The holiday season is a time you will find many people feeling holly, jolly, merry, and bright. Family members and friends gather from all over to rejoice and celebrate this time full of tradition, giving, eating, and drinking. However, the holidays are also known to increase feelings of stress for many. Whether you turn to substances to help you cope with overwhelming emotions, have an urge to have a cocktail to fit in at a holiday party, or don’t have a strong relationship with your family, this time of year has various triggers for someone in recovery.

Here are some tips to help prevent relapse and keep your season full of holiday cheer:

1. Identify Your Triggers

It is not abnormal to feel stressed, uncomfortable, or overwhelmed in certain situations when you are in recovery. These situations or experiences that stir up these negative emotions are most commonly recognized as triggers. A trigger can include a person, place, sound, smell, or feeling that creates a desire to turn to a substance. It is critical for someone in recovery to be able to identify their triggers so they can actively avoid them. Before diving into the depths of the holidays, acknowledge your triggers and be aware of techniques to help you overcome them.

2. Have a Plan

One of the most successful techniques to prevent relapse is to plan out each day. By creating a plan of productivity to accomplish specific goals throughout the day, you reduce your risk of turning to a substance. This technique allows you to focus on healthy goals and prepare you for any gaps or changes in your regular schedule that may occur.

3. Control Your Stress

Unfortunately, stress is inevitable. It is a feeling everyone is familiar with, and no one can avoid. Feelings of stress can impact our lives both physically and emotionally, making us feel less than our best. For those in recovery, anxiety and stress can also be some of the most common triggers. That is why it is essential to manage your feelings of stress in healthy ways. Getting adequate amounts of sleep, exercising, going outside, and spending time with loved ones are just some of the many ways to combat your stress.

4. Bring Your Own Beverage

If you plan to go to a few holiday parties this season, don’t hesitate to bring the party with you! At any holiday gathering, the host will likely serve. Discuss with the host that you are packing a cooler of your favorite safe beverages and snacks to have less temptation around you. Packing along some of your preferred food and drinks will allow you to feel in control of your situation. If you don’t feel comfortable telling the host why you brought food and drink, that is also okay! Your sobriety is your business, and you can manage it the way you feel most comfortable.

5. Practice Saying No

During any holiday celebration, people may offer to get you a beverage. Prepare for this instance by practicing saying no ahead of time. It can often be challenging to say no to people, especially when they are offering to make a kind gesture. However, it is crucial that you feel comfortable doing so. By practicing for this moment, you will be more comfortable once you are at a party and in that specific situation.

6. Prepare Your Answers

Just as you practice saying no, you may also want to prepare an answer in case someone asks you why you aren’t drinking. This is a common question and can be very triggering for someone in recovery. Remember, your recovery is your business, and there is no pressure to share your situation with anyone. That is why it is advised to prepare an answer ahead of time, so you don’t feel caught off guard if you are asked this question.

7. Have a Holiday Buddy

If you have a friend staying sober or a friend you trust to hold you accountable, speak with them about being your holiday buddy. You will feel more comfortable attending holiday dinners and gatherings knowing your buddy is there to lean on if you are in a stressful situation. Choose someone who will make you laugh or be willing to leave the party early if you don’t feel comfortable being there any longer.

8. Stick to Your Routine

When you are in recovery, having a routine is vital to your success. Routine provides you with structure and predictability, leaving little room to stray toward the use of substances. Although attending parties and gatherings can interrupt your routine, you can build them into your schedule, so you aren’t left feeling out of your normal rhythm.

9. Let Yourself Have Fun

Just because you are in recovery doesn’t mean you can’t have fun! Allow yourself to spend quality time with your loved ones and do things you enjoy to celebrate the season. Prohibiting yourself from attending any events to try and protect yourself from any triggers could be triggering in itself. Spending time connecting with others and catching up with friends is always good for your soul.

10. Seek Help at Cedar Oaks Wellness Center

If you struggle with substance use, you are not alone. The team at Cedar Oaks Wellness Center understands there is no cookie-cutter approach to treatment. That is why we offer various therapy programs to our clients, allowing them to select the options that work best for them.

If you are ready to take a step toward recovery, contact us online or call us at (513) 780-5201 today.

