National Recovery Month
Recovery Month started in 1989 as a national observance held every September. During this month we promote evidence-based treatment and recovery practices through education of the impact that substance use disorder can have on the life of an individual and their loved ones.
Substance-use disorders include 10 different classes of drugs:
- Alcohol
- Caffeine
- Cannabis
- Hallucinogens
- Inhalants
- Opioids
- Sedatives, hypnotics, or anxiolytics
- Stimulants
- Tobacco
- Other/Unknown
All drugs taken in excess have the common ability to activate the reward system in the brain, which is part of reinforcing behaviors and establishing memories. Substance-induced activation of the reward system can be so intense that normal activities/behaviors might be neglected. Gambling disorder is also included under substance use disorders due to evidence of the same affect that gambling behaviors can have on the brain's reward system, as well as certain behavioral symptoms that are comparable to those produced by substance use disorders (DSM-V-TR).
Resources
SAMHSA's helpline:1-800-662-4357, https://www.samhsa.gov/
Florida Behavioral Health CenterCall: 855-650-1317, https://behavioralhealth-centers.com/lander/get-help
River Oaks Treatment CenterCall: 640-224-9816, https://riveroakstreatment.com/hillsborough-county-fl-drug-rehab/
Recovery First Treatment CenterCall: 313-214-2304, https://americanaddictioncenters.org/treatment-centers/recovery-first-hollywood
Project KnowCall: 877-966-4685, https://projectknow.com/rehab/florida-alcohol-and-drug-hotline/
Common Risk Factors
Substance use disorders and other mental health disorders can be hereditary. Environmental factors, such as stress or trauma, have the potential to cause genetic changes that get passed down through generations. This can lead to the development of a disorder. Adversely, substance use and substance use disorders can lead to the origination of other mental health disorders by triggering changes in the brain structure and function.
Mental health disorders can also lead to substance use and substance use disorders. Studies show that people who struggle with a mental health disorder, such as anxiety, depression or PTSD may self-medicate with drugs or alcohol. Substance use can make symptoms of other mental health disorders worse over time.
Book Of The Month
Learn MoreMobile Crisis Services
Mobile Crisis Services are available to anyone ages 0 – 24 located in Orange, Osceola or Seminole County at the time of crisis. Master level and licensed therapists will respond to homes, schools or anywhere within the tri-county community, within 60 minutes to provide immediate on-site crisis stabilization. Crisis therapists also connect families to the services and supports they need for long-term recovery.
Someone needing crisis services might be:
- Out-of-control emotionally
- Threatening to harm themselves or others
- Exhibiting explosive or dangerous behaviors
- In need of immediate mental health stabilization
- In need of immediate substance use evaluation
- Struggling with sadness or depression
Services Are:
- FREE
- Available 24 hours a day, every day including weekends and holidays
- Available to anyone who calls for assistance; parents, relatives, foster families, school personnel or law enforcement
To Access Services:
- Call 2-1-1, press 1 for English then press 3for the crisis help line
- Text 898-211 your zip code and type ‘requestingmobile crisis’
Los Servicios móviles para momentos de crisis están disponibles para cualquier persona de O a 24 años que se encuentren en los condados de Orange, Osceola o Seminole en el momento de la crisis. Terapeutas colegiados y licenciados brindarán respuestas a los hogares, las escuelas o cualquier lugar ubicado dentro de la comunidad de los tres condados dentro de un lapso de 60 minutos para brindar estabilización inmediata en el lugar en momentos
de crisis. Los terapeutas especialistas en crisis también conectan a las familias con los servicios y apovos que estas necesitan para la recuperación a largo plazo.
Una persona que necesita servicios para momentos de crisis podría:
- Estar emocionalmente fuera de control
- Intentar hacerse daño a sí mismo o a otros
- Mostar comportamientos explosivos o peligrosos
- Necesitar estabilización inmediata de la salud mental
- Necesitar una evaluación inmediata de consumo de sustancias
- Estar luchando contra la tristeza o la depresión
Los servicios:
- Son GRATUITOS
- Están disponibles las 24 horas del día, todos los días
- incluidos los fines de semanas y días festivos Están disponibles para cualquier persona que llame y solicite asistencia; padres/madres, parientes, familias de guarda, personal escolar o autoridades policiales
Para obtener acceso a los servicios:
- Llame al 2-1-1; presione 2 para Español y despúes 3 para la línea directa de atención de crisis
- Envie un mensaje de texto al 898-211 con su código postal y escriba: "solicito servicio móvil para momentos de crisis"
Back to School Month
August can be a hectic month during which the transition from freedom to... not... can be a difficult experience for children and adolescents. It's important for us, as parents, to be patient while our kids get back into the swing of things this year.
