Author: Holly Mae Haddock

Categories
Nutrition

Vegan Beet Poke Bowl Recipe

This vegan beet poke bowl is absolutely amazing! If you are craving a vegan substitute to ahi poke… well this is your recipe. 

Beets are packed with essential nutrients, fiber, magnesium, potassium, iron, and vitamin C. Beets promote healthy blood flow, lower blood sugar, and increase exercise performance. 

Beets are blood builders and amazing for the female reproductive system. 

Vata dosha can have beets in small amounts and pitta/kapha in moderate amounts. 

Vegan Beet Poke Bowl 

Ingredients

  • 1 pound Raw Beets
  • 4-6 cups Mixed Greens
  • 1 Avocado sliced
  • 1 tbsp Sesame Seeds
  • 1 sheet [Sushi Nori] cut into strips

Poke Marinade

  • 1⁄4 cup Liquid aminos
  • 1 tbsp [Sesame Oil]
  • 2 tsp Grated Ginger
  • 2 tbsp Rice Vinegar

Instructions

Boil 3 quarts of water in a medium sized pot. While water is heating up, peel beets and chop into even 1⁄2 inch cubes. Add chopped beets and boil for 10 minutes. Beets should be cooked but still have a crunch and not be mushy or over cooked. 

Run the beets under cold water, add to the bowl and let drain in the fridge until fully cooled.

In a medium bowl, add: liquid aminos, sesame oil, grated ginger and rice vinegar and whisk together until fully combined.

Once beets are fully cooked, drain thoroughly and toss with poke marinade. 

Add beet poke on a bed of greens and top with avocado slices, sesames seeds and toasted nori strips.  

Enjoy! 

Categories
Mental Health

3 Important Benefits Of Exercise On Mental Health

You may be wondering about the benefits of exercise on mental health, or maybe it’s been suggested that you start your journey to loving yourself by treating your body well. Well, it’s true: the ways you can move your body are nearly as boundless as the ailments it’s said to treat.  However, when you hear from every direction that this one thing- to move your body- is the answer to something so personal (your mental health, among many other things), it can feel defeating. Particularly if athleticism doesn’t come naturally to you, you may be inclined to dismiss it without really considering it. That’s fair. We get it. Exercise isn’t a cure-all for mental health or anything else. It will not help you if you aren’t also helping yourself, but it can be a supportive measure you can take so that your healing feels more accessible and you feel stronger in advocating for your mental health. 

There is no one solution to rule them all, but exercise isn’t a single solution. It’s many solutions all tucked up under a single name and, yes, it’s honestly really great to support your mental health. 

Let’s talk about some of the benefits of exercise on mental health that help the mind-body connection flourish, and the creative ways you can indulge in them even if you’re not particularly sporty. 

1. Exercise Alters Your Chemistry 

Sounds science-y, but when it comes to the way your body moves and thinks, your chemistry is an organic process. Stress, like that created by mental health struggles, can change the way your body makes and uses the things that help you to feel your feelings. Neurotransmitters like endorphins and dopamine are produced by physical activity but inhibited by the presence of stress. When you move your body, you make more of those feel good chemicals. When you are stressed, your body has a harder time accessing and absorbing those things to actually use them, and your body produces cortisol (the stress chemical) instead. 

Does that mean you need to move more when you’re stressed out? 

Yes, it does. Your body can get a little boost of encouragement, like taking a sip of water during a marathon, when you literally move through your stress. It doesn’t mean you need more intense activity to benefit though. Simple things like a brief yoga flow, going for a walk outside or even light housework can be enough to increase your feel-good internal science experiment so your body can work more effectively at offsetting the impacts of stress. 

2. Exercise Balances Your Bodies 

That’s not a typo- we do mean bodies. You have several of them but two are key for the balance of exercise and mental health. Your emotional body helps you regulate the things you feel and the way you feel them. Alternatively, you also have a physical body. Your physical body is exactly that- the length of your legs, the curve of your nose- it’s the skin you’re in as you move through this world. Otherwise known as the mind-body connection, the relationship between what you think and feel and how you care for your physical presence in this world is a dance of definitive togetherness.

 In addition to those neurotransmitters that influence body and mind, exercise improves the circulation of blood and oxygen to the brain. This increasingly responsive brainpower allows you more access to some of the regions of your mind. The hippocampus in particular benefits from moving your body. Acting as the control center for memory and emotional regulation, a healthy hippocampus means more brain power to work through those things. More intensive forms of exercise have the most powerful impact here. You can activate your emotional body more deeply by moving your physical body through things like surfing, beach walks, dance or hiking. 

3. Exercise Helps You Breathe deeper 

When you move, you breathe. Exercising to increase the benefit of every breath doesn’t have to be trying or difficult. We touched on it briefly above, but moving your body increases the oxygenation of your brain, as well as your body parts. Breathing deeply, and intentionally, can help restore cell health as well as regulate body rhythms like your heart rate and immune response. 

Much like every form of exercise, breath-focused movement can be accomplished in a myriad of ways. Meditative movement like yoga, labyrinth walking or tai chi all center your breathing in the engagement of your body and mind. 

There is a single purpose in moving your body for your mental health: to feel better. That doesn’t mean forcing yourself to move or engage with your body in ways that you resent. Exercise does not have to be punishment, and punishing yourself into wellness will never work. Does that mean you have to love it? Absolutely not. Self care doesn’t always look or feel like calm indulgence. 

