How to Have Fun in Recovery
In early recovery, quitting substances often leaves life feeling flat due to dopamine crashes and rewired brain reward systems, causing a temporary inability to feel pleasure. This phase, which can last around 90 days, is challenging but necessary for healing. To rediscover joy and protect against relapse, incorporating safe, research-backed activities is key: spending time in nature, exercising, engaging in creative hobbies, building sober friendships, and practicing quiet mindfulness or sound therapy. These activities boost natural dopamine, reduce stress, and create new positive brain pathways, making fun a vital part of recovery—not just a luxury but a form of protection. Embracing joy through creativity, movement, and connection helps rebuild a fulfilling, substance-free life. How to Have Fun in Recovery “Will I ever laugh this hard again?” When you first quit drugs or alcohol, that doubt can echo like an empty room. For years those substances were your ticket to concerts, bonfires, and backyard barbecues. Without them, life can look gray. That gloom won’t last—your brain is healing. Once you understand the science and get curious, you’ll see that fun in recovery is not just possible; it can be deeper, wilder, and more real than anything you felt while using. Why Early Sobriety Can Feel Flat Addiction rewires the brain’s reward center, flooding it with dopamine and teaching you that joy comes from chemicals, not real life. When you quit, dopamine levels crash. That crash can cause anhedonia, a short spell when nothing feels good. Most people begin to feel pleasure again after about 90 days of abstinence. Brain scans even show that former meth users’ dopamine systems are close to normal by 14 months. During this reset, boredom can sting—and many people list it as a top trigger for relapse. The fix isn’t to tough it out; it’s to add safe thrills so your reward system wakes up the healthy way. Five Research‑Backed Ways to Have Fun 1. Find Awe Outside Just 20 minutes in nature can lower stress hormones, reports Harvard Health. Stretch that into a sunrise hike, a kayak trip, or a mountain‑bike ride and you’ll pump out endorphins and dopamine. At The Differents’ Outdoor Therapy, clients climb, paddle, and snowshoe in the Sierra Nevada—the rush feels better when you remember every second. 2. Move Your Body Exercise is mood medicine you make yourself. A brisk 30‑minute walk can lift spirits, according to another Harvard Health article. Try yoga, pickup hoops, or a sober salsa night. The Differents blends movement into care—guided hikes, yoga‑pilates classes, and ski days—because sweaty smiles fight relapse. 3. Use Your Creativity Playing guitar, throwing paint, or writing goofy poems sparks small hits of dopamine. Organizational psychologist Dr. Mike Rucker calls fun “rocket fuel” for mood and friendships. In our studio, clients try pottery wheels, sound‑bath meditation, and more. Talent isn’t required—only a willing mind. 4. Grow a Sober Friend Group The right people—not the right drink—make parties great. Check out sober Meetup hikes, board‑game cafés, or volunteer gigs. Laughing itself lowers pain and boosts immunity. At The Differents, you’ll join campfire stories, alumni game days, and outings that trade hangovers for real memories. 5. Try Quiet Fun Mindfulness, breathwork, and sound‑baths can feel like a calm high. Many clients shed their first tears of relief during a 30‑minute sound‑bath. That’s why our holistic program offers meditation pods, crystal‑bowl concerts, and energy work. Peace counts as fun, too. Fun Is Not Frivolous—It’s Protection Stress and boredom speed up relapse; joy slows it down. Every sober smile lays a new brain path that says life feels good again. As days become weeks, those paths turn into highways. One morning you’ll catch yourself laughing in the coffee line or geeking out over a new hobby—and notice you haven’t thought about using at all. Recovery isn’t just removing a substance; it’s adding wonder. Whether you’re carving fresh snow, belting karaoke off‑key, or meditating to a ringing gong, you’re telling every cell you are alive, present, and free. Ready to put fun back on the menu? Let The Differents show you how Rehab Re‑imagined means creativity, adventure, and joy—required. FAQ How long before fun feels normal again? Most people feel pleasure start to return within 2–3 months as dopamine rebounds. Staying active—even on low‑energy days—helps speed this up. What if my friends still drink? Plan alcohol‑free outings (escape rooms, comedy shows, lake days). Bring your own mocktail and an exit plan. At the same time, build new sober friendships through groups and Meetups. Do I need to become an athlete or artist? No. Fun is personal. Try gardening, coding, stand‑up, dog training—anything that sparks curiosity. Start small and follow the smile.Can fun really stop relapse? Yes. Joy releases endorphins, lowers stress hormones, and strengthens healthy brain paths, making cravings easier to resist.
