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Breathwork

Breathwork is an Ancient Active Breathing Practice used for healing blocks or stuck energy by moving the breath through physical, emotional or spiritual challenges. The breath bypasses the intellect and takes you on a journey where you are able to experience deep profound transformations.

At AToN Center I get to work with our clients individually and in group Breathwork sessions allowing them to experience a tool that they can use moving forward in recovery. This creates an active meditation practice that can provide healing and ongoing transformational experiences.

Some benefits that are noticed include:

Self Acceptance/ Self Love

Deep Relaxation

Euphoria/ Joy

Forgiveness of Self and Others

Connecting to a Life Purpose

Developing Intuition

Opening and alignment of the Chakras

Feeling a true connection to Spirit, Higher Power, Creator, or God

Inner Peace and Harmony

Letting go of Difficult Challenges

Many people find the Breathwork is helpful for healing anxiety, depression, past trauma, grief and loss, shame, physical pain, and spiritual emptiness.

Kristin Colton CADC II Chemical Dependency Counselor AToN Center 888-930-5889

Call or Email Us Today

(888) 535-1516

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Facebook – Help for Addiction & Opioid Crisis

Facebook will begin redirecting vulnerable people to a federal crisis helpline information site when they search for treatment facilities or inquire about purchasing opioids illegally on the website.

The FDA is holding a summit next week about engaging tech companies, such as Twitter, Google, and Facebook, so they become better allies in fighting against the opioid epidemic. Facebook announced this plan one week before the summit convenes.

A representative said this new feature is the result of months of work by a special policy committee. Facebook said it put together this task force long before the government pushed for tech to assume greater responsibility in curbing the opioid crisis.

The redirect feature is set to go live early next week. They’re hoping the feature will capitalize on people during vulnerable moments and guide them to a helpful resource.

AToN supports this proactive measure by Facebook. Anytime companies and the government seek to help and treat, rather than punish or stigmatize, people are empowered to seek treatment. During a moment of vulnerability and motivation, perhaps the conditions will be right for people to follow through and call the helpline. It is a little concerning that the helpline is associated with the federal government, as people may have a mistrust of the government already due to legal issues or because they are not recognized citizens. Hopefully the government can truly be helpful in the situation and merely offer nonjudgmental and supportive resources.

Speaking of which… we also have nonjudgmental, trained intake representatives answering the phone when you call. We can answer your questions and point you in the right direction.

Sarah Zucker, Psy.D. Psychologist, AToN Center 888-535-1516

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Addiction Recovery and the Brain

It is no secret that substance abuse can impact the brain severely.  The brain stem, cerebral cortex and the limbic system, among other parts of the brain, are particularly affected.  A severe consequence of alcohol misuse can be Korsakoff’s Syndrome, a term indicating alcohol induced dementia.  This is one of the reasons why, along with evidence based psychotherapy practices, AToN encourages a holistic approach to nourish the brain and promote PsychoNeuroPlasticity.

PsychoNeuroPlasticity is a term that references how the brain has the ability to heal itself under particular circumstances.  According to experts, the brain requires 30-90 days of abstinence in order to attain a “clean” brain.  In order to promote this healing process, multiple factors are implemented under AToN’s trained medical and clinical team:

Abstinence – it bears repeating as abstinence decreases brain inflammation

Highly nutritious meals –including high protein, healthy fats and green, leafy vegetables – AND avoiding neurotoxins such as MSG, aspartame and sugar

Supervised exercise (improved balance can stimulate PsychoNeuroPlasticity)

Hydration

Learning how to sleep naturally (AToN does not allow high risk sleep medications)

Structure!  The brain craves structure when it is learning a new lifestyle such as addiction recovery

Mind/Body regulation, including relaxation, meditation, hypnotherapy and yoga

Building new neurological circuits – AToN focuses on coping skill building which assists in stimulating brain function and healing

These are just a few of the aspects of AToN’s curriculum that benefit our residents.  If you or a loved one could benefit from treatment, please contact us!

Cassandra Cannon, Ph.D. Clinical Director AToN Center 888-535-1516

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MDMA (3, 4-methylenedioxy-methamphetamine)

MDMA, also known as Ecstasy or Molly, is a synthetic stimulant with hallucinogenic effects.  It was discovered in Germany in 1912 by Anton Kollisch who was working for the pharmaceutical company Merck.  MDMA was originally made to treat uterine bleeding.