It does, however, look like making choices that empower you and benefit your wellbeing- body, mind and soul. In exercise, how you treat and fuel your body, and in your relationship with substances, we hope you always make the choices that will move you toward your light. We believe in you. 

Categories
Mental Health

Types of Mood Disorders

Receiving any mental health diagnosis is overwhelming and often filled with battling our internal and external stigma, but all types of mood disorders, in particular, carry the weight of judgment and a loss of control. Disordered anything sounds scary. To our own ears and as a collective, we register the word as a threat to stability. It can feel like you are the threat merely by existing. 

You are not. No matter your diagnosis, condition, or struggle, you are a human being who is capable of safety and stability. You are not a threat to stability- not your own or anyone else’s. However, managing a mood disorder is much more empowering when you have a solid knowledge base about mood disorders themselves. 

Let’s take a look at the types of mood disorders and how they impact your life.

What’s a mood disorder? 

Mood disorders are a collective of mental health conditions related to the chemicals in your brain that regulate how you feel, process, and express mood and expression. These disorders are characterized by periods of mood changes consistent with deep depression or wildly swinging highs and lows. The mood discrepancies may be caused by underlying health conditions or by an imbalance without a known source. Hormones—also called neurotransmitters—that regulate mood and emotions are altered when a mood disorder is present. 

While the DSM-5 has divided them into two classes (Depressive and Bipolar), there are realistically 5 identifiable categories into which mood disorders often fall: Depressive, Bipolar, Substance-induced, Medically-induced, and Not Otherwise Specified. 

Depressive Disorders

To depress is to reduce the value of something, to cause sadness, or press down upon something with force—which is exactly what depressive mood disorders do. While they run the gamut of cause and application, each painted with a unique brushstroke of pain and hopelessness, there is a myriad of disorders under this umbrella. Depressive mood disorders are characterized by overwhelming sadness, a sense of hopelessness, and impairment in daily activity. The type or severity of depression may also expand to include a complete lack of motivation or “just” a loss of interest. (Is anything just something when it sucks at the depths of your soul?) While the below list isn’t inclusive, it is an overview of some of the diagnoses that fall under the Depressive Mood Disorders umbrella.

Major Depressive Disorder  (MDD) A single episode of depression that lasts more than two weeks 
Persistent Depressive Disorder (Dysthymia) Depression that lasts “most of the time” for a timespan longer than two years 
Postpartum Depression (PPD) Onset during (prenatal) or just after the end of a pregnancy 
Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD) Occurs preceding a menstrual cycle 
Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) Depression that correlates with the onset of a seasonal occurrence, typically in winter
Minor Depressive Disorder Episodes of depression that are recurrent but don’t meet major or dysthymic criteria. 

Bipolar Disorders

The stigma attached to the bipolar branch of disorders is scary, but the meaning of the word is quite utilitarian. While depression dips wholly in one direction, bipolar swings in two. This makes depression a unipolar (one pole) disorder, while the prefix bi- indicates two. And yet these two poles carry the weight of heavy stigma and instability from the judgment of those who do not understand what it represents. Bipolar disorders are characterized by high (manic) to low (depressed) cyclical shifts in mood and expression that feel like a constant contradiction you can’t track. 

Manic periods look like less sleep, more activity, increased irritability, and a high pleasure-seeking sense. In these periods, people may experience a lower sleep requirement as well as racing thoughts and an elevated sense of distractedness. Depressive periods look much like they do for depressive disorders, with loss of interest and motivation, an increased desire to sleep, and elevated hopelessness. 

These disorders are Bipolar 1 (manic leaning, more extreme), Bipolar 2 (depressive leaning), and Cyclothymic (chronic cycling between the two). 

Substance Abuse Mood Disorders

Amid the myriad of challenges substance use and recovery may present, mood disorders are another that may take up space in your life. Changing the way our bodies send and receive neurotransmitters or altering them through the use of psychoactive substances, can impact our mood and create an imbalance in our ability to feel our emotions. Both the use of and withdrawal from substances can bring on an impact on your mood but these disturbances often resolve as you return to equilibrium after these extremes. 

Medically Induced Mood Disorders

Other medical illnesses can impact the way our bodies manufacture and engage with our mood. While other medical conditions may bring on bipolar or depressive type mood symptoms, depressive types are more common in diagnoses like Parkinson’s and  Hypothyroidism. 

Not otherwise specified

Sometimes, there’s no clear answer to define mood struggles. Even if labwork can identify the neurotransmitters that aren’t where they need to be, or an evaluation can pinpoint the symptoms causing duress, it’s not always possible to determine what’s causing it. If there is a definitive cause for mood-related concern, this diagnosis can be used to prevent delays in treatment and ensure you get the care you need. 

Moods that feel out of control or unfamiliar may create feelings of uncertainty in your world. The stigma that comes along with not only the symptoms but the diagnosis and quest for support can make it feel like an impossible fight to win. You are already fighting a valiant battle though, and no matter the tone of the world, we are here to support you as you conquer this one too. 

Categories
Addiction Treatment

6 Myths About Women and Addiction

It is no surprise that women experience the world differently than men. And the relationship between addiction and women is no exception. For years, addiction was thought to be a man’s thing. Drug abuse and substance abuse was never prevalent among women. That is, until recently. Women are catching up at alarming rates. 

Let’s face it – gender does impact the way we experience things, process things, perceive things, and more. That’s why, if we want to properly and effectively treat women, we need to know how to approach addiction in relation to gender. 

