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Archive for February, 2009

Transferring Treatment Facilities

Thursday, February 26th, 2009

Fish jumping from bowl to bowlBefore entering any reputable treatment center, the staff should conduct an in-depth interview to make sure they know what your needs are and whether they are prepared to help you on your journey to recovery. Sometimes, though, even with the best of intentions, you find that you need to make a change.

Before changing programs mid-treatment, you want to make sure you’ve done all you can to resolve any issues that are barriers to your staying put. If you still feel the need to make a change, or if outside forces are making it necessary to switch programs (insurance changes, new issues arising that the current program isn’t equipped to treat, etc.), you might need some helpful tips for the transition.
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The Oscars & Addiction

Tuesday, February 24th, 2009

Rachel Getting MarriedActress Anne Hathaway’s polished red carpet look for the recent Academy Awards was a far cry from the tearful, troubled recovering addict she portrayed in the film Rachel Getting Married. The role won her a Best Actress nod and brought the issue of addiction to the big screen once again.

Rachel isn’t the first film to shed light on substance abuse, treatment and recovery, though. Trainspotting, When a Man Loves a Woman, The Basketball Diaries, Leaving Las Vegas and a host of other critically-acclaimed movies have explored the complex topic of substance abuse and the devastation it visits not just on those who are addicted but everyone around them.

Rachel Getting Married

This recent film differs from some that have gone before by focusing primarily on the after-effects of addiction as Hathaway’s character tries to find a new role within her family after being released from residential treatment. (more…)

Before You Can Bloom

Tuesday, February 24th, 2009

TulipsDoes it seem like you’re not making any progress? Is recovery just not moving fast enough to satisfy you? Trust me, you’re not the only one who feels that way. But before you get too discouraged, take a look outside.

Before spring gives way to all those beautiful blooms- the white crocus, yellow daffodils, pink and red tulips- a lot goes on underground. That foundation work isn’t nearly so pretty to look at. In fact, there’s nothing much to see up here on the surface. But underneath, slowly but surely, the day-to-day work is happening that will eventually lead to that showy spring bouquet. Those bulbs don’t look so pretty in the beginning. They’re weathered, dry and peeling. (more…)

Addiction’s Top Professionals Speak at Las Vegas Conference

Tuesday, February 24th, 2009

Process Addictions LogoFoundations Recovery Network (FRN) brings the next dual diagnosis conference to The Palms in Las Vegas, Nev., April 22-24, 2009. “Process Addictions: Approaches for Professionals” offers up to 18 hours Continuing Education Certification and the opportunity to network with the industry’s top professionals.

Participants at this conference will gain in-depth information about process addictions and mental health treatment while also being updated on the field’s advances over the last five years. Attendees will include professionals in the field of addiction such as chemical drug and mental health counselors, psychiatrists, psychologists, interventionists, and social workers.
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Living in a State of Recovery

Tuesday, February 24th, 2009

I’m a finisher. I like to get things done and check them off my list. That accomplishment gives me a feeling of intense satisfaction. Maybe that’s why it’s taken me quite a while to grasp the idea that “recovery” is something I’ll never be able to cross off my life’s to-do list. I’ll never be done.

I will always be a work in progress.
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New Year, New You

Tuesday, February 24th, 2009

new yearThe clock struck midnight, the ball dropped and a new year has been ushered in.

Welcome, 2009!

Are you feeling optimistic about what the coming year will hold? Nervous? Excited? It may be little more than the turning of a calendar page, but a new year offers the feeling of a fresh start. It’s a natural time to take stock of the past year and determine what’s working for you and what needs to be changed.
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Holiday Stress

Tuesday, February 24th, 2009

winter snowAs the holidays approach and the to-do list grows, it’s easy to find yourself overwhelmed. The growing Christmas list, the crowds at the mall, the long lines at the grocery store, the endless parties and obligations… before you know it, you’re stressed out. It doesn’t help that the days are shorter and colder, making it tempting to huddle inside where it’s warm and hibernate. But the winter weather has more to offer than just chapped lips and static cling. The nature around us can do a lot to combat stress and depression – if you’ll only give it the chance.
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Thankful for Recovery

Tuesday, February 24th, 2009

At this time of year, it’s natural for people to pause and reflect on all they have to be thankful for. For many, it can also bring up regrets. If you’ve battled a substance abuse problem, those regrets can be especially painful as you remember past mistakes and choices you wish you hadn’t made.

Fortunately, part of being in recovery is focusing on the future and the opportunity you have to make today all that it can be. You can’t do anything about yesterday, last week, last month or last year. Those days are gone, and reliving experiences that you don’t have the power to change can only hurt your recovery.
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Healthy Eating and Recovery

Monday, February 23rd, 2009

LuncheonAddiction recovery consists of much more than simply ending a chemical dependency. Even the food you eat plays a role. When food is in its most natural state, the body recognizes and responds to it more readily than processed snacks or junk foods. The level of nutrients satisfies more readily than empty foods.

That’s why La Paloma’s head chef, Jordan Emerson, is so focused on planning and preparing menus that provide a healthy and balanced diet. He realized the opportunity he has to positively affect the recovery of others by helping them make healthy diet choices during their healing process.
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Noah’s Notes: Strength and Weakness

Monday, February 23rd, 2009

Rock ClimberEmotional pain is part of emotional health, and every one of us has found our own path to our own pain. If that’s tough news, tough. It’s also reality therapy. So however you think you got here in your life, or who you think got you here, and whether you’re suffering from the need to please, the blame game, or simply sitting there wearing a feeling-sorry-for-yourself party hat at your own pity party, it’s time you knew the party is over.

Character isn’t how we live the life we intend but how we live the life destiny intends. We’re all hurting. What’s hurting you is where your work begins. You’re not expected to finish the work, but neither are you excused from it. It’s time to get busy.
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