Hannah Friedman - Luxury Rehab

May 2, 2023May 15, 2023

Gender Differences in Substance Abuse

People of every gender experience addiction. But most of the available data focuses on men. Fortunately, scientists are starting to expand their research to include other genders. And a growing body of work shows gender differences in substance abuse and addiction.

Rehab can be very effective when the treatment plan puts you first. Gender-specific treatment programs make you the main priority while acknowledging the impact gender has on recovery.

Differences in Addiction Between Women and Men

Being male or female can affect the biological, psychological, and social aspects of addiction. For example, men have higher rates of alcohol and illicit drug use.¹ However, both men and women are equally vulnerable to developing one of these conditions.

As we learn more about gender and addiction, it’s important to note the gaps in scientific research. We need more information about people of every gender—not just cis men and cis women. The data we have points to stark differences between just these 2 groups of people.

Understanding the impact of your gender on addiction can also help you approach recovery. With that in mind, some rehabs focus on gender differences in substance use disorders. These programs often treat people of different genders separately.

Impacts of Gender on Substance Abuse

Drug and alcohol addiction goes beyond your emotional experience. It also reflects your relationships, social standing, and family dynamics. Many of these issues relate to gender. Anything from hormones to peer pressure can play a role in the onset and treatment of addiction.

For example, we now know that women’s biological characteristics— like fertility and menopause—can influence drug use. Addiction’s physical effects² are often more profound in women, and they may develop addiction more quickly.

Because social pressures affect addiction, women and men often have different reasons for drug use. Many women report using drugs to control their weight, fight the exhaustion of providing childcare, or cope with domestic violence.

Today’s gender roles aren’t as rigid as they once were, but these pressures still exist for many people. Western culture, for instance, pushes men to be providers and women to be caretakers. Understanding how gender roles affect your specific type of addiction can help you plan for recovery.

Alcohol

Men typically have higher rates of alcohol use.³ This might be because of peer pressure, or because they face a severe lack of emotional support. To work through these issues, you might consider a rehab for men. These programs help you connect with people who share both your gender and your experience of addiction.

While men may be more vulnerable to alcohol use, its social impact on women is still severe. Data shows that alcohol addiction increases women’s risk of intimate partner violence.⁴ If you’re healing from this type of trauma, it might be easier to talk about your experience among people of your own gender.

Some rehabs for women offer trauma-informed care. These specialized programs can help you work through triggers while you recover from addiction and mental health issues. You can also connect with other women who have survived similar events. Building relationships with them can be empowering and validating.

Stimulants

Some effects of stimulant addiction are the same for both men and women. These drugs make it hard for anyone to concentrate and learn new things. Even short-term use can interfere with your academic achievement. But in some biological ways, men and women experience this addiction very differently.

Estrogen makes women more physically sensitive to stimulants. As a result, these drugs can put more stress on a woman’s blood vessels and heart. However, men are at a greater risk for resulting neurological issues.

There are also differences between men’s and women’s social reasons for stimulant use. Many women report using stimulants to boost their energy levels so they can keep up with work and family commitments. Addressing those problems may help women recover. Men’s reasons for stimulant use⁵ are rarely so specific. As a result, it can be hard for men to define the root cause of their addiction.

Opioids

Opioids function as painkillers, and data shows that male and female bodies experience pain differently. This may explain some of the differences in how men and women develop opioid addiction.

Studies show women are more sensitive to pain than men, and more likely to have chronic pain. Perhaps as a result, doctors prescribe more opioid medications for women⁶ than men. This makes it easier for women to access these drugs. Women report using opioids to cope with both physical pain and emotional issues like anxiety. This behavior can quickly lead to addiction.

When it comes to illicit drugs, like heroin, men may be at a higher risk of addiction and overdose. Women who use these drugs tend to use smaller amounts for shorter periods of time. However, women are more likely to use heroin because of their partners.

In rehab for opioid addiction, men and women may have different recovery goals. For example, women might need to find new ways to manage chronic pain. And men who have been using drugs for a longer time may need to make lasting changes to their support networks.

Marijuana

Marijuana is a common way to self-medicate co-occurring disorders, like depression or anxiety. But like most substances, it comes with a risk of addiction.

Men and women who use cannabis have similar rates of co-occurring disorders. However, men are more vulnerable to marijuana addiction than women. Men also report more severe symptoms of cannabis addiction and withdrawal.⁷

On the other hand, data suggests that marijuana has a greater impact on women’s brains.⁸ It can even change the way teen girls’ brains develop—more than it does for boys of the same age. Both gender-specific and age-specific rehab programs can address the complexities of this addiction.

Gender Differences in Substance Abuse Treatment

Men and women tend to start addiction recovery for different reasons. For example, more men attend treatment than women.⁹ However, men might have a harder time admitting they need help. That can make early recovery an especially vulnerable time. Providers that understand the social roles associated with masculinity¹⁰ can support men as they begin treatment.

Women typically face more barriers to addiction treatment¹¹than men. As a result, they may have more severe symptoms by the time they enter rehab. Women may benefit from seeking more specialized care, whether or not they attend a women-only program.

Recovery can be more straightforward in a single-gender treatment environment. This is especially true for clients with a history of trauma. For example, in a group session, you can trust that all your peers share a certain amount of context. That saves time and energy for everyone. Instead of explaining your identity, you can immediately dig into your emotional experience.

Finding Gender-Specific Treatment Programs

Recognizing the impact of gender on your addiction can help you choose a rehab that feels right for you. Gender-specific programs acknowledge the differences in addiction for men and women—and sometimes, for people of other genders. As a result, they can offer treatment that caters to your specific needs. These programs aren’t right for everyone, and your gender doesn’t have to define you. But for some people, it can have a huge impact on recovery.

Connect with a gender-specific rehab that meets your unique needs for recovery.

Frequently Asked Questions About Gender and Addiction Recovery

How do gender roles affect addiction?

Social pressures related to gender roles can affect addiction. For example, many women report using drugs to cope with domestic violence or childcare exhaustion. Men may use drugs as a way to cope with a lack of emotional support.

How can rehab programs address gender differences in addiction?

Gender-specific treatment programs can help people feel better understood and prioritize their unique needs. For example, men’s rehab programs can help male clients connect with others who share their experience of addiction, while trauma-informed care can help women work through triggers.

Why are women more vulnerable to opioid addiction?

Women are more sensitive to pain than men and more likely to have chronic pain, leading doctors to prescribe more opioid medication for women than men. Women report using opioids to cope with both physical pain and emotional issues like anxiety.

April 28, 2023April 28, 2023

How Does Addiction Affect Women?

Women healing from addiction and mental health conditions face distinct risks and challenges. Your sex and gender can impact the way your body responds to substances. While we need more data about people of many genders, we know that women often use drugs for different reasons than men. Women also face unique cultural pressures that can make addiction more likely. Women-only rehabs offer a safe space for women to work through these challenges.

The Relationship Between Gender and Addiction

It’s important to note that most addiction research to date focuses on men and women. We need more data about the impacts of addiction on people of all genders. However, it can still be helpful to learn about how addiction affects different genders differently.

Physiology and Addiction

Some physiological factors uniquely impact people assigned female at birth, whatever their gender. For example, many people with bodies assigned female at birth have a lower total percentage of body water¹ than those assigned male at birth. This means it takes less alcohol for them to feel just as intoxicated.

It’s also possible that men and women respond to substances differently. Experts report, “a number of studies have suggested that, relative to men, women may have an accelerated course of substance use,² progressing more rapidly from initiation of substance use to problems with substances, and from problems with substances to treatment-seeking.”

Societal Challenges for Women

Women face certain social pressures, whether or not they were assigned female at birth. For example, data shows that both trans and cis women have higher rates of eating disorders³ than cis men.

People of all genders feel shame about addiction.⁴ But these difficult emotions are stronger in women, especially those with children. Women are also more likely to feel a sense of stigma around addiction. And that, even more than the feeling of guilt, can be a barrier to treatment.

Women’s reasons for using drugs⁵ are also different from men’s. Men usually drink and use drugs for fun or to take risks. Women, on the other hand, use substances to regulate their mood, reduce stress, and find relief from difficult life experiences. If you’re using drugs to cope with your life, it’s easy to develop addiction. What’s more, data shows that women become addicted more quickly than men.

What Types of Addiction Are Women Prone To?

While men are more likely to abuse substances⁶ in the first place, women are more prone to some types of addiction. Women are also at a higher risk for certain mental health conditions.

Alcohol

Because they typically weigh less than men, it takes less alcohol for women to become intoxicated.⁷ Most women also have lower levels of the digestive enzymes that break down alcohol.

This means that drinking exposes women’s bodies to higher concentrations of alcohol. And that exposure lasts longer for women than it does for men. These factors make women more vulnerable to alcohol addiction.

Prescription Drugs

Women are more likely to experience chronic pain⁸ than men. This may be part of the reason why women are more likely to misuse prescription opioids. And due to their brain chemistry, women develop opioid addiction much faster than men.