To get started, we first need to debunk the myths surrounding women and addiction. 

Myth #1: Women are Less Likely to Develop an Addiction

Truth:  While women weren’t historically as likely to develop an addiction, the gender gap is quickly closing. 

As we said, men have carried the torch in the world of addiction for years. Today? Not so much. The gender gap is closing as women are becoming more addicted – and continuously so – to things like prescription drugs as well as illicit drugs.  Rumor has it that men tend to start using earlier than women, once both start they are both just as likely to continue using. 

Myth #2: Both Men and Women Get Addicted for the Same Reasons

Truth: Women get addicted for very different reasons than men, including hormonal, social, unresolved trauma, etc. 

There are many reasons why women become addicted that are both the same and different from men. For instance, women are often much more in touch with their feelings — and feel their feelings much stronger. As a result, they also are known to experience anxiety and depression at higher rates. As these are difficult experiences to navigate, many women turn to substances as a form of self-medication. Unsurprisingly, this leads to addiction. 

Women are also more frequently experience domestic violence, childhood trauma, sexual abuse, and so forth than men. These things can lead to post-traumatic stress disorder and, similar to mood disorders, result in women turning to drugs and alcohol to cope. 

Further, an explanation for the higher rates of prescription drug use among women can be attributed to higher levels of intense pain — and the use of prescription drugs to reduce it. Women are more commonly diagnosed with chronic and inflammatory conditions like osteoarthritis and fibromyalgia. 

Another reason women become addicted is due to social influences. Women often feel pressure from others, especially friends no matter their age. The social pressure experienced may begin as an innocent association, such as a group of moms who get together to unwind with a glass of wine. However, this constant connection between dealing with the stress of being a mom and knowing that a glass of wine will relieve that stress, for instance, can lead to addiction without it even being realized. 

Myth #3: Women are Impacted by Addiction in the Same Way as Men  

Truth: Women become physically dependent on substances much faster than men. 

The truth is that women can become addicted to drugs and alcohol at a much faster rate. Everything happens so quickly for women, compared to men, from the first use of a drug all the way through to dependence. 

The impact of the drugs and/or alcohol seems to affect women faster and harder – so that even when they make it to treatment, the medical, behavioral, and psychological effects are so strong, even despite a relatively short time of substance abuse. 

Myth #4: Addiction Stigma is the Same for Both Men and Women

Truth: Women experience greater stigma about their substance use than men. 

For one reason or another, women seem to take the brunt of it. Women are made to believe their role is a nurturer and caretaker and responsible person which makes seeking treatment embarrassing – and why it is often avoided. This stigma also forces women to carry heavy burdens of shame and guilt. 

Men who suffer from addiction face a stigma too, but it is nowhere near as powerful as the one faced by women. 

Myth #5: Relapse Rates and Reasons are the Same for Men and Women

Truth: Relapse rates for women are lower than they are for men. 

Believe it or not, women relapse less often than men. While there is no scientific reason as to why, it could be due to their willingness to ask for help when they need it, such as during times of feeling weak or facing triggers. Also, they are more willing to make necessary changes and allow therapy to help them to work through emotions and feel empowered.

Women in recovery programs will often open up and be less resistant to the process. This can lead to a much more positive outlook. 

Myth #6: Women Seek Treatment at Higher Rates Than Men

Truth: Women seek treatment at lower rates than men. 

Many people assume that women seek treatment for their addiction at higher rates than men. However, this is simply not true. As previously discussed, women are so heavily stigmatized when it comes to substance use, and it is often not normalized for them to receive the help they need. Add that to the fact that they often have great family responsibility and carry financial burdens that limit their ability to receive support at treatment centers at the same level as men. 

Women are often particular where they choose to receive treatment and begin their recovery journey. Many often prefer a facility that is solely for women. Not only does this help them remain comfortable, but it is often more equipped to handle addiction as it impacts them specifically. Addiction treatment for women needs to be able to address issues of trauma and co-occurring mental health conditions, in addition to the primary substance use. Focusing on holistic wellness can give women the tools they need to grow in their recovery. 

As we have discovered already — women are impacted by addiction much differently than men. This needs to be reflected in treatment. 

Addiction is Different for Women

When it comes to addiction, men and women are impacted very differently. Women are unique, intricate beings that feel things on many different levels – and that is why treatment for their addiction needs to address all aspects of their lives. Meeting women where they are is the only true way to support them on their recovery journey. 

Discover the benefits of holistic addiction treatment at Villa Kali Ma and begin your healing journey. Whether you suspect you may have a problem with alcohol or you’ve been struggling to overcome addiction for years, Villa Kali Ma can provide the care and guidance you need to heal your mind, body, and spirit.

Categories
Wellness

How to Keep a Daily Journal

Did you ever keep a journal as a kid? If so, then it was likely one of those little hardcover notebooks with the lock and key. Maybe it even said “Keep Out” on the cover.

Fast forward to your grownup self and journaling is significantly different. It is more than just a recounting of your day. Instead, it is a few therapeutic moments that are meant to actually help you grow.   

Let’s talk about the different types of daily journals there are and how to keep a daily journal.

Why Journaling?

If you find yourself wondering whether you should invest any time and effort into journaling, the answer is – without a doubt – yes! There are so many benefits that come with getting in the habit, such as managing anxiety, reducing stress, coping with depression, and so forth. 

