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cope with triggers during a pandemic
Finding helpOutpatient Treatment

How to Cope with Triggers During a Pandemic

by Pat Fontana
written by Pat Fontana

Stress and anxiety are common reactions to a pandemic such as the coronavirus outbreak that we are currently experiencing. During Mental Health Month, it is timely to review some tips for coping. In particular, it is important to understand how to cope with triggers during a pandemic, to prevent a relapse and to stay safe and healthy throughout the outbreak.

Triggers During a Pandemic

Under normal circumstances, your triggers might involve contact with people or a visit to a location that reminds you of your previous substance use and addiction. The National Institute on Drug Abuse states that stress cues linked to the drug use (such as people, places, things, and moods), and contact with drugs are the most common triggers for relapse. When you are staying at home and following social distancing guidelines, though, you may not have that same exposure.

During a pandemic, your triggers may be more related to loneliness or boredom. Your fear, stress, and anxiety may also be triggers for you as you remain isolated during the coronavirus outbreak. When you are not able to freely do the things you are used to doing every day, including accessing your addiction treatment program, these feelings can increase. You should take steps now to learn how to cope with triggers during a pandemic.

What Feeds Your Feelings

Dr. John Sharp, a board-certified psychiatrist on the faculty at Harvard Medical School and the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, advises taking a breath and working toward separating out where your feelings are coming from, as a way to cope with the anxiety and fear that may be triggers for you. Dr. Sharp suggests:

  • Try saying this, for example: “Of course, I’m more concerned than (my roommate/my friend/my family), because I’m practiced at feeling anxious or helpless.”
  • The next step is to recognize that the percentage of feelings that stem from the past do not have to govern how you necessarily feel in the present. Try saying this out loud: “Well that was then, this is now.” A simple statement like this can actually open the door to some significant relief.
  • Gently remind yourself of this crucial separation, cleaving the past from the present. And kindly and reassuringly remind yourself that you have the resources — both internal and external — to manage your feelings and reactions in the now. This is crucially important.

Practical Ways to Cope

When loneliness or boredom become triggers for you, you can find constructive ways to cope with those feelings as well. These stress management strategies can also become practical ways for you to cope with triggers during a pandemic.

  • Be kind to yourself. Remember that you’re not alone in your struggles.
  • Maintain a routine. Even if you’re stuck at home, try to stick to your regular sleep, school, meal, or work schedule. This can help you maintain a sense of normalcy.
  • Take time out for activities you enjoy. Read a good book, watch a comedy, play a fun board or video game, make something—whether it’s a new recipe, a craft, or a piece of art.
  • Get out in nature, if possible. Sunshine and fresh air will do you good. Even a walk around your neighborhood, if it can be done safely, can make you feel better.
  • Find ways to exercise. Staying active will help you release anxiety, relieve stress, and manage your mood. Cycle, hike, or walk, maintaining your social distance from others.
  • Avoid self-medicating. Using alcohol or other substances to deal with the pandemic is not the answer. Focus on the progress you’ve made and on your continuing recovery efforts.
  • Take up a relaxation practice. When stressors throw your nervous system out of balance, relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, meditation, and yoga can bring you back into a state of equilibrium.

Access Treatment via Telehealth

Stay connected with your addiction treatment and support groups. Continuing consistently with your program can help you cope with triggers during a pandemic. Behavioral therapies, in particular, can help you handle stressful situations and various triggers that might cause another relapse. Behavioral therapies can also enhance the effectiveness of treatment medications and help you remain in treatment longer.

South Miami Recovery Offers Telehealth Services During COVID-19

Continuing your addiction treatment during the pandemic can help you cope with triggers and prevent a relapse. South Miami Recovery offers HIPAA-compliant telehealth services so you can get the treatment you need, while staying safe and healthy at home. We will continue to provide a wide array of outpatient addiction treatment services to those who need it most during these uncertain times. To learn more and to sign up for telehealth substance abuse services, contact us today. Call South Miami Recovery at 305.661.0055.

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Drug and Alcohol Treatment Centers in Florida
Addiction treatmentFinding help

Drug and Alcohol Treatment Centers in Florida: Finding the Right Fit

by Pat Fontana
written by Pat Fontana

When you decide you need help with your drug or alcohol addiction, you may not be in the mood to do a lot of research. Often, people who seek treatment are near crisis mode and, as such, can be vulnerable to making decisions that are not right for them. We urge you to review these important aspects of finding the right fit for you among the drug and alcohol treatment centers in Florida. Your recovery from addiction is what matters most at this point in your life.

