How to Live Life Without Alcohol


Alcoholism is an addiction and it is one of the toughest for people to break. For many people, the realization that they actually haven’t had any alcohol for an extended period of time can be quite the shock. After all, many people with an addiction to alcohol realize quickly that they have lived a significant portion of their adult life with the beverage. There are countless reasons why people start drinking. For some people, it starts by drinking in an effort to make it easier to socialize. Then, it evolves to become a way for people to deal with the bad days during the week. Many people have a beer or a glass of wine as a way to wind down after a long day or to celebrate a big moment in life. Combine this with the peer pressure that many people feel during their young adulthood to drink and the ingredients of addiction are all there.

Breaking the Addiction: Dealing with Social Situations

Gradually, this evolves to become a crutch that people cannot live without. This is where the disease starts to take hold. Without alcohol, many people experience withdrawal symptoms ranging from emotional issues to shakes, sweats, and even seizures. For this reason, the early days of sobriety can be a challenge. In addition to getting past the withdrawal symptoms, many people also face the challenges of situations where they used to drink but no longer do. The social situations are some of the hardest. Showing up to an event where individuals are drinking can be difficult. For the many people who used to drink to help with these situations, it can be hard to find something else to hold in the hand instead. A soda or a glass of water just don’t feel the same. Any thoughts that simply putting the drink down would be “easy†quickly fade away. It is hard to learn how to behave in a social situation without the comfort and crutch of an alcoholic beverage.

Learning that Drinking Alcohol is a Choice

For many, alcohol almost seems like an integrated part of the adult world. One of the most helpful ways to break from this part of the world is to listen to other stories of sobriety. Learning how others deal with challenging situations can help people learn how to live a life without alcohol. Yes, alcohol was, at one point, a big part of life. It is still a major part of society, reflected in stores, on commercials, and in its presence at social gatherings. On the other hand, everyone has a choice. Part of sobriety is making the conscious decision not to drink. It is not only possible, but realistic, that it is possible to exist, live, and thrive in this world sober, despite the presence of alcohol.

Accepting What Cannot Be Changed

In order for people to succeed in this venture, it is vital to place sobriety at the top of the list. Make decisions that will make this process easier. Think carefully about the situations, the people, and the location. People must be placed in a position to be successful. Cut out the things that lead to drinking and accept what cannot be changed. It is impossible to change the past. It is difficult to change the thoughts and perspectives of other people. Simply make decisions that will ensure the decisions of the past will not be repeated. Maintain control over oneself and everything else will fall into place. That should be enough for anyone to find solace.

There Is Power In Saying No

One of the most important steps in early sobriety is learning how to say no. This is simply a must. There are going to be plenty of situations that must be avoided during life in recovery because sobriety is always the top priority. This might be a special event. These could be certain situations. It might even include specific people. This can feel like a major sacrifice but it is a necessity for maintaining sobriety. Those who are recovering need to do what is best for them. This involves saying no.

Honesty With Oneself and Others

Finally, it is very important, to be honest during the recovery process. This means being honest with others being honest with oneself. The ability to share honestly and openly about the addiction, the struggle, and the recovery is a key part of sobriety. There is no shame in overcoming a struggle. In actuality, it makes someone stronger as a person. It feels like a weight that has been lifted off of one’s shoulders. It is this change, this honesty, that often has the greatest impact of all during the recovery process. These are the keys to not only surviving but thriving, in life without alcohol.

Reach out to us if you or anyone you love is struggling with alcohol or addiction. At Newport Beach Recovery Center, we are always available to help!

How Meditation Is Beneficial In Sobriety


Recovering from addiction is a time of healing. As you make your journey from addiction to sobriety, you will start to find healing and a sense of inner peace that may have been lost throughout years of hardship. While the overall Recovery is a positive journey, there are moments where Sobriety can come with its own challenges. One way to help yourself face this is Meditation. The process of stopping yourself for a moment and clearing your mind can go a long way to keeping your recovery on track. Here’s 5 ways meditation can help with your recovery.