Journaling can also: 

  • Help you address your fears, problems, and concerns. 
  • Help you track your symptoms so that you may learn to recognize triggers – and develop ways to learn how to control them in the future. 
  • Teach you to develop positive self-talk while identifying patterns of negative thoughts and behaviors. 

Many avid journalists look to their journals as a way to escape. It is like that go-to bestie who isn’t going to give you advice or drone on and on about how her problems are worse than yours. Your journal will listen to anything and everything you have to say which can be healing in itself. 

Not all types of journaling will work for everyone. Find what fits for you – and give it a try. You may be surprised just how greatly it impacts your life. 

How to Keep a Daily Journal

How you journal is going to vary based on the type of journaling you do. We will get to the different types of journaling in just a moment. But, in a general sense, to begin journaling, you will want to: 

  • Get a Journal. Invest in a notebook or formal journal. You don’t need anything fancy — just something you can write on. You can even make your own. 
  • Commit to Journaling. Commit to writing every day. You may want to set aside time to write during a specific time of day. Or you may even choose to carry your journal with you to jot down thoughts as you have them. 
  • Keep it simple. The process of journaling is not meant to overwhelm you, but to help you. So keep it simple and informal. 

By journaling, you are taking control of your thoughts. You are blocking out all the chaos around you — and focusing your attention on one thing – yourself. It is good for your mind, body, and soul. 

Now, on to the different types of journaling. 

A Gratitude Journal

Gratitude journaling is about focusing on the things you are grateful for. You don’t have to use a lot of words. Morning and/or night (or whenever you find it suitable) give yourself a few minutes to reflect on life right here, at this moment, and what you are thankful for. Then, grab your pen and jot down at least 3 things you are grateful for. 

That’s it. 

Keeping a gratitude journal can help shift your mindset and help you start looking at the world, life, and yourself in a more positive light. 

A Self-Reflective Journal

A self-reflective journal is not so much about writing down your daily activities, but rather reflecting back on your day – or any time in your life, really. Think about how you reacted in certain situations or how you felt in others. Write down what you think about certain situations or how you see yourself acting differently in the future. 

This is a way of getting to know yourself and learn about who you are, what your strengths and weaknesses are, your triggers, your goals for the future, and maybe even a chance to forgive yourself for past choices. Everything you write within these pages is a conversation with yourself – and about yourself. 

Self-reflective journaling is great for learning and growing. When you are going through changes in your life that are scary, sometimes reassuring yourself that you are strong and capable can help you overcome it. 

A Free Writing Journal

Freewriting is something you will either love or hate. But it is a way of journaling that helps you remove all the nonsense in your active, conscious mind and really get under the surface of your thought process. Here’s how it works. 

Designate a certain amount of time each day for free writing. Then, set a timer for that amount. Grab your pen and start writing. What are you writing? It’s free writing. Just let your pen lead you. Don’t put any thought into the words that hit the page, just write. Let it out. All of it. Don’t worry about punctuation or grammar or spelling. Just write. 

This exercise is fantastic for unveiling feelings and emotions we may not even realize we are holding on to. Sometimes things you haven’t thought of in years can come pouring out of you and onto the page. It is such a release – and very therapeutic. 

The more you get comfortable with freewriting, the less you need to worry about setting a timer. At first, this type of journal experience can seem weird because we are usually always trying to be in control of our thoughts. So the time helps you set boundaries of when to let go and when to bring it back. But the more you practice it, the easier it becomes, and the better you will feel. 

Final Thoughts on Journaling

As you begin your journey through healing, you are going to spend a lot of time reflecting on your life while finding healing within yourself. Journaling is a great way to stay connected with your thoughts and gather insight into your overall sense of wellbeing. Whether you choose to start a gratitude journal, a self-reflective journal, a freewriting journal, or a combination of any or all of them – you are sure to find that this is a great tool to have. 

Categories
Co-Occurring Disorders

What is a Co-Occurring Disorder?

A co-occurring disorder refers to an individual who has two (or more) mental health or medical conditions at the same time. Their onset may not have been the same, but they exist in tandem now. Substance abuse disorders are often found to be co-occurring with mental health disorders. 

Those who find themselves with a co-occurring disorder may not even realize it. This is why it is so important to have a thorough understanding of what it means to be dually diagnosed – and seek treatment specific for both. 

Substance Use Disorders

There are different types of substance use disorders that can find themselves side-by-side with a mental health disorder. Most commonly, substance use and substance dependence. 

Alcohol or drug abuse occurs when the use of a substance interferes with daily responsibilities, such as functioning at work, interpersonal relationships, daily responsibilities at home, and so forth. It may also be diagnosed if the use of substances takes place in dangerous situations or if it worsens a medical condition.

Alcohol or drug dependence is when physical addiction sets in. This is more severe than abuse. Those using may find that it is next to impossible to quit or abstain from substance use. A heightened tolerance and physiological dependence are usually also present. A tough withdrawal is usually inevitable at this stage. 

Mental Health Disorders

Mental health disorders are common on their own. A large number of the population will, at some point in life, either personally experience mental health disorders or know someone who has. These may be mildly bothersome or may interfere greatly with one’s quality of life. This is largely due to some symptoms being mild and manageable, but without treatment, these symptoms can also be severe and out of control. 

What is a Co-occurring Disorder?

According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, a 2019 survey revealed that, in the U.S, 9.5 million people between the ages of 18 and 25 were diagnosed with both a mental health and substance abuse disorder. Only 7.8% of these people (or 742,000) received treatment for both disorders simultaneously. 

