4 Ways to Identify Suicidal Ideation or Self-Harming Behaviors

Suicidal ideation and self-harming behaviors may cause setbacks in treatment and recovery for clients with substance use disorder (SUD). Many individuals with suicidal ideation experience intrusive thoughts or compulsions during periods of increased stress, including early treatment. Clients may hesitate to disclose these thoughts and behaviors with their care team. Understanding how suicidal ideation and self-harming behaviors may affect patterns of thought and behavior can help healthcare professionals effectively treat clients. Driftwood Recovery ensures all staff members know how to recognize the signs of suicidal ideation or self-harming behaviors. 

What Are Self-Harming Behaviors?

Everyone reacts differently to stress, trauma, and other factors that may contribute to self-harming behaviors. A person’s support network, coping skills, and mental health all play an integral role in their recovery from substance abuse. Healthcare professionals use comprehensive assessments to determine what factors may impact clients during rehabilitation. Some individuals may report self-harming behaviors or thoughts, including suicidal ideation.  

A few examples of self-harming behaviors clients may exhibit during treatment include: 

• Cutting 
• Scratching to the point of injury 
• Hair pulling 
• Burning 
• Hitting or banging 
• Ingesting harmful substances or self-poisoning
• Deliberately reopening wounds 
• Biting
• Scarification 
• Unsuccessful suicide attempts 

Clients may engage in non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) if they have difficulty processing or expressing intense emotions during treatment and continuing care. Part of treatment involves ensuring clients have the coping skills, tools, and resources to maintain emotional stability as they move through the various stages of recovery. 

Suicidal Ideation and Client Safety

Clients may find it challenging to discuss their self-harming or suicidal thoughts and urges. Studies have shown that “[i]f the person who has self-harmed finds it difficult to vocalise their distress when they are in need of care, support the person and their family members or carers (as appropriate) in trying alternative methods of communication (such as non-verbal language, letters, emotional wellbeing passports, and using agreed safe words, phrases or emojis).” 

Healthcare workers must recognize the warning signs and learn to communicate effectively with clients who struggle to speak about their intrusive thoughts or compulsive behaviors. Individuals working in healthcare find ways to effectively communicate with clients who struggle to talk about suicidal or self-harming thoughts. For example, clinicians may ask clients to write down their thoughts or journal about certain behaviors to establish a pattern. Recognizing the signs of client distress makes it easier for clients and clinicians to stay on the same page without causing additional stress. 

4 Indicators of Suicidal Ideation or Self-Harming Behaviors

Healthcare professionals receive training on how to identify signs of suicidal ideation or self-harming behaviors. However, sometimes, clients display subtle outward changes that indicate significant internal distress. Below are four potential warning signs of self-harming or suicidal thoughts and behaviors.

#1. Socially Withdrawing From Loved Ones

People who have close relationships with loved ones may begin to withdraw socially if they start to harm themselves or have thoughts of harming themselves. Individuals in treatment may avoid loved ones out of guilt or shame if they feel compelled to hurt themselves. Sudden social withdrawal may also indicate someone with chronic suicidal ideation has considered acting on their intrusive thoughts. Healthcare workers should carefully monitor client’s social interactions to make it easier for them to notice uncharacteristic self-isolating behaviors. 

#2. Frequently Talking About Dying

Individuals who frequently talk about death, dying, or wanting to die may have an increased risk of acting on suicidal or self-harming thoughts. Some clients may make throwaway or sarcastic comments about wishing they were dead or ways in which they may harm themselves. Healthcare workers should always take these comments at face value and monitor for other behavioral changes to determine if the client is a danger to themselves. 

#3. Secretive Behaviors Accompanied By Unexplained Injuries

Clients may begin harming themselves before or during treatment for substance abuse and mental health conditions. Often, clients try to hide when they hurt themselves due to guilt, shame, the stigma surrounding self-harm, or fear of getting into trouble. Staff members at Driftwood Recovery monitor client routines and behaviors to make spotting secretive behavior easier. 

Abrupt and unexplained changes in personal appearance are another possible warning sign of self-harming behaviors. Clients suddenly wearing layers or long shirts, even in warm weather, may be attempting to hide self-inflicted injuries. Often, clients provide excuses for the presence of bruises, cuts, burns, or other injuries. Staff members take a detailed client history during intake to ensure they can navigate conversations surrounding personal appearance and injuries without causing conflict. 

#4. Suicidal Ideation and Self-Harming Behaviors May Cause People to Give Away Prized Possessions

If someone with suicidal ideation or a history of self-harming behaviors begins to give away all of their prized possessions, it may indicate they plan to act on their thoughts. People who intend to seriously harm or kill themselves may see no point in holding on to cherished items, giving them away to loved ones or strangers. Some individuals who have attempted suicide reported giving away items with significant sentimental value very shortly before they took steps to end their lives.

Individuals experiencing substance use disorder or mental health issues have a higher risk of developing suicidal ideation or self-harming behaviors. In some cases, clients may not understand their own thoughts or behaviors. Healthcare workers must know what signs to look for and how to respond appropriately to ensure clients remain safe during treatment. Learning common warning signs of self-harming or suicidal thoughts and behaviors allows healthcare workers to intervene and provide support services. Driftwood Recovery ensures all clinicians and support staff know how to recognize the potential signs and how to effectively treat clients struggling with high-risk symptoms. To learn more about our programs and how we ensure client safety, call us today at (512) 759-8330.

According to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), an estimated 21.0 million adults in the U.S. experience a depressive episode. Moreover, depression often co-occurs with substance use disorder (SUD). While millions of people are impacted by depression and SUD, women are disproportionately impacted by depression. Women are twice as likely to experience depression, as NIMH notes 10.3% of females compared to 6.2% of males experience a major depressive episode. Addressing depression for women and peripartum depression stigma is vital for sustained recovery.

As the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) notes, about 1 in 10 women of reproductive age in the U.S. experience a major depressive episode. In addition, during and after pregnancy, about 1 in 8 women experience depression. Yet, the challenges women experience with depression rooted in gendered experiences like pregnancy and birth have often been overlooked. Mental Health America (MHA) notes that myths have led people to believe depression is a part of being a woman. Thus, understanding peripartum depression stigma can provide insight into the challenges women face in rebuilding their lives and maintaining recovery.

At Driftwood Recovery, we recognize how important a sober community is for building a strong foundation for sustained recovery. With our commitment to connection and community, you can find the support you need to thrive. Through a community of compassion, respect, and support, you are reminded that you are not alone on your recovery journey. You can use alumni services to dismantle peripartum depression stigma.

