Category: Uncategorized

People talk about holistic health like everyone should understand what it means without ever explaining it. Holistic medicine focuses on treating the whole person, not just the individual disease. A holistic practitioner will not just focus on the person’s unique disorder or illness but on improving the individual’s overall well-being. This is incredibly important, and addiction treatment and recovery are now. 

Treating the condition is excellent, but treating the individual and teaching them how to address the concerns and other triggering factors provides an opportunity for growth and’s long-term recovery.

At Relevance Recovery, our New Jersey treatment programs practice a holistic approach to addiction treatment and behavioral health. Contact a treatment coordinator today to see how we can support your holistic health through recovery.

What is Holistic Drug Treatment Program?

A holistic drug treatment program is designed to minutes the needs of clients struggling with substance abuse disorders. This program addresses the client’s mental, behavioral, emotional, physical, and social needs. Holistic addiction treatment programs combine traditional, evidence-based addiction treatment and alternative methods. A holistic program is designed to help patients develop “a stronger sense of self-identity, self-esteem, and self-confidence.” 

Through this treatment process, there is a “focus on fixing the cause of the element, not just relieving the symptoms and treating a patient as a person, not the disease.” The thought process behind this idea is to promote better overall health in every aspect of a client’s life.

What are Holistic Treatment Practices Available?

Several holistic treatment practices are available for individuals going through drug rehab. Individuals will access physical, mental, emotional, and social treatment practices to facilitate rehabilitation. 

Physical holistic treatment practices that are helpful during rehabilitation are some of the most commonly known physical therapies. Things like dance and movement therapy, tai chi, hiking, chiropractic care, massage therapy, and yoga are all holistic health practices supportive to individuals undergoing substance-abuse treatment. Many traditional treatment centers may offer yoga or movie therapy, but a holistic treatment center will have more options, and a more significant focus will be placed on the client’s physical health and treatment. Holistic treatment practices will also focus on nutrition as a guiding factor in rehabilitative health.

Traditional treatment focuses on cognitive-behavioral and dialectical behavioral therapy as the basis for rehabilitative care. A holistic approach will use conventional and alternative therapies like meditation, mindfulness, and other psychiatric practices for specialized disorders. For example, individuals struggling with a dual diagnosis of depression and substance use disorder will receive therapy for the substance use disorder, and an additional mental health treatment will be in place for their depression. This also applies to several common mental illnesses like anxiety, mood disorders, personality disorders, trauma, and bipolar disorder. 

Clients’ emotional well-being is also a significant focus of a holistic treatment center. Individuals will be encouraged to develop and grow their spirituality and evaluate their emotional connections to people and things. 

Lastly, holistic treatment will encourage social growth as well. This can include vocational services, cultural awareness and appreciation, and other social learning practices encouraging individuals to be a part of their community.

How to Find Holistic Drug Treatment in New Jersey

Define holistic drug treatment in New Jersey; look no further than Relevance Recovery. Our Freehold treatment center encourages holistic, integrative, and multidisciplinary treatment for substance abuse and mental illness. Our clients have access to a combination of holistic therapies and medication-assisted treatment. 

Holistic therapies include bio sound therapy, equine psychotherapy, massage therapy, fitness and meditation, peer support, and life skills. We believe that through these holistic practices, our clients can enhance their self-care progress spiritually, mentally, and emotionally.

At Relevance Recovery, clients have access to a high-quality addiction treatment designed to address the root cause of addiction. We believe each individual has a unique experience, and each treatment program is tailored to meet those individual needs. Our leadership and staff understand the path to recovery, which is why we have created an “authentic multi-pathway philosophy attached to an award-winning substance-abuse relapse prevention program that ensures long-term, affordable care for all clients.”

Verify your insurance and speak with a representative today to see how we can guide you on your recovery journey.

Many people are familiar with Adderall and its benefits when used to help alleviate the symptoms of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Adderall has also shown positive effects in helping people manage symptoms of narcolepsy. Available by prescription only, Adderall is a combination drug containing amphetamine and dextroamphetamine. Adderall is classified as a stimulant and is frequently misused for the effects the individual components of the drug produces. When abused, Adderall can have effects similar to those produced by methamphetamine, an illegally manufactured stimulant drug.