Signs of Cocaine Addiction
Cocaine hijacks the brain’s reward system by flooding it with dopamine, making everyday pleasures seem dull and leading to stimulant use disorder—a brain condition, not a moral failing. Early warning signs include bursts of energy followed by crashes, disappearing money, changing social circles, unexplained nose issues, and long bathroom breaks. Mood and behavior swings are common, with highs marked by confidence and chatter, crashing into irritability, sadness, and secrecy as dopamine drops and stress hormones rise. Physical signs include wide pupils, jaw clenching, weight loss, rapid heartbeat, and persistent “sinus infections,” while harder-to-spot symptoms include paranoia, nightmares, and a crawling-skin sensation. The risk is worsened by street cocaine often being laced with fentanyl, contributing to rising overdose deaths. Trusting your gut and noticing these signs early can be lifesaving. Signs of Cocaine Addiction From One “Bump” to 4 A.M. Amanda, a young guitarist, used to crash the moment her gigs ended. One night a friend handed her a tiny, clear packet. “Just a bump,” he said. The hit kept her buzzing—she could load the amps and still laugh on the ride home. It felt harmless, so she did it again. A year later, Amanda’s “nightcap” lasted until sunrise. Her heart raced, she stopped eating, and she watched $2,000 drain from her bank account. When did one line turn into the whole night? If any part of Amanda’s story rings true for you—or for someone you love—read on. We’ll show you the warning signs of cocaine addiction and how the team at The Differents helps people find steady ground again. What Cocaine Does in the Brain Cocaine floods the brain’s reward pathway, dumping dopamine—the “feel‑good” messenger—into overdrive. Ordinary joys like sunsets, jokes, or a child’s smile can’t compete. Doctors call this change stimulant use disorder. It’s a brain shift, not a moral failure. Five Early Warning Signs Trust your gut; that uneasy feeling often shows up first. Mood and Behavior Swings During the high, people may feel unstoppable—chatty, witty, full of plans. When the drug wears off, the crash can bring anger, gloom, or panic. Watch for: These swings happen because dopamine drops while stress hormones surge. Body Clues and Mental Strain Easy to spot Harder to see Street cocaine is often mixed with fentanyl. Overdose deaths from stimulants hit record levels in 2024. The Hidden Damage How Recovery Works Why The Differents Stands Out Set beside the Sierra Nevada, The Differents offers quiet rooms washed in mountain light. A 1‑to‑3 staff‑to‑client ratio means your therapist really gets to know you. Extra supports include: FAQ What’s the first giveaway? Long, secretive bathroom breaks plus sudden energy bursts often show up before nosebleeds. Can I quit on my own? Some succeed with strong outpatient help and close support. Inpatient care lowers relapse risk, especially in the fragile first month. How long is detox? The crash peaks in 3–7 days. Low mood can linger, but good sleep, food, and therapy speed recovery. Is there a pill that blocks cocaine? No approved blocker yet. Success comes from therapy, healthy living, and treating any mental‑health issues. What if my loved one denies the problem? Use “I feel worried” statements, set clear boundaries, and call a professional if safety is at risk.Ready to swap 4 a.m. panic for calm mornings? Call (844) 407‑0461 or start your journey at The Differents. Your next chapter can be brighter than any high.
What Does Success in Recovery Look Like?
