The fact that the mind is always on the go can prevent people from being successful in difficult endeavors. The “monkey mind” takes away a significant amount of time from productive work.

Managing those unwanted thoughts is easier than most people think and it can be life-changing for those who are managing their addictions.

People in rehab often have unwanted thoughts that slow their success. They might think about their addiction and the negative memories associated with it. This brings feelings of anxiety, depression, and even their past traumas. Even the simplest unwanted thoughts like those earwig songs that seem to never go away can trigger thoughts of returning to addictive substances, simply to help quiet the mind.

Mental discipline is the necessary tool that can help addicts stop the unwanted thoughts so they can focus on getting and staying well.

In order to stop those thoughts, the first step is to acknowledge that they exist. Then, through the simple technique of recognition, let the thoughts pass. They will go away once the body has dealt with them. If that does not work, then it can be helpful to mentally stop them. Some people have to physically tell the thoughts to stop, others can just stop them. Some people will need to physically pair the negative thoughts with a reinforcement like snapping fingers or turning around to face the other direction.

When the thoughts keep coming, another technique is to start to think about helpful thoughts. They do not have to be positive thoughts. They simply need to be thoughts about something other than the negative thoughts. It can be helpful to think about the things that need to be done, like cleaning the floor, washing clothes, or going to work. Those tasks are not harmful to think about, unless they begin to create anxiety. Some people will actually begin cleaning the floor or engaging in a task to make the monkey mind slow down.

Some people believe that it is not realistic to stop thoughts. In order to make the thoughts stop, it is important to understand the myths that are connected to it. These myths show how unhealthy the thoughts of the monkey mind can be.

For example, many people think that monkey mind thoughts are not harmful, especially if no one else knows you are having those thoughts. They also think that people who do not act on the thoughts are not in any trouble. These myths are harmful, because the monkey mind can bring recovering addicts back to their drugs to quiet the mind. Some people think it is acceptable to think about their addiction because it brings them joy. Others believe that stopping the monkey mind is crazy talk that cannot help at all. By dwelling on the monkey mind, recovering addicts are harming themselves and increasing the likelihood they will return to drugs.

Stopping unwanted thoughts is a coping skill that addicts can use. Like all skills, it requires practice and awareness to be successful. With the approaching holidays, those unwanted thoughts can quickly return, especially for recovering addicts who have lost relationships due to their addictions. It is a good idea to consistently practice their thought stopping techniques to enjoy the holidays.

At Towards Recovery Clinics, our addiction counselors can help with all aspects of recovery from opioids like heroin and prescription medications.

We understand the physical and mental challenges of maintaining a healthy lifestyle.

If you have any questions about treatment for yourself or a loved one, we encourage you to call us at one main office 905-527-2042 or via email at info@towardsrecovery.com.

In every addiction treatment center all over the world, group therapy sessions are held. These sessions offer an alternative treatment to medication. They help people understand that they are not alone and that they can rely on other people to help them work through their challenges. If family and friends are unable to empathize with the recovering addict, then a therapy group can fill that void.

Not every group therapy session is conducted in the same way, but they have a similar purpose: to provide support. The differences include the way that they are lead, the topics they cover, and the locations where they are held. Regardless of the differences, there are features of every group therapy session that happen in each one. Many people refer to the features as the “Three C’s. These can be helpful not only for group leaders to remember, but for participants to keep in mind as they work with the people and the leader in their groups.

The first “C” is Community. Every group therapy session is a form of working with others and getting involved in a community. When people are addicted, they cut themselves off from their loved ones and community. This is true for nearly everyone who needs to get themselves involved in group therapy, whether it be for addiction or another form of mental illness. The sessions help the relearn how to engage with other people.

It is easy for anyone suffering from addiction to develop a sense of loneliness, which can continue the need for addiction. When recovering addicts engage with their fellow addicts, they are able to practice interacting with other people. They can take that practice out into the real world, which can be a frightening experience without the practice sessions in group therapy. Most group therapy leaders have to establish ground rules for the group, so all members can feel safe and encouraged. The members need to be able to develop relationships with each other so they can remember how good it feels to engage with a real community.

Once community is established, group therapy sessions need to focus on change. They are designed to help recovering addicts manage their lives in a new way, without relying on addictive substances. This is a big change, which is why so many people benefit from having a group that has experienced the same situations. Change is vital, but it is difficult to do, which is why support groups is necessary for the success of the group members.

