Men in recovery from addiction often have a high prevalence of trauma in their past. Distressing events can vary, from physical abuse to the sudden loss of a loved one from gun violence. Incidents like these can be a contributing factor to the development of addiction and can also complicate the recovery process. Studies suggest that many individuals seeking treatment for substance use disorders have experienced traumatic events, such as physical or sexual abuse, combat-related incidents, accidents, or other life-threatening experiences.

Healing from these experiences and addressing co-occurring conditions like post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is crucial for men in recovery. When these things go untreated, men in recovery – even long-term recovery –may struggle with depression, anger, and issues with relationships.

How Trauma Impacts a Man's Relationships

The aftermath of abuse, neglect, or other life-threatening experiences can significantly impact a man's relationships, influencing their interactions and emotional well-being. Here are some ways in which  it can affect a man's relationships:

1. Trust issues: It can lead to difficulties trusting others, including romantic partners, friends, and family members. Past traumatic experiences can make it challenging for a man to believe in the intentions and sincerity of others, which can strain relationships.
2. Emotional distance: Men who have lived through painful or frightening experiences, such as childhood abuse, may struggle with expressing their emotions and forming intimate connections. They may become emotionally guarded or detached as a protective mechanism, leading to distance in their relationships.
3. Communication difficulties: Many men don't know how to talk about their feelings, and the emotional pain caused by traumatic experiences can hinder effective communication. Men may struggle to articulate their thoughts or avoid discussing upsetting events altogether. This lack of communication can create misunderstandings, resentment, and strained relationships.
4. Intimacy challenges: It can impact a man's ability to engage in intimate relationships, both emotionally and physically. Men often fear vulnerability or have difficulties forming close emotional bonds with others.
5. Emotional/Angry Outbursts: Many men who have experienced distressing incidents have issues regulating their emotions, making them prone to angry outbursts, anxiety, and other emotional storms.

Trauma has a lasting effect on its victims. People with substance use disorder often use drugs to numb the pain from these lasting effects. You're not alone if you're living like this, but there's a way through this by getting help and getting sober.

Men, Trauma, and the Justice System

Studies consistently indicate a high trauma and substance use prevalence among incarcerated individuals, especially men.

According to the Bureau of Justice Statistics, approximately 75% of male inmates in the United States have a history of substance abuse or dependence. Additionally, studies have shown that many incarcerated men lived through traumatic experiences, such as physical or sexual abuse, neglect, or witnessing violence. In some studies, the rates of experiences among incarcerated men can be as high as 70-90%, with many also experiencing substance use disorders.

These statistics highlight the complex relationship between trauma, substance use, and incarceration. Consequently, there is a great need for more trauma-informed approaches and comprehensive interventions within correctional systems to address these underlying issues contributing to criminal behavior.

For many men, the stigma of seeking help independently is a barrier to treatment. As a result, treatment centers often refer them to therapy when they get help for substance abuse.

Getting Help for Trauma in Recovery

Therapy can help you learn to cope with addiction triggers that result from your traumatic experiences. You may need to learn new coping skills and work on bigger issues that result from your experiences.

Trauma-informed therapy is an approach that recognizes the impact of it on an individual's life and focuses on creating a safe and supportive therapeutic environment. It emphasizes empowerment, choice, collaboration, and sensitivity to potential triggers or re-traumatization. Therapists can provide a safe space for individuals to explore their experiences and work toward healing. A therapist can also recommend group therapy if you're a good fit.

Recovering From Trauma Is Possible

Healing from painful experiences is a personal and unique process. You won't recover overnight. Recovery is a lifelong process, and that's not a bad thing! You are healing your past and injured self and learning to care for and nurture your current being. Being patient and gentle with yourself is essential, allowing time for healing and seeking support when needed.

Recovery is possible, and with the right resources and help, individuals can regain control of their lives and begin to work on long-term healing.

If you have access, consider complementary and alternative therapies that complement traditional treatment, such as yoga, acupuncture, or art therapy. These approaches can help you process trauma, regulate emotions, and enhance your well-being.

