What Are the 12 Steps of Recovery?

People communicating with each other sitting in circle in group therapy session.

In the journey toward overcoming addiction, recovery programs play a pivotal role. Among the various methodologies employed in this transformative process, the 12-step system stands out as a particularly effective and widely recognized approach.

Originating from Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) and now adapted by numerous recovery programs worldwide, this system offers a structured path to sobriety and personal growth.

Below, we’ll discuss the essence of the 12-step system, exploring its benefits and detailing each step to provide a comprehensive understanding of its role in addiction recovery.

What Is the 12-Step System?

The 12-step system is a set of guiding principles outlining a course of action for recovery from addiction, compulsion, or other behavioral problems.

Developed in the 1930s by the founders of Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), it has since become a cornerstone in the field of addiction recovery.

The system is rooted in the philosophy of admitting one’s inability to control their addiction, recognizing a higher power that can give strength, examining past errors with the help of a sponsor (experienced member), making amends for these errors, learning to live a new life with a new code of behavior, and helping others who suffer from the same addictions or compulsions.

Benefits of the 12-Step System

The 12-step system offers a transformative journey beyond addiction recovery, fostering personal growth, emotional healing, and the creation of supportive communities.

Personal Growth and Development

The 12-step system is more than a road to recovery from addiction; it’s a journey toward personal transformation. Participants often experience a spiritual awakening, gaining a new perspective on life. This process fosters a profound sense of self-awareness and self-esteem, as individuals confront their vulnerabilities and work tirelessly to overcome them. The steps encourage introspection and self-improvement, which are crucial for sustained recovery.

Social Benefits

One of the key strengths of the 12-step system is the community it builds. Participants join a network of individuals who share similar struggles, creating an environment of mutual understanding and support. This sense of belonging is vital for recovery, as it provides a platform for sharing experiences, offering and receiving encouragement, and learning from others’ journeys. The communal aspect of the 12-step program helps in reducing feelings of isolation and promotes shared growth and healing.

Relapse Prevention

A major benefit of the 12-step system is its effectiveness in promoting long-term recovery and preventing relapse. The steps provide practical tools and strategies for maintaining sobriety and coping with the challenges of life without falling back into old habits. By continually practicing these principles and engaging with the community, individuals are more likely to sustain their recovery and enjoy a life free from addiction.

The 12 Steps of Recovery

These 12 steps form the backbone of the recovery process, offering a structured and spiritual path to overcoming addiction.

Admission of Powerlessness: Acknowledging that one cannot control their addiction or compulsion.
Belief in a Higher Power: Coming to believe that a power greater than oneself can restore sanity.
Decision to Surrender: Making the decision to turn one’s will and life over to the care of this higher power.
Moral Inventory: Conducting a fearless moral inventory of oneself.
Admission of Wrongs: Admitting to oneself, to the higher power, and to another human being the exact nature of our wrongs.
Readiness for Removal of Flaws: Being entirely ready to have the higher power remove all these defects of character.
Request to Remove Shortcomings: Humbly asking the higher power to remove one’s shortcomings.
List of Harms Done: Making a list of all persons harmed and becoming willing to make amends to them all.
Making Amends: Making direct amends to such people wherever possible, except when to do so would injure them or others.
Continued Personal Inventory: Continuing to take personal inventory and promptly admitting when one is wrong.
Seeking Higher Power: Seeking through prayer and meditation to improve contact with the higher power, praying only for knowledge of its will and the power to carry that out.
Spiritual Awakening: Having a spiritual awakening as a result of these steps and carrying this message to others in addiction, and practicing these principles in all one’s affairs.

Overcoming Challenges

Embarking on the 12-Step System is demanding, with several key challenges. Participants must first admit their addiction is beyond their control—a step that can evoke strong emotional reactions. Delving into past behaviors and admitting wrongs can be equally painful, requiring honesty and courage.

For some, the concept of relying on a higher power is a significant mental shift, particularly for those without religious affiliations.

Last, the commitment to the program’s lifelong journey and the risk of relapse are constant challenges. Despite these hurdles, overcoming them is achievable within the supportive framework of the 12-Step System. The community within the program offers invaluable support, with members sharing experiences and encouragement.

