Sober Activities to do While in Newport Beach

When people who have struggled with addiction finally break free, it is important to come up with new hobbies and activities that will prevent someone from relapsing to the world of alcohol and drugs. While some people might think that alcohol is a social lubricant that is required to have fun, this is far from the truth. In reality, there are plenty of fun activities in Newport Beach that everyone can enjoy! Take a look at a few of the top activities in the local area that are fun while sober. Then, when people come up with new hobbies, they will have an easier time retaining their sobriety in the years to come.

Explore the Local Area

One of the most important points that people should keep in mind is that it is fun to explore. Exploring the local area can be seen as a metaphor for exploring sobriety. There is so much to life that people missed while they were struggling with an addiction. Now, with that newfound sobriety, people will have the opportunity to experience it. The Surfliner train provides everyone with gorgeous views up and down the coast. It provides easy access to some of the top destinations in the local area. There are plenty of chances to take breaks and explore the area along each and every stop! Think about checking out the piers, beaches, and even the local zoo! There is plenty of shopping to look at as well.

Options for Thrill-Seekers

Many people are looking for a way to get their adrenaline rush even while sober. Fortunately, there are plenty of ways to do this as well. Those who live in the local area know that there are plenty of theme part opportunities. Some of the top parks in the area include Sea World, Six Flags, Disney Land, Universal Studios, and more! There are even discounted ticket rates available for those who plan ahead! There are plenty of energetic rides for people of all ages. For this reason, families, couples, and individuals flock to these theme parks throughout the year to make sure they take advantage of everything these parks have to offer. Most of them tend to open up a new ride every once in a while as well!

Sports in the Local Area: Orange County

Sports are a major part of the culture of the local area. Therefore, there is always a sporting event going on that people can catch with their friends. There are plenty of Major League Baseball teams throughout the local area including the San Diego Padres, the Los Angeles Angels, and the Los Angeles Dodgers. Of course, there is football during the fall as well as the NBA during the summer. Therefore, there are plenty of sports from which to choose. Make sure to go with a crowd and take in the sights! These stadiums also tend to host major concerts throughout the year. Take a look at the schedule ahead of time and make a plan to take advantage of everything these large venues have to offer.

Get Outside and Explore Nature

It is also important for people to get in touch with nature. This is a great way to do some soul-searching while also enjoying the local wildlife. While the beach is a great way to explore the marine life and relax, there is also hiking available. The warm California sunshine offers bountiful hiking opportunities throughout the year. With a great pair of hiking boots and a compass, people will be shocked at the beauty of nature in the local area. Get outside and check out some of the sights furnished by mother nature.

Give Back to Orange County

Finally, many people love to make philanthropy a part of their sober life. There are plenty of opportunities to volunteer with local charities. Many of these charities help kids, families, the poor, and those with disabilities. This is a great way for people to give back to a local community that has helped them find sobriety. Of course, during sobriety, it is just as important for people to help themselves as well. It is important to work with trained professionals to make sure that everyone is on the road to recovery.

Contact Newport Beach Recovery Today to Learn More

Anyone who is looking for professional assistance during the addiction recovery process should contact Newport Beach Recovery today. Newport Beach Recovery is located in beautiful Costa Mesa, CA. They specialize in the treatment of drug and alcohol addiction from start to finish. This is a great way for people to come up with a plan for life during recovery. Their professionals are highly trained and experienced in treating multiple types of addiction. To learn more, please visit the website today.

How to Quit Xanax & Deal With Anxiety in Recovery

Xanax is a prescription medication that is designed to help you deal with overwhelming anxiety. Unfortunately, many people who are prescribed this medication love the comfort that they feel when they take it. They do not feel stressed out, anxious or nervous, but instead, may feel more calm and relaxed. As time goes on, they may begin to abuse this medication to have a euphoric feeling. If you are addicted to Xanax, you may want to stop taking the medication but may worry about feeling anxious once you do. Here are a few tips to help you quit Xanax and deal with anxiety in recovery.

Deal With the Detox Process

The very first process of quitting Xanax is the detox process. This process can be the most challenging. Detoxing Benzos, such as Xanax, from your body is not easy. Depending on how many a day you were taking and how dependent you are on them, you may feel sick, weak and stressed out during this process. There is very little that can be done during the detox process to help you feel better. You simply have to be strong and know that this phase will pass. Always detox under the care of a recovery center or a doctor.

Exercise Regularly

Once you are out of the detox phase, you can begin the process of dealing with anxiety in sobriety. Fortunately for you, there are many ways that you can naturally cope with anxiety in a healthy manner, instead of turning to pills and medications. One of the ways that you can cope with anxiety is to exercise. Exercising regularly can help to produce endorphins, which help you to naturally feel happier and healthier. Exercise decreases stress and can take your mind off of whatever is making you anxious. It also helps you to manage your weight and look your best. Find an activity, exercise class or sport you enjoy and participate in it regularly.

Meditate and Reflect

Another great way to deal with anxiety when you are quitting Xanax is to meditate and reflect. Some people participate in meditation classes, some people enjoy yoga, some people learn healthy breathing techniques, some people write a journal and some people do a combination of these things. Taking the time to meditate and reflect provides you the opportunity to think. When you are anxious, you may be stressed out, overwhelmed or uncomfortable. Meditating and reflecting allows you to really think about why you are anxious, what about the situation or setting is making you anxious, what can be done to help your anxiety, and what you can do to avoid the scenario in the future. The breathing and meditation also allow you to calm yourself, easing the symptoms of anxiety you may be feeling.

