Category: Recovery

Open post about-us

Staying Healthy in Recovery: How to Identify Triggers and Overcome Them

Staying healthy in recovery is a process that affects everyone differently. One of the biggest concerns people in recovery face is avoiding triggers that could result in relapse. People, places, activities, and other things can bring back memories of past drug or alcohol use and result in intense cravings. Knowing how to identify triggers and preparing yourself to fight them will help you stay on track with your sobriety.

What are Triggers?

After using substances for a substantial amount of time, the brain creates associations between certain things in your life that can remind you of prior drug or alcohol use. Being reminded of past usage can easily result in intense cravings for the substances you used to use. Being able to recognize the things in your life that cue intense cravings will help you avoid them throughout your recovery.

Common Triggers

Triggers are different for each person. But, there are common types of triggers that many people face throughout their time in recovery. These cues can be people, places, things, events, and even emotions.

People

Being around substance-using people is one of the most common causes of relapse. Anyone from former drug dealers, to old friends who invite you out to parties with drugs and alcohol can trigger a relapse. This not only applies to people who use substances. Even close friends or family may say or do something that can cause you to want to use drugs or alcohol again.

Places

If there are any places you associate with substance use, it’s best to avoid them. These include places like concerts, bars and clubs, specific neighborhoods or houses where you used to use drugs or alcohol, and more. From the rooms where drinking or drug use took place to those familiar smells that evoke memories of abusive behavior, places can have a powerful effect on recovery. It’s best to avoid these triggers at all costs.

Things

There are objects in your life that may cause memories to flood back and increase your urge to use drugs or alcohol. These could be movies where people are using substances, drug paraphernalia, drugs or alcohol, or anything else you associate with prior substance use. It can be as simple as seeing a lighter or a certain glass in the cabinet. Get rid of these items, regardless of the sentimental value they may have. Throw them away or, if they are valuable, give them to a trusted friend or relative for safekeeping.

Events

Unfortunately, parties and celebrations often involve temptations like alcohol. It’s difficult to avoid birthday parties, company happy hours, graduation parties, or anything else where people are celebrating with alcohol. Having someone attend with you to help you stay away from any temptations is key to staying sober in these situations.

Emotions

Emotions are considered internal triggers, and they’re usually much more difficult to avoid than external triggers. Anger, fear, jealousy, loneliness, boredom, and depression are just some of the emotional states that can cause stress and relapse. Recognizing your emotions and having a plan in place to deal with them in healthy ways will help you cope with these types of triggers.

Developing an Action Plan

Recognizing your triggers is an excellent first step. Learning to live with them is what will keep you healthy throughout recovery. In an ideal world you would never encounter a trigger, but in the real world that’s unlikely to happen. Preparing for triggers is crucial to the recovery process. Having someone who cares about you and understands your triggers can make a world of difference.

Staying healthy in recovery and learning how to cope with triggers is extremely difficult, but a strong support system can help you. If you or someone you love is struggling to stay healthy in recovery, we offer residential treatment as well as intensive outpatient treatment for those in recovery. Reach out to us today.

Open post Business meeting in lobby of colorful modern office space

Restoring Your Human Spirit Through Recovery

Many people who struggle to overcome substance use disorders feel stigmatized, alone, and lost in their own bodies and minds. Being physically dependent on substances that negatively impact your life can affect everything about a person. Making the choice to enter recovery is one of the best ways to restore your spirit after battling the addictive cycle.

Throughout your recovery journey, you’ll be focusing on restoring your mind and body. Only after you’ve eliminated the toxins that have affected your body and soul can you truly restore your spirit, happiness, and hope for a better future.

The Mind, Body and Spirit Connection

After making the decision to get help with a substance use disorder, you may either try to stop cold turkey or enter a rehabilitation facility to go through a medical detox. It’s likely you’ll experience multiple withdrawal symptoms such as shakes, nausea, depression, anxiety, mood swings, and a number of other ailments. Medical detox can help ease the pain of detox, although nothing can really eliminate it.

After you have detoxed, many rehab facilities offer some form of exercise option for patients. Taking care of your physical health will help you better understand how much a healthy body impacts your mindset. After gaining more control and insight into your body and mind, restoring your spirit will follow.