Ask the First Questions of Yourself

As you look for the right fit among the drug and alcohol treatment centers in Florida, you will need to know more about your own situation. Ask yourself these questions – and answer them honestly:

  • What is your goal in participating in a recovery program at a treatment center?
  • Which fits your work or school schedule best, inpatient or outpatient treatment?
  • Does your family need to be involved in your therapy, for your well-being and for theirs?
  • As you search in the South Miami area, which location would you be more likely to be able to get to on a regular basis?
  • What is your financial situation? Do you have insurance that will cover treatment?

Make the Call and Ask More Questions

The best way to learn about the difference in the drug and alcohol treatment centers in Florida is to ask questions that will help you identify the right fit for your needs and goals. Call each one, ask specific questions, and record their answers in a notebook so you can refer to your notes as you are making your decision. Does the treatment center:

  • Offer the type of treatment you need? Consider whether you need rehab for alcohol, cocaine, prescription drugs, heroin, or other addictions. The treatment center should have expertise and experience in your specific type of addiction.
  • Help you with insurance and affordability options? Treatment for drug and alcohol addiction can be expensive. Unless money is not an issue for you, you probably do not need a high-end center that offers luxurious amenities. When you need help with your addiction, you do not want finances to become an obstacle to treatment.
  • Provide a flexible schedule that meets your needs? If you have work, school, or family commitments, an inpatient program is probably not the right fit. You need an outpatient facility with a flexible schedule that makes it more convenient for you to complete your rehab.
  • Speak openly and honestly with you about its treatment approaches? Ask specific questions about treatment methods when you speak with the drug and alcohol treatment centers in Florida. For example, does the center offer a holistic approach that treats the whole patient, rather than simply focusing on one aspect, such as individual therapy or detox?
  • Have qualified professionals on staff and is it accredited by The Joint Commission? A medical doctor on staff is critical to the treatment center’s ability to help you with the health issues related to your drug or alcohol addiction.

Meeting Your Needs

South Miami Recovery is focused on your successful recovery from drug or alcohol addiction. Our staff includes Dr. Carlos Larocca, our Medical Director, who is board certified by the American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM) and is a member of the Florida Society of Addiction Medicine (FSAM).

Our professional organization:

  • Is accredited by The Joint Commission
  • Accepts most major insurance plans
  • Maintains your confidentiality throughout the treatment process
  • Offers affordable fees and works with you to create an affordable payment plan
  • Is an outpatient facility, offering you convenience and a flexible schedule that meets your needs
  • Provides a holistic approach to your treatment, including mindfulness training, family therapy, and relapse prevention.

If You or a Loved One Needs Help, Contact South Miami Recovery

At South Miami Recovery, we know that recovery isn’t easy. You don’t need any more obstacles in your path once you’ve decided to get help. We offer convenience and affordability in the highest quality treatment center in south Florida. Treatment is available for you when you are ready to change. We address all facets of our clients’ lives, including their mental, physical and spiritual health.

We understand that each of our clients has their own needs and challenges. Our staff designs a plan that is customized specifically for their benefit. Contact our bilingual staff to learn more about our outpatient treatment programs by calling 305.661.0055.

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signs and symptoms
Addiction treatmentFinding help

The Signs and Symptoms of Substance Abuse

by Pat Fontana
written by Pat Fontana

Concerned about whether a loved one may have a substance abuse disorder? Understanding the signs of substance abuse and the symptoms it causes can help you determine whether there is an issue and when treatment is necessary. Substance abuse can affect your loved one’s physical, mental, and emotional health so it’s important to understand the early signs and symptoms.

Signs of Drug Abuse

Look for signs that drug use is causing disruptions in your loved one’s daily life. Ask yourself pointed questions (and be honest with the answers), that help you understand whether your loved one’s drug use has become drug abuse. Understand the signs, including:

  • Continuing to take a prescription drug, particularly painkillers, after it is no longer needed
  • A need to increase the amount of a drug each time, just to get the same effect
  • Recognizing that drug use can create problems yet being unable to give it up without help
  • Impaired coordination or slurred speech
  • Rearranging life events so that the drug has become the priority.

Signs of Alcohol Abuse

Excessive use and dependence on alcohol can also cause disruptions in your loved one’s life. Watch for signs that could include:

  • Lying to others or hiding drinking habits
  • Blacking out or forgetting what they did when they were drinking
  • Frequent bloodshot eyes
  • Changes in personality
  • Neglecting work or family responsibilities as a direct result of drinking too much.

Symptoms of Substance Abuse

Substance abuse can cause changes in appetite, sleeping habits, and mental and physical health. Watch for symptoms in your loved one such as:

  • Appetite – depending on the drug, appetite could significantly increase or decrease. For example, cocaine can cause a person to eat less and less often while marijuana causes the addict to eat much more.
  • Sleep – stimulant abuse can disrupt sleep cycles drastically. In fact, someone who is abusing such substances might go for days (or nights) without sleeping at all.
  • Physical appearance – someone who is abusing drugs or alcohol may not be as concerned with their appearance and hygiene as they once were. Substance abuse can also cause them to become gaunt or overweight, depending on the substance, and appear haggard.
  • Mental health – a major symptom of substance abuse is the inability to function normally without the drug or alcohol. Your loved one may become obsessed with having the drugs or alcohol available, becoming so dependent on the substance that they feel they cannot make even everyday decisions without its help.