Gambling

Gambling addiction is commonly a way to cope with anxiety, loneliness, or boredom.⁹ While men are more likely to develop an addiction to gambling than women, that gender gap is closing.¹⁰ Women also face more barriers to treatment for gambling addiction. They may feel more shame about their behavior, or worry about whether it’s safe to get treatment in a mixed-gender setting.

Eating Disorders

The relationship between gender and eating disorders¹¹ is a complicated one. Many women develop these conditions due to societal pressures about their appearance. According to one study, “girls or women are more likely than boys or men to report weight dissatisfaction, dieting for weight control, and use of purging.”

Co-Occurring Disorders

When you have a mental health condition and addiction, you can look for a rehab that treats co-occurring disorders. Women are especially vulnerable to certain diagnoses. For example, almost twice as many women experience depression¹² as men. People with depression are more likely to use substances,¹³and people who use substances are more likely to be depressed. Without treatment, this can easily become a spiral.

Many women also use substances to cope with trauma. Data shows that as many as 59% of women with addiction also have PTSD.¹⁴ When drug use masks your mental health symptoms, it might feel like a coping strategy. But if you’re already vulnerable to addiction, that behavior can easily get out of control.

Women and Relapse

It’s widely believed that women are more likely to relapse than men. However, there are studies with conflicting findings. Some say that women are more likely to relapse, while others have found the opposite to be true. In all, experts report “few gender differences in rates of post-treatment relapse¹⁵ to alcohol use, although the evidence is mixed in regard to relapse to drug use.”

Certain factors contribute to women’s relapse rates:

Hormones: Women’s hormones fluctuate according to their cycle. Some data suggests that women become more prone to relapse during ovulation.¹⁶
Trauma: Many women use drugs or alcohol to numb the pain of trauma.¹⁷ As a result, untreated trauma symptoms can increase your risk of relapse.
Relationships: Women are more likely to use alcohol or drugs to deal with stress. As a result, unstable relationships make relapse more likely. One study found that certain family dynamics raise women’s risk of relapse.¹⁸“Living apart from one’s children, having a stressful marriage, and using within the context of ‘romantic’ relationships” can all play a role here.

Supportive Treatment for Women With Addiction

Gender-specific treatment can make a huge difference in your healing journey. In women-only rehabs, your gender stops being a barrier to treatment. Instead, it can inform your specific goals for addiction recovery.

Women-Only Support Groups and Therapy

Some women find it difficult to share their feelings in mixed-gender groups.¹⁹ Perhaps you’ve experienced trauma that makes it hard to trust men. In addition, men tend to dominate conversations with women, even unintentionally. In rehab, women-only support groups and group therapy invite you to open up in a protected space.

Some mixed-gender rehabs have women’s groups, and other programs only treat women. For Andrea, a client at Georgia Strait Women’s Clinic, attending women-only rehab was the key to recovery. “An all women’s program allowed for a safe environment for group work and other activities,” she explains.

Trauma-Informed Therapy for Women

Most women with addiction have a history of sexual assault,²⁰ physical abuse, or both. Trauma-informed care helps clients explore the complex impacts of trauma. It also provides a safe, supportive environment for healing.

Kristi P., who attended the women-only rehab Awakenings by the Sea, says this of her experience:

“I needed a safe place of refuge to escape my life and the chaos I was going through…I found women who were searching to heal from trauma the way I was searching.”

Relapse Prevention

For women, the risk of relapse is tied to societal pressures.²¹ Experts describe 4 themes among women who relapse:

A low sense of self-worth, especially in the context of romantic partnerships
Negative feelings and conflict in relationships
The inability to build a new, sober support network
Little knowledge about drugs, alcohol, and relapse prevention skills

This data suggests that women can benefit from rehabs with a strong focus on relapse prevention. These programs can help you make a long term recovery plan that accounts for your specific risk factors. For example, your plan might include family therapy to help you improve close relationships.

Gender-Specific Treatment Options for Women

Women face unique risks and challenges when healing from addiction. The good news is that there are a myriad of ways to get the support you need. Gender-specific treatment can help you explore the root cause of your addiction, and empower you to start recovery.

No matter your sex or gender, you deserve care that meets your unique needs. Explore rehabs for women including centers with trauma-informed care, relapse prevention, and more.

Frequently Asked Questions About Women and Addiction

How does addiction affect women differently than men?

Addiction can affect women differently than men due to biological, psychological, and social factors. Women may experience more intense cravings and faster progression of addiction, have a higher risk of relapse, and may face greater stigma and social isolation. Women also tend to have more complex mental health needs, such as anxiety and depression, which can contribute to addiction.

What are the unique challenges women in addiction recovery face?

Women in recovery may face gender-specific issues, such as pregnancy, childcare responsibilities, or financial dependence on a partner. Women are likelier to have experienced trauma, such as sexual abuse or domestic violence, which can complicate recovery. Other challenges include lack of access to treatment, societal stigma, and shame associated with addiction.

What treatment options are available for women with addiction?

Treatment options for women with addiction include inpatient and outpatient rehab programs, behavioral therapies, medication-assisted treatment, and support groups. Treatment may also address co-occurring mental health conditions like anxiety or depression. It’s important for women to receive treatment that addresses their unique needs and challenges in recovery.

April 27, 2023April 27, 2023

Tai Chi for Addiction Recovery

Tai Chi is an ancient martial art. Today, you can also use it as a complementary therapy in addiction treatment. Like any other form of gentle exercise, it can help you stay physically healthy during recovery. What’s more, a growing body of evidence shows that Tai Chi can improve your mental health. Many luxury rehabs offer Tai Chi to help clients reduce stress, practice mindfulness, and begin to heal the relationship between their minds and bodies.

What is Tai Chi?

Tai Chi began as a Chinese martial art.¹ Over time, it’s grown into a type of mindful movement that promotes physical health. While it’s often taught to small groups, you can also practice Tai Chi on your own.

Compared to some other martial arts, Tai Chi is gentle² and non-combative. It combines slow movements with mindful breathing and meditation. In most classes, practitioners flow smoothly from one pose to the next instead of sparring with each other. To a casual observer, this type of movement can look a lot like dancing.

What Are the Physical Health Benefits of Tai Chi?

Tai Chi is a highly accessible form of exercise. It’s safe for people of all ability levels,³ you can practice it anywhere, and its fluid movements improve strength and flexibility. For people in addiction recovery, some of Tai Chi’s physical effects are especially important.

Decreases Blood Pressure

Consistently practicing Tai Chi can reduce your blood pressure.⁴ This makes it a powerful treatment for clients recovering from alcohol addiction, which is a risk factor for high blood pressure.⁵ As your body continues to heal, Tai Chi can help you find a new normal.

Improves Circulation

Data shows that practicing Tai Chi for at least a year greatly improves blood circulation.⁶ Cycling fresh blood and oxygen throughout the body keeps your brain healthy,⁷ your organs working smoothly, and your immune system strong. For those in recovery, this boost in circulation can help your body repair damage caused by long-term substance use.

Relieves Chronic Pain

Tai Chi can alleviate chronic pain⁸ associated with several conditions, including fibromyalgia, arthritis, tension headaches, and osteoporosis. Because of the correlation between chronic pain and addiction,⁹ this is often important during recovery.

In particular, data implies that chronic pain makes people more vulnerable to opioid addiction. If that’s your experience, you’ll learn safer ways to manage your pain during rehab. If you find Tai Chi helpful, it can become part of your ongoing plan of care.

Reduces Stress

Tai Chi is more than a form of physical exercise. This mindfulness practice also improves mental health and relieves stress.¹⁰ And because stress has a direct impact on physical well-being,¹¹ this can be extremely important in early recovery.

Without proper support, stress makes you more vulnerable to addiction.¹² But sustainable, fulfilling outlets like Tai Chi help you manage stress in the long term. If you find it helpful, you can continue practicing this martial art long after you leave rehab.

How Does Tai Chi Help With Addiction?

Experts agree that Tai Chi can help with addiction recovery.¹³ It’s most effective as a complementary approach, alongside treatments like talk therapy or medication.

Promotes Sleep

Good sleep is foundational to addiction recovery.¹⁴ Getting enough sleep regulates stress hormones and helps your body heal. However, many people with addiction also have insomnia or other sleep disorders. This is especially common during early recovery.

Data shows that Tai Chi improves sleep¹⁵ habits, which can in turn improve cognitive function. It also boosts your energy levels, making it easier to participate in therapy.

Reduces Impulsiveness and Cravings

Your desire to use drugs or drink may never entirely disappear. But in rehab, you’ll learn healthy ways to cope with cravings if and when they arise. Studies show that tai chi improves impulse control,¹⁶ which can help you maintain sobriety in every stage of recovery.

