Addiction is a treatable disease. While it cannot be “cured,” it can be put into something akin to long term remission. From our experience, in order for the remission to be long term, the disease requires an intentional and ongoing maintenance program. Regular peer contact and support (contact with others in recovery) is part of a good maintenance program. Dealing with any chronic illness can be a daunting and isolating experience. Even more so when the disease carries stigma

like addiction. Many feel lost and alone in their struggle, which is why peer-to-peer support can be so beneficial. Peer-to-peer talk about any chronic illness often has immediate, tangible benefits. It helps to talk to someone who understands what you’re going through. Plus, this type of support is cheap and accessible.

Peer-to-peer talk about substance abuse struggles has numerous benefits for those suffering from long term illnesses. Some of these include:

Peer-to-peer support is a valuable tool for individuals suffering from addiction. Interaction with others can result in increased knowledge, better coping skills, connectedness, and improve overall mental health.

Twelve step programs such as Alcoholics Anonymous or Narcotics Anonymous (and many other variations) are popular, even foundational, portions of many successful recovery programs.

Participating in a 12 step program as part of a long term recovery plan can have numerous benefits. It can provide an individual with the tools and relationships needed for lasting sobriety. A 12 step program can help an individual address underlying causes of addiction. Programs promote mentorship. They provide participants with a support system of peers who are going through the same experience. Most programs work at the individual and group level. They promote not only total abstinence, but an improved quality life free from substances.

Twelve step programs are free and available throughout most of the United States. Try it out. Being part of an understanding community can be of great benefit. Isolation is the enemy of sobriety. Those in recovery can remember the gnawing loneliness of our lives in addiction. We’re stronger together. The opportunity to connect, receive and provide mentorship from others, to celebrate success and receive support in tough times – these things promote success.

Be aware, 12 step programs typically acknowledge a spiritual component to successful sobriety. That may not be very inviting for some. Even so, regardless of your religious bent, give it a chance. Addiction attacks every aspect of our existence, including our spirit. It makes sense that spirituality is a part of a holistic healing process. Also, 12 step programs advocate no single path. The program leaves it to each person to engage their spirituality as they understand it.

Twelve step program involvement is an important component of many successful recovery journeys.

Doing things that we know are beneficial to our minds, bodies and spirits can improve our lives. Developing healthier habits is essential as we repair our minds and bodies from the damage caused by active addiction. Meditating, exercising and spending time outside can each have a positive impact our lives. What about combining the three for an efficient wellness booster?

A walking meditation can help us reconnect with ourselves while connecting us to nature - something we often forget to do in our daily lives. It allows us to gain perspective on our lives, increase self-awareness, reduce stress levels, boost our moods, improve concentration skills and boost our immune systems functioning. Skills that equip us to better deal with life’s challenges as a sober person. So next time you want to find some inner peace or clarity amidst life’s busyness, why not give outdoor walking meditation a try? 

The practice of a walking meditation or “mindful walking” is a combination of physical exercise and mindful awareness of your body, thoughts, and environment. It encourages you to notice sensations in your body and observe the world around you without judgment or distraction. An outdoor walking meditation combines the healing power of nature with the benefits of mindful awareness. You can choose to walk along a winding path, take deep breaths while looking out over a lake, or just sit under a tree - whatever brings you peace and serenity. 

The practice of a walking meditation is a combination of physical exercise and mindful awareness of your body, thoughts, and environment. You may notice sensations in your body and find you observe the world around you without judgment or distraction. An outdoor walking meditation combines the healing power of nature with the benefits of mindful awareness. You can choose to walk along a quiet path, take deep breaths while looking out over a lake, or just stroll the neighborhood - whatever brings you peace and serenity.

Recovery from substance abuse is not an event, it is a journey. Be patient. Take some time to take a breath and reflect. Unplug. Take a walk. Try doing it outside.

Individuals who have experienced trauma are at a higher risk of developing substance abuse disorders. It is vital to acknowledge and treat trauma in one’s bid for sobriety. Many facilities have programs designed to address such a dual diagnosis scenario help those suffering from both trauma and substance use issues.

Trauma can impact the brain's reward system and coping mechanisms. Trauma is a deeply distressing or disturbing experience that overwhelms an individual's ability to cope with stress and emotions effectively. Traumatic events can encompass a wide range of experiences, including physical (sexual) or emotional abuse, neglect, accidents, natural disasters, combat exposure, or witnessing violence. The impact of trauma on mental health can be significant. Symptoms such as anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), or dissociative disorders sometimes occur.

How can trauma lead to substance abuse and addiction?

Coping Mechanisms: Trauma survivors may turn to drugs or alcohol as a way to self-medicate and numb emotional pain. Substance use can provide temporary relief from distressing memories or overwhelming emotions. This creates a cycle of dependence as individuals seek solace in addictive substances.

Altered Brain Chemistry: Trauma can alter the brain's reward system. Particularly, it impacts the release of dopamine. Dopamine is a neurotransmitter associated with pleasure and reward. Notably, drugs and alcohol also trigger a substantial dopamine release. This can lead individuals to seek out drugs or alcohol as a means of replicating the positive feelings they experienced during substance use.

Avoidance and Escapism: Substance abuse can be a coping mechanism for trauma survivors. Substances are a way to escape painful memories and emotional distress.

When an individual experiences both trauma and addiction simultaneously, it is referred to as a dual diagnosis or co-occurring disorder. Dual diagnosis cases are prevalent, as individuals often turn to substance abuse to cope with trauma's psychological effects. Unfortunately, this cycle often exacerbates both conditions, creating a downward spiral of increased substance dependence and worsening mental health symptoms.

Concurrent treatment refers to addressing both trauma and addiction simultaneously. It recognizes that effective recovery from addiction requires addressing the underlying trauma that fuels substance abuse. The following are key points in understanding the importance of concurrent treatment:

Treating the Root Cause: By addressing the trauma underlying addiction, individuals can develop healthier coping mechanisms and reduce the desire to self-medicate with substances. Therapeutic interventions such as trauma-focused therapy, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), and eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) may help in treating trauma and addiction together.

Breaking the Cycle: Treating both trauma and addiction concurrently helps break the cycle of relapse. If trauma remains unaddressed, individuals may relapse or continue using substances to manage its effects.

Holistic Healing: Concurrent treatment often allows for a comprehensive and holistic approach to recovery, promoting emotional, psychological, and physical well-being. Integrating therapy, support groups, and medication management (when necessary) can improve overall treatment outcomes.

Unresolved trauma can be a pathway to substance abuse. Recognizing the significance of concurrent treatment for individuals with dual diagnosis is crucial in breaking the cycle of addiction and facilitating lasting recovery. Many facilities have programs specifically tailored to treating this exact dual diagnosis scenario.