When it is determined that someone with an addiction has a mental health condition, it is recommended that both disorders be treated together. The inverse is also true: someone with a mental health disorder who is found to also have a substance abuse problem should seek treatment for both diagnoses simultaneously. This is referred to as dual-diagnosis. 

It doesn’t matter which issue arose first. One illness may appear and aggravate the other. An individual could have never experienced symptoms of a mental health disorder until he or she started using certain substances, for instance. 

Thorough research by the National Institute on Drug Abuse has determined that there are three possible reasons that explain the prevalence of co-occurring disorders. These include: 

  1. Self-Medication. Those who are suffering from a mental illness may not know how to properly handle the symptoms. And when the symptoms become too much to handle, it is common for individuals to turn to drugs and alcohol to soothe them. Unfortunately, this only masks the symptoms and, in fact, can make the entire situation worse. 
  2. Chemical Changes in the Brain from Drug Use. Using a substance can alter the chemicals in the brain. The most common areas to be disrupted are the areas of the brain connected to mood, anxiety disorders, impulse control, and even the manic symptoms associated with schizophrenia. Changing the chemicals due to substance use can trigger the onset of a mental disorder.
  3. Common Risk Factors for Both. There are many similarities in risk factors when it comes to mental illness and substance use. Situations that include certain environmental factors or trauma make someone more susceptible to developing co-occurring disorders. 

The Most Common Co-Occurring Disorders

There is no limit on the mental illnesses that surface alongside a substance use disorder. Any condition can appear, but there are a few very common mental health conditions that seem to be more common than any others, including: 

  • Anxiety disorders. Anxiety can be a pestering condition that can make life heavy to deal with. Drinking or drug use – especially prescription drug use – is often used to calm anxious feelings, especially in social settings. Unfortunately, the addiction starts and anxiety amplifies.
  • Mood disorders, such as bipolar disorder or depression. It is not uncommon for someone to turn to drugs or alcohol to feel a bit of joy or pleasure. This is a way to numb the sadness, if only for a moment. It is an artificial relief and only exacerbates the problem.
  • Personality disorders. Personality disorders, such as Borderline Personality Disorder, can make a person feel out of control. Many who have it use substances as a means of making the symptoms more controllable.
  • Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). PTSD can wreak havoc on the mind of someone who has been through a lot. All too often, these individuals seek relief from drugs or alcohol. Again, it only makes things worse. 

It is pretty easy to see the pattern of needing help, turning to drugs or alcohol for relief, and ending up in a worse position. Substances and mental health conditions aren’t sustainable – especially in the long run. The symptoms will only get worse unless both issues are addressed and treated. 

Treating Co-Occurring Disorders

Diagnosing co-occurring disorders can be tough. Addiction symptoms can sometimes mask mental health disorders and, at the same time, the symptoms of mental illness may mask or impersonate addiction. Though they may be difficult to diagnose, it is necessary to treat both mental illness and substance abuse at the same time. 

Cooccurring addiction treatment should include:

  • Multidisciplinary team to address both diagnoses from all angles. 
  • A comprehensive treatment program. 
  • Individual and/or group therapy. 
  • Treatment specific to the substance use disorder. 
  • Treatment specific to the mental health disorder. 
  • Medical treatment to address any other underlying issues. 
  • Lifestyle counseling for positive changes. 
  • A high level of support, specialized in both conditions. 

Because mental illness and substance use can become so interdependent on one another, treating one without the other will leave the individuals in a state of vulnerability. An integrative approach to treatment is necessary if you want someone to thoroughly and wholly get better. It is the only way to take a step in the direction of healing.

 

Categories
Addiction Treatment

What Does A Typical Day Look Like At Villa Kali Ma?

You’re coming around to the idea of residential treatment. You can admit that there are things that haven’t gone as planned, unintentional casualties caught in the crossfire of you trying to figure things out, and it’s time to call in some extra help. But that doesn’t mean that you’re willing to go in blindly. You want to know what to expect at a residential addiction treatment program.

First Things First—What You Need to Know

The most important thing to know about Villa Kali Ma is that we are a treatment center for women. We have an all-women staff, and we have created our environment intentionally to be a place where women can openly express the hurt that they carry inside. As a female-focused treatment center, we believe in empowering women to empower themselves to overcome the things that are holding them back. 

Second, we are a holistic treatment center that expertly blends clinical and holistic methods of healing. We are a mind, body, and spirit program, and we are not under any illusions that we can heal from our addictions without addressing each aspect of our being. Each of the holistic healing methods we offer complement the clinical work of group and individual therapy sessions, where we offer cutting edge clinical practices like EMDR and evidence-based modalities like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Dialectical Behavior Therapy. 

When you arrive at Villa Kali Ma, each day will be an opportunity to learn more about yourself, learn more about how to live without addiction, and learn more about the person you want to be. Keep reading to learn more about the opportunities each day holds. 

The Daily Schedule at Villa Kali Ma

Here at Villa Kali Ma, typically programming starts at 7:30 AM and it usually ends around 8:00 PM—it is a pretty structured program. Ultimately, we want to make the most of the time we have with each client. 

If you’re worried about our full schedule, know that while clients at Villa Kali Ma are going to be spending a lot of time moving through their clinical and holistic sessions, there will be pockets of free time so that they can decompress.

Here, we start our day off with a mindfulness practice and an awakening group. For this, clients will read from recovery material and do a heart meditation. This way, they begin their day collectively processing their morning, and then engage in a yoga practice. Starting this way, we establish the movement and mindfulness that carries throughout the rest of the day. 

