Self-seeking Will Slip Away – August Dream Journal 2014

Dream Journal

VOLUME XX / AUG 2014


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.

Dr Andrea Barthwell MD

As summer is coming to a close, the school year is beginning, and schedules are quickly filling up with new responsibilities, take a moment to consider how you can be generous this month.

Two Dreams is partnering with Caron Treatment Centers for a wonderful series of CEU training and catered networking luncheons, and we are pleased to announce that our next networking event is taking place on September 17th at the Florentine Restaurant in Chicago.

Dream Journal

VOLUME XX / AUG 2014

August Cover

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.

Dr Andrea Barthwell MD

As summer is coming to a close, the school year is beginning, and schedules are quickly filling up with new responsibilities, take a moment to consider how you can be generous this month.

Two Dreams is partnering with Caron Treatment Centers for a wonderful series of CEU training and catered networking luncheons, and we are pleased to announce that our next networking event is taking place on September 17th at the Florentine Restaurant in Chicago.

Register online at Two Dreams Chicago CEU Events


MONTHLY PROMISE

#8: “Self-seeking will slip away.”

By: Brett Dunning, TDOB Clinical Director

When a loved one, family friend, or family member of an individual is afflicted with addiction hears recovery terms like “selfishness”, “bondage of self”, and “self-seeking”, they often recognize the grandiose, pompous and selfishness which are on display. The individual who is afflicted with addiction’s actions and behaviors do scream that they only care about themselves and are not considerate to anyone else’s wants or needs. Yes, these actions and behaviors are obvious, though it is the self-defeating thought processes, negative core beliefs, excessive fears, and insecurities that support and fuel these actions and behaviors.

Whether it is obtrusive grandiose feelings of pompousness and selfishness or excessive feelings of self-pity and depression in correlation with guilt and shame, the feelings are based in the individual’s ego. If I feel better than, or worse than anyone else, I in essence feel different than others and therefore am alone. When an individual afflicted with addiction feels alone his addiction grows stronger and though he may physically be surrounded by others, mentally he is isolated by his addiction.

Self-defeating thought processes amplify and excel when the addict is alone. Feelings of lost dreams, guilt, insecurity and judgment persist. The individual afflicted with addiction is left with the question “why” and the only relief is more mood altering substances. In early recovery these thoughts persist and there is no mood altering substances to relieve the individual of these maladaptive thinking patterns. Primary treatment provides the newly recovering addict the proper venue to begin thinking differently about himself/herself. It is through therapy and 12 step support that this individual can truly begin to accept and forgive themselves for who they are.

The Big Book of Alcoholics Anonymous also supports this course of action through stating that in order for an individual to recover from alcoholism/addiction, a type of moral psychology must be implemented. The Big Book suggests that through this moral psychology a psychic change is necessary to recover though a period of hospitalization to clear the individual’s mind is necessary for maximum benefit. Therapy and 12-Step support is recognized as the most effective vessel in acknowledging and changing the selfishness which is hard-wired in the addict/alcoholic. Self-seeking will slip away, sometimes quickly and sometimes this process takes many years, though treatment does provide the awareness to make this promise come true quicker than any other method.


NEWS HIGHLIGHTS

Father Joseph C. Martin Excellence Award Announcement

By: Jon Oelke, TD Program Manager

During the recent National Conference on Addiction Disorders, Dr. Barthwell was pleased to participate in the Award Plenary for the 2014 Father Joseph C. Martin Excellence Award. The award recognizes career achievement in the addiction field. This year’s recipient is Dr. Claudia Black. Dr. Black is renowned for her work with children and families who suffer with addiction. She has authored numerous books and research articles regarding the impact of addiction on those surrounding the individual who suffers from the disease. Two Dreams would like to applaud Dr. Black’s efforts and sincerely congratulate her on this momentous achievement. For more information on the award

For Claudia Black’s bio


COMMUNITY

August Community

“If you get, give. If you learn, teach.”

By: Jennifer Williams, TDOB Medical Case Manager

This Month on the Banks: Greetings from our doors to yours….With the summer months winding down, things have been very active here on the Outer Banks! We’ve been able to fly our kites atop Jockey’s Ridge, race jet-skis out over the Currituck Sound, go out on a Dolphin Sight-seeing adventure, witness the freedom of the Wild Horses in Carova, and then there are just days of soaking up the sun on the pristine beaches of Corolla! No matter where we turn, there is always something to take in. The newest adventure that the clients are thrilled about is the upcoming Bioluminescence Night Kayak Tour. This kayak tour is given at night, so that as you paddle through the water you can see the many organisms beneath you light up!

The late, but Great, Maya Angelou had such a way with words. They were words of greatness, and filled with aspirations! She once said…. “if you get, give. if you learn, teach.” We are blessed to work in a field where we’re surrounded with individuals who have a passion to help those whom are struggling with addiction. There is not a day that goes by that I hear a client expressing gratitude for the kindness of the staff that works around them. However, in my heart, I know these individuals aren’t doing it in vain, but rather out of generosity. Once someone extended them a lifeline, and here they are doing the same to those who cross our paths every day.


THE 3P’S

mental peace – physical well-being – personal productivity

August 3Ps

THE JOY OF GIVING

By: Kara Hamilton, TD Assistant Art Director

Did you know that giving to others actually improves your own health? From increasing your happiness to decreasing your blood pressure and stress, new studies have shed light on all the benefits of generosity. Harvard professor Michael Norton and his colleagues found that when a participant gave money to someone else, they showed increased levels of happiness than if they were to spend the money on themselves. Giving activates the regions of the brain associated with pleasure, social connection, and trust, and is also believed to release endorphins.

In addition, giving has also been proven to increase health benefits for people with chronic illnesses, including HIV and multiple sclerosis patients, and is also thought to increase a person’s longevity. One possible reason for this is that the act of giving decreases stress, which is a big cause of many health problems.

Lastly, giving to others is contagious. When you give, you are more likely to be rewarded later on, and the very act of giving inspires others to behave generously later toward different people, resulting in the possibility of dozens or even hundreds of people been affected by your initial act.

So this month, take a moment to think of a possible way you could give something to someone you love, or a stranger in need. Because doing so may be affecting you more than you realize! If you’re short on ideas, here is a great resource to find volunteer opportunities in your local area: Volunteer Match


Thank you to our content contributors:

  • Dr. Andrea Barthwell – Founder
  • Brett Dunning – TDOB Clinical Director
  • Jon Oelke – TD Program Manager
  • Jennifer Williams – TDOB Case Manager
  • Kara Hamilton – TD Art Director

For admissions and all staff call us at: (504) 510-2331

© 2014 Two Dreams Outer Banks. All Rights Reserved.

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