Outer Banks Archives

What Are The First Steps When Looking For Addiction Treatment

February 12, 2018 April 7, 2020 / Comprehensive Assessment, Holistic Care and Treatment, Inpatient, Outer Banks, Outpatient

When it is time to start searching for an addiction treatment center, you may have many questions. In fact, the whole process may seem overwhelming to you right now. Whether the treatment center is for you or a loved one, when you don’t know very much about the treatment process or even finding a good treatment center, it can feel daunting. Rest assured that though it may require some time and effort, finding a suitable treatment center for you or your loved one is certainly possible. It’s alright not to fully understand the process right now. Continue …

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The Benefits of Being Outdoors During Recovery

November 3, 2016 April 6, 2020 / Holistic Care and Treatment, Outer Banks, Recreation, Sober Living

Addiction treatment options include in-patient and out-patient programs; in both patients are encouraged to get physically fit and engage in more outdoorsy activities. Many people find working out in outdoor naturalistic environments peaceful and calming and a way to find release from the stress of life and the challenges to come. For over a century, people have noticed that being outdoors confers an advantage improving the course of health during recovery (from addiction as well as other ailments). Not a lot of research has been done to determine all of the reasons why, so in the future we may hear …

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Discipline and Action – August 2016 Dream Journal

August 31, 2016 April 6, 2020 / Chicago, Dream Journal, Mindfulness, New Orleans, Outer Banks

Dream Journal Volume XLII / August 2016 Note From Dr B. The suggestion associated with the 12-step principle of “discipline and action” is as follows: “We are continuing to remove the barriers than can block forward sober growth. We are getting ready to sweep our side of the street clean. Make a list of all those people you have harmed both through actions and not being present or living up to obligations.” In the context of recovery, the term “discipline” is synonymous with self-control. It does not refer to punishment, nor does it refer to a harsh, unforgiving way of life. …

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Humility – July 2016 Dream Journal

July 26, 2016 April 6, 2020 / Chicago, Dream Journal, Mindfulness, New Orleans, Outer Banks

Dream Journal Volume XLI / July 2016 Note From Dr B. Humility is a critical component of the recovery process. It not only necessitates modesty, but also perspective. Oftentimes, addiction causes the individual to become self-centered, leading to low or elevated mood, so clients at Two Dreams use process groups to develop an appropriate understanding of themselves and the world around them. Processing emotions and situations in a group therapy setting allows for a more balanced mood and a more realistic outlook on life. Humility is not self-deprecation, nor is it a weakness. One can still be strong and proud while …

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60 MORE Substance Abuse Group Therapy Activities

July 4, 2016 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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Willingness – June 2016 Dream Journal

June 28, 2016 April 7, 2020 / Chicago, Dream Journal, Mindfulness, New Orleans, Outer Banks

Dream Journal Volume XXXX / June 2016 Note From Dr B. Summer is upon us, and with it comes the inevitable lethargy brought on by the intense heat. All over town you can hear cries of, “it’s too hot; let’s just do something else!” Similarly, in addiction treatment, we often hear clients complain that it’s too difficult to work through recovery, that they’d rather just stay in their diseased state than go through the steps necessary for living a healthy lifestyle. That’s where the theme of the month, willingness, comes into play. Individuals in recovery need to be willing to push …

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Integrity – May 2016 Dream Journal

May 31, 2016 April 6, 2020 / Chicago, Dream Journal, Mindfulness, New Orleans, Outer Banks

Dream Journal Volume XXXIX / May 2016 Note From Dr B. Spring is in full bloom at Two Dreams, even at our Chicago office, and my favorite flowers have been emerging for weeks. Before Dr. David and I downsized our home, I would watch a parade of flowers emerge from the snow along our front walkway. While I do miss the floral ceremony, I appreciate that the freedom of our smaller home allows me more opportunities to travel between the various Two Dreams locations. The crocus, daffodil, and highly fragrant hyacinth remind me that there is beauty and peace in the …

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Courage – April 2016 Dream Journal

April 19, 2016 April 6, 2020 / Chicago, Dream Journal, Holistic Care and Treatment, Mindfulness, New Orleans, Outer Banks

Dream Journal Volume XXXIIX / April 2016 Note From Dr B. The Ancient Greeks identified four Cardinal (pivotal) Virtues sustained in the face of difficulty: prudence (or wisdom over time), justice, courage, and temperance. Courage is sometimes equated with endurance, the ability to stand firm and immovable in the midst of danger, toils, and certain death. It is the midpoint between cowardice and recklessness, which are the objects of fear and daring, respectively. Fear is a powerful feeling that arises when we sense danger, and when level of danger increases we feel more fear. Cowardice is the shortage of courage keeping …

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Faith – March 2016 Dream Journal

March 22, 2016 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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Why go to Rehab?

February 29, 2016 April 7, 2020 / Inpatient, Outer Banks

If you’ve found yourself struggling with alcohol or drug addiction, you may have considered entering an inpatient rehab program. But you have your doubts about the effectiveness of various programs. Perhaps you have had an addiction problem in the past, entered a residential alcohol or drug rehab program, and now find yourself back at square one, addicted to drugs or alcohol again and feeling like a complete failure. Or perhaps this is your first time considering a drug or alcohol rehab program and you’re saying to yourself, “Why can’t I just handle my addiction problem on my own without entering …

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