Addressing Trauma With EMDR Therapy at Driftwood Recovery

Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) therapy can be an essential therapy for those living with trauma. Trauma can be the underlying cause of many mental health conditions, such as addiction and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). When trauma lingers, it can cause a great amount of suffering in an individual. However, trauma can be difficult to treat, especially when addressing it risks re-traumatizing you. This can cause a dilemma where mental health worsens because the trauma goes unaddressed, but addressing it causes suffering. 

A lot of time and research have gone into developing trauma-focused therapies to help those living with trauma. EMDR therapy is one such therapy. It has proven to be highly effective in treating PTSD and other trauma-related disorders. Driftwood Recovery and other mental health and addiction treatment facilities use EMDR therapy, as it has been proven to be safe and effective. Specifically, it’s found its greatest use in addressing trauma without re-traumatizing the individual. 

What Exactly Is EMDR Therapy?

EMDR therapy works by using bilateral stimulation or stimulating each hemisphere of the brain alternatively. This is done by using stimulating senses to ground the nervous system. Examples include tapping, sounds, or, most commonly, side-to-side movement of the eyes. The goal is to change how a traumatic memory is stored in the brain to reduce or eliminate the distressing symptoms that come from it. 

EMDR therapy works on the idea that unprocessed traumatic memories prevent the brain from healing. These memories can become “stuck” in the brain and cause a cascade effect of problems. A traumatic memory can remain unprocessed or “stuck” for a long time for many reasons, but most commonly it’s the result of said memory being too painful to address. By helping the individual process the memories safely, it lets the brain begin to heal. 

Processing traumatic memories allows you to look at not just the past but the present as well. Part of the healing process is understanding that you’re safe and that the trauma is over. Unprocessed trauma doesn’t allow this healing process, which keeps the nervous system in high alert. Grounding the nervous system through bilateral stimulation “unsticks” traumatic memories, allowing new information to be created in its place. It’s not forgetting that the traumatic event happened. Instead, it’s looking at the event through new eyes, processing it, and then placing it in the past so you can move on. 

EMDR therapy is particularly helpful because it does not require you to speak about your experiences. It only asks that you think about the emotions associated with them so you can change them. Thus, those who are not ready to speak in specifics about the trauma they faced have a viable therapeutic option available. 

What Can I Expect From an EMDR Therapy Session?

EMDR therapy is designed to work quickly with minimal distress to the client undergoing it. The steps or phases of EMDR therapy are as follows. 

#1. You speak to your provider about your history and treatment plans.

#2. Your provider prepares and explains the treatment to you.

#3. You are guided into activating the memory that needs to be processed once ready.

#4. Your provider helps you desensitize the memory by using stimulation, which helps memories settle in less distressing ways. 

#5. You continue to utilize stimulation while reinforcing positive beliefs, such as “I am safe.”

#6. Your provider helps you self-scan your body and emotions for any residual tension or pain that needs to be addressed. 

#7. You engage in a cool-down session for closure. 

#8. Your provider and you have a debriefing session to make sure you are staying on track to meet your goals. 

It’s not uncommon for one to feel strong emotions during an EMDR therapy session. Emotions like anger, grief, and fear can be present when facing a memory. However, these intense emotions will fade once desensitization begins and positive beliefs are reinforced. Over time, the feelings of distress will reduce, or even fade away entirely. 

Addressing Trauma for Continuous Recovery

Trauma that is left to linger is like a poison. It slowly, but surely, begins to affect your body, mind, and spirit. Over time, this can cause someone to seek methods of self-medication to soothe the pain of trauma. More often than not, this is how addictions begin, with the desire to lessen pain. An addiction cannot be fully treated without first addressing the underlying trauma that fuels it. This can’t be done if a person is too afraid to face their trauma.

Driftwood Recovery focuses on comprehensive and compassionate addiction and mental health treatment. We are uniquely equipped to help those struggling with underlying trauma or trauma-based disorders alongside addiction. This is known as a dual diagnosis, and it can be tricky to treat without a proper specialized treatment plan. Driftwood Recovery meets this need for comprehensive care by providing a wide range of treatments. Treatments like EMDR therapy often work well with other therapies, such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and experiential therapy. With this flexibility and personalization in mind, anyone can find the treatment they need to recover.

Of course, the skills learned in EMDR therapy can be applied to life after treatment. Becoming aware of your emotional state is critical in spotting small troubles before they can become big ones. Practicing positive thinking and affirmations can lift moods and keep you mindful of your present self. But perhaps the most important skill is trusting that you deserve help and that people can help you. Keeping these skills in mind helps you face your future with courage and not pain. 

Trauma can be difficult to treat, especially when it is resistant to most conventional therapeutic techniques. Some may even be afraid of seeking therapy for their trauma, worried that doing so will just re-traumatize them. Thankfully, some methods can be used to help those struggling with severe trauma. Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) therapy is one such solution, offering relief to those in need of help. Driftwood Recovery in Driftwood and Austin, Texas utilizes EMDR therapy and other techniques to allow clients to process and heal from trauma. If you or a loved one is looking for a safe place to address trauma, don’t wait. Call Driftwood Recovery today at (512) 759-8330.

When a person thinks about binge drinking, college life may come to mind. However, binge drinking can affect anyone, regardless of age or gender. It’s not just a college problem. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) identifies that 17% of adults in the USA binge drink. Binge drinking is a behavior that can put a person at significant risk for harm or even death.

Great strides have been taken to educate the public about the dangers of binge drinking. Mental health and addiction treatment facilities, such as Driftwood Recovery, have created extensive treatment programs to help those struggling to control their drinking. Despite these efforts, binge drinking as a whole can be challenging to recognize. This is especially true for those who grew up around those with alcohol addiction or disordered drinking habits. Learning how to recognize binge drinking protects not just yourself, but also helps you protect your loved ones from harm. 

What Exactly Is Binge Drinking?

Binge drinking is defined by The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) as a pattern of drinking that brings your blood alcohol concentration (BAC) to 0.08%–or 0.08 grams of alcohol per deciliter–or higher. A serving of an alcoholic beverage, known as a “standard” drink, typically contains about 0.6 fluid ounces (14 grams) of pure alcohol. This means that to binge drink, a typical adult will consume five or more drinks (for a male) or four or more drinks (for a female) within two hours.

