Resistance to Rehab: 3 Common Objections

Sep 11 2023

The Soul, Higher Self, and Ego-Self: Understanding the Differences

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Recovery Blog, Therapy, Yeshaia Blakeney

We’re trying to map out spirituality and how it relates to addiction and mental health treatment. I like to kind of place it within the realm of a person.

How do I interface with spirit? Where’s my spirit? What was going on with me?

There are a few terms that are helpful. Some I talked about in previous videos.

The Higher Self and Ego Self: Part of the Psyche

There’s a higher self that’s more of a rational observer mind. The part that knows and seeks the good.

And there is the ego-self which is kind of my everyday operation. The ego-self is very helpful, it protects me. When I get in a car and drive, I’m operating from the sort of habitual nature of the ego-self. A lot of my daily, more utilitarian interactions, are operated by the ego-self.

But it’s only when I’m trying to figure out how to be a better husband, father, friend, human, soul, I’m thinking…

Okay, I got to find that higher self and work through this.

So you have a higher self, you have the ego-self, I think that’s in the place of the psyche.

What is the Soul?

Then there is an interesting term called, the soul. And you might think about the soul as also having many dimensions. And the soul is a little bit different than the higher self.

The higher self is rational and logical, in some sense. The soul, to me, is the realm of poetry. It’s the realm of art. It involves the archetypes that I spoke about in a recent video.

And it’s also sort of the seat of meaning. Meaning is not a rational concept. Meaning is the faculty. When something is meaningful, it has nothing to do with whether it’s irrational or not. Meaning is happening somewhere else.

When I’m cognizing or thinking about something important or good? For me, that’s the higher self in action.

But when I see something, have a great moment of watching my children and tears come to my eyes…It’s a meaningful moment. To me, that’s happening in the soul.

So the soul is separate from that higher self. And the soul is sensitive. The soul is subtle.

I have certain colors and textures I associate with the realm of the soul. The realm of the soul is universal. It’s not personal, it’s not particularly individualized. It would make a lot of sense to me if we all shared a species soul. If we all shared in a world soul, and I just experienced my bit of that in this incarnation of my existence.

I think that’s what happens when you know somebody.

The Soul During Times of Trouble

I can use an example of somebody in addiction treatment, but it could be anybody when they hit a bottom in their life. It’s like something in their soul can’t take it anymore. Something in that realm of meaning, in that more transcendent, deep space.

But we don’t think about the soul as happening in the head. We think about it like somewhere between the heart and the gut–not because the soul has a physical place–but we feel it at the core.

And that’s where that feeling of demoralization can happen. And that’s where you go, “Man, I need to change something.”

So you have that experience–sometimes it’s very dark. But the meaningful experience of the soul that generates it motivates this different kind of experience. That turns into actionable choices and then starts operating from the higher self.

And the soul is beyond our control, the soul is happening. I can bullshit my head all day long, but it is very difficult to bullshit my soul.

I think what we’re talking about spirituality–at its core–is the realm of the soul.

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Adam Mindel Interventionist with patient

Sep 08 2023

Interventions and Recovery: a Process | part 3

Realistically individuals with high levels of sociopathy do not generally enter treatment without being compelled by the fear of consequences. Click To Tweet

Adam Mindel, Addiction, Recovery Blog, Rehabilitation Process

As I look back over the last several months of working with individuals and families towards recovery, I promise I am terribly understating when I describe interventions as a process versus an event. All interventions are a process, I promise you, and I promise you so is recovery. Firsthand, I reflect on my nearly 17-year journey of recovery and recognize the years I spent in my addiction leading up to my current sobriety as all part of the process that produced the recovery that I have today.

Research shows that individuals must often go through a process of preparation before they are ready for permanent sobriety. The Transtheoretical Mode of Change by Prochaska & DiClemente is a model which describes sobriety as a movement from Denial to Contemplation to Preparation and ultimately Action and Maintenance.

