How to Build a Self-Care Plan

In recovery, you have learned how important self-care is for your physical and psychological well-being. You may even be well aware of the nine key attributes of self-care, like awareness, self-control, and self-reliance. Yet, effectively and safely engaging in self-care is easier said than done. Thus, building a self-care plan is invaluable to healthy self-care and sustained recovery.

At Driftwood Recovery, we know how easy it can be to get bogged down by fears about maintaining sobriety. With fear often comes an overachiever mindset that manifests itself as trying to take on too much in recovery. However, through an alumni program, you can find the connection, accountability, and support you need to meet challenges with balance. Through community integration, you learn how to process stress and build life skills like a self-care plan. Thus, building a self-care plan can be your first step toward fostering inner connection and healing rather than harming yourself.

You may still have questions about building a balanced self-care plan. How can self-care be anything other than useful in recovery? In what ways can self-care do more harm than good in recovery? You can learn how to build a healthy self-care plan by first understanding self-care fatigue and its impact on well-being.

What Is Self-Care Fatigue?

Talking about self-care has become more common in the general public. Whether it is a host on a show or the HR department at your job, everyone is talking about self-care. Despite the benefits of self-care, you can find yourself in a state of self-care fatigue. Self-care fatigue often happens when your life does not match how you want to feel despite engaging in self-care. 

Now, the thought that you can do self-care incorrectly may sound baffling. In reality, there is not necessarily a wrong way to do self-care. Self-care, much like addiction treatment, should match the specific needs of the individual. While there is no wrong way to do self-care, there are misconceptions that can lead you to make unhealthy choices. Thus, self-care fatigue often bubbles up from a place of emotional exhaustion. 

You keep engaging in things you perceive as self-care, yet you still have not seen a change in certain aspects of your life. Without change, you can lose hope and find yourself stuck. Therefore, reducing self-care fatigue and building an effective self-care plan starts with breaking down the myths and misconceptions that plague a supportive self-care plan.

Self-Care Myths: Impact of Myths on Building a Self-Care Plan

Numerous myths and misconceptions about self-care can lead you to build an unhealthy self-care plan. Some of the myths of self-care include:

• It is selfish and expensive
  • Taking time for yourself allows you to rest and recharge 
  • You do not have to go to luxury spas or buy expensive equipment
• Self-care is not for everyone
  • Everyone, regardless of gender, race, ethnicity, age, religion, or ability, can benefit from self-care
    • While everyone’s experiences are different, everyone has faced stress and challenges 
• It is time-consuming
  • Self-care does not have a fixed schedule or a specific amount you must do
    • Anything from five to forty-five minutes can be valuable for self-care
    • It is less about time and more about how the act of self-care makes you feel
    • A self-care plan can be as structured or loose as you need it to be
• Self-care is anything that soothes you
  • It should be relaxing and enjoyable, but it should not be done to excess or impair other areas of well-being in your life like your physical health

How your self-care plan should look is often misconstrued by myths that contribute to emotional exhaustion and unbalanced self-care. Listed below are some examples of a poor self-care plan:

• Only engaging in look-based activities
  • Manicures
  • Pedicures
  • Hair appointments
• Avoiding things that make you uncomfortable
  • Exercising
  • Attending a support group
• Doing a self-care activity because someone else does it
  • Spending a weekend reading on a beach when you dislike the beach

Now, you may question how you can build a healthy self-care plan that fits you and your life.

How to Build a Self-Care Plan

According to “Building Your Self-Care” from the Colorado Department of Health Care Policy and Financing (HCPF), part of building a self-care plan is picking different types of strategies to add to your toolkit. Although you do not have to incorporate each strategy into your self-care plan, each strategy may offer something that works for you:

• Physical 
• Social 
• Mental 
• Environmental 
• Work-related 
• Recreational 
• Mindfulness 
• Spiritual 

Beyond picking strategies, it is also important to evaluate your positive and negative coping skills and identify your self-care needs. With a better idea of your needs and skills, you can build a self-care plan that will support sustained recovery.

Sustainable Tools for Your Self-Care Plan

Much like picking self-care strategies, within those strategies are a variety of tools you can use in your daily life. Listed below are some sustainable tools that may be effective in your regular and emergency self-care plan:

• Regular self-care
  • Dancing to music while you get ready
  • Working out while watching a show
  • Cooking dinner with a loved one
  • Family book club
  • Listening to relaxing soundscapes before bed
  • Attending a support group
  • Write one thing you are grateful for before bed
• Emergency self-care
  • Deep breathing
  • Taking a walk
  • Support person

By practicing different tools in your self-care plan toolbox, you can support your well-being and maintain recovery.

Learning How to Build Your Self-Care Toolkit at Driftwood Recovery

At Driftwood Recovery, we know building a strong foundation to sustain recovery starts with a connection to self and others. Through an active alumni program, you have access to services and activities for community and self-care. You can strengthen your mind, body, and spirit as your peers act as a source of guidance and accountability for well-being. Therefore, we are dedicated to connection and community integration to help you build a unique self-care plan to maintain your recovery.

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

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

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

What Are Toxic Toxic Relationships?

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

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

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

How Do Toxic Relationships Harm Recovery?

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

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

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

Finding Help at Driftwood Recovery

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

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

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

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

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

According to Addiction Relapse Prevention, approximately 50% of people relapse within the first 12 weeks. However, the risk of recovery burnout in long-term recovery is often overlooked. Recovery burnout is an important phenomenon. As the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) notes, 7 in 10 adults are in addiction recovery. Therefore, recognizing recovery burnout can be invaluable to maintaining long-term recovery.