For too long, success in recovery has been measured in absolutes—complete abstinence, flawless behavior, or never struggling again. But that all-or-nothing mindset leaves little room for the complexity of healing, especially for those carrying trauma, shame, or deep survival patterns. At The Differents, we believe that success in recovery isn’t about being perfect—it’s about showing up. It’s the quiet resilience of showing up for yourself, even when it’s hard. It’s choosing curiosity over judgment, progress over perfection, and self-compassion over shame. Your version of success might look different from someone else’s—and that’s exactly how it should be. Whether you’re rebuilding trust, reconnecting with your body, or simply learning to feel safe again, your recovery journey is valid. And it deserves to be defined by you—your goals, your history, and your truth. What Success in Recovery Can Look Like There’s no single path, pace, or picture of what healing “should” look like. At The Differents, we honor the many ways recovery can take shape—and how success in recovery often shows up in subtle, powerful shifts rather than dramatic transformations. Here are just a few ways success might look in your life: Your success doesn’t have to be loud or obvious to be real. Sometimes it looks like staying grounded through a tough conversation, reaching out before a spiral, or choosing rest instead of running on fumes. These moments matter. They add up. Recovery Isn’t Linear—And That’s Okay Healing is rarely a straight line. It often moves in cycles, with moments of growth followed by periods of pause, doubt, or even regression. In fact, relapses in recovery are quite common. This doesn’t mean you’re failing—it means you’re human. Setbacks and plateaus are natural parts of recovery, especially when trauma or long-term survival patterns are involved. What matters isn’t how many steps forward or back you take—it’s how you meet yourself in the process. The team at The Differents encourages self-compassion and curiosity over judgment. When something feels hard, we don’t ask “What’s wrong with you?”—we ask “What happened to you?” And we work together from there. Success in recovery doesn’t require you to always feel strong, regulated, or confident. It just asks that you keep coming back to yourself—with gentleness, honesty, and the belief that healing is possible, even when it doesn’t look perfect. The Role of Personalized Support in Recovery Success in recovery isn’t found in generic checklists—it blossoms when treatment honors your story, your needs, and your definition of healing. At The Differents, we don’t believe in “standard” recovery plans because trauma, addiction, and resilience don’t follow a script. Here’s how personalized we design treatment around: Our program also integrates therapies that adapt to you. This might look like: When support is personalized, healing becomes more than just symptom reduction—it becomes transformation. You’re not just learning to survive—you’re reclaiming who you are. How The Differents Measures and Celebrates Success We don’t believe in rigid benchmarks or generic outcomes. Instead, success in recovery is measured by how aligned you feel with your healing, not by someone else’s standards. At The Differents, progress is deeply personal, and so are the ways we recognize it. Here are some examples of how we might recognize and honor your progress: We look at success through the lens of your nervous system, your relationships, and your sense of safety. Are you resting more easily? Handling cravings without spiraling? Speaking up instead of shrinking down? These shifts are real. And they’re worth celebrating. Support that feels like care, not punishment Part of what makes The Differents different is how we honor your healing in both structure and experience. Luxury isn’t just aesthetic—it’s nervous system support. You don’t need to “earn” compassion here—it’s built into the way we care for you. Whether you’re tracking breakthroughs in therapy or learning how to stay grounded in your body, every piece of your process counts. Success in recovery might not always be visible to others, but at The Differents, we see you. And we celebrate it with you. Ready to define success on your terms? If you’re tired of trying to fit yourself into someone else’s version of recovery, you’re in the right place. Reach out today to begin a healing journey that centers on you—your story, your values, your success. FAQs About Success in Recovery
Can PTSD Cause Hallucinations?
