Making Positive Personal Change in Your Mental Health Journey

Part of a person’s mental health journey is learning the importance of positive personal change. These changes can be hard at first, especially for people who are naturally more cynical than others. However, being able to make a positive personal change helps people not just improve their mental health but also enjoy life as a whole. It can be difficult to know where to start or what a positive personal change looks like, but it’s possible to make these changes with the right help.

That’s why clients learn how to make a positive personal change at Driftwood Recovery. With the assistance of qualified mental health care professionals spanning many disciplines, clients have the resources they need to make these changes. Over time, anyone can learn how to view the world and their mental health in a more positive light. But how does someone make these changes, and why are they so important? To understand, we must first examine the effects positivity can have on someone’s overall mental health.

How Does Positivity Affect Mental Health?

Our outlook on life has a bigger impact on our mental health than what many would expect. Currently, research is being done on the link between our view on life, both positive and negative, and its effects on our mental health. As of now, we know there is a link between positivity and increased wellness. Numerous articles are being published today about how positivity and mindfulness can affect overall wellness. We may not fully understand how these positive thoughts affect us, but we can see the evidence that they do help.

Making a positive personal change can especially help those who are struggling with a chronic or long-lasting mental health disorder or illness. For example, according to one 2016 study, it’s been found that positive thinking can help reduce worry in those struggling with generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). Thinking more positively can give someone the hope they need to seek and undergo treatment. Sometimes, positive thinking can help with certain conditions and allow someone to recover sooner than expected.

When we examine people who have a more pessimistic life view, we can see how they can negatively impact a person’s mental health. A pessimistic person may feel that they have no hope when it comes to treatment. They may feel as though there is no reason to try, especially for those struggling with learned helplessness. It can take a long time to break someone free of these negative thoughts and allow themselves the chance to seek help and recover. So, making a positive personal change doesn’t just make you feel better; it can also play a serious role in treatment and recovery.

What a Positive Personal Change Looks Like

To make a positive personal change, a person must accept that they need to make changes. Treatment relies on this, as treatment for mental health disorders is not effective unless the client recognizes that they need help and then accepts it. Everyone is constantly growing and improving, and there are always changes a person can make to make them more healthy. A positive personal change is something you can do to improve your own life. For example, a person can make a positive personal change by changing their diet. This doesn’t mean starving themselves. It means finding a way to get the nutrition they need while enjoying the food they eat.

Making a positive personal change also doesn’t mean putting yourself down or thinking you need to be perfect. Perfection is an illusion and only sets someone up for failure. Instead, focus on being a person that you would be proud to be. Another example of a positive personal change is to be kinder to yourself. Some do this by practicing positive affirmations or finding parts of themselves to celebrate. In the end, making enough positive personal changes will leave you feeling better, both physically and mentally.

How Do I Make a Positive Personal Change?

Again, a positive personal change can only be made when someone accepts that they need help. Then, it’s reaching out to professionals who can help them make these life changes. Driftwood Recovery is a place where clients can make several positive changes with the help of mental health care professionals. Part of the assessment process involves working with a client to determine areas that need help or improvement. Then, it’s working with the dedicated specialist to instruct and guide a client through making the necessary changes.

It’s always okay to start small when making a positive personal change. Many times, a client will start small and work their way up to harder tasks. Think of it like exercising at a gym. You never start with big weights if you are a beginner, as that is a good way to injure yourself. Instead, you start with what is comfortable and work your way up to bigger weights as you grow stronger. The same philosophy can be tied to mental health and making a positive personal change to benefit it. Work first to identify changes that need to be made and then seek professional help to make the changes happen.

It’s important to remember that no positive personal change is too small, and no mental health care professional will judge you for the changes you need to make. Making a positive personal change is an individual and deeply personal journey that takes time and effort to accomplish. The goal of any mental health care professional and treatment provider is to guide the client and provide help when needed. This process may take a while, but in the end, anyone is capable of making a positive personal change. They just need to believe that they can do so.

Part of receiving mental health care is learning how to make personal positive changes in your life. When someone cannot see positivity, they can become bogged down by negativity. This can cause someone to give up or stop trying, especially when they are attempting to recover from a serious mental health disorder. That’s why at Driftwood Recovery in Driftwood and Austin, Texas, clients are encouraged to bring positivity into their lives. This is done by the use of therapies designed to inspire self-confidence, teach healthy coping skills, and encourage compassion for oneself. If you or a loved one is struggling to make positive personal changes, don’t give up hope. Call Driftwood Recovery today at (512) 759-8330.

Certified healthcare professionals often have mandatory or voluntary continuing education and skill development opportunities to help them stay up-to-date on the latest healthcare advances. According to the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, “The expertise of multiple providers is often necessary to provide the full scope of care a patient with a SUD needs.” Staff members may choose to expand their skills and become experts in multiple areas of addiction and mental health treatment. Driftwood Recovery ensures staff members have the resources to gain additional skills and undergo annual retraining. Continuing education allows clinicians to provide more effective addiction and mental health treatment to individuals in recovery.

Why Is Continuing Education Important?

Continuing education is vital in healthcare. Every year, science discovers new ways of understanding and approaching treatment for various conditions, including substance use disorder (SUD). Studies have shown that “the purpose of continuing education is to update and reinforce knowledge, which should ultimately result in better patient care.” In addition, “Some health professionals see CE [continuing education] as a means to attain credits for the licensure and credentialing they need to practice their occupations.” Driftwood Recovery values the improved quality of client care and increased clinical skills of staff participating in continuing education.

Continuing education and annual retraining do the following:

• Ensures staff members provide more effective treatment for mental health and addiction recovery
• Facilitates professional growth and helps clinicians move to new positions within the organization
• Fosters trust between clients and the care team
• Ensures healthcare professionals remain competent and capable of treating clients with different needs

Management at Driftwood Recovery understands the importance of continuing education and provides staff members with opportunities to grow their skills and become more experienced in treating substance abuse and mental health disorders. Everyone plays an important role in providing support and guidance to clients. Clinicians are encouraged to build their skills and pursue interests that benefit their careers and the client experience. Driftwood Recovery supports staff members by ensuring they have access to continuing education resources. Clinicians, clients, and their families benefit when healthcare professionals take advantage of additional education and training.