Because Tai Chi also reduces cravings,¹⁷ you experience fewer triggers. Researchers note that the spiritual aspects of Tai Chi are essential here. As one study explains, mindfulness empowers people in recovery to have “an aware reaction rather than an automatic response” to difficult situations.

Strengthens the Mind-Body Connection

Like other complementary therapies, Tai Chi strengthens the connection between your mind and body.¹⁸ And that mindfulness can help you resist the desire to take drugs or drink. You’ll learn to accept your feelings just as they are, instead of trying to fix or change them. This improved self-awareness can help you stay grounded even when you face triggers and other challenges.

Connects You With Community Support

Addiction can be isolating. Because Tai Chi is usually taught in small groups, it invites you to connect with your peers. And building community in rehab can be a very important part of healing.

Over time, your peers in Tai Chi class can become a strong support network. According to one study, “tai chi may have a significant impact on social support¹⁹ as a result of the shared group experience and group motivation components.”

How to Find a Rehab That Incorporates Tai Chi Into Your Treatment Process

Tai Chi is a holistic approach to addiction recovery. This practice promotes mindfulness and general well being. In conjunction with traditional treatments, it can be a powerful way to work through the symptoms of addiction.

If you’re interested in supplementing your addiction recovery with Tai Chi classes, search for luxury rehabs that offer Tai Chi to find the right center for your needs.

Frequently Asked Questions About Tai Chi for Addiction Recovery

How does Tai Chi help with addiction?

Tai Chi can help with addiction recovery as a complementary approach, alongside traditional treatments like talk therapy or medication. Tai Chi promotes good sleep, reduces impulsiveness, strengthens the mind-body connection, and connects people with community support. These benefits can improve overall mental and physical health and support long-term recovery from addiction.

What are the mental health benefits of Tai Chi?

Tai Chi is a form of mindfulness practice that can help you manage stress and improve your overall mental well-being. It can improve your cognitive function, while also reducing cravings that may arise in early recovery. Tai Chi can help you become more self-aware and better equipped to resist triggers and other challenges.

How can I find a rehab that incorporates Tai Chi into my treatment process?

If you’re interested in incorporating Tai Chi into your addiction recovery, search for luxury rehabs that offer Tai Chi classes. These holistic practices can be a powerful way to work through addiction symptoms alongside clinical approaches.

April 26, 2023May 4, 2023

Substance Abuse in Nursing: Recognizing the Signs and Finding Help

All too often, the pressures of nursing can lead to addiction. Nurses are the backbone of our healthcare system. But that responsibility can be overwhelming. Rehabs that treat professionals recognize the unique challenges that people in demanding jobs, like nurses, face during recovery.

Understanding Substance Abuse in Nursing

Between 2-10% of nurses experience addiction.¹ Another 14-20% experience unhealthy drug or alcohol behaviors without developing dependency. But many researchers believe that the actual number is higher, due to underreported addiction cases.² And experts say this issue is getting worse, partly due to COVID-19 and the ongoing nursing shortage

Whys Some Nurses Develop Substance Use Disorders

Nursing is a very difficult profession.³ Nurses work long hours, performing physically and emotionally exhausting tasks. And despite their efforts, they get less recognition than doctors.

Certain factors increase the risk of addiction among nurses:

Stress and Burnout Among Healthcare Professionals

As physician Lewis Thomas said, a hospital “is held together, glued together, enabled to function as an organism, by the nurses.”³ Despite how essential their work is, many nurses experience unsustainable working conditions:⁴

Long shifts, including 12-hour, overnight, or on-call shifts
Short-staffed work environments
Physically and emotionally taxing duties, like lifting patients and making emergency clinical decisions
Lack of control over their schedule
Unsafe workplaces with a high risk of contamination and violence
Financial insecurity
Lack of support from administrators
Constant exposure to pain, trauma, sickness, and death

Consistently living with this level of stress takes a toll on your body and mind. For some nurses, using drugs or alcohol to cope with stress⁵ is the path of least resistance. For example, if you’re working overnight shifts, you may not be able to have dinner with a supportive friend. But you might have easy access to prescription drugs.

Some nurses also use drugs in order to get their jobs done. If you work in a short-staffed clinic, you might use stimulants to boost your energy⁶ so you can meet your patients’ needs.

People with different nursing specialties face different risks of substance abuse.⁷ For example, surgical, hospice, home health, and long-term care nurses are more vulnerable to addiction. These jobs are hugely demanding, and the people who do them experience high stress.

Mental Health and Emotional Strain

This stress can quickly lead to burnout. In fact, 50% of nurses experience burnout⁸ symptoms:

Emotional exhaustion
Lack of motivation and productivity
Decreased quality of life
Increased desire to quit their jobs

Burnout can lead to compassion fatigue.⁹ This condition is common for healthcare professionals. Ongoing exposure to patients’ suffering can cause serious physical, social, and emotional symptoms:

Constantly feeling on edge, or feeling numb to everything
Exhaustion and difficulty sleeping
Irritability
Difficulty making decisions, caring for patients, and feeling empathy for others
Feeling disconnected from colleagues, family and friends
Isolating yourself

Compassion fatigue, stress, and burnout all increase your risk of addiction.¹⁰ This is exactly what happened to Shannan Fiorenza, a nurse in addiction recovery.¹¹ After a kidney stone operation, she received prescription painkillers. She explains:

“When I got those pain pills and they hit my bloodstream, it really helped me feel numb. And I think that’s what I was looking for, a way to escape at that time. I quickly destroyed my life.”

Like Shannan, many nurses self-medicate with drugs or alcohol to manage mental health symptoms.

How Common Is Substance Abuse in Nursing?

Nurses are at a higher risk of developing certain mental health conditions:¹²

It’s very common for anyone with these diagnoses—including nurses—to self-medicate with drugs or alcohol. And in the short term, substances can help manage or numb your symptoms. But over time, that behavior often leads to addiction.

Increased Access to Medications

Nurses also have access to medications that most non-healthcare workers don’t. Studies show this increased access may make nurses more vulnerable to substance abuse.¹³ What’s more, nurses are at a higher risk of addiction to prescription medications than the general public.

It’s common for healthcare professionals to diagnose and treat themselves.¹⁴ But without a supervising prescriber, you’re responsible for monitoring your own drug use. This makes it all too easy for nurses to take drugs in secret, leading to a higher likelihood of substance abuse amongst nurses.

Signs and Symptoms of Substance Abuse in Nursing Professionals

Many nurses know how to hide their drug and alcohol use.¹⁵ And without specialized training, many healthcare professionals miss the signs of substance abuse in their colleagues. It’s important to learn how to recognize these symptoms to keep both patients and nurses safe.

Many nurses show behavioral changes as their addiction develops:¹⁶

Mood swings
Withdrawal from colleagues, friends, and family
Increased absences and tardiness
Defensiveness or dishonesty
Aggression
Changes in appearance
Frequent use of gum or mints
Heavy intoxication at work events like holiday parties
Expressing paranoia, feelings of pain, or depression

You might also notice physical symptoms:¹⁷

Dilated pupils or bloodshot eyes
Slurred speech
Unsteady gait
Rapid weight changes
Lack or excess of energy
Runny nose
Tremors

In more severe cases, nurses with addiction show signs of impaired practice:¹⁸

Frequent errors in administering, ordering, recording, or disposing of medications
Patients complaining about reduced pain relief
Consistently offering to administer medication for other nurses
Showing up at work on days off
Frequently leaving to use the bathroom, or go to the parking lot

If you notice signs of addiction in a colleague, it’s important to report it. Often, nurses will only receive treatment after a colleague does this. In many U.S. states, for example, state boards require healthcare professionals to report any signs of substance abuse¹⁹ from a coworker.

What Happens When a Nurse Develops a Substance Use Disorder?

Nurses with substance use disorders face unique consequences and barriers to treatment.

Patient Care From Nurses Experiencing Addiction

In healthcare settings, nurses provide most of the direct care to patients.²⁰ Because a patient’s condition can change at any time, nurses have to be ready to make clinical decisions at a moment’s notice. When you’re drinking or using drugs, your judgment is limited. You can’t react as quickly, think as clearly, or notice as many details. In many situations, that can put a patient’s health at risk.

Addiction Stigma in the Healthcare Industry

Unfortunately, many healthcare professionals harbor negative beliefs about people experiencing addiction.²¹ So nurses that develop addiction may fear how their colleagues will judge them. They also may feel shame about using substances despite being a healthcare professional.

Because of this stigma, nurses don’t always report their suspicion of a colleague’s addiction.²² They may fear social backlash at work, or fear what will happen if their colleague gets fired. Some hospital administrators even ignore reports of impaired care. In the short term, this can seem like a way to avoid malpractice lawsuits or staff shortages. But it can also be a barrier to treatment for nurses with addiction.

Barriers to Treatment for Nurses With Addictions

For many nurses, stigma delays treatment for substance abuse.²³ Healthcare professionals are unlikely to get help until their substance use is severe enough to have serious consequences.