Once you have gone through detox and started your recovery process, you’ll be inundated with options for therapy. Individual, group, art, equine, and so many more therapies available at rehab facilities aim to restore your mind. You’ll be able to discover the underlying cause of your addiction and begin working on those deeper issues. If you suffer from anxiety or depression due to your substance use, therapy will help you work on overcoming and managing those disorders. Overall, therapy in recovery is a critical part of your mental restoration, and ultimately the restoration of your spirit.

Restoration of the Spirit

Hope lives at the core of the human spirit. It encompasses everything about you. Your mind, your feelings, your body, and so much more. After any amount of time spent dealing with substance abuse, it’s easy to think you will never be able to get back to the person you were before.

Post-detox recovery will help you learn to manage physical urges, emotional triggers, and boundary setting. You will also have the opportunity to attend individual and group therapy sessions to better understand yourself and the causes behind your use of drugs or alcohol. Although you won’t be in a recovery house forever, it’s an incredible step toward ongoing salvation and the renewal of your spirit.

Staying Strong

Soon after attending rehab, it’s likely that you still won’t feel confident in your ability to stay sober once you’re on your own again. Over time, as you work on your mind, body, and spirit, you will begin to trust yourself more and more. Although many people in recovery still fight for their sobriety daily, the longer you stay in recovery the more likely you are to have hope for the future and trust in your ability to stay sober.

Overcoming a substance use disorder affects all aspects of a human being. Attending rehab and actively working on recovery will give you the best possible foundation for a healthy, sober life.

If you or someone you love is ready to get help with their addiction, reach out to us today to get started. We offer outpatient treatment as well as residential treatment and would love to help you in the next stage of your recovery.

Open post TGH-Cover-Dan-Schultz-2

Types of Treatments Available at Rehab Facilities

Entering the world of treatment and rehab facilities can be overwhelming. Before making the decision to enter rehab or talking to a loved one about treatment, it’s important to know the types of treatments available at rehab facilities.

Inpatient Treatment

Impatient treatment is typically the first form of treatment people think of when they start planning their recovery. Inpatient treatment requires patients to check themselves into a program where they can recieve the help they need while overcoming their addictions. Patients typically stay in a treatment facility for 28 days to six months, depending on their needs.

Inpatient treatment will differ based on the program, but the majority include medically assisted detox, constant medical care, group therapy, individual therapy, and family therapy. Some programs also offer patients non-traditional therapies such as equine therapy, art therapy, dance therapy, and more.

Finding an inpatient program that will work for you and your situation is an excellent step toward recovery. There are some things you have to do before entering treatment. If you have kids, you’ll want to work with your support system to find someone for them to stay with while you’re in recovery. You’ll also need to talk to your employer and inform them that you’ll be in recovery and unable to work. Getting everything in order before you leave will help you be able to focus your attention on recovery once you enter treatment.

 

Transitional Living

Residential or transitional living programs are an option for people who have completed detoxification and had a primary rehabilitation stay. Patients typically spend three to six months in residential treatment and can expect to attend therapy sessions, address barriers to recovery, practice life skills, and connect with local resources.

At The GateHouse, our residential programs consist of three phases. During Phase I, residents familiarize themselves with their new schedules, new counselors, peers, guidelines, and routines of The GateHouse. Phase II begins when residents complete their initial treatment goals. They participate in beneficial weekend activities and develop their values, morals, and beliefs. Residents typically start looking for employment and volunteer roles in the community to practice their new-found recovery life skills during Phase II, as well. Phase III is when residents start planning for their future after the program. They implement the skills they acquired throughout the program and balance their various responsibilities. After finishing Phase III, our team helps residents create a relapse prevention plan, prepare a budget, find housing, recommend outpatient services, and help form a support network.

 

Intensive Outpatient

Outpatient treatment allows clients to maintain their daily routines while learning and practicing recovery skills. Additionally, outpatient treatment allows patients to stay close to their support system, develop a support system in their environment, and receive information for local resources.