Increased Skills Reduce the Risk of Client Relapse

Individuals in treatment for substance abuse often face many challenges and barriers in achieving long-term sobriety. More experienced clinicians reduce the risk of client relapse by identifying potential issues and offering solutions before they impact treatment. Clients are less likely to experience significant complications during treatment if they work with an experienced and well-trained care team.

Improving skills in healthcare reduces the burden on clinicians and improves client outcomes by doing the following:

• Decreasing the risk of misdiagnosis
• Ensuring clients have access to the best treatment options
• Decreasing stress on healthcare workers

Clients may feel more comfortable with staff who appear confident navigating unexpected challenges. Staff members build a foundation of trust with clients by using the skills they learn in training to address issues affecting client recovery.

How Does Driftwood Recovery Support Continuing Education?

Staff members can cross-train within the organization to build essential skills or continue their education to attain additional certifications. Management helps clinicians and support staff pursue their passions in mental health and addiction recovery.

Some of the ways Driftwood Recovery supports continuing education include:

• Adjusting schedules to allow for classes and training
• Encouraging different departments to collaborate and share knowledge
• Providing access to training materials and continuing education opportunities

Any staff member can take advantage of the benefits and policies supporting continuing education and skill development. Driftwood Recovery’s management team encourages people to follow their passions and develop new skills to better serve clients.

Learning New Skills to Improve the Client Experience

A client’s experience in treatment impacts the trajectory of their life. A positive treatment experience has the potential to completely turn someone’s life around for the better and ensure a healthy outcome. The connections clients build with staff members, the skills they learn, and the routines they establish directly affect their ability to maintain sobriety after transitioning out of structured care. Learning new skills ensures the care team has additional tools to help clients heal and recover from substance abuse.

Some of the skills staff members may develop during training and continuing education include:

• Communication and social skills
• Skills for evaluating and assessing client needs
• The ability to identify and address health disparities

Clinicians often gain additional resources they can use to help clients heal and grow during early recovery.

Continuing Education Helps Clinicians Retain Essential Information

Continuing education helps staff members gain additional skills and retain essential information. Continuing education also helps staff members support clients through every stage of recovery by ensuring they have access to high-quality, effective care. In addition, clinicians attending classes to gain additional certifications or licenses will have more knowledge to share with clients and coworkers. Learning more about existing skills or developing entirely new areas of expertise improves the effectiveness of care programs. Clinicians at Driftwood Recovery are more likely to retain essential information and provide creative solutions to unexpected challenges if they have more extensive training and education.

Many healthcare professionals work in positions where they must regularly renew their certifications or participate in continuing training. Clients and staff at Driftwood Recovery benefit from continuing skill development, yearly retraining, and continuing education. The field of mental health and addiction recovery is constantly changing to accommodate new insights and research. Remaining up-to-date on the latest treatment options ensures clients and clinicians have more positive experiences. Staff members work closely with one another to ensure every clinician stays updated on their areas of expertise, improving the collaborative experience. Everyone benefits when professionals develop new skills through education and training. To learn more about our programs and services, call our office today at (512) 759-8330.

According to Drug and Alcohol Review, between 30% and 80% of individuals with substance use disorder (SUD) experience cognitive impairments. In addition, mental health disorders are closely associated with functional impairment. Whether your challenges with functional impairments stem from SUD or other mental health challenges, they impede life skill building. Your ability to engage in life skill building is a vital part of living a quality life. Therefore, increasing your awareness of life skill building and executive function can support lasting recovery.

At Driftwood Recovery, we recognize that an important part of sustained recovery is community integration. Through community integration, you learn how to live in your community and build a meaningful life without substances. Moreover, the process of community integration supports your abilities and encourages life-skill building. When you continue to invest in life skill building in recovery, it allows you to continue to learn and grow. Therefore, understanding what executive functioning is can support sustained recovery.

Yet, you may question what executive function is. How does executive function relate to life skill building in recovery?

What Is Executive Function?

According to “Executive Function & Self-Regulation” from Harvard University, executive function is a set of skills. Specifically, executive function and self-regulation are skills that help you plan, focus your attention, remember instructions, and balance multiple tasks. Moreover, the life skill building born from executive function requires:

• Working memory
  • Controls your ability to retain and manipulate distinct pieces of information across short periods
• Mental flexibility
  • It helps you maintain or shift your attention to respond to multiple demands and apply different rules in different settings
• Self-control
  • Allows you to set priorities and resist impulsive actions and or responses

The skills that come with executive functioning help you manage a variety of important processes:

• Filters for distraction
• Helps prioritize different tasks
• Control impulses
• Set and achieve goals

Thus, executive functioning is vital to success at school, work, and life, as well as cognitive, social, and psychological development. Although you are not born with executive functioning skills, they can be learned. As noted in “What Is Executive Function? And How Does It Relate to Child Development?” from Harvard University, executive functioning skills are developed through experiences and practice. Typically, you start building executive functioning skills in infancy, like playing peekaboo. However, executive dysfunction can impede your ability to engage in life skill building for your well-being.

Understanding Executive Dysfunction

As noted by the Cleveland Clinic in “Executive Dysfunction,” challenges with executive dysfunction are often a symptom of a variety of conditions like attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), autism, and depression. Executive dysfunction is a disruption in your brain that impairs your ability to control your thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. Challenges with executive dysfunctions can be detrimental to your ability to function in your daily life.

For instance, executive functioning is important for problem-solving, critical thinking, and planning. Now, you may wonder what executive dysfunction looks like in your daily life. Executive dysfunction can manifest in a variety of ways because it impacts many different areas of the brain. Some examples of executive dysfunction include:

• Difficulty focusing
• Unable to move from one task to another
• Difficulty planning and managing time
• Unable to express thought process out loud

With increased awareness of executive function and dysfunction, you can understand the significance of life skill building for functioning. Understanding the importance of brain function can help highlight the impact substance misuse can have on life skill building.

Substance Use Disorder and Life Skill Building Impairment

It is commonly known that both the use and misuse of substances have an impact on your brain. As stated in Learning and Memory, impulsivity and maladaptive decision-making are cornerstones of impairment born from addiction. The loss of control over functioning due to substance misuse is a product of changes to neural signals in the brain.

