Adventure Therapy is just like it sounds. It’s a therapeutic process in which our clients participate in various “adventures” in a safe environment. Most adventure therapy activities are outdoors while some of the activities in adventure therapy may be indoors. All of them share one common element: perceived and/or actual risk.
At Bella Monte, a member of our clinical team leads clients through trust-building activities that promote communication, promotes critical thinking, stimulates brain power, and gets the client out of his/her day-to-day environment. Some people advocate wilderness adventure therapy as the primary avenue to take within the realm of adventure therapy. Others feel that a more low-key activity is equally effective, as long as the activity is inclusive of cooperative games, problem-solving initiatives, and trust-building exercises.
Engaging in a group setting during adventure therapy sessions helps the client develop the skill set required to reach out for help if they are struggling with their recovery.
Some examples of Bella Monte Recovery Center’s Adventure are:
Even if you aren’t a California local, you may have heard of the term “Cali-sober.” This term is used to define a person that is sober from alcohol and other drugs, with the exception of cannabis. This article discusses the problems of Cali-sober, why it’s dangerous for people working to heal from addiction, and why total sobriety may be the best option for effective recovery.
Cali-sober refers to the practice of abstaining from substance use with the exception of cannabis. In some cases, people may identify as Cali-sober but still moderately drink alcohol or use seemingly less addictive drugs, such as psychedelics. The Cali-sober approach to substance use rose in popularity in 2020, reaching its pinnacle when Demi Lovato released her hit single “California Sober” in April 2021. Naturally, much of the recovery community disagreed with the new movement, seeing it as problematic and inaccurate to how addiction affects the mind and body.
In some communities, Cali-sober is viewed as a form of harm reduction. Harm reduction is a policy that focuses on lessening the negative consequences of behaviors. Harm reduction is often used in the context of addiction activism and includes strategies such as offering safe injection sites for those with heroin addiction. While in theory, it may seem helpful to choose “softer” substances in place of harder ones, all substance use comes with its own set of unique consequences and concerns.
The controversial term Cali-sober is a part of an age-long, two-sided debate in the addiction recovery community. One side believes in the traditional, total abstinence approach as being the only effective way to recover from addiction. The other side believes that it’s possible to control the consequences of addiction by limiting substance use in moderation.
While those who support the substance-use-in-moderation approach may have seen success, the inevitable truth is that it can be dangerous for those who are in recovery. Those who support abstinence-only approaches to recovery believe that continuing any form of substance use cannot fix the problem or treat the addiction. A person who is in recovery can easily lose control of their substance use once again, which can be especially dangerous if the substance they are inclined to use can lead to overdose.
One major issue with the Cali-sober approach is that it underestimates the severity of consequences that can result from using substances such as alcohol, cannabis, and psychedelics. There is still a myth that cannabis itself isn’t actually addictive and that people only say that as a way to villainize the drug. Although cannabis addiction has been overblown in the past as a way to push a political narrative, that doesn’t mean that cannabis is not addictive. Similarly, alcohol tends to fly under the radar as a potentially dangerous substance since it is normalized and glorified in society. Still, alcohol consumption can contribute to a plethora of negative health effects as well as deadly withdrawal symptoms.
Psychedelics, which are on the verge of legalization on the West Coast, are next in line to be underestimated as a potentially dangerous class of drugs. While psychedelics do not necessarily contain withdrawal symptoms as dangerous as alcohol, this class of drug paints a distorted reality for users. Psychedelics affect the brain by releasing surplus dopamine and serotonin, which the brain recognizes as pleasurable. These surges of neurotransmitters can be addictive because your brain is wired to seek out pleasurable experiences repeatedly. Even though these drugs are being researched for their potential value in psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy, they are dangerous substances that should not be used recreationally.