Can PTSD cause hallucinations? In some cases, yes. While not everyone with PTSD will experience them, hallucinations can occur, especially when trauma is deep, complex, or paired with other mental health or substance use challenges. It’s more common than people think, with hallucinations having been reported in 20–58% of veterans with combat-related PTSD, and it doesn’t mean you’re “crazy” or beyond help. PTSD doesn’t always look the way people expect. Yes, it can involve flashbacks, nightmares, and anxiety, but for some, it also brings something more unsettling: hallucinations. Whether it’s hearing voices, seeing things that aren’t there, or sensing a presence, these experiences can be confusing and scary. In this article, we’ll explore the connection between PTSD and hallucinations—what causes them, what they mean, and how The Differents supports people who experience them with compassion, expertise, and holistic care. Can PTSD Cause Hallucinations? Understanding the Link PTSD isn’t just “bad memories,” it’s your brain and nervous system stuck in survival mode long after the danger has passed. When trauma goes unprocessed, it can warp your perception of reality in surprising ways, including hallucinations. So, can PTSD cause hallucinations? Let’s break it down. What is PTSD? PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) is your brain’s alarm system malfunctioning after trauma. Instead of recognizing you’re safe now, it keeps reacting like the threat is everywhere—flooding your body with stress hormones, hijacking your sleep, and sometimes distorting your senses. What are hallucinations? Hallucinations feel vividly real but aren’t based on external reality. Though not part of the criteria for diagnosing PTSD, with PTSD, hallucinations often involve: While hallucinations are often associated with psychosis, they can also happen in the context of extreme stress or trauma. These aren’t “craziness”—they’re your overwhelmed brain trying to protect you. How are they connected? Trauma can rewire your brain to: These experiences can feel frightening, but they don’t mean you’re broken. At The Differents, we understand the deeper layers behind these symptoms—and we know how to help. How The Differents Supports Clients with PTSD and Hallucinations When you’re asking, can PTSD cause hallucinations, what you’re really asking is: What’s happening to me, and is there help? At The Differents, the answer is always yes. We don’t just treat symptoms—our PTSD program helps you unravel trauma’s grip on your mind and senses, without judgment or labels. Here’s how we do it differently: Trauma-informed, judgment-free care Hallucinations can feel isolating, but you’re not alone. Many of our staff have walked similar paths, so you’ll never hear phrases like “That’s not real.” Instead, we focus on: You’re not broken—you’re responding to pain the way your brain learned to survive. And that response deserves care, not criticism. Dual diagnosis expertise PTSD rarely travels alone. Whether trauma is tangled with addiction, anxiety, or depression, our specialists are trained to: Our clinical team specializes in dual diagnosis care, helping you identify the underlying causes of your symptoms and develop personalized recovery plans. Therapies that work We blend evidence-based and holistic therapies to calm your nervous system and rebuild safety: These therapies work together—each addressing a different part of your healing to help your nervous system finally feel safe again. A safe space to heal Our luxury setting is designed to soothe overstimulated senses: Here, you’ll find space to breathe. With a low staff-to-client ratio, private sessions, and a serene, luxury setting in Reno/Tahoe, The Differents creates an environment where you can feel safe, seen, and supported—without having to hide what you’re going through. From Hallucinations to Healing: Your Path Forward If you’ve ever asked yourself can PTSD cause hallucinations, it’s likely because something real and unsettling has happened to you. And while those experiences can be confusing or frightening, they do not define you—and they do not mean you’re beyond help. At The Differents, we see symptoms as signals—not something to silence, but something to understand. With the right support, your mind and body can heal. You can regain a sense of safety, clarity, and connection. If you or someone you love is experiencing hallucinations linked to trauma, we’re here. Reach out to The Differents to explore a personalized, trauma-informed path to healing—one that honors your experience and helps you feel whole again. FAQs
How to Handle Anxiety in Recovery