Adopting coping strategies, like consistent self-reflection and seeking advice from seasoned members, helps navigate the program’s complexities. Making amends, although tough, often leads to significant personal growth and improved relationships.

The 12-Step System, though challenging, equips individuals with the necessary tools for a sustained recovery, enabling them to face challenges head-on and emerge with a renewed sense of strength and self-awareness.

Newport Beach Recovery: Your Path to 12-Step Success

The 12-step system offers a robust and structured pathway for individuals seeking recovery from addiction. At Newport Beach Recovery Center, we understand the importance of this journey and provide our patients with optional guidance on the 12-step system, tailoring our approach to suit individual needs and preferences.

Our comprehensive care extends to both residential inpatient and outpatient programs, designed to support you every step of the way toward a healthier, sober life. If you or a loved one are looking for a supportive environment to embark on this transformative journey, we invite you to contact us today.

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What Are the Benefits of Transferring to Newport Beach Recovery Center?

Some people with substance use disorder (SUD) transition between different facilities and programs if their circumstances change. The choice to transfer can provide some clients with the care they really need. According to the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), “[A] spectrum of effective strategies and services are available to identify, treat, and manage substance use problems and substance use disorders.” Newport Beach Recovery Center offers a full continuum of care and personalized treatment options. Our facility is ideal for individuals who do not require hospitalization while still needing various levels of structured care.

Why Do Some Clients Transfer to Newport Beach Recovery Center?

Sometimes during treatment, a person experiences a setback or recovers faster than expected. If their current facility does not provide higher or lower levels of care, they may transfer to another treatment facility like Newport Beach Recovery Center.

A few reasons people transfer to Newport Beach Recovery Center include the following:

They experience a sudden change in their recovery
A medical or mental health professional referred them to the program
They experience a relapse or other setback that requires supervised care

No matter what stage you have achieved in your recovery, Newport Beach Recovery Center can help you continue moving forward. Our care team genuinely cares about the safety and comfort of all our clients. We will collaborate with you to ensure you have the best possible outcome.

What Treatment Options Does Newport Beach Recovery Center Offer?

The Newport Beach Recovery Center care team has your best interest at heart, and we provide only the best treatment options. We have a full continuum of care to ensure clients can work with the same people through every stage of rehabilitation. The programs we offer at our facility include:

Comprehensive psychiatric evaluation
Detox
Stabilization
Medication-assisted treatment (MAT)
Management and withdrawal
Residential (RTC)
Partial hospitalization (PHP)
Intensive Outpatient (IOP)
Outpatient
Sober Living

The treatment programs are co-ed and support people who identify as men, women, and nonbinary. However, our sober living housing only hosts men at this time. Still, we are willing to help women and nonbinary individuals find other housing accommodations. Our team ensures that anyone seeking help has access to the treatment program that will give them the best possible outcome. We believe everyone can achieve and maintain sobriety if they have the right tools.

How Can Our Services Help You Heal?

Your recovery and health are our top priorities at Newport Beach Recovery Center. We believe that everyone should have access to inclusive, high-quality services. Moreover, we prioritize personalized treatment. If you transfer to our facility from another program, we can smooth that transition and help you achieve emotional stabilization. Sometimes, we even offer access to personalized services that other facilities cannot provide.

Some of the unique addiction recovery services we offer include:

Case management
Medication management
Gym memberships
Community activities and events
Group outings
Alumni services
Aftercare planning

We will work with you to accommodate any spiritual, religious, or personal preferences or beliefs you would like incorporated into your treatment plan. In addition, we also offer trauma-focused therapy that ensures we address any underlying traumas that contributed to your disorder. Our team can help you identify problem areas and find healthy solutions.

Long-Term Recovery, Aftercare, and Alumni Services

Aftercare is essential to the services we offer at Newport Beach Recovery Center. Our care team will collaborate with you to plan for the transition back home or into a sober living community.

Aftercare plans often include the following:

Referrals to community clinics and therapy offices
Information about local 12-Step and self-help groups
Relapse prevention and crisis management strategies

Newport Beach Recovery Center ensures every client has the tools they need to maintain sobriety after completing our programs. However, we understand that sometimes stress can build or triggers may cause some people to backslide into unhealthy thought patterns. We offer aftercare services that continue to provide support and resources to our alumni after they transition into independent recovery. Everyone needs a helping hand sometimes, and we are always here to provide our alumni with referrals or a return to structured care to help them maintain sobriety.

