Massage therapy for addiction can help heal the body after recovering from a drug or alcohol addiction. Although it’s not commonly used as part of addiction treatment programs, it works to help you in a variety of ways. This resource will go over the benefits massage therapists can give for long-term recovery from substance abuse.

Supporting Healthy Hormone Balance

According to the National Institute of Health, massage therapy can help treat medical conditions and stress reduction.   

When people recover from alcohol or drug abuse, detox is typically part of the early stages of a treatment program. People experience a significant reduction in dopamine (a hormone that controls moods) in these early steps. Massage therapy for addiction helps increase the body’s dopamine production and minimize physical and mental pain that occurs in the initial phase.

Massage therapy can also decrease the body’s reaction to stressors. Stressors can trigger the release of the hormone cortisol, which stimulates the body’s organs to respond to stress. This therapy helps reduce cortisol production, therefore minimizing feelings of restlessness and anxiety at the beginning of treatment.

Improving Sleep Quality

Sleep is the cure for virtually everything, like supporting a healthy immune system. Sleep is also another benefit of massage therapy for addiction. Insomnia (a sleep disorder) is common among many people during the recovery process. This therapy can help ease the mind and promote a better quality of sleep.

Reducing Pain and Discomfort

When a person suddenly stops using drugs or alcohol, this might make them “feel” things more. This is because, while a person is on drugs or alcohol, it numbs any aches and pains they have. Moreover, they may feel physical pains from the process of withdrawal. 

Addiction causes physical changes in brain chemistry, which then demands access to those substances. The central nervous system signals the body that it wants drugs or alcohol by responding with pain. Massage therapy for addiction helps ease this recovery-related pain and stimulates blood flow, damaged tissues, and muscles. Increasing blood flow helps minimize cortisol and promotes healing on a cellular level.

Massage therapy for addiction results in less physical pain. A healthy, painless life can enable a person to feel good during their recovery process and accomplish more goals.

Stimulating Relaxation

Massage therapy encourages pressure receptors to the brain, which improves the function of the vagus nerve. When the vagus nerve in the brain is stimulated, this helps reduce blood pressure and heart rate, which creates a feeling of relaxation. This also supports reducing stress hormones throughout the body.

If a person has turned to drugs or alcohol in order to relieve stress or pain, a massage allows the body to naturally relax.

Two Forms of Massage

Working with trained professionals during addiction recovery is extremely important. These professionals can provide holistic care treatment options that promote good physical and mental health. There are typically two different types of massage therapy, called rehabilitative massage and relaxation massage.

Rehabilitative Massage: This therapy aims to support the proper movement and function of the body. The massage typically uses a deep tissue technique, strengthening the body’s ability to heal and grow.

Relaxation Massage: As mentioned earlier, there are many benefits of a relaxation massage for those struggling with addiction. This massage technique works well for relieving tension, stimulating blood flow, and reducing stress and anxiety.

Receive Massage Therapy for Addiction Treatment

Massage therapy for addiction can support you at any stage during your recovery process. This holistic care approach is a good way to improve your overall quality of life during recovery. If you or someone you love has an addiction to drugs or alcohol, give us a call today. Our San Diego rehab offers individualized treatment plans to get you started with your journey towards recovery.

The utmost dog lovers know that the presence of a dog alone can have a major boost in your mood. The second you get home after a long day, their excitement shows by their wagging tail and cheerful bark. Dogs make great companions in home environments, but are also changing the game for addiction treatment centers.

The road to recovery is a long one and can be lonesome for a lot of people. Healthy Life Recovery’s addiction rehab welcomes emotional support dogs in our facilities located in San Diego, CA. These specially trained dogs provide therapeutic benefits in these clinical and assisted living environments. We find therapy dog programs help make good progress for those receiving addiction and mental health treatment.

Therapy Dog Vs. Service Dog

Although people tend to use therapy and service dogs interchangeably, there is a difference between the two. Therapy dogs are trained animals who tend to visit hospitals, nursing homes, and rehab centers. They help relieve stress and increase dopamine levels, a neurotransmitter that plays a key role in feelings of pleasure. The companionship of a therapy dog can bring you happiness and joy, while battling a physical and mental illness.

