7 Tips for Helping Someone you're Dating with an Addiction
Here are 7 Tips for Helping Someone you're Dating with an Addiction. The challenge with addiction is that the addict is not the only one impacted by this disease. Family and friends can have difficulty with the addict’s behavior, financial problems, legal problems and the daily struggle of supporting trying to find healthy balance. Sometimes dating an addict can be difficult. Here are seven tips that family and friends can reference to support an addicted family member or friend.
Tip #1: Educate Yourself
Get information about addictions. Understand the addict’s disease process. Find information about how it impacts the family and friends. Knowledge is power and it may help you understand more about yourself and your loved one. There are many resources for finding this information: SAMHSA.gov (Substance Abuse Mental Health Services Administration) has all types of educational and informational resources. The public library and the internet have an enormous amount of information for education, groups, support, treatment, etc.
Tip #2: Get Support
When you have a loved one with an addiction problem, it can create a great deal of difficulty in your life. There are groups that can help you learn how to cope, provide resources and help the addict, including:
- Al-Anon (focused on Alcohol addiction)
- Nar-Anon (focused on drug addiction – prescription and illegal)
Tip #3: Get Counseling
It may be helpful to get some individual counseling to assist yourself. Counseling isn’t just for the alcoholic or addict. The more you are able to manage the better you will be able to help your loved one. There are a variety of resources to find counselors. Your company may have an Employee Assistance Program, or your health insurance may have mental health benefits that you can access. Talk to someone you trust about finding the resources you need and do a search for resources in your area.
Tip #4: Seek Specialty Help
If you need assistance with financial issues or legal issues it may be helpful to talk to attorney providers that are covered. There are organizations that provide services on a sliding scale fee, and you can often find those by calling your local Mental Health Agency or United Way. Local churches may also provide some low or no cost counseling.
Tip #5: Don’t Enable
It is difficult for family members when the disease takes hold. Often, family members have supported the person’s addiction without even fully realizing that was what they were doing. Don’t rescue the addict. Let them experience the consequences of their disease. Many times, people are unable to change until they are forced. Don’t financially support the addict or their addiction. Many family members and friends buy groceries, give financial assistance to pay court fines or attorneys, or pay rent to help someone out, but usually it only prolongs the disease as addicts are able to avoid consequences.
Tip #6: Have Realistic Expectations
Don’t preach or lecture to the addict. They are usually unable to hear what you are saying. Continue to hold them accountable to expectations and offer help to direct them to the treatment they need. Don’t expect addicts to keep promises, they are not able to do so while in the process of their disease. Don’t react with pity or anger. This only keeps you in the process with the addict.
If your loved one is ready to get help, visit our Alcohol and Drug Treatment page to find out more about getting a referral and assessment. You can also contact Legal Aid programs in your area to see if you qualify for those services or they may be able to direct you to someone who can assist you.
If you have insurance and just want to get information about pricing, give us a call 24/7
Tip #7: Take Care of Yourself
Focusing on your own life is the most important thing you can do to assist the addict. If you are stressed out due to their issues, in addition to your own, it creates resentment and strain. It makes it difficult to want to help someone who has created so much difficulty in your life. By taking care of yourself through exercising, getting plenty of sleep, socializing and getting support, you may be better able to help your loved one when they are ready to accept the help.
The most important thing to remember is that you aren’t alone. Many people battle with these issues every day and it is vital to get the resources and support you need.
If you or someone you know would like to know more about Transformations by the Gulf Substance Abuse Treatment Center Give us a Call 24/7 (727)498-6498
The success of a person’s recovery depends on the level of personalized treatment provided. It is important to find an addiction treatment program that works. When we say our treatment is individualized, we mean that we craft a program that is tailored to address the client’s unique physical, mental and emotional needs.
In the client’s first 24 hours with us, we’ll evaluate their current state and work to understand what challenges they need to overcome. They’ll also have an initial session with our doctor and meet with one of our licensed mental health professionals.
After the initial evaluations, we’ll design a treatment plan with the sole mission of helping the client overcome and heal from addiction. Their program will focus on things such as:
- Addressing and Identifying root causes of addiction.
- Creating a support system.
- Developing healthy stress management techniques.
