach Recovery Center. We believe everyone deserves to feel respected and supported during recovery. You will benefit from interacting with peers during therapy and aftercare. You will respond better to treatment if you have positive social bonds to rely on and a nonjudgmental community where you can safely practice social skills and coping mechanisms. Most cities have multiple self-help and 12-Step groups where you can attend meetings and interact with others with similar life experiences. To learn more about the programs and referrals we offer, contact us today by calling (855) 316-8740.

Overcoming Guilt, Regret, and Shame in Addition Recovery

A man leaning on the railing of a wooden fence.


Many people hold onto guilt, shame, fear, regret, and other negative emotions because they don’t feel worthy of self-forgiveness. Negativity can affect your mental and physical health during recovery and worsen symptoms. Facilities like Newport Beach Recovery Center encourage clients to find healthy ways to accept their circumstances while healing and moving forward.

According to the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, research “results suggest that individuals who accept rather than judge their mental experiences may attain better psychological health, in part because acceptance helps them experience less negative emotion in response to stressors.” Actively looking at the cause of negative feelings and accepting them will help you learn to recover from the various ways they have impacted your life. Recovery from substance use disorder (SUD) requires focus on the present and future instead of the past.

Do Past Choices Control Your Future?

Past choices will affect your future, but they do not control what you do next. You can choose to retake control of your life by addressing the underlying issues and finding healthy ways to overcome them. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), “Treatment enables people to counteract addiction’s disruptive effects on their brain and behavior and regain control of their lives.” Newport Beach Recovery Center can help you learn essential skills and coping techniques to decrease negativity and improve self-awareness. Your past does not have to define you.

How Does Negativity Impact Mental Health?

Negativity can lead to a host of mental and physical health issues, including:

  • Difficulty coping with daily stressors
  • Depression
  • Anxiety
  • Increased risk of heart disease
  • Higher blood pressure
  • Mood swings
  • Sleep issues
  • Changes to appetite
  • Difficulty completing basic tasks of daily living

If you let negative thoughts influence your behaviors, it can have a detrimental effect on your general well-being.

How Can You Practice Self-Forgiveness During Recovery?

Not everyone feels capable of self-forgiveness in early recovery. The consequences of addictive behaviors and choices might become overwhelming and cause you to feel like you do not deserve forgiveness. At Newport Beach Recovery Center, we believe everyone in recovery deserves compassion, empathy, respect, and forgiveness for things they have worked to put right. By attending treatment and actively engaging in therapy, you have chosen to make amends for past decisions and make better choices moving forward. Self-forgiveness is a part of that healing journey.

You can practice self-forgiveness every day by doing the following:

  • Reminding yourself that you are more than your diagnosis
  • Educating yourself about how substance misuse may have affected you
  • Accepting that some things are entirely outside your control
  • Accepting responsibility for your actions and taking steps to repair the damage
  • Showing yourself kindness and empathy
  • Regularly practicing self-care

What Are the Healing Benefits of Thinking Positively?

The body and mind are connected, and improving your mental outlook can impact your moods, physical health, and day-to-day functioning. You can heal from trauma and the harmful effects of substance misuse by focusing your energy on embracing positive aspects of life, including everyday moments that leave you feeling good about yourself and others.

Some of the health benefits of positivity include:

  • Individuals with chronic pain experience decreased pain levels
  • Reduced stress, anxiety, and depression
  • Longer lifespan
  • Decreased risk of heart disease and other health issues
  • Lower blood pressure

Your entire life can get better when you decide to look on the bright side and accept your circumstances. Mindfulness-based techniques and other coping skills can facilitate healthier thought patterns and help you build new routines.

How Can the Brain Be Rewired to Think Positively?

Positivity does not mean ignoring negative thoughts or pretending they do not exist. Instead, you should accept the negative without judgment while focusing on the positive to improve mental health. According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), a “sign of emotional wellness is being able to hold onto positive emotions longer and appreciate the good times.” You can learn to rewire your brain by consciously choosing to remind yourself of the good things you have experienced and the positive aspects of difficult situations.