Expanding your understanding of depression and gendered experiences can support maintaining recovery as you pursue goals like becoming a parent.

Understanding Depression Recovery and Relapse

Due to your time in treatment, you are likely aware that challenges with co-occurring depression can complicate treatment and recovery. Similarly, withdrawal and abstinence in early recovery can increase your risk of experiencing depressive symptoms post-treatment. The thought of experiencing depressive symptoms during a vulnerable period of recovery can feel understandably scary. Moreover, you may be concerned about relapsing in your depression and or SUD. Some signs of a potential relapse can include low mood, irritability, fatigue, and social withdrawal. 

You may question how you can prevent a depression relapse. Recognizing triggers is an important first step in addressing depressive symptoms:

• Family changes
  • Loss of a loved one
• Health issues
  • Chronic illnesses
• Financial difficulties
  • Unemployment
  • Low income
• Hormonal changes
  • Pregnancy
  • Menopause

Looking at different potential depression triggers speaks to the various types of depression and their roots. 

Types of Depression

When people think of depression, they are often thinking of non-clinical depression, major depression, and seasonal depression. However, several different types of depression can impact well-being and recovery. Some of the different types of depression include:

• Major depressive disorder (MDD)
• Persistent depressive disorder (PDD)
• Seasonal affective disorder (SAD)
• Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD)
• Peripartum depression

PMDD and peripartum depression are examples of gender-related depression influenced by reproductive hormones. Thus, forms of depression like peripartum depression highlight fears of peripartum depression stigma in recovery. Yet, what exactly is peripartum depression? Is peripartum different than prenatal depression and postpartum depression?

What Is Peripartum Depression?

Peripartum depression highlights the presence of depression before, during, and after pregnancy rather than breaking them into prenatal and postpartum depression. According to “Perinatal Depression (Formerly Postpartum)” from the American Psychiatric Association (APA), perinatal or peripartum depression replaces the term postpartum to account for depression occurring during pregnancy and/or after childbirth. APA notes in “What Is Perinatal Depression?” the term perinatal recognizes that depression related to having a baby often begins during pregnancy rather than only after birth. 

As the Maternal and Infant Health Assessment (MIHA) states, unlike the baby blues, which is common after birth, peripartum depression is characterized by intense feelings of sadness, anxiety, or despair during or after pregnancy. The symptoms of peripartum depression can last for two weeks or longer and occur at any time, from conception to a year postpartum. Therefore, addressing peripartum depression sitgma is significant for supporting the health and well-being of you and your baby.

Addressing Peripartum Depression Stigma

Peripartum depression can be caused by factors like a family history, a difficult or traumatic pregnancy or birth, SUD, or lack of social support. Yet, peripartum depression stigma continues to stigmatize women and new parents. Images of pregnancy and parenthood often paint a beautiful picture of joy. 

Although pregnancy and parenthood can be joyful, they also have their stressors. Thus, many new parents are left feeling like they are failing when their feelings and experiences do not match the rosy images presented to them. Thoughts of failure and feelings of guilt coupled with peripartum depression stigma can make you feel too ashamed to reach out for support. As a result, peripartum depression stigma is a major barrier to help-seeking behaviors.

Impact of Peripartum Depression Stigma on Well-Being

According to Frontiers in Psychiatry, the possible impact of peripartum depression stigma on perinatal women can harm the well-being of you and your baby:

• Preeclampsia
• Low birth weight 
• Premature delivery 
• Cognitive and emotional development problems 
• Co-occurring mental health disorders

Thus, dismantling peripartum depression stigma is vital to well-being and preventing depression relapse in recovery.

Dismantling Peripartum Depression Stigma at Driftwood Recovery

The thought of peripartum depression and peripartum depression stigma in your recovery is understandably distressing. However, you can support your well-being and reduce the impact of peripartum depression stigma by engaging in help-seeking behaviors like a support group and therapy. At Driftwood Recovery, we know access to a peer-driven network can give you the tools and support you need to thrive in recovery. 

With a strong and vibrant sober community, you can find the service, accountability, and encouragement needed to meet and overcome the challenges life throws at you. Whether you are thinking about becoming a parent or are in the process of becoming a parent, being involved in an active alumni program can help you lead the courageous life you deserve. 

SUD and depression often co-occur, and depressive symptoms can return in early recovery. The risk of depressive symptoms in recovery can be particularly harmful to females, who are twice as likely to develop depression compared to males. Moreover, depression related to sex, like peripartum depression in pregnancy and birth, can increase concerns about depression relapse. The ability to reduce depression in recovery for women of reproductive age is compounded by peripartum depression stigma. However, with greater awareness and a strong support network, you can combat stigma, peripartum depression, and other types of depression to thrive in recovery. Therefore, at Driftwood Recovery, we are committed to providing a peer-driven community of alumni for sustained recovery. Call us at (512) 759-8330 today.

Psychosis treatment is a mystery to most people. For many, the only places they have seen psychosis is within the media. There, those struggling with psychosis are often depicted as violent people. Popular media is also where the term “psycho” comes from when referring to someone behaving irrationally. Because of this, those who are struggling with conditions that cause symptoms of psychosis may be afraid to seek help. Countless people struggle in silence, which may include yourself and the people you love. 

Education about mental health and its symptoms is vital to our health as a nation. Mental health care and treatment facilities such as Driftwood Recovery have staff that work tirelessly to debunk harmful myths and combat stigma. The goal is not just to spread awareness about this misunderstood symptom but also to inspire hope in those who need psychosis treatment. 

To further this goal, here are some debunked common myths surrounding psychosis, how psychosis is treated, and who may experience psychosis in their lifetime. 

Myth: Psychosis Only Happens to ‘Bad’ People

Psychosis is a symptom that can occur in anyone at any time, regardless of sex, social status, and other factors. According to the psychosis fact sheet published by the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), it’s estimated that between 15 to 100 people out of 100,000 develop psychosis each year. The causes of psychosis vary and can be caused by:

• Exposure to extreme stress and trauma
• Genetics and differences in brain development
• Mental health disorders and conditions, such as schizophrenia
• Drug and substance abuse
• Sleep deprivation 
• Some prescription medications
• Diseases of older age, such as dementia

As you can see, psychosis is a symptom of an underlying cause. It is never the result of a person being ‘bad’ or a moral failing on their part. 