- Eliminating Substance use.
- Learning how to communicate emotions effectively.
- Maintaining a healthier lifestyle.
- Repairing damaged relationships.
Our Facility is near the beach and offers a comfortable setting for substance abuse treatment and recovery.
What a Day is Like in Our Treatment Facility.
Why Transformations by the Gulf?
Boat Therapy: Healing on the Water
Spending time in nature can provide numerous benefits for our mental health, and this is especially true for people with addiction. Boat therapy stems from the idea that the more connected to the environment or the big picture, the less isolated we are.
A relaxing day on the water can be a powerful form of therapy, offering you time to release tension, healthily deal with emotions and become more in tune with yourself. Battling the waves and spending your time on the water can also offer a new set of challenges to overcome, promoting better decision-making skills. Boat therapy can include canoeing, kayaking and other water activities.
What Is Boat Therapy?
Boat therapy is a form of treatment that uses therapeutic sessions and activities on a boat to help people manage or overcome a wide range of challenges and issues. Though you might just now be hearing about it, boat therapy has been around for years.
Growing research has highlighted several mental and physical health benefits of connecting with nature and healing by the water. As a result, many researchers believe in the power of boat therapy to help people with addiction heal and improve their overall well-being. Boat Therapy can also help people manage symptoms of depression, anxiety and stress.
It's crucial to note that boat therapy is not a standalone treatment for addiction but a complementary approach that works alongside evidence-based therapies and professional guidance. Seeking support from holistic addiction treatment centers that incorporate boat therapy can help you harness the healing potential of nature and the water in your journey toward recovery.
How Does Time Outside Help Addiction?
Nature and the water can serve as a source of inspiration, resilience and solace during the recovery process. Numerous studies suggest nature's positive impact on our moods, stress levels and mental health conditions like depression and anxiety.
Reduces Stress
Being in nature has been shown to reduce stress levels, which often underlie addiction and substance use. Being in a natural environment promotes relaxation, lowers cortisol levels and activates the parasympathetic nervous system, leading to a calmer state of mind. This can help people manage stress and anxiety, which are common triggers for addictive behaviors.
Additionally, exposure to nature can stimulate the release of endorphins and other feel-good neurotransmitters in the brain, serving as a healthier coping mechanism for addictive behaviors.
Inspires Reflection
Spiritually, nature can offer a sense of connection, purpose and meaning to support individuals on their recovery journey. Nature helps people appreciate the beauty and vastness of the natural world, fostering a sense of gratitude and awe — the connection to something greater than the self can provide spiritual nourishment and a sense of purpose. Ultimately, boat therapy can inspire reflection and help you develop a stronger sense of self and motivation for a healthier lifestyle.
Builds Coping Skills
Nature also offers a distraction from triggers and unhealthy environments associated with addiction. It provides a safe and supportive space where individuals can engage in physical activity, practice mindfulness and find solace. The tranquility and serenity of nature can enhance self-reflection, self-awareness and personal growth, allowing individuals to explore underlying issues and develop healthier coping mechanisms.
Promotes Teamwork and Confidence
Moreover, nature-based activities like hiking, gardening or participating in wilderness therapy programs can promote teamwork, problem-solving skills and a sense of accomplishment. These experiences build confidence and resilience, providing individuals with valuable tools to overcome challenges in their recovery.
How Effective Is Boat Therapy?
Boat Therapy has shown promising results in improving mental health and well-being, but its effectiveness can vary depending on individual circumstances and the specific nature of the therapy. While research on boat therapy is still developing, several scientific studies and anecdotal evidence suggest positive outcomes.
As mentioned, engaging with nature through boat therapy has been associated with reduced anxiety, depression and stress — which often underlie substance use disorders. Spending time outside can help people with addiction combat cravings and establish healthier coping skills through exercise, gardening, paddling or hiking.
Physical activities, like hiking and gardening, can enhance fitness and cardiovascular health and cause the release of dopamine and serotonin — our body's natural feel-good chemicals. Research also suggests that exposure to nature can improve cognitive function, including attention, creativity and problem-solving abilities.
Lastly, boat therapy can foster a sense of connection to nature, promoting a deeper sense of meaning, purpose and spirituality. In this sense, nature can help heal addiction by increasing life satisfaction and a greater sense of well-being.