Reduced Stress

This is the big one and the one that probably already came to mind. As it is, life can be stressful with work, family, and other responsibilities stacking up. Recovering from addiction only adds to the stress. People often think of stress as just some passing annoyance, but stress can also lead to relapse. Meditation helps lower stress and to slow you down and explore the root causes of your stress. It’s also a great way to help bring yourself back to center when the stress of Recovery starts to get overwhelming. Taking a few minutes to focus on your breathing can help put everything back in its place.

Giving Attention to What Matters

When we star the recovery process, we are often in conflict with our past. While suffering from addiction, we aren’t only harmful to ourselves, but also others around us. The weight of that past can be a lot to work through all at once. Meditation reminds us to stay in the present moment and manage only what is before us. Being mindful keeps our energies moving forward through recovery and way from our difficult pasts. The truth is, recovering takes time and a meditative practice reminds us to focus on what’s immediate and not the mental clutter that comes from having addiction in your past.

Better Physical Health

You know the old saying “Healthy body, healthy mind.†The mind and the body are directly linked. Having a clear state of awareness will help you to build up the physical resilience you’ve been missing out on. The physical practices of mediation like deep, slow breathing can help bring your attention back to your body and help motivate you. Meditation is also linked to reduced stress which improves overall physical health greatly.

Build Inner Strength

Regular Meditation changes the way your mind works. These positive effects happen after you’ve been meditating for a while and work to strengthen your inner emotional stability. Over time, meditation helps to keep stress down and help you to handle rough emotional states even easier. Consider this building a life skill. Rather than facing stress unarmed and unprepared, meditation gives you a way to work through it and builds your inner fortifications against it.

Reconnect to a Spiritual Practice

Mediation can help reconnect you to a spiritual practice that was lost to addiction. Entering back into sobriety means reconnecting with the parts of your past that got lost along the way. If you’re looking to explore your spiritual side or even reconnect with a particular faith, meditation can be a great way to start to rebuild those practices before you’re ready to fully commit to them. This is also a great technique to pick up along the way as a means to focus on the spiritual aspects of your life regardless of your faith.

Sobriety is a journey of healing that involves rebuilding not just your body, but also your mind. Meditation can’t cure everything, but it can help get you back on track. It’s a great technique to add to your recovery program and has the added benefit of being able to be done anywhere and at any time. No matter how far along we are on the road to recovery, we all need to clear our heads sometimes. Contact us today at Newport Beach Recovery Center for more information.

5 Things To Know When You Hit Rock Bottom In Sobriety


Hitting rock bottom gives you a feeling of hopelessness, despair, and desperation. When at the lowest point in life, you feel like you’re entirely alone, and there’s no way life would ever get better. The crash is painful in every way, and this pain is what makes you take action. Most people hate to feel pain, and they will be moved to act to get rid of the pain.

The pain of being at the rock bottom can ignite your strength and bravery to do that which you thought was initially impossible. So, instead of feeling remorseful about yourself, you can take the negative stuff and turn it into your motivation and propel upwards again. The most crucial thing to do when you are down there is to reach out to people who love and care about you so they can support you emotionally. They’ll lend you a helping hand and a shoulder to cry on whenever you need.

Here are five things to know when you hit rock bottom in sobriety. These lessons will help you to learn what to do through your journey to recovery so that you can start all over again without the pressure that comes from yourself or others.

Disempowering Behaviors and Patterns Manifest

Both men and women suffer from alcohol use disorder (AUD), but women face more significant health risks like accidents, assaults, risky sexual behaviors, and various types of cancers. Hitting rock bottom triggers behavior patterns that were not conducive for your growth.

However, you can break these behavior patterns and start the journey back to your true self as you align your purpose and life back on track.