You can start decreasing negativity by doing the following:

  • In the morning, think about all the happy, enjoyable, or good things you plan to do that day
  • Every night think about all the good things you experienced
  • Write down a list of the things you enjoy about your life, including pets, loved ones, hobbies, and social groups
  • Celebrate every success and goal you achieve in recovery

You do not have to live with fear, grief, shame, regret, and other negative feelings. Instead, incorporating positivity and practicing self-care can improve your overall health and decrease symptoms related to SUD and mental health issues.

Negativity can lead to risk-taking behaviors, self-destructive tendencies, and difficulty coping with everyday life. The more you judge yourself and focus on your mistakes, the harder it will be to feel capable of real change. You can choose to replace those negative thought patterns by consciously choosing to focus on the positive things in your life. Being positive does not mean avoiding or ignoring bad things that happen. Instead, it allows you to accept those things in a nonjudgmental way and use them as examples of what not to do in the future. The care team at Newport Beach Recovery Center has created a family-like community where you can learn to focus on the positive aspects of recovery. To learn more about our facility or set up an admissions appointment, call us today at (855) 316-8740. We are here to help you regain control of your life. 

What to Expect If You Are New to Treatment

A woman with long hair and brown eyes.


Many individuals in recovery have never left their families for an extended period. For some, it might be the first time they’ve ever attended therapy. Leaving loved ones behind for weeks or months and going to a strange place can feel overwhelming. In addition, stress and emotional distress increase the risk of relapse and can worsen symptoms of substance use disorder (SUD). Decrease stress and anxiety by learning more about what to expect from treatment. Rehabilitation programs can be a truly life-changing experience and provide you with essential tools for long-term sobriety.

Treatment for SUD can vary depending on multiple factors. According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), “The type, length, and intensity of treatment are determined by the severity of the SUD, types of substances used, support systems available, prior life experiences, and behavioral, physical, gender, cultural, cognitive, and social factors.” Newport Beach Recovery Center treats substance misuse and co-occurring mental health disorders using personalized, evidence-based methods.

How to Prepare for Treatment

Being fully prepared to attend a treatment program is one way to reduce stress and anxiety. Our facility offers a full continuum of care for individuals with SUD. However, getting ready for weeks or months of treatment requires you to do the following:

  • Check your insurance plan to make sure it covers all rehabilitation services.
  • Gather all relevant medical data, including contact information for your doctor or therapist, a list of current medications, and details on your family medical history.
  • Inform your workplace that you must take a leave of absence and ensure all work tasks are reassigned.
  • Arrange for someone to look after your home and pets if you live alone.
  • Help your family prepare for your absence and make sure they have access to support resources.
  • Pack enough personal items to last through the treatment program, including weather-appropriate clothing.
  • Inform friends and family that you will be away for an extended period.
  • Prepay monthly bills and rent.

Contact our office today if you have questions about what you should bring and what to avoid packing when participating in one of our programs.

What Day-to-Day Treatment Looks Like at Newport Beach Recovery Center

We are a smaller facility that provides clients with personalized care that ensures you receive all the support you need to achieve and maintain positive mental health. Day-to-day treatment will depend on the severity of symptoms and can include:

  • Individual psychotherapy
  • Group therapy
  • Peer support groups
  • Medication and symptom management
  • Alternative holistic therapies
  • Development of essential skills
  • Relapse prevention
  • Psychoeducation

Newport Beach Recovery Center offers an individualized rehabilitation experience that can help you heal from the damaging effects of substance misuse. We believe everyone should access high-quality services and a supportive community during and after treatment. You will join in group discussions, activities, and community events.

The Benefits of Joining a Supportive Community

People new to treatment might be surprised by the many mental and physical benefits of joining a supportive community. Actively engaging in recovery alongside peers can provide you with the following:

  • Nonjudgmental understanding and support
  • A safe space to express yourself and explore self-growth
  • An opportunity to practice social and communication skills
  • Additional accountability and motivation for maintaining sobriety
  • Access to new ideas and fresh perspectives
  • A chance to help and encourage others

Facilities like Newport Beach Recovery Center prioritize creating a welcoming and inclusive community where everyone feels supported and respected.

Family Involvement in the Treatment Process

Individuals who are new to treatment may have never spent significant time away from their families. Unfortunately, most people leave behind loved ones when they attend rehabilitation. Family involvement is integral to continuing recovery at Newport Beach Recovery Center. According to Substance Abuse, “research has shown family support to be related to positive treatment outcomes, and that such support can influence recovery through motivation to change.”

