Saying Goodbye and Working Through Your Grief After a Breakup

After a loved one passes away, it’s normal to experience extreme feelings of grief and sadness while mourning that loss. Relationships play an important role in our well-being and sense of identity in the world and it’s normal to experience a wide range of emotions during the grieving process – everything from numbness, shock and denial.

And, experiencing a breakup or divorce can have a similarly devastating effect. In a study led by psychologist Art Aron, neurologist Lucy Brown, and anthropologist Helen Fisher, MRI scans of heartbroken individuals mirrored activity in the same area of the brain that is associated with physical pain when participants were shown images of their former partners.

If you are going through a difficult period in life and are separating from your spouse, boyfriend or girlfriend, it’s important to take the time to properly acknowledge your feelings and experience the grieving process. By understanding what you are feeling and empowering yourself with healthy coping skills, you can avoid turning to drugs and alcohol to numb the emotional pain.

The Stages of Grief When a Relationship Ends 

(1) Denial. When your relationship starts to fade and a breakup seems inevitable, it’s normal to initially deny that it is ending. You may tell yourself that your argument was just a blip on the radar and that you will work through your issues tomorrow or the next day.

(2) Bargaining. The second stage of grief is all about second-guessing yourself and your relationship to search for an alternative solution to avoid ending it. But, it’s not healthy to dwell in this stage of wishful thinking.

(3) Depression. While mourning the loss of a romantic relationship, it’s normal to move through a period of depression which can bring up feelings of self-pity, lack of energy and changes in sleep patterns.

(4) Anger. During a breakup, you may experience feelings of anger towards your partner – you are hurt and fragile and may try to make the other person feel as bad as you do.

(5) Acceptance. It may take some time to work through all of the stages of grief, but at the end you’ll find acceptance. You can finally come to terms with what has happened and start to move on.

If you are working through a breakup or a divorce, be kind to yourself and understand that what you are going through is hard, but it is part of the normal grieving process.

Instead of trying to run away from the situation by using drugs or alcohol, take the time to journal your emotions and reflect on what was said and how you feel. In time, you’ll get through this challenging time in your life and start to feel whole again.

You Don’t Have to Battle Addiction Alone 

Most of the women who come to Rising Roads have grief and loss as a part of their story – you are not alone. Whatever the emotional fallout of your story is, we are here to help you on your path to addiction recovery and we offer specialized care - including help for grief and loss. Call us now at (866) 746-1558.

Fueling Your Recovery from Depression

According to the Depression and Bipolar Alliance, nearly 15 million men and women are currently battling a major depressive disorder. And, it impacts individuals from every socioeconomic background, race and gender.

While no one is immune, unfortunately, women are more susceptible than men to depression with more than 12 million women in the United States diagnosed with the condition each year.

Though, the good news is that depression is a highly treatable condition. Many find help through the combination of cognitive behavioral therapy, prescription medications including selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors and holistic treatments such as yoga and acupuncture.

But, it may be surprising to know that what you put in your grocery cart can also help relieve the symptoms of depression and aid in your recovery.

3 Good-Mood Foods to Combat Depression

1.    Omega-3 Fatty Acids. One Norwegian research study, encompassing more than 22,000 participants, found that individuals who regularly consumed nutritional supplements rich in Omega-3 fatty acids were 30% less likely to report symptoms of depression. Natural sources of this inflammation-fighter include flaxseeds, walnuts, sardines and salmon.

2.    Complex Carbohydrates. While an excessive consumption of refined sugars and processed foods have been shown to increase insulin levels and spike blood sugar levels, that doesn’t mean that you should avoid carbs completely. Complex carbohydrates, which are slower to digest, can help you curb the symptoms of depression by supporting healthy levels of serotonin, known as the “calming” components of your brain chemistry.

3.    Lean Meat, Fish and Legumes. Eating a balanced diet that includes natural sources of protein can also help you beat the blues. Why? Foods rich in protein such as turkey, tuna and beans are great sources of an amino acid critical to your brain chemistry, called tryptophan, which supports the production of serotonin, a powerful mood regulator.  

Depression and substance abuse often go hand-in-hand. Sometimes those dealing with behavioral health issues turn to drugs and alcohol in an effort to self-medicate and tame the uncomfortable emotions and urges associated with their disease. If you are dealing with a mental health issue or an addition to drugs or alcohol, it’s important to get help from an experienced addiction counselor or behavioral health professional.

Find Lasting Sobriety – Healing Your Mind, Body and Spirit

On your path to addiction recovery, we can help you overcome the emotional roadblocks that may have tested your sobriety in the past.

If you are looking for a partner and support system to help you start a new life, Rising Roads Recovery can help. We are dedicated to helping women get - and stay sober.

Contact us for more information at (866) 746-1558.

Why Art Therapy Works

If you are battling an addiction or behavioral health issue, you are likely familiar with the most common forms of treatment available including 12 Step programs, cognitive behavioral therapy and talk therapy.