Two Predominant Methods to Move Individuals from Denial to Motivated States of Change

If the above is true, then realistically how do I stage an intervention to move individuals from states of denial to more motivated states of change? I suggest there are two predominant ways:

1. Utilizing leverage to engage individuals in treatment, with ultimately, the treatment itself as the vehicle that provides the process of resolving ambiguity and resistance to change
2. Meeting individuals “where they are at”, by finding levels of care that can begin to engage individuals in a process of change.

Two important qualities required for an intervention

First, let’s cover the basics in all models of interventions, most interventionist assess for two important qualities required for an intervention

A. Influence – The capacity to have an effect on the character, development, or behavior of someone.

B. Leverage – The power to create consequences, or require behavioral change by an individual that is addicted.

I additionally assess for Attachment, which -is a deep and enduring emotional bond that connects one person to another across time and space (Ainsworth, 1973; Bowlby, 1969). Put simply, I like to know how much individuals care for and are connected to the friends and family that love them. Realistically individuals with high levels of sociopathy do not generally enter treatment without being compelled by the fear of consequences. At the same time, addiction and neurochemical changes will often resemble anti-social behavior.

Individuals often enter treatment due to tensions in interpersonal relationships.

With over 15 years of experience working with families and individuals in treatment, I can unequivocally inform you that individuals with deep attachments to friends and family have better outcomes from interventions and addiction treatment.

Having experience and understanding the quality of influence and leverage is vital to producing positive outcomes and creating the correct type of intervention. Quite frankly it is always easiest to intervene on loving individuals who care for their friends and family, and due to interdependent relationships, there are real consequences if the loved one does not enter treatment. For example, I recently intervened on a college student who had very close relationships with his parents and extended family. From the beginning, the initial assessment it was clear that this dutiful son would be entering treatment. In addition, he was dependent upon his parents to return to college. The intervention became high-level consultation, psychoeducation, and changing family dynamics while creating an accountable path back to university with the parent’s support post-treatment.

Unfortunately, not all interventions are high in relational influence or attachment, and not all interventions have real leverage. Click To Tweet

I describe “real leverage” as actual consequence that an individual would experience if they choose to not enter addiction treatment. These consequences may include the removal of financial support, parental or marital consequences.

“Adaptive models of interventions find ways to engage with individuals realistically in different stages of change” – Adam Mindel

Adaptive models of interventions find ways to engage with individuals realistically in different stages of change, different levels of care, and often must create processes that allow individuals to fail or provide them the dignity to try things “their way”, before accepting recommended courses of action.

For example, I recently Intervened on a successful businessman who was abusing both opiates and amphetamines. Though he loved his family, no individual in his family had any type of leverage, he was well able to finance/self-enable his own addiction. In addition, as a result of chronic amphetamine abuse, the client was dysregulated and unable to acquiesce to residential treatment and insisted upon beginning outpatient treatment in Los Angeles. An agreement was made between the client and his friends and family that included scheduled follow-up meetings to track his progress in outpatient. Ultimately, due to repeated relapses while attending outpatient treatment, the client became more intrinsically accepting of entering residential treatment of his own accord versus external coercion.

After the Intervention

Once in treatment, a further process was created moving the client through different levels of care which included residential treatment, sober living coupled with day treatment, intensive outpatient treatment, and ongoing continuing care which included week individual therapy for 6 months, psychiatric care, continued urine analysis monitoring, and of course the client’s agreement to attend self-help group throughout the recovery process. The client to this day continues in his own process of recovery and growth…the process continues.

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Jun 05 2023

Santa Monica Luxury Addiction Treatment

Men’s Addiction Treatment, Recovery Blog, Sober Living, Treatment

If your loved one struggles with addiction, you probably have more questions than answers.

Questions like:

Where do I find help?
What level of treatment does my loved one need?
Where can I find addiction treatment where my loved one will be comfortable?
What happens when detox/residential treatment is completed?
What is the difference between outpatient and IOP in Santa Monica?

And, most of all, How do I begin?