When leaders are establishing rules, they need to provide boundaries and stability. Group members need to know what to do when a new member is added or one stops attending. They need to understand how to manage change within the group, as well as outside of the group. By working through change in this small, controlled environment, recovering addictions are able to take the lessons into the real world. Leaders help them recognize their feelings and how to create positive patterns that avoid the use of narcotics.

The final feature of every successful group therapy session is choice. It might seem that the last thing recovering addicts need is choice, but they need to know how to make choices without needing to use drugs. Leaders are able to focus the group on the limitations of addictions, and how important it is to make choices with a clear head. Group participants can work together to discuss the processes of choice and how they can work together as a community to positively change their lives without drugs.

If you have any questions about recovery from heroin or other opioids, we, at Towards Recovery Clinics welcome phone calls 905-527-2042 and emails info@towardsrecovery.com.

With the upward trend in addiction to pain medication and opioids, adults are not the only ones who are addicted. Newborn babies are also addicted. The numbers of babies being born with an addiction to an opioid has grown significantly with at least 15 times more babies being born with addictions than there were 20 years ago. This shows how many mothers are involved in using or abusing opioids or pain medication while they are pregnant. Sadly, this results in innocent babies being born with the struggles of withdrawal. This also shows how many mothers should be put on Methadone to help them fight the urge to take opioids while they are pregnant especially since Methadone has been shown to decrease the number of babies born with addiction symptoms.

It is easy to recognize opioid withdrawal symptoms in infants. The symptoms are officially called neonatal abstinence syndrome, which comes from the being addicted to drugs like morphine, hydrocodone, oxycodone, or even heroin. The symptoms can include diarrhea and vomiting, which can result in dehydration. They also include seizures, shaking, and muscle spasms. These problems can all be accompanied by high fevers and substantial crying. Babies as young as two weeks of age can show symptoms.

Doctors are working with mothers who are addicted or could develop an addiction to painkillers to help decrease the number of babies born with neonatal abstinence syndrome. Some doctors have noticed that babies are not only being born with withdrawal symptoms, but those with mothers who are addicted to painkillers are also showing an increase in birth defects. Some of the other problems doctors are seeing include premature birth and low birth weight along with problems in the spinal cord, brain, and heart.

Some hospitals in the United States are seeing nearly 100 babies born with neonatal abstinence syndrome over the course of one year. This increase has spurred efforts for doctors to begin working with the Center for Disease Control (CDC) and with mental health professionals to help lower the number and reduce the number of birth defects.

Nearly 25 percent of babies born with neonatal abstinence syndrome need to be treated with opioids like morphine. They also need to be treated for their seizure symptoms, too. Babies usually need to stay in neonatal units and many stay for over a month while being treated. Keep in mind that these are newborn infants who ideally should be home bonding with their parents instead of being treated for drug addiction.

Sadly, most of the babies who are being treated for their own addictions have mothers who are also being treated for their addictions. Most of these women do not have quality jobs that help them pay for treatment, especially in the United States. There are usually issues with parental custody because the mothers cannot provide a home for their babies, so many of them end up being wards of the court and they begin their time in foster care. Due to the lack of maternal bonding, these young babies miss out on a vital stage of infancy which affects their mental health and cognitive development for the rest of their lives.

To prevent these unfortunate beginnings for these innocent babies, medical professionals and mental health professionals believe that the mothers should be placed in treatment programs if they test positive for opioids while pregnant. Currently, the numbers of pregnant women in drug treatment programs is too low when compared to the number of babies being born with opioid addictions. Early and regular intervention is a sure way to help prevent babies being born with neonatal abstinence syndrome.

If you need any help to get a loved one into treatment, you can visit a treatment center like Towards Recovery Clinic. If you have any questions or you want to visit us, please contact us at our head office at 905-527-2042.

Methadone clinics like Toward Recovery Clinics are not filled with people who come in on their own. In many cases, our patients are brought in by their loved ones, both friends and family. Fortunately, those friends and family members recognized that someone they love has a problem and they decided to do something about it. There are usually rather clear signs that someone is abusing drugs.

Addiction Can Happen to Anyone

The first thing that friends and family members should understand is that absolutely anyone can develop a drug addiction. Scientific research shows that any human brain can become addicted. Research has also shown that drug addictions can be overcome and those who are addicted can go back to normalcy.

Family and Friends Cannot Fix the Addiction

Friends and family members should understand that there is no way that they can fix the addiction. Professionals need to be involved, but friends and family can direct their loved ones to those professionals. It might take time, but loved ones can share resources to help encourage the addict to get to those professionals. The biggest problem with getting help is that the addict’s brain is altered by drug abuse. This change can prevent them from realizing they need help.