At Driftwood Recovery, we know recovery is a journey that continues long after addiction treatment. However, we also know how difficult it can be to stay connected to a sober community. Losing those recovery connections over time makes it easier to lose yourself in recovery. The work needed to maintain recovery, especially alone, can increase recovery burnout. Therefore, we are dedicated to providing a vibrant alumni program with support and accountability. With support and connection with alumni, you can avoid recovery burnout to sustain recovery.

However, you may still have questions about recovery burnout. What is recovery burnout, and what causes it? How does recovery burnout impact your long-term well-being and recovery? 

What Is Recovery Burnout?

You may be familiar with burnout concerning other domains like work and school. Burnout has recently become synonymous with healthcare workers and college students. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), burnout is a syndrome that comes from chronic workplace stress that is not effectively managed. Thus, burnout, in general, is often thought of as an occupational phenomenon. 

However, the world has expanded to be entangled in other domains and life challenges. Recovery, much like treatment, requires a lot of courage and work to build and maintain. Therefore, when you have been in recovery for a while, you can start to feel exhausted from the effort, time, and commitment you have to put into sustaining recovery. 

Recovery burnout is a loss of the energy that motivates your dedication to recovery. Moreover, recovery burnout can lead to negative feelings about recovery as the physical, mental, and emotional exhaustion takes over. Although entering recovery after the structure of a residential treatment program can feel daunting, it may be difficult to imagine ever experiencing recovery burnout. You may think of recovery as this grand prize for all your hard work and the final step in a new life. While recovery does present an opportunity for a new, fulfilling life without substances, it is not a destination. 

Misconceptions that recovery is the end of the journey are born out of the pink cloud syndrome in early recovery. Thus, understanding the pink cloud syndrome can help you better understand how recovery burnout develops.

Pink Cloud Syndrome: Understanding Challenges of Early Recovery

Although recovery is a lifelong process, there are some stages on your journey to recovery. Some of the stages of recovery include seeking support, detox, treatment, and early recovery. In and around early recovery is where pink cloud syndrome or pink clouding is found. Pink cloud syndrome is the phase in early recovery following withdrawal symptoms that leave you filled with feelings of euphoria and elation. 

In many ways, pink cloud syndrome is like the honeymoon phase of recovery in which you have just discovered the joy of life without substances. Moreover, you are overjoyed and optimistic about the progress you have made and are completely confident in your ability to maintain recovery. Feeling happy about the progress you have made toward recovery is something you should be proud of. However, the dangers of pink cloud syndrome are an unrealistic and overconfident perspective that does not last. Some of the issues of pink cloud syndrome include:

• Preoccupation with the positive aspects of recovery
• Excessive optimism
• Withdrawal from your support system

Thus, ignoring the reality of recovery as a dynamic process with peaks and valleys sets you up for recovery burnout.

Addressing Unhealthy and Health Habits in Recovery

With recovery burnout, you can get stuck in unhealthy habits that leave you feeling unbalanced and overworked. Thus, recognizing and addressing unhealthy habits is important to effective long-term recovery. According to NIH News in Health, habits often arise through repetition and when the brain’s reward centers are triggered. Therefore, healthy and unhealthy habits often stem from the same process. For example, your brain may crave the reward feeling and familiarity of one too many glasses of wine before bed, the same way meditating before bed can become a healthy habit. Yet, how do you dismantle the unhealthy habits of overachieving in recovery burnout?

Finding Healthy Ways to Cope With Recovery Burnout

The NIH states that changing unhealthy habits is a process. Recovery does not happen overnight or require perfection, as pink clouding and early recovery lead you to believe. Your ability to find balance in recovery and avoid recovery burnout starts with building healthy coping strategies to combat stress and an overachiever mentality. While everyone’s needs to overcome recovery burnout is unique, some adaptive coping skills you can use to reestablish balance include:

• Recognize and accept your feelings
• Give yourself space to relax
• Set boundaries 
• Reach out for support
• Find healthy outlets 
  • Drawing
  • Journaling
• Make time for wellness
  • Yoga
  • Sleep hygiene
• Change up the recovery resources you use
  • Online and app-based resources
  • Sober activities

With greater self-awareness, you can effectively address and reduce your risk for recovery burnout.

Fostering Recovery Burnout Tools for Lasting Recovery at Driftwood Recovery

At Driftwood Recovery, we know the connection to self and others in alumni is vital to sustained recovery. No matter where you are on your recovery journey, it can be thrilling and overwhelming. Feeling overwhelmed in recovery is not something to feel ashamed about but rather something you acknowledge and lean on your support system for. Healing is not meant to be done alone, and engaging with alumni reminds you that balance in recovery is possible. Through a peer-driven network, you can find the support, resources, guidance, and accountability you need to lead a courageous life in recovery.

Learning how to manage stress is an important part of growing up. As children, we learn how to manage stress and our emotions by observing and copying the behaviors of both our peers and adults. The presence of or lack of healthy coping skills learned as youth can greatly impact our ability to cope with difficulties once we become adults.

This is especially important when undergoing treatment for addiction and its co-occurring conditions. Although steps are taken to make treatment as smooth as possible, it’s still a stressful endeavor. Those who cannot healthily manage stress during treatment run the risk of burnout and may give up before treatment is completed.

That’s why at Driftwood Recovery, clients utilize therapies to teach them how to manage stress on their own. While learning these essential skills, clients also have access to stress-managing activities. Knowing when you are feeling stressed is also important, as well as recognizing when you need to manage it. Overall, stress management will become second nature over time, especially when given opportunities to practice these skills in a safe and supportive environment. 

Although not a comprehensive list, here are a few tips all clients can follow to manage their stress.

Tip 1 – Manage Stress by Moving Your Body

Exercise and moving your body release endorphins, which are a feel-good chemical. It has been proven that exercise can help boost your mental health. Psychical activity allows stress to leave the body, especially when engaging in enjoyable activities. 

