Author: In Balance Counseling

The Significance of Exercise for Recovery From Addiction

Written by In Balance Counseling on October 30, 2022. Posted in Intensive Outpatient Program.

Recovery From Addiction

People often talk about “fighting” addiction, but you can’t win a fight without preparing your mind and body. You also need a team you can trust at your back.

In Balance Counseling, the top choice for counseling in Tucson, believes in a holistic approach to recovery that includes a commitment to an intensive program. We use physical fitness and exercise for recovery from addiction.

Overcoming addiction is also about transitioning to a new lifestyle that gives addiction less power and control. Exercise can enrich and reinforce that new lifestyle so patients can surmount obstacles on the path to recovery.

Here are just a few roles a regimen of physical exercise can play in an effective active recovery plan.

Restore Your Normal Sleep Pattern

Addiction can lead people to sacrifice their basic biological needs. Altered sleep patterns is one consequence of addiction. People in recovery from addiction can suffer from insomnia that depletes their energy stores during the day. An intensive workout during the day tires out the body in a healthy way, preparing the body for restful sleep.

Better Cardiovascular Health

Drugs of abuse and other addictive substances and activities can take their toll on the heart, lungs, and blood vessels. The body of a person recovering from addiction bears the aftereffects of psychological and physical stress.

Physical activity gets the heart pumping, improves blood flow to vital organs, and increases energy levels. Using intense exercise for recovery helps patients build the stamina they need for the other elements of an intensive treatment program.

Changing Scenery

Even if you aren’t up for a tough workout, simply going to the gym regularly is a great way to break the patterns of addiction. Establishing a new routine in new surroundings opens your mind to new ways of thinking.

As addiction progresses, the brain associates certain places (bars, casinos, old hangouts) with cravings and highs. If you don’t usually go to the gym, it can be a healthy place to find a fresh start.

Stress Reduction

Many people with addictions turn to them to escape stress, only to find their troubles growing and multiplying. Exercise is a productive and sustainable way to reduce stress. During the recovery process, it offers a better way to cope and regroup when life seems overwhelming.

Rediscover the Natural Joys of Life

A healthy, well-balanced life offers many pathways to pleasure, satisfaction, and a sense of purpose. A person in the grip of addiction sees those other sources of pleasure fade as their addiction takes over. Physical exercise provides a sense of accomplishment, provides measurable goals, and gives you a natural sense of euphoria.

Find Balance and Strength with Intensive Counseling Services from In Balance Counseling

Do you struggle with addiction? In Balance Counseling has information and guidance for people in every stage of the recovery process. For help with addiction in Tucson, AZ, and advice on how to use exercise for recovery, call In Balance Counseling at 520-722-9631. For more information, read our tips on avoiding addiction relapse.

How To Avoid Relapse In Addiction: Top Tips

Written by In Balance Counseling on September 30, 2022. Posted in Relapse Prevention Tips.

Did you know that roughly 50% of people recovering from addiction are statistically likely to relapse? If you or a loved one are in recovery, consider the following tips on how to avoid relapse in addiction.

If you or a loved one are struggling in addiction recovery, you can find local intensive counseling in Tucson, AZ. Never hesitate to contact knowledgeable addiction recovery professionals for more guidance in your recovery journey.

Ten Relapse Prevention Tips

A substance use disorder is a chronic condition that has no cure. However, you can take proactive steps to prevent relapse.

#1 Recognize Common Triggers

Triggers can include internal or external experiences or situations that may influence a person to begin using substances again. Examples of triggers include negative emotions like boredom, anger, or reminders of past drug use.

#2 Build a Support Network

Support groups, sponsors, and new friends can reduce the risk of relapse. These social ties prevent isolation. They also encourage accountability and education.

#3 Exercise Regularly

Becoming more active is another helpful tip for how to avoid relapse in addiction. Regular physical activity releases mood-regulating endorphins.

#4 Reflect by Using a Journal

By writing down your feelings and experiences each day, you can learn more about yourself. Self-introspection often leads to the realization of potential goals and interests. For instance, it can help you plan steps to pursue a career.