In 1970 it came to the attention of Alexander Shulgin and David Nichols from Dow Chemical Co., who saw the potential for the drug to reduce fear in patients and increase insight.  MDMA became the drug of choice at clubs, house parties and raves.

MDMA is a Schedule 1 substance.  It is given this rating because the FDA sees no legitimate medical use for it and it has the potential for abuse and addiction.

MDMA causes the release of the neurotransmitters serotonin, norepinephrine and dopamine in the body.  The neurotransmitter serotonin plays an important part in the role of sleep, mood, pain and appetite.  When large amounts of serotonin are released while taking MDMA, it causes the brain to become depleted of this neurotransmitter and the user ends up experiencing confusion, depression, fatigue and memory problems.  MDMA can even damage the serotonin-containing neurons which could cause long-lasting damage.  Other long-term effects include irritability, impulsiveness, sleep problems, increased body temperature, decreased sexual interest and memory impairment.

Some of the short-term effects include euphoria, increased energy, distorted perception, increased heart rate, hallucinations, nausea, blurred vision, chills, and sweating.  The most dangerous short-term effects are dehydration and hyperthermia.

Combining MDMA with other substances

MDMA and Alcohol

Mixing MDMA with alcohol will put an enormous strain on the kidneys.  Heavy drinking can lead to dehydration and a worse come down from the drug.  Alcohol is often involved in MDMA related deaths.

MDMA and Cocaine

MDMA and Cocaine are both stimulants and when used alone can be life-threatening, when used together the risk is compounded.  The most serious effects are heart attacks, cardiac arrhythmias, paranoia, seizures, tremors, coma, dehydration and hyperthermia.

MDMA, Cocaine and Alcohol (A lethal combination)

When Cocaine and Alcohol are combined together they create a lethal combination called Cocaethylene in the liver.  This is a metabolite that increase the risk of heart attacks, arrhythmias and strokes and when MDMA is added to the mix the combination can be fatal.

MDMA and drug interaction

MDMA used with other serotonergic drugs can lead to a life threatening condition called Serotonin Syndrome and a severe overdose can result in death.

MDMA and Caffeine

Caffeine increases the psychostimulants in MDMA and promotes the toxicity of the amphetamines.

MDMA and treatment

Currently there are no specific medications for the treatment of MDMA dependence; however different pharmacological tools can be helpful.  There are several different sleep aids that can be prescribed to combat insomnia and anti-depressants can be used to help replenish serotonin and dopamine levels and manage depression and anxiety.  An increase in fluids will be necessary to help with dehydration, and regular, healthy balance meals are essential to correct possible weight loss and anorexia.

Psychosocial treatment

Inpatient and residential treatment centers can vary from a 30-90 day stay; treatment is intensive.  Some treatment centers can also include various forms of holistic.

Outpatient treatment can vary in length from 8 weeks – 6 months.  An outpatient program is a good option for someone who has gone through a recovery program, but still needs to gain more knowledge about addiction.

The Matrix Model in an intensive outpatient program of approx. 16 a weeks and is helpful for addiction to stimulants. This model includes relapse prevention, urine testing, self-help, therapy and family education.  A therapist plays the role of coach and fosters a positive environment and focuses on self-worth.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is based on the idea that human behaviors, thoughts and feelings are interconnected.  The approach is to change unwanted behaviors and develop different coping strategies and self-monitoring practices.

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) is a cognitive behavioral treatment that helps people learn and use new skills and strategies to develop a life that they experience as worth living. DBT skills include skills for mindfulness, emotion regulation, distress tolerance, and interpersonal effectiveness.

Future research

There has been some positive data to show that MDMA could be useful for individuals diagnosed with PTSD or for social anxiety in adults suffering from autism, but more research is needed to determine the benefits of MDMA as a treatment option.

References:

National Institute on Drug Abuse. (2013). MDMA (Ecstasy, Molly). Retrieved online from www.drugabuse.gov/drugsabuse/mdma-EcstasyMolly americanaddictioncenters.org

Johnina Noar, CADC-II AToN Center 888-535-1516

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10 Sober Summer Activities

Summer is just about here! This is the time that the sun is out, things start to warm up, and people tend to spend more time out and about. So as you think about how to spend your summer, here are ten ideas for sober activities in the warm summer months:

Get active. Re-start your outdoor fitness goals if you live someplace where the winter has kept you inside.