Myth: Clients Are Always Locked up and Cannot Leave in Psychosis Treatment

Those who enroll in a treatment program for psychosis treatment are not prisoners. Clients in outpatient treatment go to treatment centers during the day and then return home once treatment is completed for the day. Those in residential treatment programs live on campus during the duration of treatment, but they can still leave should they wish to. Most choose to remain on campus so they can get the most out of their treatment and relax away from the bustle of society. Driftwood Recovery especially focuses on having a private and safe environment that encourages healing and comfort. 

Clients are not simply locked up and never allowed to leave. This is a common treatment myth surrounding other conditions as well. The truth is that clients have rights that cannot be infringed upon, one of them being free to choose to leave if they truly want to. 

Myth: Psychosis Treatment Is All About Medicating You Into Compliance

The process of psychosis treatment may involve medication and medication management, but that’s not all that it is. Clients struggling with psychosis symptoms might utilize other treatment methods, such as psychotherapy, recreational therapy, and many more. 

In psychosis treatment, clients work to understand what triggers their symptoms of psychosis. They receive treatment for underlying conditions that increase the risk of psychotic episodes. The goal, in the end, is to give clients strategies that they can use to reduce or completely stop potential future psychotic episodes. 

Myth: All People With Psychosis Symptoms Are Inherently Dangerous

Perhaps one of the most dangerous myths of all is that people experiencing psychotic episodes are violent and dangerous. This is mainly the result of horror movies such as Psycho and many others. The fact is that psychosis is a temporary disconnect from reality. This means that a person experiencing a psychotic episode may hear voices or see (hallucinate) things that are not real. They may be convinced that something is true that is not. This unusual behavior may be frightening to others, which may make them fear that the person undergoing the psychotic episode may turn violent. 

Psychosis is more dangerous to the person undergoing the psychotic episode than it would be to another individual. Someone undergoing a psychotic episode may be unaware of the dangers and hazards that they would normally recognize. It’s easy for someone who is disconnected from reality to get seriously injured, especially those who are elderly or otherwise impaired. Psychosis treatment is essential to helping those who struggle with psychosis protect themselves from danger.

Myth: Psychosis Treatment Is Impossible

It’s possible for anyone, no matter who they are, to recover from the underlying causes of psychosis. Even those with a life-long condition can find the treatment they need to help them manage their condition. People can and do live full and happy lives while also living with a chronic condition. Psychosis is a scary condition, but with psychosis treatment, it can be managed or even eliminated. 

However, this state of recovery cannot be achieved without first asking for and accepting help. It’s valid to feel afraid or nervous to seek help. Mental health care professionals, though, work hard to provide a safe and welcoming environment to those in need of help. They will never judge, belittle, or harm you. Their goal is to help you, either by pointing you toward needed resources or enrolling you in a treatment program. 

Psychosis and psychotic episodes may be scary to an outsider, but it’s important to be understanding and empathetic to those who experience them. If you or a loved one is experiencing psychotic episodes, it’s okay to seek help. By debunking harmful myths and spreading awareness, we don’t just help ourselves. We also help those who are looking for help but need to know that recovery is possible, as shown by your example. 

Psychosis is a frightening symptom that can result from many different conditions. Those who experience psychosis often face stigma and fear due to its portrayal in popular media. Understanding what psychosis truly is educates the public and encourages those most in need of help to seek it. These symptoms, though scary, can be managed and recovered from. There is always hope, especially for yourself and your loved ones. Here at Driftwood Recovery in Driftwood and Austin, Texas, clients struggling with symptoms of psychosis find compassionate and comprehensive treatment. With a kind and understanding staff on board, no client has to fear judgment or belittlement. If you or a loved one is struggling, don’t wait. Call (512) 759-8330 today. 

According to Substance Abuse: Research and Treatment, substance use disorder (SUD) often results in little or no social support. Moreover, you are more likely to experience isolation, intimate partner violence (IPV), and other forms of relationship conflict. The aftermath of SUD can impede romantic relationships and leave you feeling too ashamed to repair an existing relationship or foster a new relationship. Therefore, addressing the challenges of SUD and recovery is valuable for supporting healthy romance in recovery.

At Driftwood Recovery, we recognize how important social connection is in reintegrating into the community. Without connection and community, it can be difficult to rediscover your sense of belonging and support your well-being. Moreover, romance in recovery can feel impossible when SUD has fractured your relationship with your partner(s). Further, the sense of shame and the work of recovery can make you feel like romance in recovery is impossible. You may question how any current or new partner(s) could love you. However, you are more than your SUD and deserve love in both platonic and romantic relationships. 

Through a community-driven approach, we are dedicated to helping you reintegrate into society. With a vibrant, sober community, you can find the service, accountability, and encouragement needed to rebuild a connection with yourself and others. Whether you want to repair your current romantic relationship or you are ready to pursue romance in recovery, we are here to support you. With support, you can build the tools you need to thrive as an individual and in romance in recovery for a well-rounded life.

Looking at the value of close relationships can give you insight into how to approach healing and building connections in your life.

The Value of Repairing Close Relationships

It is important to recognize the impact your substance use has had on your loved ones. Many of your loved ones likely felt anger, fear, anxiety, and depression, among other emotions, before and during your treatment. Now that you are in recovery, your loved ones may still feel worried, angry, and/or resentful about your substance use. Although it can feel distressing to think about how your SUD impacted your loved ones and your relationships, it is an important step toward healing. 

Treatment and recovery are not only an opportunity for you to heal but also for the whole family to heal. As the American Journal of Lifestyle Medicine states, fostering social connection is critical to health and wellness. Your social connections with romantic partners, family, friends, neighbors, and colleagues are invaluable to recovery. 

Some of the ways building and or repairing your social connections can support healing include:

• Buffer for life stressors
• Empathy
• Self-awareness 
• Self-understanding
• Ssense of belonging

Looking at some of the benefits of social connection speaks to the value of healing your relationship for romance in recovery.

Supporting Established Romance in Recovery

According to the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, romantic relationships and experiences greatly influence you. Through romantic relationships, you can find an important source of emotional bonding, positive self-concept, and greater social integration. Listed below are some of the ways you can work on repairing your relationships to support romance in recovery:

• Lead with honesty, humility, and empathy
• Take accountability
• Exercise patience and realistic expectations
• Be trustworthy through words and actions
• Attend meetings and therapy 
• Be an active participant in your loved one’s life
• Practice healthy communication skills
• Make space for self-forgiveness

Having tools to rebuild healthy, close relationships can be a wonderful source of healing for you and your loved ones. However, you may question how you can apply repairing relationships to starting a new romance in recovery.