How to Help When Asked to Help

There will be times when addicts will actually ask their loved ones for help. When this happens, loved ones should help the addict immediately. This could involve bringing the addict to a hospital or a local clinic. If you do not know where to turn, the best option is to find a physician nearby who specializes in addiction. Physicians with these specialties usually have an on-call service so they can be reached 24 hours per day, 7 days per week.

Be a Positive Influence

Along with finding help and directly the addict to help, it is a good idea to praise your loved one for asking for help. It is difficult for anyone to admit that they need help, let alone someone who is addicted to a dangerous drug. Addicts who begin the journey to recovery have a long road ahead of them and they will need all of the support they can get. Research has shown that addiction can be managed and that recovery programs actually do work but only through treatment programs that help the brain fight the substance and help the addict learn behaviors to fight the desire for the drug. Your support will help make the fight easier to win.

Talk about Privacy with Professionals

Some addicts will be worried about what other people will think when they hear about the addiction. They are concerned about losing their jobs, losing friends, and struggling with family members. During this time, addicts need real compassion from people in their worlds. Fortunately, there are laws regarding privacy for people who are involved in drug treatment. You can always discuss privacy with the physician who is treating your loved one.

It is Not Like Television

Friends and family members are the best people to pressure a loved one into a treatment program. However, there will be people who cannot be convinced, no matter what happens. While reality television and documentaries show that interventions can convince addicts to get help, there is not any scientific research that proves interventions actually do work. There are times with interventions actually result in violence or other problems. It is usually better to offer an incentive to get an addict to see a physician and once the physician gets involved, addicts tend to listen because they respect what the professional has to say.

Contact Us for More Help

If you need any more help to get a loved one into treatment, you can actually visit a treatment center like Towards Recovery Clinic. We will supply you with the knowledge you need to convince your loved one to visit us. If you have any questions or you want to visit us, please contact us at our head office at 905-527-2042.

At Towards Recovery Clinics, we enjoy helping people recover from harmful addictions. However, we would enjoy seeing no one ever become addicted to heroin or other narcotics every again. We have learned that when parents talk to their children about the real dangers of illicit drugs that those children are less likely to become addicts when they become adults. When parents talk to their children about drugs more than once the odds of them developing addictions decreases even more.

The Power of Friends

Even though parental involvement is a key to reducing the likelihood of addiction, your children’s friends are an even bigger factor. Parents who are involved in their children’s lives and get to know their children’s friends can make a big difference not only in the lives of their children, but in their friends’ lives, too. Parents should learn to listen and be ready when their children want to talk. They should avoid being judgmental, because that can turn children away from approaching you again.

Starting with Young Children

It is never too early to begin talking to children about drugs. Children as young as preschool age through second grade are ready to listen to their parents about medications because they are aware of the situations that require them. If you have to give your child a dose of children’s Tylenol, you can talk to your child about what the medication does and how to be responsible with it. Your child might ask about other medications that he has taken or that he has seen you take. This is an important time to listen and answer honestly.

You can also take advantage of moments that arise when you are out and about town. You might see someone vaping or smoking, so you can talk to your child about what that is and what it does to the body. Your child will begin to notice other people engaging in smoking or vaping and will talk about what you taught her. Since children between the ages of 3 and 7 have a young vocabulary, it is best to keep your vocabulary developmentally appropriate when you share information. You can be realistic and provide real effects, so your child can learn about the dangers. At Towards Recovery Clinic, we can help answer questions or your child’s pediatrician can do the same.

School-Age Children

Young school age children will benefit from more conversations about the dangers of drugs. They will hear more about them from their teachers and their classmates, so you need to be able to address questions they will have. Again, being honest and free of judgment will keep your children coming back to talk to you. Because young school-age children are more likely to talk to their parents, it is wise for parents to use this time to talk about things that can be uncomfortable. Once children become middle-school age, they are less likely to talk openly about their feelings.

By being available, you will continue to reinforce that you really are always there. You might not have long discussions each time, the fact that you are willing to listen is a good thing. At this age, children might start to ask about steroid use or about drug abuse they see on television and in the movies.

The Teen Years

During the teen years, children will be exposed to peers who use drugs or alcohol. They will also know people who have driven will high or drunk, too. Many teens are still willing to trust in their parents when it comes to questions about drugs and alcohol, especially if they have been able to talk to their parents in previous years. During the teen years, parents should discuss the dangers, legal issues, monetary problems, and physical problems that come from being under the influence.

