May 31, 2017

The Interplay of Humility and Self-efficacy in Recovery

A study published by the Journal of Applied Psychology, as discussed in a previous post, not only discusses the importance of diverse social outcomes, but also the role of social self-identity, and self-efficacy in recovery. The study indicates improved self-efficacy among those who identify themselves as “in recovery” as opposed to those who identify as “addicts.”

Self-efficacy is defined as an individual’s belief in their own ability to be successful at a given task. In the journey of recovery from substance use disorders, self-efficacy is a foundational ingredient. Individuals will not successfully find recovery if they don’t believe that they can get sober.

People who identify as “in recovery” have greater self-efficacy as compared to those who identify as “addict” or “alcoholic.” So why do Alcoholics Anonymous and other twelve-step fellowships place such great emphasis on members self-identifying by their greatest vice?

The answer lies in humility, one of the cardinal virtues of Alcoholics Anonymous. Interestingly enough, many of the steps of Alcoholics Anonymous have the aim of producing or encouraging humility. Humility is considered a cardinal virtue in the twelve steps because it allows for a thorough self-examination. The Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions goes into further detail on the role of humility in recovery:

“Indeed, the attainment of humility is the foundation principle of each of A.A.’s Twelve Steps. For without some degree of humility, no alcoholic can stay sober at all. Nearly all A.A.’s have found, too, that unless they develop much more of this precious quality than may be required just for sobriety, they still haven’t much chance of becoming truly happy. Without it, they cannot live to much useful purpose, or, in adversity, be able to summon the faith that can meet any emergency.” (p. 70)

And while humility may seem antithetical to self-efficacy, exploring the way humility is defined in the social sciences allows for a more harmonious coexistence of the two principles. Humility is defined operationally, with this set of two over-arching traits: an accurate view of ones-self while also being other-oriented rather than self-focused. In that sense, maybe self-identifying as an addict doesn’t engender humility at all, because doesn’t the identity of “recovery” yield a more accurate self-view? Shouldn’t it?

Encouraging clients to identify as being “in recovery” can have a positive influence on the culture and success of treatment centers, but also on the lives of the individuals they serve. Building humility in recovery allows people to thoroughly examine their weaknesses, to highlight and overcome them. Building self-efficacy in recovery allows people to thoroughly examine their strengths, to highlight and expand them. Recovery programs need to foster both virtues.

May 30, 2017

Diverse Socialization Leads to Improved Recovery Outcomes

Socialization helps recover

A study published in the Journal of Applied Psychology earlier this year has explored the role of social networks and social identity in addiction recovery. The study found that diverse socialization leads to improved recovery outcomes. If one subscribes to the social identity approach to wellbeing, these are key to success in health and recovery.

The study highlights the benefits of social group membership, even going so far as to say that it is fundamental in “shaping the recovery trajectory.” This supports the framework of Alcoholics Anonymous in terms of joining a group, having a home group, responsibilities, and a sponsor. However, additional findings about the importance of diverse social interactions challenge much of how we treat recovery culture.

Recovery culture, by nature, tends to be self-isolating. Meaning that the culture itself tends to be exclusive, often rightfully so. In a world where most social settings stigmatize drug addiction while simultaneously tempting alcoholism, exclusivity proves to be protective to many people in recovery.

Associating with only members of Narcotics Anonymous allows a recovering addict to talk freely and openly about their life experiences without having to choose between living a double life and being ostracized. Associating with only members of Alcoholics Anonymous allows a recovering alcoholic to attend parties and social events without rehearsing their response to a free drink in the mirror before they leave.

However, the study’s findings indicate that, “Those who are able to maintain a sense of belonging with a range of important groups prior to addiction are at an advantage to those who are socially isolated.”

In other words, associating successfully with people both in and out of recovery, and even those from varied cultural, religious and ethnic backgrounds, improves outcomes for recovery. Put simply, diverse socialization leads to improved recovery outcomes.

Are you in need of a new addiction recovery EMR? Fill out the form below to schedule a free demo. 