But, did you know that many leading addiction treatment facilities now recommend the use of art therapy to help augment the recovery process?

What is Art Therapy? 

Art therapy is a powerful tool that enables you to freely express your thoughts, emotions and improve your self-esteem.

While art therapy can be used to treat a wide range of conditions, art therapy has been shown to effectively treat those battling substance abuse issues. It is important to note that art therapy is much more than the act of creating art. It’s actually a two-step process where you are first encouraged to visualize your thoughts and feelings and then create visual expressions of those emotions using mediums including music, dance, painting and drawing.

Then, with the guidance of an experienced art therapist, you are able to explore the underlying meanings and the personal experiences that have helped to inform your artistic expression.

3 Benefits of Art Therapy 

Art therapy has been shown to help addicts overcome substance abuse issues and provide a wide variety of benefits.

Three of the most powerful outcomes from art therapy include:

1. It gives you the freedom to communicate feelings that you can’t verbalize. When you are dealing with memories or emotions that are hard to process, art therapy provides a safe outlet for release. And, it offers the opportunity to revisit those emotions at a later date when are you are more comfortable talking about those issues.

2. A healthy stress relief. Everybody experiences stress periodically. With hectic work schedules and personal commitments, it’s important to consciously create outlets to relieve your stress that don’t involve drugs or alcohol. With art therapy, you can tune out the noise and get peace of mind knowing that you are doing something truly good for your emotional and physical well-being.

3. Your art therapist may identify opportunities for personal growth. Sometimes it takes the perspective of someone else to help you understand what you are feeling and why. Art therapy is unique in that you may paint something or draw an experience from your past that you didn’t realize was creating an emotional blockage. With the insight from an experienced art therapist, you can help explore subconscious toxins that need to be addressed.

Holistic Addiction Therapy 

Art can be a phenomenal tool when used to promote emotional and cognitive growth. Through image making and creating you can tap into parts of your inner self.

Rising Roads uses both “Art therapy” which is facilitated by a therapist as well as “Art Expression” which can be facilitated and encouraged by anyone on our staff. Our hope is to enhance your therapeutic experience with the incorporation of artistic expression in many different mediums.

Begin your individual journey to recovery in our serene and supportive environment by calling 866.746.1558.

The 12 Step Alcohol Addiction Treatment Model: What You Need to Know

If you are researching rehab facilities and their treatment services, you’ve probably noticed that many offer 12 step programs for those dealing with an addiction to alcohol.

Originally created in the 1930s, the Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) 12 step model is one of the most widely recommend programs for addiction recovery and has transformed the lives of millions, enabling them to finally achieve a lifetime of sobriety.

But, you might be wondering what a 12 step recovery program is - and how exactly it works. In general, this treatment model is firmly grounded in a spiritual approach where alcoholics find inner strength by turning to a higher power. With the help of licensed addiction specialists and regular support groups, alcoholics are guided through a series of twelve core beliefs in order to find and maintain a sober lifestyle.

The Alcoholics Anonymous Twelve Steps 

1. We admitted we were powerless over alcohol - that our lives had become unmanageable. 
2. Came to believe that a power greater than ourselves could restore us to sanity. 
3. Made a decision to turn our will and our lives over to the care of God as we understood Him. 
4. Made a searching and fearless moral inventory of ourselves. 
5. Admitted to God, to ourselves, and to another human being the exact nature of our wrongs. 
6. Were entirely ready to have God remove all these defects of character. 
7. Humbly asked Him to remove our shortcomings. 
8. Made a list of all persons we had harmed, and became willing to make amends to them all.
9. Made direct amends to such people wherever possible, except when to do so would injure them or others. 
10. Continued to take personal inventory and when we were wrong promptly admitted it. 
11. Sought through prayer and meditation to improve our conscious contact with God, as we understood Him, praying only for knowledge of His will for us and the power to carry that out. 
12. Having had a spiritual awakening as the result of these Steps, we tried to carry this message to alcoholics, and to practice these principles in all our affairs.

How Can Addicts Apply This Information to Real Life?

It’s important to note that these 12 steps represent more than just a lesson plan or a list of “rules” that participants must abide by. 12 step programs are actually much more powerful than that. Addicts who take part in 12 step programs use these teachings to begin an entirely new, sober lifestyle. This treatment method helps those dealing with addiction issues learn how to apply these principles in virtually each and every part of their life by taking accountability and making healthier choices. 

Many addicts initially learn the principles of these 12 steps as part of inpatient and outpatient care at rehabilitation centers and then go on to continue their sobriety by attending weekly support groups in their community.

Rising Roads Recovery Rehab Treatment Services 

Rising Roads Recovery is a small residential treatment center in Orange County, California dedicated to helping women heal from addiction and co-occurring disorders. With comprehensive clinical care and a 12 step model for alcohol addiction recovery, Rising Roads Recovery can help you find lasting sobriety and a more promising future.