Many parents will use contracts with their teens, especially when it comes time for their teens to drive. These contracts can be about promising not to get into cars with friends who may have been drinking. You could also talk about how friends should not drink in your teen’s car. With open conversations, you can make your expectations clear and your rules understandable.

If you have any questions about addiction, contact Towards Recovery Clinics at 905-527-2042.

Patients who are on a path to recovery from their opioid addictions need to safely store their medications. Even though most patients never have any problems with their medications being taken by other people, there are always the occasional instances where medication accidents occur.

Invest in a Medication Lock Box

If you are taking methadone and you have dosages at home, it is a good idea to purchase a medication safe. These can be purchased online or at specialty medical supply stores. They usually work with keys or with combination locks. If you purchase a lock box with a key, do not leave the key in the hole; store it in a safe place.

Children and Methadone Do Not Mix

There have been instances when children have actually taken methadone and other prescription medications by accident. Since many medications look like different types of candy, children will ingest them without thinking twice. When children accidentally ingest an adult’s methadone, the treatment programs that prescribe methadone get questioned about their safety and appropriateness. Along with the medication safes, there are other ways to keep medication protected and safe from harming others.

Take Your Meds as Prescribed

It is important to take the entire dose as prescribed. If you are instructed to take an entire dose at once, then you should not split the dose and save some for later. This can create a danger for you and for anyone else who might see the remaining dose. If you are worried about your dosage, it is best to talk to your doctor at Towards Recovery so it can be adjusted.

Stay Vigilant about Your Medications

Even if you do not have children living at home, it is still important to stay vigilant about protecting your medication. If you have family members who come to visit, they could bring children to your home. Storing your medication in a safe place is the only way to keep it safe from potential problems.

Clean Out or Hide the Empty Bottles

Since you drink your methadone, you should be sure to rinse the bottle before you dispose of it. The residual medication could end up in the wrong hands and even the residual in the bottle could be dangerous to a young child. If you are worried, you can lock up the empty bottles, too.

Take Your Medication in Private

When you take your medication, do not take it in front of your children. They do not need to know about your recovery, so you should take it in private. Your children do not need to play with the empty bottles or anything other accoutrements regarding your medications.

Keep Your Medication a Secret

You should not tell anyone what medications you are taking other than your doctors. People who are addicted to opioids might come to your home to steal your medication. If you notice that your medications are missing, it is appropriate to call the police because it will alert them that a potential overdose could happen. Since the medications are dispensed to you, it is best that you alert the police if they are stolen to show that you were not involved in any problems that result from the theft.

Be Prepared for Accidents

If you do find that a child or someone else in your home has taken your medication, you should immediately call 9-11. You never know what could happen to the child or other person. You might lose take-home privileges, but it is best to be sure that people are safe. It can be helpful to have naloxone at home. Naloxone is an anti-opioid medication. Even if you have it at home, you should still call 9-11 if accidental ingestion occurs.

If you have any questions about keeping your medications and your loved ones safe, please talk to your therapist at Towards Recovery.

When a loved one is going through methadone treatment, family members are often confused what to do. At Towards Recovery Clinics, we understand that our patients need all of the support that they can get, from us and from their family and friends. Here are a few suggestions for family members to know about caring for their loved ones who are working on recovering from an addiction:

Learn about the benefits and risks of methadone treatment: In a world where too many myths are told about methadone, family members might be confused about why a clinic would provide this type of treatment. In order to fully understand why methadone has been prescribed as a treatment for heroin addiction, family members should research the truths about this groundbreaking treatment. Like all prescription treatments, methadone is not a perfect solution. Family members should also educate themselves on the pros and cons to the treatment, just in case there are setbacks during the program.

Find your own support: As a family member of an addict, you will need your own support group or therapy sessions. While your loved one moves through the stages of recovery, you will have emotions surface that you will want to share. You might know what to do with the emotions you feel, so a professional therapist or a well-run support group can help you remain mentally healthy. Your loved one will have a team of support and you should, too.

Provide encouragement to your loved one: Family members are the backbone of support for their loved ones who are battling addiction. Many of our patients find that they want to recover so they can be fully available for their loved ones. One of the best ways to keep your loved one involved in his methadone treatment is to provide ample encouragement to stay in the program. Your love and encouragement will mean more than you could ever know and could make the difference between success and failure.