Another consideration that is neglected alongside the Cali-sober movement is that people in recovery are known to trade one addiction for another. While an individual in recovery might no longer use “hard” drugs like meth or cocaine, their brains are still wired to seek out drug use. Their brains are still chasing that high and avoiding the uncomfortable symptoms that they will likely face if they submit to total sobriety. This can manifest in cases where a person might trade substance use with overeating, spending too much time on social media, or playing too many video games. However, if a person chooses to use cannabis or alcohol in place of a harder drug, they are still replacing one addiction with another.
Replacing substance use also postpones individuals from receiving the support needed to treat the underlying cause of their use. Treatment and sobriety allow a person with an addiction to discover healthier ways of coping with difficult feelings, stress, or boredom. With total abstinence, the underlying problem is addressed instead of avoided. Instead of choosing to smoke cannabis as a way to let go of stress, a person can instead learn how to cope with stress through mindfulness, relaxation, and taking care of their body’s needs.
There isn’t a scientific basis for the trend of Cali-sober. It isn’t sound medical advice. Most research says that substance use, especially severe substance use, completely rewires your brain and how it processes dopamine. When you quit a substance, your body also goes through withdrawal, with some symptoms lasting for months or even years.
Cali-sober is a term that describes the practice of abstaining from substance use, with the exception of cannabis. Sometimes, this term is also used to describe the exception of moderate alcohol use or the use of psychedelic drugs. Although it may seem helpful to replace hard drug use with seemingly-less addictive drugs like marijuana, all substance use is problematic and can contribute to a wide range of consequences. Recovery from substance use and addiction should take on an abstinence-only approach because it takes a lifetime to reverse the damage caused by chronic substance use. Bella Monte Recovery Center is a treatment center that recognizes the value of abstinence-only approaches. We are committed to treating the underlying cause of our client’s substance use rather than solely advising sobriety. To learn more about our treatment programs, call us today at (800) 974-1938.
Holistic treatment goes beyond simply labeling clients with specific symptoms and treating those symptoms. Holistic treatment is a treatment method that follows a whole-person approach, meaning it focuses on the mind, the body, and the spirit. Furthermore, holistic treatment in recovery reaches beyond just the most visible symptoms. Instead, it focuses on empowering individuals struggling with substance abuse issues to make positive changes that promote lasting sobriety and a happy and healthy life.
Holistic treatment, when used in recovery, allows individuals to recognize and explore the different ways they’ve been impacted by their substance abuse. There are physical, psychological, and social elements that all collectively contribute to substance abuse, and the holistic treatment approach allows clients to become aware of their triggers and view their addiction from numerous perspectives.
In other words, holistic treatment focuses on identifying the underlying causes of the individual’s addiction. Because there are so many factors that contribute to the use of substances – such as a person’s environment, psychological traits, and stress level – it’s no wonder why holistic treatments have proven to be effective. In addition to this focus on underlying causes, there are many other unique benefits to choosing a holistic treatment approach when it comes to addiction recovery.
When considering the benefits of holistic treatment in recovery, it’s essential to notice that each benefit of this form of treatment feeds into the next benefit. For example, gaining healthy coping skills is one benefit. When you gain healthy coping skills, this increases your self-esteem, which is a huge benefit in itself. Low self-esteem may be a cause that plays into substance abuse, so gaining self-confidence is crucial when it comes to getting sober and maintaining your sobriety even after treatment.
There are various other benefits of holistic treatment for addiction, including:
Stress is one of the many reasons people abuse drugs or alcohol. However, when they enter treatment and start their recovery journey, they will need to find new ways to relieve stress. Holistic therapies can help relieve stress safely and naturally.
Many people use holistic therapies to connect with some form of spirituality. Spirituality is the connection someone has with themselves and belief in something more significant than the individual. Spirituality can bring a sense of connection with others and with the world around us. It can also give life a sense of meaning.
Relapse prevention is crucial to addiction recovery. Holistic treatment can reduce the rate of relapse. Used as a way to reduce stress and find new coping skills, many individuals may no longer feel the urgent need to use substances to feel better. Holistic treatments can also help individuals find a sense of purpose and fulfillment, which can help toward preventing relapse.