Addressing the Challenges of New Romance in Recovery

Starting a new romance in recovery is not advised when you are in early recovery. In your first year, romance in recovery presents numerous challenges. Post-treatment, romance in recovery can be a distraction from discovering the new sober you and increase your risk for relapse. However, romance in recovery does not have to be off the table forever. After you have taken the time to connect with yourself, build other meaningful relationships, and rebuild other domains of your life, a healthy romance can be a wonderful addition to your life. 

Yet, how do you start a new romance in recovery? How do you talk about your recovery with a new partner? Listed below are some ways to approach romance in recovery:

• Sharing recovery with your partner
  • Be honest and direct 
  • Expect questions
  • Share the importance of your recovery
  • Give them time to process
• Navigating romance in recovery
  • Set healthy boundaries
    • Make recovery a priority 
    • Take things slow
  • Healthy communication
  • Lean on your wider support network

Whether you are in an established relationship or a new relationship, you can build a healthy life together in recovery. Yet, how do you maintain a healthy relationship?

Ways to Support Healthy Romance in Recovery

Fostering healthy relationships, both romantic and otherwise, in your life is built on:

• Mutual respect
• Effective communication 
• Empathy
• Kindness
• Trust
• Honesty
• Problem-solving
• Teamwork
• Supportive
• Healthy boundaries
• Independence
• Gratitude 
• Commitment
• Quality time

Building healthy relationships with others takes work and patience, but you are not alone. With a vibrant alumni program, you can lean on your extended support network to navigate personal growth and romance in recovery.

Fostering Connection With Community at Driftwood Recovery

At Driftwood Recovery, we recognize how important rebuilding a connection to self and others is for healing. Through an attachment-based approach to recovery, you have learned how to foster healthy attachments to the self and others. Yet, it can be intimidating to put the insights you learned in treatment into practice. However, with access to an active alumni program, you can put those insights into your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors into action in your life and relationships. We are dedicated to providing a peer-driven network of alumni to help you strengthen your connection to the self and community.

Rebuilding your life and repairing your relationships in recovery can feel daunting. Moreover, repairing or pursuing new romantic relationships in recovery can feel intimidating. However, building both romantic and platonic close relationships in and outside of your sober community can be invaluable to healing and sustained recovery. Healthy social connections can provide a source of emotional, informational, and instrumental support. While starting a new romantic relationship in early recovery is not recommended, romance in recovery past early recovery is possible. Driftwood Recovery is dedicated to providing a compassionate, peer-driven network of alumni for you to lean on as you learn to navigate personal growth and your relationships in recovery. Call us at (512) 759-8330 to learn more today.

Personality disorders affect more people than an average person may think. According to a collection of 46 studies spanning six continents, there is a worldwide prevalence of any personality disorder of 7.8%, with higher rates in high-income countries, about 9.6%. Those who struggle with a personality disorder face stigma and distrust. This is the result of many factors, such as media depictions, the difficulty in forming and maintaining relationships, and a societal reluctance to discuss personality disorders. 

Perhaps the hardest part of struggling with a personality disorder is the higher likelihood of also struggling with addiction. Although both conditions are difficult to experience and live with, recovery is possible with the right treatment and willingness to make healthy life changes. Driftwood Recovery works to make the treatment process as smooth as possible for any condition. By providing a supportive and judgment-free environment, clients everywhere can recover in comfort. 

The first step to recovery is recognizing when one needs to seek help. By understanding the link between personality disorders and addiction, it becomes easier to recognize the signs of both. Education is always the key to encouraging those who need to seek help. It has a secondary effect of bringing awareness to those struggling that recovery is never impossible.

What Are Personality Disorders?

Personality disorders are a group of long-lasting mental health conditions. These conditions impose distinct patterns of negative thinking and behaviors on a person. This, in turn, greatly impacts their relationships with others. These conditions cause a person to deviate from societal and cultural norms, which causes great distress. They often impair a person’s ability to function and relate to others, which may affect their social and familial lives. People with personality disorders often struggle with understanding emotions, tolerating distress, or may act impulsively.

Many personality disorders currently exist. They are grouped into three distinct clusters. These are:

• Cluster A: These personality disorders are characterized by a lack of interest or suspicion of others due to a consistent dysfunctional pattern of thinking and behavior. Examples include schizoid personality disorder and paranoid personality disorder.
• Cluster B: These personality disorders are characterized by consistent, unpredictable, over-dramatic behavior and over-emotional thinking patterns. Examples include narcissistic personality disorder and borderline personality disorder (BPD).
• Cluster C: These personality disorders are characterized by consistent dysfunctional patterns of anxious thinking and behaviors. Examples include obsessive-compulsive personality disorder and avoidant personality disorder.

Why Does Addiction Commonly Co-Occur With Personality Disorders?

There are several reasons why addiction is often prevalent in those who struggle with personality disorders. Personality disorders, for one, often bring a lot of stress and anguish to an individual. Since there is quite a lot of stigma surrounding personality disorders, a person may be afraid to reach out for help from a professional. To numb and manage these symptoms, a person may be tempted to self-medicate with substances and drugs, such as alcohol. Over time, the body will become tolerant to these substances. This forces the individual to need more of the substance to achieve the same effect. Once a person is dependent, it almost always leads to an addiction. 

Another reason why addiction is strongly linked to personality disorders is due to some of the common symptoms associated with these conditions. Those who have a personality disorder marked by impulsive or reckless behavior are more likely to abuse drugs or alcohol. Peer pressure and the desire to fit in or be “cool” contribute greatly to the impulse to use these substances. Of course, many drugs and substances are highly addictive and may only take a single use to form a chemical dependency.

There may be biological pathways that may be behind why some people have a higher likelihood of developing both conditions. Genetics that make up our bodies may be a major factor. How our brains are built may also be one, as a person with a slightly different prefrontal cortex may struggle with traits like impulsivity. Negative life experiences, such as trauma, may influence if a person develops one or more conditions. Family history may also be a significant risk factor as well. 

Despite these links, it’s important to remember that both these conditions are treatable with specialized care.

Finding Treatment and Healing at Driftwood Recovery

Driftwood Recovery, as a treatment facility, focuses on treating a wide range of conditions. Most of these conditions are co-occurring and require specialized treatment to address. These are called a dual diagnosis, as all conditions must be addressed at once to be properly treated. Personality disorders and addiction are all too common with a dual diagnosis, along with other conditions such as depression and anxiety. A dual diagnosis is treatable as long as the client is willing to ask for help and accept it.