There’s Hope Even At The Darkest Moment

Rock bottom is called so for the reason that you can’t go any lower than you already are. When most people find themselves at the rock bottom, some dysfunctional behaviors finally manifest. When you find yourself at the lowest point of your life, you may find it impossible to go on in life without turning to alcoholism or turning to some form of addiction to help you go through the tough moments.

Playing under the radar of denial can create a more prominent dysfunction and a harder crash that will be almost impossible to get out from making the situation worse than before. Hitting rock bottom is a stimulus for sobriety that allows you to resolve inner personal conflicts. Many people believe that rock bottom is a prerequisite for getting sober or starting life anew.

You Can Always Learn Again

When you are at the top, say of your career, you assume that you know it all and this could be the reason why you’ve found yourself at the rock bottom. What you need to do is to eat the humble pie, learn what went wrong and learn what you need to do or where you need to make changes. Learn all that you can to move forward.

In those dark moments of despair, you cannot predict or alter what is going to happen, but it’s at this moment of life that you have more clarity of things and start to appreciate what you want in life and how you want your life to look. Just hold to the fact that it can only get better if that is what you truly want in your life.

You Appreciate What You Have

It’s at your lowest moment in life that you realize the most important things in your life. It could be your marriage or a child. Being at the rock bottom will help you to appreciate the things that you have – if you still have anything.

You can find out something that you can be genuinely grateful for no matter how small and insignificant it previously seemed to you.

An Opportunity to Recreate Your Life Again

Rock bottom can be a solid foundation which you can use to rebuild your life again. You can’t possibly go lower, and it’s when you are at the lowest you wake up and see how you’ve continually relied on the externals to make you happy.

If you want to go back on track whether it’s on your morals, your workout regimen, diet or a relationship, you can make use of the moment and make it a springboard from which you can push yourself up to the surface again.

Bottom Line

Rock bottom can mean something different for everyone. To one, it could be a loss of a job, business, a marriage, or recovering from alcoholism. These are moments that have the power to make someone feel incredibly uncomfortable as they try to figure out how to make a change. The good news is that you can get off any addiction the time you hit rock bottom.

You’ll need information, support, and love to overcome and recover. Being at the rock bottom can be a beautiful beginning of starting all over again if embraced positively. Reach out to us today if you or a loved one are struggling with addiction. Newport Beach Recovery Center will be there with you every step of the way. Contact us 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.

5 Inspiring Women in Recovery


In the world of recovery and addiction treatment, household names and celebrities have come to experience addiction and become leading women in sobriety. Despite their fallings to addiction, they were able to surpass the addiction and move forward with successful careers.

Jamie Lee Curtis

A household actress, who is known for both film and television roles of since the 1980s to present, has overcome a ten-year addiction that nearly took her life. After having an intensive surgery, she developed an opioid addiction to her prescribed pain killers. Curtis would become heavily anxious without her prescription and even embraced alcohol as a substitute to cease withdrawals until she got her next prescription. Curtis fought the battle for the next ten years, until receiving treatment that put her on the road to recovery. Since her sobriety began, she has focused her time and efforts around the addiction community and reaching out to those in need of assistance.

Drew Barrymore

Since her childhood, Drew Barrymore has experienced life in front of the camera. As a teenager, Barrymore found herself smoking pot daily and addicted to cocaine. Her addiction led her thankfully to rehabilitation a couple of years later, where she was able to grasp the addiction treatment she needed and sought recovery. Since making recovery, her acting career maximized,  and she has become a leading actress in numerous feature films, a success she accredits to her recovery. Barrymore promotes her recovery in her charitable efforts, and she is a prime example of the success that you can achieve in recovery after addiction treatment.