Unlike inpatient treatment, clients typically only spend up to 12 hours a week in a treatment program you choose to attend. Outpatient treatment offers similar therapies such as individual and group therapy. These programs are usually used as part of a long-term treatment plan or by those who have mild to moderate withdrawal symptoms. Detoxing at an outpatient facility is also an option at some programs, which does not require a client to stay in an inpatient facility full time.

Outpatient rehab is an incredible option to incorporate into a long-term treatment plan or for those who are concerned about affecting their daily lives.

It’s always important to determine your individual needs and life circumstances when choosing a course of treatment. Whether it’s full-time inpatient treatment, transitional living, or outpatient treatment, finding out what will work best for you is essential to your long-term recovery.

The GateHouse provides both intensive outpatient treatment and transitional living options where groups are facilitated by professional and credentialed members of the treatment team.  If you’re interested in an intensive outpatient program or residential treatment, reach out to The GateHouse to for help.

Open post The-Gate-House-1140x597-1080x597

Choosing the Best Treatment Center For Addiction

You or a loved one have taken the first, most important step toward recovering from drug or alcohol dependence—recognizing the need for professional help. The next step is choosing the best treatment center for addiction—one that can help with the dependence issues and map out a road to recovery.

This handy checklist should help you learn what to look for in a facility and how to make the best choice for a successful recovery.

Ask Questions!

You’re looking for the best treatment facility for you or your loved one. Any legitimate treatment center will welcome potential clients, patiently answer questions and make sure you feel comfortable with the facility, its staff, and its treatment plans.

Accreditation

Look for a facility that is accredited by the state. Treatment facilities may hold additional accreditidations, such as the Commission on Accreditation of Rehab Facilities (CARF).

Certified Professionals

To ensure quality care, choose a facility that staffs licensed, accredited professionals, which may include drug and alcohol counselors, social workers and other certified staff.

Types of Treatments

What types of treatment does the facility use? The best, most effective treatments for addiction are evidence-based, meaning research has proven these techniques are time-tested and effective. Be wary of facilities that use experimental or other suspect techniques. Ask to see literature explaining treatment plans.

Inpatient or Outpatient Treatment

Are you looking for intensive inpatient treatment or do you need to continue to work or care for family while you go through the recovery process? What options does the facility offer that meet your specific needs? Check if an ongoing recovery residency program is an option while you work toward living functionally. Some treatment centers end after three months but support and recovery may take longer.

Dual Diagnoses

Many suffering from addiction have dual diagnoses (also known as co-existing conditions) such as depression and anxiety, as well as physical illnesses. It’s important to address the underlying causes of addiction and contributing factors in order to successfully treat addiction. Look for a facility that takes a holistic approach and treats the whole person.

Family Support

Addiction affects everyone involved—spouses, children, parents and friends. In recovery, the love and support of family and friends is vital. They can use tools to help their loved one during the recovery process, as well as learn how to be helpful in a positive way rather than enabling addiction. Look for a treatment center that offers family counseling and education on addiction and recovery.

Cost

How much is cost a factor in your decision? Ask what health insurance plans are accepted and what financial services are available.

Follow-Up Care

The support you receive after finishing a treatment plan is vital in staying sober. What, if any, follow-up care is provided? Is ongoing case management offered? Case managers help in many ways. Some centers offer alumni associations and aftercare groups, so you always have someone to connect with.

Resources After Recovery

Recovering from an addiction involves many layers. It’s important someone recovering from addiction is equipped with skills to be successful after program completion. Resources may include education, life skills training, housing, mental and physical health resources and employment opportunities. These all contribute to successfully reintegrating into the community.

As you make the important decision to seek help, use these guidelines to find the right treatment center. Once you have peace of mind you’ve found the right place, you’ll be on the path to recovery and wellness!

Open post AmeriHealth Caritas

Impact of Addiction on Families: Addiction and Financial Problems

Addiction and the financial problems it causes can ruin lives.

When someone in your home is struggling with an addiction to drugs or alcohol, it can add stress to the entire household not only emotionally but financially, as well.

Behavior Associated with Addiction and Financial Problems

Addiction and withdrawal can put your loved one in a frenzied state of mind—a state in which they’ll do anything to get their next fix. This severely damages relationships, whether it’s your significant other, son, or daughter, often causing an inability to trust your loved one. This damage is often compounded by financial loss.