Parents in recovery might have a more difficult time adjusting due to the following:

  • Regret, fear, or anger about having to leave their children for weeks or months
  • Shame for not being able to care for their child during the treatment period
  • Concern about their child’s welfare and emotional well-being

Families may also have attachment issues, codependency, or enabling behaviors that make it essential to avoid involving them in treatment during the early stages of recovery. However, after you achieve a certain degree of emotional stability, your family can become a more significant part of your recovery by providing support or attending therapy to address any maladaptive family dynamics that might increase the risk of relapse.

What to Expect From Aftercare

The Newport Beach Recovery Center care team will collaborate with you to create a comprehensive aftercare plan that might include family therapy, referrals to local family resources, a safety plan, and relapse prevention strategies. After completing the program, you will transition from treatment at the facility to local recovery services. The care team will ensure you have all the tools you need to overcome any challenges you might face during continuing care and long-term recovery.

The process might initially feel overwhelming or confusing if you are new to treatment. The care team at Newport Beach Recovery Center has created a family-like environment where peers can engage in positive interactions while undergoing treatment for substance use disorder. We believe that connections and healthy relationships improve the effectiveness of therapy. Your safety and well-being are our top priorities, and we use evidence-based methods to help you learn essential skills that lower your risk of relapse and improve mental health. We understand that being away from your family and allowing yourself to be vulnerable around strangers can be challenging. This is why we have created a place where you can become part of a supportive community of peers with similar life experiences. To learn more about Newport Beach Recovery Center and the programs we have to offer, call us today at (855) 316-8740.

How Does Therapeutic Music Fit Into Addiction Treatment?

A person holding onto some music notes


The care team at Newport Beach Recovery Center uses music in many ways to enhance the effectiveness of treatment. Our clients can experience significant mental health benefits from listening to, writing, and playing music. The self-expression practiced in music therapy can increase self-awareness and build self-confidence.

According to the Journal of Addictions Nursing, in music therapy, “Patients go beyond simply listening to music to engage emotions, motivations, and barriers to recovery through lyrics and melody.†We offer music therapy alongside more traditional psychotherapy.

How Does Music Affect Mental Health?

For thousands of years, healers around the world have used music to treat various mental and physical disorders. Modern research has proven that music can affect the brain in ways that decrease stress, anxiety, and depression. According to Brain, Behavior, & Immunity – Health, “Scientific research has shown that [music] can influence physiological processes that enhance physical and mental wellbeing.†At Newport Beach Recovery Center, we use music to complement traditional therapies.

Alternative holistic treatments like art and music therapy offer clients an opportunity to explore various aspects of social support by interacting with peers and the care team in a creative environment. Music can have the following effect on mental health:

  • Improve concentration
  • Improve self-esteem
  • Decrease insomnia and other sleep disturbances
  • Create deeper connections with peers and the care team
  • Encourage self-reflection and self-confidence

Music can change how the brain perceives the world, and it can lower stress, deepen breathing, increase muscle relaxation, and help manage body aches and pain. In addition, many people find it easier to focus their thoughts after spending time relaxing while listening to music. Clients can improve their treatment outcomes by breaking up intensive therapy sessions with musical activities.

Why Does Newport Beach Recovery Center Offer Music Therapy?

Music is often a social experience, allowing people to share emotions, thoughts, and abstract ideas. We believe that people are better able to heal from substance use disorder (SUD) when they have positive relationships and social support. Music listeners worldwide can connect and provide inspiration, motivation, and encouragement to one another.

Music therapy can improve social connections by doing the following:

  • Increasing verbal and nonverbal communication
  • Creating an environment that fosters teamwork and group cooperation
  • Lyrics, sheet music, musical instruments, singing, and recording increase self-expression

Music is helpful as a recovery tool regardless of the level of engagement. Listening to music can be just as impactful as creating music for individuals in recovery. We offer music therapy to give clients an opportunity to explore different aspects of the medium.

What Can You Expect During Music Therapy?