Demi Lovato

A loved and famed Disney Channel star, Demi Lovato battled the same peer pressures as girls her age and found stress relief through addiction in the form of cocaine and alcohol. After several years of a progressively worsening addiction, Lovato understood the seriousness of her addiction when she was unable to go for a half an hour without cocaine. At that point, she reached out for recovery assistance and was able to complete addiction treatment. She is now a leading spokesperson for addiction among teenagers. She cites the fact that recovery is an ongoing treatment and encourages teenagers that experience stress and peer pressure to utilize other outlets instead of turning to addiction.

Mary J. Blige

A hip-hop icon and a role model to women, Mary J. Blige is also a recovering addict who has become a successful leader in the Women in Sobriety community. Like many of those suffering from addiction, Blige’s journey to recovery has been a long one, since she was a substance abuse user for years to deal with childhood trauma and abuse. After seeking addiction treatment, Blige used her music as her true outlet for recovery. Even throughout her early years in her career, she was still suffering from substance abuse. She decided to take on true sobriety following the death of the icon, Whitney Houston.

Jada Pinkett-Smith

Another leading actress since the 1990s through present-day, Jada Pinkett-Smith has suffered from both substance abuse and alcohol abuse. Growing up in Maryland, Pinkett-Smith spent her early years around drugs. She even confessed to spending time as a drug dealer. While experimenting with drugs, her true addiction came in the form of alcohol, that became a daily habit. Pinkett-Smith decided that she did not want to have a career or family where she was dependent on alcohol. At that point, Pinkett-Smith took an addiction treatment and sought recovery. In 2017, she saw 20 years of recovery and is an advocate for women who are suffering from addiction.

Addiction is not subjected to only normal people. Celebrities and famous women find themselves fighting the same battles and suffering from the same struggles. These five women are role models for women across the United States and even the globe. Most of them have had careers that they suffered addiction during that time. What they have done, however, is embrace their sobriety and become advocates for addiction, shifting their role from actresses and musicians to include leaders of women in sobriety. Contact us today if you or a loved one are in need of help.

What To Do When An Addicted Loved One Refuses Help


Helping a loved one suffering from addiction is not an easy path. From substance abuse to gambling and lack of self-worth, one typically loses control of their actions and mindset as to what is healthy and what is destructive. This often leads to loved ones feeling frustrated and without hope. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, “The initial decision to take drugs is voluntary for most people, but repeated drug use can lead to brain changes that challenge an addicted person’s self-control and interfere with their ability to resist intense urges to take drugs.†Because of this, those suffering may refuse help when offered. However, facilities like drug rehabs or an addiction treatment center can provide the necessary tools and assistance to get your loved one the help they need.

But what can you do if your loved one is refusing addiction treatment? For many, the future seems bleak and options are limited. This isn’t, however, the case. Hope still exists and there are concerned professionals who want to help. Not just your loved one, but you as well through the process of recovery.

Don’t Do It Alone

Denial is a powerful weapon for someone suffering from addiction. It fuels a fire within them which states nothing is wrong and they don’t need help. Gathering other family members and friends towards the goal of helping them, however, is a powerful tool.

In addition, according to the NIDA, “There are over 14,500 specialized substance abuse treatment facilities in the United States providing a variety of care options, including counseling, behavioral therapy, medication, case management, and other forms of care.†Seeking advice and help from professionals is also healthy, for you and your loved one. Don’t be afraid to ask for help. Whether it be from other family members or even co-workers. Many have faced similar struggles and are willing to stand by your side.

Research Addiction Treatment

Understanding an addiction leads to compassion and the ability to communicate while helping prevent things like enabling. It’s common for those who have never faced an addiction to perceive overcoming addiction as a mind over matter issue. Studies over the years, however, have shown how brain waves and pathways from substance abuse are changed over time. Sometimes recovery involves medicine, while other times it can be treated with experiential therapy. Learning about these various options available and the root causes of addiction will help guide you in the right direction towards getting your loved one in a drug rehab facility which is right for them.

Establish an Open-Line of Communication

Establishing a proper line of communication is imperative. A common reaction to dealing with an addict is to shut down or show tough love through silence. While someone suffering from addiction may not listen to what you have to say, knowing they can talk to someone is extremely important. This will also help with their recovery while in addiction treatment, and once out too.