You can also use self-care activities that promote relaxation and emotional well-being. This includes exercise, mindfulness or meditation, and journaling. For example, you may want to draw a bath on a lousy day or take a bike ride. Self-care includes activities that nourish your body, mind, or spirit and do not cause harm.

Try Sober Living In San Diego

Many people in early recovery find that sober living helps them strengthen their recovery and begin to rebuild their lives and relationships. In addition, sober living has tranquility, community, and a focus on the big picture: staying sober long-term. Learn more about what our homes have to offer by calling us!

Opioid-induced mood disorder is relatively common among people who use opioids recreationally or live with opioid use disorder. It's a mental health condition that can result from chronic opioid use.

Changes in mood, thinking, and behavior characterize opioid-induced use disorder. It can be challenging to diagnose and treat, but it can be treated similarly to other mood disorders. Treatment may include medication-assisted treatment, psychotherapy, and other therapeutic options such as exercise and mindfulness meditation. Therapy can help a person in recovery cope.

What is an Opioid-Induced Mood Disorder?

Opioid-induced mood disorder is one of several substance-induced disorders. It is a mental health condition characterized by changes in mood, affect, and behavior related to the use of opioids or their aftermath. These symptoms can stick around even after a person gets sober because it can take months or years for your body to recover from addiction.

Opioids can cause changes in a person's mood, including symptoms of depression, anxiety, and irritability. While the prevalence of opioid-induced mood disorder is not well-established, studies suggest that up to approximately 41% of methadone MAT clinic patients also had a comorbid mood disorder.

Why Do People End Up with Opioid-Induced Mood Disorders?

Scientists don't yet know the specific cause of any substance-induced mood disorder. An opioid-induced mood disorder may be linked to brain reward and stress response system changes. When people use opioids more regularly at higher doses, their bodies and mind change and adapt to regular drug use. This can cause changes that lead to addiction, also known as substance use disorder. When a person gets sober, it can take months to years for their body to adjust to sobriety completely. As a result, many people in recovery may be living with an undiagnosed mood disorder.

Opioids are a class of drugs prescribed for pain management. They work by binding to receptors in the brain and spinal cord, which can lead to feelings of euphoria and pain relief. Unfortunately, prolonged use of opioids can also lead to changes in brain chemistry that can contribute to the development of mood disorders.

One of the primary mechanisms by which opioids may contribute to mood disorders is their effects on the brain's reward system. Chronic opioid use can lead to a decrease in the availability of dopamine, a neurotransmitter that is associated with feelings of pleasure and reward. This can lead to reduced motivation and anhedonia,  a loss of enjoyment in normally enjoyable activities.

In addition to their effects on the reward system, opioids can also impact the brain's stress response system. Chronic opioid use can lead to a dysregulation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, which regulates the body's response to stress. This dysregulation can contribute to developing mood disorders such as depression and anxiety. However, just like substance use disorder, treatment is available, and symptoms can be managed.

Mood Disorders in Recovery

Many people struggle with mental health disorders, especially in early recovery. After all, it is common for people with mental health issues to self-medicate their symptoms. Some people discover a mood disorder after being sober for a while. In both instances, treatment can help a person cope and progress.

Mental health is just as vital as physical health for a good quality of life. There's nothing shameful or harmful about accepting help and learning how to live a better, more authentic life in recovery.

Getting Help for Opioid-Induced Mood Disorder

While opioid-induced mood disorders can be challenging to diagnose and treat, several approaches may be practical. These include medication-assisted treatment, psychotherapy, and coping skills like exercise and mindfulness meditation.

If you or somebody you love is struggling with a mood disorder, many resources exist to help you get treatment. If you went to drug treatment or live in a sober home, a staff member can most likely make a referral for you. If you go to 12-step meetings, you can ask people about their experiences. Or you can call your local mental health department to learn about other resources. You're not alone! Help is available.