Nurses also face other barriers to drug and alcohol treatment:

The belief that they can stop on their own because of their medical training
Fear of legal and professional consequences like losing their license
Financial concerns about how to pay for rehab, especially if they lose their job

Resources for Nurses Seeking Help With Substance Abuse

Government and national nursing organizations recognize that substance abuse harms both nurses and patients. So some U.S. states now offer certain resources to nurses seeking addiction treatment.²⁴ Many of these programs protect you from professional discipline if you follow certain rules.

Alternative to Discipline (ATD) Programs

Alternative to Discipline (ATD) programs are a common treatment option²⁵ for nurses with substance use disorders. They are state board-run, confidential, and not mandatory. In most U.S. states, a nurse’s employer will refer them to an ATD program as soon as they learn of the nurse’s addiction. If you stay in that program you might be protected from prison time, losing your license, or getting fired.

The idea behind these programs is that most nurses will choose to get help if they can do so safely. Studies show that ATD programs effectively help nurses avoid relapse,²⁶ return to work, and improve patient care.

When you’re in an ATD program, you’ll usually sign a return-to-work agreement²⁷ to uphold certain standards for a set period of time:

Complete a recognized treatment program
Work less intensive hours, such as avoiding overnight shifts
Avoid situations where you’d work alone, like home healthcare
Refrain from handling or administering narcotics
Submit to random drug tests or alcohol screenings
Attend regular support groups meetings or 1:1 therapy sessions
Check in with administrators on a regular basis
Disclose addiction and treatment plan to future employers

Some nursing specialities require stricter standards.²⁸ For example, anesthesia nurses must have 1 year of sobriety before they can return to work.

Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs)

Some employers have in-house programs for employees with substance misuse.²⁹ These employee assistance programs (EAPs) vary widely across institutions. However, most EAPs are employer-paid and confidential.

Some EAPs only offer health promotion and awareness activities. Others can refer you to a treatment center or provide treatment themselves. Once you’ve completed treatment through an EAP, they’ll likely monitor your progress with check-ins and random drugs tests.

To find out if your employer offers an EAP, you can get in touch with a human resource manager. You can also look through the employee handbook or orientation materials if you’re not ready to talk to a colleague.

Peer Support Groups for Nurses

Sobriety support groups³⁰ can supplement more formal substance abuse treatment. And nurses can attend support groups just for other nurses and healthcare workers in recovery:

Nurses Peer Support Network offers in-person meetings in Minnesota and online meetings.
She Recovers Support for Healthcare & Allied Professionals Group hosts online meetings every Saturday night.
International Doctors in Alcoholics Anonymous is open to nurse practitioners and registered nurse anesthetists.

Some hospitals also offer 12-Step meetings for employees. There, you can connect with other people who understand the unique challenges of nursing while you’re in recovery. And you’ll be able to find mentors who have successfully returned to work while staying sober.

Residential and Outpatient Rehab Programs for Nurses

Some rehabs have treatment programs specifically for nurses and other healthcare professionals. You might access them through an ATD program or an EAP, or you can attend on your own. Depending on your employer’s requirements, you can choose between outpatient or residential treatment.

Some outpatient programs may allow you to work during treatment. But if your substance use is more severe, you might need to start recovery in residential rehab.

Learn more about getting time off for addiction treatment here.

You’ll have access to a variety of treatment options, depending on your rehab program:

Individual therapy to work through personal or secondary trauma and learn new coping methods
Medication-assisted treatment
Family therapy to repair your relationships with loved ones
Holistic therapies that address your mental, physical, and spiritual wellbeing

These therapies can help you work through triggers and address the root cause of your substance misuse. If and when you return to work, you’ll be able to keep everyone safe—both yourself and your patients.
To get the specialized care you need, explore rehab for professionals to learn more about pricing, insurance coverage, and therapy options.

Frequently Asked Questions About Substance Abuse in Nursing

What are the risk factors for substance abuse among nurses?

Stress and burnout from long shifts, short-staffed work environments, physically and emotionally taxing duties, and constant exposure to pain and trauma can increase the risk of substance abuse among nurses.

What treatment options are available for nurses struggling with substance abuse?

Alternative-to-discipline (ATD) programs, employee assistance programs (EAPs), peer support groups, and residential and outpatient rehab programs are options for nurses seeking help. Treatments might include individual, group, and family therapy, evidence-based approaches, and complementary therapies.

How can I support a loved one who is a nurse struggling with substance abuse?

It’s important to approach the situation with empathy and compassion. Consider having a private conversation with them about your observations and offer to help them find resources for treatment. Remember that recovery is a journey that requires ongoing support and care. Encourage them to seek help from a specialized rehab center that caters to professionals.

April 25, 2023April 25, 2023

Understanding Family Roles in Addiction: How to Break the Cycle

One person’s drug use can affect their whole community. That includes family, friends, colleagues, and anyone close to you. Whether you or someone you love is in treatment for addiction, understanding family roles in addiction can help you heal.

Addiction and Family Systems

Addiction always has a context. Most people turn to drugs and alcohol as coping mechanisms. You might be dealing with mental health symptoms, trauma, or just the stress of daily life. Any of these issues—including addiction itself—can relate to your family dynamic.

To heal a dysfunctional family system, it might help to think about family roles. Family therapist Sharon Wegscheider-Cruse introduced this framework in her 1989 book Another Chance: Hope and Health for the Alcoholic Family. In it, she describes common ways that family members interact when one person has addiction.

This model isn’t universal, and it might not describe your experience perfectly. But learning about these different roles can give you insight into your own behavior. That newfound understanding can empower you to communicate your needs, set clear boundaries, and build stronger relationships within your family.

The 6 Family Roles

Wegscheider-Cruse describes 6 different family roles that support addiction.¹ Each one has specific emotions, needs, and patterns of behavior.

The Person With Addiction

The person actively using drugs or drinking is at the center of this dynamic. Even if you feel isolated, your addiction can influence everyone around you. That doesn’t mean you’re responsible for everything that happens in your family. Sometimes, it’s just the opposite.

Successful addiction treatment addresses the underlying cause of your behavior. For example, your addiction might stem from childhood trauma. Your family may be the cause of that trauma or they may have survived it alongside you—or both. Sometimes, you’ll need to let go of these relationships to move forward. In other cases, rebuilding them can be vital to your recovery.

The Caretaker

The caretaker, or enabler, tries to protect their loved one with addiction. Because addiction and codependency go hand in hand, that can be counterproductive. It might feel like you’re keeping them safe. But in reality, you’re shielding them from the consequences of their own actions. And that makes it harder for them to realize they need help.

Enabling someone with addiction also puts the caretaker in harm’s way. You can find yourself bearing the brunt of someone else’s behavior. For example, imagine your loved one can’t pay their bills because they’re spending too much money on drugs. By lending them money, you risk your own financial security.

The Hero

This person, often the oldest child, sets out to save the family’s reputation. They put on a brave face and work hard to achieve their goals. To outsiders, they appear stable and successful. While that’s sometimes accurate, it’s not always the hero’s primary goal.

The hero feels responsible for their family’s safety and security. They may experience parentification,² in which a child takes on the role of a parent. Sometimes that means caring for their siblings or earning money at a young age. Heroes might also provide emotional support to adults in the family. People in this role tend to feel overwhelmed, anxious, and depressed.

The Mascot

The mascot is like a class clown. This person tries to distract their family from the impacts of addiction. They use humor and kindness to keep everyone happy. In the short term, their behavior lightens the mood. But in the long term, it can lead to serious problems.

As a child, the mascot resolves conflict with jokes or distractions. As an adult, this can prevent them from building strong relationships. They may not know how to face communication issues or power struggles. And if humor is their primary coping mechanism, other people might not take them seriously.

The Lost Child

Caught up in the whirlwind of addiction, family members ignore the lost child. This person might be “the quiet one,” or seem like they live in their own world. Perhaps they love reading, video games, or another kind of escapism. Without the emotional support they need, they look for other ways to cope.

The lost child is isolated, often feeling sad and lonely. Many develop an intense fear of abandonment. Data suggests lost children might be more vulnerable to personality disorders,³ especially avoidant personality disorder.

The Scapegoat

Like the mascot, the scapegoat distracts their family from the person with addiction. But instead of using humor, they act out. This person might start using drugs themselves, or spending time with friends who do. They also take unnecessary risks, requiring other family members to solve their problems.

This behavior can interfere with a child or teen’s social development. Scapegoats are at higher risk for educational, interpersonal and even legal problems as they get older.

Finding Help for Families

These Family roles in substance abuse describe patterns of behavior, not permanent parts of your identity. Think of them as a tool for recovery, and not a way of justifying harmful dynamics. Understanding your relationships can help you improve them.

Most rehabs offer some form of famil y therapy. Depending on your program, this could mean anything from virtual sessions to an intensive family program. Treatment can help each person understand their family role in the context of addiction recovery.