Of course, the amount of drinks needed to reach this BAC varies depending on age and weight. A shorter woman will typically need fewer drinks to reach a 0.08% BAC compared to one who is taller. An adolescent boy will require fewer drinks compared to an adult man. The general definition focuses on consuming an intoxicating amount of drinks in a short amount of time. This is not to be confused with high-intensity drinking, in which a person consumes double this amount of drinks in a short amount of time.

The Risks Associated With Rapid Alcohol Consumption

Alcohol is a dangerous substance. There is no part of the body that is not impacted by alcohol consumption. Most people know that overconsumption can result in impaired decision making, motor skill decline, and relaxed inhibitions. Many forget, though, that alcohol is a toxin and too much can cause alcohol poisoning, which is deadly without quick treatment. It’s why binge drinking is particularly dangerous for adolescents, as their smaller bodies can’t process alcohol as well as a fully grown adult. Even so, an adult can get alcohol poisoning if they are not careful. The typical symptoms of alcohol poisoning are:

• Vomiting
• Confusion
• Irregular or slow breathing
• Seizures
• Trouble staying awake or conscious
• Pale, blue, or gray skin
• Low body temperature

Impaired reasoning is often cited as one of the biggest risks associated with binge drinking. A person with a 0.08% BAC in some states is considered too impaired to drive. The risk of drowning and other accidents increases after binge drinking. An inebriated person may be at risk of being a victim of assault or other crimes. Binge drinking is typically more dangerous for those who have never drunk alcohol before, and thus don’t know how their bodies will respond to it. 

Is Binge Drinking the Same as Alcohol Addiction?

Although binge drinking can be a part of alcohol addiction, it doesn’t always indicate an addiction. The main difference is that binge drinking can occur in a single session. You may binge drink one night, wake up with a bad hangover, and then decide to never binge drink again. Peer pressure and the desire to fit in or “let loose” are typical factors behind binge drinking. 

Addiction, or alcohol use disorder (AUD), is a progressive condition. A person with either condition finds themselves unable to control their drinking habits. Instead of bringing drinks, in a short amount of time, an individual may instead drink consistently throughout the day, even during times when drinking is not appropriate. 

Binge drinking, though, is still quite dangerous and can lead to addiction or AUD if left unchecked. Once binge drinking becomes a regular habit, it can be difficult to stop without professional help. 

Seeking Treatment at Driftwood Recovery

Binge drinking is a dangerous habit, even if it’s not the result of an addiction. However, disordered drinking requires just as much professional assistance as addiction. Seeking professional treatment can prevent disordered drinking from developing into an addiction or allow you to recover from an already established addiction. To assist those struggling, Driftwood Recovery offers a robust, compassionate, and comprehensive mental health and addiction treatment program.

This program includes targeted treatments, such as peer pressure recognition and resistance training. Undergoing such training helps you resist being pressured to binge drink and set firm, healthy boundaries. Psychotherapies such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) can help you recognize why you are engaging in risky behavior. If an underlying mental health disorder is discovered, such as depression, you can get treatment quickly to address your unique and individual mental health needs. 

People often binge drink to cope with upsetting feelings or to reduce stress. Learning healthier ways to cope with these issues is another important aspect of treatment at Driftwood Recovery. Driftwood Recovery’s holistic treatment philosophy helps you find means of relaxation and stress reduction that don’t involve the consumption of addictive substances. 

All bad habits can be broken with a little help, allowing you to pursue your interests in life without being held back by disordered drinking habits.  

Binge drinking is a serious issue that can affect all types of people. Although considered a college or young adult problem, anyone at any age can struggle with a binge drinking habit. Education and professional assistance are the key to preventing permanent damage or even loss of life. At Driftwood Recovery in Driftwood and Austin, Texas, our alcohol addiction treatment program assists those struggling with binge drinking.  By addressing both the addiction and the underlying cause, our clients regain their freedom from addiction and find the healing they need for recovery. If you or a loved one is struggling with binge drinking, don’t delay in getting help. Call Driftwood Recovery today at (512) 759-8330.

It’s not often discussed just how important patience and self-compassion are to the recovery process. Those recovering from addiction and other co-occurring mental health conditions must grapple with some serious truths. Their actions may have harmed people, maybe even their loved ones. They may have also caused harm to themselves. Mistakes were made and consequences were quick to follow. These truths can weigh down a person in recovery with feelings of guilt and shame. Left unaddressed, these feelings can fester and sabotage the healing process. 

Mental health care and addiction treatment facilities like Driftwood Recovery understand the importance of patience and self-compassion in the recovery process. Guilt and shame are natural feelings we feel when we have caused harm. However, you must be able to move on from these feelings so you can continue with life. Learning how to focus on the lessons learned from these experiences and not default to self-punishment is important.

Practicing the values of patience and self-compassion can be difficult, but it is possible with professional help.

What Is Patience and Self-Compassion?

Patience is the ability to endure challenging or undesirable circumstances without getting upset or angry. In addiction treatment and recovery, clients must not get angry at themselves for needing time to heal. Steps like detoxing and withdrawal management must be done carefully and cannot be rushed for the safety of the client. The value of patience allows you to accept professional help and stick with it until it is complete.

Self-compassion is being kind and forgiving to yourself during times of failure, suffering, and perceived inadequacy. If you can extend basic humanity to others, you can also do so to yourself. Life can be a struggle. There’s no reason to make it harder for yourself, regardless if you feel you deserve it or not. Being kinder to yourself allows you to be receptive of help and internalize inner feelings of courage and self-worth — all of which are needed for successful recovery.

Why Is Patience and Self-Compassion So Important?

These values are critical because they prevent people from falling into destructive behavioral and thought patterns. Self-punishment is perhaps the worst of them all as it encourages people to inflict harm on themselves to “make up” for past actions. Usually, these actions are accompanied by feelings of worthlessness, which can further negatively affect mental health. The problem with self-punishment is that it escalates. No matter how much you punish yourself, it will never feel like it’s enough. 

True accountability comes with patience and self-compassion. It’s normal to be hard on yourself after making a serious mistake. However, most people can eventually forgive themselves and move on. Being unable to do so stifles growth and prevents you from becoming the healthier and more experienced person you were meant to become. Practices like self-degradation keep these hard learned lessons from sticking, which invalidates the hardships you overcame.