Sober Living Homes in San Diego

If you're looking for a safe, compassionate community focused on sobriety, we're here to help! We offer an environment focused on helping you stay sober and continue to grow. Get in touch to learn more about our offerings, amenities, and other aspects of our sober living home.

When a person first gets sober, they change their lifestyle. Some of these changes may be challenging, especially in early recovery. Cognitive flexibility refers to your ability to adapt and adjust to changing situations and tasks, which involves modifying your thoughts and behaviors to meet the demands of new or changing circumstances.

In addiction recovery, cognitive flexibility enables you to adapt to a life free from drugs or alcohol. Recovery, after all, involves a significant change in a person's thinking and behavior. You can learn to make these changes, a day at a time, by boosting your cognitive flexibility. Progress in recovery means continually working toward being a better person - to yourself and others.

Cognitive Flexibility: Changing Thoughts and Actions

One way cognitive flexibility is essential in addiction recovery is in enabling people to overcome the rigid thinking patterns that often contribute to addiction. When a person gets sober, they're told that being open-minded and willing can help them begin to heal. Addiction is often associated with black-and-white thinking. If this sounds familiar, it's because people who struggle with substance use often see things as "all or nothing."

This thinking can be fatalistic and set a person up for relapse. After all, life is full of shades of gray. Having a bad day or feeling frustrated doesn't have to lead to a relapse. In early recovery, it may be difficult for somebody to consider alternative options or realize instinctively that there may be more than one perspective in any situation. In treatment or therapy, however, cognitive flexibility allows individuals to consider a range of possibilities and weigh the pros and cons of different options. Tools that help you begin to think differently, and react in more productive and positive ways, are important to helping you stay sober.

Another way cognitive flexibility is essential in addiction recovery is in enabling individuals to cope with stress and negative emotions. Addiction often develops as a way of dealing with difficult feelings or stress, so individuals in recovery must learn alternative coping strategies. Cognitive flexibility can help individuals develop various techniques for dealing with difficult emotions rather than relying solely on drugs or alcohol.

What Does The Research Say About Cognitive Flexibility?

Studies have shown that cognitive flexibility is associated with better outcomes in addiction recovery. For example, one study showed that individuals with higher cognitive flexibility levels were likelier to abstain from drugs and alcohol over a 6-month follow-up period. Other studies show it can also be a valuable skill for coping with anxiety disorders.

Learning new things is critical in addiction recovery. Openmindedness can help you begin to adapt to a lifestyle of sobriety and overcome negative and toxic thinking patterns.

Research has consistently found that higher levels of cognitive flexibility are associated with better treatment outcomes. The great news is that cognitive flexibility can be both practiced and taught.

Achieving Cognitive Flexibility in Recovery

Various ways exist to teach and improve cognitive flexibility in individuals. Therapy and peer support groups can help you change your thinking. Your therapist can work with you to help you counter negative thinking patterns that lead to old, counterproductive behavior.

1. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is a psychotherapeutic approach that aims to change negative thoughts and behaviors by teaching individuals to identify and modify the underlying thought patterns that contribute to them. In addiction recovery, CBT can help individuals to develop more adaptive thought patterns and behaviors, including cognitive flexibility.
2. Mindfulness meditation involves paying attention to the present moment without judgment. It can help people develop cognitive flexibility. Mindfulness does this by training people to observe their thoughts and emotions without reacting to them automatically, allowing them to react more positively when ready.
3. Problem-solving training can teach people a step-by-step approach to solving problems. The process involves identifying the problem, generating possible solutions, evaluating the solutions, and choosing the best one. This can help you to develop cognitive flexibility through critical thinking.
4. Exposure therapy involves gradually exposing you to situations that normally trigger anxiety or distress. This can help individuals develop cognitive flexibility by teaching them to approach challenging problems more openly.
5. Video games as therapy! Some studies have suggested that playing video games that require cognitive flexibility, such as strategy games, can improve a person's responses. While more research is needed in this area, research suggests that activities that challenge your thinking and cause brainstorming can also help you change your thoughts.