Family therapy is available for families of every structure. You can look for a program that treats teens and their parents, married couples, or entire chosen families. Some providers have even more specific areas of expertise. For example, you can easily find a rehab program for LGBTQ+ clients.

Family involvement also empowers each person to heal on their own. In addition to group sessions, family members with and without addiction can benefit from individual therapy. This treatment offers you a safe, private space to explore your own feelings. You can also learn practical ways to improve your behavior, both for your family’s sake and your own.

Search our list of luxury rehabs to find programs with family therapy, treatment for loved ones, and other types of specialized care.

March 1, 2023April 5, 2023

Why Detox in Florida?

It’s hard to know what to expect from drug and alcohol detox. Some people need 24/7 medical attention. Others focus more on emotional recovery. But one thing’s true across the board: starting treatment in a beautiful place can make healing a little easier. That’s why so many people choose to attend detox centers in Florida.

Sun in All Seasons

Florida’s tropical and subtropical climate boasts warm weather year round. So if your health permits, you might be able to spend time outside during detox. But the weather can make a difference even if you need to stay in your room. Data shows that just looking at a beautiful view can help you heal.¹

Thanks to the state’s 825 miles of coastline, Florida rehabs cater to people who love the beach. And even if you’re not ready to go off-site during detox, that culture has a direct impact on treatment. For instance, most centers have outdoor pools and patios where you can relax and enjoy the sunshine. With these amenities, you can stay as comfortable as possible in any stage of recovery.

chapel hill medical detox room — Experts at Chapel Hill Medical Detox in West Palm Beach say clients who attend “medically assisted detox are more likely to stay in treatment longer.”

What Happens During Detox?

Detox is often the first step in addiction treatment. And it can be overwhelming. You’ll probably experience both physical and emotional symptoms during withdrawal:²

Restlessness
Mood swings
Irritability
Depression
Changes to appetite
Nausea
Vomiting
Diarrhea
Sleep disturbances

These symptoms are different for everyone. And they can be more severe if you have other health issues, or if you’re healing from certain addictions. It’s especially important to get expert medical care during detox from alcohol,³ opioids,⁴ or benzodiazepines.⁵ Without proper treatment, withdrawal from these substances can be life-threatening.

In a reputable detox program, your care team might include some or all of these specialists:

Medical doctor
A team of nurses
Psychiatrist
Talk therapist
Nutritionist
Holistic therapists such as a massage therapist or acupuncturist

These experts provide care during inpatient detox. They can also help you plan for what comes next.

Types of Treatment in Florida’s Detox Centers

Detox is more than a medical process. It’s also a time to prepare yourself for long-term addiction recovery. You can set yourself up for success in a program that shares your values. And Florida’s luxury detox centers support patients with a wide variety of recovery goals.

gulf breeze recovery beach — Gulf Breeze Recovery in Gulf Breeze combines top-notch medical care with holistic detox treatments.

Medical Detox

According to the team at Chapel Hill Medical Detox in West Palm Beach, clients who attend “medically assisted detox are more likely to stay in treatment longer.”⁶ With this approach, doctors and nurses will support you through early recovery. You might taper off drug use instead of stopping cold turkey, or take non-addictive medications to help you stay comfortable. And when you’re ready, you’ll probably start seeing a talk therapist or other counselor.

Programs like these are a good fit for people who need close supervision during detox. Inpatient medical detox provides round-the-clock care, keeping you safe as you adjust to life without drug use. But it’s not the only way to begin addiction treatment.

Outpatient Detox

Sometimes, it can be better to detox in the comfort of your own home. This might be important for celebrity clients who need strict confidentiality, or people with pressing family commitments. If you’re physically healthy and you have a strong support network, you can consider outpatient detox.

In most of these programs, you’ll live independently but attend daily appointments on-site. Clients get medical and psychiatric care, and may connect with each other in group therapy. If this sounds like a good fit for you, make sure you talk to your doctor before starting treatment. While outpatient detox can make recovery more accessible, it’s not a safe option for everyone.

Holistic Treatment

Medical treatment is an essential part of detox—but it isn’t everything. Centers like Gulf Breeze Recovery combine top-notch medical care with holistic detox treatments. For example, you might get a massage between talk therapy sessions. Or you could learn to manage cravings with mindfulness techniques. This integrated approach helps you get to the root cause of your addiction, so you can heal from the inside out.

agape detox center facility — Agape Detox Center in Port St. Lucie evaluates each client’s lifestyle, health history, and risk factors for addiction to create a unique plan of care.

Individualized Care

The healing process is different for everyone. That’s true in every stage of recovery, from withdrawal to aftercare. So some of Florida’s rehabs tailor the detox process to suit each client’s needs.

The team at Agape Detox Center, for example, takes a “targeted, whole-health approach” to recovery. They evaluate each client’s lifestyle, health history, and risk factors for addiction. That information helps them design your unique plan of care. That plan will likely include talk therapy, medical treatment, and nutritional support. In bespoke treatment, you’ll learn more about your own needs. And with that knowledge, you can go on to build a life you love.

Comprehensive Recovery

Compared to residential rehab, detox doesn’t last very long.⁷ For most types of addiction, withdrawal symptoms subside in a few days to a week. But that’s not the end of addiction recovery.

Many detox programs require you to have a long-term treatment plan before you even arrive. Usually, that means enrolling in a residential rehab program. So when you complete detox, you can go directly to your next treatment center (in Florida or elsewhere).

Some Florida rehabs make this process much easier. Providers like Immersion Recovery Center offer both detox and residential recovery. You can still detox in one program and go to rehab in another, but you don’t have to. Instead of moving, you can focus on the transition that matters most: your healing process.

Comprehensive Care in the Sunshine State

In many places, detoxing from drugs or alcohol can be isolating. That doesn’t have to be true in the Sunshine State. These bespoke programs could be a great fit if you love warm weather—even if you plan to enjoy it through your bedroom window.

Explore Florida’s detox centers to find a program that’s right for you.

February 3, 2023April 5, 2023

Choosing the Right Rehab as a Celebrity

We hear it all the time: “celebrities are just like everyone else.” And in many ways, that’s true. But you might have some unique concerns when it comes to rehab. For example, privacy, flexibility, and maintaining your lifestyle might be especially high priorities. In a luxury rehab center, you can start addiction and mental health recovery without sacrificing your other needs.

Why Is Addiction So Common in Celebrities?

Addiction doesn’t discriminate. Whether or not you’re famous, you might develop an addiction for a variety of reasons. But certain aspects of fame contribute to higher rates of addiction among affluent people:¹

Easier access to drugs and alcohol
Isolation from trustworthy support systems
Trauma from abuse and neglect, especially during childhood fame
Pressure from demanding professions

Like anyone else, some celebrities may also have a genetic predisposition to addiction.² This risk is further increased when combined with a stressful lifestyle.

Unique Challenges of Recovery for Celebrities

If fame plays a role in developing addiction, it also affects how you access treatment. Many celebrities have ongoing contractual obligations like games, tours, or interviews. So if you take time off work for treatment, you might face career and financial penalties. And those commitments don’t end after rehab. Many of them even come with an expectation to drink or use drugs with your colleagues and fans.

High achievers also face significant financial pressures. You might be supporting a large staff, artistic collaborators, and loved ones. So if you stop working, they could feel immediate effects. And fame doesn’t always bring financial success. High-profile activists, politicians, and artists can’t always afford rehab centers with the strict privacy they need.

For this demographic, public opinion has a major impact on the recovery process. And unwanted media attention can interfere with healing. Because of this, confidentiality is a major concern for high-profile clients—as it should be. You have the right to recover on your own terms. That’s why most rehabs have privacy policies that keep celebrities safe from prying eyes.

alive luxury private retreats property — Alive Luxury Private Retreats and Rehab caters specifically to celebrities, treating only one client at a time.

What Do Celebrity Rehabs Offer?

Celebrity rehabs understand the unique ways that fame affects addiction and recovery. There are a few key ways rehabs approach treatment for high-profile patients.

Confidentiality

For most celebrities, privacy is essential for recovery. That way, you can focus on yourself and the changes you want to make, without distractions. With this in mind, celebrity rehabs have strict privacy policies.

For the utmost confidentiality, some rehabs treat only one client at a time. Centers like Alive Luxury Private Retreats and Rehab cater specifically to celebrities. They take a personalized approach to recovery, tailoring treatment to meet your unique needs.

Location can also play a role in keeping your recovery private. Swiss rehabs, for example, take anonymity to the next level. Jan Gerber, CEO of Paracelsus Recovery in Zurich, explains:

“In terms of confidentiality, that’s basically the second name of Switzerland. It’s the banking secrecy, the whole discretion. The Swiss mindset is, in a way, non-sensational. We get clients who are celebrity, A-list Hollywood actors, who go to the local Starbucks. Of course they’re recognized, but it’s not in the news, the local tabloids don’t write about it, and they’re not harassed for autographs either.”