Knowing When to Get Treatment

If you are concerned about your loved one and notice signs such as changes in sleep and appetite, substance abuse treatment might be necessary. Particularly once you see symptoms appear, including deterioration of physical health, impact on mental health, and shifts in social interactions, it is time to seek help.

When your loved one has a substance abuse problem, understand that it can be very difficult for you as well. In this very important time, though, you should not ignore the warning signs and symptoms and just hope that the problem will go away. Addiction denial will only create worse issues, for you as well as for your loved one.

Realize, also, that you cannot go through recovery for your loved one. Treatment is a choice that he or she must make. You can talk to your loved one about the signs you’ve noticed and the symptoms they are exhibiting. Speaking without judgment, show your loved one examples of their behavior and physical changes that have you worried. You can and should support your loved one through the process, as they will need your help as well as the help of a professional recovery program.

Recovery is Ongoing

Substance abuse treatment in Miami typically starts with an assessment conducted by a professionally trained substance abuse therapist. It is critical to focus in on problem areas and then to prioritize those areas through an individualized treatment plan.

Recovery takes time and patience. Substance abuse results in life-changing symptoms and requires a treatment program that addresses the spiritual, physical, mental, and emotional facets of recovery.

South Miami Recovery Can Help

At South Miami Recovery, we believe in the importance of treating the whole person. Each of our clients has their own unique needs and preferences. We work with everyone to find the right path, providing several tools to help them in their recovery.

If you’d like to learn more about our services, we encourage you to contact us today to speak to our staff. We speak English and Spanish. Call South Miami Recovery at 305.661.0055.

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strength in group therapy
Finding helpGroup therapy

Finding Strength in Group Therapy

by Shelby Wall
written by Shelby Wall

Human beings are social animals. We all need connections to live life to its fullest. The saying “united we stand, divided we fall” reflects how heavily we lean on others when we need support. It’s especially true when it comes to addiction treatment, where people find incredible strength in group therapy.

In group therapy sessions, you not only have the support of other group members, you also have the benefit of a trained leader who guides everyone through the process of sharing their own struggles and experiences. By making yourself available to others, you will discover the advantages of leaning on group members for help and, in turn, helping them when they need it.

There is tremendous strength in group therapy, which will fuel you well beyond the time you spend in sessions. The lessons you learn in meetings will stick with you for the rest of your life and give you resources that you can repeatedly return to throughout your recovery.

Let’s look more closely at how you can find strength in group therapy….

You Realize You Are Not Alone

People who struggle with addiction often feel isolated when they first begin treatment. There are likely many people in your life that don’t struggle with substance use disorder. Even if they are supportive of your efforts, they don’t fully understand what you’re going through. You might also have friends that have the same disorder you have but aren’t seeking treatment. This leaves you feeling like you are alone in your journey.

Through group therapy, you realize that you aren’t alone. Your path will be different from others, but you will benefit from listening to the experiences of people with similar challenges. Some will be further along in their journey, while others will be beginning their recovery. All will help you put your own struggles in perspective and remember the value of living substance-free.

You Find Support from People in Similar Situations

In group therapy, you will receive encouragement and support from people who understand what you’re going through. When times are difficult and you feel like you need a push to stay on the path, you will find a group of people who know what’s it like to struggle. They can offer valuable insights and lessons that might help you with problems you face in relationships, at work or in other areas of your life.

Other members of your group might occasionally challenge you when you express feelings of guilt or inadequacy. Constructive criticism can help you identify problem areas or flawed thinking that could signal a relapse. Group members have likely experienced pitfalls that lead to a relapse, so their insights will be invaluable in keeping you on the path.

You Develop Meaningful Connections

In recovery, just as in many areas of life, there is strength in numbers. Difficulties that seem overwhelming in isolation become manageable with the help of others. Few people will understand what you’re experiencing like people in your group therapy sessions. Even if you don’t interact with other members outside of the sessions, you’ll find the time you spend in group therapy to reap benefits throughout your entire life.

Whether you’re simply hearing others’ stories or getting feedback about your own thought processes, you will learn that the connections you have in group therapy are a lifeline for your everyday struggles. One of the many benefits of these sessions is finding strength in group therapy through shared experiences.