Newport Beach Recovery Center Believes in Your Recovery

Our team is passionate about helping individuals and families recover from substance abuse. We understand the devastation it can cause, and we want to help. All of our staff and clinicians go above and beyond to provide clients with excellent care. You can rely on us to provide you with the following:

Ethical, evidence-based, and compassionate treatment
Skill development
Psychoeducation
Relapse prevention
Gender-focused therapy
An inclusive and welcoming environment for healing

We ensure all our clients have the tools and information they need to make positive life changes and maintain sobriety. You are not alone. We can help you get the support you need to heal and grow. Our team will meet you wherever you are today and guide you through the recovery process. We believe in your ability to overcome challenges and successfully achieve long-term sobriety.

Individuals who feel like they have not received the help they need from other programs may benefit from transferring to Newport Beach Recovery Center. We offer a full continuum of care that provides personalized treatment, case management, and aftercare planning, among other services. Our facility will give you access to the tools you need to successfully achieve and maintain sobriety. Additionally, we help you build up your social support system. We believe everyone benefits from high-quality treatment and a top-notch care team. You can rely on us to guide you through all the stages of treatment and recovery at your own pace. To learn more, call us today at (888) 850-0363.

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How Does Brain Chemistry Affect Recovery?

Substance use disorder (SUD) can cause chemical imbalances in the brain that affect mood, behavior, and thought patterns. In addition, brain chemistry can contribute to the development of SUD. According to the US Surgeon General (SG), addiction is “associated with changes in the function of brain circuits involved in pleasure (the reward system), learning, stress, decision making, and self-control.” Newport Beach Recovery Center uses evidence-based treatments to treat SUD and co-occurring mental health disorders.

Addiction Is a Brain Disease

The media, social stigmas, and misinformed politicians all help perpetuate the misconception that SUD is something only experienced by people with low moral character. Addiction is a brain disease, not a personal choice. SUD has zero indication of someone’s personality. Changes in the brain and body cause behavioral patterns to develop over time though.

People often struggle to combat the compulsions caused by the effects of substance abuse. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), “Drugs change the brain in ways that make quitting hard, even for those who want to.” Rehabilitation programs like those provided at Newport Beach Recovery Center provide necessary support and personalized treatment to ensure clients get the help they need to reverse chemical changes in the brain. Our brains have plasticity and can usually heal over time.

How Does Substance Abuse Change Brain Chemistry?

Your brain function is controlled by a delicate balance of absorbed or produced chemicals that affect how your demeanor. Substance abuse severely damages your brain’s natural ability to balance these chemicals. According to NIDA, “Long-term use also causes changes in other brain chemical systems and circuits . . . affecting functions that include:

learning
judgment
decision-making
stress
memory
behavior”

Too much or too little of any chemical can cause significant changes to your overall health. The regions of the brain most commonly affected by SUD include:

Basal ganglia
Extended amygdala
Prefrontal cortex

Substance abuse can alter your brain’s ability to absorb, transmit, or produce essential chemicals like dopamine. As stated by the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), “Many studies have shown that neurons that release dopamine are activated, either directly or indirectly, by all addictive substances, but particularly by stimulants such as cocaine, amphetamines, and nicotine.” In most cases, these changes are temporary, and after a period of sobriety, the brain repairs itself. However, it may take more time for some individuals, and long-term abuse of certain substances may lead to permanent changes.

How Does Brain Chemistry Affect Physical and Mental Health?

Brain chemistry directly affects your health. The way your brain absorbs and transmits certain chemicals controls how you perceive the world around you. Too little or too much of neurotransmitters can cause the following:

Mood swings
Loss or increase in appetite
Increased or decreased stress tolerance
Lack of energy
Reduced ability to empathize with others
Difficulty making decisions
Hyperactivity
Suicidal ideation
Risk-taking behaviors like continued substance abuse

Neurotransmitters contribute to brain function, emotions, and behaviors. Some of the neurotransmitters affected most by substance abuse include:

Dopamine
Serotonin
Endorphins
Glutamate
Norepinephrine

Often, psychiatric medications are necessary to return the brain to baseline. Additionally, the reward system must be retrained to respond properly to feel-good neurotransmitters.