Anxiety in recovery isn’t just common—it’s a natural response as your brain and body relearn how to navigate life without substances. The good news? What feels like a vulnerability can become your greatest strength. Anxiety isn’t a sign you’re failing at recovery; it’s a signal that you’re healing. And with the right tools, you can transform it from a relapse trigger into a catalyst for growth. In this article, we’ll explore practical ways to navigate anxiety in recovery, including The Differents’ unique blend of clinical expertise and luxury care designed to help you thrive, not just survive, in sobriety. Why Anxiety Intensifies in Recovery Anxiety might worsen in the initial stages of recovery for a variety of reasons, many of which have to do with your brain and body readjusting to functioning without substances. When you remove substances, your body and mind go through profound changes that amplify anxious feelings. Here’s why: This pressure often creates a cruel irony—the more you fear relapse, the more anxiety tightens its grip. Mind and body: A vicious cycle Anxiety isn’t just in your head—it’s in your tense muscles, your shallow breathing, even your gut. Your physical discomfort in recovery can fuel your anxious thoughts and vice versa. This feedback loop highlights the importance of physical self-care (like our yoga/pilates and outdoor therapy) to help directly calm mental turmoil. At The Differents, we treat anxiety in recovery holistically. Our dual diagnosis program doesn’t just slap a bandage on symptoms—we help you rebuild your nervous system’s ability to handle stress, so anxiety becomes manageable, not overwhelming. Practical Ways to Manage Anxiety in Recovery Anxiety in recovery doesn’t have to be a white-knuckle experience. With the right tools—many of which we offer at The Differents—you can transform anxiety from an overwhelming force into a manageable part of your healing journey. Here’s how: 1. Mindfulness techniques When anxiety hits, your breath and senses become powerful anchors. These aren’t just quick fixes—they’re skills that get stronger with practice: While mindfulness helps in the moment, sometimes you need deeper tools to reshape anxious thought patterns long-term. 2. Therapeutic support Therapy at The Differents isn’t just talk—it’s targeted brain training: Therapy reshapes your mind, but your body needs equal attention to keep anxiety at bay. 3. Healthy lifestyle habits Anxiety lives in the gap between what your body needs and what it gets. We help close that gap: Even the best tools work better when you’re not using them alone. 4. Reach out before you burn out Isolation is anxiety’s playground. At The Differents, connection is built into your recovery: Anxiety in recovery isn’t a sign you’re failing—it’s the friction of growth. And with these tools, you’re not just surviving it; you’re learning to let it strengthen your sobriety. From Anxious to Empowered Anxiety in recovery isn’t a roadblock—it’s part of the path. What feels overwhelming now can become your greatest teacher, showing you where healing is needed most. At The Differents, we’ve seen countless clients transform their anxiety from a source of fear into fuel for growth, using the very tools we’ve shared here. With the right support—whether that’s our mindfulness practices, expert therapies, or holistic self-care—you can navigate anxiety without losing sight of how far you’ve come. Take the next step today: Reach out to The Differents to learn how our personalized approach can help you move from “I can’t handle this” to “I’ve got this.” FAQs
What is the First Step in Recovery from Addiction?
The thought of starting recovery can feel like standing at the base of a mountain—daunting, exhausting, and impossibly far from the top. Maybe you’ve wondered, “Where do I even begin?” or “Am I ready for this?” So, what is the first step in recovery? It begins with a simple but powerful act—acknowledgment. Recognizing that there is a problem and being open to change is the true starting point. It’s not about having all the answers or feeling completely ready. It’s about a moment of honest clarity that leads to seeking help. At The Differents, we know this moment isn’t just a checkbox; it’s the spark that lights a new way forward. Here, the first step isn’t walked alone. With holistic therapies, expert guidance, and a community that gets it, you’re not just starting recovery—you’re reimagining it. But that first spark of acceptance is where everything begins. Let’s explore how you can turn that moment into meaningful action. What Is The First Step in Recovery: Acceptance and Awareness The first step in recovery is often awareness and acceptance of the problem. It’s that split second when the excuses fade, and you see things as they are, not as you’ve convinced yourself they could be. This isn’t about blame or shame; it’s about clarity. Addiction thrives in the shadows of denial, but recovery begins when you turn on the light and say, “This isn’t working anymore.” Acceptance isn’t surrender—it’s empowerment. It’s the realization that change is possible, but only if you’re honest about where you’re starting. Maybe you’ve minimized the problem (“I can stop anytime”) or blamed outside factors (“Life’s just stressful right now”). These are normal defenses, but they’re also barriers. It can feel safer to downplay the problem or convince yourself that you have it under control. But deep down, there’s often a persistent feeling that things aren’t right. Accepting this truth doesn’t mean labeling yourself or feeling ashamed. It means allowing yourself to see reality without