What is Adderall? 

Adderall is a prescription medication commonly prescribed by mental health professionals to alleviate the symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder in adults and teens. Although the drug is highly effective when used as prescribed, it remains a controlled substance as it is frequently misused or obtained illegally and resold to individuals without prescriptions. Adderall helps manage ADHD symptoms by encouraging the brain to produce higher amounts of dopamine and norepinephrine. Dopamine, a naturally occurring chemical in the brain, is responsible for essential functions throughout the body, including regulating feelings of happiness and pleasure. Norepinephrine, another naturally occurring chemical in the central nervous system, is responsible for the rate at which the brain responds to stimuli from outside the body.

How Does Adderall Addiction Develop?

Adderall addiction can happen gradually without you even realizing it. At first, you may think you have your usage under control and that you can stop at any time. But soon, you find yourself needing Adderall just to feel normal and function during the day. How did this happen?

Adderall works by increasing dopamine levels in the brain, which makes you feel good and enhances your focus and motivation. Over time, your brain adapts to the extra dopamine and reduces its dopamine production. This means you need more and more Adderall to feel its effects. If you stop taking it, dopamine levels crash and withdrawal symptoms emerge.

Some signs that Adderall addiction may be developing include:

• Needing to take higher or more frequent doses to feel its effects
• Experiencing withdrawal symptoms like fatigue, depression, or irritability when not taking it 
• Strong cravings or urges to take Adderall
• Continuing to use despite physical or psychological problems
• Giving up or reducing social, occupational, or recreational activities because of Adderall use

The truth is, that anyone who takes Adderall regularly can become addicted, especially if misusing the medication by taking higher doses or more often than prescribed. The risk is even higher for those with a history of drug addiction or mental health issues.

Adderall addiction is a serious problem, but there is hope. Speaking to your doctor about adjusting or stopping the medication, behavioral therapies, and support groups can help overcome addiction and learn to manage ADHD symptoms in healthier ways. The path to recovery may not be easy, but with commitment and the right resources, you can break free from Adderall addiction.

What Causes Adderall Addiction?

A substance use disorder (SUD) is a condition in which a person becomes addicted to a substance. SUD can develop quickly and visibly, or it can develop slowly and invisibly. There are many factors that contribute to the development of SUD, and two people using Adderall in the same way can have very different SUD experiences. If you are prescribed Adderall, it will reduce your risk of developing SUD. Anytime you abuse Adderall, you are more likely to develop SUD. Nobody should attempt to self-administer Adderall.

Symptoms of Adderall Addiction

Instead of screening for Adderall addict symptoms, many drug and alcohol counselors screen for stimulant addict symptoms. Stimulant use disorder is a diagnostic mental health condition that includes symptoms of addiction, dependency and tolerance. While there are many diagnostic factors for stimulant use disorders, a person only has to present with two to be diagnosed.

Symptoms of an Adderall addiction include:

• Taking the drug more often or in larger doses than intended
• A desire to or unsuccessful attempts to stop the use
• Spending a lot of time getting, using, and recovering from Adderall use
• Strong urges to use Adderall
• Struggling to complete responsibilities at home, work, or school
• Still using despite a negative impact on physical, mental, or social health
• Shifting priorities, interests, and relationships
• Needing more Adderall to produce the previous effect
• Feeling ill or uncomfortable when no Adderall is available

Adderall Withdrawal Symptoms

The last thing mentioned above is “Adderall withdrawal.” This is a sign that you’re addicted to Adderall. When the drug leaves your body, your body’s balance system is out of whack, so you’ll experience many of the same withdrawal symptoms that you’d experience if you were addicted to stimulants. When you take Adderall, you won’t feel the high energy and “rush” that comes with it. Instead, you’ll feel like you’ve hit a wall.

Symptoms of Adderall withdrawal may include:

• Agitation
• Aggression
• Irritability
• Low mood
• Low energy
• Little interest in usual activities
• Poor self-esteem
• Increased need for sleep
• Higher appetite
• Aches and pains
• Inability to feel pleasure
• Strong cravings for Adderall
• Desire to restart substance use

Some symptoms may only last for a few days, while some depressive effects can last for several weeks after the last use.