Finding Addiction Treatment in LA

One of the most important first steps is reaching out to an organization that makes you feel comfortable. Do your research. Get referrals from trusted professionals. Family and friends may also know someone that got help at an inpatient or outpatient addiction program.

Eventually, you will find a place that resonates with you.

Of course, there are a lot of LA addiction treatment centers around. Some provide luxury amenities, and others are more stark and economical.

If you are of a particular means, you may want a facility that allows your loved one to feel secure, safe, and tranquil. A private place where they feel empowered to take the critical first steps of their recovery. Where they can stay engaged in treatment and face the complex challenges of staying sober early in their recovery.

Santa Monica luxury addiction treatment offers unique opportunities for recovery in one of the most beautiful areas of the country. This beachside city provides plenty of natural beauty, outdoor recreation, and an active recovery community.

Sharing Your Story

You did your research. You found an addiction treatment facility in Santa Monica.

Now what?

Most facilities have an intake counselor who will listen to your story and concerns. Intake counselors are trained, experienced professionals that can help guide you toward the best recovery opportunities for your loved one. Together, you can determine the most appropriate level of care based on your loved one’s situation and your budget.

My Loved One Is Completing Detox Soon. What Happens Next?

So what happens when your loved one gets out of detox or residential treatment?

In most cases, they are transferred to a lower level of care–outpatient or intensive outpatient addiction treatment, to be specific. Which level will depend on your loved one’s drug history, the severity of their addiction, and how they progressed through more structured care.

Santa Monica men’s outpatient treatment is an excellent option for locals and those from out of town looking to distance themselves from certain addiction triggers. The fresh air, gorgeous landscapes, and vibrant recovery community of Santa Monica inspire many to continue their recovery journey here.

Santa Monica IOP

Intensive outpatient addiction treatment (IOP) is a higher level of care than outpatient treatment. It provides more structure and support than OP. Some find a men’s IOP treatment program is beneficial for building life skills and staying focused on recovery.

Many IOP addiction treatment programs require up to 12 hours of therapy a week (sometimes more). The ongoing support may last over 6 months. Of course, many factors come into play, including the individual’s willingness to go through the treatment program, their progress, and the quality of their home support system.

IOP programs typically use various treatment modalities, including:

Individual therapy
Group therapy
Family therapy
Medication management
Life skills training
12-step support
Sober leisure

IOP programs can be a good option for people who are ready to commit to recovery but still need some extra support to stay sober. They can also be a good option for people who cannot afford inpatient treatment or have other obligations making residential treatment difficult.

If you are considering IOP treatment, it’s essential to find a program that resonates. Not all IOP programs in Santa Monica are the same. There are many different programs and treatment approaches available.

It is important to find a program that individualizes its treatment planning around your loved one’s needs. Programs that offer various treatment methods are typically the best for more individualized treatment. Usually, combining group therapy, cognitive testing, individual and family therapy, and psychiatric care allows for a better chance of treatment success.

If you need to learn more about intensive outpatient treatment, we invite you to talk to one of our intake counselors by calling 310-294-9030.

Resistant to Rehab | 3 Common Objections

Recovery Blog

Resistance to Rehab: 3 Common Objections

Addiction is a serious problem that can have devastating consequences for the individual, their family, and their community. If you or someone you know is struggling with addiction, it is important to seek help as soon as possible. Rehab can be an essential part of the recovery process, but it is not always easy to convince someone to go. Here are three common objections to rehab and how to address them:

Objection #1: “I don’t have a problem.”

One of the most common objections to rehab is that the individual does not believe they have a problem. They may deny that they are addicted, or they may minimize the severity of their addiction. It is important to remember that addiction is a progressive disease, and it can be difficult for someone who is in the early stages of addiction to see how serious their problem is. If you are concerned that someone you know may have a problem, it is important to talk to them about your concerns. Be direct and honest, but also be patient and understanding. It may take some time for them to come to terms with their addiction.

Objection #2: “I don’t want to go to rehab.”