What Are the Most Effective Treatments?

Rehabilitation for SUD often incorporates multiple methodologies. According to the HHS, “[A] spectrum of effective strategies and services are available to identify, treat, and manage substance use problems and substance use disorders.” The personalized treatment plans at Newport Beach Recovery Center incorporate a combination of evidence-based methods, including:

Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)
Prescription medications, when appropriate
Psychotherapy
Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT)

Some social activities can improve your general well-being and contribute to more balanced brain chemistry. Peer support also provides emotional relief. Healthy social interactions can improve coping skills and activate certain areas of the brain that increase positive mental health. Rehab programs can facilitate these social interactions by providing holistic therapies and group outings.

How Do Changes in Brain Chemistry Affect Long-Term Recovery?

Many behaviors and activities can lead to long-term side effects from SUD. Individuals with the following issues may experience more severe or prolonged symptoms:

Malnutrition or physical health issues caused by poor diet
Some prescription medications can interfere with brain chemistry
Sleep disturbances, including insomnia

The longer a person abuses substances, the more time it will take for their mind and body to return to a balanced state. Underlying issues like co-occurring disorders can complicate recovery and require ongoing therapy or medication. Newport Beach Recovery Center has every client participate in an admissions assessment to help our care team identify issues that might complicate the recovery process.

You Can Recover From SUD

We can successfully help clients recover from SUD. With our help, you can overcome issues related to changes in brain chemistry. Our care team collaborates with each client to ensure the best possible outcome. In addition, we offer aftercare planning and other services to connect you with essential complimentary treatments that will help you continue healing from the effects of SUD. You can learn to manage your condition. With the help of professional treatment services, you can go on to live a happy, healthy, and functional life.

Brain chemistry affects the development of substance use disorder. Substance use disorder is a brain disease and not a moral failing or indication that you do not want to get better. The relationship between chemical imbalances in the brain and maladaptive behaviors is extremely complex. Significant changes in the brain that affect certain chemicals like dopamine can cause addictive behaviors. Our brain is capable of healing our neurotransmitter levels. Newport Beach Recovery Center uses evidence-based methods to treat SUD and co-occurring disorders. In many cases, cognitive-behavioral therapy is combined with medication to help people manage symptoms. Additionally, we offer groups and holistic therapies to encourage social healing. To learn more about our treatments, call us at (888) 850-0363.

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Do Arts and Crafts Really Help With Recovery?

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 (888) 850-0363.

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Learn The Benefits of Getting Sober

Addiction is a challenging disease to manage. For a long time, people who suffered from addiction did not have access to the resources they needed to get better. Now, there has been a significant amount of research in this field that has led to the development of new diagnostic and treatment capabilities that have helped people find sobriety. Many people who have struggled with addiction for years might not know how to have fun without that addictive substance. They might not even know what life is like sober. The good news is that there are numerous benefits of sobriety that everyone should know.

What Happens When You Get Sober?

When you enter sobriety, your life is going to change drastically. You discover that you have more energy than you did in the past. You can think clearer and have a new appreciation for life. You no longer feel the desperation of doing whatever it takes to get drugs or alcohol. You are much more relaxed because you no longer have to worry about what happens when the drugs or alcohol wear off. Addiction treatment provides recovery from drug abuse and alcoholism that is going to lead to a boost in self-confidence and self-esteem.

You’re Healthier

Addiction is unhealthy and negatively affects the body and mind. Addiction to alcohol can lead to serious liver damage. An addiction to cocaine is damaging to someone’s heart. An addiction to meth will lead to the development of something known as ‘meth mouth’. This is when someone’s teeth start to rot and decay. All of this is terrible and can lead to long-term health consequences.

When you stop harming your body with toxic substances, you become much healthier. Your sleep patterns will return to normal, you’ll have an appetite again, and natural energy.

You Find Things You Love

During recovery from addiction, you can take advantage of the opportunities you’ll have to learn new things. When you’re no longer inebriated from taking drugs or drinking alcohol, you can research new hobbies or travel. One of the biggest reasons addiction treatment is successful because it gets people to change their routines. You can easily take this skill and apply it to life outside of treatment. By learning new things, you’ll stay busy, and figure out what you love to do.