Moreover, substance misuse disrupts and changes the reward centers in the brain, which increases the craving for those reward feelings. The challenges of SUD impede life skill building for both cognitive and emotional processing, like emotional control, decision-making, and building new skills. Further, as previously mentioned, challenges with executive functioning and life skill building are also tied to mental impairments.

The Impact of Mental Health Disorders on Executive Function

Functional impairment and mental health disorders are synonymous with each other. The entanglement of impairment in life skill building with mental health disorders is due to mental health as a component of being that encompasses your emotional, psychological, and social well-being. More specifically, your mental health impacts how you think, feel, and behave concerning your experiences and interactions.

Further, as stated in the Iranian Journal of Public Health, severe mental illness (SMI) is a mental, emotional, or behavioral condition that leads to functional impairment that greatly restricts or interferes with your life and everyday activities. Many of the symptoms of SMIs, like bipolar disorder (BD) and major depressive disorder (MDD), contribute to impaired functioning through emotional dysregulation, low self-esteem, and interpersonal conflict. Despite the functional impairment that comes with mental health disorders, treatment and continued support from alumni help reduce and manage your symptoms.

Alumni Life Skill Building at Driftwood Recovery

It is never too late to work on life skill building to support a quality life. Through the fostering of life skill building, you can improve multiple areas of well-being such as:

• Communication
• Self-awareness
• Resilience
• Problem-solving
• Self-care
• Goal setting

At Driftwood Recovery, we know reintegration into your everyday life is best supported with access to knowledge and skill building interventions. Through an active and vibrant alumni program, you have access to services and resources that support life skill-building for sustained recovery. With guidance and support, you are reminded of your strengths and skills to be a productive member of society. Whether you need help building your social skills or tools for finding gainful employment, our peer-driven network can support you in building a purposeful life.

SUD can lead to changes to your brain that increase your risk for executive dysfunction. Moreover, challenges with the symptoms of mental health disorders like depression and bipolar disorder can contribute to functional impairments that disrupt your daily life and activities. Functional impairments can include difficulties with decision-making, emotional regulation, and completing tasks. Therefore, investing in interventions that support life skill building can support symptom reduction, relapse prevention, and life satisfaction. At Driftwood Recovery, we are committed to providing a robust and vibrant alumni program where you can continue to build on your life skills through access to resources like the lived experiences of your peers. Call us at (512) 759-8330 to continue building skills for your sustained recovery.

When someone has an active addiction, they may require the use of residential treatment to help them recover. Contrary to popular belief, residential treatment is not a prison, nor are people forced into it against their will. Residential treatment is a voluntary program where a person can recover from addiction in comfort and safety. Of course, every mental health care and addiction treatment facility is different. Some will focus on specific treatment philosophies, such as holistic addiction treatment. Others will focus on treating specific addictions or different types of people, such as senior-focused treatment or alcohol addiction. It’s always important to understand what a treatment facility specializes in to get accurate care.

Driftwood Recovery is a treatment facility that offers several types of treatment programs, including a residential treatment program. However, Driftwood Recovery is different compared to other treatment facilities, as it also focuses on treating chronic pain, such as fibromyalgia. This is because chronic pain can be a major factor in the development of a mental illness or disorder, which includes addiction. The staff at Driftwood Recovery believes in making sure clients have all of their needs met, which influences what is offered as part of their residential treatment program.

What to Expect in Residential Treatment at Driftwood Recovery

Adults from all walks of life can seek treatment at Driftwood Recovery. Many enjoy the quiet and serene atmosphere, allowing people to escape the public eye and seek treatment in comfort and peace. Every client is given an assessment, which allows them to be matched with the treatment providers that can provide the most help. Sometimes, a client will require stabilization in the form of medically assisted detox before they can begin treatment. This process is overseen by medical professionals, which allows clients to detox from alcohol and other substances safely. Treatment plans are carefully discussed with the client, which allows them to communicate their needs with their treatment providers.

Driftwood Recovery focuses on holistic and evidence-based treatment, especially the mind-body connection. Clients spend time learning about body wellness, which includes fitness and proper nutrition, as well as reducing the effects of chronic pain and tension. They also have access to common therapies, such as psychotherapy and eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) therapy. Group and family therapy is also common in residential treatment. Specialty consultation is also used to make sure a client has all of their needs met, especially for underlying conditions such as trauma or grief.

Overall, care is taken for those in residential treatment to have a varied day between moving their body, receiving treatment, and having plenty of time for rest and socialization. It’s ideal for those with a dual diagnosis or co-occurring disorders, as they can find all the treatment they need in one place. The purpose of residential treatment is to provide structure so the client can focus on treatment without much worry. To make this more effective, clients live on campus throughout the treatment program. How long treatment lasts depends on the individual, but it’s typically between one to three months.

What Does an Average Day in Residential Treatment Look Like?

The day begins by waking up and the client making sure their living space is tidy. Then, clients spend time in meditation before eating breakfast. Nutrition is incredibly important, so all meals are prepared by an in-house chef and are balanced to provide both tasty and nutritious meals. Clients have some time after breakfast to enjoy the serene campus outside before gathering with staff for Morning Reflection. After setting their goals for the day and reflecting on their emotional and physical status, it’s time to begin with treatment.

The exact treatments done during the day depend on the client. However, some are universal. All clients have a fitness plan based on their goals and physical ability and thus will spend some time exercising. This also serves the purpose of getting the client to move their body. Part of this time is spent outside, which can boost mood and overall wellness. Experiential therapy will happen twice a week, allowing clients to participate in exciting activities, such as the onsite rope course. Clients also participate in skill groups and individual sessions with their treatment providers and therapists. During the middle of the day, clients enjoy another nutritious meal where they can relax until their next treatments.

Once dinner has been served, clients begin to wind down for the day and do some tasks before bed. These tasks vary. Some choose to study, others will go to recovery or 12-Step meetings, or just call their loved ones. It’s during this time that many clients will participate in therapeutic recreation, such as art. After some time to relax, it’s time for bed, and a fresh new day awaits.

A Place of Safety and Comfort

Residential treatment is effective because of the safety and comfort it provides. Clients can recover easily knowing that there are professionals available at all times who can help them in an emergency. It provides a place free of the normal stressors of life. Clients are given everything they need: food, shelter, and compassion, so they can solely focus on their recovery. Driftwood Recovery is private and secure, allowing clients to recover without harassment from the outside world. Many clients from big cities also appreciate the location, which allows them to enjoy the outdoors in a way they wouldn’t normally be able to.