Even if someone acknowledges that they have a problem and is willing to seek help, they may still be resistant to going to rehab. This is often because they are afraid of what rehab will be like. They may be worried about being away from their family and friends, or they may be afraid of withdrawal symptoms. It is important to reassure them that rehab is a safe and supportive environment and that they will receive the help they need to overcome their addiction.

Objection #3: “I don’t know if rehab will work.”

Some people may be hesitant to go to rehab because they are not sure if it will work. They may have heard stories about people who went to rehab and relapsed, or they may have tried to quit on their own and failed. And it’s true, success rates for rehab are abysmal. It is important to remember that rehab is not a magic bullet, but it is a proven way to increase the chances of long-term recovery. If you are struggling with addiction, please don’t give up hope. There are new, modern solutions, and with individualized care, you can overcome this challenge.

If you are interested in learning more about our luxury drug recovery program for men in West LA, please contact us today. We would be happy to answer any questions you have and help you get started on the road to recovery.

Nov 08 2022

The Role of Addiction Psychology and Recovery

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Addiction, Recovery Blog, Rehabilitation Process, The Field of Treatment, Therapy, Treatment, Video, Yeshaia Blakeney

What to expect in this episode:

Traditional psychology has taken a central role in recovery and treating addiction, but it may not be ideal.
Psychotherapists often recommend AA or treatment because no progress can be made while in active addiction.
Immersing in the recovery culture to help the psychology of recovery.

Psychology and Recovery

Its a newer phenomenon that psychotherapy and psychology has taken a central role in the world of recovery. Part of me is rubbed a little wrong by that. It’s not that I am anti-therapy, both my parents are psychologists I actually love psychology. I’m fascinated by it.

But traditionally, we have an understanding that individual Psychotherapy is not a very effective way to treat addiction.

Addiction Needs to Be Addressed for Better Mental Health

What you’ll find most commonly is somebody’s afraid to enter into the world of recovery for a variety of reasons, so they go see a therapist – maybe an addiction specialist or maybe just a therapist – and I think the most common story is somebody will see a therapist for months or even years while still continuing to engage in their addiction maybe with some improvement maybe with no improvement.

Eventually, that therapist will say – maybe in months maybe in years, “hey, I can’t continue in this therapeutic process until you do something about your addiction problem and I can’t help you with your addiction problem. You need to go to treatment or Alcoholics Anonymous.”

It’s kind of a shame to me that somebody might be in therapy for five, six, seven, eight years I would hope that therapists out there recommend that early, and I also understand that if the clients not willing to go into treatment or to seek out some recovery that the therapist is stuck.

Immersing in the Recovery Culture

In general, my belief (and this is complex in nuanced) is that people have to immerse themselves in a culture of recovery and integrate recovery as part of their identity as the primary task of recovery. And that’s up front.

Upfront I have to challenge myself to admit that I have an addiction problem that I’ve been unable to solve. Then I have to take on the task of saying, “Okay, I’m a person who suffers from addiction and in order to treat this condition, I need to be a person in recovery.”

I need to be a person who identifies myself as someone in recovery from this condition just like I would if I diabetes. If I had a horrible case of diabetes then my recovery from that, or even a cancer survivor, I would identify as a cancer survivor. It almost killed me!

I have to know that deeply about myself and it is the first and primary core task of recovery

Psychology in Later Recovery

Then therapy comes along in order to help me to better understand myself and treat the underlying emotional conditions that existed, maybe prior to my addiction. In all different dramas in different ways of being different blocks I had that caused me to suffer that I then use drugs and alcohol to treat. I think of therapy as by and large the later stages of recovery.

At first, I have to be a person in recovery then I can work on this other stuff because if I’m not a person to recover, continue to use I’m not going to get any therapeutic work done.

There are exceptions. The exceptions to that are if I have trauma and it’s so severe it’s getting in the way of me being able to identify as somebody in recovery. So if the psychological problem or even psychiatric problem is so severe that I can’t engage.