The exact therapies vary depending on the individual and which addiction and personality disorder they are struggling with. However, some treatments are universal. Finding the underlying cause of both conditions is the first step, along with detoxing from the substance or drug being used. The next step is to treat the cause through various therapies, such as psychotherapy. Then, it teaches the client the skills needed to stay in recovery and achieve success post-treatment through various Driftwood Recovery programs. The courageous family program and alumni program are just a few programs used to build connections and healthy relationships with others. As personality disorders often impact a person’s relationships, such programs are vital to the recovery process. 

Perhaps the most important part of treatment at Driftwood Recovery is the realization that these conditions do not make someone a bad person. It’s a safe place to find understanding and respect, especially from fellow peers who are in the same situation. Though the link between addiction and personality disorders exists, it’s not a set in stone thing. It’s always okay to seek help before these conditions gain a stronghold over your life. So, if you are struggling, don’t wait. Reach out for help today. 

Personality disorders are as varied as the people who struggle with them. These struggles can be severe enough to lead to other conditions, including addiction. Struggling with both a personality disorder and addiction can feel overwhelming, but there is hope. Here at Driftwood Recovery in Driftwood and Austin, Texas, clients find the treatment they need to recover from addiction and manage their mental health disorders. The staff at Driftwood Recovery are committed to providing a safe and supportive environment for clients to find healing and understanding. If you or a loved one is struggling, don’t wait to seek help. Call Driftwood Recovery at (512) 759-8330 to begin your recovery journey today. 

Healthcare professionals must follow client privacy laws even at home when discussing work-related events with loved ones. Private conversations with a spouse or other family members may violate client rights unless staff adhere to laws protecting client confidentiality. According to the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) “requires appropriate safeguards to protect the privacy of protected health information and sets limits and conditions on the uses and disclosures that may be made of such information without an individual’s authorization.” Driftwood Recovery prioritizes client confidentiality and ensures all staff members follow strict privacy policies protecting client information. 

Client Privacy in the Workplace and at Home

Clients deserve to be treated and talked about with respect and dignity. Individuals participating in treatment build a bond of trust with their care team. Betraying that trust, even in the privacy of one’s home, may irreparably damage the client-clinician relationship. Being mindful during conversations with loved ones can help staff avoid mentioning information they should not share with unauthorized individuals.  

Sharing Your Emotional Reactions Without Violating Client Rights

Many traumatic, stressful, unusual, and emotionally challenging events happen to individuals in healthcare. Staff watch clients and coworkers go through difficult situations on a daily basis. The constant stress and pressure to meet sometimes unrealistic expectations make it essential for healthcare workers to discuss their thoughts and feelings with members of their support system, including loved ones. Sharing these experiences can help healthcare workers avoid emotional burnout and maintain positive mental health. However, client confidentiality must be maintained during conversations with others, regardless of when or where they occur. 

Client Privacy Laws in Healthcare

Clients have a right to confidentiality. Healthcare professionals and support staff ensure client records remain private and secure. Driftwood Recovery utilizes strict privacy policies to ensure client records and details remain safe and only available to authorized individuals. Healthcare workers must follow federal, state, and local laws protecting client records. Although employers should provide information on relevant laws, it is up to each healthcare worker to remain compliant with the latest privacy rules and regulations.

Some of the client information healthcare providers cannot disclose to unauthorized individuals include: 

• Medical records  
• Demographics
• Billing or payment records 
• Medical imaging 
• Laboratory tests, including blood tests and drug screens 
• Insurance details
• Personal identifying information  

Following client privacy laws helps healthcare professionals build trust with clients. Individuals are more likely to open up and share relevant personal information if they know their records and private conversations will not be shared with anyone outside the care team. 

HIPPA and Private Conversations With Loved Ones

The HIPPA privacy rule makes it illegal to share a client’s protected health information (PHI) with unauthorized individuals, including coworkers, client family members, and trusted friends. Studies have shown that “[t]he HIPAA privacy rule applies to almost every department in a medical facility, even when walking to the parking lot with a colleague or on your home internet, the confidentiality of PHI must be preserved.” Even private conversations with loved ones should not include identifying client information, including age, gender, name, and the specifics of their medical condition or treatment. 

Most people trust their friends and family and may feel comfortable disclosing information they know should not be discussed privately. Driftwood Recovery prioritizes keeping client records and medical details secure. Staff receive training to ensure they know how to avoid disclosing private information while discussing their work with loved ones. Even vaguely alluding to client circumstances may break the HIPAA privacy rule. 

Healthcare workers protect client privacy in personal conversations by doing the following: 

• Avoiding discussions about any unnecessary work details
• Ensuring all work devices, including phones, tablets, or computers, remain locked and secure at all times 
• Using general terms to discuss any workplace events or interactions 
• Educating friends and family members of the importance of confidentiality if they request additional information 
• Avoiding sharing any work-related information over social media or in public areas 

Professionals must protect their client’s safety and confidentiality at all times. Federal, state, and local laws apply at home and in public. If in doubt, staff may speak with a supervisor to clarify what information is confidential, what can be shared, or how to talk about workplace events with families and friends. 

Being Mindful of What Details You Share With Loved Ones

Healthcare professionals must remain mindful of word choices, including the specific language used to describe clients while discussing work events with loved ones. Everyone needs to destress sometimes, and talking through challenging experiences with loved ones can help staff cope with workplace stressors more effectively. However, professionals must maintain client privacy while having those vital discussions. Disclosing traumatic, stressful, humorous, or positive workplace situations with loved ones cannot involve disclosing any identifying information. Practicing mindfulness and remaining aware of privacy laws protects clients and staff members. 

Everyone needs to vent sometimes or share unusual situations they encounter at work. However, healthcare professionals must follow laws protecting client information, even during private conversations with family or friends. Without disclosing protected information, people can be honest with loved ones about work factors impacting their mental health and complex emotions related to client care. Healthcare professionals must remain vigilant about their words when describing clients or workplace situations. Coworkers must also practice discretion when discussing clients they are not actively treating. Client privacy takes precedence and should be supported at all times. Driftwood Recovery has policies in place to protect client confidentiality and privacy. To learn more about how we protect client information, call us today at (512) 759-8330.

Families often play an integral role in client recovery during treatment for substance use disorder (SUD) and mental health conditions. Healthcare professionals must navigate the family dynamics affecting client care and safety. Studies have shown that “family dynamics and the quality of family relationships can positively or negatively impact health.” Driftwood Recovery does comprehensive assessments and a full client history to determine if family relationships may complicate treatment and long-term recovery. Staff members use a compassionate approach to address client families and their concerns.

