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Drug addiction and mental health often go hand in hand. While we see the devastating impacts of both conditions on the sufferers and their loved ones, they don’t appear out of nowhere. Addiction and mental illness can be seen as weeds that have deep roots. When you dig deep, childhood trauma is often the root cause. When trauma is not addressed and allowed to fester, its impacts often are felt for a lifetime.

This article will uncover the connection between childhood trauma and mental health and how trauma-informed care helps people heal from their wounds and transform their lives. If you are recovering from dual diagnosis, the Last House sober living network is here to help. We offer evidence-based programs that give you the tools to combat childhood trauma and other issues that impact your well-being.

Call the Last House today and begin your recovery journey with a clean slate.

Understanding Childhood Trauma

In our discussion of childhood trauma and mental health, we need to first define what trauma is and how it affects people. Trauma is simply a deeply emotional response to an event that has lasting impacts on a person’s psychological development and growth. As children, we are exposed to any number of events that can be deeply traumatic. Common examples of these events include the following:

• Sudden death of a loved one or pet
• Being the victim of physical, sexual, or psychological abuse
• Living with and surviving major illnesses such as cancer
• Living in prolonged poverty and financial distress
• Being the victim of bullying
• Being exposed to household violence and neglect

In many cases, children who experience adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) can process and move on with the proper support. However, some children may have support systems or help in place to help them deal with the intense feelings associated with these events. As a result, childhood trauma can have devastating consequences that last well into adulthood. Some of these consequences include:

• Increased risk of diseases such as cancer and diabetes
• Increased risk of suicidal ideation and suicide
• Accumulated stress that compromises brain development and cognitive functioning
• The onset of mental illness such as depression and anxiety

Ultimately, the stresses associated with traumatic events as children hinder people from forming stable and healthy relationships, and many turn to substances to cope. When people who have unresolved trauma have families of their own, their children are vulnerable to trauma creating a vicious cycle that is difficult to untangle.

Dealing with Childhood Trauma and Addiction with Trauma-Informed Care

Those dealing with the two-headed monster of childhood trauma and addiction must enter a specialized program that features the services needed to fully address both issues. Fortunately, an increasing number of rehabs are adopting a game-changing program called trauma-informed care. This breakthrough program focuses on addressing the specific root issues of a client’s trauma. These programs help clients better manage their symptoms to minimize the risk of being re-traumatized down the road.

In addition to 12-step-based approaches, detox services, and life and coping skills training, trauma-informed care programs focus on effective therapies such as CBT, exposure therapy, and medication-assisted therapy (MAT). The greatest benefit of this approach to treatment is it helps clients realize they aren’t weak and beyond help. Clients can address the root causes of their trauma in an environment that is supportive, safe, and non-judgmental.

The Last House Will Give You The Tools You Need to Overcome Childhood Trauma and Addiction

The pain of childhood trauma can last a lifetime and can ruin families and friendships. Dealing with co-occurring disorders requires comprehensive and integrated care. If you are recovering from trauma and substance abuse, having extra tools and support goes a long way in healing your mind, body, and spirit. As Southern California’s premier sober living network, the Last House offers evidence-based treatment services and support customized to meet your specific needs.Our men’s sober living homes feature state-of-the-art amenities and clinical support to help motivate and empower you to live your best life. Most importantly, the Last House offers all clients strong peer and staff support to show all who seek help they aren’t alone. Call us today and take back control of your life.

For those recovering from mental illness, having support is a game-changer. Mental health support groups provide confidence and motivation in helping people manage and even overcome their mental health issues. People in recovery groups for mental health can share their stories and listen to those who share similar struggles. Ultimately, support groups for mental health give people the confidence they need as they re-enter their daily lives and routines.

This article will highlight the mental health support groups available and the importance of these groups in helping people maintain good mental health. If you are recovering from mental illness, substance abuse, or both conditions, The Last House can help you! Our sober living network provides clients with tremendous peer support, clinical support, state-of-the-art amenities, and evidence-based programs that will transform your life.

Call The Last House today to learn more about sober living in Los Angeles!

Why Are Mental Health Support Groups Important?