An easy example is if I have a really hard time regulating my emotions. Incredibly impulsive. It will be impossible for me to engage in recovery because I can’t sit still, I can’t stop talking, I can’t take it in, take information and reality in, so a specialist, a therapeutic specialist would have to come in and treat my Emotion Regulation Impulse Disorder in order for me to engage in recovery.

But in general, I think that’s the exception

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Find out if we can help you raise the bottom

Sep 19 2022

Addiction Hijacks: When I’m High, I Really Want to Be Sober

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Addiction, Recovery Blog, Rehabilitation Process, The Field of Treatment, Therapy, Treatment, Yeshaia Blakeney

WHAT TO EXPECT

Understanding How Addiction Hijacks Rationality

Addiction Hijacks our “semi-rational” thoughts to justify ego desires.

The simplest way to put this is to tell a story.

Dealing with Cravings

I remember working with a client. He was about a week sober, had gotten out of detox from opioids. He was a week sober and still somewhat obsessed about using heroin.

He very earnestly approached me as a counselor at the time. He said, “Can I talk to you for a little bit?” I said, “Sure.”

We went back in my office, and he said, “I’m craving. I really want to use heroin, you know, will you help me?”

I said, “Well, tell me what your plan is. How are you– let’s lay it out. How are you going to go use heroin?”

Semi-Rational Plan to Use

He said, “Well, I go to Inglewood. I’m going to get some heroin.”

I said, “Slow down. Do you have any money on you right now?”

He said, “Yeah, I got 10 bucks.”

“Well, first of all, give me that 10 bucks.” I took that 10 bucks. Then I said, “So, how are you going to get ahold of your dealer?”

And he said, “I’m going to call him.” I said, “Do you have a cell phone?” He said, “No. You like picked up on my game, right?” And I said, “Okay, well now, if you don’t have a cell phone, how are you going to call the dealer?”

He said, “We go to the gas station, and I’m going to call him.” I said, “But you don’t have any money.” He said, “Well, I’ll panhandle and then I’ll call my drug dealer.”

I said, “Okay. So, we’re going to walk to the gas station on the corner over there. You’re going to call your drug dealer. He’s going to come drop it off.”

He said, “No. My dealer doesn’t deliver. I got to go to Inglewood. I got to get there. So, I’m going to take the bus.”

I said, “Okay. So, you’re going to take the bus to Inglewood and you’re going to meet your dealer. Where?” “There’s Burger King in Inglewood.”

I said, “Okay. And then what?”

“So, I’m going to use.”

“So, where are young going to use?”

He said, “I’m going to use in the Burger King bathroom.”

I said, “With what?”

He said, “With foil and a straw.”

I said, “Okay. So, using in a Burger King bathroom. And then what are you going to do?”

He said, “I’m going to be high.”

I said, “Okay. And then what?”

And then he said, “I’m going to come home.”

I said, “Yeah. You’re going to go back to your mom and dad’s?”

And he said, “No. They kicked me out. I’m going to come back here.”

“Okay, so you’re going to go use at the Burger King. You’re going to get high in the bathroom. You are going to catch the bus back after you’re high. You’re going to come back to this treatment program. And then what are you going to do?”

He said, “Then I’m going to get sober.”

Addiction Hijacks the Mind’s Rational Thought

And I, of course, you know, I said, “But you’re sober now. You’re already there. You don’t have to do the loop de loop.”

And he looked at me, and he said, “Yeah, but when I’m high, I really want to be sober.”

And I said, “Okay, so what I hear you saying is that in order for you to get and stay sober, you have to get high again.”

He said, “Yeah.”

Semi Rational Reasoning

The ego self had basically taken the rational ability and created a little narrative and story that makes semi-sense.

But obviously, if you use that rationale in your life, you’d never get sober, right? Because every time I try to get sober, I have to get high and be motivated to get sober again. You just do that rinse and repeat, over and over. It’s actually what a lot of people do.

The Ego and Justifications

The ego self can hijack the rationale to create justifications.