Service animals are supported by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and perform tasks for handicapped people. These are people who have a condition that restricts their ability to perform functions physically, mentally, or socially, and can benefit from the services provided by the dog. Since these animals have higher qualifications and duties than therapy dogs, they are not considered pets.

Animal-Assisted Therapy

Animal-assisted therapy (AAT) is a therapy technique that involves an animal and can be in an individual or group setting. The type of animal recommended is typically advised by a veterinarian behaviorist or animal behaviorist. A therapy animal such as a dog must be in good physical health and treated properly by its owner. 

Getting certified as a therapy dog can be tricky, and certain organizations can be useful to help this process. Some organizations that help train animals and provide final certification for therapy include:

• Pet Partners
• Therapy Dogs International
• The Good Dog Foundation
• American Kennel Club
• Alliance of Therapy Dogs
• Love on a Leash

During the treatment process, you can have animal interaction, whether that is done with play, petting, or even just sitting next to them. Engagement with therapy dogs increases oxytocin levels, a hormone that facilitates bonding. Just the look of them alone can help break down any obstacles. Animal-assisted therapy can help during addiction treatment with anxiety, fear, and daily life activities.

Although the concept of AAT seems like a new phenomenon, only the term itself is. Animals have been used for therapeutic reasons for centuries. Dr. Sigmund Freud realized that most of his patients found the presence of a dog during therapy sessions quite calming. Going back even farther, the Ancient Greeks would use the presence of horses to help heal the ill and raise their spirits.

Benefits Of Dogs During Therapy

Dogs are truly a man’s best friend. Having companionship during rehab can contribute to a person’s happiness and learning to live and love again. Having interactions with a dog during addiction therapy and the recovery process has many benefits. Therapy dogs not only help people recover from drug and alcohol abuse, but they can also offer:

• Companionship: Addiction is a disease that can feel very lonely. People battling addiction and substance use disorders (SUD) tend to isolate and distance themselves. A lot of times, making new friends after rehab can be challenging. Therapy dogs can provide companionship during the recovery process.
• Unconditional Love: Feeling loved or feeling that you are loveable can be challenging in a rehab center. The effects of drugs, alcohol, and other substances are a lot to deal with. Dogs are beautiful creatures that offer unconditional love and do not judge. 
• Exercise: Most animals need some sort of playtime and exercise. You can get great exercise and movement by walking a therapy dog or playing catch with them.
• Stress relief: It is proven that the act of petting an animal relieves stress. Serotonin, the neurotransmitter responsible for feelings of happiness, are released when petting a dog. Serotonin is also responsible for lowering blood pressure. 
• Responsibility: No matter how tired or sick you are feeling, therapy dogs need to be cared for at the end of the day. Dogs require regular walks, meals, and grooming, which teaches the responsibility of caring for someone else. 

Do You Need A Special Type?

You might be wondering if there is a certain type of dog breed that works best in rehab therapy. Well, there isn’t one special dog breed used in addiction therapy or animal-assisted therapy. Any dog of your choice works wonders as long as they are kind, friendly, and behave well in a group setting. 

The two main components of what makes a good therapy dog is personality and training. The dog has to master a few skills such as obedience, social, and pack leader training. Although there is not a special type of therapy dog, there are certain breeds that are known to traditionally master those skills. A few popular therapy dog breeds include:

• Labrador Retriever: These calm, sweet and patient dogs love to be around people. You will always feel the love.
• German Shepherd: Besides being easy to train, this breed is highly intelligent, obiedate, and also gentle.
• Greyhound: Quite, gentle and sweet, these dogs are ideal for addiction therapy. They can bring a calming and relaxing energy into a room.
• Poodle: Known to be fluffy and very intelligent, this breed has tons of energy. Poodles make good therapy dogs because of their stamina and liveliness.

A dog that comes off skittish, aggressive or stubborn, will not qualify as a certified therapy dog.  It is best to do your own research about what type of dog you are looking for. Some people may prefer a small dog breed while others want a large therapy dog. There are several small dog breeds that are fit for therapy training and are just as effective as the bigger players.

• Beagle: These extremely cute and happy dogs tend to make people feel less nervous around them than larger dogs commonly used in the police force.
• Pug: Their personality will charm you. They are easy-going, sociable and love to cuddle. 
• Corgi: Happy, personable, and always eager to please. This dog is excited to learn the ways of therapy. 
• French Bulldog: This breed has a big personality, and always has a smile on their face. They are clever fellas and love to meet new people.