Relapsing is a very real concept. According to NIDA, “The relapse rate for substance use disorders is estimated to be between 40% and 60%. This rate is similar to rates of relapse for other chronic diseases such as hypertension or asthma.†Being able to communicate, and be comfortable doing so, will help towards preventing a relapse from occurring.

Maintain Your Health

Much like the health of your loved one suffering from addiction is a top priority, so is your health as well. Living with or trying to help an addict can affect your own health through lack of sleep, poor eating habits, stress, and much more. Boundaries are essential.

Don’t be afraid to talk to a professional regarding where to draw the line regarding your own mental and physical health. As the line can often become blurry when dealing with someone who’s suffering from substance abuse.

Seek Help from Addiction Treatment and Drug Rehab Professionals

Modern medicine has come a long way in the last few decades. This is especially true regarding substance abuse recovery. Long gone are the days of forced labor and demeaning a person towards recovery. The 12-step program, along with treatment from a psychologist and psychiatrists has become proven methods.

But it’s also been shown that treatments like music therapy, Muay Thai training, salt water, and group therapies, in addition to these proven methods, create an environment conclusive towards a healthy recovery. Discover what addiction treatment options are available, and which ones will fit the needs of your loved one suffering from addiction. In working together, your loved one suffering from addiction can get the help they need and deserve. Contact us today!

Link Between Eating Disorders and Substance Abuse


Eating disorders and substance abuse are a common phenomenon that co-exists and fuel each other.  The occurrence of these two issues is significant among young women in particular.  Several risk factors may predispose certain people to develop these two disorders and some of those risk factors are genetic. However, several variables must be considered that may cover everything from social issues, self-esteem and family history.

Risk Factors

Both substance abuse and eating disorders have shared risk factors that should be looked at.  Wide and varied factors play a role in the prevalence of this disorder. Research has linked both of these disorders to brain chemistry and family history. Other shared characteristics or risk factors include low self-esteem, depression, anxiety, and social pressures. These are all common experiences for young people and teens. These are also factors that may coincide with suicidal thoughts, compulsive behavior, and social isolation. The predisposition for these disorders is more prevalent among young women and girls.

The Mechanics and Co-occurrence of Both Disorders

As females enter puberty body image issues often emerge. These issues often cause young girls to do things to alter their body image in unhealthy ways. This often shows up in the form of either anorexia or bulimia. These are the two most common eating disorders that often coincide with substance abuse. The predisposition to developing these disorders is greatly increased based on family history and other issues like low-self-esteem. These disorders are often further compounded by a family history of struggle with these two disorders and social pressures that are part of growing up. In fact, most p[eople that struggle with eating disorders are fifty percent more likely to engage in substance abuse. Conversely, thirty-five percent of individuals that have substance abuse problems either struggle or have struggled with eating disorders.  Both of these statistics reveal that people who suffer from substance abuse issues and eating disorders have a much higher tendency towards these disorders than the general population.

The Symbiosis Between Anorexia and Bulimia and Substance Abuse

Anorexia and Bulimia are the two most common eating disorders linked to female substance abuse. An even more revealing look uncovers a link between these two disorders and the abuse of specific substances. it is not uncommon for an eating disorder to develop followed by a substance abuse problem. This is easily explained by noticing the prevalence of eating disorder followed by the abuse of substances like emetics, laxatives, and diuretics. The desire to control body image often leads a person to abuse these types of substances as a way of gaining greater control. However, there are circumstances where substance abuse and eating disorders may begin at the same time and the substance may have little to do with the eating disorder. Instead, the substance may be a coping mechanism used to drown out unpleasant feelings. In situations like these, people who struggle with both of these disorders often choose alcohol, amphetamines, heroin, and cocaine.