It’s a reality. And with this particular person, he actually did it. He didn’t do it that night. But a couple of days later, he left, and incredibly he was right. He got high at Burger King.

We ended up referring him to a program out of town. And he’s, I think, sober eight, nine years now. So, he happened to be right. But it’s not a good equation as to how to get clean. As an example of how the ego self can hijack the rationale in order to create justifications to continue to enable addiction.

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We are Rooted in the Foundation of the 12-Steps and Believe in Long-Term Care

Aug 15 2022

Common Outpatient Addiction Treatment Questions

Men’s Addiction Treatment, Recovery Blog, Treatment

WHAT TO EXPECT:

Individuals who receive addiction treatment generally attend multiple levels of care during recovery.

Outpatient addiction treatment provides opportunities to develop skills necessary for a successful recovery. Outpatient treatment is less restrictive than detox and residential care. The individual has more personal freedom and can return home each evening.

What is Outpatient Addiction Treatment?

Outpatient addiction treatment addresses addiction with various evidence-based approaches. Some of the better outpatient rehabs in Santa Monica combine science with holistic health to address addiction and underlying issues in a comprehensive–but focused–manner.

For example, an outpatient program may use Brainwave Optimization neurofeedback techniques and cognitive testing to address changes that occurred in the brain due to drugs or alcohol usage. The objective findings of these scientific approaches combine well with individual, group, and family therapy which is often subjective.

Are There Different Levels of Outpatient Care?

Yes. Outpatient addiction treatment usually has two levels–outpatient and intensive outpatient treatment.

Here’s a quick look at each:

Outpatient Addiction Treatment (OP)

Outpatient addiction treatment (OP) is a lower level of care that works best for individuals without a severe drug or alcohol history. Individuals in OP care usually have more opportunities for structure in their lives (work, family, etc.) and a good support network.

Also, OP treatment may be used as a way of moving forward with addiction once an individual completes an intensive outpatient addiction program.

An individual usually spends less than 9 hours a week in OP treatment.

Intensive Outpatient (IOP)

Intensive outpatient (IOP) is a higher level of care for individuals who may require additional structure and support. IOP addiction programs require an individual to spend more time in groups, therapy sessions, skill-building classes, and sober activities.

Some individuals may spend the whole day in IOP programming before being able to return home or to a sober living home.

IOP programs are appropriate for individuals who completed a residential drug rehab program. Also, those struggling in an OP program can get moved to an IOP program for extra support.

An IOP program can last up to 6 hours a day.

How Will I Know Which Outpatient Addiction Treatment is Right for Me?

You don’t need to have all the answers. An intake professional helps determine which placement is most appropriate.

Placement depends on several factors. The intake coordinator listens to your or a loved one’s story, reviews any records, and provides guidance for the best addiction treatment options.

The intake coordinator will also explain what happens during outpatient or intensive outpatient treatment, available services, and how the admission process works.

If I Don’t Live in Los Angeles, Can I Still Attend Outpatient Addiction Treatment Here?

Coastal Los Angeles boasts beautiful scenery, comfortable weather, and is just a short trip to Los Angeles. Furthermore, our location, Santa Monica, is famous for its beaches, dining, and tourist attractions, hosting over 8 million visitors annually.

And yes, some of these visitors are individuals seeking substance abuse treatment. The fresh ocean air, change of environment, and opportunities to explore sober activities can be a source of inspiration for those ready to start or continue their recovery journey.

Can I Afford Long-Term Outpatient Addiction Treatment?

Some outpatient services get covered by insurance. Other outpatient addiction treatments are private pay. You will want to check with a facility that resonates with you and find out how they charge.

Some individuals may think addiction treatment is expensive–especially if they have to pay out of pocket. When considering the price, you also have to see this as an investment.

If you or a loved one continue to use and the addiction worsens, the consequences can be very expensive. Losing a job, getting arrested, or developing mental and physical health problems can cost much more than outpatient addiction treatment.