It's easy, as parents, to forget what it was like to start a new school year. Maybe your kids are at the same school with the same teacher. Maybe they're in a new school with unfamiliar teachers and peers. Whatever the case may be, it's important to keep in mind that "new" can be just as scary as it is exciting.
So, here are a few tips on helping our children navigate this transitional phase
Create a safe space for sharing feelings - allowing your kids to express themselves creatively (drawing, painting, singing, etc.) can help them express difficult or overwhelming feelings. Choose a quiet space to engage in play/conversation with your child if you notice he/she seems troubled. Start by saying something along the lines of, "Hey, I'm noticing a different vibe from you today. I am concerned that there's more going on than what you're sharing."
Listen more, talk less - It's also important to make sure you are providing the support they need in that moment, as well. Ask, "Do you need me to listen or would you like my advice?"
Recognize that their feelings are normal - It's not uncommon for children to feel apprehensive, worried, nervous, or even anxious about the start of the new school year. Reassure them that most people experience similar emotions in similar situations. Learning to tolerate uncertainty is a necessary skill in a child's development.
Provide a good model for your kids to follow - When necessary and possible, model what healthy emotion regulation looks like. If you're feeling overwhelmed one day, it's okay to say, "I'm not handling my stress well right now." It's okay to apologize to your children if your emotions got the better of you, too. Teaching our children what "healthy" looks like is vital to their health. It's okay to not be okay, but it's not okay to stay that way.
Create cohesion - Now that the kids are back in school that means that their teachers are in charge for a majority of the day; however, that does notmean that they are in charge of parenting your children. It's important to work with teachers to help your children establish new routines, build strong connections, and successfully transition from the summer months to the school months.
Praise their efforts - Life is more than good grades. Recognize you child's creativity, curiosity, kindness, bravery, etc. and explore that with them. Help them to embrace the facets of themselves that they might not be able to explore while in school.
Establish a healthy work-life balance - While we are at work all day, so are our kids. School takes a heavy mental and emotional toll, so help to establish study breaks and downtime outside of school. This can even include encouraging your child to take up an extracurricular activity that promotes physical exertion or scheduling quality time to spend together doing something both of you are interested in.
Prioritize self-care - So often, as adults, we get caught up in the hustle and bustle of everyday life. It's important to implement and prioritize self-care into our own lives because our children deserve the best from us.
Check Out This Month's Book Recommendation
"Whale Done is much more than a set of techniques; it is a way of looking at people and seeing the best that is in them. Great leaders, saints, and sages have developed this skill. Since most of us are less advanced than those paragons, this book can serve as a guide for how to bring out the best in our children."
Learn MoreThe Power of Being Heard
We often have a strong desire to feel listened to and understood. And when we don’t feel like our point-of-view is being heard, we can quickly become lonely, sad, frustrated, or even angry. This is one of the biggest contributors to conflict in our relationships and society as a whole.
A recent study published in the Journal of Experimental Social Psychology looked into this phenomenon. They studied the tension between Palestinians and Israelis, as well as Mexican immigrants and white Arizonans.
What they found was that when individuals were given a chance to share their stories and experiences with people from the other side, it helped improve their attitude about the “opposing group.” This effect was even stronger when it was a member of the “disempowered group” being heard by someone from the “dominant group.”
Disempowered groups often feel like their voice isn’t being heard. They think their values and needs aren’t being considered, and this can fuel resentment toward the more dominant group, who often has more of a stronghold over public debate.
However, when the dominant group makes an effort to hear things from another point-of-view, the disempowered group begins to feel that their values and needs are being listened to. This can be a great starting point for easing conflict and tension.
There has been a lot of research showing the positive benefits of perspective- taking in our relationships. This is one of the first studies to show that “perspective giving” – the opportunity to share our experiences with others – can be just as helpful in building stronger relationships.