Lying and Manipulation

An addicted person may use lying and manipulation tactics to convince you that they’re in a financial pinch when they’re really after money to obtain more drugs or alcohol. Excuses include but may not be limited to:

  • Vehicle expenses (gas money, necessary repairs, late payments)
  • Rent or mortgage payments
  • Doctor visits (seeing multiple doctors to try and obtain prescriptions for various medications)

Stealing

When addiction takes over a person’s mind, it takes control of their lifestyle. It’s not uncommon for an addicted person to steal valuables from the homes of family and friends to pawn for drugs or alcohol. They’ll often go for valuables that aren’t used often or on display so owners don’t notice their absence right away. An addicted person may also steal prescription drugs or even money from friends and family.

Inability to Keep a Job

Employers do not tolerate illegal drug use, alcoholism, or the behavior that often accompanies these habits, including:

  • Regularly missing work
  • Showing up late
  • Bloodshot or glassy eyes
  • Slurred speech
  • Slowed motor skills

Illegal drug use typically warrants immediate dismissal. With a tainted record, it’s much more difficult to obtain a job. If your friend or loved one is stuck in unemployment, they’ll be unable to contribute to household finances.

Financial Costs Associated with Addiction

The repercussions of substance abuse can take an even greater toll on personal finances, with expenses ranging from fines to funeral costs.

Fines, Bail, and Attorney Fees

People struggling with addiction often get wrapped up in illegal situations influenced by their addiction. Here are just a few common crimes associated with addiction:

  • Shoplifting
  • Driving under the influence
  • Forging signatures for prescriptions

Some instances require the need for an attorney, which can run thousands of dollars on top of other fees, depending on whether it’s a multiple offense. If your loved one is arrested, they may manipulate you into bailing them out of jail, swearing they’ll get help.

Funeral Costs

As difficult as it is to discuss the death of a loved one, the possibility of addiction stealing your loved one is real, and you may be forced to confront steep costs for their funeral. The cost of a traditional funeral can range anywhere from $8,000 to $10,000, which is often too massive a burden for family already dealing with addiction’s other costs.

Choose an organization that works to benefit you.

Don’t wait until you’re forced to claim bankruptcy to get help. If your loved one is battling addiction, reach out to an organization that has your best interests at heart. The GateHouse is a nonprofit organization based in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. Our licensed and certified counselors are here to make your life—and the life of your loved one—whole again.

Contact us today to speak with our amiable staff and see how we can join together to help you.

Open post Couples therapy or marriage counseling. Man and woman holding hands on couch during a psychotherapy session. Psychologist, counselor, therapist, psychiatrist or relationship consultant giving advice.

Outpatient Addiction Treatment: Which Type is Right for You?

The outpatient addiction treatment maze can feel tough to navigate at first. You’re probably asking questions like:

What kind of addiction treatment is right for me?

Can I get effective treatment and still work, attend school, or care for my family?

Is quality outpatient treatment available near me?

Outpatient therapy for alcohol and other drugs doesn’t require 24-hour care at a specialized facility. Instead, it offers treatment and support from professional counselors while you live at home or in a recovery-focused residence. For many people recovering from addiction, it’s a way to receive quality therapy without being away from work, school, or family.

The two most common types of outpatient treatment are intensive outpatient treatment and general outpatient treatment.

Intensive Outpatient (IOP) Treatment

As highly structured treatment plans, IOP programs are often recommended for people who are in the early stages of recovery but don’t require inpatient treatment or a medically-supervised detox. The focus in IOP is to help you make recovery a priority and build the lasting skills that support sobriety.

While program specifics vary among facilities, you can expect to participate in—at minimum—nine hours of treatment weekly, often spread over three to four days. Providers typically offer multiple session options, such as morning or evening, so you can attend treatments that fit in with your daily schedule.

Some sessions take place in a group setting, which combines the guidance of a professional and the support of peers. You might also participate in individual therapy sessions to focus on your specific recovery needs.

Effective addiction treatment programs use evidence-based practices. For example, Matrix Model-based programs use an integrative approach that includes a combination of effective therapies to help you understand the root causes of your addiction and develop skillsets for long-term recovery.