A Move Toward Treatment and Healing

As with any issue, early intervention is always preferred. Even though this doesn’t always happen, it’s still possible to overcome both of these disorders.  However, dealing with both of these issues does require treatment that will effectively address both at the same time. This is why Women Addiction treatment must include a plan that focuses on both disorders and the way these two disorders co-exist. This can be tricky because most treatment centers that deal with eating disorders have programs to help with OTC drug abuse but few adequately handle or address medical detoxification. Often this is a need for many patients as well. Fortunately, the link between these two disorders has gained a lot more awareness and many treatment centers are moving towards programs designed to adequately treat these two disorders.

Although many people of all ages struggle with both eating disorders and substance abuse issues, these two disorders are more prevalent among young women and girls. Addressing these issues in an effective way requires an in-depth understanding or all the risk factors and how they come together when both of these disorders are present. Effective treatment is dependent on a focus that doesn’t rest on one disorder but explores both independently and collectively. Contact us today for further help!

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 itâ€-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.

7 Tips for Women in Early Substance Abuse Recovery


Starting out on the road of recovery can be filled with challenges.  You’ve taken the most important step when you stopped drinking or using drugs but everything in your life is now new.  You may be seeking out new friends, starting a new job or developing a new daily routine.  All while working hard to prevent having a relapse.  Each one of these situations can produce stress.  Combined together, you have a recipe for anxious moments.  This puts women in early sobriety at greater risk for relapse.  It is estimated that 90 percent of those recovering from substance abuse have a relapse.  While your primary desire may be to stay sober, even the strongest people must develop skills to prevent relapses and deal with stress.  Professionals recommend that you change your social circle and the places you go to.  This makes sense when you consider that if you want to create a new path for yourself, you need to leave the old path behind.  To help you on your journey, we’ve compiled some tips based on scientific research.

Change Your World

When you are embarking on the journey to discover what recovery means to you, you are essentially creating a new world for yourself.  You’re creating new patterns and people in your life.  Developing new friendships and changing where you spend your time will play a large role in preventing relapse and smoothing your transition into a new way of life.  You may find yourself spending more time with your family by planning special outings or evenings together.  For others, developing a structured daily routine helps ease anxiety and helps to avoid situations that could let to a relapse.

Develop Solid Relationships

When you enter recovery, it may seem like a new world.  Having friends who understand the transition you are going through is important.  They can help when you are frightened or uncertain.  Having a friend to call on when you are angry or down will help keep you moving forward.  Participating in a support group surrounds yourself with people who understand the pitfalls that await individuals in early recovery.  In fact, people who have enjoyed recovery for many years will share that they still face challenges.  Anyone who is new in recovery can learn from their coping strategies and apply them in their own lives.

Start Moving

Periods, often years, of using can take a toll on your body.  Incorporating regular exercise into your daily regime will pay off by improving your health and your emotions.  Exercise is well documented to relieve stress and balance mood.    This supports your desire to constantly improve yourself while preventing triggers that lead to relapse.

Prioritize Self Care

Caring for ourselves is not a priority for women.  We are raised to nurture others but often don’t nurture ourselves.  Things like a luxurious bath or a long walk are generally not things we think about in a fast-paced world.  They are, however, exactly the things that will keep you sane as you move through recovery, process raw emotions and figure out your future.  Taking care of yourself can relieve stress and anxiety.  You can also use these moments to just ‘check in with yourself’ and see how you are doing.  Small quiet moments doing things that nurture yourself keeps you in touch with your emotions and makes you aware of any triggers lurking to take you off the right path.  Spend some time with self-care because no one else will.

Write it Out

While, at times, you may feel shame or guilt over your past actions, if you allow them to, those emotions will hinder your recovery.  One way to progress and work through the emotions that are crowding you is to search for ways to manage swirling thoughts.  Professionals recommend writing about your feelings.  Getting them on paper gets them out of your head and lets you process.