Holistic treatments can improve overall health. Drug and alcohol addiction can lead to health issues, and holistic treatments can address some of these issues naturally. Holistic approaches that can help improve health include something like nutritional counseling and nature therapy.
When most people hear the word “holistic,” their minds may instantly go to the more popular and talked about holistic treatment methods like nature therapy, but the list goes on and on. Some other examples of holistic treatment methods include:
These are all-natural ways to treat addiction. The list is long and continues beyond the methods listed above, which can be overwhelming. As a result, you may be wondering where to start on your own holistic journey to recovery. The truth is it all comes down to the individual seeking help and what their goals for healing may be. Finding the right treatment facility that can provide an individualized holistic approach for each client can help individuals find and maintain sobriety.
Suppose you’re struggling with substance abuse issues and a holistic treatment approach sounds like it’s something you may want to try to combat your addiction. In that case, it’s imperative to find a treatment facility that will promote physical wellness, as well as psychological and spiritual wellness, allowing you to strive for increased overall health that ends with a path for long-term recovery and relapse prevention. You deserve individualized care that doesn’t label you as your symptoms but rather emphasizes your potential for progress and growth and uses natural and effective methods to achieve that potential to live a life of meaning and purpose.
If you or a loved one is struggling with addiction, it may feel like everything is out of your control. Holistic approaches to addiction treatment can help you or your loved one gain back that sense of control you may not even recognize anymore but you desperately long for. If you are looking for a holistic approach to your treatment, there are effective treatment options for you. Bella Monte Recovery Center in Desert Hot Springs, California, offers addiction treatment programs that promote and support the exploration of the mind, body, spirit connection. With holistic treatment approaches, Bella Monte Recovery Center provides various options for clients to participate in health- and fitness-related activities and activities involving mindfulness of spirit and stimulating classes for the mind. Bella Monte Recovery is here to assess, assist, and guide clients through the process of finding their individualized and unique paths to sobriety. Call us at (800) 974-1938 to learn more.
According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), medication-assisted treatment, otherwise known as MAT, uses medications, in “combination with counseling and behavioral therapies, to provide a ‘whole-patient’ approach to treating substance use disorders (SUDs),” particularly opioid and alcohol use disorders. Medications used in MAT are approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and MAT regimens are tailored to meet the client’s needs.
Research shows that a combination of medication and therapy can successfully treat SUD and help clients sustain sobriety following treatment. The medications used in MAT operate to restore brain chemistry to its pre-addiction state, block the pleasurable effects of alcohol and drugs, relieve cravings, and repair bodily functions.
The ultimate goal of MAT is full recovery. According to the SAMHSA website, MAT provides a “comprehensive, individually tailored program of medication and behavioral therapy” that addresses the clients’ needs so they can remain substance-free following treatment and create the life they want for themselves.
In MAT regimens, three commonly used medications are methadone, buprenorphine, and naltrexone. All three of these medications have a specific purpose and help with different addictions.
MAT is commonly used to treat alcohol addiction. During treatment for alcohol addiction, medications are used to ease withdrawal symptoms, which can be life-threatening. After detox, medication can be used to help the individual remain alcohol-free. Three medications are frequently used to help treat alcohol use disorder (AUD): acamprosate, disulfiram, and naltrexone. Acamprosate can be prescribed on the fifth day of abstinence and helps the brain to resume the normal functioning that was disrupted by alcohol abuse. Disulfiram discourages people from drinking alcohol because if they drink while on disulfiram, they will have unpleasant side effects that can include headache, nausea, vomiting, chest pain, and anxiety. Disulfiram should only be prescribed to individuals who are abstaining from alcohol. Naltrexone decreases cravings for alcohol because it blocks the “feel-good” effects of alcohol.
Medications are used to alleviate withdrawal symptoms when a person is detoxing from stimulants. Although at present, there are no FDA-approved medications used to treat stimulant addiction, scientists are working to develop them.