At Driftwood Recovery, all clients are encouraged to move their bodies as part of treatment. It can be vigorous movement, such as playing a sport through therapeutic recreation, or more relaxing, such as yoga. Before beginning any physical activity, it’s important to speak with a professional to prevent injuries. They can give you the tips you need to enjoy physical activity safely.

Tip 2 – Self-Care for Stress Relief

Taking care of your physical and emotional needs is essential to manage stress. Many times, stress can be relieved by satisfying vital biological functions. Getting proper sleep and rest is one such way to manage stress, as it bolsters your body. Eating nutritious food at regular intervals, as well as remaining properly hydrated, can all reduce stress. If you feel stressed, it might be because you are tired, hungry, or thirsty.

Self-care also refers to fulfilling one’s emotional and spiritual needs as well. Engaging in activities that you feel are purposeful or working to better yourself are all forms of self-care. Many times people feel stressed because they feel as though they have no direction in life. Actively working towards a goal to fulfill this need can also manage stress. 

Tip 3 – Find Healthy Outlets to Manage Stress

Stress is harmful because it remains inside a person until it can be expressed. Those engaging in unhealthy stress relief may engage in substance abuse or other dangerous activities to feel better. However, there are ways for a person to manage stress healthily without resorting to harmful activities. 

Driftwood Recovery encourages clients to find hobbies and activities that release stress and give them joy. Some common examples of hobbies that can be used to manage stress include crafts, gardening, or playing games. Therapies designed to manage stress, such as art therapy, can provide a client with a lifelong outlet for stress. 

Tip 4 – Reduce Stressors by Accepting Help

Another way to manage stress is to accept professional help. Attempting to accomplish a difficult task on your own can be highly stressful and frustrating. It’s especially true if you experience repeated failures, which can work to demotivate a person. In time, a person may even stop trying, which is something that cannot be allowed to happen in treatment.

To help with that, clients are encouraged to trust in others to help them. The bond between client and provider is only possible through this trust, which ultimately promotes healing. Driftwood Recovery makes this easier by being staffed by compassionate and understanding professionals. Clients can let go of their stress by allowing these professionals to help them carry their struggles. Understanding that your providers will give you time to breathe through the treatment process can go a long way to managing your stress. 

Tip 5 – Manage Stress by Being Kind to Yourself

Perhaps the greatest tip of all to manage stress is to be kind to yourself. It’s not unheard of for someone to take up more of a burden than they need to and then put themselves down for failing. Sometimes, these negative thoughts and feelings of unworthiness will turn on a person, causing them to inadvertently self-sabotage their progress. If you want to manage stress healthily, you must treat yourself better.

This can be done by changing your mindset to be more compassionate and realistic. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is often used to help clients speak to themselves in a kinder and more understanding way. It allows them to set realistic goals so they can celebrate their successes. Part of this mindset is also accepting that failing is a part of life, but it doesn’t mean that you cannot try again. It’s always better to try than it is to preemptively give up. 

This more positive mindset doesn’t just manage stress; it gives you support and encouragement to face any task that lies ahead. 

Again, this list is not comprehensive, as there are many individual ways in which a client can learn to manage stress. If you feel overly stressed during treatment and recovery, it’s always encouraged to speak to a mental health care professional. They will be able to get you the therapies needed to encourage healthy coping skills and find relief. Stress is temporary, but the skills you learn to manage stress will last forever.  

Stress can be a major contributor to addiction and other mental health conditions. Learning how to healthily manage one’s stress is an essential part of treatment and recovery. Without these skills, it’s possible to struggle with treatment burnout or even experience a relapse. That’s why at Driftwood Recovery in Driftwood and Austin, Texas, clients spend time learning stress management and relief techniques as part of treatment. Not only do clients learn skills to mitigate the effect of stress on themselves, but they also have time to participate in stress-reliving activities, such as walks or breathing exercises. If you or a loved one is struggling, don’t wait to get treatment. Call Driftwood Recovery today at (512) 759-8330. 

You have done the difficult work of seeking and completing treatment. Although completion of treatment is exciting, it is also understandably scary as you reenter society and rebuild your social life. Challenges with alcohol misuse can also make reentering social life feel overwhelming and impossible.

Alcohol has played a central role in the lives of countless people across the world since some of the earliest civilizations on the planet. Thus, alcohol consumption, misuse, and abuse is a complex topic. Unlike illicit substances like cocaine and heroin, alcohol is a legal substance that, for many, is a normal part of their social life. As the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) notes, 2.2 million people 12 years and older have alcohol use disorder (AUD).

Yet, only 7.6% of people with AUD receive treatment, which can highlight alcohol use as a spectrum of misuse. The consequences of alcohol misuse are not relegated only to individuals with dependence or AUD. Rather, most people who misuse alcohol account for the majority of alcohol-related disability and death. Thus, addressing the cultural and social life aspects of alcohol consumption is valuable for understanding overconsumption, dependence, and AUD.

At Driftwood Recovery, we recognize that living a life in recovery means being reintegrated into the community. Through a community-driven approach, we are dedicated to helping you reintegrate into society. With a vibrant, sober community, you can find the service, accountability, and encouragement needed to rebuild your social life without alcohol. Our peer-driven network provides mutually supportive attachment with others to give you the tools you need to reintegrate into everyday life. 

Yet, it may feel difficult for you to imagine building a social life without alcohol. By expanding your understanding of drinking culture, you can dismantle alcohol’s influence.

Understanding Drinking Culture

Most alcohol research is focused on risk factors and the impact of individual experiences on addiction. However, understanding the cultural elements of alcohol can support sustained recovery. Cultural norms and practices found in society typically intersect with health and psychological wellness. Moreover, the way you experience and perceive culture greatly influences how you see yourself, others, and the world. 