Contact Transformations By The Gulf and Discover the Benefits of Boat Therapy
Nature and addiction recovery often go hand in hand when you opt for professional substance use disorder treatment. By incorporating nature-based interventions into treatment plans, you can harness the therapeutic power of the outdoors to support your journey toward long-term recovery. At Transformations By The Gulf, we offer various forms of holistic treatments for addiction, including boat therapy. Our certified team can help you incorporate nature therapy into a comprehensive treatment program that targets your unique needs.
Connect with nature and discover the power of holistic healing at our treatment center. To start your journey, get in touch with us today.
If you or someone you know would like to know more about Transformations by the Gulf Substance Abuse Treatment Center Give us a Call 24/7 (727)498-6498
The success of a person’s recovery depends on the level of personalized treatment provided. It is important to find an addiction treatment program that works. When we say our treatment is individualized, we mean that we craft a program that is tailored to address the client’s unique physical, mental and emotional needs.
In the client’s first 24 hours with us, we’ll evaluate their current state and work to understand what challenges they need to overcome. They’ll also have an initial session with our doctor and meet with one of our licensed mental health professionals.
After the initial evaluations, we’ll design a treatment plan with the sole mission of helping the client overcome and heal from addiction. Their program will focus on things such as:
- Addressing and Identifying root causes of addiction.
- Creating a support system.
- Developing healthy stress management techniques.
- Eliminating Substance use.
- Learning how to communicate emotions effectively.
- Maintaining a healthier lifestyle.
- Repairing damaged relationships.
Are you struggling with addiction and want to learn more? Visit Rehab.com or check out our page on addiction treatments.
Our Facility is near the beach and offers a comfortable setting for substance abuse treatment and recovery.
What a Day is Like in Our Treatment Facility.
Why Transformations by the Gulf?
Ecotherapy: The Role of Nature in Healing Addiction
Ecotherapy: The Role of Nature in Healing Addiction
Spending time in nature can provide numerous benefits for our mental health, and this is especially true for people with addiction. Nature therapy, also known as ecotherapy or green therapy, stems from the idea that the more connected to the environment or the big picture, the less isolated we are.
Nature can help with stress, anxiety and depression and improve our overall mood. Just a few minutes spent in the sun or taking a walk can be beneficial. Continue reading to learn how time outside can help people with addiction and some activities you can participate in to reap the benefits.
What Is Ecotherapy?
Ecotherapy is an approach to mental health treatment that recognizes the therapeutic benefits of being in nature. It allows people to explore their relationship with nature by engaging in outdoor activities and experiences. These activities are meant to promote healing, personal growth and overall wellness.
Growing research has highlighted several mental and physical health benefits of connecting with nature. As a result, many researchers believe in the power of ecotherapy to help people with addiction heal and improve their overall well-being. Ecotherapy can also help people manage symptoms of depression, anxiety and stress.
It's crucial to note that ecotherapy is not a standalone treatment for addiction but a complementary approach that works alongside evidence-based therapies and professional guidance. Seeking support from holistic addiction treatment centers that incorporate ecotherapy can help you harness the healing potential of nature in your journey toward recovery. Ecotherapy: The Role of Nature in Healing Addiction.
How Does Time Outside Help Addiction?
Nature can serve as a source of inspiration, resilience and solace during the recovery process. Numerous studies suggest nature's positive impact on our moods, stress levels and mental health conditions like depression and anxiety.
Reduces Stress
Being in nature has been shown to reduce stress levels, which often underlie addiction and substance use. Being in a natural environment promotes relaxation, lowers cortisol levels and activates the parasympathetic nervous system, leading to a calmer state of mind. This can help people manage stress and anxiety, which are common triggers for addictive behaviors. Ecotherapy: The Role of Nature in Healing Addiction.
Additionally, exposure to nature can stimulate the release of endorphins and other feel-good neurotransmitters in the brain, serving as a healthier coping mechanism for addictive behaviors.