Not everyone is familiar with music therapy. We make it easy to start music therapy by tailoring each session to our client’s personal preferences and interests. A few ways they can participate in individual or group music therapy include:

  • Writing down lyrics or poetry to express abstract or concrete ideas
  • Listening to others play music or making a playlist of meaningful full songs
  • Playing a musical instrument and using the sounds to express feelings and ideas
  • Learning the technical aspects of music creation and developing marketable skills
  • Collaborating with others to create music

Anyone can benefit from the effectiveness of music therapy regardless of their skill level. Music therapy can be used in individual or group therapy to help clients organize their thoughts and express their emotions. Not everyone feels comfortable singing or playing an instrument. However, there are many other ways clients can participate in group therapy.

Is Everyone Required to Attend Music Therapy?

We tailor our therapy sessions at Newport Beach Recovery Center to ensure the best possible outcome. We do not require clients to attend music therapy if it will not benefit their recovery. Some people dislike music for personal reasons. For example, clients may have music-related triggers they want to avoid during early recovery.

We encourage clients to be open and honest with our care team if they feel uncomfortable about the idea of attending any of our therapy sessions. We are always willing to work around personal preferences and accommodate client needs, even if that means using alternative therapies. Our facility offers various options, including art therapy and other experiential therapies that provide similar opportunities for self-expression.

How Can Music Lower the Risk of Relapse?

Music is a therapeutic tool that continues to benefit people in treatment during aftercare and the transition between structured and independent recovery. Music can help clients avoid relapse after they complete rehabilitation by limiting the effects of symptoms like anxiety, depression, and stress. In addition, many inclusive music communities exist where people can share their interests with others and build healthy social relationships. Music can also be a positive activity they can focus on during challenging moments.

Music is a universal language that has been used for thousands of years to improve mental and physical health. Current research indicates that it can be highly effective in decreasing stress and stabilizing mood when paired with other treatments like psychotherapy and behavior modification. Music therapy is a form of experiential therapy that uses body movement and mindfulness to strengthen the mind-body connection. The care team at Newport Beach Recovery Center uses music therapy to improve outcomes for clients who struggle with anxiety, chronic stress, and depression symptoms. We use songwriting, singing, instruments, and other musical tools to help our clients practice self-expression and improve self-confidence. The care team works with outside experts in the musical field to ensure clients have access to the best possible tools and resources during treatment. To learn more, call Newport Beach Recovery Center today at (855) 316-8740.

Benefits of Addiction Treatment in Newport Beach

A sunset with palm trees in the foreground.

 

Newport Beach, California, offers a diverse and welcoming community where clients seeking treatment for substance use disorder (SUD) can get the help they need to achieve and maintain sobriety. The many local events, activities, and resources provide a space where clients can practice coping techniques and social skills in real-world situations. Our central location offers easy access to excellent recovery resources and treatment services.

Newport Beach Recovery Center is a local facility that offers the following continuum of care:

  • Detox
  • Medication-assisted treatment (MAT)
  • MAT management
  • Residential care (RTC)
  • Partial hospitalization (PHP)
  • Intensive outpatient (IOP)
  • Outpatient treatment

We also have connections with local community groups and organizations that provide various resources.

Get the Best Treatment at Newport Beach

Newport Beach Recovery Center uses evidence-based and alternative therapies to provide clients with a family-like environment where they can receive individualized care for SUD and related mental health issues. The treatments we offer include:

  • Activity therapy
  • Art and music therapy
  • Relapse prevention
  • Motivational interviewing (MI)
  • Mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR)
  • Behavior modification
  • Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)
  • Creative healing
  • Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT)
  • Biofeedback
  • Contingency management
  • Acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT)
  • Gestalt therapy
  • Additional forms of psychotherapy

We treat most types of alcohol and drug misuse by combining appropriate treatment methods with a personalized plan that ensures clients get the tools they need to heal. Our care team collaborates closely with clients to ensure they have everything they need to maintain sobriety after completing our program.

Wrap-Around Services and Personalized Treatment

High-quality treatment is essential for long-term recovery and emotional stability. Our dedicated team goes the extra mile to connect people in recovery and their families with wrap-around services that allow them to take full advantage of the resources in Newport Beach. According to the United States Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), Wrap-around services are non-clinical services that facilitate patient engagement and retention in treatment as well as their ongoing recovery.” Those “services can address patient needs related to transportation, employment, childcare, housing, and legal and financial problems, among others. Newport Beach provides local solutions to challenges many people encounter during recovery from SUD. We connect clients with the resources they need to continue benefiting from our treatments. If we cannot provide the necessary level of care or accommodate specific needs, our team can provide referrals to the best residential and long-term rehabilitation programs in the country.

