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Aqua Therapy

How Aqua Therapy Affects Treatment

There are many different types of therapy that can help a person get through substance abuse and mental health trauma. One of these is a group of alternative therapies known as aqua therapy.

What Is Aqua Therapy?

Aqua therapy aims to immerse people in water to give them access to its benefits. This can include therapies such as Ai Chi, a method of physical meditation undertaken while partially submerged in water. Aqua therapy can also be any activity that takes place in water as a means of healing.

How Does Aqua Therapy Assist in Healing?

Something people forget is that we are creatures of liquid. We are born into it, and some say it is the first place we begin making memories. There is an innate need that people feel for the evocative safety and security that warm water provides. But what does this mean for healing?

When a person is safely submerged, even partially, in water, they will begin to show physical changes to their body. This appears in a variety of ways:

  • Lowered heart rate
  • Even body temperature
  • Allowances for joint extension

These all have the bonus of calming a person with certain symptoms by removing a handful of the physical side effects that come with mental health issues and substance abuse withdrawal.

There are also major health benefits to swimming. Rather than simply floating and relaxing in the water, people can use their time to fully exercise their bodies in a zero-impact sport. Though there is no need to compete against others, there are numerous benefits to the act of swimming:

  • Breathe control
  • Stretching
  • Extensive motion
  • Limb control

These may seem like the kind of things that can be accomplished through other activities, but many people will not achieve all four with something like jogging without having the heavy impact and effects on their bones and joints.

Often, people who have been abusing substances will have been leading a sedentary lifestyle. This means that they will not be immediately fit to partake in most forms of exercise. Swimming and aqua therapy provide a bridge from complete inactivity to high-impact, sustained physical activity. However, people who may not want to end up there may find that swimming is the form of consistent exercise they are looking for.

How Beachside Rehabs Offer the Best Aqua Therapy Options

There are a number of benefits to entering a recovery program with a beachside location. One of the most important is quite literally the fact that it is right beside the ocean. This fact, coupled with the needs of someone going through the rehab/recovery process, can have extensive effects on their entire experience.

The aqua therapy offered at these locations can be transformative to the overall program. Due to the location, these facilities are able to not only offer aqua therapy but incorporate it seamlessly into their overall program. Whereas some programs will occasionally offer a sauna or pool experience, there is nothing like the ability to slip directly into the ocean.

The ocean also provides more buoyancy thanks to its salt content. It also allows people to try things they have never tried before, such as snorkeling and SCUBA diving. These activities provide the physical benefits of other aqua therapy programs.

The Twilight Recovery Center Difference

There are considerable benefits to spending time at Twilight Recovery Center. First and foremost is the dedication to the recovery process. The staff is prepared to assist all residents individually, allowing them to get to know people as they are and not as simply numbers on a bed count.

Also, the fact that Twilight Recovery Center is located on a Mediterranean beach where the waters welcome residents and invite people to truly be at peace with themselves and the world around them.

A luxury environment is only added to by the personal accommodations, gender-separated living spaces, and private chef. It is understood that each person who enters the facility has their own issues that they bring with them. These issues are handled according to the individual with their input. Nobody is forced into activities, and the program exists to not only begin the rehab process but to prepare residents for what comes next in recovery.

When you visit Twilight Recovery Center, you are admitting to your own issues and accepting the fact that it is time to take the next steps. This promise to self is only the beginning. However, with the assistance of Twilight Recovery Center, you can be sure that the process will be that much easier.

In a typical rehab setting, a person will visit a therapist and engage in group therapy. These are two vital pieces of any recovery process. However, at Twilight Recovery Center, we are able to offer additional programming and alternative therapies. Thanks to our singular location, a number of our one-of-a-kind therapies can take place on the beach and in the beautiful blue ocean. This environment, one associated by many with relaxation, can put people in a state of mind they cannot find anywhere else. In fact, our aqua therapies transport residents to a new level of self-awareness and discovery that only the ocean can bring. To learn more about this program, call us at (888) 414-8183.

in Recovery Posted by Harrison Sidney
Bipolar Disorder

Addressing Co-occurring Issues in Bipolar Disorder

Though there are many people affected by bipolar disorder, many do not display extreme symptoms. However, there are many who do. When this becomes an issue, there are a variety of co-occurring disorders can arise. The good news is that these can be treated and, for the sake of the person, should be attended to.