If the heat gets you, take advantage of those early mornings or cooler evenings.

Spend time at the pool or the beach – in the cool water, reading a book, etc.

Outdoor games or sports like volleyball, baseball, cornhole, bocce ball, etc.

Get out into nature. Go on a hike or even a day trip.

Have a picnic, and serve yourself iced tea or lemonade.

Pretend you’re a tourist. Check out local museums and landmarks.

Attend food events and festivals. Take a look at your local summer events calendar. Bacon fest anyone?

Concerts. Many communities have a Concert in the Park series, or outdoor music events.

The movies. Some communities have outdoor cinema events, or at the very least an air conditioned theater.

Kirsten Helgager PsyD – PSY27247 Psychologist AToN Center 888-535-1516

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A Message to Families of Substance Abusers

Many of you may have heard that Jackie Chan, who is a Narcotics Control Ambassador for the Chinese police, and is an anti-drug advocate, has been struggling with some recent events.  It has become known that his son, Jaycee, has been arrested for drug related charges.  Per RTE Ten news, the elder Chan stated,  “With regards to the incident involving my son Jaycee, I am very angry and shocked. As a public figure, I am ashamed. As a father, I am very sad and his mother is heartbroken. I told Jaycee: if you have done something wrong, you must bear the consequences. As your father, I am willing to face the road ahead with you.”

 I think many of us can relate to the Chan family – conflicting emotions, including anger, confusion, and sometimes self-blame can be experienced when drug use comes to light.  I think we can learn from the Chan’s response, which includes acknowledging natural emotions, encouraging loved ones to experience the natural and logical consequences of their behaviors, and finally to “share the road ahead,” during the difficult process of recovery.  At the

AToN Center

, our residents participate in family work, which includes acknowledgement of how use has affected the family, how the family can assist in recovery, and creating expectations and guidelines for the resident after discharge.  Sometimes, additional family sessions are held when necessary.   Ultimately, the

AToN Clinical Team

hopes to assist the families in whatever way may be needed; sometimes that includes education on enabling, or problem solving current or potential issues that may arise.  All in all – the

AToN Clinical Team

recommends that families receive their own support; whether that be from their own individual therapy, attending

SMART

Friends and Family, or Al-Anon.  

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Learn Self Soothing and Calming Techniques

At AToN Center, one of our goals is to teach our residents tools that they can continue to use after they have discharged.  By the time our residents discharge, they have learned cognitive behavioral therapy, relapse prevention skills and assertiveness techniques.

They have also been exposed to meditation and other stress management tools.  Some of our residents participate in Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR) if determined to be appropriate based on clinical need.  In the “Preparation” phase of EMDR, our residents are taught self soothing and calming techniques.

Here is a technique that anyone can use.  It is from Francine Shapiro’s book, Getting Past Your Past:  Take Control of Your Life with Self-Help Techniques from EMDR Therapy.  It is called the Spiral Technique (found on page 108).

If you are experiencing upset or discomfort, try the following:

Bring up an image that represents your discomfort.

As you think of the image that represents it, notice where you feel the disturbance in your body.

Now pretend that the feeling is “energy.”  If it was a spiral of energy, which direction is it moving in:  clockwise or counterclockwise?

Now, with your mind, gently change the direction of the spiral in your body.  For instance, if it was originally moving clockwise, gently change it to counterclockwise.

Notice what happens to the feelings in your body.  For many people, their feelings will lessen as they change the direction of the spiral.  If one direction didn’t work, try the other direction and see if it lessens the disturbance.  If this has been helpful, practice this regularly so it becomes a stronger coping skill for you!

As always, please take care of yourselves and maintain contact with your treatment providers!

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Finding Freedom In Sobriety

Those suffering from addiction find many, many befits from early sobriety. One of those immediate benefits is regaining their personal freedom. It occurs to those who attend treatment at AToN Center that their drug or alcohol abuse actually made them feel sadder, more depressed, more anxious and more isolated.

Early recovery over 30 days at a residential treatment center like ours, affords the individual the structure, guidance and practice to regain their personal freedom.