Recover From Drug And Alcohol Addiction

If you are battling an addiction with drugs or alcohol, there are treatment programs available in the San Diego area. At Healthy Life Recovery, we want to help you overcome any addiction and mental health issues you are struggling with. Pet therapy, and choosing a therapy dog that best fits your needs, has many benefits during the recovery process. Give our treatment center a call today if you or a loved one is struggling with an alcohol or substance use disorder.

In case you haven’t heard, COVID-19 is taking a major toll on American’s mental health. Here at Healthy Life Recovery, we’ve witnessed this problem first-hand.

However, before the rise of the COVID-19 pandemic, there was another global health crisis raging in the undercurrents of the American Population: the opioid epidemic. According to the Centers for Disease Control, over 130 Americans die from an overdose on prescription on prescription every day. 

In an effort to “flatten the curve” of novel coronavirus cases, a majority of United States citizens have been hunkered down at home in self-quarantine since mid-March. However, this time of isolation and social distancing measures is, unfortunately, a perfect storm for addicts and alcoholics recovering from substance use disorders.

The novel coronavirus outbreak could result in relapse for many addicts, and alcoholics stuck at home. Luckily, addiction is a treatable psychological disease, and relapse is 100% preventable.

The mental health professionals at Healthy Life Recovery are witnessing an influx of mental health conditions in the United States, and we fear relapse statistics may skyrocket in the near future, too. Addiction hasn’t come to a grinding halt simply because many people are on “pause”.

Luckily, addiction treatment isn’t stopping either. Medication-Assisted Treatment, or MAT, could help.

If you or a loved one has relapsed during COVID-19, or you fear you or a loved one might relapse in the future, read on to learn more about Healthy Life Recovery’s Medication-Assisted Treatment program.

What is Medication-Assisted Treatment?

Medication-Assisted Treatment is a strategic therapeutic method of detoxification and relapse prevention. By combining medicinal assistance with effective behavioral therapies clinically proven to treat substance abuse. Mental health centers can help patients prevent relapse and heal from substance use disorders.

In combination with support groups and other therapeutic practices, MAT proves highly useful for several individuals seeking substance abuse treatment for opioid addiction and other dependencies.

MAT can also help clients safely detox from their drug of choice. Just because there is currently a global pandemic on the rise, it doesn’t mean that the disease of addiction should go untreated.

Benefits of Medication-Assisted Treatment

Medication-assisted treatment has plenty of proven benefits. For example, MAT can help clients with:

• Cravings
• Withdrawal symptoms
• Reducing the risk of relapse

In the long term, MAT can make sobriety more attainable- and more maintainable. Involving MAT in your overall alcohol or opioid treatment program plan can increase success rated for recovery.

Types of Medication-Assisted Treatment

Healthy Life Recovery offers multiple types of MAT that can be used after full detoxification, depending on a client’s drug of choice and personal preferences.

Some of our medications include:

• Buprenorphine (Sublocade)

Buprenorphine, also known as Sublocade, is an FDA-approved treatment for Opioid Use Disorder. This medication works as an antagonist to block the opioid receptors in the brain. Therefore, if someone tries to use opioids, they won’t experience the euphoric effects they’re typically associated with.

• Naltrexone

Physicians prescribe Naltrexone for the treatment and prevention of Opioid Use Disorders and alcoholism. FDA-approved Naltrexone works by blocking the opioid receptors in the brain, reducing cravings, and presenting the feelings of euphoria associated with opioid drug use and alcohol. Usually, it is distributed to a client in a pill form.

• Vivitrol

Vivitrol is an FDA-approved medication similar to Naltrexone but in injectable form. This extended-release shot is administered by a board-certified nurse or physician once a month. Many addicts and alcoholics choose to use Vivitrol due to its convenience. According to their website, Vivitrol claims to be a “blocking” medication, halting any effects of opioid or alcohol use and can help maintain sobriety.

See Below:

Source: vivitrol.com

• Acamprosate

Acamprosate is solely used for the treatment of alcohol use disorder. People who are chronic alcohol abusers may need to use Acamprosate to achieve long-term recovery. Acamprosate is FDA-approved under federal regulation for the treatment of alcoholism. However, be sure to avoid drinking alcohol at all costs on this medication, as it could cause serious adverse side effects.