May 26, 2017

How to Overcome Anhedonia: 4 Simple Tips

Early on in recovery, feelings of dysphoria and depression are common. These may manifest in a general inability to enjoy life, disinterest in hobbies and feeling distant from loved ones. These are symptoms of a syndrome called anhedonia, which is defined as a lack of ability to feel pleasure. Anhedonia in recovery is very common. To help with this, we came up with four steps on how to deal with anhedonia.

Many people recovering from substance use disorders find anhedonia to be one of their greatest hurdles in early recovery. Often times, they have reached between 30 and 90 days in sobriety when they graduate from their treatment center. Some of them have big plans to do things they haven’t tried in years- school, being involved with their families, employment.

And many times, those in recovery are disappointed when they find that the life they dreamt of- the life they’ve been promised would make them happier- is dull and boring and sad. A few of these individuals might even admit to someone around them that they aren’t understanding the benefits of sober life. They wonder what on earth all of the struggle is for.

How To Deal With Anhedonia

While anhedonia in recovery is a natural part of the process, there are important things that can be done to combat these symptoms. They are some of the most simple and common solutions in the book:

  1. Exercise.

  2. Meditation.

  3. Healthy diet.

  4. Adequate sleep.

As simple as these may seem, they are vital to individuals in recovery, particularly in the earliest stages. As time goes on and brain chemistry normalizes, anhedonia will become less intense and life will be fulfilling again. In the meantime, take good care of yourself. You’re on the road to recovery.

Read here for more information on the quality of life in recovery.

Also, if you're in the market for a new behavioral health EHR, fill out the form below and we'll give you a free demo. 

May 23, 2017

5 Misconceptions About Recovery

Even in today's society, many people have misconceptions about recovery. Here are some common myths to be aware of:

  1. Addiction is a choice.

We must remember that each individual in recovery or suffering from addiction starts consuming drugs or pills for different reasons. Some even start taking them for legitimate medical conditions prescribed by a doctor. After a continuation of the consumptions of pills or drugs, their agency decreases and their need for the substance increases. Soon they will use the substance just to feel ‘normal’.

 

  1. I put down my cigarettes one day and never picked them up again, so my loved one should be able to do the same with the drugs.

Wouldn’t that be nice to so easily put away something your body and mind crave? I can’t put down my carton of ice cream and neither can some addicts put down a mind-altering addictive drug. The minority of those who consume drugs, alcohol and cigarettes can easily stop and never touch them again. The minority.

 

  1. Drug addicts are selfish people that care only about themselves.

Nothing could be farther from the truth because those individuals have no intention of hurting others. Drug use creates damages and alterations to the brain ‘that disrupt the normal production and activity of neurotransmitters in the brain and in some cases will change the structure of the brain and the thought processes.’

 

  1. Sobriety and recovery are reached after graduating from a treatment center.

Graduation from treatment doesn’t mean a full recovery. Not only do addicts have to worry about staying sober, but they must completely change their lifestyle and learn new things. They still have to fight their addiction every day and that is a longer road than just six to twelve weeks.

 

  1. Once an addict creates a normal life with a family and a job they will no longer need to use drugs.

We need to remember that using drugs is a constant battle for an addict; one in which they need to avoid in many different situations. Access to money, stress, certain people, etc. can become triggers to those who are addicted to drugs. Whether freshly sober or ten years later this battle rages on in varying degrees.

 

Avoiding misconceptions about recovery can help those in recovery as well as the people around them to respond with love and compassion. Knowledge can help us to recovery and heal.

 

May 22, 2017

The Utah Opidemic

Many are calling addiction an epidemic in the United States and for good reason.  Last year, nearly 10% of the US population used illicit drugs, while binge drinking affected nearly 15%.  In 2015, 35,000 people died of an opioid overdose.  These numbers can be scary but the Utah Department of Health is taking aim to reduce and eventually eliminate this problem.  The Utah Opidemic is of particular concern.  They have declared the opioid problem in Utah an “Opidemic” and launched a campaign to promote awareness and resources for those struggling with addiction.  