Flexibility

With success comes responsibility. If a team of employees depend on you, you might not be able to take time off work for recovery. Or you might need to attend social functions, or stay in touch with your family. At many elite rehabs, you can keep these commitments during your stay.

Some centers have more relaxed device use policies, so you can stay connected throughout treatment. Others even allow you to work remotely. As long as these activities don’t interfere with your progress, you can continue taking care of business while you heal.

Gerber describes how the clinicians at Paracelsus Recovery accommodate each patient’s individual needs:

“We’ve had people with regular scheduled TV appearances, such as entertainers who have had to be in front of the camera once a week in a different country. We could accommodate that. We have people who run companies, or family business empires. They have to have work calls every day. We have to accommodate that.”

tikvah lake recovery pool — Tikvah Lake Recovery provides clients with a sober companion to join them at special events.

Joyful Recreation

If you’re successful in your chosen field, you may be accustomed to a certain lifestyle. Rehab doesn’t have to interrupt that. In fact, learning to enjoy yourself without drug use is an important part of recovery.³

At White River Manor in South Africa, for instance, patients can go bungee jumping, whitewater rafting, or even on safari. Director Co-Owner Giles Fourie describes the therapeutic value of these activities:

“There’s great therapy in that. It’s also just about having fun. There’s great value in our clients experiencing what it is to have fun outside of addiction, outside of the substances that they believed they needed in order to experience joy in their lives.”

And these experiences don’t just bring joy to your time in treatment. They can also set you up for long-term success.

Comprehensive Aftercare

When you leave inpatient treatment, you’ll probably return to the same world you left behind. Even if you’re sober, you might need to keep attending high-profile events where drugs and alcohol play a role. And you’ll still face the same pressures you did before entering treatment.

That’s why many celebrity rehabs offer comprehensive aftercare. You can return to the center for a follow-up stay, or meet with your therapist remotely. Some rehabs, like Tikvah Lake Recovery, even offer sober companions to join you at special events. Their presence can help you work through triggers and avoid relapse.

What Rehabs Do Celebrities Go To?

Recovery is unique for everyone—even high-profile clients. While many celebrity rehabs are lavish retreats, that’s not universally true.

As extravagant as this sounds, not all celebrity rehabs are expensive. And most of them accept insurance since the adoption of the Affordable Care Act. Treatment in some parts of the world, like Thailand, is particularly accessible. Whatever your budget is, you can likely find a luxury rehab that fits your lifestyle.

the hills rehab chiang mai property — The Hills Rehab Chiang Mai and other rehabs in Thailand offer luxury amenities at an affordable price point.

Bespoke Luxury Rehabs

When you’re used to a high standard of living, leaving it behind can interfere with healing. But if luxury amenities are a priority for you, many rehabs can meet your needs. You might have a private chef, personal trainer, and house staff assigned to you during your stay. And you can stay in a 5-star room, private suite, or even an entire villa. Many luxury rehabs also offer a 24/7 concierge service. You’ll have somebody there to act as a liaison between you, the staff, and your loved ones throughout treatment. And they can also be an important source of emotional support outside of your treatment team.

In rehabs like Orenda at Futures, this approach is central to recovery. Their team believes “freeing patients to concentrate fully on therapy produces better outcomes.”⁴ To that end, their team is dedicated to meeting each client’s unique needs. They’re always available to answer your questions and make your stay as comfortable as possible.

Holistic Rehabs

Holistic rehabs treat addiction using a variety of evidence-based and alternative therapies:

Talk therapy
Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing therapy (EMDR)
Animal-assisted therapy
Meditation
Acupuncture
Massage
Energy work like Reiki
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM)

These types of rehabs treat the whole person, addressing your physical, mental, and spiritual wellness. At Alta Mira Recovery in California, expert staff “address neurobiological, psychological, social, physical and spiritual aspects of addiction” with therapies ranging from cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) to equine therapy.

Celebrity Rehabs: Joyful and Private Places to Heal

When you find fame, it’s all too easy to lose yourself in the process. In treatment, you can get to know yourself again without the pressure of public opinion. And you won’t have to choose between career success and recovery. Celebrity rehabs show you how to keep the best parts of your lifestyle, and let go of the behaviors that aren’t serving you.

Search our collection of luxury rehabs to learn more about their locations, approaches, and special considerations.

December 30, 2022January 15, 2023

What Happens in Residential Rehab for Trauma?

Rehab isn’t just for addiction recovery. That’s a common reason to start treatment, but it’s not the only one. You can also go to rehab to heal from trauma.

Defining Trauma

Traumatic events don’t always cause trauma symptoms.¹ The same event that leaves you with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)² could be annoying but forgettable for someone else. Certain qualities can make you more vulnerable to developing symptoms. Specifically, people who have a history of childhood trauma, mental health issues, or addiction may be at higher risk.

Trauma Symptoms

Everyone reacts to trauma differently. But there are a few common effects you might experience after a traumatic event:³

Fatigue
Confusion
Anxiety
Emotional numbness
Loss of hope
Fear

These are often short-term reactions in the immediate aftermath of the event. But for some people, they become ongoing symptoms. If that’s the case, you can ask your doctor to evaluate you for PTSD.

Post-traumatic Stress Disorder

PTSD is a prolonged reaction⁴ to a finite traumatic experience. This could be a single event, like a car accident, or a period of time, like a tour of duty in the military. Symptoms of PTSD include the following:

Flashbacks
Sleep problems like nightmares
Avoidance, where you stay away from reminders of your trauma
Feeling tense
Angry outbursts
Loss of interest in your passions

To fit the criteria for PTSD, these symptoms need to last for more than a month and interfere with your quality of life.

Complex Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder

Chronic trauma can lead to complex PTSD⁵ (c-PTSD), instead of PTSD. The 2 conditions are similar, but with a few key differences. Unlike PTSD, c-PTSD is the response to long-term circumstances. For example, teens or adults who survived child abuse might show signs of c-PTSD.

In addition to the symptoms of classic PTSD, people with c-PTSD may also experience the following:

Dysregulated emotions
A negative self-image
Difficulty forming and maintain healthy relationships

While treatment for these diagnoses is similar, c-PTSD can cause additional challenges.

Co-occurring Trauma and Addiction

Studies indicate a strong link between addiction and traumatic experiences.⁶ There are several reasons for this. Drugs and alcohol can offer a temporary distraction from the pain of trauma. Or, you might decide to self-medicate in order to manage your symptoms.

It’s all too easy to get caught in a cycle of trauma and addiction. That’s true for a few reasons. First, drug and alcohol use can make your mental health worse. And second, addiction itself can be traumatic. You might find yourself in dangerous situations because of the way you obtain or take drugs. Those experiences can compound your trauma. But without support, drug use might be the only way you know how to manage your symptoms.

What Happens in Rehab for Trauma?

If you’re having a hard time healing on your own, you might benefit from residential treatment. There, you’ll have the time and space to focus on healing, instead of just surviving.

What is Trauma-Informed Care?

Trauma-informed rehab programs provide treatment in a safe and empowering way. Clinicians are sensitive to your concerns, and may have special training in trauma recovery.

Trauma symptoms can put you on high alert,⁷ even if there isn’t any danger. The tranquility of a trauma-informed treatment center can help you stay centered. For example, you might attend therapy in a soundproof room, so there’s a lower chance of loud noises. Or, your massage therapist might ask for consent before starting every session.

This type of care accommodates your needs, but it won’t insulate you from all your triggers. Instead, you’ll learn how to navigate them while keeping yourself safe. Rehab gives you the chance to practice new coping skills before you reenter a less curated environment.

A Framework for Recovery

While you can heal from your trauma in an outpatient setting, going to residential treatment offers unique benefits. For example, keeping a consistent schedule helps people with PTSD feel safe.⁸ And when you attend inpatient treatment, your days will have a set routine. It’s common for people to feel overwhelmed after trauma,⁹ so taking a break from making certain decisions can be a relief. That way, you can focus on your recovery, instead of what you’re going to have for dinner.

A Calming Environment

It’s much harder to heal in the same place where you got hurt. If your trauma happened close to home, a change of scenery might be necessary for recovery. Studies even show that changing your environment can improve your mood.¹⁰

If you travel for rehab, you can choose your ideal location. And some environments make healing even easier. Specifically, living in the midst of nature can help you process your thoughts¹¹ and cope with stress.

Social Support During Treatment

Trauma can be isolating.¹² And when your symptoms interfere with relationships, it’s hard to ask for the help you need. Many residential rehabs offer a built-in community¹³ of patients with a similar experience of trauma. Some programs even cater to people with shared identities, like LGBTQ+ patients. And studies show that having robust social support can help your recovery¹⁴ from trauma.