From there, they start doing groups together and breaking off for individual sessions. The groups might be more clinically-driven like CBT and DBT, or might be focused on mindfulness and self-compassion or Earthing. In total, Villa Kali Ma has 30 different kinds of groups that are integrated into our monthly program.

Some of these groups include teaching about neurobiology and substances. We also have a group focused on life purpose and meaning. We offer goal setting and journaling as well. There are many different kinds of groups that we will introduce you to during your stay with us. 

When clients are not in group therapy, they will spend time one on one with their practitioners. Each client has about five individual sessions a week. This includes their primary therapist, their EMDR therapy—processing trauma, which we find it’s very important in their journey here—their case management, and they also have holistic sessions. We are very proud of both our clinical and holistic team, and the way they set the tone for the rest of the program and staff. 

Here at Villa Kali Ma, we have 11 holistic practitioners that all have their own gifts, from  Yoga to Reiki, to Craniosacral Therapy, to massage therapy, among other holistic practices (Click here to learn about all the ways we heal). These trusted practitioners come on-site and facilitate their particular modality in groups and individual sessions. 

In the evening, clients will have time to wind down after the recovery meetings we attend in the evenings. We are lucky to work out of a very beautiful center with a pool, garden, and labyrinth with a lot of really unique areas where clients can go meditate and be by themselves. There will be pockets of time during the day for that. Of course, clients will all join together and enjoy three delicious organic plant-based meals each day. 

While each day will vary slightly, this is what a typical day-to-day looks like here at Villa Kali ma. We run a pretty structured program, but we know that we only have about 30 days with our clients and try to do as much as we can in the time that we have.

If you’re interested in learning more about the unique treatment environment that we offer here at Villa Kali Ma, please contact us today by calling 760-496-9747 or filling out the form on our site. 

Categories
Wellness

How To Learn To Love Yourself

Knowing the value of loving yourself and navigating how to do it are vastly different things. The first echoes from our loved ones, support networks, and even pop culture, but none of their affirmations convey the complexity of the often winding journey of learning to love yourself. There is no quick slip to bypass the work of giving yourself the same softness you give to others, but there are a few skills we’d like to support you in as you learn. 

Doing, not being 

Have you ever heard the popular quote that tells us we are each “a Human Being, not a Human Doing”? Well, learning to love yourself is nothing like that. While spending your time as a human being will support your journey toward self-compassion and enhance your mindfulness practice, it’s not going to help you love yourself. At least, not actively. 

Loving yourself is a hands-on process. It involves the unlearning of martyrdom and self-blame to embrace the active choice to nourish yourself. It can be messy, but most art is. Actively identifying and working toward the things that make you feel alive, fulfilled, and excited to move through each day is important. Some of those things may look like fun, but others can be punishingly hard work, especially amid early recovery. 

Boundaries

Maybe it sounds more punishing than like an act of care, but spending time with what you truly need to thrive and enforcing those boundaries is a vital part of loving yourself. Knowing yourself well enough to identify what you need and using your energy to declare that you are entitled to the space it takes up to ask for them will reinforce your value in the world and within yourself. Boundaries can be difficult to identify and set, but they’re one of those forms of self-love that can shape the landscape of all your relationships in powerful ways. 

Seek acceptance 

 As you move toward self-love, feeling accepted and accepting others is key in fostering that same energy inwardly. While external validation doesn’t beget self-love, being loved out loud is a fantastic way to see what makes you so very lovable. Love from someone else is a mirror that helps you fully see yourself to fully embrace yourself. 

You can choose to be selective with the love you receive from others. Use those boundaries to accept only what serves you as well. 

In your relationships that influence your life, look for connections that make you feel seen and supported. At work or in your commitments, be honest about what you need and accept your presence in the spaces that feel good as you move toward a life that loves you back. When they don’t, work to let go of those things in all the ways you can. Accept others as they present themselves and not as you hope they’ll be. Of course, the counter to this is the pain of letting go of things that no longer fit. Just like boundaries, pain can help us see how to love ourselves better long term. 

Embrace Intention

Showing yourself love and gentleness is an intensely personal process, but no matter how you choose to go about that, there is one constant; you must embrace the intention you set. Commit to the concepts and ideas you try to lovingly support yourself. Promise your energy to those spaces of learning and lead with the desire to do your best. This does not require you to follow through on everything you try or to always show up as your best. Always expecting perfection or success is the opposite of loving yourself. Letting go of that expectation for yourself can be a powerful way to enact boundaries and accept yourself as you are in the here and now instead of in the loftiness of impossibility. Intend to show up with a passionate and committed heart and to show yourself grace and tenderness when that commitment requires some adaptations along the way. 

Loving yourself isn’t a smooth and beautiful process. You can’t romance yourself to genuine love any more than you can hate yourself there. It’s a highly individual experience based on just a few universal principles. But despite the simplicity of the concepts, applying them can be a learning curve that feels steep and trying. You are capable and worthy of the love you have to give, so keep trying. Through setbacks, struggle, and recovery, keep trying. Keep showing up with love and honesty and move through the spaces that make your own love feel out of reach. Villa Kali Ma will move with you. 

Categories
Addiction Treatment

How to Detox from Alcohol Safely

If you’ve developed a dependency on alcohol, understanding how to detox from alcohol safely is critical.