What Is Bipolar Disorder?

When a person suffers from bipolar disorder, they have extreme swings between depression and mania. A common issue is that bipolar disorder is often exhibited through prolonged periods of both mood swings. Though many people have short periods of feeling down, or periods of feeling energized, these are not sustainable for long periods and especially when experienced back-to-back.

Symptoms of Depression:

  • Loss of interest in everyday activities
  • Feelings of despair
  • Decreased appetite
  • Difficulty sleeping
  • Disturbed/illogical thinking
  • Difficulty concentrating
  • Suicidal thoughts

Symptoms of Mania:

  • Insomnia
  • Extreme energy
  • Easily irritated/agitated
  • Extreme joy
  • Self-importance
  • Feeling delusional
  • Poor decision making
  • Extreme actions with overreaching consequences

When a person has these symptoms, they will often become exhausted, and their bouts of mania will last longer. This often causes an extreme lack of sleep, with some people staying awake for days. They may believe they are solving problems or having amazing ideas when they are, in fact, slowly burning out their minds.

Bipolar disorder can lead to such overtly negative behavior because the mind is unable to regulate normal sleep patterns and dopamine, meaning that emotions are in a constant state of flux. For most people, when they are sad, it takes them some time to return to their baseline.

Also, when they are extremely happy, they will eventually tire and return to their baseline. However, when they go from their lowest emotions straight to their highest, the brain is unable to cope, and the sudden shift can cause even more issues with brain chemistry.

What Are Co-occurring Issues?

Co-occurring issues are also known as dual diagnosis. This means that a person has two or more issues that are happening at the same time. A bipolar diagnosis is an example of this type of condition.

Another issue for people with bipolar disorder is that it may lead to drastic behavior such as substance abuse. People may feel they need something to calm their minds or may have times of mania where they feel invincible and will use illicit substances because it simply feels like a great idea.

When this happens, they are left with even more co-occurring issues. These people may find that substances such as alcohol are able to depress some of the manic behavior, however, it will have the added issue of increasing the levels of depression.

Once a person is addicted, they may not stop at just one substance. For example, they may attempt to counter the effects of alcohol with something like cocaine. These two should not be mixed regardless of the situation, but with bipolar disorder, they can be even more disastrous as they will throw people’s erratic behavior into sharper relief.

Available Treatment for Bipolar Disorder

There are a variety of treatments for bipolar disorder. Due to the fact that it is a chemical imbalance within the brain, medication-assisted treatment (MAT) is often utilized. Due to the co-occurring nature of bipolar disorder, there will often be a cocktail of multiple medications used to treat the various aspects of the disorder. This course of treatment will start with lower doses of medication, and a medical professional will monitor the person’s behavior to adjust levels and decide on the right mix.

Often, the treatment involves mood stabilizers. These can include:

  • Lamotrigine (Lamictal)
  • Lithium (Lithobid)
  • Divalproex sodium (Depakote)

These are only three examples, as there are a number of different medications that can be taken. However, these medications are often used primarily to deal with mania. There are also medications to treat depression. These are called Serotonin Selective Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs), and much like mood stabilizers, there is a variety for a medical professional to use and see which works best. Often included are:

  • Fluoxetine (Prozac)
  • Paroxetine (Paxil)
  • Sertraline (Zoloft)

There are a number of others that can be used. It is important to know that there may be other medications involved in an effort to find balance and deal with any additional side effects that the initial medications can bring. Should people become frustrated with the amount of time it takes to find the right balance, there are many different combinations to try, and the medical professional wants nothing but to get the mixture right. Patience is necessary for this process.

Twilight Recovery Center’s Approach

At Twilight Recovery Center, you can be guaranteed that you will get the assistance you need to deal with your bipolar or other co-occurring disorders. Upon arrival, a full assessment will be conducted by a medical professional to determine what issues need to be dealt with.

For people experiencing multiple issues, MAT will be used to assist with any initial issues and will be adjusted going forward. Individuals will be provided with individual care that is crafted for them so that they know they are not simply going through a cookie-cutter assembly line.

Your care is paramount, and Twilight Recovery Center is here to provide the highest quality care available.