Specific Therapies for Trauma

Everyone’s healing process is different. That’s why so many luxury rehabs offer personalized care. During inpatient treatment for trauma, you can access several different types of therapy in the same program. This empowers patients to take control of the healing process, under the expert guidance of their care team.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a popular treatment for trauma symptoms.¹⁵ In session, patients learn to recognize and work through thought patterns that no longer serve them. This is easiest to understand with triggers. For example, after an accident, you might feel intense fear about getting into a car. CBT can help you put that feeling in context. Instead of avoiding cars altogether, you could learn how to calmly assess whether it’s safe to drive. And then, additional CBT skills can help you stay centered while you’re on the road.

Prolonged Exposure Therapy

Prolonged exposure therapy (PE)¹⁶ is a type of CBT. In PE, you’ll confront your trauma head-on. Patients do this by recounting their most painful memories in great detail. As you tell the story of what happened, your therapist may encourage you to engage your 5 senses. What did the room smell like? What noises did you hear? How did your body feel?

PE isn’t easy. The goal is to trigger yourself, purposely causing an intense emotional response. But as you return to the same memory over and over again, you’ll become desensitized to it. Eventually, you’ll be able to think about what happened without feeling triggered at all.

If you’re healing from complex trauma, you may need to repeat this process with a few different memories. Over time, PE helps patients regulate their feelings in and outside of sessions.

Cognitive Processing Therapy

Cognitive processing therapy (CPT)¹⁷ helps you address the emotional fallout of trauma. With a therapist’s guidance, you’ll explore the way you feel about what happened. Early in treatment, you’ll write a trauma impact statement.¹⁸ There, you’ll describe why you think your trauma happened, and list its lasting effects on your life. Then, you’ll recount a traumatic experience and talk through the way it makes you feel.

While this process is a lot like PE, the goal is a little different. Instead of desensitizing yourself, you’ll work to understand why you feel the way you do. For example, self-blame is a common response to trauma.¹⁹ If you feel guilty about what happened, you might practice self-compassion during CPT. You’ll also learn how to cope with the triggers you encounter in daily life.

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing

Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR)²⁰ uses visual or audio cues to help you process your trauma. First, you’ll learn more about trauma and coping skills. Then, you’ll identify a “target” traumatic event. For about 30 seconds, you’ll focus on that target as you pay attention to an external cue.

Studies indicate that EMDR helps patients reduce anxiety and other PTSD symptoms. But it can also be emotionally taxing to concentrate on your trauma. You might feel triggered or vulnerable after a session. But in residential treatment, you won’t have to jump right back into other tasks after EMDR.

Holistic Therapies for Survivors

Trauma affects more than just your mental health. For example, trauma can cause physical pain,²¹ or interrupt your spiritual practice. Holistic therapies address all parts of your life,²² and help you heal in an integrated way. There are several different types of holistic treatment:

These methods aren’t replacements for talk therapy, but they can work well as complementary therapies. In rehab, you can combine holistic treatments with more traditional techniques.

What Are the Stages of Trauma Recovery?

No matter what therapy you use, it still takes time to heal from trauma. And healing is nonlinear. As you grow and change, your feelings about what happened might change, too. For example, some people have trauma from romantic relationships. They might feel completely healed—while they’re single. But then new triggers might come up when they start dating again.

While everyone’s process is different, experts describe 5 distinct stages of trauma recovery.²³ You might progress through these in order, or all at once. You might even revisit some stages more than once. But as you heal, it’s likely that you’ll touch on these different perspectives.

Trauma Processing and Reexamination

Processing your trauma is an important part of recovery. Therapies like CBT and PE help you understand the effects of what happened to you. By working through your past triggers, you can focus on the present, and start to build a meaningful future. Living on-site in a rehab program helps you focus on healing, without the distractions of daily life.

Managing Negative States

During rehab, you’ll learn more sustainable coping strategies. And when you encounter triggers, your care team will likely be on hand to help you practice them. As you develop those skills, you can let go of any behavior—like addiction—that doesn’t support your growth.

Rebuilding the Self After Trauma

Trauma can make you feel disconnected²⁴ from yourself. During rehab, you can rebuild your confidence and self-esteem. There are several ways to work toward that goal. Holistic therapies, for instance, can help you reintegrate different parts of your identity.

Connecting With Others

Trauma affects the way you relate to other people.²⁵ And no one exists in a vacuum. On the contrary, healthy relationships are vital to recovery. There are countless ways to approach this part of healing. You might connect with other patients, or join a support group. But those options don’t work for everyone. Some high-profile clients, for instance, may need confidentiality during rehab. If privacy is a priority, you might consider family therapy with your closest loved ones.

Regaining Hope and Power

After you survive trauma, serious danger stops being theoretical. You know from personal experience that getting hurt is a real possibility. It’s happened before, and it might happen again. Recovery means learning to live a rich, beautiful life in the face of that uncertainty. Treatment can help you regain your power and hope for the future.

Compare luxury rehabs that treat trauma and reach out to them directly to learn how you can get started on your healing journey.

December 9, 2022January 12, 2023

Return to Your Values in Tennessee’s Affirming Rehabs

From the majestic Appalachian Mountains to the melodic voices crooning down Nashville’s Music Row, there’s a lot of beauty in Tennessee. This pretty place can make addiction treatment relaxing and joyful. If you’re looking for a welcoming setting to start your recovery, a luxury rehab in Tennessee could be a great fit.

Heal According to Tennessee’s Strong Principles

Tennessee’s rich history of working hard, and enjoying life’s simple pleasures spills over into modern life. And when you go to rehab there, those principles can also shape your treatment.

Recover in Tennessee’s Restorative Nature

All across Tennessee, you’ll find flowing rivers, sprawling forests, and ancient mountains. Many of the state’s rehabs boast large campuses with plenty of room for reflection. Some offer meandering walking trails and tranquil places to enjoy the view.

Smoky Mountain Lodge sits on the edge of Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Clients can take full advantage of their location by hiking to see the park’s gorgeous views. Recovering in peaceful nature can keep you grounded and centered throughout the healing process.

cumberland heights tennessee — Cumberland Heights in Nashville

Stay Active With Experiential Therapies

Many treatment centers in Tennessee offer experiential therapies, inspired by the area’s traditions and geography. For example, horses are an important part of Tennessee’s history and culture.¹ Treatment centers like The Ranch Tennessee honor that heritage in their equine therapy program. On their expansive 2,000-acre ranch, equine-assisted therapy is a major component of treatment. By caring for the resident horses, clients learn more about themselves and practice building relationships.

Tennesseeans are also known for their taste for adventure. Rehabs like the ARCH Academy, which treats adolescent boys, tap into this mentality with adventure therapy. Clients can go canoeing, hiking, or fly-fishing to bond with their peers and learn new skills. These experiences invite teens to express their feelings in a new context.

Get Into the Rhythm of Recovery in Music City

Home to country, rock ‘n’ roll, and the blues, Tennessee is famous for its music scene.² And if music is important to you, professionally or personally, it can be a powerful tool during treatment.

This is especially true at rehabs like Recovery Unplugged Nashville. That’s why they designed their entire program around music. Their unique brand of music-assisted treatment can improve your depression, anxiety, mood, and chronic pain during recovery. They have a fully equipped jam room, group music therapy, and even songwriting sessions to help you express yourself through song. Plus, they frequently hold open mic nights and performances by other artists in recovery for sober fun.

Relax in Family-Style Accommodations

For many people, community is an important part of recovery. That’s why some programs have a strong focus on building relationships. In these rehabs, you can connect with like-minded people who want to support you in your journey toward wellness.

In Tennessee, many rehabs offer family-style housing to support those connections. At centers like Morningstar, a women’s rehab outside of Nashville, clients live in a lodge with 5 other women. You and your housemates will cook dinner together, go on day trips, and attend the same group therapy sessions. Discovery Place offers treatment for men using a similar approach. Sober relationships are essential for long-term success in recovery,³ and family-style rehabs allow you to start forming them early on.

the ranch tennessee — The Ranch Tennessee in Nunnelly

Find Identity-Affirming Treatment in Tennessee

Everyone’s recovery is as unique as they are. So finding a rehab that supports the most important parts of your identity is a crucial part of treatment. Many Tennessee rehabs offer specialized care for clients of different identities.

Gender-Specific Care

Attending rehab is a vulnerable experience. And for some people, it feels safer to be vulnerable around people of the same gender. What’s more, people of different genders face different obstacles to recovery. Going to a gender-specific rehab can help some clients access effective treatment.

In Tennessee, it’s easy to find a women-only or men-only rehab. Morningstar, for example, has a women-only campus. Other programs, like Cumberland Heights, offer separate treatment for men and women on the same property. They even break down their men’s group into age-specific programming, recognizing how your stage of life can affect your recovery.

Gender-specific treatment isn’t always a priority. And even if it is, these binary options might not meet your needs. In that case, you might consider a rehab that offers affirming treatment for LGBTQ+ people. These programs can be a good fit for people of many different genders and sexualities. Such supportive environments empower clients to live out their own highest values.