You Rebuild Relationships

One of the most important benefits of getting sober is that you are going to rebuild the relationships in your life that might have been damaged by addiction. Sadly, addiction is a disease that affects the people around you. Your personal and professional relationships can become broken while you’re addicted to drugs or alcohol. Once you get sober you’ll be able to be a dependable friend and coworker again. You’ll also be able to build new relationships with the people you meet during recovery. A big component to staying sober is having a sober network. You can meet new sober people during and after addiction treatment. Support groups and 12 step meetings are a great way to build your network.

Domestic Violence: How It Can Lead To Substance Abuse

Unfortunately, it is common for domestic violence and addiction to go hand-in-hand. It is common for both men and women that engage in domestic violence to blame their actions on drugs or alcohol. When the abuser sobers up, they are often remorseful and claim they weren’t aware of what they were doing. For either the abuser or the victim, substance abuse can increase the risk of more violence. An addiction to drugs or alcohol leads to extremely intense and damaging mental and physical conditions for the abuser as well as the victim. The good news is that there is help available for the women and men that are violent or are the victims of domestic violence.

Diminished Self-Control

Substance abuse can diminish self-control and reduce inhibitions over their emotions, which may lead to domestic violence, often it’s because they are unable to cope with their inner turmoil. Alcohol and drug abuse may also make it extremely difficult for them to make good decisions about their behavior in the heat of the moment. This poor degree of self-control may easily lead to domestic violence on the part of the abuser. An addiction to drugs or alcohol alters nervous structures and chemicals in the brain; drug abuse changes personalities and changes priorities. For these reasons and many more, it is critical that they be treated for both their addiction and violent tendencies.

Are Substance Abusers More Like to Become a Domestic Violence Victim?

Studies have shown that substance abuse may increase the risk of women and men being victims of domestic abuse. Drugs and alcohol have a significant effect on your body and its various systems; substance abuse alters the thinking of the user. For instance, using alcohol creates negative effects on cognitive capabilities, which may result in those who are using to exercise poor judgment and place themselves at risk of being the victim of domestic violence. There is also evidence of a high probability that women and men who are victims of violence have substance abuse problems. Sadly, children of those who abuse drugs and alcohol are also often attacked during the abuse of a loved one. It is common for many of these children to become accustomed to these behaviors from childhood, resulting in them becoming abusers or victims of domestic violence in adulthood.

Treatment for Domestic Violence and Substance Abuse

Treatment for domestic violence and substance abuse should be integrated. Just like other co-occurring disorders, collaboration among healthcare professionals is essential in order to best address each individual condition. The trauma that is often caused by domestic violence victims generally requires different treatment options that the treatment methods for the abuser; however, when substance abuse is mixed into the factor, it is critical that the treatment methods be done at the same time for the best chances of recovery.

Because of the trauma and severity relating to domestic violence as well as the stigma that is often related to substance abuse, it is common for people to be discouraged about seeking treatment. Many people that experience domestic violence have gone through other traumas in their lives, such as sexual abuse, childhood neglect and other types of violence. For this reason, experiencing any type of discrimination can be extremely traumatic on its own, which limits their access to support and services. Since many victims of domestic violence turn to substance abuse in an attempt to deal with the trauma of the abuse, disclosing their alcohol and drug abuse to others is often the primary reason they delay seeking treatment. However, it is critical to understand that domestic violence generally results in physical and emotional injuries as well as other health problems if you do not seek help. Treatment can help you learn how to overcome being a victim of abuse, resist being the abuser and put your substance abuse behind you.

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Why it’s Important to Have a Schedule in Recovery

Being able to create and keep a schedule in recovery can make all the difference for those struggling with addiction. While it may not typically be a tactic that is at the forefront of the ideas or methods to aid in recovery, establishing routine can be the part of the process that makes addiction treatment last.

Why Having a Routine Works

· By having a schedule, there is less time for triggers and temptations. When a schedule incorporates a new way of life, the previous addiction no longer is a part of the day. There is not an opportunity to think about the vice when your schedule is full of activities and events that enrich your life.