And yes, some luxury addiction treatment and sober living facilities in the Santa Monica area have a high ticket price. But the costs also include several luxury amenities for comfort and enjoyment. Those accustomed to a particular way of living appreciate the transition to luxury outpatient addiction treatment.

Starting Your Outpatient Journey

Recover Integrity provides values-based exclusive extended care treatment for men. Our boutique Brentwood IOP community offers high-quality group work, multiple individual sessions, and a theory-based approach to recovery. We maintain a private, supportive atmosphere so the men in our program can focus on clinical care, wisdom work, and recovering their lives.

You can call (310) 294-9030 if you have any questions about our Brentwood IOP program.

Aug 05 2022

Learning to Feel Your Thoughts and Emotions

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Recovery Blog, Therapy, Treatment, Yeshaia Blakeney

WHAT TO EXPECT:

In general, one of the things that happen in modern times–as people become a lot more conscious of their physicality, nutrition, exercise, and of the importance in taking care of it–is being conscious of your body in the healing process. In other words, being able to check in and be present.

So with that, therapeutically, one of the things that have become very popular is somatic work. It is the work in the body.

Here is a somatic work example: You and I are doing a therapy session or counseling session. I can tell based on your breathing, how you are holding your shoulders and jaw, and your speech patterns that you are upset or frustrated.

But maybe I go, “Hey, you know, you are a little upset or frustrated.”

I am trying to process with you emotionally what is going on.

And you say, “You know, I am a little frustrated.”

Processing Emotions

Does that mean you just sort of allow somebody to say that they are frustrated sometimes?

Sometimes somebody just identifying that they are frustrated helps them go:

“Oh, that is what is going on. Do I want to be frustrated? Okay, let me kind of calm myself down.” Or: “Why am I frustrated? Oh, you know, I let this thing slide.”

What is Somatic Experiencing?

There is a way to process that frustration cognitively by identification. But there is also a way to process that frustration somatically. How frustration shows up sensationally in the body.

Meaning…

“Uh-oh, seems like you are frustrated.”

“Yeah.”

I would ask you a question like, “Where?”

If you have never done somatic therapy, you will go, “What do you mean?”

“Well, where in your body do you feel that tension, frustration, or whatever it is that you are feeling?”

“Oh, you know, actually in the back of my shoulders right here. I feel really tight.”

“Okay. I want you to close your eyes, and lean into that tightness. I want you to describe a little bit of it and tell me what is happening with it.”

And really, what you are trying to do is connect your thinking mind to your emotions and your body.

If you think about mind, body, and spirit, you think about the connection of all three of those.

And so, “Oh, I see that sensation. And then what I want to do is…I want to metabolize that emotion.”

Allow Yourself to Feel

But what happens is, you stop yourself from allowing to be frustrated. You know, the whole point of feelings is to feel them.

What fucks us all up is that we have a feeling and we want to think them away…or we want to figure them out.

But the whole thing about feelings is to experience them. And how do we experience them?

One way to experience them is somatically…to actually allow yourself to focus your consciousness on the points of your body that are responding to that emotional need. And then allow it to kind of work its way through you. See what comes up from there.

That is somatic work. It is really popular right now because I think everybody is a little suspicious of our minds these days. And so we are sort of looking for something to trust. And maybe it is our body.

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We are Rooted in the Foundation of the 12-Steps and Believe in Long-Term Care

Jul 19 2022

Sober Living Programs for Successful Recovery

Men’s Addiction Treatment, Recovery Blog, Rehabilitation Process, Sober Living

WHAT TO EXPECT:

Some individuals choose to live in sober homes to increase the chances of a successful recovery.

But what are sober homes? And how do sober living programs benefit those in early recovery?

What is a Sober Living Program?

Sober living programs, including sober housing, are the bridge between inpatient rehab and returning to the “real world.” These programs provide a safe environment for an individual to practice and build on the skills learned while in inpatient care.

Who Benefits from Sober Living Homes?

While in treatment, individuals learn that they must avoid the people, places, and things that trigger their addictive thoughts and behaviors. This isn’t always easy. Returning home after inpatient drug rehab may set some individuals up for failure.