Inspires Reflection
Inspires ReflectionSpiritually, nature can offer a sense of connection, purpose and meaning to support individuals on their recovery journey. Nature helps people appreciate the beauty and vastness of the natural world, fostering a sense of gratitude and awe — the connection to something greater than the self can provide spiritual nourishment and a sense of purpose. Ultimately, ecotherapy can inspire reflection and help you develop a stronger sense of self and motivation for a healthier lifestyle.
Builds Coping Skills
Nature also offers a distraction from triggers and unhealthy environments associated with addiction. It provides a safe and supportive space where individuals can engage in physical activity, practice mindfulness and find solace. The tranquility and serenity of nature can enhance self-reflection, self-awareness and personal growth, allowing individuals to explore underlying issues and develop healthier coping mechanisms.
Promotes Teamwork and Confidence
Moreover, nature-based activities like hiking, gardening or participating in wilderness therapy programs can promote teamwork, problem-solving skills and a sense of accomplishment. These experiences build confidence and resilience, providing individuals with valuable tools to overcome challenges in their recovery. Ecotherapy: The Role of Nature in Healing Addiction.
Examples of Ecotherapy Activities
Nature and addiction recovery can take many forms. Ecotherapy activities you might find at treatment centers can include:
- Wilderness therapy: These structured group programs involve immersive experiences in natural settings like forests or mountains. Here, individuals can engage in hiking, team-building exercises and therapy sessions. Each experience is meant to encourage personal growth, self-reflection and the development of coping skills.
- Forest bathing: This tradition has become a form of nature therapy that involves fully immersing yourself in nature to experience it with all five senses. Like nature meditation, it involves concentrating on the experience of being in nature rather than simply walking through it while talking or engaging in simultaneous activities.
- Boat therapy: A relaxing day on the water can be a powerful form of therapy, offering you time to release tension, healthily deal with emotions and become more in tune with yourself. Battling the waves and spending your time on the water can also offer a new set of challenges to overcome, promoting better decision-making skills. Boat therapy can include canoeing, kayaking and other water activities.
- Horticulture therapy: Also called garden therapy, this type of ecotherapy involves cultivating and caring for flowers, fruits, vegetables and other greens in a garden area. Horticultural therapy has been shown to lower symptoms of depression and stress.
- Animal-assisted therapy: This therapy involves being around animals in the process of healing and emotional support. It might involve a structured group program caring for animals on a farm or be incorporated into an individual therapy treatment plan.
How Effective Is Ecotherapy?
Ecotherapy has shown promising results in improving mental health and well-being, but its effectiveness can vary depending on individual circumstances and the specific nature of the therapy. While research on ecotherapy is still developing, several scientific studies and anecdotal evidence suggest positive outcomes.
As mentioned, engaging with nature through ecotherapy has been associated with reduced anxiety, depression and stress — which often underlie substance use disorders. Spending time outside can help people with addiction combat cravings and establish healthier coping skills through exercise, gardening, paddling or hiking.
Physical activities, like hiking and gardening, can enhance fitness and cardiovascular health and cause the release of dopamine and serotonin — our body's natural feel-good chemicals. Research also suggests that exposure to nature can improve cognitive function, including attention, creativity and problem-solving abilities.
Lastly, ecotherapy can foster a sense of connection to nature, promoting a deeper sense of meaning, purpose and spirituality. In this sense, nature can help heal addiction by increasing life satisfaction and a greater sense of well-being.
Contact Transformations By The Gulf and Discover the Benefits of Nature Therapy
Nature and addiction recovery often go hand in hand when you opt for professional substance use disorder treatment. By incorporating nature-based interventions into treatment plans, you can harness the therapeutic power of the outdoors to support your journey toward long-term recovery. At Transformations By The Gulf, we offer various forms of holistic treatments for addiction, including boat therapy. Our certified team can help you incorporate nature therapy into a comprehensive treatment program that targets your unique needs.
Connect with nature and discover the power of holistic healing at our treatment center. Ecotherapy: The Role of Nature in Healing Addiction.
If you or someone you know would like to know more about Transformations by the Gulf Substance Abuse Treatment Center Give us a Call 24/7 (727)498-6498
The success of a person’s recovery depends on the level of personalized treatment provided. It is important to find an addiction treatment program that works. When we say our treatment is individualized, we mean that we craft a program that is tailored to address the client’s unique physical, mental and emotional needs.