Stress is Inevitable — Here are 5 Ways to Relax

Everyone experiences feelings of stress throughout their lives. Unfortunately, stress is inevitable and can’t be avoided. For those in recovery, stress is one of the most common triggers for relapse. That is why it is important to manage those complicated feelings in healthy ways. By doing so, you are also preventing relapse from occurring and maintaining the hard work you have put into your recovery journey.

As the pending holiday season quickly approaches, stress levels are likely to rise as people prepare for family gatherings, big meals, and large celebrations. However, the holidays can also increase feelings of loneliness, uncertainty, financial pressure, and exhaustion. There are both healthy and unhealthy ways of coping with difficult and challenging times.

If you are beginning to feel your stress levels rise, try these 5 healthy habits to relieve those emotions and boost your mood:

1. Get a Good Night’s Sleep

Getting an adequate amount of sleep has a number of physical and mental health benefits. Good sleep has been proven to improve concentration and productivity, exercise performance, and immune function. Poor sleep has been linked to depression, anxiety, weight gain, and heart disease. Ensure you are getting between 7 and 9 hours of sleep each night, especially in times of heightened stress.

2. Start an Exercise Routine

Whether it is yoga, a daily walk, or strength training, regular exercise improves your mood and makes you feel happier. While exercise is good for building muscle and weight loss, it can also help with skin health, brain health, memory, and sleep quality. Find a workout that you enjoy doing and incorporate it into your regular routine to promote your overall well-being.

3. Get Outside

Studies show that spending time outside lowers cortisol — a hormone used as a marker for stress. Soaking up the sun will increase your vitamin D, improve your mood, lower your blood pressure, and reduce your stress levels. As the days continue to get shorter for the fall and winter seasons, setting aside time to get some sunlight is pertinent to your physical and mental health.

4. Prioritize and Organize

One of the best ways to combat stress is to organize any upcoming projects, events, and tasks. Use to-do lists to help you prioritize the most important items and focus on one thing at a time. Visualizing your list will also help reduce your stress and motivate you to check off everything as you complete it.

5. Spend Time with People You Love

Making time to call your closest friends and family members will uplift your spirits and put you in a good mood. Often, the people we love can make us laugh, and laughter is the best medicine of all. They will also listen to you vent, and support you through whatever you may be going through.

Making Healthy Choices at Cedar Oaks Wellness Center

At Cedar Oaks Wellness Center, we take a holistic approach to treatment. This means we don’t just help our clients detox. We also teach them helpful techniques and mechanisms that will help them make healthy decisions for their future.

Recovery is just a phone call away. Our team is ready to welcome you to our facility if you are in need of relapse prevention assistance. Contact us online or call us today at (513) 780-5201.

Stress—it’s a universal human experience that no one can completely avoid. From the pressure of an important work deadline to preparing for a scheduled exam, stress is a natural reaction to the changes and challenges of daily life. While small doses of stress can be motivating, chronic or overwhelming stress has a profound impact, and understanding the effects of stress on both your mind and body is the first step toward managing it effectively.

When your body produces a physical or emotional reaction to a specific event, that is the bodily response to stress, often known as the “fight-or-flight” mechanism. This system floods your body with hormones to help you face a perceived threat. While this response is designed for short-term survival, the constant pressures of modern life can keep it activated, leading to a wide range of symptoms that can sneak up on us unexpectedly.

It’s crucial to recognize these signs because while stress itself cannot be avoided, its harmful effects can be managed with healthy strategies. To help you identify when stress may be taking a toll, here are some common signs to pay attention to that may be your body’s response.

Physical Signs of Stress

Stress hormones are the same hormones as those that trigger your body’s “fight or flight” response. You may notice your heart rate start to increase, your breath begins to quicken, and your muscles suddenly tense. This is your body’s physical response to stress.

While some symptoms may be more commonly recognized, there are various other signs that indicate you may be under extreme stress. Some of these signs include:

• Headaches.
• Heartburn.
• Stomach aches.
• High blood pressure.
• Insomnia.
• Weakened immune system.
• Challenges with fertility.

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it may be time to reassess the stress you are currently facing and how to manage those feelings with healthy coping mechanisms. Seeking medical attention from a healthcare provider and participating in therapy is highly recommended to maintain your overall well-being.