During IOP treatment, you may:

  • Learn to identify relapse triggers
  • Practice refusal skills
  • Participate in family counseling
  • Practice stress management skills
  • Learn to cope with common addiction-related emotions, like guilt or shame

General Outpatient Treatment

Less structured than IOP, general outpatient addiction treatment focuses on helping you process and cope with experiences common to people in recovery. Through a combination of group and individual treatment, you’ll develop the understanding and skills needed to maintain sobriety.

During general outpatient treatment, you may:

  • Identify the underlying issues that lead to addiction and relapse
  • Pinpoint relapse triggers
  • Learn to manage stress in healthier ways
  • Develop stronger communication skills
  • Repair relationships damaged by addiction
  • Attend 12-step programs or other peer support groups

Effective general outpatient treatment also addresses gender-specific issues and co-occurring disorders, like anxiety, depression, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

Get the help you need to live the substance-free life you deserve.

Every person’s situation is unique. Find the best treatment option for you by talking with a credentialed addiction professional.

The Gate House in Lancaster, PA offers the intensive outpatient and general outpatient programs that provide the support you need to live a life free from substances and full of hope.

Contact us for judgement-free guidance.

Open post I am glad that we managed to reach an agreement!

Impact of Addiction on Families: Addiction and Abuse

Substance addiction and verbal, emotional, or physical abuse too often go hand-in-hand.

The connection between addiction and abuse is complex, no matter the relationship between you and the person you love, whether you’re a parent emotionally abused by an adult child or a partner physically assaulted by a significant other.

You deserve to live a life free from the stress and pain of abuse. And understanding the warning signs that indicate you’re being abused by an addicted person is the first step on the journey toward a healthier life.

Signs of Verbal Abuse

Unlike physical harm, verbal abuse leaves no apparent bruises, marks, or scars. In fact, the absence of visible signs sometimes leads abused people—and those around them—to believe that what they’re experiencing isn’t “real” or that they’re being “overly sensitive.”

An addicted person who verbally abuses you may:

  • Insult, taunt, or humiliate you
  • Call you names
  • Reject you for periods of time (aka “the silent treatment”)
  • Minimize your abilities, experiences, or achievements

Signs of Emotional Abuse

Like verbal abuse, the emotional type can be subtle enough that you may not even realize it’s happening. However, emotional abuse can batter your self-esteem and devastate your mental well-being, laying the foundation for potential depression, anxiety, and chronic stress.

An addicted person who emotionally abuses you may:

  • Blame you for their substance use
  • Blame you for any abuse they inflict on you
  • Neglect you
  • Threaten you or those you love
  • Intimidate you with weapons
  • Threaten to kill themselves
  • Hurt your pets or property
  • Stalk you (this may include checking your phone or social media accounts, too)
  • Gaslight you (that is, manipulate you to make you feel like you’re “crazy”)
  • Control your behavior (e.g., restricting access to money or preventing you from seeing family and friends)
  • Pressure you to use alcohol and/or other drugs

Signs of Physical Abuse

Substance abuse plays a role in 40 to 60 percent of intimate partner violence (IPV) incidents. While the connection between substance abuse and any behavior is complex, evidence suggests that the use of alcohol and other drugs may spark violent behavior—or make it worse. In addition to the serious physical risk, violence raises your own risk of substance abuse, as alcohol and other drugs can be used to self-medicate stress and pain.

An addicted person who physically abuses you may:

  • Push or shove you
  • Punch, slap, kick, or choke you
  • Prevent you from eating or sleeping
  • Drive dangerously when you’re in the car
  • Abuse you sexually
  • Prevent you from calling the police or getting medical attention
  • Force you to use alcohol and/or other drugs

Find the support you need.

Not everyone with addiction will abuse loved ones. But if you’re being abused by an addicted person, seek guidance from professionals who can assess the situation and point you toward help—and hope.

The GateHouse offers comprehensive treatment services in Lancaster, including residential treatment, outpatient and intensive outpatient programs, and transitional recovery residences. Our team also offers case management care to support long-term recovery.

Contact us for confidential guidance.

Scroll to top