As a human being, you deserve kindness and patience. Embracing these values ensures that you not only treat yourself better, but other people as well.

Utilizing Patience and Self-Compassion in Recovery

Learning how to be kinder to yourself is not a quick or easy process. It takes time to unlearn toxic behavioral and thought patterns that hold you back from recovery. To address this, Driftwood Recovery utilizes psychotherapies as a treatment method. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is the most common psychotherapy used to help you recognize harmful patterns and make meaningful changes. 

Recovery also takes time — as it’s a journey, not a race. Every addiction, person, and life experience is different. Comparing your progress to others does nothing but make you feel bad. Instead, focus on taking your time so you can fully absorb what you learn and practice in treatment. Group therapy helps put recovery in perspective for many clients. Someone may seem like they have everything together, but they still may struggle internally. So don’t compare your progress with that of others. Instead, focus on making goals and achieving milestones, even if it takes a little more time than others. 

Practicing patience and self-compassion is a way to inspire hope within yourself during and after treatment. Recovery is not a straight line. There will be times when it seems like you’re going backward. However, the truth is that you are still moving forward as long as you are receptive to asking for and receiving help. 

Putting These Values Into Practice

As concepts, patience and self-compassion can be hard to internalize. It requires in some cases to create an entirely new mindset. However, they become more easily remembered by putting them into practice.

Giving back to the community is one way to utilize patience and self-compassion. Volunteer work is a favored activity for alumni at Driftwood Recovery because it reinforces these values in a more relaxed setting. Once you start to help other people, you realize that there isn’t much separating yourself from them. They deserve compassion and understanding, so why don’t you?

Surrounding yourself with a peer network and support group is another way to put patience and self-compassion into practice. Your loved ones are patient with you, and in time you can learn to be patient too. They love you, so surely there is something inside you worth being loved. Your friends and family can’t be wrong if they all love and care about you. 

Of course, it’s always okay to seek further help should you have difficulties, even if you finished treatment. At Driftwood Recovery, you aren’t only a client; you are also a member of our community and family. Be patient and loving to yourself by reaching out for help today. You deserve patience and self-compassion, no matter the addiction or mental health condition.

It’s hard to be kind to yourself during and after recovery. For many, they feel as though they need to suffer to “make up” for their actions. However, this is not a healthy mindset, and ends up causing more harm rather than healing. Part of recovery is learning healthy mindsets, which include the need to be kinder and more patient to oneself. Doing so facilitates the healing process and allows for lasting recovery. At Driftwood Recovery in Driftwood and Austin, Texas, clients learn these valuable skills and more as part of our comprehensive addiction treatment program. If you or a loved one is struggling with addiction, don’t wait. Call Driftwood Recovery today at (512) 759-8330. 

In the past few decades, there has been a significant increase in older adults diagnosed with substance use disorder (SUD). Individuals 65 and older often face unique challenges during treatment and continuing care. Driftwood Recovery encourages staff members to learn how to effectively treat clients of all ages, ensuring they receive the best care to meet their needs. 

Challenges of Treating Older Adults for Substance Abuse

Older adults may have difficulty navigating the treatment process, and some require additional forms of support. Healthcare professionals use comprehensive assessments and screening tools to determine what resources clients may benefit from during treatment and ongoing recovery. 

Some of the most common challenges of treating older individuals with SUD include: 

• Stigma and shame surrounding substance abuse or treatment
• Generational attitudes toward addiction and mental health 
• Chronic health conditions 
• Prescription medication management 
• Limited mobility or transportation issues 
• Social isolation and a lack of support systems
• Financial barriers to starting or maintaining treatment 
• Lack of age-specific programs 
• Co-occurring cognitive decline
• Greater vulnerability to severe withdrawal symptoms 
• Unhealthy family dynamics 

According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), “Aging could possibly lead to social and physical changes that may increase vulnerability to substance misuse.” Treatment must address the underlying causes of the addictive behaviors to help older clients avoid falling back into maladaptive patterns of behavior after they complete treatment. 

Stigma and Misinformation

People often avoid activities that may cause others to think of them in a negative way. Societal expectations of what addiction or mental health disorders look like for older adults may make it harder for some people to accept the need for professional treatment. 

Some of the stigma and misinformation related to seniors with alcohol or drug addiction include: 

• Older adults may believe it is acceptable to abuse alcohol, prescription opioids, or other substances to address chronic pain 
• The belief that older adults are “set in their ways” and incapable of changing addictive behaviors 
• Misinformation about age-related memory issues and confusion may make it more difficult for individuals and families to recognize signs of substance abuse
• Addiction is often seen as less disruptive or problematic in retired individuals 
• Many people believe rehab programs are for “young people” and do not have the resources to effectively treat older adults
• Some people may believe alcohol or drug abuse is a normal way to cope with loneliness caused by social isolation 
• Older people may believe addiction is only experienced by younger age groups

Normalizing conversations about the realities of addiction and mental health with clients and families reduces stigma and misinformation. Healthcare professionals have an important role in educating communities and ensuring clients understand the risk factors associated with age. Family therapy, psychoeducation, and other support services provide clients and families with essential information about substance abuse and addiction recovery. 

Additional Barriers to Treatment for Older Adults

Seniors face additional barriers to starting and maintaining professional addiction treatment, including: 

• Heightened sense of guilt, embarrassment, or shame 
• Resistance to change 
• Coping with grief or loss during recovery 

Seniors also often take multiple prescription medications, making it difficult for them to benefit from medication-assisted treatment (MAT) and other services. Healthcare professionals educate individuals and families to help clients overcome barriers to treatment. 

How Does Driftwood Recovery Treat Older Adults?

The addiction and mental health experts at Driftwood Recovery use tailored care plans and family support to treat older adults with SUD or dual diagnosis. Clinicians understand that older adults may struggle to connect with the care team or have difficulty adhering to treatment expectations. Rehabilitation programs offer flexibility to ensure the care team can adapt to the needs of each client. 

Many resources are available to help healthcare professionals provide high-quality care to seniors. For example, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) “has a number of products for serving older adults with mental and substance use disorders that can be useful to clinicians, other service providers, older adults, and caregivers.” 