Benefits of Treatment at Newport Beach

The beautiful natural setting and nearby attractions make Newport Beach a wonderful place to attend rehabilitation. Activates in the city offer clients a unique opportunity to practice the techniques they learn in therapy. Many clients are surprised by how helpful it can be to get out of the treatment facility and interact with the general public in a structured way. The guided interactions allow clients to familiarize themselves with how their coping skills will relate to stressors in real-world environments.

According to research published in Addictive Behaviors, “Self-efficacy was found to be a strong predictor of…coping behavior, level of performance, and perseverance in the face of difficult problems.†We provide day outings, family events, and peer activities to encourage clients to venture into the local community, where they can make social connections and improve their self-efficacy. Clients often feel more confident about their ability to maintain sobriety during aftercare if they have positive experiences in social settings during treatment.

Taking Advantage of Local Recreational Activities

The many local activities, including surfing and whale watching, provide excellent resources for personalized recreational therapy, adventure therapy, and gender-focused group outings. Some of the sober activities in Newport Beach include:

  • Outdoor activities
  • Meals at local restaurants
  • Attending nearby theme parks
  • Sports events
  • Local volunteer opportunities

Treatment is about growing, healing, and embracing new experiences. Clients can learn to establish and maintain healthy routines while coping with daily stressors by spending time in the local community.

Why Choose Newport Beach?

Newport Beach, located in Orange County, offers a close-knit community that provides multiple levels of support for individuals in recovery. Orange County provides Crisis intervention, assessment and evaluation; individual, group and family counseling, HIV education, pre and post-test counseling, and voluntary testing. Clients in our sober community can utilize the many county and city resources for themselves and their family members.

Continued Local Support for Alumni

We always support our alumni and continue to offer information on local resources, including referrals to therapists, doctors, and community groups. Newport Beach, California, has advocacy groups and peer-led organizations designed to help people in recovery meet basic needs like housing and job placement. We connect alumni with whatever services they might benefit from during aftercare.

Newport Beach, California, is a vibrant and inclusive community with a wide range of sober activities and recovery resources. Community-based self-help and 12-Step groups, holistic therapies, and healthy activities provide an excellent backdrop for treatment at Newport Beach Recovery Center. We incorporate multiple local activities into treatment, including whale watching, surfing, and community events. We believe it is essential for clients to practice their coping skills in real-world situations to build confidence and self-awareness. Our team collaborates with clients to find the perfect local activities to support their rehabilitation. The personalized treatment plans we offer at Newport Beach Recovery Center ensure that you can access a range of therapy options, including holistic and community support. To learn more about our facility and the programs we have to offer, reach out to our office today by calling (855) 316-8740. We can help you find local resources that support continued recovery.

How Are Individualized Treatment Plans for Substance Abuse Created?

A person writing on paper with a pen.


The care team at Newport Beach Recovery Center goes above and beyond for every client to ensure they receive the resources, support, and continued care they need to achieve and maintain sobriety. Our services include a comprehensive individualized treatment plan created through collaboration between the care team and the client. 

According to the United States Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), “Among the first steps involved in substance use disorder [SUD] treatment are assessment and diagnosis.†Our care team creates treatment plans after a detailed admission assessment, verified diagnosis, and discussions between the client and care team to determine the best treatment approach. We can adjust treatment plans as necessary during rehabilitation.  

Comprehensive Admissions Assessment 

Newport Beach Recovery Center requires every new client to undergo a comprehensive admissions assessment to ensure clients receive treatment relevant to SUD and related conditions. Some of the areas we assess include: 

  • Dietary needs 
  • Recovery goals 
  • Motivations for change 
  • Mental health history
  • Family history of mental health or substance misuse 
  • Diagnosed disorders
  • Possible undiagnosed disorders
  • Details about previous treatment for substance misuse 
  • Trauma assessment
  • Medical history
  • Social network/ support
  • Legal history

The assessment allows us to determine what factors will impact recovery and how best to treat the SUD and any co-occurring disorders.