In the client’s first 24 hours with us, we’ll evaluate their current state and work to understand what challenges they need to overcome. They’ll also have an initial session with our doctor and meet with one of our licensed mental health professionals.
After the initial evaluations, we’ll design a treatment plan with the sole mission of helping the client overcome and heal from addiction. Their program will focus on things such as:
- Addressing and Identifying root causes of addiction.
- Creating a support system.
- Developing healthy stress management techniques.
- Eliminating Substance use.
- Learning how to communicate emotions effectively.
- Maintaining a healthier lifestyle.
- Repairing damaged relationships.
Are you struggling with addiction and want to learn more? Visit Psychology Today or check out or page on addiction treatments.
Our Facility is near the beach and offers a comfortable setting for substance abuse treatment and recovery.
What a Day is Like in Our Treatment Facility.
Why Transformations by the Gulf?
Alcohol & Drug Addiction Treatment with Boat Therapy
Top 5 Benefits of Alcohol & Drug Addiction Treatment with Boat Therapy
Going to alcohol or drug treatment centers can be difficult. A person really doesn't know what to expect. Top 5 Benefits of Alcohol & Drug Addiction Treatment with Boat Therapy. That's why many of the top tier facilities offer unique therapies. Top 5 Benefits of Alcohol & Drug Addiction Treatment with Boat Therapy recognizes that specialty therapies can help people to break outside of the box. The boat therapy on St. Pete Beach, Florida is designed to help with particularly difficult recoveries. The following are the top 5 benefits of alcohol & drug addiction treatment with boat therapy:
1. Experiential Therapy Works
Like the Transformations by The Gulf stipulates, people have had impressive results through boating therapy. There are many testimonials on the website attesting to this fact. Experiences help to give people a little more out of life. They face challenges while boating that is akin to real life. There will always be roadblocks and joys in life while a person is out there living, and experiential therapy helps to highlight this.
2. Boating Can become a Hobby
People in rehab need new experiences to replace the negativity in their former lives. When some people are out on the boat, they come alive. A person only knows if one will like boating after trying it. This is a safe, fun way to introduce a potential new hobby into a person's life.
3. This is a Low Stakes Environment
People who are addicts are often risk-takers by nature. They might want to get the adrenaline rushes that they were used to when taking drugs. However, going out and living life to the fullest while in recovery isn't possible. It is a time when life is tamer. But introducing a low stakes risk can help the addict to feel alive again. Boating is adventurous and often the type of experience that many in rehab crave. Fortunately, though, they are doing this activity in a safe setting. There will be experienced professionals on the boat to help if anything goes wrong while out on the ocean. The excursions are well planned out with minimal risk for harm to any participants.
4. Boating Therapy utilizes Nature as a Tool to Heal
People often talk about flora and fauna. This is precisely what happens with boating therapy. Participants start to converse about nature. Whereas before they might be used to specific conversations with unhealthy undertones, being out in nature gives people something to talk about. This can certainly give people a healing experience while out on the great big sea.
5. It's a Once in a Lifetime Chance
In life, not everyone has the chance to live by the ocean. If a person looks at it like this, then many of the participants will not get an opportunity like this again. Also, boating is an expensive activity that not many people can afford. Some people will never get a chance to ever come back to the sea again on a boat. Doing boat therapy gives people memories that they may treasure for a lifetime.
Seeking Treatment with Transformations by the Gulf?
If you or a loved one needs treatment and rehabilitation for substance use, Transformations by the Gulf can help. Top 5 Benefits of Alcohol & Drug Addiction Treatment with Boat Therapy.
Transformations by the Gulf offers individualistic and holistic recovery services. We designed our inpatient and outpatient programs to treat individuals based on biological, psychological, familial and social needs.
Our residential homes and treatment facilities are near the beach and offer a comfortable setting for rehabilitation. If you or a loved one needs help, contact Transformations by the Gulf to learn more about our recovery services.
If you are ready to start planning your treatment process, give us a call. (727)498-6498
You can also find out more information about Transformations by the Gulf by visiting Best-Rehabs.com.
Learn more about Transformations by the Gulf at Psychology Today!
