Technology and Addiction: Navigating the Digital Age in Recovery
Technology is everywhere, a tool that for most people is integral to daily life. Different apps, platforms and devices control how you communicate with others, connect with them, and even go about your daily life, from simple things like choosing a restaurant to more complicated things like choosing a therapist. It is important to be cognizant of the relationship between technology and addiction, as technology can be a potential hindrance to recovery, but it can also be a valuable tool depending on how it is used. How Technology and Addiction Can Be Harmful Navigating the digital age in recovery starts with understanding how technology and addiction can be harmful. Addiction rewires the brain and changes your behaviors. In the early stages of recovery, you might still struggle with these behaviors. Unfortunately, there are ways that technology can inadvertently exacerbate these behaviors with things like: It is imperative that you approach technology cautiously, as unhindered connectivity to social media or smartphones can actually lead to additional stress and triggers. How to Use Technology in Recovery Navigating the digital age in recovery extends to understanding the way that you can positively use technology in addiction recovery. Apps to Support Sobriety For starters, there are many mobile apps that you can use to give you a support system during your sobriety, especially the early stages. When used appropriately, these apps can give you the tools you need no matter where you are. Online Communities Similarly, technology can be a useful resource when it comes to virtual support groups. There are plenty of reasons why you might be unable to attend a support group in person but that doesn’t mean that you have to go without support. New technology makes it possible to find: All of these can connect you with other people who are going through similar struggles, provide a sense of belonging and a place to seek advice or share your experiences. Virtual Therapy Tangentially, virtual therapy has grown in popularity as well. For those who are in recovery and might want a specific type of support or support for co-occurring mental health disorders, there may not be qualified professionals close by. However, you can find therapeutic resources online with access to professionals who specialize in the areas you need. This makes it possible to get the resources and services that help you the most, no matter where you are located. How to Use Technology in Recovery That said, it’s important that you learn how to use technology safely, mitigating the risks of technology and addiction. With The Differents, we provide guidance on how to use technology mindfully as a tool to empower you in your recovery. As part of our luxury drug rehab, we emphasize understanding positive versus negative uses of technology in recovery, moderating your habits so that technology and addiction don’t make one another worse. Our goal is to increase your awareness of technology, recognize potential triggers, be aware of screen time and what type of content you are consuming, and find ways to support your overall recovery journey. Reach out to our team today to get started in your inpatient or outpatient treatment.
Building a Support System for Long-Term Sobriety
Each person in recovery is different in terms of what it is they need and how they get support from others. However, one of the things that remains the same is that everyone needs support in some form of another. That is why building a support network is essential to long-term stability, providing you with people who can be there when you need emotional support, a shoulder to cry on, someone who understands what you’ve gone through, or someone who can give you advice. Why Building a Support System Matters So why is building a strong support system important? Building a support network in recovery means you are more likely to: Having a support system means having people you can turn to when you are triggered, people who are there for you in the form of going for a walk, getting out of town for an afternoon, or just meditating with you. It also means having people that understand what you’re going through, people who can offer support, who may have been in your shoes before or who can give you advice on coping skills. One person can’t provide everything you need and they’re not supposed to. That’s why a whole network is so integral to your recovery because it provides you people you can turn to when you have different needs like actionable coping skills, someone you can vent to, or someone who can just sit with you. Building a Support Network in Recovery Building a support network in recovery means having multiple people or groups to whom you can turn for different things. For example: Tom is in recovery and he knows that building a support network is important because he can succeed in his recovery alone. So his support network includes his spouse to whom he can turn for intimate conversation about his feelings and support within the house. However, building a support system in recovery means more than just a spouse as that one person can’t always be his entire form of support. So Tom also has his sponsor and he can call his sponsor when he is feeling overwhelmed, triggered, or just wants to talk. Tom has a support group he goes to regularly and he knows that they are there for him and they want him to succeed. Tom has worked hard at building a strong support system and part of that has been a close coworker and a best friend both of whom are there in different circumstances, both professional and personal, to hold him accountable and to willingly participate in sober activities with him or to be the person at a work function that also doesn’t drink. In Tom’s case, his support system includes: As Tom is working on building a support system he might find that he needs more or less support at any given time and that might mean a therapist or someone