What Is a Safety Risk?

Safety risks are factors that negatively impact the emotional or physical well-being of individuals in treatment. Families play an important role in creating a healthy and nurturing environment for recovery. According to the Research Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (RAHRQ), “As essential members of the care team, families play a critical role in reducing harm and improving safety for patients.” However, in some cases, unhealthy family dynamics may pose a danger to individuals in treatment. 

Examples of client safety risks healthcare providers may encounter include: 

• Self-harming or self-destructive behaviors
• Adverse reactions to treatment or prescription medications 
• Clients not understanding their treatment or making informed decisions about their care 
• Family members removing clients from care against medical advice 

Client safety is a top priority for the experts at Driftwood Recovery. Staff members regularly check in with clients and practice transparency to ensure clients feel comfortable disclosing any concerns. Clinicians and support staff understand the importance of remaining vigilant to signs of unsafe individuals interacting with clients. Communication or visitation rights may be revoked for individuals who pose a safety hazard to clients or staff. 

Assessing Client Families and Relationship Dynamics

Healthcare professionals must assess clients to determine what underlying factors may impact their mental health and physical safety. Family relationships significantly affect how people see the world and think about their condition. Unhealthy family dynamics may cause some clients to feel ambivalent about treatment. Toxic relationships may also cause physical safety issues if they lead to domestic or family abuse. 

Some of the ways healthcare professionals assess clients and their relationships with family members include: 

• Gathering a family history 
• Direct observation of family interactions and behavioral cues
• Structured interviews with clients and families 
• Identifying roles within the family to determine relationship dynamics 
• Assessing boundaries within the family
• Gaining cultural and socioeconomic context for clients and their families 
• Identifying client resources and support networks 

Healthcare professionals use these methods to better understand the relationships between clients and their family members. A comprehensive review of family dynamics allows staff members to create tailored care plans and address unique challenges clients face during treatment and ongoing recovery. 

How Can Client Families Become a Safety Risk?

Families may pose a physical or emotional safety risk to clients by interfering with treatment or putting clients in danger. Healthcare professionals are mandatory reporters and must act if they notice any abuse affecting clients under their care. 

Families may become a safety risk if they do the following: 

• Enable substance abuse or other unhealthy behaviors
• Cause clients to be overly dependent on them for emotional or practical support 
• Act abusive or aggressive toward the client
• Purposefully expose clients to triggers 
• Dismiss the client’s need for treatment due to ignorance or stigma 
• Violate client boundaries 
• Emotionally manipulate the client 
• Involve the client in illegal activities 
• Fail to acknowledge or address toxic behavior

Clients may have difficulty recognizing unhealthy relationship dynamics. Staff may need to help clients work through understanding how remaining in unhealthy relationships could reduce the effectiveness of treatment, increase the risk of relapse, and cause them to experience complications in recovery. 

Navigating Communication With Client Families During Treatment

Healthcare professionals should remain objective, calm, and focused on conflict resolution while communicating with families. Honesty and transparency also reduce the risk of causing further complications. Ultimately, clients control what information their care team can share with family members. Navigating conversations with client families should be handled with compassion and professionalism. 

Following the HIPAA Privacy Rule

Healthcare professionals must adhere to HIPPA privacy laws while providing support and guidance to clients during treatment. Client information, medical records, and treatment progress cannot be shared with unauthorized family members without the client’s permission.

Toxic or unhealthy family dynamics often cause abusive and controlling family members to try to take control of their loved one’s treatment. Even well-meaning families may struggle to let go of control if clients choose not to include them in their recovery. Staff members must navigate those conversations with empathy and professionalism. 

Following HIPAA requirements means clinicians and support staff cannot share the following with family members without client permission: 

• Conversations between medical professionals about the client’s health and treatment 
• Client contact information, including phone number and home address 
• Information about billing and payments 
• Client health records, including test results and official diagnosis 
• Additional details of the treatment plan

Staff members at Driftwood Recovery protect clients by providing referrals to protective services for individuals struggling with relationship abuse or conflict.

Healthcare professionals may have to navigate situations where clients and their families have unhealthy or dangerous relationships. Domestic violence, abuse, severely co-dependent relationships, and other family dynamics may hurt a client’s mental health and/or substance abuse recovery during treatment. Family members often play a role in treatment and recovery. Rehabilitation and mental health programs provide clients with the resources and tools needed to address unhealthy or unsafe family dynamics. The staff members at Driftwood Recovery receive training on how to recognize and respond appropriately if clients’ families pose any type of safety risk. To learn more about maintaining client safety and addressing family issues, contact our office today at (512) 759-8330.

Self-medicating is a self-destructive behavior that often leads to addiction. Sadly, it’s an all too common behavior that affects countless people, usually the most isolated and vulnerable among us. There are many reasons why a person may choose to self-medicate instead of seeking help. Stigma, lack of education about treatment, poverty, shame, and many more all contribute to the likelihood of someone self-medicating. Understanding these factors and helping those who are struggling are all ways to prevent addiction and other harmful behaviors from taking root.

That’s why mental health care and addiction treatment facilities, such as Driftwood Recovery, work to educate the public and provide compassionate and quality treatment. Awareness and education are key in helping people recognize when they are self-medicating or have developed an addiction. It’s important to remember that anyone can overcome addiction and harmful behaviors if they are willing to accept help. The more awareness is spread, the better the likelihood that a person can get the help they need.

But before a person can get help, they must recognize what self-medicating looks like. Part of this may also involve examining their families closely and how they cope with difficulties. Sometimes, self-medicating behaviors are learned from our loved ones, which makes it even more difficult to recognize and stop. 

What Is Self-Medicating?

When someone self-medicates, they are using a drug or substance without the oversight of a doctor to relieve a negative symptom, real or perceived. Doctors prescribe medication in the exact amounts needed to keep their patients safe. They also check in with their patients regularly to make sure they are okay. Self-medication is dangerous because, without the oversight of a medical professional, drug and substance abuse can cause serious harm.  

Most people self-medicate to deal with chronic conditions. Those living with chronic pain and anxiety disorders are particularly prone to self-medicating. For example, a person struggling with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) may self-medicate by drinking alcohol to numb their nervous system. Someone struggling with pain may self-medicate with opioids. Marijuana is another common substance used for self-medication as a form of stress relief. Regardless of the substance or drug being used, a person will eventually become dependent, which can lead to addiction. 

Being able to recognize the signs of self-medication before it leads to addiction is also essential. Ask yourself the following questions. 