Faith-Based Recovery

As you work to be your best self, spirituality can guide you forward. Many people find comfort and inspiration in faith-based treatment. In these rehabs, the tenets of a particular belief system inform every aspect of recovery.

S2L Recovery, for instance, uses 7 Christian principles as the framework for their treatment program. They use lessons from the Bible to help you develop a deeper faith and sense of resilience. This can set you up for success after you complete treatment. If your faith is important to you, then it can be an excellent foundation for your ongoing recovery.

Other faith-based treatment centers follow the 12 Steps, a well-known recovery philosophy. At The Next Door, in Nashville, treatment “integrates 12 step recovery, faith, and evidence-based practices to address the needs of the whole woman – mind, body, and spirit.”

discovery place tennessee — Discovery Place in Burns

How to Travel to and Around Tennessee

More than half of the U.S. population lives within about a day’s drive of Nashville.⁴ But if you’re coming from farther away, you’ll most likely want to fly.

Flying Into Tennessee

If you’re traveling from abroad, you’ll likely fly into Nashville International Airport (BNA), which serves 22 different airlines with over 585 nonstop flights daily. BNA is centrally located in Tennessee.

If you’re going to rehab in western Tennessee, flying into the Memphis International Airport might bring you closer to your treatment center. And for people attending eastern Tennessee rehabs, the Chattanooga Airport is closest.

Getting Around Tennessee

Most of Tennessee’s public transit options are in metropolitan areas, so you’ll probably have to rely on private transportation to get to your treatment center. Because of this, many rehabs will pick you up from the airport directly, making the last leg of your journey that much simpler.

With any mode of transport, it’s a good idea to have a support person travel with you to rehab. This is an emotional time. When someone else is handling the logistics, you can stay focused on starting recovery.

Recover, Relax, and Reconnect in a Tennessee Rehab

If you’re thinking about addiction treatment, it might feel like life has gotten away from you. In Tennessee, rehab can be a safe place to gather your strength. Here, you’ll be healing among people who welcome you just as you are, and share many of your values. Even if you’ve never been to the state before, treatment here can feel like coming home to yourself.

Visit our list of rehabs in Tennessee for information on their amenities, pricing, experiential treatments, and more.

October 14, 2022October 14, 2022

Naturopathic Medicine for Addiction Recovery

Naturopathy is a type of medicine based on the idea that the body can heal itself. Instead of just treating your symptoms, naturopaths teach you healthy, sustainable habits. For example, you might alter your diet, take supplements, or start working out. And over time, these gentle changes support your body’s natural impulse to be well.

A naturopath’s job is to identify the obstacles to your health, and help you move past them. And in a rehab with naturopathic treatments, this can be an important part of addiction recovery.

What Is Naturopathy?

Naturopathy is sometimes called an alternative medicine.¹ According to the American Association of Naturopathic Physicians,² these specialists are versed in “certain areas of study not covered in conventional medical school. At the same time, aspiring naturopathic doctors receive training in the same biomedical and diagnostic sciences as MDs.” Naturopaths with the right training can even work as primary care providers.

By law, naturopaths are licensed differently in various locations.³ In the U.S., for instance, insurance only covers this type of treatment in certain states. If you want to try naturopathy, talk to your rehab, and your insurance provider, about your options.

Treating Addiction With Naturopathy

Naturopathy is a clearly established practice, and not an umbrella term. Many rehabs combine this approach with complementary holistic treatments, like energy healing. And yes, these activities can be part of a naturopathic treatment plan. But you won’t always receive them from the same provider.

Some rehabs take a naturopathic approach to every aspect of addiction recovery. Others combine naturopathy with more traditional therapies. Either way, most naturopathic doctors⁴ use similar techniques to help you start healing.

Nutrition

Most naturopaths will assess your dietary habits, and may suggest changes. This can have a major impact on addiction recovery. Many drugs damage your digestive health.⁵ And every drug has unique effects. Your personal history will inform your course of treatment. A naturopath might recommend that you take supplements, or cut out certain foods.

Some facilities, like Maison Ila, may even suggest intermittent fasting. At this treatment center, you’ll consult with a naturopath to learn about nutrition. Your bespoke meal plan will then be based on their suggestions. Every menu includes local and seasonal ingredients, sourced from the lush French countryside.

Ila Maison bedroom — Treatment at Maison Ila in France is tailored to each guest, including bespoke meal plans.

Hawaii Naturopathic Retreat also has a strong focus on nutrition. Clients may try one of several dietary plans, like therapeutic fasting, or a raw food diet. They also offer sugar-free and salt-free options. Each plan is “anti-inflammatory, high in vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and fiber.”⁶ The goal is to detoxify the body not only from drugs, but also from harmful chemicals.

Naturopathic Medications

In many areas, licensed naturopaths can prescribe controlled substances.⁷ So in some programs, your naturopath may treat you using medication. And you might end up taking a well-known Western medication—or you might not.

Naturopathic doctors can also prescribe botanical medicines to treat addiction.⁸ For example, some naturopaths use kratom, an herbal painkiller, for patients with opioid use disorder. Others, like the team at The Hermitage Centre, use naturopathy during initial detox.

The Hermitage Centre patio — Detox regimens are highly-personalized at The Hermitage Centre in Gold Coast, Australia.

Homeopathy

Although it’s a distinct type of treatment, homeopathy is often used by naturopathic doctors.⁹ And in some ways, it’s very similar to botanical medicine. Homeopathic remedies¹⁰are very small—sometimes microscopic—doses of natural plant extracts. These treatments are usually delivered in pill form.

While some studies show that homeopathy can treat addiction,¹¹ more research is needed. But if you’re curious about this approach, a naturopath can answer your questions. Rehabs like Le Center for Health and Wellness recommend homeopathy during rehab—but only with close supervision.

IV Drip Therapy

Pills aren’t the only way to ingest medication. In some areas, naturopaths can legally prescribe IV drip therapy.¹² In this controversial method, clients receive vitamins, minerals, and nutrients intravenously. Supporters say IV drip therapy can treat addiction and other mental health issues. But many disagree.

Ather Ali, a doctor of naturopathic medicine and health researcher at the Yale School of Medicine, falls squarely in the middle. According to his research, IV therapy is a placebo.¹³ But it’s often an effective one. And “when your child falls down and scrapes their knee, you give them a kiss,” he told NPR. “There’s value in that.”

Manual Therapy

Manual therapy¹⁴ can refer to most hands-on healing modalities. Massage therapy, craniosacral therapy, and some physical therapy techniques fall into this category. If they have the right training, your naturopath might offer these treatments during rehab. Or, they might refer you to another specialist for complementary therapy.

At The River Source, in Arizona, regular naturopathic massages help improve clients’ sleep patterns. These sessions help you let go of the physical and mental stress of recovery.

Exercise as Addiction Treatment

Most primary care providers recommend exercise.¹⁵ But, as one study found, few recommend specific types of exercise. This leaves patients wondering what to do next. Naturopathic doctors Jennifer Gibbons and Osemekhian Okojie write that people with their expertise “are uniquely qualified” to give clients more guidance. “The training we receive in anatomy, physiology, biomechanics, and biochemistry allows us to go beyond the general and broad fitness recommendations that one can find in an average health magazine,” they explain.

At Hawaii Naturopathic Retreat, exercise is a big part of recovery. Clients go for walks, take yoga classes, and spend time at the gym. And with locations near Kealakekua Bay and Hilo Bay, “opportunities for self-guided exercise are almost limitless.”¹⁶ But even if you work out on your own, you’ll be following a treatment plan, tailored to help you recover.

These activities affect more than your level of fitness. Researchers believe that exercise can also treat addiction.¹⁷ Preliminary studies show that working out helps normalize dopamine levels. Dopamine is a neurotransmitter that plays a role in both addiction and the feeling of satisfaction.¹⁸ And regulating it can improve both your physical and mental well-being.

Mental Health Recovery

Le Center Health Wellness Bellevue — A peek into Le Center for Health and Wellness, located in Bellevue, Washington.

Naturopathy doesn’t only heal the body; it also supports mental health. At Le Center for Health and Wellness, lifestyle counseling is an essential part of treatment. And clients at Birch Wellness Center can get naturopathic treatment for anxiety, depression, and stress.

This approach may look different from traditional talk therapy. And it may not be right for everyone. But you don’t necessarily have to choose. Some centers invite you to combine naturopathy with other forms of treatment. The goal is to help you heal as effectively as possible. And that means something different for each client.

Naturopathy Clears the Path to Recovery

This branch of medicine is rooted in profound trust. Naturopaths don’t just treat your symptoms. They might not even diagnose a cause. Instead, their job is to support you in the natural process of healing. With fewer barriers, and more effective tools, you can take the lead in your recovery journey. And when you’re empowered to heal yourself, life becomes far more sustainable.

To start planning your recovery, learn more about rehabs that offer naturopathic treatment, including their locations, insurance coverage, and complementary therapies.