Thus, understanding culture can provide insight into the significance of culture in society and social life. According to the Journal of Studies on Alcohol and Drugs, culture typically consists of a schema of beliefs, practices, values, and other worldviews that are maintained by a cultural group or society, which is preserved and transmitted across generations. For alcohol, drinking culture and social life are deeply interconnected, especially in pop culture: 

• Movies
• Television
• Music
• Social media

Moreover, many of the social influences of alcohol in pop culture spill over into other cultural influences. Additional influences on drinking culture and social life can include community norms, racial and ethnic discrimination, family and peer drinking behaviors, and college social life. Thus, drinking culture can have a fundamental impact on how you engage in social life.

The Impact of Drinking Culture on Social Life

There are countless examples in pop culture that glorify binge drinking and alcohol as a coping tool. Although pop culture can have a significant influence on how you perceive alcohol, interactions with family, friends, and other aspects of social life can be particularly influential. Many of your social life experiences from adolescence to adulthood have likely been influenced by the socialization of alcohol. 

Overconsumption of alcohol can be seen across countless social life events like college parties, young dating culture, sporting events, holiday parties, and bar Happy hours with co-workers. The prevalence of drinking culture in every major segment of life speaks to the far-reaching influence of alcohol on social life. Further, many of the elements of drinking culture found in social life are tied to social connection. 

Importance of Social Connections for Sobriety

Addiction and early recovery are often plagued by self-isolation and loneliness. A loss of social connection can be detrimental to your well-being and increase your risk for relapse. Thus, building a social life in sobriety can not only support relapse prevention but also improve your well-being. Some of the ways social connection through a social life can support your health and well-being include:

• Foster a sense of belonging
• Improve self-esteem 
• Increase motivation
• Raise quality of life

While addiction to your previous social life may have fractured your social connection, support in sobriety can help you reclaim the joys of social life.

Ways to Support a Social Life Without Alcohol

Building a fun, happy, and meaningful social life does not require alcohol. Yet, how do you combat cultural norms that most people subscribe to? Through a vibrant alumni program, you can uncover a fulfilling social life without alcohol. Some of the ways you can engage in a sober social life include:

• Setting clear boundaries with others
• Hangout with friends at places other than bars and clubs
  • Cafe
  • Movie theater
  • Museum
  • Library
  • Art gallery
• Joining a club or group
  • Book club
• Take a class
  • Yoga
  • Pottery
• Join a sports league
  • Volleyball
  • Basketball
  • Flag football
• Volunteer
• Attend sober events

There are a wide variety of sober places and activities you can engage in with old and new friends. Although it can feel daunting to socialize without alcohol, an alumni program can give you the support you need to step into your new sober life confidently.

Fostering a Sober Social Life at Driftwood Recovery

At Driftwood Recovery, we believe a strong and vibrant alumni program can give you the support and resources you need to thrive in recovery. Through a peer-driven network, you can find a sober community where connection is at the heart of the community. Together, you can foster fellowship and fun in sobriety with shared experiences and a commitment to accountability, service, and encouragement. We are dedicated to helping you reintegrate and build a new sober life, whether it is weekly meetings and activities or in-house AA meetings, there is a community for you.

Suicidal ideation is more common than what most people would think. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 12.3 million adults have considered suicide at some point in their lives. Anyone from all walks of life can experience or struggle with suicidal ideation. Those who struggle with these thoughts can feel empty, tired, and hopeless. 

There is always hope, and anyone can recover from these distressing thoughts and feelings with the right professional help. At Driftwood Recovery, clients have the freedom to discuss their inner thoughts and feelings without fear of judgment or belittlement. Staffed by caring and compassionate professionals, each client receives the attention and treatment they need to overcome anything. 

However, treatment cannot begin if a person doesn’t understand that they need it. Suicidal ideation is heavily stigmatized and rarely discussed. It’s only in recent years that there has been a push to educate the greater public about suicidal ideation and those who are most at risk. By speaking about this topic, we validate those who are struggling and encourage them to seek help.

What Is Suicidal Ideation?

Suicidal ideation, also known as suicidal thoughts, is when someone struggles with persistent thoughts of death and suicide. Although someone may have these thoughts and feelings, it does not mean that they will attempt suicide. These thoughts are often intrusive and very distressing. Over time, these thoughts can wear down the spirit, making it difficult to connect with others or find joy in life.

There are two forms of suicidal ideation: active and passive. Active suicidal ideation is when you have suicidal thoughts and also have the intention to die by suicide. This may involve taking steps such as making a plan, purchasing a weapon, or designating a specific day to die. Passive suicidal ideation is when you have thoughts of suicide, such as “I wish I could disappear,” but have no plans to harm or die by suicide. 

Who Is Most at Risk?

Suicidal ideation can be the result of many factors. However, it often boils down to a desire to escape a situation that feels inescapable. It’s what happens when a person loses hope and finds no value in continuing life. Sometimes, this is a result of a serious condition, such as chronic pain, grief from the loss of a loved one, or addiction. Mood disorders and other mental health conditions, such as depression, can also cause suicidal ideation. Some medications used to treat these conditions may also have a side effect that can cause thoughts of death and suicide. 

Other risk factors that may cause suicidal ideation in individuals are:

• Surviving or experiencing bullying, abuse, and violence
• Loss of a loved one, relationship, healthcare, or job
• Employed in highly stressful occupations
• Experiencing social isolation or loneliness 
• Facing discrimination
• Having a family or community history of suicide 
• Being a member of a marginalized group
• Having easy access to lethal weapons or means to harm oneself
• Being exposed to unsafe media portrayals of suicide

Having any of these risk factors does not automatically mean a person will experience suicidal ideation. It simply means that they must be ready to reach out for help should they need to. 