else with whom he can talk, or even his doctor. Now consider another example: Sharon is currently in treatment but she is being encouraged to build a support system when she is done. So Sharon has made a list of the people she might need/want in her support system including: Sharon knows that when she leaves, her father who also has a history of addiction but has been sober for 27 years, will understand what she is going through and be there to support her while her sister is one of her best friends and is someone she knows she can call day or night. Her therapist and support group give her a different kind of help, with things like insights into personal triggers and actionable coping skills whereas her best friend provides emotional support and is happy to participate in sober activities with her. Building a Support System with The Differents At The Differents, part of our outpatient rehab is designed to prepare you for what comes next. During any level of care you will participate in support group meetings and group therapy. These sessions help you create a system of coping mechanisms you can use when you are triggered and a support network. Regular participation in support group meetings can prepare you for continued participation in local support groups when you return home. Participation in group therapy can prepare you for socialization, exposing you to other people and sober activities as well as actionable skills that you can use as part of your recovery. Call our team today to explore your options for recovery and building a support network.
How to Build Healthy Relationships in Recovery
Building healthy relationships during recovery is crucial for long-term sobriety and emotional well-being. Strong, supportive relationships help you navigate the challenges of recovery while providing a sense of community and accountability. Here are some key strategies to help you cultivate meaningful and healthy connections: Prioritize Communication Open and honest communication is the foundation of any healthy relationship. In recovery, it’s important to express your feelings, concerns, and needs clearly. Avoid keeping secrets or bottling up emotions, as this can lead to misunderstandings and resentment. Practicing active listening and empathy allows you to better understand and support others. Surround Yourself with Supportive People It’s essential to connect with individuals who understand your journey and encourage your growth. Seek out people who support your recovery goals, whether they’re fellow individuals in recovery, friends, or family members who are committed to being positive influences. Surrounding yourself with these individuals will help you stay motivated and grounded in your recovery. Set Healthy Boundaries In recovery, it’s vital to set clear boundaries to protect your well-being and maintain healthy relationships. Learning to say no when necessary and establishing limits helps prevent toxic dynamics and ensures that you prioritize your recovery. Respect others’ boundaries as well, and be mindful of how your actions affect those around you. Let Go of Toxic Relationships Some relationships may not be conducive to your recovery. If certain people trigger negative behaviors or hold you back, it’s okay to distance yourself from them. Letting go of toxic relationships can be difficult, but it’s necessary for maintaining your mental and emotional health. Surround yourself with people who uplift and inspire you. Be Honest About Your Recovery Journey Being transparent about your recovery journey fosters deeper, more authentic connections with others. Share your struggles and successes with trusted individuals. This honesty encourages mutual support and strengthens bonds with others who may be on a similar path. It also helps people understand your needs and limitations better. Practice Patience and Understanding Recovery is a long-term process, and so is building meaningful relationships. Be patient with yourself and others as you navigate this journey. Everyone is at different stages of their recovery, and it’s important to allow room for growth. By being patient and understanding, you contribute to the healing of both yourself and those around you. Engage in Healthy Activities Together Participating in positive activities with others can help build stronger relationships. Whether it’s attending support group meetings, exercising together, or engaging in hobbies, these shared experiences foster a sense of community and mutual support. Enjoying life’s simple pleasures together reinforces healthy interactions and provides opportunities for connection. Seek Professional Help When Needed Sometimes, professional support is necessary for navigating relationships, especially if they involve complex dynamics or past trauma. A therapist can provide valuable insights and coping strategies for maintaining healthy connections. Therapy or couples counseling can also help resolve issues and strengthen communication within relationships. Practice Gratitude and Appreciation In recovery, practicing gratitude can shift your focus toward the positive aspects of your relationships. Expressing appreciation for the support you receive helps strengthen bonds and reinforces positive behavior. Regularly acknowledging and celebrating the contributions of others fosters an atmosphere of love, trust, and mutual respect. Embrace Vulnerability Building healthy relationships in recovery requires embracing vulnerability. Being open about your struggles, fears, and emotions allows others to connect with you on a deeper level. Vulnerability is an essential part of forming authentic, supportive relationships that are built on trust and understanding. The Differents Can Help By practicing these strategies, you can build healthy, supportive relationships that contribute to your overall recovery journey. Surround yourself with people who care for you and your well-being, set healthy boundaries, and be patient as you grow both individually and together in recovery.