Learning new thinking and perspectives can help you stay open-minded and focused throughout recovery. Learning new tools to cope, think more critically, and react healthily will help you stay sober in the long term.

If you're having trouble adapting to life as a sober person. some of these activities can help you change your thoughts, actions, and life! You CAN overcome the rigid thinking patterns that can contribute to relapse behaviors, giving yourself a chance for long-term sobriety. Ask others in recovery how they learned to change their thoughts and actions. You'll find there are a lot of healthier coping strategies to try.

Consider Sober Living

Sober living homes are a great place for people new in recovery to begin to get their bearings and put new coping skills to the test. Learn more about our sober living homes, our amenities, and how we help keep you on track in recovery.

Living with chronic pain in recovery can feel like a minefield, especially if the pain is relatively new and you've experienced it while sober. While many people become addicted to drugs after being exposed medically, others may need pain relief while sober. Taking opioids for more than a day or two is not safe for people in recovery. Yet longer-term pain may remain; it's not something that improves as you stay sober longer. People with chronic illnesses need solutions that help them stay sober and improve their quality of life.

Treating Chronic Pain Without Opioids

Chronic pain typically can come from various conditions, from nerve damage from long-term drug use to pain from injuries, accidents, and illnesses that didn't heal. Many people in recovery live with chronic diseases. Sometimes that means they live with chronic pain, too.

When left untreated, chronic illness can significantly impact the quality of life of an individual. In the past, opioids, such as morphine and oxycodone, were considered the go-to treatment for severe pain. Today, many doctors are better educated and choose a multi-pronged approach to minimize harm.

Here are some potential options:

1. Non-Opioid Medications: Various non-opioid medications can treat chronic pain, including nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as aspirin, acetaminophen, and certain antidepressants and anticonvulsants. Many of these can be combined to create adequate pain relief options.
2. Opioid Rotation or MAT: If a person with addiction is already on opioid medication for chronic pain, their doctor may consider switching them to a different opioid with a lower risk of abuse potential. Often, this means that they can use MAT options such as buprenorphine.
3. Behavioral Therapy: Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) can help individuals with addiction learn new coping mechanisms for managing chronic pain.
4. Physical Therapy: Physical therapy can help individuals with chronic pain increase their physical activity, strengthen their muscles, and improve their flexibility, all of which can help reduce pain and improve overall function.
5. Complementary and Alternative Therapies: Some people may benefit from complementary and alternative therapies such as acupuncture, massage, and chiropractic care to manage their chronic pain. These treatments can help reduce pain and improve the overall quality of life.

Buprenorphine For Chronic Pain Management

Buprenorphine, while also used in Medication-Assisted Treatment, is a medication that can help with pain management in a few different ways. First, it is a partial opioid agonist, meaning it can produce some pain-relieving effects as other opioids but with a lower risk of addiction and fewer side effects.

Buprenorphine also has a ceiling effect, meaning it cannot produce any additional pain relief after a specific dose, making it safer to use than other opioids. Buprenorphine works as an antagonist at receptor sites in the brain, which means it can block other opioids from binding and therefore reduce the risk of overdose.

Buprenorphine has been shown to positively affect mood, making it helpful to people who live with chronic pain and struggle with depression. A qualified healthcare provider should only prescribe buprenorphine, and patients should follow their provider's treatment plan carefully. Not every health plan will offer it, and you may not qualify for it. Speak with your healthcare providers to learn more.

Low-Dose Naltrexone for Chronic Pain Management

In pain management, low-dose naltrexone (LDN) has been studied as a potential therapy for conditions such as fibromyalgia, neuropathic pain, and chronic fatigue syndrome. It is thought to work by modulating the immune system and reducing inflammation, which may contribute to chronic pain.

Naltrexone is no longer considered experimental. However, not all health insurance companies will cover it, and not all treatment centers offer it. Naltrexone used for chronic pain rather than opioid use disorder is considered off-label and may not covered by health insurance.