Emotional Signs of Stress

When your body responds to stress, the symptoms are not always physical. Often, stress can feel impossible to handle and put a strain on our mental state. If you experience any emotional signs of stress, it may be an indication to reduce some of the stressful factors in your life to allow yourself to live happier and healthier.

Some of the emotional signs of stress include:

• Depression.
• Anxiety.
• Irritability.
• Memory and concentration problems.
• Low libido.
• Compulsive behavior.
• Mood swings.

Coping with Stress

Stress is a common trigger for people in recovery and often can cause relapse. That is why finding the tools that work best for you to reduce your stress is a crucial step.

There are numerous tools and techniques to help you manage your stress levels to maintain a healthy life. Exercise, mindfulness meditation, yoga, and even stress-reducing apps for your phone have all shown positive results in managing high levels of stress.

At Cedar Oaks Wellness Center, our programs are designed to meet each individual’s specific needs. This includes identifying triggers and teaching techniques to help you make healthy decisions.

If you are struggling with addiction and are experiencing extreme amounts of stress, contact us online or call (513) 780-5201 to receive the care you need.

Addiction is More Than A Physical Problem

When most people think of addiction, they often associate it with a physical dependence on a substance. There is a brief familiarity with physical withdrawal symptoms that may lead someone to this belief; however, addiction is far more complex.

There is a psychological component to addiction that can involve anxiety, depression, PTSD, aggression, compulsions, impulsivity, and hallucinations. It is also extremely common for people who struggle with addiction to also have a mental illness. According to the National Survey on Drug Use and Health, 9.5 million Americans experienced both mental illness and a substance abuse disorder in 2019.

Because addiction is more than physical, it requires more intricate and in-depth treatments.

Treating Addiction with Therapy

While physically detoxing from drugs and alcohol is an important part of treatment, different therapy options are vital to the recovery process. Therapy helps individuals develop self-awareness, regulate their emotions, improve their communication skills, and set healthy boundaries. It also teaches people how to modify their attitudes, thought patterns, and behaviors.

Addiction affects everyone differently, which is why it is important to find a treatment option that meets an individual’s specific needs. There are various therapy options that are effective in treating addiction, such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), and 12-step programs.

Finding the right treatment option for someone that struggles with addiction can be challenging, but taking the first step to recovery and discovering what works for you is the most crucial part of the process.

Psychotherapy

Psychotherapy is one of the most essential elements of recovery and treatment for addiction and is widely used amongst treatment centers. Psychotherapy treatments help people identify negative thought patterns and bring awareness to how these thoughts and feelings can influence their behaviors and substance use disorder. Here are some of the most common psychotherapy treatments used for addiction:

• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Aims to change harmful thinking patterns into healthy ones with goal-setting techniques and to focus on the present instead of the past.
• Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT): A form of CBT that focuses on mindfulness and emotion regulation by developing healthy coping skills.
• Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR): This therapy process is designed in eight phases to reprocess traumatic events and associate the memory with new beliefs.

Group Therapy

Group therapy is another beneficial technique used in treating addiction. Group therapy provides the opportunity for individuals to have additional support from people who have similar experiences to them. Receiving support from others also allows people to form strong bonds and therapeutic alliances with each other.

Group therapy offers several other advantages, such as development in communication and socialization skills. By listening to others share their experiences, individuals can develop a greater sense of self-awareness and reflect on their behaviors.

Support Groups

Support groups are another beneficial therapeutic option that is beneficial for treating addiction. Frequently, addiction can feel lonely and isolating. However, support groups provide people a safe place to discuss their challenges and accomplishments. Some recognizable support groups include:

• Alcoholics Anonymous (AA): A 12-step program for people recovering from alcohol dependency.
• Narcotics Anonymous (NA): A 12-step program for people recovering from substance abuse.
• SMART Recovery: Also recognized as Self-Management and Recovery Training, SMART Recovery is a support group built on a scientific foundation and uses a Four-Point program.

How Cedar Oaks Wellness Center Can Help

Cedar Oaks Wellness Center offers a variety of therapy programs to meet your individual needs. From group therapy to family therapy, our team recognizes the importance of therapy for people recovering from addiction.