Clients can trust that they will be taken care of in residential treatment. Again, residential treatment is not a prison where people are forced into it against their will. Countless clients have found not just healing and recovery but also the skills needed to uplift and improve themselves on a personal level. It’s safe, effective, and comfortable, which is what people need when recovering from addiction.

For those who have never been in residential treatment, it can be a scary and overwhelming prospect. Though these feelings are valid, there is nothing to fear while undergoing residential treatment at Driftwood Recovery in Driftwood and Austin, Texas. Here, clients have access to a safe and supportive environment where they can recover away from common stressors. Overseen by compassionate and professional staff, clients receive the quality treatment they need to overcome their struggles. Residential treatment is not a prison. It’s a place where clients are encouraged to be kind to themselves. If you or a loved one is struggling or needs more information about residential treatment, don’t wait to get help. Call (512) 759-8330 today.

Many clients diagnosed with substance use disorder (SUD) have co-occurring mental health issues requiring treatment or accommodations. Treatment may involve integrative care and a combination of therapeutic modalities tailored to the client’s needs. According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), “Integrating both screening and treatment for mental and substance use disorders leads to a better quality of care and health outcomes for those living with co-occurring disorders by treating the whole person.” Driftwood Recovery uses comprehensive assessments and screening tools to ensure clients receive an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

The Prevalence of Co-Occurring Disorders in Addiction Recovery

Many people with SUD have at least one co-occurring mental or physical health issue. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), “Of the 20.3 million adults with substance use disorders, 37.9% also had mental illnesses.” Multiple barriers exist to stop people from getting the help they need to address co-occurring disorders.” Among adults with co-occurring disorders who did not receive mental health care, their reasons for not receiving it were:

• 52.2% said they could not afford the cost.
• 23.8% said they did not know where to go for treatment.
• 23.0% said they could handle the problem without treatment.
• 13.6% said they feared being committed.
• 12.4% said it might cause their neighbors to have a negative opinion of them.
• 11.1% said they did not think treatment would help.
• 10.6% said they did not have the time.
• 10.1% said they were concerned about confidentiality.”

Reducing barriers to care often involves educating individuals, families, and communities about the realities of addiction and mental health treatment. Staff at Driftwood Recovery support the treatment of mental health disorders by providing psychoeducation, building trust with clients, and offering multiple treatment options.

Simultaneous Treatment for Dual Diagnosis

Staff members may use multiple therapeutic modalities to address co-occurring substance abuse and mental health disorders over the course of weeks or months as clients step down through different levels of care. Individual and group therapy is tailored to each client’s unique needs and adjusted as needed to meet recovery goals. However, not everyone needs or benefits from simultaneous treatment for mental health and substance use issues. For example, individuals with severe SUD and mild anxiety related to specific phobias may want to address the primary condition first and follow up with treatment for less severe mental health issues. Every case is unique. Driftwood Recovery uses comprehensive assessments and in-depth interviews with clients and their families to determine the best approach to treatment.

The Importance of Clinician Collaboration During Treatment for Co-Occurring Disorders

At Driftwood Recovery, every department collaborates to ensure a consistent and positive client experience. Every staff member, from the front desk to the management team, ensures clients feel heard, respected, understood, and valued while participating in treatment. Consistency and structure have a profound positive effect on mental health treatment and reduce stress for individuals in recovery. Open communication and collaboration between departments also ensure every staff member feels supported and can provide clients with the best treatment options.

Collaboration between staff members does the following:

• Reduces human errors in treatment
• Improves the effectiveness of therapy and other treatments
• Decreases uncertainty or confusion for both clients and clinicians

Driftwood Recovery prioritizes high-quality, collaborative care between clients and the care team. Before treatment begins, the clinical team establishes a foundation of trust with clients. People in treatment are more likely to express needs and concerns if they feel comfortable with staff. Co-occurring disorders are easier to treat when the care team has a clear understanding of what the client needs to feel more in control of their recovery. The social connection between clinicians and clients plays a critical role in treating dual diagnosis.

Common Co-Occurring Mental Health Disorders

Some of the most common mental health disorders diagnosed alongside substance abuse include:

• Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
• Schizophrenia
• Borderline personality disorder (BPD)
• Major depressive disorder (MDD)
• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
• Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD)
• Bipolar disorder

Some clients may require treatment for multiple forms of substance abuse and co-occurring mental health disorders. Staff members at Driftwood Recovery have decades of combined experience helping clients heal from multiple active and underlying issues affecting mental health.

How Does Driftwood Recovery Treat Co-Occurring Disorders?

Driftwood Recovery uses the following to treat or manage symptoms and side effects of co-occurring mental health disorders:

• Prescription medications
• Evidence-based and alternative holistic therapies
• Individual therapy
• Peer support
• Self-help groups

Case managers monitor client progress and advocate for them with the care team to ensure individuals in treatment have access to essential mental health support and services.

Clients With Multiple Disorders Often Require More Comprehensive Care

Co-occurring disorders often require more comprehensive care and longer time in treatment or aftercare. The one-on-one time spent with these clients is frequently increased to ensure the care team has the time to address underlying issues impacting mental health. Driftwood Recovery limits the number of clients seen at one time to ensure clients and staff feel supported and have time to truly engage and dig deep into the issues impacting mental health. Everyone is given the time and space to navigate recovery at their own pace.

Many clients with substance use disorder (SUD) have co-occurring mental health issues impacting their ability to function, manage symptoms, and successfully achieve sobriety. Some of the most common co-occurring conditions, including mood disorders, can impact motivation and engagement in treatment. By treating all active conditions and underlying issues, clinicians better prepare clients for long-term recovery. Co-occurring disorders may require extended treatment. The care team uses personalized treatment and aftercare plans to ensure clients continue to receive the support they need to heal from SUD. Staff members at Driftwood Recovery support client recovery by using evidence-based and alternative holistic therapies to address co-occurring disorders alongside substance abuse. To learn more about our programs and services, contact us at (512) 759-8330.