How to Prepare for EMDR Sessions
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy is a highly effective treatment for trauma and emotional distress. For those embarking on EMDR therapy, being well-prepared can enhance the overall experience and outcome. Here’s how to get ready for your sessions: Understand EMDR Therapy EMDR helps reprocess traumatic memories through guided eye movements, which can change how memories are stored in the brain. Educating yourself about the process will make you feel more comfortable and empowered during the sessions. Set Realistic Expectations EMDR can sometimes bring up intense emotions as old memories are processed. While the therapy is designed to heal, it’s important to expect discomfort at times. Be patient and trust the process, knowing that healing is a gradual journey. Establish Emotional Support Having a trusted friend or therapist to lean on during the EMDR process can be comforting. Let someone know that you’re undergoing therapy and may need extra support in case strong emotions arise after your sessions. Ensure a Safe and Calm Space It’s crucial to be in a safe and comfortable environment for EMDR. This will allow you to focus without distractions. You might want to prepare by having calming activities available, like meditation or deep breathing exercises, to ground yourself if needed. Be Ready to Focus on Your Memories While EMDR is guided, it’s important to be ready to engage in your memories. Your therapist may ask you to recall specific traumatic events, so preparing mentally for these discussions can help ease any anxiety. If you have difficulty bringing these memories to the surface, don’t worry—your therapist will help. Hydrate and Rest EMDR can be mentally and emotionally draining. Make sure you are well-rested and hydrated before each session. Proper physical care can support your emotional well-being and help you stay focused throughout the process. Keep an Open Mind EMDR can bring up unexpected memories or emotions, and it may take time for your mind to process the changes. Stay open to whatever comes up, and allow yourself the grace to experience the process fully without judgment. Track Your Progress Keeping a journal to track your feelings, insights, or any changes you notice between sessions can be helpful. This reflection allows you to measure progress and address any emotional challenges with your therapist. The Differents Offers EMDR For Your Needs By preparing mentally, emotionally, and physically for EMDR, you set the stage for a more successful healing process. Remember, this therapy is an opportunity to move forward and embrace emotional freedom, so approach it with patience and trust in the therapeutic journey.
What Are the Signs of PTSD?
If you or someone close to you has struggled with a traumatic event, whether it is something witnessed or dealt with at work or even something that has happened to a close family member, it’s natural to feel some slight disruption to your daily life like problems sleeping, flashbacks or nightmares, and feeling on edge. However, when these feelings persist several months after the event, or they get intense and severe enough that they disrupt daily function, they might be signs of PTSD. What is PTSD? PTSD stands for post-traumatic stress disorder, a mental health disorder that can develop after an individual experiences a stressful life event, something that is particularly traumatic. It is important to note that signs of PTSD can happen to anyone who experiences trauma but also someone who witnesses trauma or has a close friend or family member who goes through trauma. The average American experiences at least one traumatic event in their lifetime. Primary Signs of PTSD People who struggle with PTSD often deal with symptoms that arise immediately but, more importantly, linger or worsen around six months after the event in question. Sleeping Problems One of the primary symptoms associated with PTSD is sleeping. It’s not uncommon for someone who has struggled with a traumatic event to experience disruptions to their sleeping pattern immediately after the event in question. However, over time, those sleeping issues can get significantly worse, leading to things like: Tangentially, this can result in secondary signs of PTSD, like nightmares. Nightmares are a common cause of sleep disruption for people who have PTSD. Flashbacks Flashbacks are slightly different from nightmares. Nightmares can disrupt sleep patterns, but flashbacks can happen anytime. They occur when an individual is triggered by something in their current environment or vicinity, and that trigger reminds them or mentally takes them back to the traumatic event in question. This can be significantly disruptive, leading to things like panic attacks. Hypervigilance Another sign is hypervigilance. Under normal circumstances, the body releases things like adrenaline when there is danger, and that spike in adrenaline will diminish once the danger has passed. However, signs of PTSD often include unnecessary adrenaline spikes where an individual is constantly looking for the next threat. This type of hypervigilance leads to unhealthy resting levels of adrenaline and can be significantly disruptive to daily life as well. Mood Swings Signs of PTSD can extend to severe mood swings, often related to disruptions in sleep, flashbacks, and