You Learn the Power of Sharing

Once you feel comfortable communicating your thoughts and experiences in group therapy, you will learn the power of sharing. At first, you will feel vulnerable in these sessions. Eventually, you come to rely on the empathy of other group members because you know that someone is truly listening to your problems.

Allowing yourself to be vulnerable and honest takes a great burden off your shoulders. You will also find power in being a source of strength for others. The symbiotic relationship you have in these sessions is fundamental to finding strength in group therapy.

Contact South Miami Recovery to Learn More About Strength in Group Therapy

Through group therapy sessions, you will learn practical tips about living substance-free. You will cultivate social skills with people who face similar challenges. You will also find a source of strength that you can rely on in every facet of your life.

If you’d like to learn more about the benefits of group therapy in addiction treatment, we encourage you to contact South Miami Recovery today. Group therapy is just one of our many services. Give us a call at 305.661.0055 to get started.

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Benefits of outpatient addiction treatment
Finding helpOutpatient Treatment

5 Benefits of Outpatient Addiction Treatment

by Shelby Wall
written by Shelby Wall

Everyone’s journey to a substance-free life is different. If you’ve been considering addiction treatment, then you have likely encountered an endless number of programs that require months of living at a treatment facility. These programs simply aren’t an option for many people who need help overcoming an addiction. You should know that there are other approaches to successful recovery programs. You’ll find many benefits of outpatient addiction treatment, and it’s likely that this approach might be more suitable for your situation.

Programs like the ones we offer at South Miami Recovery can have a dramatic impact on a person’s life. You meet people who are facing similar challenges and become part of a community of people seeking a better life for themselves. You also develop a specialized plan to help you stay on the path of recovery.

What is Outpatient Addiction Treatment?

In outpatient treatment, you stay at home rather than live on-site at a facility. You get to maintain your normal routine, while still learning the strategies you’ll need for a successful recovery. Not all substance use disorders require 24/7 supervision. Outpatient treatment still provides a comprehensive approach without the need for housing and without the expenses of inpatient options.

Outpatient Treatment Provides Your Life with Structure

In outpatient treatment, you have a set number of hours per week during which you will receive care and support. These sessions are invaluable because they equip you with the tools that you’ll need to live a substance-free life.

A critical part of every recovery plan is consistency and structure. One of the primary benefits of outpatient addiction treatment is establishing a routine, which serves as a foundation for a successful recovery program. Frequent treatment sessions give you the opportunity to talk about your challenges and find a framework to address common problems.

You Maintain the Ability to Work, Go to School and Contribute to Your Community

Many people struggling with a substance use disorder don’t have the option of a months-long inpatient treatment program. They have jobs that won’t allow significant time away from work. They might have classes to attend or families that depend on them.

The ability to meet your daily obligations is left intact in an outpatient treatment program. This is one of the main benefits of outpatient addiction treatment; you won’t need to worry about sacrificing the most important things in your life to begin the recovery process.

Accountability is Built into the Plan

You will be accountable to your program because you will regularly attend scheduled sessions. Though you might initially feel like you are accountable to your treatment facility, you eventually realize that holding yourself accountable is the goal of any successful addiction treatment program.

When your program includes housing and 24/7 oversight, you are always insulated from temptations and triggers. Though those programs are valuable for some people with addictions, developing the skill of balancing your daily life while also staying accountable to your recovery program cultivates a practical approach to a sustainable, sober-free life.

Outpatient Treatment is More Affordable Than Other Treatment Options

Recovery requires investment – physically, emotionally and financially. Though everyone must devote themselves physically and mentally to the process, not everyone is prepared to take a major financial hit to start living substance-free. One of the many benefits of outpatient addiction treatment is you don’t have to invest a substantial portion of your savings to live a better life.

You Have More Privacy in Your Personal Life

Outpatient treatment allows you to maintain as much privacy as you want in your personal life. You won’t need to explain being absent for several months to your acquaintances or coworkers. No one should be ashamed of overcoming their addiction, and there’s no need to hide your involvement in a recovery program. However, choosing who to tell and when to tell them is your decision. In outpatient treatment, you retain your privacy for as long as you want it.

If You or a Loved One Needs Help, Contact South Miami Recovery

At South Miami Recovery, we believe in removing the obstacles people face when seeking substance abuse treatment. Recovery isn’t easy, and too many people believe that getting help can present even more challenges to an already challenging process. The good news is that treatment is available for anyone who wants to change.

Living substance-free is the only way to break the grip of addiction, and recovery is the most rewarding journey imaginable. South Miami Recovery knows that effective treatment means meeting all the needs of our clients. We address all facets of our clients’ lives, including their mental, physical and spiritual health.

We understand that each of our clients has their own needs and challenges. Our staff designs a plan that is customized specifically for their benefit. Contact our bilingual staff to learn more about our outpatient treatment programs by calling 305.661.0055.

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