If you or a loved one is struggling with addiction, call (513) 780-5201 to learn more about how our treatment programs are designed around you.

Taking the first step toward recovery is a monumental achievement and something to be very proud of. It marks a courageous decision to reclaim your life. However, it’s crucial to understand that the journey ahead is not always a straight, uphill path; there will be moments of triumph and days that will test your commitment. This is why managing your Expectations For Addiction Recovery from the very beginning is one of the most powerful tools you can have.

The process of healing from an addiction is not linear. In early recovery, you’ll likely experience a wide range of emotions—from hope and clarity to frustration and doubt. If you expect the process to be easy or for cravings to disappear overnight, these challenging moments can feel like personal failures. Unrealistic expectations can create a cycle of disappointment and self-blame, which are significant triggers that can increase the risk of relapse.

When you enter an addiction recovery program, setting realistic and compassionate goals is essential to keep you on track. It allows you to navigate the ups and downs without losing sight of your progress and appreciate the small victories along the way. This guide will help you understand what to expect and how to frame your mindset for a sustainable and successful recovery journey.

Change Your Mindset

Your mindset plays a significant part in your recovery process. You need to be intentional with your goals and expectations. Think them through and try to understand what their purpose is. Some days are going to be easy, and others will not. Try not to take up multiple goals at a time; Instead, work on one goal at a time.

Consult with your therapist or sponsor when you are setting goals. Ask them to help you map them out depending on the order of priority.

Stand Your Ground

When setting your expectations for your addiction recovery, you need to learn to stand your ground. Learn when to say “yes” and when to say “no.”

Prioritize your time and learn to differentiate the things that matter from those that do not. Before you agree to something, think about how it will affect your recovery process. Is it going to be beneficial, or will it jeopardize your progress? Say no to any activity that may be draining or could possibly negatively impact you.

It would also be best to avoid filling your calendar up with too many activities, places to go, and people to see. You need to have sufficient time to focus on your recovery and have a clear direction of what path you are taking.

Be Aware of Your Limits

It is essential to know your limits when setting expectations for your recovery. When it comes to recovery, the quality of the work you put in is more vital than the quantity. As mentioned earlier, do not try to achieve multiple goals at once and also learn to say no. Working on multiple goals at once may be exciting at first, but you will burn out faster. Filling your calendar with activities distracts from focusing on your addiction recovery, which jeopardizes the whole process.

Therefore, it is essential to be aware of your limits. Set realistic goals and dedicate your time and effort to your recovery.

Avoid Distractions

It is often easy to get distracted when you are on your recovery path. You will have days where you may not feel motivated to stay on track. It would be best to call your therapist or sponsor on such days to offer you inspiration and encouragement so you can stay on track.

You may be tempted to resort to using again, but stay motivated. Go out for a walk or a run, partake in an activity you find relaxing or uplifting. Remember that your goal is a healthier life, and think about how much progress you have made in your recovery. Ensure that you also avoid any settings or scenarios that could distract you from the recovery process.

Remember that sobriety is a gradual process when setting your goals. You should also ensure that you are in an environment that supports your recovery and you associate with people who add value to your recovery.

If you or a loved one are suffering from alcohol or drug addiction and are ready to start your journey toward recovery and wellness, we’re here to help. At Cedar Oaks Wellness Center, we believe that our clients should have a say in how they recover from alcohol and drug addiction to meet their specific needs and goals.

To learn more about our treatment programs, fill out an online contact form or call us at (513) 780-5201 today.

For some people, drug or alcohol use may start from experimentation. For others, it may stem from a physical or mental health issue. Addiction is a complex disease and is often made up of many factors.

The mental health experts at Cedar Oaks Wellness Center are here to break down some of the most common factors that contribute to the development of alcohol and drug addiction.

Having Addictive Personality Traits

Just like physical health issues, certain mental health factors will increase the possibility of developing an addiction. One of the major factors associated with drug addiction is personality characteristics. If a person has the following traits, they are at a higher risk than the average person to try addictive drugs:

• Adventurous
• Spontaneous
• High spirited
• Willing to try anything once

Taking a highly addictive drug, even just one time can give them the ‘high’ that they are looking for. However, this can result in a vicious cycle of drug abuse, addiction, and chemical dependency.