Bipolar disorder is a condition that many people face without understanding it. In fact, many people assume that their co-occurring issues have nothing to do with having bipolar disorder. However, those with this condition may be confused by what they are experiencing and how to deal with it. At Twilight Recovery Center, we believe in addressing the whole individual through a variety of treatment options. When you enter our doors, the staff is ready to help diagnose your particular issues and develop a plan to treat them. For those without a diagnosis, we can walk you through the process and show you that things can improve for you. Call us today at (888) 414-8183.

in Recovery Posted by Harrison Sidney
Why Does Recovery Take So Long?

Why Does Recovery Take So Long?

When people think about the concept of recovery, they may imagine that it takes a finite amount of time to get through. They also believe that when it ends, they will be healthy and “normal” again. However, these are not exact truths. The recovery process can be quite complex and last longer than people bargain for.

What Is Recovery?

For many people, recovery starts when they first admit to their substance abuse problems. This often means making the decision to enter some form of treatment. However, recovery doesn’t end when treatment does. Recovery is a lifelong process, and it is important to remember this when first starting on the journey.

How Long Does Recovery Take?

As previously stated, recovery is a lifelong process. However, the various pieces of recovery, especially the initial treatments, will take different amounts of time due to a number of factors. One of the most prominent is the level of addiction. For those with long-standing addictions, the concept of recovery will take more time. However, recovery truly is an example of “what you put in is what you get out.” Dedication to getting better is the main way to get there.

What Is Involved in Recovery?

There are many steps involved in the recovery process. Each step builds on the one before it, while others work in tandem.

Detox

This is the definitive first step on the path to recovery. It may also be one of the toughest. The goal of detox is to purge the toxins from a person’s system.

Detox can be painful. Withdrawal can be an awful experience. However, depending on the needs of the individual, medication may be administered to assist with the more egregious side effects.

It should also be noted that nobody goes through detox alone at a recovery facility. There is always caring, helpful medical staff on hand to care for residents 24/7. With a risky and uncomfortable process like detox, support is not only helpful, it is necessary.

A typical detox will take a few days. However, more severe cases may take significantly longer due to side effects and the needs of the individual.

Individual Therapy

This type of therapy is one of the pivotal pieces of recovery. Often, once someone begins individual therapy, they will continue it throughout the rehab process and well into post-treatment recovery. Some will even continue for years.

Therefore, individual therapy has no time limit. It may go on for a very long time. This is also a matter of preference. Some people find that after some time, they do not need or want to continue therapy. At that point, they are free to step away.

Group Therapy

This therapy is the most widely used in rehab and recovery. In many cases, it is used in tandem with individual therapy. Each of them works out different aspects of the healing process. For many people, group therapy begins and ends in a rehab center. However, quite a few more will be encouraged to continue with group meetings once they have reentered society post-rehab.

People with substance abuse issues often find solace in talking with others who are in the same headspace as themselves. That is why group therapy can be so important to the healing process. For people who need group therapy post-rehab, there are often groups that can be attended multiple times throughout the day and week.

Therefore, the amount of time spent in group therapy may be longer than expected; however, this is not necessarily true for everyone.

Post-Treatment Recovery

In the world of recovery, there are two parts: Time spent in a rehab facility and time spent back in society. As previously alluded to, a person with a substance abuse issue never truly gets rid of their substance use disorder. There is no cure, and there is no finite amount of time that it takes to be better. It is all a matter of how a person feels on any given day.

In the post-treatment world, a person is left to find what is best for them. Often, therapists and medical professionals will help a person create an individualized plan of care. This will allow them to be made aware of what steps they will need to take to continue their sobriety.

Lifelong Process

When the question of time comes up in conversations with medical professionals, the answer is always “It depends.” There are certain pieces that can be evaluated and hypothesized over, but for the most part, there are no solid numbers.

A person who sets their mind on recovery must be willing to pursue each avenue presented to them, as one aspect may work for some but not others. Nonetheless, the first steps happen in rehab facilities such as Twilight Recovery Center. That is where a person will get clean, learn about themselves, and find the path they should be on to find their version of sobriety.