Becoming Familiar With the Needs of Seniors

Seniors have unique needs to ensure their continued mental, physical, and spiritual wellness during treatment for substance abuse or mental health disorders. Healthcare professionals support seniors by becoming familiar with their needs through assessments, one-on-one intersections, and collaboration with family members. 

Every client has different needs and life situations. However, healthcare workers can effectively support seniors in rehabilitation by doing the following:

• Personalizing treatment to the cognitive, physical, and emotional needs of seniors
• Addressing co-occurring conditions during treatment 
• Creating a safe and comfortable environment by adjusting lighting or noise levels and making other accommodations for sensory or mobility issues
• Using simple, direct language and written instructions to communicate clearly 
• Connecting seniors with peers 
• Educating families about the unique challenges of addiction and recovery for seniors
• Offering alternative holistic services to support spiritual and mental health 

Staff members at Driftwood Recovery ensure that older clients have access to essential and complimentary services to provide the best possible treatment outcomes. 

Seniors with substance use disorder often struggle to get the support they need due to multiple barriers to treatment. Stigma, lack of resources, age-related health issues, and other factors make it more difficult for older adults to participate in rehabilitation programs. Healthcare professionals make their programs more accessible to older adults by offering tailored treatment services addressing their unique needs. Family engagement is often an essential part of treatment for older adults to ensure they have support during continuing care. Driftwood Recovery treats seniors using personalized treatment plans and an integrative approach to care that ensures consistency. To learn more about our programs and facility, call us today at (512) 759-8330.

Healthcare professionals work with a wide range of individuals with different needs, including clients diagnosed with autism. Individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) may be twice as likely to experience substance use disorder (SUD). According to Substance Abuse: Research and Treatment, “The high functioning group of patients with ASD will be more likely to engage in social activities and may use alcohol or drugs as a coping strategy or a form of self-medication to reduce social anxiety and increase their social skills.” Driftwood Recovery treats clients with autism using evidence-based and alternative holistic modalities. 

Creating Personalized Care Plans for Clients With Autism

Individuals with ASD benefit from personalized care plans and comprehensive support services. Healthcare professionals create a more welcoming and comfortable environment by tailoring care plans to each client’s expectations and needs. 

Addiction and mental health experts create individualized treatment plans for clients with autism by doing the following: 

• Conducting thorough evaluations and assessments to determine what factors may impact treatment and recovery 
• Collaborating with neurodevelopmental specialists, occupational therapists, and speech therapists 
• Accommodating sensory sensitivities during treatment 
• Providing structured, consistent, and predictable schedules 
• Modifying therapeutic modalities to suit each client’s preferred style of communication 
• Providing autism-friendly coping skills for managing SUD and co-occurring conditions 
• Involving family members in the treatment process 

Clinicians benefit from collaborating with professionals, clients, and families to create the most effective treatment plans. Healthcare professionals treating clients with ASD must take into consideration all factors that may affect the client-clinician relationship and the client’s comfort during rehabilitation. Driftwood Recovery encourages staff members to educate themselves on the needs of specific groups to ensure they provide the best care. 

Autism and Support Services

Individuals with autism may require additional support services to address underlying issues, co-occurring conditions, or other health concerns. Clinicians may refer clients to specialists to ensure they receive high-quality care. Clients with ASD also benefit from comprehensive aftercare planning and alumni support services during the transition from structured treatment to aftercare. Healthcare professionals may consult with outside professionals to ensure they provide the most appropriate care to individuals with ASD. 

Family Involvement in Treatment and Aftercare

Family involvement provides additional information for the clinical team and ensures clients have more support. According to Pediatric Research, “Most individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD)—a complex, life-long developmental disorder—do not have access to the care required to address their diverse health needs.” Healthcare professionals educate families and clients, providing information on additional resources to ensure they receive the best care. 

Rehabilitation programs incorporate families into the community and recovery process by doing the following: 

• Providing updates to family members with approval from the client 
• Offering family therapy and other support services 
• Using community events to educate families and introduce them to the sober community 

Individuals with autism benefit from having a solid support network. Staff at Driftwood Recovery help clients develop a support system and prepare for long-term sobriety. 

Unique Challenges Faced by Clients With Autism

Some of the unique challenges faced by clients with autism include: 

• Disruption to daily routines during treatment may cause emotional distress and resistance to change 
• Group therapy and support groups may feel intimidating and overwhelming 
• Difficulty with traditional talk therapy due to literal interpretations of language
• Clinical setting may cause sensory overload and increased anxiety 
• Difficulty identifying and expressing emotions 
• Traditional mindfulness-based therapies may not be effective 

Healthcare professionals help clients navigate these challenges using evidence-based and alternative holistic therapies. 

How Does Driftwood Recovery Treat Clients With Autism?

The clinical team and support staff at Driftwood Recovery use tailored care plans to treat clients with ASD. Therapeutic sessions, peer interactions, and program expectations may be adjusted as needed to support clients with specialized needs. Staff ensure clients and their families have the information and resources they need to successfully navigate rehabilitation and aftercare. Each client has unique needs, and every department at the facility works together to ensure those needs are met.  

Healthcare Professionals Help Clients Navigate Treatment

Clients with autism may need additional help navigating the treatment process from the initial interview until the transition to aftercare. Healthcare professionals support clients by building trust through person-centered care. Staff at Driftwood Recovery have the training and expertise needed to treat individuals with autism and ensure they feel comfortable maintaining sobriety independently. 

Healthcare professionals accommodate clients with autism by doing the following: 

• Creating sensory-friendly environments
• Using clear language and avoiding metaphors or abstract concepts to ensure effective communication 
• Providing predictable routines 
• Teaching individualized coping strategies
• Allowing for gradual social exposure and community integration 
• Adapting relapse prevention plans 
• Providing autism-friendly, trauma-informed care 
• Validating neurodivergent experiences 

Individuals with autism benefit from participating in addiction and mental health treatment programs. Healthcare professionals offer essential insights, resources, education, and support to clients and their loved ones to ensure individuals with autism have positive treatment outcomes. 