As the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) notes, recovery is a process of change. Moreover, recovery has four major dimensions: health, home, purpose, and community. In finding your sense of purpose, looking toward education for sustained recovery can support making meaning in your life.

Whether you find meaning in work, volunteering, or school, it gives you the resources you need to participate in society. The sense of belonging and connection that comes with an adaptive approach to living supports recovery. In particular, education for sustained recovery can open the door to increased self-understanding.

At Driftwood Recovery, we know forming healthy attachments in yourself and with others can turn clinical insight into action. The action of insight starts with opening yourself up to learning and growing. Education is an integral part of the recovery process that gives you access to tools to support deeper self-understanding. With deeper self-understanding, you are more equipped to make positive changes in your life. Thus, seeking education can support building a self-directed and fulfilling life in recovery.

Yet, you may question how education for sustained recovery impacts your life. Considering the relationship between substance misuse and school can provide insight into the power of education for sustained recovery.

Drop Out: Addressing the Impact of Substance Use on Education

As the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) notes, experiencing multiple symptoms of severe substance use disorder (SUD) in adolescence is consistent with SUD in adulthood. Thus, the severity of substance misuse in adolescence highlights increased vulnerability for SUD. The consequences of early misuse can be seen in the academic performance of young people.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), there is a close relationship between health and education. Students who use substances in adolescence are more likely to have poor academic grades. In particular, students with higher grades are less likely to use marijuana, misuse prescription medication, or use substances before the age of 13.

Yet, how does substance use contribute to poor academic performance? As noted in the Journal of School Health, substance use is associated with learning and memory deficits. Regardless of age, substances change your brain, like interfering with the way information is processed. Thus, substance misuse can impair thoughts, feelings, and behaviors.

Moreover, substance use can be even more detrimental to underage people because the brain is still developing. The impact substance use can have on your ability to do things like concentrate, problem-solve, or make decisions highlights impairment to the types of skills needed to be academically successful in school. Furthermore, many of the impairments that are born out of SUD can also be found in mental health challenges. Therefore, mental health disorders showcase their impact on academic success.

Addressing the Challenges of Mental Health in School Settings

When left unaddressed, mental health challenges can impede education for sustained recovery. Thus, with more awareness of education and mental wellness, you can recognize the value of education for sustained recovery. As noted in Social Psychiatry and Psychiatric Epidemiology, difficulties with externalizing or internalizing problems contribute to poor academic performance and higher dropout rates.

For example, externalizing issues like conduct disorder (CD) can lead to conflict with school authority figures. Through conflict with teachers and administrators, children experience social exclusion, like frequent suspensions that disrupt academic participation. At the same time, internalizing issues like depression and anxiety in school contribute to impaired psychosocial functioning, like difficulty concentrating.

The consequences of poor academic performance can follow you across your life course, from the loss of job opportunities and financial instability to poor health and life satisfaction. Thus, looking at the impact of mental health challenges on learning highlights the value of education for sustained recovery.

Benefits of Education for Sustained Recovery

There are a variety of educational benefits that can support building a meaningful life. For instance, more job opportunities and, thus, higher pay can be beneficial to maintaining recovery. However, building a life based on purpose is also valuable to recovery through education. Whether you are seeking your GED or higher education in college, education for sustained recovery can expand your understanding of yourself and your place in the world. Some of the ways education for sustained recovery can empower you include:

• Self-esteem, self-worth, and confidence
• Belief in yourself
• Self-awareness and self-understanding
• Expanded knowledge and skills

Despite the benefits of education, the thought of returning to school can be daunting. School can be a stressor that impedes well-being. However, with support, education can be a tool for adaptability and wellness. Through supportive programs like recovery high schools (RHSs) and recovery colleges, you can find education for sustained recovery no matter where you are in your journey.

Breaking Down Barriers: Supporting Education for Sustained Recovery

RHSs provide both educational and therapeutic support to students in recovery. Combining recovery meetings, family programs, wellness activities, and traditional education classes helps students learn how to live a life in recovery in the real world. Similarly, recovery programs in college also provide access to educational and therapeutic support. According to “College Programming for Students in Addiction Recovery” by Noel Vest et al., collegiate recovery programs (CRPs) create a recovery-friendly environment where things like peer support, recovery housing, and easy access to counseling staff can help you thrive.

Healing With Education for Sustained Recovery at Driftwood Recovery

Access to resources like CRPs is made possible by services like an alumni program. Through alumni, you gain access to a wide range of services and resources like education for sustained recovery. At Driftwood Recovery, we believe providing access to resources like education consultants and employee assistance programs strengthens our therapeutic impact for lasting recovery. Through an expansive and connection-driven network, our alumni make education for sustained recovery possible. No matter where you are on your recovery journey, we are committed to providing the resources you need to thrive in every part of your life.

Challenges with SUD and/or mental health disorders can impede your functioning. Substances and mental distress can cause impairment in areas like concentration, decision-making, and feelings, which can increase the risk of poor academic performance and dropout. The consequences of poor academic performance can include financial insecurity, loss of opportunities, and poor health. Thus, a lack of quality education can further increase your risk for challenges with SUD and mental health disorders. However, with support like recovery high schools and college recovery programs, education for sustained recovery is possible. At Driftwood Recovery, we are committed to connecting you to a wide network of services to help you thrive. Call us at (512) 759-8330 to learn more about education in recovery.

The impact of grief on a person’s mental health cannot be overstated. Grief doesn’t just affect mental health. It can also have a profound effect on someone’s physical health as well. When someone is feeling the impact of grief, it can feel all-consuming. Grief, they say, is love with no place to go, a sentiment that illustrates the pain people experience when experiencing a loss.

However, despite the impact of grief being painful, it is a natural part of life. It’s normal for someone to experience grief when they lose something or someone dear to them. Sometimes, this grief can become severe enough to overtake someone’s life for months to even years at a time. It takes specialized and compassionate treatment, such as the treatment found at Driftwood Recovery, to make peace with grief and heal from the pain of loss. To further understand how grief affects us, we must first understand what grief is.

An Overview of Grief

Grief is the pain and anguish we feel after a great loss. Contrary to common knowledge, grief doesn’t always come from the death of a loved one. It’s also possible to grieve the loss of an experience. For example, a person who was parentified as a child may grieve the loss of their childhood. People may also feel grief over losing a part of themselves. An example of this is someone grieving over the loss of their hair due to chemotherapy treatments. The impact of grief can be felt from losing a job, getting a divorce, losing your independence, and more. All forms of grief are valid, no matter the source.