However, researchers don’t recommend that the disempowered group does all the talking. Instead, they believe that this is evidence that each group should have an equal opportunity to share their viewpoints.
Studies like this have very real world implications on how we should approach our relationships. If we tend to be the more dominant voice, then it’s a good idea to step back and give the other person a chance to say what’s on their mind. Listening to what others say, without interrupting or being disrespectful, is going to help both of you to find ways to make your relationship more positive and rewarding.
If you are the more reserved voice, then it’s just as important that you find ways to express yourself. If a romantic partner, family member, or roommate isn’t giving you a chance to speak your mind, then it may be important to intervene and tell them that you need to sit down together and let your concerns be known.
In society and politics, we should also strive for ways to let everyone have an equal voice. In the Middle East, many are trying to put together “peace camps” to help resolve long-seated conflicts between Palestinians and Israelis. These camps are focused on open and respectful dialogue between opposing groups, in hopes that they can each begin to see things from the other’s point-of-view. While peace in the Middle East may still be far away, this is a step in the right direction.
Similarly, in the United States, there is still a lot of tension between government, corporations, and Occupy Wall Street protestors. In many ways, the violence associated with the OWS movement (both from police and protestors alike) is a result of a lack of communication. Maybe if OWS protestors were given an opportunity to express their concerns in a healthy and safe way (such as a town hall meeting or public forum), then maybe there would be less violence and aggression on the streets. People wouldn’t feel as frustrated, because at least they would feel their opinions are being heard and taken seriously.
When we don’t have these outlets to express ourselves, it can often lead to negative consequences for everyone involved. Being heard is important for both ourselves and others. It’s a part of healthy communication, and it leads to solutions we won’t find if we just ignore one another.
Learn MoreParenting a Child With Anxiety
Parenting a child with anxiety can be hard. You wish you could wave a magic wand and make all of their worries disappear. There is hope!
If your child struggles with worries or anxiety, you know how heartbreaking it can be to watch them struggle. You may feel helpless, unsure how to help. Sometimes, it’s hard to stay calm and patient when they are stuck in a difficult pattern of worry and can’t seem to move forward.
BIG FEELINGS. BIG CONFUSION.
Big feelings like anger, frustration, jealousy, anxiety, sadness, and stress can be overwhelming to kids. Without warning, their body is flooded with physical sensations – racing heart, tense muscles, sweat, tingling fingers.
Plus, their thoughts can get pretty confusing, “I hate you, mom!” on the outside may conflict with, “Wait, what? I don’t hate my mom, why did I just say that?” on the inside.When we step back, it’s easy to see why some kids feel so helpless when it comes to managing big feelings.
One way to empower your child (and to reassure them that they are totally normal), is to teach them about the brain.
THE BRAIN HAS LOTS OF JOBS:
What to tell your kids: “Have you ever thought about all of the things your brain is in charge of? I mean, your brain is the control center for pretty much everything you think, feel, or do! That’s pretty amazing. Let’s list some things your brain controls.”
For you: Keep this in mind when thinking about discipline. Changing your response can change the entire conversation, simply because you’ve appealed to a different part of the brain.
THEIR BRAIN IS GROWING AND CHANGING:
What to tell your kids: “Scientists say that when you do something over and over you create new pathways in your brain. When you were a baby, you couldn’t do much, but now your brain has learned so many things. And, guess what? Your brain is going to keep growing and changing until you’re much older.”
For you: You have the opportunity to influence strong, healthy, positive connections in your child’s brain by responding from a calm, confident, empathetic stance.
“THINKING” PART:
What to tell your kids: “Remember when we talked about the brain having a lot of different jobs? One part of your brain is in charge of making good decisions, managing your big feelings, thinking things through, and being empathetic.
For you: Sorry parents, this part is very slow to develop. I know you want your kids to have these skills right.now. but there’s no rushing this process. You can influence good pathways, though, remember?
“EMOTIONAL” PART:
What to tell your kids: “Ok, so there’s another part of the brain. This part is in charge of some really important things like breathing and digesting food, and it also holds a lot of your emotions! So, this is where your big angry or worried feelings come from!”
For you: This is the most primitive and reactive part of the brain. This is also the part that’s running the show during your child’s meltdown about having carrots for dinner.
