Learn The Benefits of Getting Sober

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. 

We’re Here to Help

At Newport Beach Recovery, we are a drug and alcohol rehab center located in Costa Mesa, CA. We are here to serve individuals and families who are struggling with addiction throughout the local area. We know trying to beat addiction can be intimidating, but with the help of us, it’s completely attainable. Please contact us today to learn more about our services!

Influential Women Who Got Sober

influential women who got sober
Fame: a blessing and sometimes a curse. Celebrities in the spotlight have the great gift of being able to use their voice to influence people but can also feel like they’re under a microscope. With society watching their every move, it can be difficult to admit they have a problem with substance abuse because everyone expects them to be perfect. But addiction doesn’t discriminate, influential women suffer from addiction as well. Below are ten beloved influential women who are sober.

Oprah Winfrey

Many people are surprised to hear that Oprah Winfrey is in recovery. She’s admitted on her talk show she struggled with cocaine addiction in her early 20s. She has since sought sobriety and has been living in recovery ever since.

Jamie Lee Curtis

Jamie Lee Curtis starred in many notable movies such as Halloween and The Fog. She’s also known as one of the original Scream Queens. Throughout her career, she managed to succeed in genres outside of horror unlike many of her colleagues. During her career, she also elected to undergo plastic surgery. Painkillers are commonly prescribed to patients after surgery and ultimately were the catalyst for her addiction. She’s been quoted saying once she saw how her drug use affected her daughter she decided to get sober. 

Jada Pinkett Smith

As far as the public is aware Jada Pinkett Smith has it all: a tight-knit family, a strong career, and seemingly ageless beauty. There was a point in time where she was drinking two bottles of wine a night and realized she had demons to overcome. In sobriety, she learned there are other tools to deal with pain. 

Drew Barrymore 

Drew Barrymore grew up in the public eye. She was seven years old when she filmed the movie E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial. She started to experiment with drugs and alcohol while in the spotlight during the age of 9-12. She was able to overcome addiction and continues to act to this day while still looking amazing. 

Demi Lovato

Within the past few years, Demi Lovato has made tabloid headlines. She publicly relapsed in July 2018 after being sober for six years and has a dual diagnosis. This is when someone struggles with mental illness and substance abuse. In addition to her dual diagnosis, she battles with bulimia and self-harm. She’s been very open with the public about her struggles in hopes her transparency will help others.

Eva Mendes 

Eva Mendes became the subject of envy when she married Ryan Gosling. In 2008 she entered rehab and opened up about how she recognized she was in a life or death situation. It takes great strength to realize you need to seek help.

Edie Falco 

Edie Falco is most recently known as Nurse Jackie, a hospital nurse addicted to painkillers. She also used her own life experience to help her relate to the character’s addiction. With over a century of recovery behind her, she says the support from her family and friends has helped her the most.

Kelly Osbourne

Kelly Osbourne is one of the original reality TV stars. The Osbourne family provided MTV with a lot of laughs but Kelly also spent time watching her father suffer from the effects of drug and alcohol abuse. She became addicted and sought out recovery while her parents were experiencing life-threatening health problems. She’s now been living clean and sober for several years. 

Nicole Richie 

Nicole Richie is the daughter of a celebrity but became famous herself after appearing on a reality TV show, The Simple Life. Experimenting with drugs and alcohol as an adolescent led to addiction in her 20s but she found recovery after being arrested and seeking treatment.

Eliza Dushku

After fighting demons in Buffy the Vampire Slayer she battled her own addiction to drugs and alcohol. It was a harsh wake-up call when her brother told her that she couldn’t see her niece while she was under the influence. Eliza is now sober and openly talks about it to help other people struggling with addiction. 

If They Can Do It, You Can Do It Too 

Newport Beach Recovery Center is dedicated to helping those who struggle with addiction. We believe our gender-specific facility in sunny Orange County is a safe space for women to heal. We hope you find comfort in knowing you’re not alone and help is out there. Please reach out if you or a loved one is battling with substance abuse.
Discover The Benefits of a Gender-Specific Rehab

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.

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.

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!

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.

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.