#5 Explore Hobbies and Interests

New or old hobbies and interests are excellent tools in preventing idleness. Exploring new activities can fill the time, deterring boredom and other unwanted urges.

#6 Seek Individual Counseling

The recovery process is a lifelong journey with many milestones. Individual counseling can help you understand your impulses and work through specific issues privately.

#7 Structured Self-Care

Addiction recovery often involves dealing with insomnia and fatigue. These symptoms can act as triggers to use substances again. Therefore, a healthy self-care routine includes setting a schedule for healthy meals, regular exercise, and quality sleep—and sticking to it.

#8 Grounding and Meditation Techniques

Grounding and meditation techniques are valuable tools for avoiding relapse into addiction. Mindfulness and self-awareness help you overcome negative thoughts and build self-control. Explore various mindfulness techniques to find the ones that work best for you.

#9 Consider the Consequences

If you find yourself in a situation that tempts you to relapse into old habits, it’s advisable to “play the tape.” That is, consider the long-term consequences or results of using an addictive substance again.

#10 Get Professional Help

If you are struggling with avoiding relapse, you can work with a long-term treatment program to help you overcome the obstacles you are facing. Such a program will motivate you to face specific challenges. You will receive exceptional support through the challenging recovery process.

We know these tips on how to avoid relapse in addiction recovery are just a small part of the process. Learn more about the intensive outpatient program at In Balance Counseling in Tucson, AZ. You can also call (520) 722-9631 today.

Eight Signs You Need Therapy That Shouldn’t Be Ignored

Written by In Balance Counseling on August 30, 2022. Posted in Individual Counseling.

Unfortunately, many people neglect their mental health. They wait so long to get help that by the time they come for a counseling service in Tucson, it takes them a long time to parse through their mental health issues.

Don’t neglect your mental health. Let’s look at the eight signs you need therapy and should consider mental health treatment from In Balance Counseling.

1. You’re Consistently Overwhelmed

Being overwhelmed is the worst. As mental health conditions go, it’s challenging to overcome because it feels like you’re fighting a losing battle, negatively impacting your long-term health. However, you don’t have to go through it alone!

2. Your Anxiety Is Taking Over

Whether you’re overwhelmed or not, anxiety feels like you’re constantly drowning and can’t come up for air. It creates intrusive thoughts that undermine your confidence and cause you to worry about every little thing you do. Fortunately, behavioral therapy can help!

3. You’ve Stopped Caring About Things

One of the first signs of clinical depression is apathy. Research shows that therapy and routine counseling can help treat the symptoms of clinical depression. It is crucial to seek out help before the depression worsens.

4. You’re Eating Habits Have Changed

Overeating and undereating are both serious health concerns that can cause lasting damage to your mental and physical health. A change in eating habits could be symptomatic of a more significant mental health issue. Therapy is the best way to find the underlying cause.

5. Your Sleeping Habits Have Changed

Like food, sleep is vital for your health. Loss of sleep usually comes from stress, anxiety, or depression; however, excessive sleep is also a sign of depression.

One of the most prominent signs you need therapy is constantly sleeping late or refusing to get out of bed in the morning.

6. You Experienced Major Trauma

If you lost an influential family member or recently experienced another traumatic event, you need to find some way to express that discomfort. Bottling it up is the worst thing you can do for your health. Grieving is healthy as long as you do it the right way and in the company of others.

7. Your Social Life Has Dwindled

Self-isolation is a significant health concern for mental health professionals. People are naturally social, so isolating yourself is a cause for concern. Find someone with whom you can have healthy conversations, and consider scheduling a therapy session.

8. You’re Coping by Using Substances

Many people try to dull their feelings with alcohol or drugs. However, the pain never disappears, and the drugs or alcohol eventually stop working.

If you’re going through something, don’t try to do it alone. It’s better for you to share your problems with another person because it makes them easier to bear. No matter what types of therapy you need, we are here to help you!

If any of these signs you need therapy apply to you, please call the mental health professionals of In Balance Counselling at (520) 722-9631. You can set an appointment to learn more about our intensive outpatient program and get the help you need.