Their website, opidemic.org, explains the serious consequences of opioid use, provides resources to find treatment, illustrates what to do if someone you know has an overdose, and provides hopeful messages from those who are overcoming their own addictions. These helpful tips offer suggestions on what to do to take action and support this initiative in your communities.  While the treatment centers listed on the website are located in Utah, the information is useful for anyone who is struggling or knows someone who is. Read here to learn more about the opioid epidemic.

If you need a new EHR for your addiction recovery or substance abuse treatment practice then you can schedule a free demo here or fill out the form below. 

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May 16, 2017

Stigma of Addiction and How to Change It

Historically, addiction has been a quiet, hidden tormentor. It silently took its victims into their graves without ever bearing a burden of responsibility. Why? Because of the stigma of addiction.

Because no husband wants to tell the world that the mother of his children was a “junkie”.  No mother wants to reveal to the tennis club and the PTA that her son overdosed on heroin. Nobody wants to “dishonor” the memory of the deceased by tainting their legacy with words like “opioid,” “overdose,” or “heroin.”

However, brave families are starting to be frank in the obituaries they write. Not to dishonor their deceased loved ones, but to sound the alarm, to call others to action, to open peoples’ eyes.

The parents of a young man in New Jersey published the following in the obituary of their son: “our beautiful son, Andrew, died from an overdose of heroin. He was 23 years old. We want to share his story in the hope that lives may be saved and his death will not be in vain.”

Hundreds of other families are following suit, sharing the stories of relapses, treatment centers, overdoses, heartache, that created years of struggle for their lost loved ones. Together, they are shattering the stigma of addiction.

Obituaries of opioid epidemic victims have become cautionary tales that have the potential to save lives.  These families are ushering in a new era, when people’s obituaries will begin with, “After a brave battle with addiction,” just as they would with cancer, heart disease, or any other chronic illness.

Read here to learn more about overcoming misconceptions about addiction.

Also, if you're looking to for a new substance abuse treatment EHR, fill out the form below to get a free demo. 

May 15, 2017

An Overview Of Current Naloxone Policies

Naloxone is the product of incredible medical breakthroughs. It functions to reverse the effects of opioid overdose, a remarkable feat and a much needed one in light of the spreading opioid epidemic. When an individual has overdosed on heroin, fentanyl or painkillers, Naloxone can be administered to them intramuscularly or nasally. It works to block the opioid receptors in the central nervous system.

The mechanism of action is not completely understood at the chemical level, but we do know that it saves lives. In fact, over 30,000 overdoses were reversed through use of Naloxone between 2010 and 2014.

In many states, Naloxone is available for purchase directly from the pharmacist, without a prescription needed. Additionally, many states require that paramedics and law enforcement personnel carry the drug with them.  While these policies are good and have made a dent in the opioid crisis, additional policy changes could improve the status further.

Some of the obstacles include the lack of “good Samaritan” laws and the high price of the drug. High prices are limiting for obvious reasons, especially in the case of those supporting an active addiction.

The disease of addiction is going to drive an individual to get the next fix, not to go stock up on Naloxone incase things go south. Good Samaritan laws provide legal immunity to individuals who respond in emergency situations. In the case of overdoses, this would mean that the individual who called the ambulance could not be charged with possession themselves, even if they were also using.

The person who called would be able to ensure the administration of Naloxone and help save a life without fear of being arrested in the very same moment. These laws prioritize saving lives over punishing crimes. States like Texas, Montana, South Carolina, and Arizona currently have no Good Samaritan policies in place for the event of drug related emergencies.

Naloxone is responsible for saving countless lives. In recent years, policies have improved dramatically, making Naloxone more accessible. But there are still lives to be saved as we learn how to optimize the use of this life-saving drug.

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May 12, 2017

Mental Health Awareness Month: Addressing Mental Health in Our Communities

The healthcare debate has been heated and long-lasting and for good reason. Americans are concerned about threats to their lifestyle and their lives. While discussing policies can be divisive, there is a discussion that we should be having that can receive bi-partisan support. May is Mental Health Awareness month, and although this initiative started in 1949, not many people seem to be aware. Mental illness is often associated with a negative stigma that can keep people from discussing issues that affect community members, friends, or family.