excuses. Where Acceptance Meets Action At The Differents, we understand this moment intimately. Our team has extensive experience in the treatment of addiction. That’s why we don’t meet you with textbooks or lectures—we meet you with respect, with space to breathe, and with the unwavering belief that what is the first step in recovery for one person might look different for another. When you step out of denial and into honesty, you give yourself the power to make real choices. You begin to understand that recovery isn’t about perfection—it’s about progress. What Comes Next? Now that you’ve faced the truth—the hardest part of what is the first step in recovery—you might wonder, “Okay, but what actually happens now?” Here’s the good news: acceptance isn’t the end of the journey. It’s the key that unlocks the door to real change. And behind that door? Options, support, and a path that’s yours to design. At The Differents, we don’t believe in one-size-fits-all recovery. That’s why we offer multiple levels of care, each tailored to meet you where you are: But recovery isn’t just about the level of care—it’s about how you heal. That’s where our unique therapies come in. Holistic and specialized therapies Our unique approach is built on a blend of evidence-based and holistic treatments, giving you the tools to heal your mind, body, and spirit: What is the first step in recovery? It’s acceptance—but what comes next is entirely up to you. At The Differents, you are in control of your journey. Maybe you start with withdrawal management, then transition to inpatient treatment with a side of acupuncture. Or perhaps PHP with daily EMDR speaks to you. There’s no “right” way—just your way. We’re here to support you without judgment, wherever you are. Every Journey Begins with a Single Step What is the first step in recovery if not the moment you decide your life is worth fighting for? You’ve already done the hardest part: you’ve shown up. Now, imagine what happens when you pair that courage with the right support—real experts, proven therapies, and a community that celebrates every small victory as much as the big ones. This isn’t about “fixing” yourself. It’s about uncovering the person who’s been there all along, beneath the weight of addiction. At The Differents, we don’t just help you heal; we help you reimagine what healing looks like. With luxury amenities, cutting-edge therapies, and a team that’s walked this path too, your recovery becomes more than a process—it becomes a transformation. Ready to take the next step? Call us today at (844) 407-0461 for a confidential conversation. No pressure, no scripts—just real talk about how we can help you write your next chapter. Frequently Asked Questions
What is Emotional Reasoning Cognitive Distortion?
Emotional reasoning cognitive distortion is a specific type of distortion where individuals come to conclusions and personal beliefs based entirely on emotion. This is not the same as having an emotional reaction to something and then changing that reaction based on logic or evidence. Emotional reasoning as a cognitive distortion means that individuals disregard any evidence or logic when it stands in opposition to the judgments or decisions they have created based on their emotions. Origins of Cognitive Distortions Where does this type of emotional reasoning cognitive distortion come from? Some research has suggested that these cognitive distortions result from our evolutionary psychology; evolutionarily, human beings are designed to quickly sense nearby threats, which makes the brain much more sensitive In this context, human evolution has changed the functioning of the brain to be adaptive rather than logical. With this in mind, cognitive distortions don’t necessarily represent an error, but negative thinking might reflect on a neurological design that isn’t grounded in reality but rather grounded in perception. If the brain is evolutionarily designed to be on the lookout for threats, it’s going to be more sensitive to anything that might be construed as potentially threatening. That said, this type of cognitive distortion can be harmful if taken to the extreme especially when individuals don’t learn how to practice things like mindfulness or how to pause and reflect on whether what they are feeling is grounded in logic or defensiveness. Signs of Emotional Reasoning Emotional reasoning as a cognitive distortion often manifests as someone having an emotional response without considering any alternatives or knowingly disregarding other possibilities. For example: Emotional reasoning can manifest in many ways, as individuals who have these feelings and then jump to conclusions based on those feelings will subsequently behave based on those same conclusions. This embodies the relationship between thoughts, emotions, and actions. Why is Emotional Reasoning Cognitive Distortion Harmful? Some research, using a description cross-sectional trial, found correlations between emotional reasoning cognitive distortion and levels of anxiety and depression. For example: These findings mean that emotional reasoning cognitive distortions affect