• Do you find yourself turning to a drug or substance to deal with a problem?
• Is it hard to get through a day without using a drug or substances?
• Do you feel as though you must have that drug or substance to function normally?
• When out of a drug or substance, do you panic or feel fear until you can obtain more? 
• Do you use a drug or substance so you don’t have to think about painful memories, feelings, or bodily sensations? 

 Answering yes to any of these questions is a sign that you are self-medicating and should seek help. 

Understanding Why Self-Medicating Often Leads to Addiction

It’s important to remember that addiction is never the result of a moral failing or the mark of a bad person. Addictions work by hijacking essential brain functions and causing them to become chemically dependent on the drug or substance. All substances and drugs will eventually lose their potency over time as the individual develops a tolerance. This forces the user to consume more of the substance or drug to achieve the same effect as before. Over time, this becomes a dependency, which then leads to addiction. 

There is a chemical factor behind addiction that makes it difficult to overcome. However, the psychological factor behind self-medication is perhaps what keeps someone addicted longer. For example, a person struggling with trauma may be afraid to quit drinking because they don’t feel strong enough to face their trauma. Someone else might not know how to relax, so believe sincerely that they cannot relax otherwise without the use of substances or drugs. 

Finding Treatment Before Self-Medicating Leads to Addiction

It’s possible to find help before a negative situation leads to addiction. Preventative mental health care is just as important as medical checkups in terms of maintaining health. There are many treatment facilities, including Driftwood Recovery, that can help someone manage their conditions and stress before they are tempted to self-medicate. Like doctors, mental health care professionals are bound by laws to protect privacy. Those who worry that asking for help may cause problems have nothing to fear. Mental health care professionals will advise, not judge, your situation. Their goal is to lessen your struggles and direct you to the resources you need to seek help. 

If someone has already developed an addiction, they can still receive help. Enrolling in a specialized treatment program is the best way to recover from addiction, as clients will have access to vital services such as medical detox and medication management. There, clients also learn skills that negate the need for self-medicating and keep them in recovery. For example, they learn to build a support network or discover exciting sober activities that give them joy. These greatly reduce the urge to self-medicate during and after treatment. 

No matter if you are currently addicted, on the cusp of addiction, or want to prevent it, help will always be available to you. So don’t allow yourself or a loved one to continue with this struggle alone. No problem is too big or too small to be solved, especially at Driftwood Recovery.

Self-medicating is a harmful behavior that many people engage in. Using drugs or substances without the oversight of a doctor can result in several problems, such as injury, addiction, or even death. People often engage in self-medicating to feel relief from pain, both physical and psychological. Treating this underlying pain gives clients the means to find healing so that they can begin a healthier and sober life. Here at Driftwood Recovery in Driftwood and Austin, Texas, clients find the comprehensive and compassionate care needed to treat a wide range of conditions, bringing relief and healing to countless people. Anyone can recover from their mental health condition, including yourself and your loved ones. So don’t wait, call (512) 759-8330 today.

Depression is one of the most common mental health disorders globally. Further, depression is one of the leading co-occurring disorders with substance use disorder (SUD). According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), approximately 21.5 million adults in the U.S. have a co-occurring disorder. Therefore, addressing the challenges of co-occurring disorders in early recovery and building a foundation of social support is invaluable to maintaining recovery.

At Driftwood Recovery, we know fostering connection through social support is vital to building a strong foundation for sustained recovery. The relationships you foster with others and the community you build through social support help turn the insights you learned in treatment into action. Our commitment to connection and community through social support can be seen in our attachment treatment approach. Thus, with a strong alumni program, you can be empowered by compassion, understanding, and sharing guidance.

However, numerous challenges in early recovery can make it difficult to lean into and build your social support system. Early recovery alone can make you doubt your ability to maintain your recovery. Learning to navigate your newfound independence in recovery can convince you that you are alone. Further, challenges with depressive symptoms can impede your ability to lean into your social support network. 

How do you engage in your social support network when depression weighs you down? Expanding your understanding of depression in early recovery and its impact on you can provide insight into the value of social support for healing.

Understanding Depression in Early Recovery

Depression in early recovery can be tied to preexisting challenges with depression. For example, you may have turned to self-medicating with substances as a maladaptive coping strategy to combat life stressors and trauma. Further, depression can also be present in early recovery due to features of treatment and recovery like detox and abstinence. As SAMHSA notes, depressive symptoms are common in early recovery and are often associated with withdrawal and addiction identity. Thus, the physical and emotional loss of substances can wreak havoc on your body and mind in the form of depression. 

Some of the ways depression can impact your recovery include:

• Helplessness 
• Hopelessness
• Sadness
• Decreased motivation
• No energy to reach out for social support

Not only does depression in early recovery increase your risk for relapse, but it also has a significant impact on your relationships.

Impact of Depression on Interpersonal Relationships

According to the Development and Psychopathology Journal, depressive symptoms and interpersonal relationships can impact parent-child, peer, and romantic partner relationships. Depression and your interpersonal relationships can act as either a predecessor or a consequence of a weak social support network. Thus, depression and or poor social support can create a negative cycle in which depression can impede social support, and poor social support can increase depressive symptoms. Listed below are some of the ways depression and poor social support can harm well-being and recovery:

• More likely to be withdrawn, respond negatively, and behave aggressively
  • Increases relationship conflict
• Lack of energy to take an interest or participate in activities with loved ones
• Problematic interactions and relationships like verbal abuse and emotional neglect
  • Increases depression

Further, depressive symptoms can disrupt your recovery as it leaves you feeling like maintaining your recovery is impossible. Therefore, understanding and building a social support system can be invaluable to early and lasting recovery.

Addressing the Value of Social Support for Depression

Social support considers the number of relationships you have and the function of those relationships, such as informational, instrumental, and emotional. Moreover, the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health defines social support as the resources you receive from social activities, which are broken into objective support and subjective support. Objective support includes material assistance and direct services. Meanwhile, subjective support is the emotional experience in which you feel respected, understood, and supported. 

Listed below are some of the ways strong social support can reduce depression and support mental well-being:

• Improves adaptive coping 
• Increases psychological resilience
• Supports a sense of belonging
• Helps sustain motivation
• Decreases loneliness and negative self-appraisal

The benefits of social support highlight the value of close interpersonal relationships in your life. Yet, how do you build social support and dismantle the consequences of depression in recovery? Humans are social creatures; from birth to the end of life, there is an innate need for connection and attachment with others. Your family plays a significant role in your development as they often offer shelter, support, and affection, among other things.