Dietary Assessment 

We check dietary requirements for each client and also assess their current dietary health to determine if they require nutritional supplements or counseling as a part of their treatment. Many individuals in recovery have physical health problems caused by a lack of proper nutrition during substance misuse. Essential vitamins and minerals can also directly affect mood and mental health. We assess clients to see if they show signs of deficiencies and then incorporate any necessary dietary supplements into their treatment plan. The care team can help clients establish sustainable eating habits through skill development and health education. 

We do not currently treat active eating disorders. However, our team can provide referrals to facilities that treat eating disorders and co-occurring conditions. 

Setting Realistic Goals 

Recovery goals are only effective if they are realistic and attainable within the treatment time frame. Most people attend structured treatment programs somewhere between several months and several years while gradually transitioning through the various levels of care. We adjust each treatment plan as needed to meet recovery goals and ensure clients can complete those goals within the time frame of treatment. 

Common attainable goals include: 

  • Reaching specific milestones in sobriety 
  • Achieving particular goals in therapy
  • Achieving physical health goals
  • Becoming emotionally stable

Goals will evolve as recovery progresses. According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), “As clients move through different stages of recovery, treatment must move with them, changing therapeutic strategies and leadership roles with the condition of the clients.†The personalized treatment our team provides makes it easy to adjust the methods we use throughout treatment.

Identifying Motivations

Determining client motivation is one of the essential steps in creating an individualized treatment plan. Once we know what will help a client continue making progress, we can use those motivations during therapy to encourage personal growth. Motivations can sometimes change drastically during treatment as clients become more self-aware and begin to shed irrational beliefs or maladaptive thought patterns. We monitor clients throughout treatment, adjusting the plan as necessary to maintain client engagement. 

How We Assess Treatment Goals 

After the admissions process the client and their case manager collaborate to create treatment goals and a plan to meet these goals that specifically meet their needs.

Typical treatment goals include: 

  • Maintaining sobriety 
  • Decreasing or eliminating symptoms and side effects 
  • Mental health stabilization 
  • Physical recovery 
  • Repairing close relationships 
  • Gaining insight and knowledge of addiction and recovery 
  • Building a strong foundation free of substance abuse
  • Learning coping skills

Our team regularly has one-on-one check-ins with the client to ensure they feel confident in the direction of their recovery and have all the tools they need to transition smoothly to the next level of care.

Why Is Collaboration Essential to Treatment Planning? 

We collaborate with each other and the client to ensure we identify and address all possible issues related to their treatment and recovery. We treat the whole person and not just the substance misuse, which means our team will have in-depth discussions with the client to determine their personal goals and how we can best support them. A positive relationship with the client is essential to ensure an open line of communication during treatment. 

Personalized treatment options available at our facility include: 

  • Recreational activities preferred by the client
  • Group therapy to address specific issues 
  • Individual psychotherapy and trauma therapy 
  • Prescription medication if necessary
  • Detox and withdrawal support

Every client deserves to receive care personalized to their individual needs. We collaborate with clients to give them more control over their own recovery and treatment. The dedicated team at Newport Beach Recovery Center believes everyone deserves access to high-quality, individualized care that will increase the effectiveness of treatments. 

Individualized treatment plans enhance the effectiveness of treatment and improve the outcome for people recovering from substance misuse. We create these plans using comprehensive assessments conducted during the admissions process. In addition to assessments, our team regularly performs progress check-ins to determine if the treatment plan needs to be adjusted in any way. Treatment plans often involve therapy, alternative treatments, prescription medication, peer support, and family involvement in recovery. The care team at our facility uses many resources and treatment methods to create a tailored solution to meet each client’s needs. Personalized care ensures that clients have access to essential services that give them an advantage over other programs. To learn more about our facility and the programs we offer at Newport Beach Recovery Center, contact us at (855) 316-8740. We have the tools you need to combat addiction and retake control of your life.

Approaching a Loved One for Individualized Treatment

Two people holding hands on a table


Helping a friend or family member prepare to attend individualized treatment comes with unique challenges. You want to help your loved one. However, they might not even see a problem with how they behave. Sometimes the consequences of addiction are not visible to people with substance use disorder (SUD) until after they begin to heal. 

Your friend or family member may feel ambivalent or hostile toward the idea of treatment. Achieving and maintaining sobriety requires active participation in treatment. The dedicated team at Newport Beach Recovery Center can help clients find the motivation to overcome ambivalence once they begin treatment. Convincing your friend or family member to attend treatment is not always easy. We can help you prepare for that conversation. 