Family History

If there are members in the family who misuse drugs or are addicted, others are more likely to mimic this behavior and develop issues themselves. This is especially true if there are parents or a sibling who are addicted to drugs or alcohol.

Peer Pressure

Peer pressure is another factor that can affect the development of an addiction. If many people in a friend group are using drugs, there is a high possibility that the person will follow suit. If they see their peers doing so, they will want to try it too and could very well get hooked on the drugs they are taking.

Low Self-Esteem

Having a negative self-image can lead an individual to seek solace in abusing drugs and alcohol. Oftentimes, people turn to the effects of alcohol and drugs like cocaine to feel a false sense of confidence in social settings.

Understanding Causes of Addiction and Mental Illness

Did you know, according to the National Survey on Drug Use and Health, 9.5 million American adults experienced both a substance use disorder and a mental illness?

Those with mental illnesses may find themselves more prone to self-medication as a means of coping with their emotional discomfort. Some may resort to drugs and alcohol as a source of relief or to escape their troubles. Psychological problems are difficult to work around and often require professional help to deal with the underlying causes of drug use.

If you or a loved one are suffering from alcohol or drug addiction and are ready to start your journey toward recovery and wellness, we’re here to help. At Cedar Oaks Wellness Center, we believe that our clients should have a say in how they recover from alcohol and drug addiction to meet their specific needs and goals.To learn more about our treatment programs, fill out an online contact form or call us at (513) 780-5201 today.

One of the most pressing questions someone has when they think about rehab is not just about the treatment itself, but what comes after: “How long will recovery last?” The fear of the unknown is powerful, because while going through detox and treatment is a monumental achievement, it doesn’t guarantee lifelong sobriety. Understanding the common reasons for addiction relapse from the very beginning is crucial for building confidence and a solid plan for the future.

This knowledge is not about focusing on failure; it’s about empowerment. Whether you struggle with addiction yourself or you’re looking to support a loved one, knowing what tempts someone to return to using after a period of sobriety allows you to develop strategies to navigate those challenges before they arise.

Recovery is a process of learning to live life on life’s terms, with all its inherent stress and challenges, without turning to substances for relief. To help you build a resilient and lasting sobriety, we’re here to shed light on the most frequently reported feelings and situations that can lead to relapse, so you can be prepared to face them with confidence.

Lack of Desire

Although your family, significant other and other outside factors can motivate you to get help, the real source of your desire to get sober has to come from within. If you place your entire recovery on pleasing someone, it can quickly fall apart. You must truly want to get sober and know that this is a decision to save your life, not just fulfill someone else’s wishes.

Unrealistic Expectations

Although turning to drugs and alcohol can be a source of shame, it is important to acknowledge that relapse is a common and normal part of the recovery process. The recovery process does not happen in 90 days or even a year. Sobriety is a life-long journey just like mental health and physical wellness. Understanding the difficulties and anticipating the natural highs and lows of treatment can help prevent immediate relapse.

Not Having a Relapse Prevention Plan

Not having a support system or avoiding ongoing therapy can cause old feelings and habits to quickly resurface. It takes consistent planning and strategizing to ensure that you stay sober after detox and rehab. Relapse prevention plans are designed to help people stay on track after their initial program.

Some ways that you can find additional support include:

• Building a good support system.
• Having access to secure housing, food, and life essentials.
• Living in an uplifting and sobriety-centered environment.
• Continuous to attend support groups and meetings.

Mental Health Issues

Confronting addiction with a co-occurring mental health condition, like depression or anxiety, requires the right treatment. When embarking on addiction treatment, you also need counseling that helps you tackle your mental health symptoms and the unique relationship that they have to your substance abuse.

Seek Treatment for Addiction in Ohio

At Cedar Oaks Wellness Center, we treat addiction like a chronic disease, which requires ongoing management. To help our patients get the most out of their experience, we help them plan ahead so they feel confident in their ability to stay sober and continue getting better after completing their program.

If you or a loved one are suffering from alcohol or drug addiction and are ready to start your journey toward recovery and wellness, we’re here to help. We believe that our clients should have a say in how they recover from alcohol and drug addiction to meet their specific needs and goals.To learn more about our treatment programs, fill out an online contact form or call us at (513) 780-5201 today.