Virginia Woolf spoke to the topic of freedom, “To enjoy freedom we have to control ourselves”. 12 Step and SMART recovery programs help the individual make positive, healthy, safe choices. In effect, the recovering individual learns how to cope with cravings, monitor their thinking and take responsibility for their actions. In short, sobriety helps the individual to take back control of their lives and to enjoy this new found freedom.

Chris McDuffie, MA RRW Chemical Dependency Counselor AToN Center 888-535-1516

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Mindfulness Based Relapse Prevention in Recovery

We practice and discuss Mindfulness Meditations and see how one responds in the moment to difficult or triggering situations. Becoming aware in the moment of sights, sounds, sensations, thoughts and emotions is part of Mindfulness training.

Practicing Being in the moment, Urge Surfing, The Mountain, and SOBER Breathing Space have been found to be most helpful for many residents here at AToN Center.

The more aware one is the more they are able to assess what is needed as they pause and consider as opposed to behaving in a way that is not consistent with how one wants to be today in recovery.

Kristin Colton CATC II Chemical Dependency Counselor AToN Center 888-535-1516

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Thoughts

Our thoughts are powerful.  So powerful, that an entire style of therapy has been centered around how we identify and manage our thoughts. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy is an evidenced based treatment for substance dependence, and AToN’s curriculum is centered on this treatment.  Our residents learn how to identify their “automatic thoughts” which in turn influence their emotions.

Our private rehab residents not only learn how to identify these thoughts, but they also learn how to modify them into rational thoughts, which in turn can stabilize emotional distress.  These techniques, once learned, must be continually utilized for maximum effect.  

If you are interested in learning how to utilize Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to help you with relapse prevention and mood stabilization, AToN’s private rehab in San diego may be a good fit for you.  Don’t hesitate to call AToN when you are ready to make the next step.

Cassandra Cannon, Ph.D. Clinical Director AToN Center, Private Rehab in San Diego 888-535-1516

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Depression and Substance Abuse

Depression affects millions of people every year keeping them from living normally.  Many individuals with depression also have a coexisting substance abuse problem. Because substance abuse alters impulse control and impairs judgment it worsens the symptoms of depression and can lead to a greater risk of suicide.   

There are several different types of depression:

Major depression can be a single episode or recurrent. It effects sleep, appetite and can cause agitation, as well, as feelings of worthlessness and guilt.  These symptoms cause people to withdraw from family and friends.

Dysthymia is a persistent but mild depression.

Depression is linked to a substance abuse disorder. As with other drugs, alcohol is a central nervous system depressant and will therefore exacerbate depression.

Bipolar I and II disorders include mood swings that range from highs (hypomania or mania) to lows (major depression). It’s hard to differentiate between bipolar disorder and depression because most people don’t see their doctor when they have high or elated moods; they only seek medical treatment for the low, depressive moods.

Cyclothymic disorder involves slightly milder highs and lows than those of bipolar I or bipolar II disorders.

Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is related to the change in the season and usually starts in the fall continuing through the winter months.  Treatment can include light therapy (phototherapy.)

Premenstrual dysphoric disorder this type of depression is triggered by hormonal changes about seven days prior to and three days after the onset of your period. After your period, the depressive feelings go away.

Many addicts may experience depression in the early stages of recovery.  Most symptoms of depression will go away after a few weeks, but for some these symptoms may go on for months or years.  Depression that lingers on for long periods of time may be due to dysfunctional neurotransmitters or neuroendocrine abnormalities.  Depression may also result from psychosocial, biological and environmental factors that can contribute to depression.  Depression can take all the joy out of life, everything appears to be overwhelming and one day turns into an ever ending cycle of mere existence.

According to the DSM-V, clinical depression is characterized by the presence of 5 or more of these depressive symptoms:

Depressed mood most of the day, nearly every day, as indicated by either subjective report (e.g., feeling sad, blue, “down in the dumps,” or empty) or observations made by others (e.g., appears tearful or about to cry). (In children and adolescents, this may present as an irritable or cranky, rather than sad, mood.)