Individuals with autism spectrum disorder may experience challenges during treatment related to interpersonal connections, communication, and behavior. Healthcare professionals work with clients to determine how best to accommodate their needs and preferences while providing appropriate and effective treatment. Autism exists along a spectrum, and each client has a unique recovery experience. Experts in addiction recovery and mental health have an ethical obligation to ensure clients feel safe and comfortable during the treatment process. Staff members at Driftwood Recovery work closely with clients and their loved ones to ensure individuals with autism receive the level of support they need to heal from SUD and mental health disorders. To learn more about our staff and facility, call us at (512) 759-8330.

Mood disorders as a whole affect a large amount of our current population. According to statistics from the National Institute of Mental Health, 21.4% of U.S. adults are estimated to have had a mood disorder at some point in their lives. Mood disorders tend to have co-occurring disorders — one of the most common being substance use disorder (SUD) and addiction. Together, this creates a dual diagnosis, when a person has two or more co-occurring mental health disorders. 

Are you more likely to have one of these disorders if you have another? Statistically, the answer is yes: 56% of people with bipolar disorder have also reported to have an SUD, along with 18% of those with major depressive disorder. However, this does not necessarily mean that one disorder will always cause the other. The true answer is a lot more complex, but there is a noticeable link between the two disorders. As more research is conducted, the more we learn why these disorders are so closely linked.

What Are Mood Disorders?

Mood disorders affect a person’s emotions and feelings to the point where it interferes with their ability to function in normal life. There are two types of mood disorder, depression and bipolar disorder. Both these disorders can be further broken down into types — such as seasonal affective disorder (SAD) or bipolar II disorder. Mood disorders are typically long lasting, sometimes even life-long. However, with professional help, people can and do live normal lives while living with these conditions. 

Common symptoms of depressive disorders include:

• Persistent feelings of sadness, emptiness, and hopelessness
• Fatigue
• Loss of interest or pleasure in activities once enjoyed
• Difficulties in concentration or focus 
• Self-isolation 
• Unplanned weight-loss or gain
• Difficulties falling asleep or sleeping too much 

Common symptoms of bipolar disorders include:

• Feelings of worthless or guilt
• Episodes of depression, mania and/or hypomania
• Feelings of melancholy
• Engagement in risky behavior
• Feeling a distorted sense of well-being

Though different disorders, there are some overlapping symptoms — mainly, thoughts of suicide or death. Experiencing these symptoms denotes a need for help. If you can’t stop thinking about death or suicide, reach out for help right away through the 988 Lifeline.

Why Are Mood Disorders and Addiction Linked?

It’s hard to tell which disorder came first in a dual diagnosis. Mood disorders often lead to someone self-medicating to deal with negative feelings, which leads to dependence and then addiction. Substance use can exacerbate mood degradation, which can develop into depression or other mood disorders. But what causes someone to want to engage in substance use, or develop a mood disorder? There are several theories on what may be responsible for the development of both conditions. 

Genetics may be one cause. Both mood disorders and addiction have genetic risk factors. Those with family members with either disorder are more likely to develop it themselves. By no means is this a prophecy, but many with either disorder report that they have a family member who struggles as well. 

Trauma and adverse living conditions may also be an underlying link between both disorders. Living in an abusive situation can cause the development of a mood disorder as well as a dependence on substances as a coping mechanism. This is especially true if there is an overabundance of stress. Depression may arise from feelings of helplessness due to chronic stress, and stress can facilitate self-medicating behaviors to deal with it.

Some substances themselves can mimic symptoms of depression and mania. For example, withdrawal from stimulants like cocaine can cause the development of anhedonia (inability to feel pleasure) — a common symptom of depression. These symptoms are the result of a change in brain chemistry. Disorders like depression can arise with the interruption of brain chemicals like serotonin. An individual’s brain chemistry is unique and delicate. The interruption of such due to substance abuse can be a factor behind mood disorders. 

Treating a Dual Diagnosis at Driftwood Recovery

The staff at Driftwood Recovery understand the link between mood disorders and addiction and are fully prepared to offer dual diagnosis treatment. A dual diagnosis can be complex, requiring a specialized treatment plan to facilitate recovery. Although a dual diagnosis can feel impossible to overcome, plenty can and do recover from them. The goal is to address the underlying cause for full healing. This can include utilizing trauma-based therapies, family therapy, and stress management techniques. Paired with holistic methodologies and frequent evaluations, clients get the care they need for success. 

Medications may also be needed as part of treatment. Conditions like bipolar disorder do need medication to manage symptoms. Those with depressive disorders can utilize medication to help them feel more focused and comfortable as they undergo treatment. Some addictions may require medication-assisted detox or withdrawal management for the safety of the client. If you need medications, Driftwood Recovery will ensure that the process is safe.

Sometimes being removed from a toxic environment can facilitate positive change in treatment. Driftwood Recovery is designed to be a sanctuary, offering security, safety, and support to all who receive treatment there. This environment shows clients that, yes, they deserve to be treated well and to receive kindness. Such an environment is important for those who want privacy as they recover. 

Again, it’s important to reiterate that though mood disorders and addiction are linked, they are not a guarantee. However, those who struggle with both can achieve recovery as long as they are willing to accept professional help. Experiencing either condition, let alone both, is serious enough to necessitate treatment. So don’t wait, experience Driftwood Recovery for yourself. 

The link between mood disorders and addiction means that many people struggle with a dual diagnosis. A dual diagnosis takes specialized treatment to overcome, but recovery is possible for anyone with the right professional help. At Driftwood Recovery in Driftwood and Austin, Texas, clients can find comprehensive and compassionate dual diagnosis treatment. With an emphasis on providing sanctuary, clients find a supportive and safe environment to find healing. Evidence-backed and holistic treatments ensure total care to an individual’s mind, body, and spirit. If you or a loved one is struggling with a mood disorder and addiction, don’t wait to get help. Reach out to Driftwood Recovery today by calling (512) 759-8330.

The impact of the cycle of addiction on families cannot be understated. Studies have shown that children exposed to substance abuse by their parents are more likely to engage in substance abuse themselves. This pattern of substance abuse and behaviors influences more than the individual who is struggling. It also impacts the next generation that observes these behaviors. Although family members may not want to negatively impact their loved ones in such a way, breaking the cycle of addiction cannot occur without professional help and the willingness to change.

This willingness to change is perhaps one of the most important steps in breaking the cycle of addiction. Stigma, shame, and fear of judgment often prevent families from seeking help. Some families may choose to ignore the problem in the hopes that things will work out in the end. Those who want to break the cycle of addiction can face opposition from their families, who may want to keep “family matters” private. In such a case, it is the whole family that needs help, but change cannot happen instantaneously.

That’s why at Driftwood Recovery, we offer whole family care to assist individuals and families in breaking the cycle of addiction. With a focus on quality and compassionate treatment and the Courageous Family program, anyone can get the care they need to break the cycle once and for all. To truly break the cycle of addiction, families must discover what perpetuates this cycle and stop it.

What Begins the Cycle of Addiction in Families?

Addiction, at its heart, is a response to pain. This pain can result from trauma, stress, loneliness, the environment, or as a result of a medical or mental health issue. Family history and genetics can also play a role in addiction, as well as social and peer pressure. This is not different for families, who may turn to substance use and abuse as a form of self-medication. Such behavior is observed by subsequent children, who may grow up believing that this behavior is normal and an appropriate way to cope with stress and pain. They, in turn, model this behavior to their children, perpetuating the cycle. 

Aspects like generational trauma cannot be dismissed in their role in the cycle of addiction. One traumatized parent may inadvertently place the results of their trauma on their children, and so forth. This trauma can then pass through multiple generations of people, which can be difficult for children to process. 

Being exposed to substances such as drugs and alcohol can give children access to them at an early age. The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) has reported that in 2023, about one in 100 adolescents ages 12 to 13 drank alcohol in the past month. Though this can be attributed to peer pressure, some underage drinking can be the result of observed behaviors. 

Challenges Faced by Individuals Breaking Away From Addiction

As mentioned before, it can be difficult to break the cycle of addiction. An individual must first realize that something is wrong and be willing to accept professional help. When substance use and abuse are normalized in the family, it can be hard to notice that there is a problem. Once the individual decides to get help, they then have to contend with their families, who may not be supportive. Shame may cause families to refuse treatment so they can deny that there is a problem. One person deciding to break the cycle of addiction can have a cascade effect. It forces change even if it is uncomfortable or scary.

Individuals with families who outright refuse to change may face a future without them. It’s okay to cut off toxic individuals from your life if they threaten your safety and well-being. In this situation, Driftwood Recovery assists in the creation of a found family in the form of a support network. This is a support network of peers and loved ones that encourage recovery and accountability, preserving recovery progress. 

Breaking the Cycle of Addiction

Before you can help someone else, you must first help yourself. That is why airlines tell you to put an oxygen mask on yourself before assisting someone else. An individual must get treatment first and achieve a state of stable sobriety before they try to assist their family. Of course, therapies such as family therapy and the Courageous Family program can help bridge the gap and foster understanding in families. Using these therapies and programs can help families realize that they have a problem and seek further treatment. This includes therapies such as psychotherapy or trauma-based therapy.

As for the individual, they will get the Driftwood Recovery approach to addiction treatment, which is a combination of evidence-based holistic and clinical therapies. For individuals breaking the cycle of addiction, care is taken to improve their self-esteem and teach healthy coping skills. As mentioned before, a peer network is vitally important, and time is taken to establish one while at Driftwood Recovery. Relapse prevention is also utilized to help clients recognize when their recovery is in danger and what steps to take to prevent it. 

It can be hard to break the cycle of addiction, especially if you are doing so alone. However, it’s always possible to break this cycle and protect future generations from the dangers of addiction. Sometimes, it takes one person recognizing that there is a problem and seeking help from others to recognize that positive change is possible. So be the change, and reach out for help today.

Addiction can become deeply rooted within a family, causing a loop or cycle that affects each generation. Breaking this cycle of addiction takes a lot of work and professional help, and it is usually started by one individual deciding to make a change. At Driftwood Recovery in Driftwood and Austin, Texas, we help families break the cycle of addiction by providing quality addiction treatment and familial support. With programs such as the Courageous Family program and continuous alumni support, each client is given the tools they need to make successful and lasting changes. If you or your loved ones are struggling with addiction, don’t wait to break the cycle. Start your recovery journey today by calling (512) 759-8330.

It’s clear to see how supportive housing and other community integration programs have made a real difference in the lives of clients recovering from addiction and substance abuse. In the past, finishing treatment was considered the end of the recovery journey. However, this often left vulnerable alumni without support. Without this support, many were prone to depression, anxiety, and relapse. 

To prevent this outcome for their alumni, many mental health care and addiction treatment facilities began to utilize what is known as supportive housing. With this safety net in place, clients and alumni can practice their coping skills in a supportive environment with the help of professionals. Driftwood Recovery is no different with its supportive housing program. With a secure place to live and continued peer support, it gives alumni the training they need to succeed. 

Most people are unsure of what happens in supportive housing. For many, it might seem like a vacation from an outsider’s perspective. But in reality, it’s an essential treatment tool that makes a clear difference in the lives of those in recovery.

What Happens in Supportive Housing?

For most, supportive housing is just like being in a home. How big this housing is or how many people are there varies. For Driftwood Recovery, clients utilize an actual house with shared bedrooms. Clients share common spaces with other clients in a situation akin to having roommates in a dorm or an apartment. They are expected to perform normal household chores to keep their spaces neat and healthy. Overall, it’s just like being in a home.

However, clients are still in treatment and will participate in therapeutic activities throughout the day. Though not as intense as residential treatment, those in supportive housing will still meet with mental health and medical professionals. Individual therapy, group therapy, craving management, and relapse prevention are all important activities in supportive housing. 

Clients in supportive housing are not prisoners. Though some may be recommended to stay close to professionals based on their current health, all residents are free to leave the premises. It’s not uncommon for residents in supportive housing to go on day trips or accomplish simple tasks such as shopping. All of these are considered training for life outside of treatment. 

Why Is Supportive Housing So Successful?

As a program, supportive housing is a vital tool in preventing relapses and preparing clients for normal life. Simply telling an alumnus that they are done with treatment doesn’t prepare them for the immediate turmoil of normal life. Alumni have to resist a large amount of pressure to use once more and may not have a loving familial support network to take them in post-treatment. For many, they worry that they aren’t strong enough to deal with normal life without the safety net of treatment. 