In addition to medication-based treatment, integrative approaches like physical therapy, cognitive-behavioral therapy, and mindfulness-based interventions can help reduce chronic pain without relying on opioids.

Sober Living Can Help

People with chronic pain or no pain can become addicted to opioids. If you live with opioid use disorder, and need treatment for chronic pain, work closely with your doctor to try non-addictive treatment options.

 

The past three years have been different for many people, especially those who have been using drugs and have found recovery. Isolation, uncertainty, and even closures of vital services such as Medication-Assisted Treatment during the COVID-19 crisis left people scrambling to get the healthcare they needed. As a result, sober living temporarily stopped accepting new clients, but sadly, many people in other care situations found themselves without a place to go. Sober living, however, continues to provide safety and focus on clients' well-being during uncertain times.

Sober living is an essential tool for people in recovery. For many people now getting sober, the responsibility, community, and accountability a sober home can provide can help them build a strong recovery foundation.

Increased Drug Use, Overdoses in the Pandemic Era

The pandemic changed how people used and acquired drugs.

Economic hardship, a stumbling economy, and the fears of the pandemic caused much uncertainty. At the same time, the illicit drug supply chain was cut off in many ports. As a result, people had to look for new ways to get high. Often, this meant dealing with drug dealers on social media who may have added fentanyl to their products.

Uncertainty and economic hardship are often causes of increased substance use. In addition, people who were isolated or working at home often used substances out of loneliness or boredom.

These factors led to a wave of overdoses in 2020 and 2021, with over 92,000 lives lost to overdose. It was the largest number to date, 21,000 more than in any previous year. Moreover, the numbers increased the following year, with 53,000 dead in the first six months of 2021 alone.

Sober Living Homes Help Build Stability

There's never been a better time to get sober – there is increased access to treatment and more options available than ever. Many people are now picking up the pieces to begin to heal from this era in their lives. Sober living can help create a stable, safe living situation for you to focus on yourself.

Sober homes can also provide the following, depending on the program:

• Structure and Routine: Uncertainty can lead to stress and anxiety, triggering a relapse if you don't have the proper tools in place. A sober living home can help provide a structured environment and daily routine. Depending on the home, that may include support groups, individual counseling, and recreational activities. This structure allows residents to stay focused on their recovery goals and avoid relapse.
• Accountability: In a sober living home, residents are accountable to their peers and staff. This accountability provides a powerful motivation to stay sober. When you know people are counting on you to stay sober, this can help you make better decisions. You are accountable for your actions - and your actions are important to others, too!
• Support and Community: A sober living home provides a supportive community of individuals. Your peers are working towards the same goal of staying sober. You have a community to turn to if you need it. This can be vital during uncertain times when feelings of isolation and loneliness can trigger substance use.
• Safe and Sober Environment: A sober living home provides a safe and therapeutic living environment. While this environment is sometimes free from some of the triggers of the outside world, there are rules to follow that keep everyone safe. This can be particularly important during uncertain times when stress and anxiety may be heightened.

A sober living home can provide a stable and supportive environment to help you stay sober, even during uncertain times. You can begin to rebuild your life in recovery through structure, accountability, support, and a safe environment.

Learn More About Sober Living

If you or somebody you know is considering a sober living situation, we're here to help. We offer safe facilities, access to amenities, healthy meals, and other help to stay on track while you learn to stay sober long-term. Get in touch to learn more about how we can help you learn to thrive as a newly sober individual.

 

 

 

Many people struggle with withdrawal symptoms even after their initial 90 days, which is the typical period of time to expect withdrawal symptoms. As a person's substance use moves further into the past, they may not initially notice that they still have some issues. However, many people struggle with PAWS in their first few years of recovery, especially if their drug of choice is an opioid. Without understanding the cause of their symptoms, it can be very frustrating and even detrimental.