Does Your Loved One Require an Intervention?

A person may be physically and mentally unwell to the point where they require residential treatment or hospitalization without seeing any issues with their lifestyle. You cannot force someone to recover from SUD. Even though it can be heartbreaking to witness, sometimes a person needs to hit rock bottom before they will accept help and do the hard work to achieve sobriety. 

In some cases, family interventions can be a wake-up call that helps a person with SUD see their addiction more clearly by showing them:

  • How substance misuse affects family relationships 
  • The damaging effect on mental and physical health 
  • How substance misuse has interfered with career or educational goals 
  • Changes in behavior and mood
  • The impact of financial or legal issues caused by substance misuse

Early intervention and treatment is the best way to help a loved one struggling with addiction. According to the United States Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), early intervention is “for addressing substance misuse problems or mild disorders and helping to prevent more severe substance use disorders.†Newport Beach Recovery Center can help you get the resources you need to communicate effectively and stage an intervention when appropriate. 

Interventions can be essential because they provide an outside perspective of the situation. Laying out the issues and providing a range of treatment options can allow the person struggling with addiction to come to terms with their condition. Interventions are not always the best choice and may not work for some individuals. If you are uncertain about bringing up the topic of treatment to a loved one, call Newport Beach Recovery Center today to get support and information about intervention resources.

How Can Individualized Treatment Help Your Loved One? 

Your loved one has a disorder that compels them to act on self-destructive tendencies. Individualized treatment addresses not only the substance misuse but any underlying conditions that contributed to the development of the disorder. Identifying and treating possible issues related to their mental health and SUD decreases the risk that they will relapse and return to maladaptive behaviors. Most people who attend individualized treatment have better outcomes in the long run.

Are Family Members Involved in the Recovery Process? 

Family members can have weekly contact with their loved ones throughout the recovery process, and in later stages of rehabilitation, they might be more directly involved in family therapy. However, most families have limited contact during treatment to allow their loved ones to focus entirely on healing and stabilizing their mental health. 

Having weekly contact and showing unconditional love, support, and encouragement can help motivate clients to make positive lifestyle changes. Family involvement in aftercare can provide essential support, and family members should educate themselves on how best to help their loved ones when they enter a treatment program. 

A few ways family can help during treatment include: 

  • Weekly calls or messages to show support 
  • Providing comfort for the children of individuals in recovery 
  • Volunteering to assist with monitoring pets or house sitting to decrease stress for the person in recovery 

According to Social Work in Public Health, “Education with the family about SUDs, their development, progression, and treatment” can help facilitate family involvement. “When family members have appropriate education and treatment for themselves, they can play a significant role in the abusers’ recognition of the problem and acceptance of treatment.†Newport Beach Recovery Center offers family education, and our team will answer any questions about the treatment and recovery process. 

How Should You Support Your Loves One During Treatment? 

Family involvement is often limited during the early stages of treatment while the care team works to help your loved one stabilize their physical and mental health. In most cases, facilities like Newport Beach Recovery Center will facilitate weekly or biweekly phone calls or video calls – with a therapist present – to begin addressing any unhealthy family dynamics and to allow clients an opportunity to reconnect with their close family and friends. 

We understand how painful it can be to watch a loved one struggle with addiction. You feel helpless and uncertain of how to get them the treatment they need. Once your loved one agrees to attend a treatment program, you must help them prepare for individualized treatment, which comes with its own challenges. Whether your loved one has never participated in therapy or has gone through treatment multiple times, you can help them prepare by providing unconditional love and support. Having family members willing to support the treatment process can have a significant positive effect. At Newport Beach Recovery Center, we engage the family in recovery through a gradual process that allows the client time to focus on their treatment and healing from the effects of substance misuse. To learn more, call our office today at (855) 316-8740. You are not alone. We can help your family overcome addiction.

Understanding Relationships During Addiction Recovery

A family sitting on the shore of a lake.


Relationships are at the heart of every recovery journey. Motivations, goals, inspiration, and other elements essential to healing often come from personal and social relationships. Newport Beach Recovery Center understands the healing power of positive relationships. We incorporate multiple therapeutic tools in our rehabilitation programs that encourage healthy interpersonal connections during and after therapy, including family therapy and peer support.