Getting Treatment for Suicidal Ideation

Those who are struggling with thoughts of self-harm and suicide can reach out by calling or texting the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. This lifeline exists to help stabilize individuals and find treatment options in their area. Callers are often directed to enroll in a mental health care facility or seek hospitalization, depending on the severity of their suicidal thoughts. Suicidal ideation must be treated by professionals for the individual to recover, so it’s vital to seek treatment right away. 

At Driftwood Recovery, there are several therapies used to treat suicidal ideation. Psychotherapies such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) help talk clients through their thoughts and feelings. This helps them identify what is triggering these thoughts and allows them to change these thoughts into healthier alternatives. Group therapy is also helpful in showing clients that they are not alone, allowing them to find support and understanding among their fellow peers. Clients learn that their lives matter, and care is taken to build up their confidence and feelings of self-worth.

Receiving treatment for conditions that cause suicidal ideation is also essential for its treatment. Driftwood Recovery focuses on treating some of the most common causes of suicidal ideation, which are addiction, chronic pain, and mood disorders. By treating a wide range of conditions, clients have an easier time finding the comprehensive care needed to treat both their suicidal ideation and the conditions that cause them. Sometimes, medicine can help manage these thoughts. Using any medication requires time and a collaborative effort between the client and a medical professional, but many clients have found success.

It’s also essential to know that these thoughts will not last forever. As long as a person is willing to make a positive change in their life, they can accomplish anything. Sometimes, a person receiving care for suicidal ideation may inadvertently help others with similar thoughts. Using the skills learned at Driftwood Recovery allows one to make a tangible difference in the world. Every life matters, including your own. 

Experiencing sadness or the “blues” is a normal experience that people have. However, sincerely thinking about your death or daydreaming about your death is not. This is called suicidal ideation, and it can be frightening and stressful to live with. However, it’s possible to recover from suicidal thoughts and ideation with the right treatment and support. Here at Driftwood Recovery in Driftwood and Austin, Texas, clients have access to compassionate and quality mental health treatment. Staffed by caring and understanding individuals, clients are recognized and seen as the individuals they are. If you are struggling with suicidal ideation, don’t wait. There is always hope for a better tomorrow. To learn how Driftwood Recovery can help, call (512) 759-8330 today. 

Healthcare workers may experience significant stress and pressure on the job. Many individuals in healthcare experience burnout due to ongoing work-related stress. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), “Nearly half of health workers (46%) reported often feeling burned out in 2022, up from 32% in 2018.” Chronic stress and emotional burnout contribute to the development of mental health disorders. Driftwood Recovery protects staff members by ensuring they have the resources to address any potential mental health disorder or concern related to overall wellness. 

Healthcare Workers Have an Increased Risk of Mental Health Issues

Individuals working in healthcare have an increased risk of mental health issues due to stressors within the workplace, including long hours, heavy workloads, and exposure to traumatic or emotionally upsetting events. Many people feel socially isolated, emotionally burnt out, and overwhelmed by career expectations. In addition, healthcare workers interact daily with individuals experiencing physical or mental health distress. The emotional toll may cause people to struggle with everyday activities and personal responsibilities. 

A few other potential causes of mental health disorders include: 

• Interpersonal conflict 
• Chronic health issues 
• Genetic predisposition 
• Trauma or abuse 
• Major life changes 
• Financial distress 
• Lack of social support 
• Poor work-life balance 
• Environmental factors 

Most people who develop mental health disorders have multiple factors impacting their ability to manage stress and maintain emotional stability. Some healthcare workers find it difficult to reach out for help if they begin to struggle. According to the Medical Clinics of North America, “A high proportion of health professionals (HPs) neglect their self-care [. . .] and, consequently, find it difficult to ask for help when their distress results in a mental disorder.” Many people are not sure how to recognize if they have a mental health disorder. 

What Are the Primary Warning Signs of a Mental Health Disorder?

Knowing the potential warning signs of a mental health disorder can ensure healthcare workers seek help if they notice changes in thoughts or behavior. According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), “Mental illnesses are disorders, ranging from mild to severe, that affect a person’s thinking, mood, and/or behavior.” 

The signs of mental health disorders look very different from person to person. However, some of the most common warning signs include: 

• Mood swings 
• Fatigue 
• Memory issues 
• Unusual irritability 
• Difficulty concentrating
• Anxiety 
• Depressive episodes 
• Emotional numbness or feeling disconnected from others  
• Feeling hopeless 
• Dissociative episodes

Healthcare workers may face additional scrutiny and stigmas. The general public generally does not think about the mental health of the individuals responsible for providing physical and psychological treatment. It may not occur to some people that their therapist or doctor may struggle to emotionally process difficult or traumatic events they experience, witness, or hear about at work. In addition, healthcare workers often feel concerned for their careers and may avoid getting help if they fear how it may impact their financial security. 

The Risk of Developing a Mental Health Disorder

Anyone can develop a mental health disorder. Healthcare workers and others working in high-demand environments have an increased risk of being diagnosed with a mental health disorder. The pressure to provide continuous, high-quality care in stressful situations may cause healthcare workers to become anxious or depressed. Healthcare workers may struggle to set clear boundaries to protect them against emotional burnout and other factors that contribute to the development of mental health disorders. A healthy work-life balance is the best way to decrease the risk of mental health disorders. 