Post-acute withdrawal syndrome (PAWS) is a term used to describe persistent withdrawal symptoms that occur after the acute withdrawal period has ended. While people who use any substance may struggle with PAWS, it's commonly associated with opioid use. It can last for months or even years after an individual has stopped using opioids. PAWS can significantly hinder recovery and long-term sobriety without education and treatment. It can be incredibly frustrating for a newcomer to recovery to cope with PAWs for months or even years into sobriety.

Acute Withdrawal vs. Post-Acute Withdrawal

Opioids are highly addictive substances that can cause physical dependence. People who use opioids regularly have a body that has adapted to the presence of the drug. When they don't have it regularly, they can experience intense withdrawal symptoms. The acute withdrawal period typically begins within a few hours of the last dose. It can last for several days to a week. Symptoms of opioid withdrawal can include muscle aches, agitation, anxiety, insomnia, and abdominal cramps.

PAWS occurs after the acute withdrawal period. It is diagnosed by persistent symptoms such as fatigue, irritability, anxiety, depression, and sleep disturbances. These symptoms can persist for weeks, months, or even years and can be challenging to manage. Additionally, PAWS can increase the risk of relapse, as some individuals may turn back to using opioids to relieve their symptoms.

Effective management of PAWS is crucial for long-term recovery from opioid addiction. Treatment options for PAWS may include medication-assisted treatment (MAT), behavioral therapies, and holistic approaches such as nutrition and exercise. Individuals in recovery need a healthcare professional or addiction specialist to help develop a personalized treatment plan that addresses their specific needs and helps to support their journey to long-term sobriety.

Nutrition in Post-Acute Withdrawal

Many treatment centers provide a holistic approach to treatment and recovery. However, nutrition can be essential in post-acute withdrawal syndrome (PAWS) and recovery from substance abuse. Here are some ways that nutrition can help:

1. Replenishing nutrients: Substance abuse can deplete the body of essential nutrients, and a healthy diet can help to replenish these stores.
2. Stabilizing blood sugar: Substance abuse can cause fluctuations in blood sugar levels, contributing to cravings and mood swings. A balanced diet that includes complex carbohydrates, healthy fats, and lean proteins can help to regulate blood sugar and improve mood stability.
3. Supporting the brain and nervous system: The brain and nervous system are particularly vulnerable during recovery, and adequate nutrition is necessary for their proper function. Consuming foods rich in vitamins and minerals such as B vitamins, omega-3 fatty acids, and magnesium can help to support the brain and nervous system during recovery.
4. Boosting energy: PAWS can cause fatigue and lack of energy. Proper nutrition can help increase energy levels and support overall physical health.

It is important to note that everyone's nutritional needs are different. Therefore, consult a healthcare professional or registered dietitian for personalized recommendations if you suffer from any health condition.

Living With PAWS in Recovery

A healthy lifestyle is essential for sobriety. Living with PAWS means taking care of yourself and learning to cope with life, even when you experience symptoms of it.

Many people experience PAWs and find relief with assistance. If you or somebody you love is experiencing longer-term anxiety, cravings, sleep issues, or other symptoms, it's essential to seek help. A medical professional can help rule out other disorders as well.

Many people in recovery also live with mental health disorders, which may have previously been masked due to substance use. Both of these disorders can cause challenges for people in recovery. You deserve to be treated for all your illnesses and live your best life.

Therapy and treatment groups can also help you work through the challenges of PAWS in daily life.

Consider Sober Housing

If you're looking for a sober housing situation that offers support, structure and community, our houses may be for you! We offer a safe environment in a vibrant, thriving recovery community. Call us to learn more about your options.

Addiction Is a treatable disease, and trust-building with loved ones is integral to the healing process. For some couples, it makes sense to seek couples therapy and strengthen their relationship. Couples therapy offers a space and time for romantic partners to work on their issues with a facilitator.

People who struggle with substance use disorder often have trouble in their relationships. After all, addiction is a disease of the brain. As a person becomes dependent on a substance, the way they act and think may change. The brain is focused on making its reward system happy rather than being a reasonable and responsible family member.

Why Couples Therapy?