Markedly diminished interest or pleasure in all, or almost all, activities every day, such as no interest in hobbies, sports, or other things the person used to enjoy doing

Significant weight loss when not dieting or weight gain (e.g., a change of more than 5 percent of body weight in a month), or decrease or increase in appetite nearly every day

Insomnia (inability to get to sleep or difficulty staying asleep) or hypersomnia (sleeping I’

More days than not, problems with sitting still, including constant restlessness, pacing, or picking at one’s cloths (called psychomotor agitationby professionals); or the opposite, a slowing of one’s movements, talking very quietly with slowed speech (called psychomotor retardationby professionals)

Fatigue, tiredness, or loss of energy nearly every day — even the smallest tasks, like dressing or washing, seem difficult to do and take longer than usual

Feelings of worthlessness or excessive or inappropriate guilt nearly every day (e.g., ruminating over minor past failings)

Diminished ability to think or concentrate, or indecisiveness, nearly every day (e.g., appears easily distracted, complains of memory difficulties)

Recurrent thoughts of death (not just fear of dying), recurrent suicidal ideas without a specific plan, or a suicide attempt or a specific plan for committing suicide.

Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)

Medications that can help with depression are antidepressants, often referred to as SSRIs, serotonin reuptake inhibitors. Serotonin is one of the neurotransmitters that carry signals between brain cells.  SSRIs block the reabsorption (reuptake) of serotonin in the brain, making more serotonin available.  Keeping these levels of neurotransmitters higher can improve communication between the nerve cells, which can then strengthen circuits in the brain and regulate mood.

Some commonly used SSRIs

Citalopram (Celexa, Cipramil)

Escitalopram (Lexapro, Cipralex)

Paroxetine (Paxil, Seroxat)

Fluoxetine (Prozac)

Fluvoxamine (Luvox, Faverin)

Sertraline (Zoloft, Lustral)

Anti-depressant medication can take up to three weeks before they become effective so that is why therapy is also suggested as part of the treatment plan.

Therapy

Some of the different therapies that are used to treat depression are:   Interpersonal, cognitive-behavioral, dialectical behavioral therapy, supportive and dynamic approaches.  Therapy can help the client identify and express feelings, deal with guilt and shame, help clients confront feeling of powerlessness, and deal with anger.  Negative thoughts can play a significant role in depression, so by changing these thoughts and beliefs through therapy the client can decrease their depressive feelings.

Alcohol or Drug Treatment Centers

Along with anti-depressant and therapy, inpatient or outpatient treatment for chemical dependency issues and dual diagnosis need to be addressed. Since the symptoms of depression are made worse by drinking or drug use, clients often enter the system through detox, or a psych. ward.  Once the client’s mood is stabilized concentration on recovery needs to follow.

References:  www.psychcentral.com  www.health.com  www.dualdiagnosis.com www.mayo.clinic.org

Johnina Noar, CADC-II CD Counselor AToN Center 888-535-1516

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The Dangers of Inhalants

Inhalants are mind altering (psychoactive drugs.)  They are referred to as inhalants because they are typically taken into the body by inhaling them.

Inhalants can be found in the home or workplace and include solvents, aerosols, gases and nitrates.

Inhalants can be placed in a bag or a container, put on a rag, or inhaled from a balloon. People inhale these vapors in many different ways, including sniffing, snorting, or spraying directly into their nose or mouth.  

Volatile Solvents – Are liquids that vaporize at room temperature and include paint thinners, paint removers, dry cleaning fluids, gasoline, glues, correction fluids and felt-tip markers.

Aerosols – are sprays that contain solvents and include deodorants, hair spray, vegetable oils and fabric protectors.

Gases – Include chloroform, halothane, ether, lighter fluid and nitrous oxide (laughing gas.)  Whipped cream charger sometimes referred to whippit, whippet, nosy, nang or chargers are steel cylinder or cartridge filled with nitrous oxide.  Nitrous oxide is a colorless gas and is classed as a dissociative anesthetic.

Effects on the brain

Most inhalants affect the central nervous system and slow down brain activity.

Short-term effects are similar to alcohol and include:

Euphoria

Slurred speech

Dizziness

Unsteady gait

Headaches

Vomiting

Long-term effects include:

Liver and kidney damage

Nerve damage

Behavioral development

Loss of oxygen to the brain, hypoxia

Hearing loss

Bone marrow damage

Memory loss

Muscle spasms

Tremors

Inhalants can even cause death, even after one use

Cardiac arrest

Asphyxiation

Suffocation

Convulsions

Seizures

Coma                      

Choking

If you or something else needs help with dependency to inhalants, please don’t hesitate to call the AToN Center at (877) 428-6672 or (858)759-5017.