Medication-Assisted Treatment During COVID-19

Isolation and anxiety are two common triggers for relapse. They’re also catalysts for many people n the earlier stages of substance abuse. While people in recovery are practicing social distancing, it might be worth it to prevent relapse through Medication-Assisted Treatment.

Or if you’re suffering from addiction currently, detoxing at a reputable detox center, and then continuing onto a regiment that features MAT might be the right choice for you. These medications are non-addictive and highly useful.

Reach out to Healthy Life Recovery’s admission team today to find out more about our treatments for people suffering from the disease of addiction. Just because there is a global pandemic doesn’t mean you can’t quit using drugs or drinking! Mental health care professionals are available 24/7 to answer your questions about addiction and treatment for substance use disorders. 

Going through recovery can be one of the most challenging and heart-wrenching struggles for addicts. A recovery coach is someone who will help you stay active and identify the right path for sobriety. 

Some people also call a Recovery Coach a Sobriety Coach. This term is highly generic, and it covers a wide range of different roles. They are highly instrumental and provide great support to people who are struggling to overcome their compulsiveness, impulsiveness, obsessiveness, and other facets of human behavior. 

They are a “Life Coach,” helping their clients identify situations better and train them to make smart choices and make fruitful decisions. The top priority for them is to help the clients to stay healthy and develop strong resistance towards alcohol, drugs, and other unhealthy lifestyles. 

It is said that hiring a Recovery Coach is very much like getting yourself an insurance policy against relapse. If you need help, then please call now.

Why a Recovery Coach?

There are thousands of people who go to treatment centers for recovery from addiction. These programs are highly safe. Putting the patients in a thoroughly structured environment helps them to push themselves and learn and develop a new, healthy, and nourishing lifestyle.

 At the same time, “Rehab” is considered a difficult and challenging experience. The most difficult and tough time for an addict will be the first 90 days after getting out of the treatment. 

When the person gets out of the treatment and returns home, there are lots of chances that the old routines and familiar sights can trigger and even entice them, paving the way for relapse. At the same time, the realities of life, such as job pressures, family tension, bills piling up, can all take over the person in an overwhelming way. 

When a person is stuck in such a position, a Recovery Coach is the right choice to help him get through.

Inspiration, Leadership, and Support

Recovery Coaches have extensive experience and expertise in helping the client recover. They can help him identify the right path to abstinence and sobriety. 

They are a bridge between the secure and comfortable world of treatment to the real-life challenges that the world can bring forth in the form of old temptations that will ultimately disturb your recovery process.

Recovery Coaches work daily. They help the clients establish clean and healthy habits and motivate them to follow them on a routine basis. They follow up on the timetable and ensure that the clients stay on the right track. This helps in reinforcing good habits and living a healthy lifestyle. Further, they help the clients connect with some support groups and other recovery communities. This puts the clients in a familiar social circle, helping them also by supporting their sobriety. 

Following are the options that recovery coaches put forth their clients:

• twelve-step programs
• Therapists, psychologists, homeopathy and other medical support 
• Outpatient support groups and programs that guarantee clients a healthy level of support
• A gym, yoga studio, or other highly physical and athletic activities such as running or cycling club
• A promoter to guide them through their 12-step recovery program

This way, the Recovery Coach helps the client identify a possible path to recovery. At the same time, they remind and support them to have fun and explore new hobbies and activities that aggravate their healing process.

Why Use A Recovery Coach When You Can Go to AA And Get A Sponsor for Free?

We must first understand that a Recovery Coach is not an AA sponsor. Although they have lots of characteristics of a great sponsor, they are much more than that. 

Their job role includes a thorough assessment of the client’s requirements. They also create a chart tracking their progress. Based on their knowledge, they recommend suitable options helping them carry forward their recovery process.

A Recovery Coach is different than a sponsor because they provide professional guidance at a personal level. They are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. They work for you. By knowing you, they form a chart that devises a plan that will help you focus on your path to recovery. They continuously assess you and based on your improvements; they modify the projects as per your requirements and pace of your progress. 