· Establishing routine fosters productivity and eases anxiety. There is nothing better than having a checklist completed. By having a tangible schedule, you can actually see what you have accomplished during the day and look forward to what lies ahead. You can look at the checklist and feel productive. Tomorrow’s schedule eases anxiety since you know exactly what tomorrow will look like.

· Creating a schedule can encourage positive new habits. There are many parts of a person with addiction’s life that incorporate negative habits. By replacing these old habits with new hobbies and routines, a person can see how their life is positively changed by making their own meals, going for hikes or even learning a new trade.

What Should be a Part of a Schedule

Besides attending therapy and support groups for recovery, there are other ways to supplement your schedule. Given that your former life was not benefiting you, it is important to create a schedule that gives you time to grow, relax and explore.

Grow

· Learn to Cook

· Learn a Craft (knit, crochet, sewing, woodworking, etc.)

· Create a Cleaning Schedule

· Take Classes (GED, College, Languages, Exercise, etc.)

· Volunteer

Relax

· Read a Book

· Take a Nap

· Get a Massage

· Call a Friend

Explore

· Go on a Hike

· Try a New Restaurant

· Go to a New City

What Should NOT be a Part of a Schedule

Establishing a schedule is important for recovery, but there are some activities that should not be a part of this new lifestyle.

· Do not allow time to think about past habits. By incorporating an opportunity to crave what you have worked so hard to recover, you are eliminating the good things that come from creating a schedule. While you do have time to relax, make sure it allows the mind to be occupied.

· Do not become a slave to the routine. On the flip side of the previous point, do not be afraid of straying from the schedule on occasion. If someone asks to go to dinner or to a movie, do it. If you are not feeling well one day, take the day to recover.

· Do not be alone. Having a person to help you not think about your previous habits is a great way to ensure recovery. However, being alone too often gives you the chance to let your mind wander. With that in mind, do not go anywhere by yourself either in case you feel the urge to drive back to what lead you to recovery in the first place.

· Do not incorporate “friends” who were a part of your addiction. Hanging out with people that encouraged or created your previous habits cannot be a part of your new schedule. While you might think of them as friends, if they are not going to be a beneficial part of your recovery, they are not your friends right now.

At Newport Beach Recovery in Costa Mesa, we will provide the tools to create a schedule and help reclaim the lives stolen by addiction. Come see us today.

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12 Fun Things You Can Do Now That You Are Sober and Living Life in Recovery

Once you have fought your inner demons and come out victorious you can announce with pride that you are now sober! But what happens now? What can you do to fill up the time you now have available? It is important to stay active and find new things to do with yourself so you are not tempted to fall back into old habits and old ways. Here are twelve fun things you can do to celebrate your new sober lifestyle and keep your focus on your life in recovery:

1. Go for a Walk at the Park

Exercise is good for the body and the mind and going for a walk at your local park or track is a good way to stay active and to also get out and engage and interact with other people in a fun and positive way!

2. Relax at the Day Spa

Spas are not just for the ladies and whether you are going alone, with your significant other, or a group of friends, relaxing at the day spa is a wonderful way to spend some time rewarding yourself for all of your hard work.

3. Movie Night With Friends

Now that you are sober you will have more fun with friends and hanging out at the movies is a great way that you all can celebrate and find positive encouraging ways to spend time together making memories.

4. Volunteer in the Community

Many people say that after their fight to reach sobriety they feel a strong desire to help others who are in need so finding volunteer opportunities in your local area can be a great way to spend your time.

5. Weekend Beach Trip

The beach by its very nature is calming and healing so it is a popular destination for friends and family members to gather and celebrate life and all of the good things that are happening in their lives!

6. Plant a Backyard Garden

Whether you have a green thumb and want a huge backyard paradise or you are a novice and are happy with a few potted plants, gardening is a great way to focus your energies on something positive.

7. Read A Brand New Book

Reading is a wonderful way to relax and unwind and can be especially helpful for dealing with the everyday stresses of life and is a good way to destress at the end of your workday.

8. Call Family and Talk on the Phone

Oftentimes addiction causes us to distance ourselves from those we love so calling family and having a nice phone call is one way to reconnect and reclaim your life now that you’re sober.

9. Visit a Museum or Art Gallery

For the loner at heart, or when you just want a little alone time, taking a trip to a local museum or art gallery can be a fun way to pass the time and have a quiet afternoon all to yourself.