When this happens, it’s important to seek professional help to guide you through the detoxification process. Joining a detox program for women will ensure you’re in good hands as your body clears the toxins from your system.

In this article, we’re taking a closer look at how to detox from alcohol safely.

How to Detox from Alcohol Safely

Heavy drinking over time can do a lot of damage to the body. There are so many waste products and toxins that build up – and rely on you to keep drinking. When you stop, the body begins to cheer as it rids itself of all this buildup. 

You likely won’t be cheering, however, as you go through detox. It can be a tough, painful process. The higher the alcohol consumption and the longer it’s been used, the tougher the detox. 

Good news, though — on the other side of detox, you will find feelings of clarity and peace. So, let’s get started on how to detox from alcohol safely. 

Here’s how to detox from alcohol safely.

The Timeline

The detox process is different for everyone based on personal factors. Having a timeline of the detox process will allow you to have an understanding of what to expect and can help you see that the process is moving along. 

The Industrial Psychiatry Journal gave an overview of the detox timeline: 

6 Hours

Believe it or not, withdrawal symptoms (minor symptoms) can begin within 6 hours after the last drink. Those who are heavy drinkers can experience more severe symptoms within this time frame. 

12 to 24 Hours

During this time frame, it is common for those going through detox to experience hallucinations. This means seeing or hearing things that aren’t there. Though it may freak some people out, most medical professionals are not overly concerned with these hallucinations. 

24 to 48 Hours

More minor symptoms will start to arise during this period. Shaking, upset stomach, and headaches are the most common. While they may peak during this time, these symptoms may actually last up to 5 days before disappearing. 

48 to 72 Hours

Not everyone will experience this, but delirium tremens (DTs) also known as alcohol withdrawal delirium can cause sudden and severe issues within the brain and nervous system. It can lead to a very increased heart rate and body temperature as well as seizures. 

72 Hours 

Detox symptoms reach their peak at this time – and they are usually the worst. For some, moderate versions of withdrawal symptoms can last up to a month. 

The Process

The first step in getting sober – and ridding your life of alcohol – is detoxification. Generally, the detox process is followed by a treatment program that offers support and healing to overcome addiction. 

There are 3 steps in the detox process. 

  1. Initial Intake: When you have chosen to let go of alcohol, a medical team will review your history of alcohol/substance abuse, as well as any medical or psychiatric history you may have. This gives them a picture of your overall health and how impactful the detox may be to your mind and body. 
  2. Medication: Through the detox process, decisions will be made based on your health about giving medication to help reduce the symptoms. 
  3. Finding Stability: When the detox symptoms begin to dissipate, various therapies will be used to help heal the mind and body. This is often done with the support of a longer-term treatment program.

The Side Effects of Alcohol Detox

Alcohol affects the body’s nervous system – hence the relaxed feeling you get from drinking it. Trying to keep the balance, your brain makes more neurotransmitter receptors to stimulate the nervous system. So, when you stop drinking, the old and new receptors are losing their steady – and expected – flow of alcohol. The result? The nervous system is on overload. 

The most common withdrawal symptoms are: 

  • Sweating
  • Increased heart rate
  • Nausea
  • Irritability
  • Anxiety
  • Tremors
  • Vomiting
  • Insomnia
  • Shakiness

More severe alcohol withdrawal symptoms include: 

  • Seizures
  • Increased body temperature
  • Hallucinations
  • Illusions
  • Paranoia
  • Heart failure

As you move forward in life after detox, the coming weeks and months are often met with some additional withdrawal symptoms. These include: 

  • Anxiety
  • Depression
  • Insomnia
  • Restlessness
  • Decreased appetite
  • Mood swings

Treatment

When undergoing alcohol detox in the care of professionals, measures are taken to keep the body in the best state of balance possible as this reduces the chance of any physiological upsets. 

Medications are often used in alcohol detox treatment, such as benzodiazepines or the anti-convulsant, Keppra. Drugs like Valium and Ativan reduce the withdrawal symptoms and significantly reduce the incidence of seizures. 

Due to their addictive nature, these drugs should only be used when recommended and handled by a medical professional. 

Getting Help

Detoxing alone or at home without the constant monitoring and care of health professionals can increase your risk of something happening.

Dangers of alcohol detox are plenty — and potentially fatal. This can be a risk for anyone, but especially for those who have a long history of alcohol abuse. 

What are the dangerous symptoms? 

  • Seizures
  • Aspiration pneumonia
  • Heart arrhythmias
  • Kidney or liver dysfunction
  • Fever
  • Extreme nausea 

Seeking help from a facility that has a deep understanding of alcoholism and its withdrawal process can help you get through withdrawal safely. Further, they will be able to guide you through recovery.

Many different options of detox and rehab programs are available, but you should look for one that offers a holistic approach to healing. One that uses an evidence-based approach to overcoming the strongholds of alcohol addiction. 

Getting through the detox process is hard. You will encounter some physical and mental feelings that you may have never experienced in your life. And you will likely question whether you have made the right choice in getting sober. However, choosing to go through detox with the support of others is always the right choice. 

So many of us have sought alcohol as comfort during tough times, expecting it to be there for us and care for us when we didn’t have any other option. Instead, alcohol is a beast that tears lives apart. Ridding your life of this beast is not going to be easy because alcohol detox is a serious thing, but it is sure to be worth it. 

Are you ready to take the first step today? 

 

Categories
Addiction Treatment

Anxiety and Substance Abuse Among Women

There are several clear connections between anxiety and substance abuse among women. When these two disorders are combined, it’s considered a co-occurring disorder and requires a more holistic treatment.