References:  drugfree.org  drugabuse.gov.

Johnina Noar, CADC-II AToN Center 888-535-1516

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Distress Tolerance and Opioid Misuse

New research from Harvard Medical School sheds light on the relationship between distress tolerance and opioid misuse. The findings, published by researchers Dr. R. Kathryn McHugh and Dr. Roger D. Weiss, found “among patients with chronic pain, those who reported less ability to tolerate physical and emotional distress were more likely to misuse opioid analgesics.” This finding probably comes as a surprise to noone experiencing problematic opioid use and chronic pain or those working to treat it. What is interesting, however, was that “neither pain severity nor pain sensitivity was associated with the risk of opioid misuse.”

One would expect more pain and pain sensitivity to equal a greater likelihood of misusing opioids, but this study shows us that may not be the case. Our perceptions about how we can handle and tolerate things seem to play a greater role. Distress tolerance is one of the most important skills someone can learn in therapy or treatment. It’s a big focus for us at AToN. Why? Because we often cannot make things better immediately, so learning how to tolerate our distress and weather the storm until it passes (And it will pass!) is invaluable. Otherwise we are vulnerable to any upsetting or scary thing that comes our way, including pain.

The researchers administered the Distress Intolerance Index, which asks people to identify with statements which express “fear and anxiety at the prospect of physical or emotional distress.” The people who met criteria for opioid misuse scored higher on the measure overall. And the higher the score, the more severe the misuse. Dr. McHugh said the link “likely occurs because patients who are intensely apprehensive of distressing experiences may seek quick stress relief through behaviors such as substance use, risk taking, avoidance, and escapism.”

Dr. Mchugh also recommended that doctors assess distress intolerance in their chronic pain patients. This way, doctors can enhance the distress tolerance skills of people who need it and monitor their prescriptions closely. Dr. McHugh said “Enhancing tolerance of distress has great potential for mitigating the risk of opioid misuse and treating opioid use disorder.” She also highlighted the impacts of stress and co-occurring disorders, and she said she believes they “are the norms rather than the exceptions.” We at AToN would agree based on our work here.

At AToN, this will always be a focus of our treatment. In fact, we regularly administer the Distress Tolerance Outcome Scale in our outcome research. Our residents, on average, experienced a statistically significant increase in distress tolerance in the 30 days of treatment received. Specifically, our residents demonstrated on average a 32% increase in distress tolerance from admission to discharge, taking them from a mean score of 2.56 upon entry, to a 4.16 out of a maximum 5.0. An assessment of effect size demonstrated a very large effect size (eta squared .58). (Effect sizes over a .4 are statistical speak for “mathematically very significant!”) Call us to learn more about how we can help you learn and practice all of the tools needed to treat your problematic addictive behaviors.

www.drugabuse.gov/news-events/nida-notes/2018/04/fear-distress-signals-risk-opioid-misuse-in-chronic-pain-patients

Sarah Zucker, Psy.D. Psychologist AToN Center 888-535-1516

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Letter to My Detoxing Self

Hey! How are you? I know, I know – you’re terrible. You’re annoyed by my enthusiasm because you hate everything. I wanted to write to you and tell you a few things as you’re in the thick of it. I know it’s SO HARD. It seems like it will never get better, but it will. It did. You’ll get through it. You got through it!

You are probably in the middle of another sleepless night that feels like it will never end. Maybe you’re watching movies on AMC and trying to not think about how uncomfortable you are. You close your eyes for a second and jolt awake within minutes. Every underlying medical condition you’ve ever had is flaring up, furthering the misery. Your muscles ache and your legs are so restless.

Some of your other weird symptoms, just to name a few: the sunlight is too bright and you have to squint and even the darkest glasses don’t help, your eyes water a lot, you’re sneezing all of the time, you’re freezing but sweaty and clammy, you smell funny (not bad, just like someone else), your muscles have the tone of a baby carrot that got steamed for way too long, you’re so tired and wired simultaneously, and your nose is runny.

Have you had that bad cold yet? The one that almost derailed you? You had never been sick without using substances before and you almost gave in because you felt so sick. Through luck or divine intervention, you were not able to follow through, but you would have. That was a great gift that it didn’t work out. After that, you went straight to a meeting and shared about what happened. People supported you and understood, which was nice.  