The impact of grief is especially felt when someone is undergoing a form of complicated grief known as prolonged grief disorder, a condition featured in the DSM-5. It is marked by intense feelings of loss that prevent someone from living a normal life. Sometimes, these symptoms can persist for years and can greatly impact a person’s relationships, job, schooling, or daily life.

The symptoms of prolonged grief disorder are:

• Intense pain, sorrow, anger, rage, and rumination over your loss
• Difficulty in accepting the loss
• Detachment or persistent numbness
• Intense focus on reminders or avoidance of reminders of who/what you have lost
• Persistent or intense longing or pining for who/what you lost
• Focusing on little else but your loss
• Self-destructive behavior, such as substance abuse, self-harm, extreme risk-taking, and suicidal ideation

How long it takes to grieve varies from person to person, but the impact of grief can be felt for years after the loss. Even “normal” grief can seriously affect someone’s mental health, even if it is temporary.

The Wide-Scale Impact of Grief on Mental Health

Grief can be felt long after a loss. Sometimes, this grief is intense enough to result in various conditions. Depression is, perhaps, the most common illness or disorder that can develop as a result of grief. Anxiety of any form is another, with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) being likely to develop after a traumatic loss. Thankfully, these disorders can be treated, and a person can recover from them as they complete the grieving process.

The impact of grief can cause several symptoms that are temporary but still take a toll on a person’s mental health. Some of these symptoms are:

• Feeling lethargic, apathetic, or a lack of energy
• Difficulty falling asleep or sleeping too much
• Feelings of sadness, emptiness, guilt, loneliness, and anger
• Difficulty focusing or connecting on tasks
• Withdrawing from relationships and social interactions
• Crying or sobbing
• Questioning parts of your life, such as life goals, religious beliefs, or career choices
• Appetite changes, such as over-eating or not eating at all

These symptoms can make it temporarily difficult to function in day-to-day life. The impact of grief makes it difficult to get proper rest and nutrition, resulting in the brain and body being unable to heal and nourish itself. It’s not uncommon for people who are grieving to suffer from poor health due to the stress grief places on the body. In severe cases, a person may attempt to mask the pain they feel by engaging in substance abuse. When grief is causing serious harm to yourself and others, it’s time to seek help.

Lessening the Impact of Grief

Finding help for grief may feel intimidating at first, but there are many treatment providers out there who specialize in guiding their clients through their loss. It may feel like nothing can help, but several treatment options exist to help those who are currently struggling with the impact of grief. At Driftwood Recovery, clients find understanding and compassionate treatment designed to help those who are grieving. They can also find the help they need for other illnesses and disorders associated with grief, such as addiction and depression. You can trust that a treatment provider will never belittle your grief. Instead, you can trust that they will treat you with respect and care.

Grief is not always something a person can process on their own. It’s always okay for someone to seek help for their grief, no matter how mild or severe it is. However, it’s also important to remember that grief is not a punishment. Part of the impact of grief is to feel negative emotions, guilt being one of them. Willingly subjecting yourself to suffering is not a way to absolve these negative feelings. Instead, be kind to yourself and let professionals help you experience joy and hope again.

Grief is a powerful emotion that can affect us both physically and mentally. When grief becomes overwhelming, it can have a profound negative effect on mental health. It can feel like grief is all-consuming, but anyone can get the help they need to find peace again. Here at Driftwood Recovery in Driftwood and Austin, Texas, clients learn how to cope with their grief healthily. Care is taken to bolster the family so they, too, can get the help they need to support their loved ones through a difficult time. With compassionate and quality treatment, clients find a safe place to heal. If you or a loved one is struggling with their mental health, call (512) 759-8330 today.

Many clients in treatment for substance use disorder (SUD) have underlying trauma impacting their ability to heal and move forward with their lives. Staff members may also have a history of trauma affecting how they interact with clients and build collaborative relationships. Trauma-informed care (TIC) reduces the risk of retraumatization for both clients and clinicians. According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), “TIC views trauma through an ecological and cultural lens and recognizes that context plays a significant role in how individuals perceive and process traumatic events, whether acute or chronic.” Driftwood Recovery uses TIC to help clients and clinicians build trusting and beneficial relationships.

Trauma-Informed Care Protects Clinicians From Experiencing Secondary Trauma

Clinicians benefit from TIC. According to the Administration for Children and Families (ACF), “Compassion fatigue, or secondary traumatic stress disorder, is a natural but disruptive by-product of working with traumatized clients . . . Many types of professionals, such as physicians, psychotherapists, human service workers and emergency workers, are vulnerable to developing this type of stress.” Clients in treatment for substance abuse are more likely to have a history of traumatic events impacting their mental health. Staff members working with these individuals must protect their own health by being mindful of how they respond emotionally to the other person’s trauma.

TIC protects staff from secondary trauma by doing the following:

• Acknowledging how trauma impacts a person’s behaviors, beliefs, and thoughts
• Ensuring clinicians adjust their approach to care in a way that supports trauma recovery
• Creating a bond of trust between clients and the care team
• Empowering clients to play an active role in their recovery, reducing stress on clinicians

TIC plays an essential part in recovery for many people with unaddressed trauma. Staff members at Driftwood Recovery are trained to recognize the signs of trauma and treat individuals using empathy and compassion. Being mindful of the impact caused by trauma ensures clients and clinicians feel comfortable, safe, and respected during interactions.

Building Trust By Respecting Client Boundaries

Clients deserve to have their boundaries respected. Often, people with a history of trauma experience trust issues due to past instances of boundaries being pushed or ignored by others. Staff members at Driftwood Recovery understand the importance of building trust with each person. Treatment for substance abuse is much more effective if clients feel comfortable relying on their care team and honestly sharing thoughts or concerns.

Healthcare workers build trust with clients by doing the following:

• Actively listening and providing support based on client needs, preferences, and treatment goals
• Being open and honest about potential challenges and offering multiple solutions
• Collaborating closely with clients and their loved ones to create a personalized treatment experience
• Modeling healthy interactions and social behaviors

Clients are more likely to respond positively and build trust with staff who show them respect and take the time to truly understand their needs. TIC reduces miscommunication and improves the client-clinician relationship.