One of the more common uses of MAT is for the treatment of opioid use disorder. Withdrawal symptoms of opioid withdrawal can include muscle pain, diarrhea, vomiting, nausea, rapid heart rate, insomnia, and tremors.
MAT, when used to treat opioid use disorder, involves using medication to wean patients off the drug and fight the cravings that come with the recovery process.
Some examples of opioids that MAT can treat are:
Methadone, which is a painkiller, was found to help treat opioid addiction and began to be widely used in the 1960s in response to the problem of heroin addiction. These clinics dispense medication and provide counseling and other services to people struggling with opioid addiction, are certified by SAMHSA, and are registered with the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA). Individuals are given methadone to help treat withdrawal symptoms and suppress cravings.
Methadone clinics were established because it is crucial to stay on the prescribed amount of methadone consistently and adhere to all the protocols set in place, and methadone clinics help individuals do so. They are there to help those with addiction issues work towards long-lasting recovery.
Gaining an awareness of MAT for SUD creates a new opportunity for those struggling. So, how do you know if this form of treatment is right for you? The best way to determine if you or someone in need of assistance is eligible for MAT is to talk to a doctor or rehabilitation professional.
Many addiction treatment centers offer MAT as part of inpatient or outpatient treatment following detox. It is important to note that individuals must completely detox from substances before they start on MAT. It can be a daunting experience trying to find the right treatment program, but many options are available.
Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) is a service offered through drug and alcohol treatment programs that helps alleviate withdrawal symptoms during detox and subsequent treatment. If you or a loved one is struggling with addiction or in need of assistance, you may be considering MAT as a part of an option for your healing process, particularly if you are addicted to opioids or alcohol. At Bella Monte Recovery Center in Desert Hot Springs, California, we offer MAT combined with counseling and behavioral therapies. In addition to more traditional therapies, we offer a range of holistic treatment modalities, including psychodrama, eye movement and desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR), art therapy, and experiential therapy. In order to get the best possible outcome, we create a custom treatment plan for each client. To learn more about what we have to offer at Bella Monte, call (800) 974-1938 today.
Methamphetamine addiction, also referred to as methamphetamine use disorder (MUD), presents a formidable challenge characterized by compulsive methamphetamine use despite its detrimental consequences. This affliction arises from a multifaceted interplay of genetic predispositions, psychological factors, and environmental influences. Gaining insight into its genesis, progression, and available avenues of recovery is paramount for individuals and their support systems seeking effective assistance.
The genesis of methamphetamine addiction can be attributed to diverse influences:
Development of Methamphetamine Addiction:
Methamphetamine addiction typically follows a progressive trajectory:
Recognizing the Signs of Methamphetamine Addiction:
Recovery from methamphetamine addiction necessitates a comprehensive approach:
At Bella Monte, your well-being takes precedence above all. Our empathetic team comprehends the tribulations of detoxing from methamphetamine and is committed to shepherding you through every phase of the process with tenderness and expertise.
Comprehensive Care for Lasting Results:
Inhalants encompass a diverse range of volatile substances commonly found in household products, such as glue, paint thinners, and aerosol sprays. When these substances are inhaled, they produce mind-altering effects, including euphoria, dizziness, and disorientation.
Inhalant addiction, though less prevalent than addiction to other substances, presents a formidable challenge characterized by compulsive use despite its detrimental consequences. This affliction arises from a multifaceted interplay of genetic predispositions, psychological factors, and environmental influences. Gaining insight into its genesis, progression, and available avenues of recovery is paramount for individuals and their support systems seeking effective assistance.
The genesis of inhalant addiction can be attributed to diverse influences:
Inhalant addiction typically follows a progressive trajectory:
Timely recognition of inhalant addiction signs is pivotal for effective intervention:
Recovery from inhalant addiction necessitates a comprehensive approach:
At Bella Monte, your well-being takes precedence above all. Our empathetic team comprehends the tribulations of detoxifying from inhalants and is committed to shepherding you through every phase of the process with tenderness and expertise.
Comprehensive Care for Lasting Results:
