Addiction Archives - Driftwood Recovery

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.

Individuals in healthcare may experience unusual or emotionally charged situations with coworkers and clients, leading to ethical dilemmas. According to the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, “Moral dilemmas arise when two or more principles or values conflict and there are mutually inconsistent courses of action.” Driftwood Recovery provides comprehensive training and staff support to help clinicians navigate ethical dilemmas with dignity and compassion.

5 Common Ethical Dilemmas in Healthcare and How to Address Them

Ethics is a cornerstone of good healthcare. Ethical guidelines protect clients and healthcare professionals from legal issues, ensuring people have access to relevant and appropriate care. Identifying and adequately addressing moral dilemmas improves treatment outcomes for clients and reduces workplace stress for clinicians. Below are five common ethical dilemmas encountered in healthcare and how professionals can manage them.

#1. Maintaining Client Privacy While Addressing Threats to Public Safety

Client privacy is essential to the therapeutic process. Ensuring confidentiality and privacy builds trust and confidence in the client-clinician relationship. However, some situations may make it challenging to maintain client privacy while balancing public health and safety. For example, clinicians may have to break confidentiality if a client expresses intent to harm themselves or others. Finding the right balance between ensuring public safety and maintaining client trust involves practicing good judgment. Driftwood Recovery has strict guidelines and protocols for managing client privacy and adhering to privacy laws. HIPAA and other laws ensure healthcare workers know when to break and when to protect client confidentiality.

#2. Informed Consent and Clients With Limited Capacity to Understand Treatment Options

The effects of chronic substance abuse, complex mental health issues, and developmental factors may impact a client’s capacity to understand their treatment options. Individuals with a decreased capacity to recognize their needs and identify effective treatment plans may have difficulty understanding their situation. Healthcare professionals are responsible for ensuring clients under their care give informed consent for treatment services. Some clinicians may struggle with determining if a client has the mental capacity to provide informed consent.

Ongoing assessments and ethical judgment help healthcare workers recognize when a client needs an advocate. Driftwood Recovery ensures all staff know how to identify the signs of a client’s capacity to give informed consent. In cases where clients may not be able to consent, the clinical team follows legal guidelines for working with client families or representatives to make the best decisions for their care.

#3. Refusal of Treatment Despite Severe or Life-Threatening Consequences

Individuals experiencing complex mental health issues, substance use disorder, or dual diagnosis may refuse treatment despite a high risk of relapse or self-harming behaviors. Mentally competent adults have the right to refuse treatment regardless of how this may affect their physical or emotional health. However, determining mental competency can sometimes be difficult and cause moral dilemmas for healthcare professionals.

Studies have shown that when “a patient’s illness is affecting their capacity to refuse care, and they are considered a danger to themselves or to others, the healthcare provider is expected to treat the patient regardless of their refusal.” Every state has different laws regarding involuntary treatment. Driftwood Recovery educates clinicians on state, local, and federal laws for treating patients who have refused care.

#4. Balancing Respect for Cultural Beliefs With Evidence-Based Care

Some people’s cultural beliefs may clash with evidence-based care, making it difficult to treat conditions impacting the client’s mental and physical health. Responding with compassion and curiosity instead of judgment can help healthcare professionals develop tailored approaches to care that meet client needs while respecting their cultural beliefs.

Mental health and addiction recovery experts balance respect for client cultural beliefs with evidence-based treatments by doing the following:

Conducting cultural competency training
Actively listening to client needs and preferences
Collaborating with clients and their families to tailor treatment
Using culturally appropriate assessment tools
Providing access to bilingual counselors
Encouraging family involvement in treatment

Healthcare professionals can respect cultural beliefs and stigmas surrounding treatment while gently introducing evidence-based modalities into treatment plans.

#5. Setting Professional Boundaries With Compassionate Care

Boundaries may become blurred sometimes, making it difficult for healthcare professionals to set limits on how they interact with clients. Professionals set clear boundaries with clients by doing the following:

Defining professional roles at the start of treatment
Maintaining consistent and clear communication
Avoiding dual relationships, such as becoming a personal friend with therapy clients
Practicing self-awareness and mindfulness during interactions with clients
Consulting coworkers or supervisors if boundary issues become a problem
Respecting client autonomy

Boundaries help clients avoid confusion or miscommunication during treatment. Maintaining a professional distance from clients while treating them with dignity and compassion improves the effectiveness of treatment services and helps clients learn to set their own healthy boundaries.

Mental health and addiction recovery programs involve many gray areas that may lead to ethical dilemmas for healthcare professionals. Strict workplace policies ensure staff members understand when they must legally report certain situations and how to react appropriately to moral dilemmas. Experts are humans, too, and may experience a lack of judgment. Comprehensive workplace guidelines help professionals know how to respond to various complex or sensitive situations. Driftwood Recovery trains staff to recognize and address potentially challenging interactions using compassion, objectivity, and transparency. Healthcare professionals benefit from relying on their supervisors and coworkers to help them navigate unusual issues that may have them worried about providing the best care to clients. To learn more about our policies, call (512) 759-8330.

A 12-Step program is simultaneously well-known and mysterious to the average person. Many people have seen a 12-Step program parodied in movies and cartoons, so they have an idea that it’s a program that helps those struggling with addiction. However, the inner workings of a 12-Step program are not well known unless a person or their family member has been involved with it. Understanding what are the uniting principles behind 12-Step programs allows those who are struggling or have a family member struggling with an addiction to make informed decisions about their care.

12-Step programs are effective enough to be essential parts of addiction treatment facilities. Driftwood Recovery is no exception by using a 12-Step program as part of comprehensive addiction treatment. The specific one used for each client depends on their wishes, as clients have the right to choose the programs they feel meet their values the most. No matter which program is chosen, clients can expect to receive peer support and tools to assist them in their recovery journey.

To further understand the principles that make these programs so effective, we must first examine what a 12-Step program entails.

What Is a 12-Step Program?

12-Step programs originated from Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) as a spiritual foundation for recovery from alcoholism, so they are named after the program’s Twelve Steps to recovery. It’s designed as a way for a person not just to help themselves but also to help the family, friends, and community that their alcoholism may have harmed. The goal is to encourage clients to help themselves by seeking out and attending meetings. This model has been adapted and used for other addiction recovery groups. The original AA 12-Step program encourages individuals to surrender to a higher power as a source of strength.

However, some people in the mental health care community do not agree with the original message of being powerless or embracing a higher power, as it’s believed it could isolate or discourage some people from seeking help. Secular versions such as SMART Recovery have been developed as an alternative to the AA 12-Step program model. SMART Recovery, especially, is commonly used in addiction treatment facilities.

Though different, the goal of providing peer support and personal accountability is still the same regardless of the specific program.

The Principles of a 12-Step Program

A 12-Step program operates on, of course, twelve guiding principles or traditions to encourage recovery. To summarize, a person utilizing a 12-Step program must:

Be honest about their addiction and recognize how their behaviors impact themselves and those around them
Accept that this is a battle they cannot win alone and seek help
Take responsibility for their actions by making contact with those they are wronged and make sincere amends for any harm caused to them
Find spiritual support and have faith in a higher being to give them strength to overcome addiction
Perform acts of service to their peers and community
Maintain their sobriety by attending meetings and practicing coping skills

Overall, 12-Step programs focus on the power of faith, forgiveness, and personal service as a way to remain in recovery. AA and other 12-Step programs based on it have the philosophy that addiction is a manageable chronic disease but ultimately a lifelong affliction. SMART Recovery, however, does not view addiction as a disease, only as behaviors that can be corrected. Instead of Twelve Steps, SMART Recovery utilizes a four-point program, which involves:

Building and maintaining motivation so you can resolve to remain sober
Coping with urges by identifying triggers and reducing or coping with them
Manage thoughts, feelings, and behaviors to avoid relapse and find self-acceptance
Living a balanced life by making healthy, realistic changes to promote recovery

Clients may use one or both program types to receive support during their recovery journey. Regardless of which program a client ultimately chooses, multiple studies have shown both programs to be effective for recovery.

Finding Lifelong Support at Driftwood Recovery

The staff at Driftwood Recovery is just as diverse as its client base. People from all walks of life come to Driftwood Recovery to find a safe and secure place to heal. With a holistic treatment philosophy, great care is taken to be sure a wide range of treatment options is available. This includes the choice to participate in a 12-Step program, SMART Recovery, both, or neither. The power of choice is a fundamental human right. A right that Driftwood Recovery seriously upholds.

If choosing a traditional 12-Step program, clients will have meetings with their fellow peers. These meetings help clients take responsibility for their actions and make honest life changes. The Courageous Family program often goes hand in hand with a 12-Step program. They both work as a way for the client and their family to rebuild their relationships. SMART Recovery also features meetings where clients can practice and discuss the coping skills they have learned in treatment.

Regardless of the program chosen, clients are encouraged to support each other and help their communities. Alumni in the alumni program often become mentors to others. This shows the person being mentored that healthy sober living is possible and gives them a person they can call for help when they need strength. Of course, sober living and social skills are taught as part of treatment. However, going off on your own can be a frightening time that is made better with a supportive mentor.

The goal of every mental health care and addiction treatment facility is for its clients to be successful in their recovery. With the help of a 12-Step program and SMART Recovery, clients find the community they need to be successful. Though treatment can feel overwhelming, it gets easier with each step forward.

To an average person, the idea of a 12-Step program conjures images of people sitting in a room as they admit that they have an addiction. The truth is that a 12-Step program is much more complex than that. These programs assist clients in changing their lives and taking responsibility for their actions. For many, it’s another step in their recovery that can bring immense healing. That’s why at Driftwood Recovery in Driftwood and Austin, Texas, clients have access to 12-Step programs as an essential part of addiction treatment. Everyone, including yourself and those you love, can recover from addiction with the right treatment. So don’t wait to start your healing journey; call (512) 759-8330 today.

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

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

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

What Are Personality Disorders?

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

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

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

Why Does Addiction Commonly Co-Occur With Personality Disorders?

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

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

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

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

Finding Treatment and Healing at Driftwood Recovery

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

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

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

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

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