FLIGHT, FIGHT OR FREEZE:
What to tell your kids: Inside your brain is a tiny part who’s job is to react to threats! When it thinks you are in danger it will tell you to do one of three things – run away, fight back, or freeze. Let’s think of some times when these responses would be really helpful.”
For you: You have this part in your brain too, it’s called the amygdala! Power struggles are often the result of two amygdala’s going head-to-head.
EMPOWERING YOUR KIDS
Now that you’ve laid the foundation, you can use this information to teach and talk about their thoughts, feelings and behaviors in terms of their brain function.
SOMETIMES THE BRAIN IS WRONG:
What to tell your kids: “There are times when your brain thinks there’s a problem, and sends you the signals to ‘fight, flight or freeze’ but there’s really no reason to panic.
Like when you see a big black thing on the floor of your room. Your body might freeze – not wanting to get any closer. You might scream, ‘Mom! There’s a huge spider in here!’ But, when we get down on the floor, we realize it is actually a piece of black fuzz!”
For you: This is true for you as well! Sometimes, your brain will tell you that the situation in front of you requires IMMEDIATE ATTENTION. Actually, in most cases, these things are not true emergencies.
BUILDING A BRIDGE
What to tell your kids: “I know it’s scary when you have such big feelings. Those thoughts and feelings can be very loud. But remember, you still have the control! We’re going to work together to switch from reacting to making choices when you’re feeling big feelings. Can you help me think of some things that may help?"
For you: If you know your child is responding from their emotions it’s time to switch tactics and get them thinking of the choices available to them. You can do this by responding with empathy, getting down to their level (literally), and creating space for connection.
CALM BRAINS MAKE GOOD CHOICES:
What to tell your kids: “Since our immediate feelings are not always right and amd can over-react in some situations, we need to make sure we use control to make decisions. I know this is hard to remember when our feelings tru to take charge, but we are going to practice and I’ll help you through it.”
For you: Instead of focusing on getting your child to calm down, think more about how you can calm the overwhelming emotion present. You’ll be better able to support, connect and empathize with your child’s big feelings.
Learn MoreHolistic Healing
Why choose a holistic approach?
Trauma can manifest as chronic illness, depression can deplete the spirit, and anxiety can push relationships to their breaking point. These mental health conditions affect every aspect of life, so truly effective treatment must comprehensively address those same aspects. Too often, patients are treated as a series of symptoms, rather than a whole individual. This can lead to misdiagnoses, unsustainable results, and a great deal of frustration.
Treatment centers that take a holistic approach recognize that mental health conditions are biological, physiological, and spiritual conditions, not just brain-based diseases. This comprehensive approach promotes self-care and supports lasting wellness.
Which holistic services are most beneficial?
Each person’s struggles and hopes are unique, and a great holistic practitioner will be interested in hearing your personal story before determining whether their services will help you meet your wellness goals. Common holistic services include acupuncture, massage, fitness, nutrition, yoga, and mindfulness meditation. These holistic services, which play different but important roles in recovery, can be powerful individually, more so in combination, and even more so when the practitioners work together to coordinate your care.
- Acupuncture and massage offer relaxation, pain reduction, mood improvement, and an enhancement of the body’s innate healing abilities.
- Fitness and nutrition sessions are extremely individualized, and give patients the opportunity to practice prevention, develop healthy lifestyle habits, and workshop specific concerns surrounding energy, immunity, sleep, mood and more.
- Yoga and meditation help to cultivate awareness of the mind and body, and provide tools to more effectively manage stress.
Holistic vs. Western medicine
For many, the word holistic conjures images of yoga mats and herbal remedies, which is only a fraction of what makes up holistic treatment. In its truest sense, holistic simply means taking the whole system into account. Western medicine and holistic medicine are often incorrectly depicted as opposing viewpoints. However, a combination of the two typically yields quicker and more thorough recovery. A broken leg, for instance, merits a visit to the doctor for an X-ray and cast. But eating nourishing food, receiving acupuncture, and practicing meditation may help to manage pain, reduce stress, and speed the healing process. The same can be true of anxiety, depression, PTSD, or any mental health condition. Medication (prescribed thoughtfully and only as necessary), psychotherapy, and holistic treatments can complement and balance one another to help you achieve authentic wellness
Learn More