VOLUME I / JAN 2013
Two Dreams is a wellness program led by Andrea G. Barthwell, MD, FASAM that provides individualized care for those who dream of recovering a healthy lifestyle.
NOTE FROM DR. B.
As the New Year begins, we transition from our monthly focus on the Twelve Steps of AA to this year’s theme: The Twelve Promises. These promises are the payback of the AA program; these are the gifts that are guaranteed to the individual who works diligently on their recovery process.
January is a time when we naturally begin making promises and resolutions for ourselves. We have finished reflecting on the previous year and we are now ready to use our past experiences to project new goals with the hopes of new outcomes.
VOLUME I / JAN 2013
Two Dreams is a wellness program led by Andrea G. Barthwell, MD, FASAM that provides individualized care for those who dream of recovering a healthy lifestyle.
NOTE FROM DR. B.
As the New Year begins, we transition from our monthly focus on the Twelve Steps of AA to this year’s theme: The Twelve Promises. These promises are the payback of the AA program; these are the gifts that are guaranteed to the individual who works diligently on their recovery process.
January is a time when we naturally begin making promises and resolutions for ourselves. We have finished reflecting on the previous year and we are now ready to use our past experiences to project new goals with the hopes of new outcomes.
This month we reflect on the themes of the First Promise: freedom and happiness. Follow us as we define what it means to feel happy and free, and give guidelines on achieving that state of mind.
MONTHLY PROMISE
#1: “We admitted we were powerless over alcohol – that our lives had become unmanageable”
The New Year is here, signifying a time to start anew. For those suffering from addiction, it is the perfect time for a fresh start to the rest of their lives. But before an addict can begin to shake the vice of addiction, he or she must first come to grips with the possibility of actually being addicted. To move forward, those suffering must comprehend how powerless they have become to drugs or alcohol, and how this has left their current situation unmanageable.
For many this step is the hardest of all to ascertain. Admitting to alcohol or drug dependence remains extremely difficult, and proper diagnosis can be complicated due to the variety of symptoms that occur from person to person. It is crucial during this step to trust in the opinions of doctors, family, and friends.
After the individual’s realization, the best chance at a successful recovery is to seek help through treatment. Two Dreams’ highly individualized program offers treatment that is geared specifically for each individual’s needs and unique background. Each person’s history is taken into consideration when creating an individual’s plan of action for a life that is happy, joyous, and free.
NEWS HIGHLIGHTS
Use of Adderall in Sports
NFL cornerbacks Brandon Browner, Richard Sherman, and Cedrick Griffin have been suspended recently due to their use of Adderall without a prescription. While the NFL does not require players to inform the public of what they used to receive a positive result from a drug test, many are blaming their positive results from their use of Adderall.
The MLB has recently confirmed that 10 players this past season had been suspended due to their illegal use of Adderall which is considered a performance enhancing drug. This growing trend of Adderall use among athletes has lead to people wondering, what is Adderall, what has made athletes lives so unmanageable they feel the need to use it, and what effects can Adderall have on the body?
Prescription to Help Quit Opiates
Opiates have created a terrible epidemic of dependency throughout the nation. Scientists are in the midst of creating a new prescription called Probuphine (the implant form of buprenorphine) to curb this epidemic and decrease symptoms of withdrawals and cravings.
COMMUNITY
Two Dreams Outer Banks kept it stress-free this Holiday season. Guests and staff decorated offices and residences, shopped for and exchanged gifts, and took a trip to Nags Head for dinner out on the town.
THE 3P’S
mental peace – physical well-being – personal productivity
This year, take time to focus on making achievable resolutions. Decide on one specific goal instead of becoming overwhelmed by vague ideas for general betterment. To keep your thoughts more productive this season, don’t get downtrodden by the general resolution of “exercising more”. Commit to a clearer resolution by signing up for a fitness class in something you you’ve always wanted to do, such as martial arts, self-defense, or dance. Challenge yourself: your new activity could become your favorite winter exercise. Choosing something tangible will put you on a path for success and happiness.
Mental Peace
Everyday at Two Dreams Outer Banks, guests greet the morning with meditation and a gentle series of yogic movements known as the Sun Salutations (Surya Namaskara). This specific set of postures is considered the best of all Yoga exercises as it stretches, compresses, arches and reinforces all of the major muscles in one cohesive series. It helps develop strength, balance, focus, and breath synchronization.
Physical Well Being
As part of the Two Dreams philosophy, we believe in creating healthy habits that you can build on and sustain for the rest of your life. Here are some ideas on how to stay active amidst the snow.
- Plan social activities around fitness. Meet a friend for skating, skiing, or a winter walk.
- Commit to a quick 10-minute walk before or after dinner, no matter where you are.
- When you start feeling stressed from holiday events, going to the gym by yourself will guarantee some much needed alone time.
- Find a volunteer opportunity that keeps you physically active. Soup kitchens, toy drives, or canvassing for food bank donations are all great ways to give back and get exercise.
Recipe
Beat the winter blues with a healthy, quick, and easy soup recipe that is full of lutein, which delays lung aging and arthritis, while warming the mind, body, and spirit.
-Healthy Bean Soup with Kale
Personal Productivity
Winter is the time when we are more susceptible to common sicknesses. Energy can easily become depleted from the stresses of endless holiday to-do lists. Take care of yourself by knowing what to prioritize.
- Make a ‘No-Do list’. Stay true to what activities mean the most to you.
- Do not be afraid to say no to less important requests that will expend time and energy.
- Ominous weather conditions allow us the opportunity to rest, recollect, and reassess how we want to spend our time. Find the balance of necessary relaxation, but don’t waste the indoor season on the computer.
For admissions and all staff call us at: (504) 510-2331
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