Addiction is a disease that can leave much damage in its wake. It’s hard for partners and other loved ones to watch as somebody spirals out of control. They may try to help their partner only to be “shut out” or lied to.

Addiction is a family disease, and everyone in the addicted person’s life is affected by it. For some families, many false notions of stigma are still attached to the idea of addiction. People may be hurt or overwhelmed when their loved one admits there’s a problem.

Families, love, and emotions are complex. Addiction recovery helps the addicted person begin to rebuild their lives and stay sober. Therapy helps everyone adjust to the new changes and find ways to build trust together. A therapist can help facilitate difficult conversations about commitment, fears, sadness, anger, and past hurts that must be addressed.

Addiction Education In Couple’s Therapy

It’s essential to seek out a therapist that understands and works with families who live with a person with substance use issues. Many treatment centers and sober living communities have access to therapy for couples to work together.

Educating family members is also a big part of family therapy. Understanding that addiction is a disease of the brain, but it’s treatable is essential. Families need education about addiction's physical, mental, and emotional effects. They also need to learn more about recovery in general.

Couples may have experienced financial issues, job loss, arrests, and other wreckage. Sorting through and acknowledging the hurt with a professional can help couples build a healthier relationships.

Consider A Sober Living Community Post-Treatment

For many people, even married couples, treatment is just the beginning of a long journey toward long-term sobriety. After treatment, a sober living home can offer the community and support structure to start living life in early recovery. Learn more about your housing options by contacting us at 760-216-2077.

Contingency management, a type of behavioral therapy, is an unusual but highly effective treatment for people who live with substance use disorder. In programs that use contingency management, people who participate agree to stay sober. They receive positive reinforcement when they do so successfully and meet specific goals the program sets. Typically, this type of reinforcement is in the form of monetary compensation, gift cards, or even prizes. Sometimes these programs will also do the same for awarding privileges within a treatment facility. (Usually, all participants are regularly drug-tested to ensure compliance and honesty.)

Who Is Contingency Management For?

Contingency management is often a good fit for people who experience multiple challenges. Substance use disorder does not discriminate, and many people who live with dual diagnoses find motivation within programs using this model.

People addicted to multiple substances may find contingency management helps them become more committed to their treatment plans. Contingency management helps people stay sober and comply with treatment plans. In California, people addicted to methamphetamine successfully completed treatment programs that used contingency management.

Contingency management is also used in therapy for people with mental health disorders who want to work on their goals.

What Kinds Of Behavior Is Rewarded In Contingency Management?

People who participate in the therapy may be rewarded for taking specific actions which help them begin and maintain their recovery. People may earn rewards for good attendance, adhering to their medications, staying sober, attending 12-step meetings, and other aspects of their treatment.

For most people in outpatient treatment, many actions may need to be taken. People who are on probation, for example, may also be rewarded for working towards other goals such as applying for jobs or going back to school. They may need to balance going to therapy and twelve-step meetings as well as work.

The treatment helps people stick to a vital routine focused on recovery. Motivation and rewards can help people stay centered in recovery and feel good about themselves.

Sober Living and Housing

Sober living homes often combine both recovery and independence. People living in these homes share the same goals and can work toward being responsible and sober together. There are both community responsibilities as well as opportunities to bond and grow. Learn more about our peaceful, sober-focused communities by calling us at 760-216-2077.

People who live with substance use disorder are more prone to developing an addiction that’s not drugs. There are many reasons that this can happen, and they all still come down to the disease of addiction.

What Kinds Of Behaviors Can Become Addictive?

Addiction involves both obsession and compulsion. Your brain and body craved alcohol or drugs before you got sober. It will recognize when an activity boosts feel-good chemicals such as serotonin. People who live with substance use disorder may be involved in activities that, while not healthy, feel hard to stop thinking about or doing.

These feelings are compulsive, like an addiction; when you do an activity or use a substance repeatedly, the brain's reward center will still be activated. You may follow your innate drive to “get more” of that feeling, leading to very unhealthy results.