New Work

When you leave female addiction treatment, you’ve already begun recovery.  To maintain your new outlook, get a job.  Many people leaving treatment will either be unemployed or underemployed.  This is a good time to look for a new job.  Not only will you have a method of income, but you’ll also meet new people and discover new skills.  Take care of yourself, though, as stress related to a new job can trigger a relapse.

Make Honesty a Priority

As you journey along the path of recovery, prioritizing honesty with yourself and others helps everyone.  By sharing your story with others in your support group, you’re sharing the common struggles that you all have.

These are just a few ideas to keep you going in early recovery.  You’ll find some strategies work better than others to prevent triggers and keep you sane.  The important thing is to keep working at it.  You’re worth it!

Call us today to continue on the strong path of recovery. We pride ourselves in always being able to help.

Choosing the Right Drug Rehab for You


Alcoholism is a baffling disease that affects people from all walks of life. Even when someone is aware that they have a drinking problem, it can be virtually impossible for them to give up alcohol, unless they are committed to changing their lifestyle and have a strong support system. An addiction treatment center offers a residential setting, counseling sessions, and group meetings that will assist with the recovery phase.

Receive A Recommendation

A doctor or psychiatrist can assist a patient in locating a treatment center that offers a variety of services and individualized treatment plans. Some treatment centers are expensive to attend, but this does not necessarily mean that a client will receive the level of care that they need. An expensive center may offer luxury accommodations, but be understaffed or not require each resident to attend alcoholics anonymous meetings on a daily basis.

There are, however, some expensive treatment programs that have received rave reviews, but a less expensive center may also be highly recommended and could be a better fit for a person. An individual needs to decide the length of time that they are willing to commit to their recovery, the distance that they are able to travel, and the amount of money that can be invested in a treatment plan.

A caregiver will provide a list of the top drug rehabs that are located within the area that a patient has specified and may provide a brief overview of each establishment. The decision is ultimately left up to an individual, but it may be helpful to hear what a doctor thinks about each facility.

Contact A Few Rehabs & Do Your Research

It can be intimidating to contemplate how different things will be once in a treatment facility and a person who is struggling with an addiction may be worried that their personal needs won’t be met. The best drug treatment centers welcome newcomers to contact the director of a facility to ask questions or request some detailed information about the services that are offered.

For example, if an individual has been diagnosed with two or more conditions, they need to know if there are counselors available who can aid them with each part of the diagnosis. Sometimes, alcoholism becomes apparent after someone has dealt with depression or grief. Learning what triggers the urge to drink alcohol can assist with coping when cravings occur.

It can also be beneficial for someone to voice their fears during personal counseling sessions with a psychiatrist or counselor and this can help a client feel as if their problems aren’t as complex as they initially were. Intensive treatment often involves receiving help with withdrawal symptoms, attending individual and group counseling sessions, and attending daily meetings with other addicts.

Learn About What Each Program Offers Daily

A prospective client can acquire information about the daily schedule that they will be given when they enter a treatment facility. The top addiction treatment programs may offer family meetings and support sessions that will assist in resolving conflicts between relatives or strengthening relationships that were previously damaged because of alcohol abuse.

Residents may be required to clean their personal living space and assist with daily chores in common areas that are shared by the residents. Free time will also be available and these sessions can be used to read, write in a journal, or reflect upon the day’s activities.

When family members are included in a treatment plan, a patient may have a better chance of overcoming their addiction because they will have the support that they need and deserve. People who are part of an addict’s recovery plan will learn about addiction and what to expect as their loved one makes changes in their personal life.

Let Newport Beach Recovery Center Help You Find the Best Rehab for You

Newport Beach Recovery Center prides itself on helping anyone who contacts them, regardless of if you end up in our program or not. Our goal is to make sure all those seeking treatment and recovery find a path to the treatment that fits their individual needs. Call us today or contact us to learn more about how we can help you or a loved one overcome substance abuse for good.