10. Have Alcohol-Free Game Night

So long as everyone agrees to the no alcohol terms, there are few things that are as memorable as game night with friends, family, food, and fun so bring out the games and celebrate sobriety!

11. Pick Up a Fun New Hobby

An important part of recovery and remaining sober is finding ways to stay busy and avoid temptations so picking up a new hobby can be a fun and very rewarding way to celebrate your new life.

12. Go See Something New in Your Area

For the traveler at heart you can satisfy your wanderlust with a simple trip to see something new in the local area you have always wanted to see before.

These are just some fun and easy things you can do now that you are sober and have reclaimed your life. Talk with family and friends and plan other fun things you can do either on your own or as a group to continue celebrating your new sober lifestyle! Newport Beach Recovery is a drug and alcohol rehab in Costa Mesa, CA where you can get the personalized treatments you need if you are struggling with addiction. Call today to learn more and to schedule your individual consultation visit and take that first step towards sobriety and living life in recovery.

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Why You Should Run in Addiction Recovery

Running Can Help Support Your Recovery From Addiction

Addiction is a difficult condition that requires careful evaluation and a treatment plan that includes a variety of methods to help the individual manage both physical and psychological issues. Running has been found to be a valuable tool for dealing with a number of issues involved in substance abuse and recovery. At Newport Beach Recovery Center in Costa Mesa, CA, we incorporate running to help manage symptoms and support our patients’ return to a healthy lifestyle.

Physical Benefits of Running

Individuals who have been abusing substances for a number of years may be faced with a number of health issues that need care. Running is a good way to build up overall health, improve cardiovascular function, enhance lung function and strengthen muscles in the back, chest and lower body. Running helps tone the body in general and improves circulation. Individuals who run are more likely to engage in other health-promoting activities like eating a healthy diet and avoiding alcohol and nicotine. Studies show that even a moderate amount of exercise can provide big benefits to your health, and running is one of the easiest ways to achieve and maintain a better physical condition.

Psychological Benefits of Running

If you’ve ever wondered about those people you see running along the street in all kinds of weather, there’s a reason they are so dedicated to their exercise regime. Running also provides emotional benefits, releasing pleasure-giving dopamine into their bodies, to help them feel more upbeat and in control. This effect can be especially important for individuals recovering from addiction, who may experience depression as a result of withdrawal from the substance. Anxiety can also be a problem for those in recovery, and running can also help with related symptoms. Running can also help to reduce fatigue and feelings of anger that many individuals deal with during their recovery from substance abuse. The feeling of being in control and power that running provides are of immense benefit to individuals in recovery, to counteract the frustration that often occurs when learning to overcome the consequences of their past behavior.

Special Benefits During Addiction Recovery

Addiction specialists understand the benefits of exercise during treatment and in the entire recovery process. Maintaining sobriety and rebuilding your life can be a difficult process, full of stress and moments of doubt. Exercise helps to manage stress and improve emotional well-being, which can be a critical help for individuals recovering from substance abuse. Medications used to manage psychological conditions found in dual diagnosis situations can have the side effect of weight gain. Running helps individuals to manage their weight better, while boosting natural body chemicals that regulate mood. In addition, running also promotes connecting with others who engage in healthy lifestyles, which is an important factor in maintaining sobriety over the long term.

Running Is A Good Exercise Choice

Running is easy and does not require specialized training. You don’t require specialized equipment beyond a good pair of running shoes. Running can be adapted to your level of physical condition. You can start slowly and build your endurance. Running can be done with a partner for encouragement and healthy competition. It provides reliable results that can be implemented whenever a difficult period or “trigger” presents itself. For these reasons, a running regime can be easily incorporated into any individual’s plan for sobriety maintenance after treatment.

Newport Beach Recovery Center Utilizes A Variety of Methods To Support Recovery

Because each person is different in their physical and psychological makeup, we understand that one method may not work as well for one person as it would for another. That’s why we employ a wide range of therapeutic modalities to help our patients discover the most successful ways to recover from substance abuse. We offer support during detoxification, inpatient treatment, and outpatient programs. Call Newport Beach Recovery Center today at 949-577-8757 to learn more about the benefits of running and other methods to support your recovery as you rebuild a normal life after addiction.

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