And that’s just the physical part. The best way to describe what you’re going through in your brain is that it is like careening through outer space with no anchor or hope of ever landing anywhere. You’re alone and completely untethered. The Inner Critic in your head is SO LOUD and constantly commenting and narrating. It will not shut up.

Sometimes you can’t believe other people cannot hear the intrusive voice in your head because it is so noisy. I know I don’t have to tell you about your anxiety, but I will tell you that that gets better too. You’re still an anxious person overall, but for some reason it’s not that big of a deal anymore. You have coping skills now like mindfulness and acceptance and so much social support. Things are of course difficult sometimes, but so far you’ve managed to get through pretty well. Believe it or not, you would now describe yourself as an overall happy and grateful person.

So anyways, I know you won’t believe me, but YOU WILL BE OKAY. Don’t forget to just breathe and laugh and cry and share. Tell everyone else in the same spot that they are not alone.

Love,

Me

*Writer Wishes To Be Anonymous

If you are going through withdrawals or want to stop taking substances and/or medications on which you are dependent, get medical and emotional support. We at AToN Center can absolutely help you and make it easier and safer.

Call us with any questions you may have. 888-535-1516

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Even Executives Need Help!

Addiction hits everyone.  No matter your socioeconomic class, race, ethnicity, gender, etc. – you or a loved one could be affected by addiction.  Many struggling with addiction feel intense shame – thinking that someone “like me” doesn’t belong in treatment.  All walks of life need help, and true courage is exemplified by our residents who walk through our doors – asking for help.

At AToN addiction treatment center, we believe our treatment curriculum, our clinical team and our medical staff are second to none.  We believe in the importance of creating a warm and comfortable atmosphere for our residents as they embrace treatment – we believe this environment adds to the healing we are offering to our residents.  At AToN, our addiction treatment is especially tailored toward those individuals who need continued contact with the outside world as we allow access to cell phones and other electronic means of communication.

Our residents who are executives, doctors, lawyers and parents all appreciate their ability to be in contact with their businesses and families as they move along this path to recovery.

If you are looking for a treatment program that will allow this flexibility, please feel free to contact AToN Center and we may be able to help you!

Cassandra Cannon, Ph.D. Clinical Director AToN Center 888-535-1516

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Leaving Treatment

When leaving treatment here at AToN Center we think of it as building a plan to protect your investment, your life. We begin planning for departure early on and think of all of the areas of life that need attention.

We look at the living situation, do residents need sober housing or is their current situation at home safe and supportive? Sober living homes can provide a safer transition back into the reality of life’s stressors and give support where one may need it.

Is it appropriate to follow up with Intensive Outpatient Programming? We refer to many outpatient programs in the area and outside the area to have continuity of care and follow up with addiction specific treatment for the next phase of recovery.

We encourage appointments to be scheduled prior to leaving AToN with outpatient providers such as Primary Care Physician, Psychiatrist, Individual Therapy, and Family Therapy when needed.

We look at whether or not someone may need other supportive providers such as Sober Coaching or Companions and Holistic Providers. Also considered is a weekly commitment to community meetings such as 12 Step, SMART Recovery, Refuge Recovery, or Lifering meetings.

We also offer Aftercare which includes weekly calls from clinicians, a weekly aftercare group meeting on Saturday, and other functions hosted by AToN Center.

We ask our residents to fill out a schedule outlining what a week at a glance will look like post treatment as often people struggle to transition back into life after treatment.

We believe that it is just as important, if not more, to maintain the work you are doing after residential treatment as the treatment is itself.

Stay on the Path, Enjoy the Journey

Kristin Colton, CADC II, CATC II Addiction Counselor AToN Center 888-535-1516

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Being Open

Sometimes you don’t even know that you’re stuck. Sometimes you think things are going along quite well and then suddenly, as if out of nowhere, you get a big jolt of reality. You fail to meet an expectation, the numbers are not what they “should” be or you get confusing feedback when you thought everything was just fine.

Being open means having an attitude of acceptance to feedback. Being open means that you let go of the “my way” approach and listen to others who might have a new perspective. It is often hard to let go of ego, pride and things that worked in the past.

Being open means being humble, calm and seeing things from a new perspective. If it’s possible that your way just isn’t working and the results are not what you want, let go and try something new.

Chad K. Cox PsyD

AToN Center 888-535-1516