And, with hundreds of 12 step addiction recovery groups in and around the area, you can also find extended support by attending weekly meetings in the community.

To learn more, call (866) 746-1558.

Getting Back into the Workplace After Addiction Recovery

If you’re on a journey to sobriety, you may have had to take a leave of absence from your job or quit entirely to get the help you need. But, you may be wondering how to reenter the workforce? While finding a new job may seem like a daunting task, it’s an important part of addiction recovery. The simple act of going to work can help you regain a sense of independence and normalcy in your life.

3 Strategies for Going Back to Work 

1. First and foremost, you should know your rights as an applicant. As part of the Americans with Disabilities Act, employers are prohibited from discriminating against recovering drug addicts and alcoholics seeking employment. And, if you feel that you’ve been discriminated against as a result of seeking addiction treatment in the past, you can file a charge of discrimination with the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission.

2. Take the time to reevaluate your professional goals. While you may be eager to jump back into the workplace, consider the type of work you did before seeking treatment and explore the pros and cons. Did you enjoy that line of work? Great! If not, think through why. Was it too fast-paced? Were you unhappy with the lack of on-the-job training opportunities? During your journey to living a sober life, you have grown mentally, spiritually and physically. As a result, take this opportunity to ensure your next line of work supports your new, stronger self.

3. Ease into the transition. Protecting your health and your sobriety should be your number one priority. That’s why it’s important to avoid rushing into major life changes that may cause stress and trigger the unhealthy coping skills you worked hard to put behind you. If you’re worried about reentering the workplace, consider just starting with part-time work or finding a workplace with flexible hours.

Employment and Educational Assistance 
Rising Roads offers women comprehensive employment and educational assistance to help you with the application process including interview coaching, resume building and professional networking. Begin your individual journey to recovery in our serene and supportive environment by calling 866.746.1558. Together, we can help you find your way into the workforce and regain your confidence.

Developing Healthy Coping Skills

Every once in a while, life will throw you a curveball. Your car might break down on the way to work or your boss might give you a last minute deadline for a big project. Unexpected events like these can’t be avoided, but the good news is that you can learn healthy coping skills to reduce stress and avoid turning to drugs or alcohol.

3 Healthy Coping Skills 
1. Connect with Nature. When you’re anxious or depressed, it’s natural to seek the comfort of your own home, crawl into bed and binge-watch reality TV on Hulu. But, during times of emotional stress, isolating yourself can actually make things worse.

Instead, lace up your running shoes and take a walk around your block or drive to a local park and simply appreciate the beauty that surrounds you. And, you don’t have to invest a lot of time outdoors to enjoy substantial health benefits. According to a 2010 study in the journal Environmental Science & Technology, researchers found that people experienced a boost in their mood and self-esteem after spending just five minutes outside!

2. Phone a friend. It’s normal to occasionally feel anxious and stressed when the unexpected happens. But, you should remind yourself that you’re not alone. Everyone is on their own journey in life and we each must learn how to deal with difficult circumstances. When you’re stressed out, pick up your phone and call a trusted friend or family member. Sometimes it’s helpful to get another perspective and if nothing else, simply hear a friendly, caring voice.

3. Treat yourself to a nutritious meal. Emotional and physical stress can wear on your mind, body and spirit. To keep yourself strong and avoid getting fatigued, prioritize your health and well-being by nourishing your body. Had a bad day at work? Why not take the time to relax and enjoy a healthy meal at your favorite restaurant? Put away your phone, slow down and appreciate your surroundings. 

Stronger Together 
By learning and practicing healthy coping skills, you can empower yourself and feel more confident about dealing with stress for a healthier, happier you. Finding the right addiction treatment center can help you get on the path to healing. Rising Roads Recovery has created a program that is dedicated to helping women get and stay sober. Contact us for more information at (866) 746-1558.

Newly Licensed Treatment Center for Women

Life is a beautiful gift. A complicated, beautiful gift that we are bestowed. At certain turning points, we will struggle, we may pause. But, those moments of contemplation and reflection are purposeful. They are there to teach us just how strong we are, collectively and individually.

I began this journey several years ago, wanting to help women in my community dealing with substance abuse. My desire to help wasn’t born of a need to mend, it was actually a mission inspired by the strength in those I witnessed on a courageous journey. I was fortunate to stand with women that bore strength and perseverance with no boundaries.

That is why I founded Rising Roads Recovery. I wanted to create a safe place for women to rediscover their true selves. To build a community where healing can thrive and souls can prosper.

To that end, it is with a full, warm heart that I am happy to announce that Rising Roads Recovery is now Licensed by the state of California Department of Health Services as a substance abuse treatment center. Rising Roads Recovery is here to provide a safe place where every woman can find her wholeness.

If you, or someone you love, is seeking help with substance abuse in conjunction with an eating disorder and/or traumatic experiences, please contact us today. I welcome you to join us.

Let the road rise up to meet you and continue on a healing path. Reach out today about our programs and services by calling us at 866.746.1558.