Certain home circumstances cause triggers that derail a successful recovery. This includes:

An unstable home environment with unresolved issues
Sharing a home with those using drugs or alcohol
No accountability for actions
Lack of structure
Difficulty accessing a support network
Living with people that don’t understand the needs of someone in early recovery

What Happens in a Sober Living Program?

Individuals that choose these sober living arrangements enjoy a safe, structured environment that supports recovery.

Qualified addiction professionals manage sober living homes around the clock. When an individual in early recovery is struggling or triggered, they have access to someone that can help them work through these difficulties. Recovery gets reinforced. Disasters averted.

Those in sober living homes practice the skills they learned in higher levels of treatment. They build on those skills as they develop healthy routines. As they progress through treatment, they get more responsibilities and freedom to choose how they spend their free time.

Sober living programs encourage individuals to find work, develop their support network, and continue to build the essential life skills that support recovery.Daily check-ins, group therapy, and skills training reinforce healthy leaving, clear boundaries, and establishing recovery.

Why Sober Living for Long Term Recovery?

Recovery is a journey that lasts a lifetime. As with any journey, there will be transitions. Sober living homes are a transition point.

Individuals choose these living arrangements after completing inpatient drug rehab. The decision isn’t always easy. They often wonder, is sober living for me?

We’ve already talked about who benefits from sober living homes. But what are the benefits for those entering a sober living program?

Sober living helps by:

Offering continuous support: Getting sober isn’t easy. Many people self-medicate to avoid relationship difficulties, past traumas, and distressing feelings. Without drugs or alcohol, the things they avoided may become overwhelming. Staff at sober living homes are trained to help individuals cope and work through difficult times–even relapse.
Developing crucial life skills: The structured environment allows individuals to work on areas of their lives neglected while using. This can include communication, emotional regulation, financial, vocational, and healthy living skills.
Encouraging meaningful, sober relationships: An individual in recovery often loses contact with using peers. The ability to create meaningful relationships while sober allows an individual to develop relationships with like-minded peers.
Embracing independence: As an individual progresses through treatment, the ability to be successful at handling more responsibilities builds confidence and motivation.
Solidifying recovery: The longer an individual goes without using, the more they realize they can navigate life with the crutch of drugs or alcohol. The structure and accountability in sober living homes allow someone in recovery to take small steps towards a bigger, brighter future.

The benefits of sober living make the transition to a fully independent, sober life more attainable

Los Angeles Sober Living

Is there sober living in LA? Yes! There are several options to help your recovery in Los Angeles. Sometimes the options can make it hard to decide which sober living is right for me.

Here are some things to consider while deciding:

Does the sober living program resonate with my needs?
Is it a broad program for “everyone” or designed specifically for people like me?
Can I get vital outpatient treatment while living in the sober environment?
What evidence-based addiction treatments are available?
Do other people recommend the program?
Am I willing to honestly invest the time in sober living housing?
Can I afford the program?
Does the sober living home provide the amenities I desire?

Not all sober living programs are the same. Many individuals in early recovery benefit from sober homes that also provide outpatient addiction treatment. The added support and structure reinforce the foundation built during inpatient drug rehab.

Ultimately, you want to choose a sober living home that feels like home. One where you can feel comfortable and motivated to continue your recovery.

Luxury Men’s Los Angeles Sober Living Program

Men accustomed to a certain way of living may find difficulties adjusting to some sober homes. Luckily, men in sober living that desire luxury amenities can find options in the Los Angeles area.

That being said, the luxury should also include holistic addiction treatment that helps develop the skills and lifestyle habits for a successful recovery.

Recover Integrity is a values-based intensive outpatient drug rehab that offers luxury sober living as part of our step-down program. What sets Recover Integrity apart from other sober homes is its focus on innovative, evidence-based treatment. Our exclusive V.E.G.A program, cognitive testing, and luxury amenities provide a safe place where individuals recover their lives.

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