Can You Get Addicted to Adderall? 

As with any other drugs that impact dopamine production, dependency on the feelings produced by Adderall can develop quickly. Even when used as directed, Adderall impacts how you react to external stimuli. Normal day-to-day events that used to produce feelings of joy and pleasure become insufficient to produce the same level of reaction achieved with Adderall. In time, tolerance to the effects of the drug develops and, shortly thereafter, addiction. When you are addicted to Adderall, you crave the effects of the drug and believe that you must use it to feel content and alert. 

Additionally, because Adderall impacts the rate at which the brain produces norepinephrine, users who have developed a tolerance to Adderall believe they must take larger and more frequent doses to feel the same level of alertness and productivity they used to feel without Adderall or with smaller doses. When you try to reduce the amount you take or quit using Adderall entirely, users report brain fog or feelings of lethargy and confusion because their brain is not producing norepinephrine at the levels it was when they were taking Adderall.

It is important to note that Adderall addiction, like many other stimulant drugs, can produce a range of symptoms, especially when you try to stop using. These include anxiety, dizziness, difficulty sleeping, appetite changes, headaches, new or worsening mental health symptoms, hallucinations, heart problems, and various other potentially dangerous effects. Because of these, it is important to withdraw from Adderall under the support and care of trained professionals at an addiction rehab like Relevance Recovery.

How to Get Help with Adderall Addiction

Detoxing from Adderall can be dangerous. This is especially true if your addiction is severe and you struggle with intense, potentially life-threatening symptoms as you try to cleanse your system of the effects of the drug. For many, although they are ready to begin their journey toward sobriety, the process of getting and staying sober from Adderall addiction is not easy. If you or a loved one are prepared to put Adderall addiction in the past, it is important to choose a setting where skilled therapy providers can provide the support and guidance you need through the earliest and most difficult stages of detox and withdrawal. 
At Relevance Recovery, our treatment team is here to guide you through each stage of detox, therapy, and comprehensive aftercare planning to ensure the most well-rounded, holistic recovery experience possible. To learn more about our programs and how we can help you overcome Adderall addiction, contact our admissions team today.

News, information, and entertainment travel quickly today. In decades past, one had to wait to turn on the nightly news or for the local paper to publish their weekend edition to learn about the goings-on both locally and worldwide. The internet and social media have changed that. Today, things are available to view, download and forward at the touch of a button. Unfortunately, this also means positive and negative information and insight travel with equal swiftness and can significantly impact everyone they touch. 

What Are the Popular Forms of Social Media? 

Before considering the connection between social media and drug use, it is important to understand what social media is. Social media is often loosely defined as a series of smartphone apps that can easily communicate with friends and family. Further simplified, social media consists of various social networks, including Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

Social media is an internet-based technology that helps to facilitate the sharing and exchange of ideas, thoughts, and information across virtual networks and communities. Social media platforms provide users with an instant means of communication with those close by or those on the other side of the world. 

Today, more than three billion people worldwide use common forms of social media, including Facebook, Twitter, Snapchat, and Instagram, among others. Data from the Pew Research Center indicates as many as ninety percent of people between the ages of nineteen and twenty-nine use at least one type of social media. 

Is There a Connection Between Social Media and Drug Use? 

Drug and alcohol misuse and abuse are not new problems in the United States.  Each year, over twenty-one million people meet the diagnostic criteria for substance use disorder. Struggles with drug use have been a problem long before the advent of social media. However, social media outlets provide a new and concerning opportunity for people to be exposed to drugs in ways they may not have found before. Although people of all ages are vulnerable to the effects of what they see on social media, teens and adolescents are likely more susceptible due to the strength of peer pressure and peer influence. Common social media sites, including Facebook and Snapchat, offer an easy-to-access environment where people are exposed to people engaging in behaviors involving drugs and alcohol or discussing the use of drugs and alcohol.