hypervigilance. These mood swings are typically random, not caused by other things or triggered by a known source, and can be difficult to deal with in close relationships as well as work and school performance. Secondary Mental Health Issues People with signs of PTSD who don’t get help are more likely to develop secondary mental health issues, including: Alcohol or sleeping pills are often used to treat nightmares and sleeping problems but can quickly spiral. When this happens, dual diagnosis treatment is best, as it can provide care for the underlying PTSD and substance abuse concurrently. Getting Help for the Signs of PTSD If you notice PTSD in yourself or others, it is important that you get help before symptoms get worse. In some cases, untreated PTSD can lead to substance abuse as individuals try to self-medicate with things like alcohol or sleeping pills. At The Differents, we offer dual diagnosis treatment for signs of PTSD and substance abuse. Our facility works to empower clients by utilizing evidence-based therapy and holistic care as part of individual treatment plans. Our team of qualified professionals work hard to cultivate creativity, focusing on holistic, luxury care that includes access to things like outdoor therapy, IV infusions, massage, sound bath, energy work, and meditation. Let us help you reimagine your rehab with dual-diagnosis treatment for PTSD and substance abuse. The signs of PTSD center on things like difficulty sleeping, flashbacks and nightmares, hypervigilance, and subsequent mental health disorders like depression and anxiety. It’s not uncommon for people with PTSD to also develop an addiction as they try to self-medicate with drugs or alcohol. Thankfully, you can get help with The Differents. Contact our team today to learn more about our withdrawal management and outpatient programs.
Why Are Veterans Vulnerable to Substance Abuse?
Individuals who are enlisted in any branch of the military are subject to unique cultural stresses that increase the risk of substance abuse and mental health disorders. So why are veterans vulnerable to substance abuse? Deployments and military culture can be very stressful with issues like: Veterans are more vulnerable to substance abuse in large part because of trauma. Twenty percent of veterans with PTSD have substance abuse issues as well. One in three who get help for substance abuse has PTSD. Veterans Vulnerable to Substance Abuse: Facts Ten percent of all military veterans have a substance abuse disorder, higher among male veterans than females. Alcoholism Not only are veterans vulnerable to substance abuse, but they are more likely to struggle with alcoholism, something that often starts during their career at a time when things like mandatory drug screening and the belief that seeking help could have an impact on security clearances make it one of the only options for self-medication to those dealing with PTSD, stress, and other issues. Studies have found that veterans are around six percent more likely than non-veterans to use alcohol and one percent more likely to abuse alcohol. Five percent of veterans who seek treatment abuse alcohol most frequently out of all available substances. Opioids Two-thirds of veterans report extreme pain, and of those, many receive opioids sometimes illegally but mostly through a prescription. Over nine percent of veterans have severe pain compared to only six percent of the general population, which means they are one-third more likely to develop an addiction to opioids or overdose from opioids. Opioid overdose rates for veterans jumped six percent from 2010 to 2016, the majority of which were related to heroin and synthetic opioids, not prescription pain relievers. Dual Diagnosis There are several reasons why veterans vulnerable to substance abuse may be more likely to turn to drugs and alcohol for self-medication, and that can be the experiences within the military as well as the adjustment that comes from reintegrating into society with those experiences. People who experience trauma or injury during combat are at a much higher risk of developing substance abuse. Veterans who have a substance abuse disorder are up to four times more likely to get a diagnosis of depression or PTSD. In fact, upwards of fifty percent of those veterans from the Iraq and Afghanistan Wars have been diagnosed with a mental health disorder. Getting Veteran Care for Substance Abuse Many veterans, even today, are worried about the stigma or the potential impact on benefits that might come from getting treatment. However, at The Differents, we provide confidential veterans drug rehab programs designed to meet the specific needs of the veteran community. With our luxury drug rehab, veterans vulnerable to substance abuse can get the help they need. We are centered in the Reno, Tahoe area in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada mountains. Our luxury facility provides addiction treatment specifically for those who have served in the military and may be dealing with co-occurring psychological or emotional struggles. We understand that it’s far too easy to turn to drugs and alcohol as a form of self-medication for the stress of being in the military, as well as untreated or undiagnosed PTSD. Our innovative approach helps you find meaning in life beyond addiction, deal with your experiences as a veteran, and utilize tailored treatment that helps you cope with physical and emotional burdens. Moreover, we provide veterans with unique options to cover addiction treatment costs. Overall, veterans often struggle with physical and mental scars from their time in the military. Veterans vulnerable to substance abuse may worry about the impact that seeking treatment can have or the financial burden of getting the right care. However, our facility can help with specific treatment plans for veterans. Contact our team today at (844) 407-0461 to learn more about our cost options for veterans.