Benefits of Trauma-Informed Care in Treatment for Substance Abuse

TIC creates a supportive environment. Clients feel more comfortable engaging with their care team, and staff members gain confidence in their ability to manage challenges related to client care. Trauma-informed, personalized care plans ensure consistent and appropriate treatment through every stage of recovery.

Clients also gain self-awareness and more significant insights into their condition if they engage in TIC. Studies have shown that many “individuals who seek treatment in behavioral health settings have histories of trauma, but they often don’t recognize the significant effects of trauma in their lives; either they don’t draw connections between their trauma histories and their presenting problems, or they avoid the topic altogether.” Clinicians use therapy and other treatment services to help clients better understand and process their trauma.

The Relationship Between Trauma and Substance Abuse

Trauma and substance abuse share many common risk factors, including:

• Family history of substance abuse or mental health disorders
• Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs)
• Physical, verbal, emotional, or sexual abuse
• Neglect
• Unhealthy relationship dynamics
• An unsafe living environment

People diagnosed with SUD have a higher risk of experiencing traumatic events. In addition, individuals with SUD often lack the necessary social support and coping skills to heal from trauma without the help of mental health professionals.

How Does Driftwood Recovery Incorporate Trauma-Informed Care?

Driftwood Recovery provides staff with training and resources designed to address trauma-related issues in a relevant and appropriate way. In addition, staff meet each day to discuss any potential problems or concerns related to client care. Treating clients who have a history of trauma may require additional collaboration from staff members. Driftwood Recovery encourages staff members to share skills between departments to ensure every staff member feels supported and provided with the resources to address trauma-related issues. Everyone benefits from TIC and treatment practices.

Trauma-informed care is an umbrella term used to describe various treatment policies, approaches, and services designed to address trauma and reduce exposure to trauma triggers. Many clients with substance use disorder and mental health issues have underlying trauma impacting their ability to heal. Staff members trained to provide trauma-informed care recognize the signs of trauma and how to address it without further traumatizing the client. Driftwood Recovery uses trauma-informed care to protect clients and clinicians, ensuring everyone feels comfortable and safe participating in treatment for SUD. The care team also educates families on the impact of trauma and how to provide support to loved ones in treatment. To learn more about our programs and services, call us at (512) 759-8330.

Healthcare workers must find a delicate balance between providing empathetic care and maintaining positive mental health. Many people in healthcare experience emotional or physical burnout due to the pressures of the job unless they find a way to create a healthy work-life balance. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 46% or “[n]early half of health workers reported often feeling burned out in 2022, up from 32% in 2018.” Driftwood Recovery supports staff members by providing services and policies designed to protect their mental and physical health. Staff members are encouraged to balance work and mental health by setting clear boundaries and practicing self-care.

How Does Being in Healthcare Impact Work and Mental Health?

Healthcare jobs rely on people to help others through a physical or emotional crisis without letting it negatively impact their own well-being. Treating individuals with substance use disorder (SUD) and co-occurring mental health issues can be demanding and emotionally distressing for some people in healthcare. Many individuals experience burnout if they don’t have the skills to cope with challenges in the workplace. According to the Journal of Primary Care and Community Health, “Burnout is a psychological response to chronic workplace stress that can lead to feelings of exhaustion, increased mental distance from one’s job, negativism, cynicism, and reduced professional efficacy.”

Being in healthcare affects mental health by doing the following:

• Increasing exposure to emotionally distressing situations
• Requiring people to display positive behaviors even under extreme stress
• Decreasing time spent doing healthy activities, including socializing with loved ones and practicing self-care
• Exposing people to secondary trauma

Clients in the healthcare field may struggle with distrust of authority or underlying trauma, making it important for healthcare workers to treat each person with empathy and compassion. Constantly being mindful of tone of voice, word choices, and body language may become overwhelming for some people. The need to be supportive can sometimes feel like it takes priority over self-care. However, if healthcare workers don’t care for their own well-being, they cannot provide clients with the highest quality services.

Emotional Burnout in Healthcare

Physical and emotional burnout is a serious problem in healthcare. People treating clients with addiction or mental health issues often have a desire to help and go the extra mile to help clients heal, even if it means sacrificing personal time. However, providing non-stop emotional support to others without caring for oneself leads to emotional burnout. According to the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), healthcare workers “are at an increased risk for mental health challenges and choosing to leave the health workforce early.” Driftwood Recovery helps staff avoid emotional burnout by meeting every day to discuss ways to support and uplift one another. Working as a team ensures no single person feels overburdened.

Resources for Maintaining Work and Mental Health

Not everyone has access to a strong support system or the financial stability to regularly practice self-care. Navigating workplace stressors and responsibilities on top of a complex home life may leave some healthcare workers feeling overwhelmed and uncertain about how to create a healthy balance. The managers at Driftwood Recovery prioritize employee mental health by ensuring schedules allow for reasonable amounts of time off each week to allow staff to recharge and engage in meaningful personal activities.

Some of the resources professionals use to maintain work productivity and positive mental health include:

• Individual counseling or therapy to reduce stress
• Nutritional counseling or coaching to improve diet and general health
• Self-help groups for healthcare workers
• Apps for managing time and creating self-care schedules

Community-based resources are also available to help connect workers with essential support services related to health and wellness, family support, further education, or career advancement. Staff feel less stressed when they have access to the resources they need to do their job and maintain a healthy work-life balance.

How Does Driftwood Recovery Prioritize Balancing Work and Mental Health?

Driftwood Recovery respects staff members’ time and skills. The treatment center shows appreciation for each employee by providing training, opportunities for advancement, emotional support, a reasonable work schedule, and benefits to support staff. Every member of management practices the values of transparency, honesty, and integrity to ensure staff members feel comfortable reaching out if they need accommodations or additional mental health support in the workplace.

Maintaining Positive Mental Health Helps Clients and Clinicians

The mental health of clinicians and support staff directly impacts client outcomes. According to HHS, in one survey, “76% of U.S. workers reported at least one symptom of a mental health condition,” and “81% of workers reported that they will be looking for workplaces that support mental health in the future.” Driftwood Recovery supports staff through various policies and procedures designed to address mental health needs in the workplace. Clients benefit when staff adopt a more balanced approach to work responsibilities.