1 in 5 American adults are diagnosed with a mental illness each year. That statistic is disheartening considering the available treatment options and the fact that more than 50% of those diagnosed do not receive treatment.

On May 2nd, the White House released a statement addressing the need to increase awareness and instill the desire to help confront the stigma in acknowledgement of Mental Health Awareness Month.

“Addressing substance abuse, addiction, and overdose is often critical to improving mental health outcomes.  An estimated 8.1 million adults in America suffering with a mental illness also struggle with substance abuse.  Many of those who struggled with both were among the 52,000 people in our country who died from a drug overdose in 2015.  Approximately 44,000 Americans took their own lives in the past year, a preventable tragedy that frequently correlates with mental illness and substance abuse.”

So what can be done? How do we as members of the treatment community and as citizens make a difference?

Perhaps the most important role we can play is that of advocates. We should be engaging with policy makers in local, state, and federal government. Those who suffer from a mental illness can be very vulnerable and we can stand up for them and help them find their way towards the right treatment.

The White House statement continues, “No American should suffer in silence and solitude…. We must support those in need and remain committed to hope and healing.  Through compassion and committed action, we will enrich the spirit of the American people and improve the well-being of our Nation.”

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May 12, 2017

May is Mental Health Month

Addiction recovery and mental health go hand in hand. In the United States, 20.2 million adults are experiencing a substance use disorder. Of those, 10.2 million have a co-occurring mental illness. This means that conditions like depression, schizophrenia, anxiety, bipolar, OCD and others are strongly associated with addiction. The purpose of Mental Health Month is to raise awareness and reduce stigma with regard to mental illnesses. This year, the focus of Mental Health Month is “Risky Business.” Mental Health America explains, “We believe it's important to educate people about habits and behaviors that increase the risk of developing or exacerbating mental illnesses or could be signs of mental health problems themselves. These include risk factors such as risky sex, prescription drug misuse, internet addiction, excessive spending, marijuana use, and troublesome exercise patterns1.”

Governmental institutions, social media platforms, non-profits, and individuals have joined together to reach people through screenings, events, and education.

The National Alliance on Mental Illness has published the following facts to help raise awareness during Mental Health Month:

NAMI-Taking-Charge-of-Your-Mental-HealthGeneralMHFacts (1)

NAMI-Taking-Charge-of-Your-Mental-Health

Here’s what YOU can do:

  • Take NAMI’s “StigmaFree” pledge by committing to avoid labels and speak respectfully about mental illness.
  • Become educated about the prevalence of mental illnesses in the United States and even in your specific demographic. Be aware that 1 in 5 U.S. adults have mental illnesses.
  • Familiarize yourself with the resources available online as well as in your community.
  • Learn about “Risky Business” and conditions that are commonly co-occurring with mental illness, like eating disorders and substance use disorders.
  • Talk to friends and family about the things that you learn and encourage them to participate in Mental Health Month

May 11, 2017

The Power of Words in Recovery

We cannot underestimate the power of words in recovery. The two main views of addiction are 1) that it is a moral failings and 2) that it is a disease. Although modern science proves the latter to be true, the words and phrases we use may be supporting the former view.

By using terms that emphasize people rather than symptoms, we can help reduce the stigma of addiction and recovery. Dr. John F. Kelly of Harvard Medical School explains, "This change goes beyond mere political correctness. Whether we are consciously aware of it or not, the language we use actually makes a profound difference in our attitudes and, thus, how we may approach our nation’s number one public health problem.”

Using people focused language empowers patients and gives them the same dignity and respect that we give to those suffering with cancer and other chronic diseases.

Shatterproof, “a national nonprofit organization dedicated to ending the devastation that addiction causes families,” created the following list of stigma reducing language:

Click here to learn more about how the words we use can impact recovery.

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