What Are Reasons Treatment Can Fail?
If you or someone close to you is struggling with addiction, you may have dealt with situations in the past where treatment was tried but failed. There are several reasons treatment can fail, and it doesn’t mean that there is no hope but rather that a different type of treatment should be attempted at a different time. Top Reasons Treatment Can Fail So, what are the main reasons treatment can fail? One of the biggest is that a person simply isn’t ready. Another is that they had the wrong level of care. One of the final reasons treatment can fail is that someone wasn’t given enough support after their immediate inpatient or outpatient program. Poor Motivation One of the biggest reasons that treatment can fail is that someone doesn’t have the right motivation. This is not a personal shortcoming or indicative of failure but from time to time clients will check themselves into an inpatient or an outpatient program at the behest of a loved one. A close friend or family member may have requested or even demanded that someone seek help for addiction, but deep down, it wasn’t a personal choice, and that individual simply wasn’t ready from a motivational standpoint. Things like motivational interviewing can certainly help with this, and so can a more holistic approach to treatment. Lack of Support There are times when treatment fails because an individual doesn’t have the right type of support. For example: Wrong Level of Care Another big reason treatment can fail is that an individual client is participating in the wrong level of care. There are several levels of care for addiction, ranging from a full residential program where an individual resides at a treatment facility full-time and has supervision twenty-four hours per day to outpatient programs where individuals participate in support group meetings once per week. Sometimes a client will participate in a level of care that is inadequate for what they need. This often happens when someone looks at healthcare coverage or tries to pay for treatment out of pocket and they opt for the cheapest or most affordable option which is generally the lowest level of care. However, not all levels of care are created equally and sometimes people struggle because they are getting the wrong level of support. Inadequate Aftercare Tangentially, people can complete a program successfully but fail to have supportive aftercare, which means they leave something like a residential program without any type of peer support or assistance with things like housing. Then, they find themselves reverting to old habits with old friends and dealing with a relapse. Getting Treatment with The Differents At our facility, we know that there are several reasons treatment can fail and that is why we prefer a personalized approach that incorporates several levels of holistic treatment. Non-Verbal Communication If you are not someone who is comfortable sharing intimate information with a therapist in a traditional office space, you can participate in our equine therapy. With guided interactions, you’ll be able to focus more on self-reflection and nonverbal communication with your therapist. This opportunity can facilitate emotional insight and deeper connection without the pressure of sitting in a sterile office space. Connections to Nature At The Differents, we understand the importance of connecting to nature as part of your recovery. Sometimes the reasons treatment can fail have to do more with feeling confined in a hospital space or not being able to connect with majestic landscapes and deep reflection. To help overcome this hindrance, we provide winter adventures with snowshoeing and skiing, ice skating, and sledding escapes in the nearby Tahoe mountains. We also offer opportunities to observe wild Mustangs across vast expanses of public land, reconnecting with the world. Amenities We also know that a lack of amenities can make it difficult to find peace during your treatment and stay focused on long-term recovery. That is why we offer top-tier beauty professionals at our luxury drug rehab to give clients exclusive pampering ranging from luxurious massages, revitalizing facials, or rejuvenating manicure and pedicure sessions. All of this works in tandem with the rest of your treatment plan to support a holistic recovery approach and improve your level of self-love. Overall, there are several reasons treatment can fail, but thankfully, each failure is an opportunity to learn. If you or someone close to you has tried treatment before and struggled with failure, take time to determine whether you might do better with a different level of care, a different type of treatment, or continuing aftercare. Reach out to our team today to discuss why our amenities make recovery easier.