When someone has a substance abuse issue and decides to seek assistance, it is necessary to realize the level of commitment it takes. For people who want a quick process where they will be “cured,” there will be an unfortunate wake-up call. Recovery is often an immeasurable process that takes time in rehab plus a lifetime of constant check-ins and personal assessments. At Twilight Recovery Center, we are prepared to discuss your individual case and describe what your journey may look like. However, it is impossible to assume that any one person’s steps will take any more or less time than anyone else’s. Luckily, we can help you through the first stages of recovery. Call us today at (888) 414-8183.

in Addiction Posted by Harrison Sidney
A Treatment Facility in Rosarito

A Treatment Facility in Rosarito

A treatment facility on a beach, in some ways, seems counterintuitive at first glance because it is so different from many treatment settings. However, a treatment facility located in Rosarito that addresses addiction and mental health is incredibly effective. The setting allows clients to enjoy and benefit from nature while in treatment, integrating multiple holistic and evidence-based treatments.

The Beautiful Location of Rosarito

Located just 15-20 minutes south of the United States border, Twilight Recovery Center’s facility in Rosarito has a very different feel from close cities like San Diego. Rosarito is known for its beach paradise feel, providing the location for fun activities like surfing, riding horses, scuba diving, and more.

The setting also provides a sense of relaxation, allowing visitors to take a long exhale as they watch the ocean waves rolling in. Ultimately Rosarito is a vacation paradise, and while treatment is not easy, being in a place of joy and calm can help the process.

Mental Health and Addiction Treatment in Rosarito

Mental health and substance use disorder (SUD) treatment can include many aspects. Each client will need and want different therapeutic approaches and modalities, and finding what works best for you is most important. The success of your treatment can be improved by the setting the facility is located in. Below we will outline a few ways that Rosarito could help you or your loved one thrive in and beyond treatment.

Nature and Beaches

Rosarito is set on a beautiful beach, allowing clients to spend time in and around nature. This aspect is essential for both mental health and SUD treatment.

A growing amount of research shows us that nature, beaches included, can improve mental health disorders and SUD. Being in nature can help to increase calm and decrease stress. While in treatment, this can help integrate new habits and coping mechanisms. Being in nature is a healthy coping mechanism for stress and a skill that, when incorporated into your life, can decrease the chances of substance abuse.

Beaches are particularly helpful for mental health. Waterscapes are natural environments with water, streams, lakes, oceans, etc. Research has found that waterscapes have a healing impact on people, increasing psychological resilience. They promote mental health and, therefore, can improve recovery.

This is particularly true if a client is recovering from a dual diagnosis. Beaches help to improve overall mental health, decreasing symptoms of common co-existing disorders like anxiety or depression.

Fun

Part of treatment and recovery is learning how to cope and find joy without the use of substances. Abstaining from one or many substances is the goal of treatment. However, it is often not simple.

Addiction is not only a physical dependence but also a coping strategy. Discovering new activities that you can do and enjoy sober can help to maintain long-term sobriety. Learning to have fun without substances can feel hard, and that’s normal. However, in the correct environment, it can feel effortless. It might look like joining a group for scuba therapy or taking a walk on the beach.

Enjoyment in physical movement is also beneficial. A study published in 2020 found that a walking or running program improved SUD recovery. While you do not have to walk or run, this study provides evidence of movement as a method to improve recovery.

A treatment center on a beach provides many options for movement and exercise that can bring joy. These are tools that not only help in treatment, but as you discover what you like, you can take that knowledge back into your life.

Healing for the Mind, Body, and Spirit

You know the feeling when you can fully relax. Your mind, body, and spirit can integrate and just be where you are. Healing from addiction requires addressing all of these parts.

Clients at Twilight Recovery Center are encouraged to find their voice in the treatment process, learning to take the steps that are helpful for them to be successful in treatment. This may include some of the following:

  • Equine therapy
  • Scuba therapy
  • Individual and family counseling
  • 12-Step programs or non-12-Step programs
  • Yoga
  • Meditation

Location matters in healing. If you imagine yourself in a crowded hospital, you may notice your shoulders tensing or your health rate increasing. Now imagine yourself on a beach, looking out at the sunset or sunrise. You hear birds and the even tempo of the ocean waves and can relax and exhale. The setting of Twilight Recovery Center is not accidental. We want our clients to have as many tools available as possible to increase their ability to heal.