Unfortunately, consistent exposure to celebrities, friends, or family engaging in substance use inevitably influences those who view the content. The constant presence of drug and alcohol use on social media may normalize or glamorize the behavior making people who wouldn’t usually turn to drugs believe that it’s OK to experiment with illicit or prescription drugs, for example.

Information from a survey conducted by the National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse at Columbia University showed that teenagers who regularly viewed popular social media sites were more likely to use drugs than adolescents who did not use social media. The same survey showed that this group of individuals was two times more likely to use marijuana than those who did not frequently utilize social media outlets.

For impressionable people on social media, seeking others on social media, partying, and engaging in risky behaviors can lead them to turn to drugs or alcohol to “fit in.” Some studies indicate as many as 75% of young adults who see photos of others on social media sites smoking weed or using other substances encourage them to experiment in similar ways. Unfortunately, the same social media posts do not tend to encourage those struggling with addiction to seek addiction treatment to overcome drug addiction. 

Reach Out to Us Today at Relevance Recovery 

Social media outlets provide increased opportunities for people of all ages to be exposed to substance use. Either through photographs, chats, or open discussion, information about drug use and abuse is far more widely available today than ever before, leading to new or worsening struggles with addiction for many. If you would like to learn more about how Relevance Recovery can help you overcome an addiction to drugs, contact us today. 

Therapy is an essential element of addiction treatment. Some may even say it is the cornerstone of addiction treatment programs regardless of the type of addiction for which you might be seeking treatment. The most common form of addiction treatment therapy is called cognitive-behavioral therapy or CBT. The premise behind cognitive behavioral therapy is helping people to change negative thoughts and irrational beliefs by thinking about the roots of their emotions and learning to build positive belief systems. Rational motive behavioral therapy or REBT is a type of cognitive-behavioral therapy. But what is REBT, and what are its goals? Again, this therapy type focuses on helping those in addiction treatment learn to change irrational beliefs around addiction. REBT (and other types of cognitive-behavioral therapy are often referred to as “action-oriented” approaches to psychotherapy that are designed to help you or your loved ones in treatment manage emotions, thoughts, and behaviors in a positive, healthy way.

REBT Therapy Explained

Albert Ellis, the creator of REBT, believed that people were not disturbed by things, but rather by how they viewed those things. The fundamental idea behind REBT is that the way people feel is significantly influenced by how they think. When people hold irrational views of themselves (or others around them), problems can arise. The goal of REBT is to help you alter the illogical beliefs and negative thinking patterns that have led to addictive behavior.

REBT is best understood by looking at the steps of the therapeutic process. The first step asks you to identify the irrational thought patterns and beliefs that have led to addictive behaviors. In many cases, these are reflected as absolutes, such as “I can’t” or “I must.” Continuing to hold onto such beliefs makes it nearly impossible to respond to triggering situations positively and healthily. The next step is working towards changing irrational beliefs. Once they have been identified, your therapist, skilled in REBT techniques, will help you dispute these beliefs through various methods. The final step involves gaining insight and changing behaviors. 

The REBT process can indeed be challenging as it asks you to face difficult thoughts and emotions that have been perceived as fact for some time, and accepting these thoughts as unhealthy is not easy for anyone. REBT strives to help you learn from mistakes and respond in a healthy way to triggering situations. 

How Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy Is Used in Addiction Treatment

REBT has proven to be a highly effective therapy model if you are struggling with a substance abuse disorder. The core essence of REBT is to change the way you think about your addiction and the situations that contribute to your addiction. Participation in REBT sessions, either individually or in a group format, can help you learn how to have more positive reactions to triggers, which, in turn, will help you resist turning to substances to cope with emotional situations. If you are struggling with an addiction, REBT can help you reduce the powerful impact of your emotions. The ability to minimize the effects of emotions leads to fewer self-defeating behaviors, such as using.

There are two primary ways REBT can help you defeat your addiction. First, it helps you learn how to react to situations in more realistic ways instead of irrational thoughts. It also allows you to realize there are things in life you cannot control, but you can control how you react to the specific situation.  REBT is often combined with other treatment methods, such as medical treatments, alternative therapies (or holistic therapies), and other forms of psychotherapy.