Develop a set of rules and limitations at home: Your loved one will benefit from realistic rules and limits in the home. Give your loved one chores to do and create a schedule for meals and bedtimes. This might seem overly stringent, but your loved one will have an easier time assimilating to the environment and maintaining treatment when she knows what is coming and when. As your loved one continues through the program, talk about the schedule and what else she would like to do around the house. If you work with a support group, the members of the group will be able to give ideas for appropriate rules.

Get involved in the treatment procedures: When you get involved, you should reassure your loved one that you believe he will succeed. Whether you go along to appointments or you drive your loved one to our clinics, your support is vital to your loved one’s success. Show you care by asking questions about the program and asking what you can do to help.

Do what you love to do: Your lifestyle should not change much based on the treatment your loved one is receiving. If you love to go to yoga class, keep going to yoga. Continue to follow your passions or you will begin to feel negative emotions toward your loved one. You need to stay healthy to support your loved one, so stay involved in what you truly enjoy.

Practice patience: Methadone treatment programs require a significant amount of patience. Building your patience will not only help when you are caring for your loved one, but it will be a valuable tool through the rest of your life. There will be setbacks in the treatment program and your patience will make those setbacks easier to manage.

If you have any questions about your role as a support person for your loved one and live in or around Hamilton, St. Catharines, or Brantford, Ontario, please contact us at Towards Recovery Clinics on 519-579-0589 to locate your nearest clinic.

Opioid addiction is a serious problem for people of all ages, cultures, and socio-economic groups. If you or a loved one is caught in the trap of addiction, you know the feelings of helplessness and fear that come with the problem. Fortunately, there are things that we can all do to reduce addictions in our homes, schools, communities, and workplaces.

Help Your Children Avoid Addictions

Talk to your children about drugs. Parents are the medium for sending an anti-drug or pro-drug message. Children will watch what you do and they listen to what you say. So, if you use drugs or alcohol around them or with them, they will notice and remember. Even if you do not use drugs or alcohol now, you should not tell fun stories about your previous usage. Tell your children what drugs do to people and why your children should avoid drugs.

Do not support underage drinking. Too many children drink too much alcohol. If you think you are a cool parent by providing alcohol for your teens and their friends, you are grossly mistaken. There are legal drinking ages for a reason, because young brains are more susceptible to addiction and because young minds do not need the problems that are associated with drinking alcohol. The longer you can postpone the time of your child’s first alcoholic beverage, the more likely your child will not develop an addiction.

Get to know your children’s friends. If your children’s friends use drugs, they will use them around your children. Peer pressure is difficult to fight, even for the toughest of children. Research shows that the younger the child is when she tries drugs, the more likely she is to develop an addiction. Knowledge really is power, so get to know your children’s friends and their families, too.

Take Care of Yourself

Get help for your own addiction. There is no reason to be ashamed of an addiction. The science behind it is too difficult to fight. Without help, your addiction will only get worse and you will continue to hurt yourself and others around you. Doctors and therapists are available to help you at all hours of the day and night. All you need to do is tell your doctor you need help. You can also contact our treatment centers at 905-527-2042 for immediate assistance. It does not matter if you have an opioid addiction or other drug addiction, we will provide the assistance you need.

Remove temptations. If you know you or your family members are prone to addiction, it is best to keep temptations out of the house. This means that you should keep unused medications out of your home, especially prescription medications like pain pills, sedatives, and sleeping pills. Many addicts will get their fixes from the medications that are sitting around the house. Pay attention to the community events that encourage people to bring unused medications to a location for safe disposal. The idea of “out of sight – out of mind” works well with addictive substances.

Avoid self-medication. If you are suffering from any emotional pain, you might be tempted to take a sleeping pill or have a few drinks to relax your mind. This is the first step towards addiction. If you feel like you need to self-medicate, you should instead look to therapy instead. In many cases, a few appointments with a licensed therapist will help you manage your emotional pain.

Help your Family

Keep your medication for yourself. When you are given a prescription, it is for you alone. It is illegal in Canada to share prescription medications with anyone. It is also illegal to sell your prescriptions to other people, too. If you have a prescription for a medication that has addictive properties, it is wise to lock up the medication so no one has access to it.

Look for signs of addiction. You know your family the best; so if you are worried that a family member might have an addiction, call your family doctor for support. Keep track of your loved one’s behavior to ensure the best care.

If you have any questions about protection your children, yourself, and your community, contact Toward Recovery Clinics at 905-527-2042.