Addressing addiction can be challenging. It takes courage to step up and admit what you are struggling with. Going into treatment is a big step, and you want to ensure the facility will work for you. A treatment center on a beach is quite different from many other settings. Being in a natural and relaxing setting can help improve treatment in many ways. The process of treatment is complex; it takes a physical and psychological toll. At Twilight Recovery Center, located in Rosarito, we offer individualized treatment in a place of luxury. We provide our clients with comforts and nature that improve the treatment process. Our goal is for you to live your life with love. If you or a loved one is struggling with SUD and needing help, we are here for you. Call (888) 414-8183 today to learn more about our programs and how we can help.
in Recovery Posted by Harrison Sidney
How to Live With Love

How to Live With Love in Recovery

Substance abuse is not only a physical disease. It also impacts our behavior, relationship with ourselves, and ability to connect with others. At Twilight Recovery Center, we teach our clients how to live with love. This includes learning to love ourselves and allowing ourselves to love and be loved in relationships.

Living With Love

The ability to live our lives with love means feeling love for ourselves and others. Many of us do not even like ourselves while struggling with addiction, and learning how to have love in our lives seems impossible. However, we believe that everyone can learn to feel love. It takes hard work but learning to accept and forgive ourselves can help in our journey to find love.

Acceptance

At Twilight Recovery Center, we teach our clients how to take an inventory of their lives, good or bad. For many of us, it can be easy to see our wins or the positive aspects of life, but even glancing in the direction of our challenges can be incredibly intimidating.

However, learning to face our demons is vital. An exercise that we use is looking at ourselves in the mirror. With support, we believe that you can start the process of acceptance by first taking note of the things you feel good about and bad about.

Love requires that we see our entire selves. When we first look, we may not like it, and that is okay. However, acceptance is the first step in our journey of learning to live with love in our lives.

Forgiveness

For many of us, we have done things we are not proud of. These actions often result in feelings of shame or embarrassment. While learning how to forgive others can also be helpful, research has shown that self-forgiveness can help in treatment and recovery.

Substance abuse is often a coping strategy for trauma, guilt, or shame. Learning to accept and forgive ourselves in treatment can improve our ability to stay sober as it reduces our need to use substances to cope with our feelings.

Forgiveness provides a different way to deal with mistakes and feelings of guilt or shame. We not only face our mistakes but allow ourselves to make mistakes. When we allow this, we can learn from our mistakes and make different choices in the future. At Twilight Recovery Center, we encourage and teach clients to start the process of healing the spirit with self-forgiveness.

Love

Due to our actions, particularly relating to substance abuse, many of us do not have any affection for ourselves. To love ourselves means that we see, accept, and forgive ourselves for our mistakes.

We have taken a complete inventory of ourselves and thus can begin to appreciate ourselves. Recovery is hard work, and loving ourselves in the process can be highly beneficial.

Love can look like giving ourselves encouragement to keep going, knowing we are doing the best we can and will continue to do so. It is with love that we can heal our relationship with ourselves and others.

Benefits of Loving Ourselves

While we are often with others, we live with ourselves every day. During addiction, many develop hatred or anger towards themselves. This can often put us into a cycle of continual substance abuse, a behavioral cycle that can add to physical addiction.

Love and forgiveness can help us to see and care for ourselves in a way that frees us from this cycle. When we can understand our actions and give ourselves affection, we can learn to support ourselves. This can help immensely as we are all human, and we have and will make mistakes. Loving ourselves is a process, and it takes time, practice, and support.

Benefits of Relating to Others

Support groups are common in treatment and recovery for good reasons. We are social creatures, and being a part of a group, whether family or a support group, helps improve treatment and recovery outcomes.

Research has shown that recognition and long-term relationships have a lasting impact on recovery and thus should be a part of the recovery process. Having loving relationships takes time and social skills, which we value and teach in our programs.

While every client needs different amounts and types of support, relating to others with love is important. As we heal, we can accept love from others, seeing the care and support that friends and family can provide. We can also feel and show love to people in our lives, which is equally important. Love in relationships helps us bond, and these long-term relationships can help us during ups and downs in recovery and life.