Supportive housing solves these issues by giving clients training wheels for normal life. Clients in supportive housing still perform home chores and duties, but they can also go to work or school. Learning how to balance these duties on top of preserving your sobriety cannot simply be taught. It must be experienced, and the client must have opportunities to practice what they have learned in real-world situations. It’s much safer for a client to have supportive housing to return to after a particularly hard day than to be alone and risk a relapse. Having access to peer support who can keep each other accountable is also a perk of supportive housing, allowing clients to keep each other on track.

Some addictions carry lasting scars and require medical intervention for a successful recovery. Drugs such as alcohol and opioids will cause strong cravings for months to even years after detox. Knowing how to handle these cravings or any medical issues resulting from an addiction takes time and oversight. Having medical personnel available as part of supportive housing trains clients on how to care for themselves on their own. Eventually, clients leave supportive housing as strong and capable people.

The Driftwood Recovery Approach

Supportive housing is just one of many essential treatment programs featured at Driftwood Recovery. We believe that our clients are capable of great things if allowed to thrive. As a result, clients using our supportive housing program do so knowing that they will be cared for. With a focus on safety and security, clients can utilize supportive housing while maintaining their privacy. Our supportive housing buildings are simply normal houses with professionals at the ready. An average person looking at a supportive housing building would never be able to tell that it’s anything other than a simple house that people live in. Clients come and go easily with little fuss, perfect for clients who wish to recover without scrutiny.

Those utilizing Driftwood Recovery’s supportive housing program also enjoy access to continued compassionate and high-quality mental health care and addiction treatment. Clients recovering from addiction and any co-occurring disorders do so under the guidance of top professionals utilizing the latest in holistic, evidence-based treatments. Though not as intensive as a residential treatment program, supportive housing is designed to provide enough support to help you stay stable but allows you to practice what you know. With other supportive programs that help with work and school, clients get everything they need for a successful recovery.

Supportive housing, in the end, is a stepping stone. It allows clients to get a feeling for life in recovery and prepares them for common pitfalls they may encounter. With supportive housing, however, clients don’t just gain support. They gain a community that will be there for them every step of the way for the rest of their lives. 

Those who have completed or are currently in addiction treatment have learned the skills needed to remain in recovery. However, jumping right back into previous obligations can make a client feel apprehensive or even frightened. To ease this transition back into normal life, Driftwood Recovery in Driftwood and Austin, Texas, offers a supportive housing program. This program involves clients living in housing created by Driftwood Recovery while they finish treatment. Supportive housing allows clients to practice the skills learned in treatment in a real environment while being safely monitored and helped by medical and mental health care professionals. To learn more about supportive housing at Driftwood Recovery, call (512) 759-8330 today.

It is a normal part of growing up to discover who you are and find your identity. Finding a healthy identity can be difficult, as peer pressure and other factors work to make you second-guess yourself. These difficulties can be compounded by addiction and other conditions, which can bury your true self under pain. For many, they may have their addiction and recovery become a core part of their identity. However, there is more to a person than their struggle.

That’s why at Driftwood Recovery, a holistic treatment philosophy is utilized to heal all aspects of a person. This includes a person’s spirit or inner self, alongside the mind and body. The inner self is essential for achieving and remaining in recovery. It’s one thing to learn and practice the skills needed for recovery. To find your identity, however, gives you reasons to want to stay in recovery.

Why It’s Important to Find Your Identity

Identity is defined as the sense of self that encompasses one’s experiences, relationships, memories, and values. An authentic identity means to accept who we are and the values that are important to us. As we grow, we are influenced by our parents, guardians, and peers during childhood. Adolescence is a vital time in identity development, as we experiment and try out new things that shape the adult that we hopefully want to become. Three tasks help a person form their identity. These three tasks are:

• Discovering and developing your potential
• Choosing your purpose in life
• Finding opportunities to exercise this purpose and further develop your potential 

It’s vital to find your identity because lacking a purpose or feeling as though you have no potential can be psychologically damaging. It happens a lot with young teenagers and adults, who worry that they have no identity or purpose. They may begin to experiment with drugs or alcohol to feel something positive or numb negative feelings. Having no dreams or goals leaves little reason for someone to want to seek help for addiction. To find your identity means that you find yourself worthy of help and compassion. 

Recognizing That Addiction Is Not an Identity

Even while in treatment and recovery, it’s still important to find your identity. It’s tempting for some to make their addiction an essential part of their personality. However, a common fact shared by those who struggle with addiction is the lack of a drive or purpose. Sometimes, this occurs after a great loss, such as losing a job or the death of a loved one. Though identities are flexible and forever changing, making addiction a part of your identity is unhealthy. Addiction is a painful condition and, if left unchecked, can lead to dire consequences.

To find your identity requires trial and error to find the things that give you joy. Addiction robs a person of this choice by consuming their thoughts. It’s hard to find joy in life when it’s a constant cycle of obtaining your next hit, getting high, and recovering from the high. There’s been a movement of people, usually adolescents, making recreational drugs and alcohol a part of their identity. In these instances, they are stifling their potential, which will lead to needing more drugs or alcohol to feel “right,” often leading to addiction.

People who overcome addiction deserve to be celebrated. However, they also deserve to live. Finding peace, healing, and happiness are all goals every mental health care professional has for their clients. Many alumni may choose to involve recovery as part of their purpose, going on to help others achieve and stay in recovery. This is perfectly fine, as it is not the same as viewing addiction as a personality trait. When you find your identity outside of addiction, you truly begin to live.

How Driftwood Recovery Helps You Find Your Identity

Driftwood Recovery helps you find your identity by making identity an essential part of its addiction treatment programs. Clients find themselves exposed to diverse groups of people from all walks of life. There, clients may encounter ideas and values they may have never seen before. Speaking to staff also helps clients connect with different people, widening their worldview and showing them a life beyond addiction and pain. 

Therapeutic activities such as therapeutic recreation, art therapy, and yoga allow clients to participate in fun activities. Along with a large campus, mostly covered in nature, clients are exposed to the outdoors and all its splendor. It has been scientifically proven that nature has a positive impact on mental health, and so too can it be on a developing identity. Clients who may have been nervous and withdrawn may find themselves drawn to exciting activities, such as rope work and obstacle courses. The wider the range of activities, the more a client can try.