Balancing work and mental health is difficult in any profession. However, it is especially important in healthcare. Staff members working with individuals experiencing physical and emotional crises have a greater risk of developing mental health disorders if they don’t establish healthy work-life boundaries. Often, clinicians and support staff go above and beyond to help others manage emotional distress without giving themselves the grace of stepping back to reduce stress. Driftwood Recovery ensures the care team has the resources, tools, and opportunities to look after their own well-being. Healthy staff members create a welcoming and nurturing space where clients feel comfortable, safe, and supported during recovery from substance abuse and mental health disorders. To learn more, call us at (512) 759-8330.

Many traditional rehab programs focus on abstaining from misusing substances. Although abstinence is a vital part of maintaining recovery, true healing is a whole-person process. Through an attachment-based approach, you have learned how important rebuilding a connection with yourself and others is to healing. Thus, looking at the impact substance use has had on other parts of your life, like work, highlights the need to support well-being beyond abstinence. As a result, employment in recovery is a valuable tool for supporting sustained recovery by addressing your needs to lead a quality life.

At Driftwood Recovery, we know that without attachment, challenges with addiction, pain, and mental health disorders can impede your ability to take care of yourself. Through attachment, you have the tools to foster independence. Thus, living an independent life means supporting your needs in every area of life. The ability to live a purposeful and quality life after treatment starts with employment in recovery.

However, you may question how employment in recovery can help you sustain recovery. With more insight into adaptive skills, you can understand the value of employment in recovery. Therefore, first recognizing how substance misuse has impaired your self-image can highlight the connection between employment and well-being.

The Impact of Substance Use on Employment

According to Healthcare, substance use and employment have two causal directions. Unemployment can increase mental health disorders. At the same time, challenges with mental health disorders can also lead to unemployment. Losing your job and, therefore, your income causes psychosocial stress as your ability to meet your basic needs is impaired.

Some of the ways stress from unemployment can harm your psychological well-being include depression and anxiety. The overwhelming nature of depression, anxiety, and distress can lead to avoidance behaviors. Therefore, the distress of unemployment can then increase your risk of unhealthy coping strategies like substance use disorder (SUD). When you are overwhelmed by the stress and complications of economic hardship, you are more likely to engage in self-medicating.

On the other hand, unaddressed challenges with SUD and other mental health disorders can impede your ability to function in your life. For example, challenges with SUD can reduce your productivity and increase your absence from work. Thus, difficulties meeting work responsibilities and obligations increase challenges in achieving and or maintaining gainful employment. Furthermore, unaddressed SUD can also be a risk factor for relapse.

The stress that comes with not being able to provide for yourself and a lack of purpose can make relapse possible as life stressors stack and erode your resilience. Looking at the causal directions between SUD and unemployment highlights the importance of employment in recovery. Further, increasing your awareness of substance use’s impact on functioning also showcases the importance of your mental and emotional well-being in employment.

Understanding Mental Health and Employment Challenges

Challenges with unaddressed mental health disorders can lead to impaired functioning. When your functioning is impaired, it becomes more difficult to manage or build skills that support your movement through everyday life. The symptoms of mental health disorders like depression and anxiety can impair many areas of function, like decision-making, concentration, and time management.

Moreover, as noted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), mental health disorders often co-occur with physical health conditions. Thus, co-occurring conditions like chronic pain further impede functioning and employment in recovery. With more insight into the impact of SUD and mental health on employment, you can understand the value of employment in recovery for sustained healing.

The Benefits of Employment in Recovery

Employment in recovery is an important goal for independence and leading a purposeful life. Finding stable and meaningful employment in recovery is vital for well-being and relapse prevention. As noted in Epidemiology and Psychiatric Sciences, employment in recovery is a critical health intervention and supports meaningful outcomes for a variety of challenges. Whether you have experienced difficulties with SUD or other mental health disorders, employment in recovery can give you tools for a healthier you. Listed below are some of the benefits of supported employment in recovery:

• Increase self-esteem
• Self-reliance
• Increase self-confidence
• Reduce symptoms
• Decrease stigma
• Foster interpersonal relationships
  • Increase your sense of belonging
• Support independence
  • Personal income

As the CDC states, a recovery-supportive workplace can create a culture of support that encourages lasting recovery. Through a recovery-supportive workplace, barriers to care are lowered, stigma is reduced, and relapse can be prevented. Despite the long-term benefits of employment in recovery, there are still barriers that impede access to work after treatment.

Addressing Barriers to Employment in Recovery

As noted in “Identifying Barriers to Employment After Substance Use Disorder Treatment” from the California Association of Alcohol and Drug Program Executives (CAADPE), there is a unique set of needs and challenges in finding work for sustained recovery. Some of the barriers you may experience to seeking and sustaining employment in recovery include:

• Lack of training
• Low paying jobs
• Lack of childcare
• Unstable housing
• Unreliable transportation
• Lack of digital literacy
• Poor access to support services

With more awareness of the barriers to employment in recovery, you can see the value of alumni as a resource for sustained recovery.

Alumni Connections: Supporting Employment in Recovery at Driftwood Recovery

Leading a purposeful life does not start with the end of your symptoms but rather with more tools to cope. Through an alumni program, you can find the guidance and support you need to navigate the stressors of job seeking. With an active alumni program, you have access to resources to build skills like resume writing.

Alumni give you access to a wider network of connections for references and referrals. At Driftwood Recovery, we are dedicated to giving you a safe space to heal in person and through our app so you can build a quality life in recovery no matter where you are on your journey. With safety, there is space for you to continue to foster connections and engage in courageous recovery in every part of your life.

Employment in recovery is vital to building a quality life. Through employment, you can improve your sense of self and adapt to the stressors of work and other parts of life to foster an independent life in recovery. Employment encourages interpersonal relationships that support your sense of belonging. However, barriers like lack of training and skills can impede access to quality employment. At Driftwood Recovery, we are committed to providing a safe and peer-driven alumni network where you have access to a wide variety of resources. Through our alumni program, you have guidance and support to lead a purposeful life in sustained recovery. Call us at (512) 759-8330 to learn more today.