In this article, we’re taking a closer look at the connection between anxiety and substance abuse among women.

Anxiety and Substance Abuse Among Women

Life can be overwhelming and leave you feeling like you can’t keep your head above water. In fact, some days it may feel like you are drowning. There are work demands, responsibilities at home, relationships to nurture, problems to solve, bills to pay – the list is endless.

And you are supposed to hold it all together as if it were simple and easy, right? It’s no wonder so many women find themselves filled with anxiety. And there is even a special class of anxiety called high functioning anxiety, for those women who can deal with their anxiety while accomplishing all that they have to in their lives. 

Let’s be real, though – anxiety is disruptive and unpleasant. It can cause so many women to want to run away from life, or escape. And that’s when substance abuse often enters the picture. 

Here’s what you need to know about anxiety and substance abuse among women.

What is Anxiety?

According to the Anxiety & Depression Association of America, anxiety is experienced by 40 million people in the U.S. in any given year – and nearly 20% of the female population! 

Everyone experiences anxiety from time to time. It is a normal part of living, such as worrying about getting bills paid on time or making it to your kid’s baseball game before he is too late. We may find it hard to breathe and our heart rate may increase, but it’s a normal reaction to the present circumstances. 

Dealing with anxiety all the time in life is a bit different. When you have intense worry or fear about things outside of your control on a daily basis, this may be better classified as an anxiety disorder. 

Anxiety can easily steal your joy — leaving you searching for new ways to rid yourself of it. 

Symptoms of Anxiety

There are many symptoms of anxiety, but not everyone experiences each symptom. Some are more severe – and more troublesome – than others. Below is a list of the most common anxiety symptoms: 

  • Nervousness
  • Restlessness
  • Tense feelings
  • Increased heart rate
  • Hyperventilation
  • Sweating
  • Trembling
  • Insomnia
  • Gastrointestinal upset
  • Difficulty with focus and concentration
  • Feeling a sense of impending doom
  • Feeling weak and tired

Types of Anxiety Disorders

Anxiety disorders may present themselves in various ways. Maybe you are fine with working and handling daily life but have a crippling fear every time you have to leave the house or interact socially. There are types of anxiety disorders that affect only portions of life. Here are a few of the most common. 

Agoraphobia: This is the irrational fear and avoidance of places or situations that may leave you feeling trapped, helpless, or embarrassed. Examples would be traveling on an airplane, standing in a line, being in a crowded concert, etc. For some, everywhere begins to feel unsafe, and never leaving home seems like the most logical explanation. 

Social Anxiety Disorder: Just as its name suggests, this disorder involves high levels of anxiety and the avoidance of social situations. This is often due to feelings of embarrassment, being judged negatively by others, or being overly self-conscious. 

Generalized Anxiety Disorder: This is of the most commonly diagnosed mental disorders and it includes persistent, excessive worrying about everything.

Unfortunately, even though these anxiety disorders may only impact a part of your life, you may still find yourself seeking something to get through them — and that something is often a substance. 

How Anxiety Affects Women, Specifically

Anxiety disorders are more common among women. Why is that? Well, women are unique and more susceptible to anxiety. For instance: 

  • Anxiety disorders come as a result of our fight or flight response. This response in women lasts longer than that of men. This means there is a great chance for an anxiety disorder to take hold. 
  • Women have a lot of hormonal changes, such as puberty, pregnancy, and menopause that can cause great shifts in hormones – which have been linked to anxiety. 
  • Victims of sexual and physical abuse tend to experience higher levels of anxiety. Most of these victims are women. 

Anxiety and Substance Abuse: What’s the Connection?

It has long been questioned whether anxiety or substance abuse comes first. 

Many women will be faced with irrational worry and fear and find life hard to manage. As a result, they turn to a substance of choice to help cope and get through the day. This even includes medications prescribed by doctors to help with anxiety. The reason addiction takes root is because these medications are incredibly effective. However, only for a short time, and only for as long as you continue using them. However, making this part of your regular routine can quickly lead to addiction as one becomes dependent on the substance to manage the anxiety. Long term, using medications as a solution tends to only make the anxiety worse.

Others find themselves happy-go-lucky without a worry or fear in the world. They begin using drugs or alcohol (socially, even) and find themselves with a bunch of anxiety dumped in their lap. This may be a reaction or side effect from the drugs or even a withdrawal symptom. The result – substance/medication-induced anxiety – is often that more of the drugs or alcohol is consumed to help battle the feelings of anxiety — and a vicious cycle is formed. 

Seeking Treatment for Both

If you suffer from anxiety, then seeking treatment for substance abuse needs to also include treatment for anxiety. A dual diagnosis, holistic treatment facility will be able to address the root of both conditions and work on helping you overcome them. Focusing on one or the other without paying attention to the connection between them will not work. 

Dual diagnosis treatment programs will give you insight on how your anxiety and substance use are related to one another by digging deep into both. For instance, this type of treatment will allow you to get to the root cause of your anxiety while learning coping skills to get through it – rather than turning toward a substance. And, it will allow you to get to the root cause of your substance abuse. 

Life is too precious to miss. Spending countless hours filled with irrational fear and worry and using drugs or alcohol to try to balance it will not lead to a healthy outcome. Millions of people are suffering from anxiety at any given moment. Seek out a treatment facility that will allow you to work on – and heal – your whole self.  

 

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