How to Avoid a Mental Health Disorder

Preventative measures may help people avoid mental health disorders. Some actions people take to improve overall health and wellness include: 

• Prioritizing self-care 
• Practice gratitude and maintain positivity 
• Avoiding alcohol and other substances 
• Setting realistic personal and professional goals 
• Maintaining a balanced diet, regular exercise, and other healthy routines 
• Creating a solid support system 
• Practicing mindfulness in everyday activities 

Individuals with more risk factors may require additional preventative measures to protect their mental health. Driftwood Recovery supports each staff member to ensure they feel comfortable maintaining positive mental health, including setting healthy schedules and work boundaries. 

Steps Healthcare Workers Take to Protect Their Mental Health

Driftwood Recovery supports staff who want to improve their mental or physical health. Everyone has different needs, and management works with staff members to ensure their needs are met. 

A few steps healthcare workers take to stay healthy include: 

• Monitoring potential risk factors and addressing them whenever possible (e.g., reducing everyday stressors by practicing meditation) 
• Taking every work break 
• Seeking professional mental health counseling 
• Sharing struggles and concerns with family and friends 

Healthcare workers are responsible for providing high-quality, compassionate service to vulnerable individuals. Prioritizing self-care and preventing mental health issues ensures that healthcare workers can provide the best treatment to their clients. 

People often have difficulty recognizing the warning signs of mental health disorders and other health issues. An outside perspective can help people identify if they need professional assistance managing their mental health. Depression and other mental health issues are common among healthcare workers. However, the signs and symptoms of mental health disorders may be difficult for people to recognize, even as the side effects interfere with their ability to function. Driftwood Recovery understands the importance of supporting staff who experience mental health symptoms. Healthcare workers deserve to feel valued and heard when they struggle to maintain productivity at work. To learn more about our facility and policies, call us today at (512) 759-8330.

Depression is one of the most common mental health disorders. Healthcare workers have an increased risk of developing mental health disorders, including major depressive disorder (MDD) and other depressive disorders. According to the International Journal of Nursing Studies, “The prevalence of depression was estimated at 30% in a nationwide survey of more than 10,000 healthcare workers [. . .] Preventing, and actively managing, depression in healthcare settings is therefore a priority.” Living with depression while working in the healthcare field increases the risk of emotional burnout. Mental health support is essential, and Driftwood Recovery ensures that clinicians and support staff have access to emotional and mental health support. 

Risk Factors for Depression in Healthcare Workers

Individuals who work in healthcare frequently experience stressful situations and may hear, witness, or experience traumatic events at work. Personal stressors may also cause people to experience stress in the workplace. For example, healthcare workers experiencing relationship conflicts may have difficulty managing workplace stressors or maintaining a healthy work-life balance. 

Some common risk factors for depression include: 

• Work-related stress, including exposure to traumatic or emotionally distressing events 
• A poor work-life balance 
• History of mental health disorders 
• Chronic physical illness or pain 
• Relationship problems 
• Social isolation or lack of a support system 
• Physical and emotional exhaustion 
• Irregular or insufficient sleep caused by rotating work shifts or other factors 
• Financial instability 
• Unhealthy family environment 

Any life stressors have the potential to cause depressive symptoms. However, trauma, chronic stress, and persistent physical or mental illness may increase a person’s risk of becoming depressed. Working while experiencing depression makes it difficult for people to function and may reduce the quality of life for some individuals. 

Living With Depression While Working in a High-Stress Environment

Individuals working in healthcare often have long shifts where they engage with coworkers and people experiencing physical or emotional distress. The pressure of working in a high-stress environment stops some individuals from effectively managing depressive disorders. 

Depression causes a wide range of symptoms and side effects, including: 

• Sleep disturbances 
• Chronic fatigue 
• Difficulty concentrating 
• Memory problems 
• Feel persistently sad, anxious, or helpless 
• Slowed speech or movements
• Changes to appetite causing significant weight loss or gain 
• Physical symptoms, including body aches 
• Behavioral changes and mood swings 

The symptoms and side effects of depression may impact a person’s ability to complete workplace responsibilities. Struggling to meet obligations or expectations at work can worsen depressive symptoms. Healthcare workers benefit from getting professional treatment to manage symptoms of MDD and other depressive disorders. Driftwood Recovery prioritizes staff safety and provides support services to help employees manage depression and maintain positive mental health. 

Managing Symptoms at Work While Living With Depression

Working and managing symptoms of depression takes dedication, a willingness to ask for help and careful planning. People often have to rely on their loved ones and coworkers to assist them in overcoming challenges related to depression and other mental health disorders. The severity of symptoms may fluctuate daily, making it essential for healthcare workers to have a solid support system. People must develop a strategy for reducing the impact of depression on their work while establishing and maintaining positive routines. 

A few of the ways healthcare workers manage depression while working include: 

• Taking advantage of mental health support services, including individual therapy and support groups 
• Utilizing employee assistance programs (EAPs) 
• Practicing self-care during and after work 
• Mindfulness-based exercises and other stress-reduction techniques 
• Setting clear boundaries to establish a work-life balance 
• Delegating work tasks whenever possible 
• Engaging in healthy activities and hobbies

How people manage their depressive symptoms varies depending on their resources, responsibilities, and personal preferences. Some forms of depression may require prescription medication or other treatments to make symptoms manageable. 

Healthcare Professionals Living With Depression Benefit From Support Resources

Support resources allow people to continue working while healing and addressing the underlying issues contributing to the depression. The type of disorder a person is diagnosed with impacts how they manage the symptoms. For example, individuals with major depressive disorder may need to take more breaks during work or take vacation days during more severe depressive episodes, while individuals with postpartum depression may need to attend treatment programs and take medication. Many treatment programs and services accommodate individuals who have work responsibilities.  