You will find a good Recovery Coach who leads ahead by example. They regularly share with you what’s worked in the past and make you realize how time has changed and what’s working now. They work with you on a highly personal level. They maintain a strong spiritual and mental touch with you.

Beyond this, they help their clients stay firm on the path of sobriety and help them identify a way to a happy and healthy life.

They further help you create healthy boundaries and compartmentalize essential facets of your life. They help you learn vital communication and soft skills that will help you find new and real dynamics with your family members and challenging relationships in your life. On the other hand, this will help you healthily deal with your professional life too. You can maintain proper relations within the confines of professionalism with your co-workers, customers, and colleagues by teaching you what to say and what not to say.

Addiction is a serious issue in the United States today. In fact, experts estimate that approximately one in seven people nationwide will struggle with substance abuse at some point in their lives.

Have you been struggling with addiction? Have you looked into addiction programs like Alcoholics Anonymous?

If you have, you’ve likely come across information about the 12-step program. The 12-step program can be off-putting to some at first, especially those who are non-religious. The truth, though, is that just about anyone can benefit from working through those steps.

Read on to learn more about the benefits of the 12-step program for addicts, even those who aren’t religious.

What is a 12-Step Program?

The 12-step program was originally created as part of the Alcoholics Anonymous framework to help alcoholics (and their friends and family members) recover from the effects of their addiction and experience a new way of living. Since its inception, the program has expanded and been used to help people dealing with all kinds of addiction, including addictions to other harmful substances.

Some specific steps in the program include honesty, surrender, soul-searching, acceptance, humility, and service. The idea is that, by continuing to work through these steps on an ongoing basis and placing faith in a higher power, one can overcome their addiction and live a happier, healthier, and more meaningful life.

Benefits of the Program for Non-Religious Addicts

It’s understandable that participation in a program centered around having faith in God can give certain, non-religious people pause. The benefits of the 12-step program are too numerous to ignore, though.

There’s a lot that non-religious addicts can get out of the 12-step program, even if they never come to believe in God in the traditional sense of the word. The program has been proven to be effective, in many cases, at helping addicts get and stay sober. The following are some of the reasons why it’s so effective:

Community

Part of participating in the 12-step program is attending meetings with other addicts. During these meetings, you can listen to and learn from other people’s experiences. Attending meetings helps addicts to remember that they’re not alone and gain inspiration from others who understand what they’re going through.

Structure

The program provides addicts with a very clear structure to follow. Almost anyone in recovery can benefit from structure and routine, and the program makes it very easy for them to figure out what they should be doing and what steps they can take to start improving their lives.

Self-Reflection

Self-reflection is essential to anyone who wants to get sober and stay sober.

Self-reflection and journaling are built into the 12-step program, and this step can be useful when figuring out the roots of one’s addiction and what kinds of situations trigger them. By engaging in self-reflection, addicts can get to know themselves better and avoid falling into old patterns. 

Mentorship

People who participate in the 12-step program have the opportunity to work with a sponsor or mentor who provides them with additional support and guidance. This creates a deeper sense of community than attending meetings alone and can help addicts to remain accountable while they’re on their sobriety journey.

Accessibility

The 12-step program is accessible. It’s free to attend meetings, and meetings are held worldwide. Even if you first come across the program while in a rehab or addiction recovery center, you can continue with your participation even after you’ve finished and left treatment.

Get Rid of “Terminal Uniqueness”

Many addicts suffer from “terminal uniqueness.” In essence, they believe that their situation is 100 percent unique and can’t possibly be improved by following the 12 steps. By getting rid of this belief and opening your mind, you can still reap the benefits of the program even if you don’t buy into the religious aspects.

Don’t Accept Failure

Finally, don’t accept failure. If a traditional 12-step approach doesn’t work for you, look into alternatives. If you’re participating in an addiction recovery program, inpatient or outpatient treatment, there are likely a myriad of options available to you. Explore different ones until you find something that sticks.

Learn More About the Program Today

As you can see, there are plenty of reasons why the 12-step program can be beneficial to addicts regardless of their religious affiliations. The 12-step program is a key fixture in many addiction centers and addiction programs, and for good reason: because it works.

Do you want to learn more about the program? Do you need help choosing an appropriate addiction recovery program to help you move forward with your life? If so, be sure to contact us today at Healthy Life Recovery to learn more about our services.