Eat Healthy Meals

Eating healthy foods and meals can affect your entire body. Most people think healthy eating is only done for weight loss, but certain foods affect your health, including your mental health. For example, caffeine has been shown to make anxious people potentially more anxious. As such, if you suffer from anxiety, you may want to avoid or limit cola sodas, teas or coffee drinks. Upping your protein and fresh vegetable intake and decreasing your carb and sugar intake has also been shown to help those with anxiety. Lastly, consider eating several smaller meals a day, rather than a few large ones, to help you stay healthy, full and overcome your anxiety.

Get Plenty of Sleep

The final tip for quitting Xanax and dealing with anxiety in recovery is to get plenty of sleep. You are making changes to your body when you quit Xanax. As such, you may need to take a nap in the afternoon or get an hour or two more sleep overnight. Once you are sober, you will want to make sure you are still getting plenty of sleep. When you are tired, you can feel more irritated or have less patience with people and your surroundings. Ultimately, this can cause an increase in your anxiety symptoms. Making sure you get plenty of rest is one of the ways that you can naturally reduce your anxiety and cope with anxiety in sobriety.

You should never attempt any addiction treatment, including quitting Xanax, on your own. When you are dealing with an addiction, you have a better chance of overcoming the addiction with the help of a professional recovery center. If you need help for an addiction, Newport Beach Recovery can help you. We are a drug and alcohol rehab center in Costa Mesa, CA. Learn more about us and the services we offer by visiting our website today.

The Benefits of Exercise in Recovery

As your body is adjusting and realigning itself to a life without drugs and/or alcohol, it is undergoing a wide array of changes. These changes, while they are positive in the long run, may seem overwhelming and unbearable in the meantime. Following addiction treatment and entering into recovery, it is normal to experience increased feelings of stress, have difficulty sleeping, have reduced energy and experience an array of anxious moods and depression.

Addiction completely changes your body chemistry and once your body is free from these substances, you may be extra sensitive to life and its stressors. The good news is you can bring on the positivity with exercise. It has been shown that exercise in recovery has numerous benefits, including increased energy and improved mood. Whether you have recently completed addiction treatment or you have been in recovery for years, here are just a few of the benefits you can reap with exercise.

Stress Reduction

Unfortunately, stress, which is often one of the reasons for crossing the line into substance abuse, is also one of the effects of recovery. However, the relief from stress from using becomes more allusive and never really goes away, the good news is that during recovery it will fade and eventually go away. Stress is something many people deal with and fortunately, exercise in recovery is a great way to relieve stress. During exercise, there are chemicals that are released from the brain that work to combat stress, so developing a healthy routine of exercise in recovery will go a long way in helping recovering individuals return to a place of balance and calmness.

Sleep Better

Issues with getting a good night’s sleep are common, especially in early recovery. Regardless of the substance of choice, a stimulant or a depressant, stopping these substances can affect sleep. Difficulties falling asleep, staying asleep or wanting to nap in the middle of the day may result, leaving you feeling tired and sluggish. While non-habit forming products may help slightly; an even more natural and better remedy is exercise. Regular exercise is extremely beneficial in improving sleep, both the number of hours you sleep and the quality of sleep you get. Therefore, as your sleep improves, so will your wakefulness. Those who sleep more sound generally report feeling more alert and able to tackle the demands of everyday life.

Increased Energy

A common saying in many recover circles is “You have to give it away to keep it”-expending energy in the form of exercise isn’t any different. In other words, to get energy, you must give it. During exercise, the blood is pushed more aggressively to and through the heart, and your oxygen levels increase within your body. With regular exercise, the boost in your oxygen levels will significantly improve your overall energy. As your body becomes fitter, both physically and cardiovascular, the activities of daily living will become much easier to perform. You will notice that tasks are more efficiently completely and will require less energy. Incorporating an early routine of exercise in recovery can go a long way in helping those new to being clean and sober. It helps manage the demands of daily life.

 Improved Mood

Mood changes may frequently occur during the addiction treatment process. Even following detoxification, mood changes may fluctuate, especially during early recovery. It isn’t uncommon to feel on top of the world one minute and disheartened and lost the next minute. Your body is adjusting to life with the substance of choice and these changes in feels are absolutely normal. So, how can exercise help to improve the mood of those in recovery? Your mood is improved with the release of endorphins, which are a chemical that is released by your body during exercise. One commonality between substance abuse and exercise is that your body is seeking a way to produce certain feelings, such as euphoria. The good news is exercise produces endorphins that produce positive feelings, such as happiness and euphoria, but they are being released in a safe, beneficial way.

Reduces Cravings

Cravings are a mental and physical urge and compulsion to use drugs or alcohol. Cravings are a known hallmark of addiction, and they are typically the strongest during the first few months of being abstinent. Fortunately, cravings do decrease in intensity over time and the longer you are in recovery, the less you will experience cravings. Research has shown that exercise is a great way to reduce cravings as well as the substance abuse associated with the cravings. One of the theories as to why exercise is beneficial at reducing cravings is that routine exercise decreases the protein levels in the brain that are associated with drug cravings. Another theory is that the “feel good” endorphins that are released during exercise produce a similar effect to drinking or using drugs. Regardless of the reasons, exercise has been proven to be extremely beneficial in reducing cravings and the drug-induced behaviors they generally precede.

One of the best benefits of exercise during recovery is that it helps to boost your confidence. While exercising, you are doing something good for you…it doesn’t matter how fast you run, how many miles you walked or how many pounds you are able to bench. Instead, exercise provides you with a sense of self-confidence through the mere fact that you have overcome addiction treatment and now in recovery and that you have the desire to exercise regularly. So, basically, it’s not the quality of your performance, it’s what you are doing to improve your self-image.

When paving the pathway to your success for recovery, there are many beneficial activities that you can do. Exercise happens to be one. At Newport Beach Recovery Center, we can help you discover activities to help you succeed in recovery. Contact us today to speak to a professional about getting help.