Seek Sobriety at Relevance Recovery 

REBT is a highly effective form of therapy that has helped many people meet and defeat their addiction since it was first introduced over seventy years ago. REBT is an evidence-based, validated treatment model that can help you change your negative thoughts and responses to lead a happier, sober life. If you are ready to seek addiction treatment or have questions about how REBT or other treatments may be able to help, contact the caring, compassionate team at Relevance Recovery today. You are relevant.

What is outpatient treatment? When people think about addiction rehab, they often envision inpatient treatment centers where those seeking help with their addiction spend time away from home while healing. This type of treatment setting is not for everyone, and many seek alternate treatment program options that do not involve a residential component. There are situations where outpatient treatment programs can provide a successful treatment and recovery option for those struggling with a variety of addictions. 

Defining Outpatient Rehab

Unlike an inpatient program, which requires people to move into a facility for a specific period (typically 30 to 90 days), an outpatient program allows people to stay home and, in their communities, while they work on their addiction challenges. Some outpatient programs have a set schedule, in which people who enroll are expected to appear in groups with other members of the program. These times cannot be varied or changed, which promotes accountability by participants. Other programs may have appointment-based systems that could accommodate issues such as work or childcare. 

Outpatient programs are often considered a less intense form of addiction care. There is no around-the-clock supervision involved with these programs, and often no clinicians are available when a crisis hits off hours. As a result, these programs are usually recommended for new addiction cases and those in good mental health.

Benefits of Outpatient Rehab

• Flexibility – Outpatient treatment allows individuals to continue their daily activities while receiving care. This flexibility is particularly beneficial for working professionals and those with family obligations.
• Privacy – Since outpatient treatment doesn’t require an overnight stay, it can be more discreet, allowing individuals to maintain their privacy.
• Support system – Outpatient treatment enables individuals to stay connected with their loved ones, which can be a significant source of support during recovery.
• Individualized care: – At Relevance Recovery, we understand that each person’s journey to recovery is unique. Our outpatient programs are tailored to meet the specific needs of each patient.
• Dual diagnosis treatment – Our center emphasizes dual diagnosis treatment, addressing addiction and any co-existing mental health disorders. This comprehensive approach increases the chance of long-term recovery.

Whether you’re a board-certified professional with a primary diagnosis of substance use disorder (SUD) or an individual struggling with co-occurring mental health conditions, we’re here to help. Our outpatient programs include a range of therapies, detox services, and specialized treatment options like transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) therapy. We also offer 12-step and holistic therapy programs to cater to various needs and preferences.

Outpatient Rehab vs. Inpatient: What’s the Difference?

Addiction treatment programs typically fall into two categories: inpatient and outpatient treatment. But how are they different? While each has its benefits, the decision about which treatment is needed should be based on the patient’s individual needs at that time. 

Inpatient Rehab

For most people struggling with addiction, detox at an inpatient rehab provides an excellent start to achieving sobriety and recovery. Inpatient rehab, also called residential treatment or residential rehab, requires the person to remain on-site at the treatment facility for the duration of their program. This arrangement gives a person complete focus on their treatment. It also provides the opportunity for medically assisted withdrawal from drugs and alcohol if needed. 

At an inpatient rehab program, clients are provided with a structured environment designed to keep everyone focused on recovery. Immersive, evidence-based care concentrates on individual, group, and family therapies; all focused on promoting healing.

Outpatient Rehab

Outpatient is an excellent choice for people with substance abuse challenges that are milder, where they have not become physically dependent on substances, but realize they have a growing problem. Outpatient treatment is also an effective means for continuing treatment progress when transitioning from an inpatient facility. Most notably, outpatient treatment offers convenience and flexibility not available in inpatient settings.

Outpatient programs include a wide variety of options, including detox, individual therapy, group therapy, family therapy, and opportunities for alternative and holistic treatment options.

Sobriety Is Possible at Relevance Recovery

If you are ready to seek addiction treatment but aren’t sure which type of program is right for you, contact Relevance Recovery to learn more about how our outpatient treatment programs can help you achieve sobriety and lasting recovery!