Setting Clear Work-Life Boundaries

One of the most important things a person can do to manage depression while working is to set clear work-life boundaries with supervisors, coworkers, and family members. Some people may even choose to transfer to other healthcare positions that give them additional time and space to focus on their mental health. Driftwood Recovery encourages staff members to express if they need support or want to adjust their responsibilities to accommodate treatment for depression or other conditions. Staff members have the freedom to set clear boundaries between home and work. The management team provides guidance and access to EAPs to ensure staff feel supported and empowered as they navigate treatment for depression or other mental health issues. 

Depression is prevalent and manifests in many different ways. Healthcare workers must support and uplift clients and coworkers. Being positive and meeting workplace responsibilities while experiencing depressive episodes may cause significant emotional distress or physical health side effects. Depression impacts all areas of a person’s life, including relationships and work productivity. Healthcare workers have high-stress jobs, and this may increase the severity of mental health disorders, including depression. Driftwood Recovery ensures staff members feel comfortable speaking up if they need mental health support. Management checks in with staff daily to ensure they feel comfortable in their position. To learn more about our facility and how we support staff, call us today at (512) 759-8330.

For many people, the underlying causes of addiction are a mystery. Addiction is often falsely considered to be a result of a moral failing or as a form of karmic retribution. However, this is simply not true. Nobody deserves an addiction, and addictions are never the result of karma or because a person is inherently bad. Instead, there are underlying causes of addiction that have been noticed and studied by mental health care professionals. Understanding these causes encourages those struggling with addiction to seek help, as well as de-stigmatizing mental health care in general.

At Driftwood Recovery, education is half the battle of addiction treatment. Helping clients discover the underlying causes of addiction in themselves and their families is one of the first steps of treatment. Some of these causes are beyond a person’s control, while others require life changes to manage. But ultimately, these underlying causes can be managed with the right treatment and support. Once this has been accomplished, clients can then continue on their recovery journey. 

It’s not just important to understand these underlying causes of addiction for treatment. Understanding them also protects your sobriety and prevents relapse. 

Common Causes of Addiction

Addiction is often the result of pain. It can be psychological pain, such as a person living with trauma or struggling with stress. Physical pain, especially chronic pain conditions like complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS), can also result in addiction. Nobody wants to be in pain, and a person will attempt to eliminate or reduce their pain if possible. This leads to self-medicating behaviors. 

It first starts with recreational substance use, which can quickly turn into a dependency once the body becomes more tolerant. Drugs such as opioids and benzodiazepines, though used to treat medical conditions or reduce pain, can also be highly addictive. Those who carefully take these medications, even with the oversight of a medical professional, still risk developing an addiction. Some people may abuse substances to get an edge at school or work, especially if they have an undiagnosed mental health disorder.

It’s not just pain that is one of the causes of addiction. Peer pressure and a person’s social group can also play a significant role in addiction. Human beings have a psychological drive to want to fit in and be part of a group. This drive, coupled with the pressure to use substances, often makes some feel as though substance abuse is expected of them. It’s especially true for youth, who are frequently encouraged to consume alcohol by their peers. 

Addiction is also a result of unhealthy coping mechanisms. Stress, loss, and pressure are all difficulties a person will experience in their lives. Some can deal with these difficulties healthily and productively. Others, especially if they have never learned healthy coping skills, will turn to substance use. There is a psychological component to this as well, and many may believe that they have to abuse substances or they cannot relax. Treating the psychological causes of addiction is just as important as the biological aspects of it.

Family and Addiction

Sometimes, the underlying causes of addiction are out of a person’s control. Factors such as sex, environment, genetics, and more will influence a person’s likelihood of developing an addiction. For example, alcohol will have different effects on the body depending on the sex of the person. Some genetic markers may be responsible for a person’s likelihood of addiction. Family history is also one of the underlying causes of addiction, especially when it comes to how a child is raised. 

We learn as children how to notice social cues and behave in society by watching their family and peers. Children who experience early life stressors in their families, such as abuse or warfare, are more likely to develop addictions as adolescents and adults. We also watch how our parents and family members react to and use substances. Children who observe unhealthy substance use habits are likely to repeat these habits later in life. For example, alcohol is frequently abused for stress relief. Children who see their parents abuse alcohol in this way may assume that this is the “proper” way to deal with stress. 

It’s important to remember that these underlying causes of addiction don’t always result in an addiction. A person is not doomed to become addicted later in life. It may mean that they have a stronger likelihood of doing so, but it’s never set in stone. Understanding these underlying causes of addiction allows individuals to prevent addiction in their lives by seeking professional mental health care advice. 

Treating the Underlying Causes of Addiction

The best way to treat addiction is to prevent it. Educating the general public about addiction awareness and prevention is just one way to help those who are at risk. Another is to encourage those aware of possible causes of addiction in their lives to seek the advice of a mental health care professional. There, they can learn preventative measures, such as practicing healthy coping skills and diagnosing any conditions they may be struggling with. It’s always okay to seek preventative help, as no problem is ever too small.

Driftwood Recovery focuses on treating the underlying causes of addiction, especially conditions such as depression and chronic pain. Clients also involve their families in the treatment process through the courageous family program. With the oversight of medical professionals, clients have access to comprehensive and compassionate treatment. Those who complete treatment then have access to the alumni program, which further promotes success. 

Remember, you are more than your addiction, and the choices you make during and after treatment can inspire others to seek help as well. The more we work to treat and help those struggling with addiction, the healthier our communities become. 

Addiction never occurs as an isolated incident. There is always a cause or an underlying factor behind addiction that causes someone to abuse substances. Many times, it’s the result of pain and trauma. Other times, it comes down to factors beyond a person’s control, such as genetics and family history. Regardless of its causes, addiction can be treated, and recovery is possible for anyone. Here at Driftwood Recovery in Driftwood and Austin, Texas, clients find quality and compassionate treatment for their addiction and other conditions. Nobody deserves an addiction, especially you and your loved ones. To learn how Driftwood Recovery can help you begin your recovery journey, reach out today by calling (512) 759-8330. 