Love and forgiveness are vital parts of recovery. They can help heal the spirit and the body and mind. It takes courage to choose the path of recovery. While it is a hard road, love can help. Healing the relationship between ourselves and others provides community and support. It also allows us to accept and forgive ourselves for mistakes and enter into relationships with others from an honest and authentic place. At Twilight Recovery Center, we offer luxury accommodations and individualized treatment. Our goal is to help you live your life with love. Whether that journey includes equine therapy, walking on the beach, or family therapy, our staff is here to help you heal. If you or a loved one is in search of healing, we can help. Call (888) 414-8183 to learn more about our programs and how we can help you live with love and heal.
in Recovery Posted by Harrison Sidney
A Smaller Treatment Group

A Smaller Treatment Group

Addiction treatment requires a considerable amount of care and effort. Every aspect of treatment can impact the success of a client’s recovery. Individual care is particularly important, as each client will have their own background and challenges.

There is a time and place for larger groups in treatment, such as education or processing for a large family or population. However, smaller groups in treatment are effective as they provide community support while giving each client the care they need to thrive in treatment.

Individual Care

While addiction is a disease that impacts many individuals and families, it differs for each person. Many risk factors affect some and not others, including some of the following.

  • Genetics
  • Family history of addiction
  • Socioeconomics
  • Other comorbidities like depression or anxiety disorders
  • Early use of substances

The reasons behind addiction can vary greatly, and not all will respond well to the same style and type of treatment. This is why individualized care is so important. Addressing underlying issues that have caused addiction is key to success in treatment and recovery.

With a large group, this can often be lost. Medical professionals, just like all other people, have limited attention. When a group gets too large, it can be impossible for the medical team to notice every individual’s needs and meet them in the way they need.

The Value of Group Therapy

People naturally congregate together, looking for others for companionship and enjoyment. This is part of why group therapy can be so effective for mental health and addiction treatments. In fact, people have intrinsic reward centers which provide reinforcement to stay in the group.

Overall, in groups, people feel less lonely, a part of something bigger than themselves, and seen by others. These are all essential aspects of working with a group. It takes courage to share and become a part of a group, but remember you are not doing it alone. We can support you every step of the way to finding and maintaining sobriety.

Those who are involved in group therapy are more likely to stay sober. By bonding with others in treatment, you are accountable to the group. They witness your progress, allowing you to show parts of yourself you feel shame or anxiety about, and learn to be with it. It is also an effect of the nature of addiction.

Groups help with multiple factors associated with addiction, including the following.

  • Depression
  • Anxiety
  • Isolation
  • Denial
  • Shame

Group Therapy Is Effective

Working with a group in treatment is highly effective. We are social creatures, and treatment that takes that into account is often more successful. It can be challenging to ask for help or share with a group. While the choice is always yours, we encourage you to consider the benefits.

Feeling understood and working with a group where you receive compassion is helpful. At Twilight Recovery Center, we want you to know that you are not alone. Through small group therapy programs, we can help you take the step of sharing and bonding with others.

The Drawbacks of Larger or Smaller Groups

Larger groups, over 12, tend to use a lecture style. Imagine 100 people lined up and listening to a presenter. While the presenter may be a client sharing their story, a group of 100 doesn’t allow for adequate client-to-client interactions. These types of interactions are important as they build a bond with others who can truly empathize. While their story may differ, some likely feel similar to you in some way.

In smaller groups under six, the issue is more about consistency. At some point, some will likely miss a group meeting or not want to participate. Groups below six participants generally do not last and are not as valuable.

Smaller groups also allow for fewer opinions and thoughts. While you may not interact with or connect with everyone in a group, finding a few you feel comfortable with and enjoy sharing with can help you feel connected to the group.

The Perfect Size Group

Group sizes in treatment have a vast range depending on the situation. However, according to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), groups that range from six to twelve individuals are the most effective.

This size of a group allows each person to be seen for their specific situation and needs. It also is a size where the health care professionals can focus on each member. The beauty of this group size is that it balances the needs of each client while allowing clients to experience and benefit from group therapy.

Addiction treatment requires a high level of care at every point. Being in a crowded facility or large group can decrease the benefits of working with a group. However, working in a small treatment group provides you with the best of both worlds. You can connect with others in the group consistently, helping you feel a sense of belonging. The treatment team can also provide you with tools and help you with your individual needs while maintaining the group. At Twilight Recovery, our group treatment program works with only twelve people at a time. We offer luxury treatment that is made for you. Our high level of care is designed down to the smallest detail to suit your individual needs. If you or a loved one is struggling, we can help. Call (888) 414-8183 to speak with our staff and learn more about how we can help.
in Recovery Posted by Harrison Sidney
Specific Struggles Women

Specific Struggles Women Face

Recovery from substance abuse takes a lot of time and effort. Different people face different challenges due to many factors, including gender. Men and women face unique challenges in recovery, and it is essential that treatment takes these differences into account.

