Mental Health

The Importance of Mindfulness in Recovery

April 7, 2020 / Drugs and the Brain, Holistic Care and Treatment, Mental Health, Sober Living

What Is Mindfulness? Mindfulness is the psychological process of paying close attention to and accepting experiences in the present moment with compassion, without judgment, and without acknowledgment of the past or future. It is thought that focusing on the present allows for individuals to increase their perception of self, which allows them to develop strategies for self-management and coping. This way of thinking also reduces the stress associated with regretting the past and being anxious about the future. This concept originates from Buddhist philosophy, as it is one of the seven factors of enlightenment that brings a person to the …

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Acceptance – October 2016 Dream Journal

April 6, 2020 / Dream Journal, Mental Health, Mindfulness

Dream Journal Volume XLIII / October 2016 Note From Dr B. Before I was officially sworn in as Deputy Director for Demand Reduction in the Office of National Drug Control Policy under the Executive Office of The President, I went through a period of indecision and stress. In short, the President announced that I would be appointed to the position, but then the statement was withdrawn because of controversy in the White House at the time. Recovery advocates were planning to march in protest on my behalf, but a friend suggested to me that I try to prevent the march on …

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The Importance of Therapists in Drug Addiction Treatment

April 7, 2020 / Holistic Care and Treatment, Mental Health, Mindfulness

Going to therapy and establishing a trusting relationship with a therapist is the key to overcoming drug and/or alcohol dependence and resolving drug-related issues. Drug and alcohol addiction are inextricably related to a person’s psyche and other concrete problems (social, financial, or health-related issues). A therapist can work with an individual to help him/her tackle these issues alongside the addiction. People quitting on their own may have trouble examining the life circumstances that led them to addiction, so they are less likely to make changes. Without a professional therapist, former drug users can quickly return to a life on drugs. …

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Neurostimulation for Drug Addiction: Therapy of the Future

April 6, 2020 / Addiction Science, Drugs and the Brain, Mental Health

Neurostimulation is being investigated as a tool used to treat many neurological disorders, like depression, Alzheimer disease, Parkinson disease, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and addiction. For most of these conditions, neurostimulation is considered an investigational treatment not yet proved as a viable therapy or covered by health insurance.   Approved Neurostimulation Therapies There is substantial evidence that the neurostimulation technique called repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) is effective in treating major depression, although no health insurance plans currently cover it. However, research institutions such as John Hopkins are using it to help with treatment-resistant depression, and The Royal Australian and New …

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Forgiveness – September 2016 Dream Journal

April 6, 2020 / Dream Journal, Mental Health, Mindfulness

Dream Journal Volume XLII / September 2016 Note From Dr B. When we harbor resentment towards others, we cause nervous system dysregulation, or a buildup of negative energy in the body. This leads to the increased production of cortisol and adrenaline, as well as an over-stimulated amygdala, a part of the brain that plays a large role in emotional control. This state of chronic anxiety may lead to health issues and truly hurts us more than it hurts the person we harbor resentment against. So let go of your resentments. Let go of your negative feelings. Forgive your oppressors for your …

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60 MORE Substance Abuse Group Therapy Activities

April 6, 2020 / Chicago, Holistic Care and Treatment, Inpatient, Intensive Outpatient, Mental Health, Mindfulness, New Orleans, Outer Banks, Outpatient, Prevention

We previously posted a list of 60 substance abuse group therapy activities to give readers an idea of what kinds of topics they might encounter during a theme/support group. We received positive feedback on the list, so we found 60 more to keep you inspired! Please note that Two Dreams utilizes process groups as opposed to theme/support groups. Process groups are focused on self-exploration and giving/receiving feedback. They provide a safe environment in which members can practice newfound interpersonal skills and behaviors. Process groups are mostly unstructured with no singular topic of discussion. Theme groups are focused on support and …

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Writing as Therapy: Keeping a Journal

April 7, 2020 / Mental Health, Mindfulness

Journaling is a highly beneficial activity that promotes self-expression, reflection, organization, and more. Our staff encourages clients at Two Dreams Outer Banks to carry a personal journal with them wherever they go, and to take full advantage of the writing and introspection periods that are built into their daily schedules. We ask that they record details about their recovery journeys and deliberate on them in order to create insights and self-awareness. We also go through and review the recorded notes and reflections with each client in order to help correlate their actions with outcomes. Clients are then able to adjust …

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Faith – March 2016 Dream Journal

April 6, 2020 / Addiction Science, Chicago, Dream Journal, Mental Health, Mindfulness, New Orleans, Outer Banks

Dream Journal Volume XXXVII / March 2016 Note From Dr B. Faith has been a significant part of my recovery journey with chronic pain. It keeps me optimistic in the face of surgeries and steroidal injections. It allows me to push through agonizing physical therapy sessions, knowing that I will come out on the other side stronger and more relaxed. It prevents me from submitting to the pain, even when I feel that shifting focus is impossible. It inspires me to keep stretching, even when I want to give up. It is important to remember that faith is not a plan, …

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What is Trauma Informed Treatment?

April 7, 2020 / Holistic Care and Treatment, Mental Health

Trauma: a very difficult or unpleasant experience that causes someone to have mental or emotional problems, usually for a long time; a disordered psychic or behavioral state resulting from severe mental or emotional stress or physical injury; an emotional upset; an injury to living tissue caused by an extrinsic agent -Merriam Webster Dictionary Many individuals seeking mental health or addiction services have experienced some form of trauma in their lives, yet there is still a disturbing lack of education on its pervasive influence. The trauma-informed treatment model, set forth by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), is …

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Special Report: Games of Addiction

April 6, 2020 / Mental Health, Research/Trends/Statistics, Young Adults/Teens/College-Aged

The DSM-5, the most current manual detailing diagnostic criteria for mental health disorders, includes a controversial section on Internet Gaming Disorder. It is described as “a condition warranting more clinical research and experience before it might be considered for inclusion in the main book as a formal disorder.” Current research indicates that, like substance use disorders, excessive gaming can lead to depression, anxiety, and other symptoms. The idea of video game addiction is still fresh and seen by the general public as a moral issue of self-control as opposed to a disease, but the tone may change as more data …

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