Building Social Support With Family Therapy

Your family can play a crucial role in well-being, which presents family therapy as a valuable tool for building social support across different networks of support. Some of the ways family therapy can help repair relationships and foster social support include:

• You will learn how to express your experiences to your loved ones
• Your loved ones will learn how to best support you and themselves  
• Increase family cohesiveness
• Improve problem-solving skills

Looking at the ways family therapy can support building your social support network showcases connection as a path to sustained recovery.

Empowering Social Support in Recovery at Driftwood Recovery

At Driftwood Recovery, we know considering the entire family in recovery can give you the well-rounded social support you need to heal and restore balance in your life. With attachment at the core of our approach, we place great value on mutual support and community. Moreover, through our commitment to whole-person healing, you are reminded that recovery is not done in isolation but in the embrace of a strong and compassionate community. Thus, our peer-driven network is designed to support you and your loved ones throughout your recovery journey. No matter where you are on your recovery journey, in a vibrant alumni program, you can find the social support you need to lead the courageous life in recovery you deserve.

Early recovery can be exciting as you learn how to build an independent life in recovery. Yet, early recovery can also come with challenges like depressive symptoms, whether or not you experienced difficulties with co-occurring depression before treatment. Challenges with depression in recovery can increase your risk for relapse as it disrupts your ability to lean on your social support network to manage stressors. However, you can reduce depressive symptoms and foster interpersonal connection for healing with family therapy. At Driftwood Recovery, we are dedicated to providing a supportive, sober community in alumni where you and your loved ones can find the resources you need to reclaim your life. Call us at (512) 759-8330 to learn more today.

One commonly occurring instance in life that is greatly harmful to one’s mental health is toxic relationships. These relationships can occur among family, friends, and peers. What makes these relationships dangerous is that they can sabotage treatment progress or even trigger a relapse for those in recovery. Perhaps the most heartbreaking thing about these relationships is that the connections you feel for them are real, which makes them difficult to break away from.

Learning to recognize and let go of toxic relationships is never easy. It’s especially true for those who are victims of manipulation tactics, such as gaslighting. At Driftwood Recovery, it’s considered an essential skill as part of recovery to identify and let go of toxic relationships. Recognizing who will help or hinder you during and after treatment can be stressful, but you don’t have to make these choices alone.

Mental health care professionals and providers are always there to help you examine your relationships to determine if they are toxic or healthy. Before clients can understand that they are in a toxic relationship, they must first know what a toxic relationship looks like. 

What Are Toxic Toxic Relationships?

Many traits define a relationship as toxic. Simply put, it’s a relationship where a person, either inadvertently or maliciously, causes you persistent harm. This harm can be direct, such as physical hitting or outright insults. However, it can be subtle, such as isolating a person or manipulating them to serve a selfish goal. A healthy relationship is about support and mutual care, which makes us feel good. Toxic ones are heavily one-sided and will feel very unfair, tiring, or frightening. 

These toxic relationships are difficult to deal with because of how prevalent they may be in intimate circles. They can come from family, a peer group, or even from a spouse or partner. It’s normal to still love and care about these people, even if they hurt you. It can make severing yourself from these relationships difficult. Toxic relationships also cause conditions such as depression, addiction, and suicidal ideation. 

It’s normal to feel love for the people who hurt you. Sometimes, what makes toxic relationships so difficult is that when you can end the relationship, you may still mourn and grieve for the relationship you thought you had. Toxic relationships still cause harm in this way, and the experiences they leave with an individual often require professional help to treat.

How Do Toxic Relationships Harm Recovery?

Toxic relationships are dangerous to recovery for several reasons. Perhaps the most serious problem is that can trigger a relapse. Often, this is because toxic relationships are highly stressful, and a person may strongly feel the urge to use substances as a coping mechanism. Other times, a toxic person may maliciously or indirectly trigger a relapse by ignoring a person’s boundaries. 

For example, a person completes treatment for alcohol addiction. A toxic person may refuse to limit their drinking around the person, may constantly invite them to places where drinking is present, or even encourage them to drink again. “Come on, you’re not fun anymore now that you are sober” and “It’s just one drink to celebrate” are all examples of manipulations that can trigger a relapse. 

Toxic relationships are also bad for one’s sense of self-worth and self-esteem. A toxic person can grind down a person’s confidence and make them feel as though they are a failure. One thing a toxic person cannot stand is someone who is bettering their life. As a result, those who try to seek treatment may face sabotage. An example of this is a toxic person threatening to harm themselves if you try to leave them or seek opportunities such as getting a new job or undergoing treatment. 

Finding Help at Driftwood Recovery

There are ways in which a person can learn to recognize and navigate toxic relationships. Such skills are important at Driftwood Recovery, as they allow clients to protect their recovery during and after treatment. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is one such therapy used to help those struggling with a toxic relationship. This therapy helps clients identify harmful thoughts and behaviors and guide them into making positive changes. CBT is also a critical therapy used to teach clients how to set and stick with healthy boundaries.

Group therapy is also helpful in identifying and navigating toxic relationships. Participants in group therapy have experienced many things and have plenty of wisdom to share. They very well may be the ones who can point out if you are being mistreated. Sometimes, having a sounding board of individuals that you don’t know can show you that your relationships are not healthy. Group therapy participants may also have advice on what to do and can share their personal experiences, showing that they are not alone. 

Building confidence and establishing new and healthy support networks is another way to overcome toxic relationships. At Driftwood Recovery, clients learn that they are valid and worthy of care. This is often done through team-building exercises where clients learn to trust each other. Other times, it’s allowed to happen organically through recreation and downtime. Through each step, mental health care professionals are there to offer support and guidance. Once a client finishes treatment, they can join the alumni program, where they can continue the connections forged at Driftwood Recovery and beyond. 

Recovering from a toxic relationship can be difficult, but healing is always possible. When someone recognizes they need help and accepts it, new doors open up to them. 

Toxic relationships are one of the major contributors to addiction and other mental health conditions. They also will keep people from seeking help, achieving recovery, or even outright sabotaging a person’s sobriety. Learning how to recognize and let go of these toxic relationships is essential to achieving and maintaining recovery. That’s why at Driftwood Recovery in Driftwood and Austin, Texas, clients have access to a wide array of therapies designed to help them recognize and remove toxic relationships from their lives. It’s never an easy thing to do, but with newfound confidence and self-respect, clients can take a stand to protect themselves and their recovery. To learn more about treatment at Driftwood Recovery, call (512) 759-8330 today.