Activities that can be compulsive or addictive:

• Exercise
• Bodybuilding
• Binging/Purging food
• Caffeine Consumption
• Vaping/smoking cigarettes
• Extreme sports
• Working
• Speeding
• Shoplifting
• Gambling
• Sexual activity
• Watching pornography

As you can see from the list, not all the activities that are addictive would be considered “bad” in moderation. Productive activities like work are great in moderation. But if your life surrounds your job, you may be throwing yourself into a whole new addiction cycle. Risk-taking behavior like speeding or skydiving also releases a lot of feel-good endorphins, which is why so many people engage in them.

Exercising once a day or every few days is healthy, but spending hours running or lifting weights could cause muscle injury and exhaustion. Drinking a cup of coffee once a day may be fine for your health, but if you find yourself living off of coffee, your health could be affected.

The Dangers Of New Addictions

When you become addicted to something besides substances, you’re in relapse mode. New addictions can bring back old behavior patterns, such as lying or minimizing your behavior. You may start to think there are other parts of recovery that you can cut corners from.

Lying about your addiction or falling into other old behavior patterns, such as minimizing your behavior, can be a trigger for relapse. Staying honest with yourself means reaching out when you realize your new addiction is a problem. You are powerless over your addiction, but you have the power to ask for help.

With a sponsor or therapist, you can start looking at your triggers and begin to abstain from compulsive behaviors. There are many healthier coping mechanisms that you can begin to do. Mindfulness, talk therapy, and meditation are just a few tools available.

You’re a human being, and you’re allowed to make mistakes. Don’t get high or drunk no matter what. Your recovery matters!

Consider Sober Living

Learning to live a sober lifestyle is an important part of your first steps in recovery! A sober living situation is often an excellent launchpad for people new to recovery. You can be around peers with similar goals as you begin to plot your next chapter of life. Learn more about sober housing by calling us at 760-216-2077.

People who live with substance use disorder often have other behavior and health problems that need to be treated. Insomnia is a frequent complaint when people stop using alcohol or drugs. Some people only experience it while they are in withdrawal. For other people, sleep issues like insomnia can be persistent. Why is this?

Sleep Disturbances In Recovery

You may also experience other sleep issues, such as nightmares or trouble falling asleep if you have insomnia. While it may be disturbing, it’s a natural occurrence and often thought to result from long-term detoxing as your body rewires your brain. Some people have trouble falling asleep, while others may wake up feeling wide awake in the middle of the night.

People with alcohol use disorder may have more trouble falling asleep than others. Almost 25% of people who have an alcohol problem have sleep issues. People with opioid use disorder also have trouble sleeping during their first year sober as their body adjusts to life without substances. Dreams like drug dreams or dreams about past trauma can also disturb sleep.

Sleep Is Important

A lack of sleep can cause significant issues for people in recovery and should not go unaddressed. When you don’t sleep, your body and mind have trouble recovering and preparing for the next day. Lack of sleep can make you more susceptible to accidents or infections. For many people, insomnia causes additional stress that makes people more vulnerable to relapse.

Sleep is important to emotional and physical healing. Try to give yourself at least 8 hours to sleep every night.

Addressing Insomnia And Sleep Problems

Most people begin to sleep better after their first few months sober, but others may suffer from a sleep disorder. Sleeping disorders can be treated through cognitive behavioral therapy, meditation, and relaxation exercises.

Behavioral changes may help a person establish a new sleep routine. Limiting activities in bed such as reading or “doomscrolling” can help signal to your body that it is time to rest. Establishing a simple nightly routine such as brushing your teeth, writing your gratitude list, and going to bed can also help prepare your mind and body to relax. Over-the-counter remedies for sleep can be a trigger for drug use. Don’t try to solve a sleep disorder on your own.

If you’re desperate for sleep, seek professional help. A medical doctor or psychiatrist can help you determine the best course of treatment for sleep issues.

Consider Sober Living

If you are newly sober and looking for a safe, recovery-focused home full of community, sober living may be right for you. Learn more about how it works by calling 760-216-2077.