Specific Struggles Women Face

Women grapple with multiple different challenges in recovery. Some are due to biological differences between men and women, while others involve unique reasons for using substances. Despite these issues, there is hope. Treatment programs that take women’s experiences with substance abuse into account can help.

Women’s Use of Substances

Men and women use substances in different ways, which in turn affects recovery. Women tend to use substances for a shorter period of time before entering treatment. However, women tend to progress into addiction from the first use more quickly than men.

While more research is needed, women are more easily addicted and impacted more severely by drug use. For example, it has been shown that women experience more intense withdrawal and some treatments, such as nicotine patches, are less effective for women than men.

Certain issues associated with substance abuse are more common for women. One example is domestic abuse. Women who live with domestic abuse are more likely to develop issues with substances, often as a way to cope. Treatment often requires addressing the physical components of addiction as well as other issues, including making changes in one’s life and home as needed.

Effect of Substances on Women

There are multiple reasons women may be more or differently affected by substances than men. First, there is a significant hormonal difference in women. Women’s hormones can make women more susceptible to the effects of certain substances in comparison to men.

The physical effects of drugs and alcohol also differ for women. Substances may impact women’s hearts, blood vessels, and brains more than men. Women are also more likely to go to the emergency room due to substance use, potentially due to women being more affected physically and thus running into more physical issues.

The good news is that understanding these differences can help women find the treatment they need. Programs that take women’s specific physiology into account are more likely to be successful for women.

Treatment Plans

Women’s experience with addiction and recovery is often very different than most men’s. While different women will have their own unique issues and journeys toward recovery, taking women-specific challenges into account is essential. There are multiple reasons why a treatment plan that is unique to each individual is important.

Feeling Seen in Recovery

Recovery is a path of self-discovery, and it isn’t easy. An individual is not just the next person in a program; they have a unique set of experiences and need to succeed. Historically, women have not been seen in many ways.

For example, it is only recently that women have begun to be included in the research on substance abuse and recovery. As women become more involved as research participants, we will likely learn more about women’s needs.

In the meantime, individualized treatment can help compensate for the lack of available research. This means that women have space to talk about and feel seen in recovery. This may include separate care for women or women support groups where women may feel more comfortable.

Feeling Heard in Recovery

Women’s specific issues, such as hormonal changes like menopause or pregnancy, have often been overlooked. Historically, it has been said that women are whining about this or that.

However, hormones play a huge role in substance abuse and may influence factors like the rate of addiction, depression, and more. It is important in recovery that these issues are heard and supported in a positive way.

Research has shown that women have the best recovery results in a safe and supportive environment. In this type of environment, they can vocalize their feelings, concerns, and issues as they arise while feeling connected to others. Programs that incorporate these aspects are often more successful for women.

Collaborating in Recovery

Therapeutic approaches in recovery differ for men and women. Women have been shown to respond better to approaches that include collaboration. This entails a mental health professional working with the client to help her identify and change what is important to her. It is an equal partnership, where the mental health professional is the expert in their field, but the client is an expert in her life and what will work for her.

The collaborative approach helps build up female clients rather than break them down. It is essential as women entering treatment commonly have low self-esteem. Building confidence can allow you to make effective changes in your life. This approach differs from other approaches, which often break down behaviors with more confrontational techniques.

Recovery can be a challenging process that every individual will experience differently. Men and women, in particular, have been shown to have very distinct experiences of substance abuse and recovery. Women respond to substances differently than men and often have unique circumstances that lead them down the road of addiction. This is due to various reasons, including biological and social differences between men and women. While it will vary from person to person, individualized recovery can help, especially when taking gender into account. As women, it is crucial to find a treatment program that feels effective and right for your specific needs. At Twilight Recovery Center, we offer luxury addiction treatment made for you. Our goal is to help you on your unique journey of recovery. If you or a loved one is struggling and needs help, call Twilight Recovery today at (888) 414-8183.
in Recovery Posted by Harrison Sidney

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Receive the highest level of care at our upscale recovery center. We offer world class treatments to ensure the finest road to recovery.

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info@twilightrecoverycenter.com

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