According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), treatment plans must be adaptable because “In addition to counseling or psychotherapy, a patient may require medication, medical services, family therapy, parenting instruction, vocational rehabilitation, and/or social and legal services.†Our programs provide personalized treatment to ensure that no matter where you are in your recovery, we can help you reach the next stage. 

What Relationships Impact Recovery?

Any person you have a close relationship with can become an essential part of your recovery, and they may become an integral part of your support system. According to Substance Abuse: Research and Treatment, studies have shown that “Supportive relationships with caring family, partners, and friends — including individuals who do not use substances themselves — have proven to be helpful in abstaining and maintaining sobriety.â€Â 

You can lower the risk of relapse and decrease the severity of symptoms or side effects of substance use disorder (SUD) and co-occurring disorders by involving the people closest to you in recovery. The relationships that often impact recovery include:

  • Family 
  • Friends 
  • Social groups 
  • Co-workers 
  • Community members 
  • Therapists or counselors 
  • Peers 
  • Mentors 

Anyone who is close to you and plays a role in your life can attend family therapy and support groups to assist in your recovery. 

How Can Clients Repair Close Relationships? 

Clients who have had close relationships damaged by substance misuse can work to repair those bonds using individual and family therapy. At Newport Beach Recovery Center, we can help clients learn social, interpersonal, and communication skills to ensure they have the necessary tools to rebuild relationships with friends and loved ones. 

Some of the ways clients can fix damaged relationships include: 

  • Inviting loved ones and friends to attend events at the facility 
  • Involving loved ones and friends in family therapy 
  • Maintaining contact with loved ones during treatment and aftercare
  • Providing information to family and friends about self-help and support groups 

Education is essential, and in order for your friends and family to understand your experience with SUD, they need to have more information about the effects and risk factors associated with addiction. Our facility can provide information to families and direct them to resources in the community.

How Do You Identify Healthy or Unhealthy Relationships? 

Therapy involves analyzing various relationships and how they have impacted or been affected by your substance misuse. Learning to recognize healthy and unhealthy relationships is critical because creating a relapse prevention strategy requires you to avoid people and places that contribute to substance misuse. For example, if you had friends that supplied you with illicit substances, that relationship was unhealthy. Avoiding contact with them will reduce your risk of relapse. 

During treatment, you often have relationships with the following:

  • Family members 
  • Friends 
  • Acquaintances
  • Coworkers
  • Roommates
  • Social circles

Relationships are not always easy to quantify, especially if they involve family members. Many people in recovery have close family members with untreated mental health issues and SUD. If they want to be a part of your life during recovery, they should be willing to get help for anything they are struggling with. You will work with your therapist and care team to determine which relationships can help you move forward and which might keep you from healing. 

What Family Support Services Do We Provide? 

Newport Beach Recovery Center provides information, resource referrals, and support to families during the treatment process. We listen to their concerns and try to ensure that families have a basic understanding of the realities of addiction and recovery. 

Many family members call our office to get help with finding treatment for a loved one. We understand how frightening it can be to see someone you love struggle with addiction, and we can help. Support services include educational events for family members, family therapy, and regular contact between close family members and clients. 

How Can Relationships Affect Aftercare and Recovery? 

Aftercare can be more effective with a strong support system in place to keep you accountable, motivated, and moving forward in recovery. Relationships provide encouragement and inspiration that will help you get through difficult moments. 

Family therapy and support groups will help you maintain healthy boundaries with your family and friends during the transition between structured care and aftercare. We understand that some relationships are more complicated than others. During aftercare planning, we can help you determine the best way to approach those individuals.

Relationships can inspire positive changes and provide clients with recovery goals to work toward. The care team at Newport Beach Recovery Center will collaborate with you to create a comprehensive treatment plan. We understand that family support and involvement in therapy can enhance the effectiveness of treatment for some clients. Not every relationship is essential for treatment, and we can help you determine which relationships will benefit you during treatment and aftercare. Close friends and family often attend family therapy to support their loved ones undergoing treatment. Many relationships impact recovery, and we can help you set clear boundaries and find a healthy interpersonal dynamic with the people you care about most. To learn more about our services and treatments, call us today at (855) 316-8740. Our care team can provide education about addiction and resources to your loved ones.Â