What Are Successful Intervention Strategies?
One of the most reliable ways to inform a friend or family member that they have an addiction and genuinely need help is to plan an intervention. Interventions offer a safe space to communicate the impact that addiction is having on friends and family and to offer aid in finding a personalized treatment plan. The most successful intervention strategies have consequences: design the attendees carefully, rehearse what will be said, and have reliable treatment centers at the ready. Establishing Consequences One of the more challenging aspects of successful intervention strategies involves laying out consequences. Family members often enable a loved one in their addiction without meaning to or realizing that they are doing so. Understanding this impact is important as it allows family members to recognize that the most compassionate thing they can do for a loved one is to establish consequences when a loved one breaks the rules or surpasses boundaries. This is an important point to express during an intervention: from now on, a loved one has to follow rules, such as not using drugs in the house or getting high at family functions. If those rules are broken, there will be direct consequences, like not being allowed to live at home or attend family functions. Interventions can be a safe place to establish those consequences moving forward while also providing your loved one with options for help so that they avoid those consequences. Picking the Attendees and Location Successful intervention strategies involve carefully selecting the attendees and the location. When staging an intervention, you want to be selective about who will be present, picking people with whom your loved one has a good relationship. Just because someone is a family member does not mean that they have to be present. In fact, if there is a negative relationship or problems with certain family members, your intervention is more likely to be successful if that person is not there. The people who attend do not have to be direct blood relatives. They can also be close family members, godparents, or friends of your loved one. The goal is to have people that your loved one trusts to whom they will listen. The location should also be neutral ground, not necessarily in the middle of the living room but sometimes in an office or other third-party space. It should be a place where your loved one feels safe, not attacked, and comfortable expressing themselves. Rehearsing What to Say Rehearsing what you plan to say is another key step. Successful intervention strategies hinge on not only writing down what you want to express to your loved one but also saying it out loud and practicing how you will deliver your words in as supportive and clear a manner as possible. This also extends to how you will deliver the consequences that you have set up. Having a Treatment Center Ready It is important to have a treatment center ready in the event that you have successful intervention strategies and your loved one decides they are ready to get help. Places like The Differents can offer several levels of withdrawal management as well as outpatient care with access to outdoor activities that encourage individuals to rediscover their purpose. However, it is equally important to prepare yourself for different outcomes. While it is imperative that you have a treatment center ready in the event that your loved one decides to get help, you need to be aware of the fact that they may respond with things like anger instead and deny the need for help or even that they have an addiction. Preparing yourself for all of these possible outcomes and responses can ensure that you have a more successful intervention. Getting Help at The Differents With The Differents, we believe that clients need a chance to discover fun activities with a purpose behind them. Gone are the days of traditional offices, couches, and closed-door discussions. Now is the time for a different approach to healing, where individuals can foster a bond with nature, build skills and self-esteem, and learn to find a passion for nature and purpose beyond addiction. For this, we offer activities like: Located outside Tahoe, our addiction treatment center specializes in holistic treatment for addiction and co-occurring mental health disorders that extends to things like motivational interviewing for those clients who still have trouble taking action, as well as outdoor therapy, recreational therapy, yoga, and sports medicine. If you have a loved one for whom you are seeking successful intervention strategies, presenting them with our focus on creativity and holistic care in a reimagined way can give them access to treatment that stands apart. Overall, the most successful intervention strategies incorporate boundaries and consequences, present information lovingly by rehearsing what you want to say, and do so with a strategy for who will be present and where the intervention will take place. Having a treatment center on hand should your loved one accept help is equally important. With The Differents, we can offer several levels of outpatient care that don’t require your loved one to reside full-time at a facility but still offer a personal experience in addiction treatment that’s unlike any other treatment center. Contact our team to learn about rehab reimagined.