Driftwood Recovery knows how important peers are to shaping our identities. That’s why clients are encouraged to participate in activities that grow and nurture positive personality traits. Compassion, empathy, understanding, and more are learned through team-building exercises and group meetings. With a robust alumni and peer network program, clients can see proof that they, too, can succeed. Sometimes, to find your identity, you need to know that it’s an achievable goal. 

Clients who feel lost can find guidance in a compassionate staff member or treatment provider. There is never shame in needing help. A person is never too old to wonder about their identity or seek to discover it. Having times when we wonder if we have an identity of all is a normal part of life. Access to quality mental health treatment, however, makes this process a little easier on ourselves.

It can be difficult for one to figure out who they are at the best of times. When a person struggles with addiction and other conditions, it’s difficult to separate them from their true self. At Driftwood Recovery in Driftwood and Austin, Texas, clients take the time to discover who they truly are. Through specialized therapies, clients build confidence and positive self-worth. Though struggle and recovery may be a chapter of your life, it’s not the whole story. Finding your inner strength and what brings you joy is equally as important as recovery. To learn how you can discover your true self, don’t wait. Call Driftwood Recovery today at (512) 759-8330. 

Craving management is an essential skill for those recovering from addiction. The fact is that cravings happen and often continue to happen long after a person has detoxed from a substance. Why this happens can be a frightening mystery to many. Comprehensive addiction education is not as common as it should be, with many content to ignore the problem. An educated population reduces fear, shame, and judgment. This includes education about recovery and what a person can expect when practicing sobriety.

That’s why the staff at Driftwood Recovery work to spread education and awareness about addiction and its treatment. The more a person understands about addiction, the more likely they are to seek treatment. Understanding concepts like peer pressure and craving management keeps people in recovery by preventing relapses. Having a clear idea of what to expect reduces the fear of the unknown.

This is especially true for cravings. Examining why they happen and how they can be managed inspires hope that life can and will improve for anyone, including yourself.

Why Do We Experience Cravings?

A craving in the context of addiction recovery is defined by a strong urge or abnormal desire for a certain activity or substance. People are not born with an urge or desire to use substances. However, if a person uses substances regularly, the brain and body “remember” it. This is because when using substances, the brain is bathed with chemicals and induces a flood of dopamine, which is pleasurable. Over time, the brain and body are trained to accept this state as the new “normal.”

The body and brain will start craving the substance to keep feeling “normal” and “good.” It is similar to how you may crave water or leafy greens when thirsty or lacking an essential vitamin. It’s how the body and brain work to correct imbalances or encourage you to consume needed nutrition. However, not all cravings in this manner are healthy, such as cravings for sugar and, in this case, substances. After substance use, the body is so used to the substance being present that it tries to “correct” the perceived imbalance by reinforcing substance use. 

Cravings often occur after a person experiences common addiction triggers, such as high stress or experiencing environmental cues of previous substance use. Recent studies have identified a neuro marker called the NCS (neural craving signature), which may be able to predict how intense drug cravings will be for a recovering individual. Though cravings can be distressing, they will pass and decrease in frequency over time. Some common examples of cravings are:

• Intrusive and distracting thoughts about using substances
• A physical urge to use substances
• An inability to think about anything else but using substances
• Desiring positive mental or physical feelings from using substances

How Craving Management Works

Craving management works by guiding clients into making healthy choices in their lives. Firstly, a client must accept that cravings will occur, and it doesn’t make them a bad or weak person for experiencing them. It takes time for the brain and body to recover from the damage dealt by substance abuse. However, the brain can and will heal, especially when helped along by professional help. In a way, craving management “resets” the brain and trains it to get used to a healthy new normal. 

Much like how the brain gets used to substance use over time, so too will healthy coping skills and habits become equally ingrained. Clients in craving management spend time practicing coping skills until it’s second nature. Boredom is a major addiction and craving trigger, so clients learn how to keep themselves busy as part of recovery. Discovering new hobbies, establishing an exercise regimen, and practicing wellness are all examples of typical activities encouraged in craving management.

Sometimes, medications can be useful as part of craving management. Some drugs and substances are particularly potent and can be difficult to detox from fully. Medications may be used to relieve withdrawal symptoms, including cravings, so clients can detox as safely and comfortably as they can. These medications, however, are only to be used for a brief amount of time and not forever. 

Overall, craving management is a toolkit that gives clients several options for effectively coping with cravings in their lives. 

What to Expect From Craving Management at Driftwood Recovery

Craving management at Driftwood Recovery is influenced by its goal of comprehensive and holistic treatments. Clients can expect all aspects of themselves to receive equal attention as a part of treatment, which is the mind, body, and spirit. Psychotherapies, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), are utilized to help clients cope with and understand their cravings. Programs like relapse prevention are an integral part of craving management, as they help clients practice their skills to navigate addiction triggers that can result in a craving. Clients build confidence and self-esteem through team-building exercises, experiential therapy, and therapeutic recreation. 

Driftwood Recovery also teaches clients how to be healthier once they finish treatments. This includes learning about proper nutrition, establishing an exercise routine, and finding activities and hobbies that give them joy. All of this teaches clients that there is more to life than cravings. In time, clients learn how to allow cravings to come and go while remaining healthy and sober. Staying active in your recovery leaves little room for cravings, and Driftwood Recovery balances activity with times to rest and relax. 

Of course, the skills clients learn in craving management can help others. Clients may be called upon to assist fellow peers in learning how to manage their cravings. Young family members will observe how alumni healthily deal with their cravings. The staff at Driftwood Recovery work to spread awareness that anyone can recover from addiction. By demonstrating their success, alumni show others that healing and recovery are possible for everyone. That includes understanding the nature of cravings and not allowing them to rule your life. 

Cravings are an unfortunate and often difficult part of addiction recovery. The longer a person has abused substances, the more intense the cravings can be. However, it’s possible to manage these cravings so you can live your life in recovery without fear. Here at Driftwood Recovery in Driftwood and Austin, Texas, craving management gives clients back their lives. With an emphasis on holistic and comprehensive treatment, clients collaborate with mental health care professionals to create a successful treatment plan. Cravings may be distressing, but they don’t last forever. If you or a loved one is struggling with cravings, don’t wait to get help. Find out more about our addiction treatment program today by calling (512) 759-8330.