According to Frontiers in Neuroscience, your physical body is the home in which your mind lives. Your body acts as the anchor point for who you are and how you navigate the world. The body and mind are deeply interconnected as each impacts your physical and mental well-being. For example, when you are sad, you might overconsume food, while a chronic pain condition can contribute to depressive feelings. Your relationship with food can play an important role in your recovery journey. Thus, meal planning can be a valuable recovery tool to support your long-term well-being.

At Driftwood Recovery, we know how important food can be as a conduit to connect and foster community and support. Through an attachment approach to treatment, you have learned the value of connection for recovery. Your ability to truly heal and sustain recovery is not only about abstaining from misusing substances, but healing the whole-person. Therefore, supporting every part of you, including your physical health, with support tools like meal planning can be invaluable to the continuation of your recovery journey.

Supporting your sustained recovery with effective meal planning starts with understanding the impact substance use disorder (SUD) has had on your nutrition and health.

Maladaptive Eating: The Impact of SUD on Nutrition

As noted in an article from Nutrition Reviews, people with SUD experience a variety of nutritional issues that can impede physical and mental well-being. For example, you may be more likely to spend the money you have on substances instead of food, which can lead to malnutrition. Or, as Medline Plus states, SUD can contribute to irregular eating and poor diet. Listed below are some of the other ways substance use can impair your nutrition:

• You eat less often
• More likely to consume foods high in refined carbohydrates and fat
  • White bread
  • Pizza
  • Cereal
  • Baked goods
• You eat few, if any, fruits and vegetables

Moreover, different substances can contribute to specific nutritional deficits. For example, alcohol misuse can lead to deficiencies in B vitamins, which contribute to anemia and neurological problems. In contrast, stimulant misuse can reduce your appetite, which can lead to weight loss and poor nutrition. Thus, the presence of food insecurity, changes in dietary habits, and poor nutrition showcase the value of meal planning in recovery. Further, meal planning can help address other challenges with substance use, like psychological well-being.

Relationship Between SUD and Well-Being

According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), co-occurring mental illness is common among SUD and mental health disorders. From challenges with depression and anxiety to bipolar disorder and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), a wide variety of conditions can arise. SUD shares a bidirectional relationship with mental health disorders, as both can cause changes to your brain that impair things like impulse control. For instance, impaired thinking and impulse control increase your risk of misusing substances and developing SUD, which exasperates mental health symptoms. 

As a result, unaddressed SUD and/or mental health disorders can be detrimental to your well-being. Further, the impact of SUD on your nutritional habits can also influence psychological well-being. For example, deficiencies in certain nutrients like vitamin B12 can lead to depressive symptoms like fatigue and irritability. Balanced nutrition with support tools like meal planning can support healing challenges with depression, PTSD, and other conditions.

Finding Recovery With Nutrition and Meal Planning

Nutrition and, thus, meal planning is often overlooked as a support tool in treatment and recovery. Beyond supporting better nutritional habits, proper nutrition and meal planning can be impactful to the process of recovery. As noted in “Diet, Nutrition, and Substance Use Disorder” from Utah State University, some of the other benefits of nutrition and meal planning in treatment and recovery include:

• Improves withdrawal symptoms
  • Eating balanced meals can reduce the severity of symptoms like nausea and vomiting in opiate and opioid withdrawal
• Teaches proper nutrition
• Improves mood
  • Decreases depressive symptoms
  • Reduce cravings
• Supports physical health and chronic health conditions

Looking at the benefits of nutrition highlights its value for fostering and maintaining recovery. Therefore, you can continue to build on your recovery by incorporating meal planning into your daily life. 

Meal Planning: Ways to Break Maladaptive Patterns

In general, meal planning is planning what you are going to eat for each meal in advance. Typically, meal planning is based on a week of groceries, yet each individual is different. You can customize meal planning to best support your needs and life. Listed below are some of the ways you can build a meal plan that makes sense for you:

• Decide how many meals you need to prepare each day
• Start small by meal planning for three days before planning for a week or more
• Pick out the types of foods and serving sizes you want and need
  • Fruits, vegetables, protein, and whole grains 
  • Build portion goals for meals and snacks
  • Tracking food without calorie counting
• Schedule specific times to eat
  • Make sure your eating schedule works with other activities and responsibilities
  • Breakfast, lunch, dinner, and a snack, or you can include a morning snack and afternoon snack

The meal planning examples highlight some ways you can customize and change your meal plans to support you throughout recovery. Further, if you have other challenges like dietary restrictions and disordered eating, it is important to work with your clinician and other healthcare professionals to support your well-being.

Building Meal Planning Tools in Alumni at Driftwood Recovery

At Driftwood Recovery, we believe in taking a mind-and-body wellness approach to recovery. Your mind and body are intrinsically connected to what you consume. Through nutrition and engagement in your alumni program, you can find wellness, connection, and community to heal. From family-style dinners to milestone dinners, our alumni program is designed to support you as a whole person. You can find positive connections and balanced nutrition through a peer-driven and wellness-focused community. 

Your mind and body are so interconnected that they often inform each other. Thus, your challenges with SUD and co-occurring mental health disorders can have a negative impact on your physical and psychological well-being. However, nutritional support is not only a valuable tool in treatment to restore balance but for sustained recovery as well. Through nutrition and meal planning in recovery, you can continue to restore and foster connection with yourself in mind, body, and spirit to heal as a whole person. Therefore, at Driftwood Recovery, we are dedicated to providing a vibrant alumni program with a peer-driven community and services for physical and psychological well-being in recovery. Call us today at (512) 759-8330 to learn more about alumni support.