What is the Connection Between Social Anxiety and Alcoholism?
It is completely normal for people to experience mild social anxiety in social situations like meeting new people, talking to strangers on a bus, or giving a speech. This might be a slight discomfort, but when that discomfort or fear goes from slight to severe, it might be a social anxiety disorder or social phobia. There is a strong link between social anxiety and alcoholism, as those with social anxiety disorder often report using alcohol to help them feel temporarily more comfortable. In this blog, we’ll explore this link and offer ways to find help. What is Social Anxiety Disorder? Social anxiety disorder is when an individual has excessive fear pertaining to social situations, even the thought of social situations. This fear centers on the fear of being humiliated or made fun of. It often manifests with physical symptoms like excessive sweating, blushing, and hyperventilating. For some people with social anxiety disorder, the situations they fear most are things like talking to strangers or being in a social setting (like a party) where they are with people they don’t know. For others, the situations they fear most are things like speaking in public. No matter the situation, the fears are often unreasonable or excessive, and they can happen regardless of being in that physical circumstance; the mere thought of having to speak in front of people or an invitation to go to a party with people who are unfamiliar can be enough to provoke anxiety symptoms and even a panic attack. From there, people with social anxiety disorder will go to great lengths to avoid these symptoms, doing things like never speaking in front of people and never going to parties. It can be so extreme that it interferes with an individual’s routine, job performance, and relationships. The Connection Between Social Anxiety and Alcoholism Many individuals who have social anxiety report that they use alcohol as a means of coping with their fears and stress. One of the main theories behind this action is called the tension reduction hypothesis. Negative Reinforcer For people with social anxiety disorder, alcohol works as what is called a negative reinforcer. This means it helps eliminate negative feelings, namely stress and anxiety. This creates a harmful cycle whereby individuals experience stress relief when consuming alcohol, so they are more likely to turn to alcohol on a regular basis for ongoing relief from anxiety and stress-related symptoms. Placebos While the science behind the efficacy of alcohol in reducing actual levels of anxiety and stress is debatable, the way in which alcohol slows down the prefrontal cortex and reduces inhibition has been shown to create a strong connection between social anxiety and alcoholism. For people with social anxiety disorder, the relationship between social anxiety and alcoholism is based on perception. Even though alcohol doesn’t necessarily do anything to change their social anxiety, individuals expect it to do so, and that placebo effect means that they are more likely to continue using alcohol, operating under the belief that it will help quell social anxiety symptoms. Acute Social Anxiety People can also use alcohol to self-medicate social anxiety in certain situations. In college students, for example, there’s a strong relationship between social anxiety and alcoholism as individuals who are experiencing regular social anxiety but don’t necessarily have a disorder turn to alcohol to release some of their stress and feel more relaxed in new social settings where they regularly interact with new people. Getting Help for Social Anxiety and Alcoholism If you have noticed developing issues with social anxiety and alcoholism, there is help available. At The Differents, our drug detox center can provide withdrawal management services to help you with your alcohol detox. After that, we can help transition you into a partial hospitalization program or intensive outpatient program for ongoing outpatient care. We specialize in dual diagnosis treatment where you can get help for social anxiety disorder or any other anxiety disorder at the same time as alcoholism. With a one-to-three staff-to-client ratio, we focus on holistic care in our luxury addiction treatment center. That holistic care includes things like IV infusions, massage, yoga, meditation, outdoor therapy, and recreational therapy. Overall, there is a strong link between social anxiety and alcoholism for those who have acute social anxiety all the way through a severe disorder. If you are struggling with alcoholism or social anxiety, you can get help for both with the right dual-diagnosis drug detox center. Contact us today to learn more about rehab reimagined and your personalized treatment plan.