Understanding Relapse

Addiction can be viewed as a disease, and just like other diseases, understanding one’s health issues and admitting that they need to be addressed and creating a plan for recovery are steps to help overcome addiction. A relapse occurs when an individual who has done the good work of undergoing an alcohol or substance abuse program once again begins using drugs or alcohol. The National Institute of Health notes that although there are now “US Food and Drug Administration–approved treatments for nicotine, alcohol, and opioid addiction, more than two-thirds of individuals are known to relapse after initiating treatment for substance use disorders.”

Some challenges in recovery include addressing past traumas and co-occurring disorders, exploring issues that need to be examined and re-envisioned, modifying behaviors, and developing and implementing stress management techniques.

It’s important to look at relapse as a chance to learn and to grow rather than as a failure. A balanced perspective, patience, and sympathetic overview of the situation can all be aids to personal growth and to re-committing to recovery. Rehab, counseling, and support groups may be quite useful to help to teach new stress management techniques, and help to supply encouragement and feedback while the person working on wellness practices incorporating new techniques in an organic and well-organized way.

Reasons an Individual May Relapse

Relapse is a common fear of people in recovery because committing to giving up drugs and alcohol can be quite challenging. The reality concerning recovery is that it is something that needs to be re-committed to every day, and this is especially true when working through the early period of sobriety. Some common issues that may lead to relapse include:

Early Days: Many people face the challenge of relapse when going through withdrawal and the first year of recovery.

Triggers: Revisiting old environments that the addict spent time in while using, and interacting with acquaintances and friends who are still using drugs and alcohol can provide temptation to give in to addiction.

Challenges: One of the challenges to recovery is of everyday routines, such as returning to work and chores and responsibilities; the previous routines may be overwhelming for some people right out of recovery.

Stressors: Whether moving to a new dream home or facing a lay-off at work, emotionally charged events can cause issues for individuals overcoming addiction.

What to Do If a Relapse Occurs

Re-examine triggers and stressors, such as people, places, events, and anniversaries that may set off a renewed episode of drug or substance abuse. Utilizing this awareness, the individual working through addiction issues can use their own insights or, with the aid of a counselor, develop a plan to avoid falling back into issues of alcohol or drug abuse the future.

A relapse can be an invitation to explore different types of treatment, consider the frequency of treatment sessions, and take into account the occurrence of other health and psychological concerns that may be affecting therapy.

Re-commit to sobriety by drawing up plans to utilize resources. These can be supportive individuals, safe environments, and exploring counseling, therapeutic modalities, and sober living peer programs.

Work with medical professionals to find medications that can help during detox, times of the great pressures, or while learning new techniques to healthy living.

It’s not uncommon for people to relapse a number of times before finally coming to long-lasting sobriety. Research shows that with each effort towards recovery, an individual’s probability of long-term sobriety increases. Many relapses transpire when addicts are still in the early stages of withdrawal. The good news is that the risk of relapse steadily decreases. Consider the viewpoint that relapse is imparting important lessons about what one can do to increase the odds of successful sobriety the next time.

Implementing a Recovery Plan

Awareness: Be aware of the triggers that can challenge sobriety and implement rewards when successfully overcoming them.

Allies: When you are trying a new activity or an old challenge, consider asking for help from an ally if it is possible.

List: Create a list of rewards and things that bring pleasure, such as entertainment, hobbies, engaging in the arts or sports that the person working towards recovery can turn to for inspiration, comfort, and enjoyment.

Celebrate Sobriety Milestones: Whether it’s a day, month, or decade, honor the good work of wellness and recovery.

Preventing Future Relapses

Relapse may be a common part of recovery, yet it’s challenging not to be discouraged by this setback. The recovering addict may feel sad to let down people who are encouraging and helping one work towards sobriety.  People may suffer guilt, embarrassment, and shame at using again, and feel overcome by the challenges of committing to sobriety once more, but this needn’t be the case.

The National Institute on Drug Abuse suggests that treatment address the whole person, with continuous evaluation and modification, just like the approach taken for other chronic diseases.

If you or a loved one are struggling with addiction, do not be afraid to reach out. Newport Beach Recovery Center is here to help. Contact us today to receive more information and to talk to an addiction treatment professional.

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.