how people express their emotions as well as their respective depression or anxiety levels. Additionally, individuals who struggle with emotional reasoning are more likely to cause misunderstandings or conflicts in their personal relationships, especially if they misinterpret the actions or words of a partner, spouse, friend, or family member based on personal emotions. Those who struggle with emotional reasoning will typically make assumptions or jump to conclusions based on how they feel emotionally, and this can lead to low self-esteem and impulsivity. Treatment for Emotional Reasoning Cognitive Distortion If you or someone close to you is struggling with emotional reasoning as a cognitive distortion, you can get help with the right treatment. With The Differents, we provide mental health treatment grounded in evidence-based practices like cognitive behavioral therapy. Cognitive behavioral therapy can help you identify these distortions and challenge them. When you work with a team of therapists and participate in group therapy you’ll be able to review alternative perspectives and learn not to jump to conclusions. With the right guidance, you can learn how to validate your emotional responses and be much more aware of the distortions you have and their impact on your quality of life. Reach out to us today for help with emotional reasoning as a cognitive distortion. FAQs
How to Break a Trauma Bond
Trauma bonds can happen in many relationships, including romantic or familial relationships, between friends or coworkers, or more severe situations like hostages and cults. With any of these, the relationship is characterized by cycles wherein there is strong positive reinforcement or reconciliation followed by abuse. There must also be a distorted power balance between the two people. When relationships start to build in this manner with cycles of abuse and then positive reinforcement, it creates dependency, confusion, and strong emotional attachment: a trauma bond. When Do Trauma Bonds Happen? Trauma bonds can happen in any situation where sub-themes of a power imbalance, distorted love, intensity, and an inability to escape occur. This can happen with sex trafficking, kidnap victims, cult victims, or in relationships with family members, partners, or friends. For several decades, psychologists have studied traumatic bonding theory as it relates to emotional attachments in abusive relationships. These studies have found that women, in particular, can develop a strong emotional attachment in a situation where there is intermittent abuse, emotional or physical. How to Break a Trauma Bond If you have found yourself in a situation where you are experiencing these cycles, it’s important for you to reach out and get help in breaking the trauma bond, especially if that bond involves things like colts, kidnapping, forced drug use, and physical abuse. Step #1: Recognizing the Bond The first step in breaking a trauma bond is recognizing that you have one. If you and your spouse get into a heated argument and then reconcile a few times per year, this is not the same. But if you get into an altercation with someone and they are abusive and hold power over you, and then they reconcile, you might be closer to what is defined as a trauma bond. It is always best to speak with a therapist about the dynamics of your relationship if you are unsure. You should also learn to identify the emotional and behavioral attachments that you have to someone you see as a source of your trauma or abuse. Step #2: Set Boundaries In traditional relationships with friends, family, or partners, if you recognize that there is a potential trauma bond, it’s important that you start setting boundaries. If you are in a dangerous situation, you must create a plan to get out of that abusive situation in as safe and efficacious a way as possible. Step 3: Have Support You need to build support as you are learning to limit or eliminate contact with someone, working on self-care and healing, and reinforcing your boundaries. Breaking a trauma bond is no simple matter, which is why you should work with a therapist who can help you navigate this process, participate in support groups, and build a support system of friends and family you trust. Learn How to Break a Trauma Bond with The Differents At The Differents, we offer a world-class, luxury drug and alcohol rehab center in Reno. We offer multiple levels of care, including withdrawal management for those who are struggling with trauma bonds and addiction. Our team understands the importance of cultivating creativity in recovery by way of holistic programs and experienced staff members. Our therapies include things like: With a 1:3 staff-to-client ratio, we work with you as you transition through your outpatient programs for mental health and addiction treatment, including trauma programs. Our team will help you in your individual and group therapy sessions to recognize where trauma bonds might exist and break them in a healthy fashion. Reach out to us today for guidance on how to break a trauma bond. FAQs
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.