What Are Hidden Signs of Depression?
Depression is one of the most common mental health disorders around the world. Over the last several years, rates of depression have increased. Individuals who struggle with depression are more likely to develop alcoholism or substance abuse disorders as they attempt to self-medicate. For this reason, it’s important to understand the hidden signs of depression so that you can recognize them in yourself and figure out when it’s time to get help. Physical Hidden Signs of Depression Physical signs of depression might go unnoticed if you focus on just one at a time, but when combined, it can paint a picture of bigger issues. Some of the most common physical signs include the following: Emotional Hidden Signs of Depression Some of the most common emotional signs include the following: Other Hidden Signs of Depression Then there are the other signs, which include: Major Hidden Signs of Depression Many of the more hidden signs of depression mirror the signs that someone with high-functioning depression might have. Inability to Find Pleasure in Achievements Someone who struggles with hidden signs of depression might have an inability to find any pleasure or reward in their achievements. For this reason, they might regularly take on new tasks, always volunteering or accepting additional roles, and perform additional duties at work, yet none of it brings them the reward they are searching for. Changing Tasks Regularly It’s not uncommon for someone with hidden signs of depression to constantly battle feelings of worthlessness. It’s these feelings that drive an individual to take on new tasks, overwork themselves, or volunteer too much, burning out in an attempt to hide or resolve those feelings of worthlessness. These feelings, however, don’t go away no matter how much is achieved. This means that individuals will change their tasks regularly, taking on not just a new assignment at work but a different assignment at work, volunteering not just in an additional way but in a new way with a different group. This regular task changing relates back to the inability to find positive feelings or to overcome feelings of worthlessness while performing any achievement and the subsequent search for new things that might possibly hold satisfaction. Isolation Another hidden sign of depression is continual isolation. When individuals struggle with hidden signs of depression, they may not realize it, but they tend to isolate themselves from friends and family. A lot of this isolation is driven by feelings of worthlessness and continual self-criticism about other tasks that have to be completed. Self-Criticism Someone with hidden signs of depression will struggle with continual self-criticism, whereby they regularly criticize themselves for not doing enough, doing too much, changing tasks, or not being able to otherwise improve what feels like negativity from within. Avoidance While an individual with hidden signs of depression might isolate themselves socially, they’ll also use avoidance tactics to stay away from anything that brings up negative emotions. Someone who is overwhelmed with feelings of having trouble being productive one day might be encouraged to do meditation, but as soon as they sit quietly with themselves, they are faced with self-criticism and negative thoughts, so they avoid meditation entirely because they don’t want to sit with those feelings. Sitting with those feelings would require facing them and admitting that they are struggling, and subsequently getting help. Getting Treatment for Depression and Substance Abuse If you are struggling with these hidden signs of depression and you have turned to drugs or alcohol to self-medicate, it might be time to reach out to our facility for help. Our luxury addiction treatment center offers several programs with different individual and group therapies. We can help you recognize the underlying causes of your depression, whether you have acute symptoms because of trauma or a depressive disorder because of something else. Overall, hidden signs of depression can be physical, emotional, and behavioral, and include general feelings of hopelessness, negative self-talk or self-criticism, isolation, avoidance tactics, and an inability to find pleasure in any achievements or hobbies. Those with these hidden signs are at a higher risk of alcoholism or drug abuse to try and self-medicate, but with the right type of treatment center, you can get help for both. Reach out to our dual diagnosis treatment center today to learn how we can help!