Mental health support groups bring together people from all walks of life who are going through or have gone through similar experiences with mental illness. Within these support groups, people can share their personal feelings about experiencing mental illness in a safe and non-judgmental environment. People can also share coping strategies for dealing with mental illness and the therapies and treatment methods that have helped them better manage their mental health.

In many ways, support groups for mental health act as a bridge between treatment and family support. A support group encourages others when they are vulnerable and celebrates others’ milestones. These support groups can also provide compassion and understanding for those whose families may not understand their mental illness.  Also, people in a support group hold people accountable if they are falling short in working on their recovery program. 

Finding a support group often starts with a talk with your primary health provider or local mental health professional. These individuals will point you toward support groups for mental health in your area as well as helpful resources within the community that will help you better manage your overall mental health.

What Mental Health Support Groups Are Available to Those Needing Help?

For those who are seeking additional help in managing their mental illness and overall mental health, there are many options for support groups. A great place to start your search is the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI). NAMI support groups include NAMI Connection which allows people with mental health conditions to come together to share their experiences, support each other, and heal from mental illness. NAMI also offers family support groups for family members, friends, and significant others to help them better understand a loved one’s mental illness. Depending on location, these groups are held weekly, biweekly, or monthly.

There are also mental health support groups that are 12-step based. For example, Emotions Anonymous is geared toward people experiencing anxiety, depression, anger, and low self-esteem. Another mental health-based support group is Neurotics Anonymous which provides support and information for those recovering from mental illness. For conditions that are related to some form of mental illness, 12-step-based groups such as Overeaters Anonymous, Love Addicts Anonymous, and Workaholics Anonymous are available.

Additionally, there are support groups for those experiencing substance abuse along with mental illness. Examples include Dual Recovery Anonymous, Double Trouble in Recovery, and Everyone’s Recovery Groups (ERG). There are also support groups that focus on a particular mental illness. Examples of these types of mental health support groups include the Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance, The Anxiety and Depression Association of America, and the Depressive-Manic Depressive Association of America. These groups offer in-person meetings, and some offer virtual meetings as well.

Transform Your Life With Help From The Last House

Finding and accepting additional help and support increases your chances of long-term recovery. The Last House is Southern California’s premier sober living network. We offer men’s and women’s sober living programs that provide evidence-based programs and support that give you the confidence and motivation needed to stay on the path to recovery. Our residences feature state-of-the-art amenities and foster a strong sense of community. Today is the day you take back control of your life; call The Last House Sober Living Network today and experience lasting happiness and freedom.

A huge part of long-term sobriety is having optimal mental health. If you look good, feel good, and have the utmost confidence in yourself, you minimize the risk of relapse in recovery. While simple on paper, your focus may not be on mindfulness and mental health. The stresses of everyday life and the triggers present in your environment can leave you torn and frayed. If not addressed, it is only a matter of time before you turn back to substances to cope with your life.

In this article, you will learn how mindfulness improves mental health. You will learn the importance of mindfulness and ways you can practice mindfulness in your everyday life. If you are looking to preserve your hard-earned sobriety, call The Last House toll-free today. We offer top-tier aftercare and sober living programs that feature clinical and in-house support that is second to none. Call The Last House today and strengthen your recovery.

What is Mindfulness?

When you hear the word mindfulness, you may think of it as an esoteric New Age concept. In reality, mindfulness is a practice where you simply have full awareness of your thoughts in the present moment. When thoughts, feelings, and emotions enter your mind, you simply accept them for what they are and pass no judgment. When you are practicing mindfulness, there are right or wrong feelings. You are focusing on the present while avoiding reliving the past and worrying about the future.

How Does Mindfulness Improve Mental Health?

Now that you have a basic definition of mindfulness, how does mindfulness improve mental health? Early in your recovery, you experience wide and unpredictable swings in emotions. You may feel like you are hanging on my thread and feel like the wheels may come off at any moment. While these feelings are normal, not addressing them in a healthy and timely manner makes you vulnerable to relapse.

Utilizing mindfulness practices helps ground you in the present and makes you fully aware of what you are feeling in the present moment. When thoughts enter your mind, you simply acknowledge they are present and accept them for what they are. Once you acknowledge and accept your thoughts you let them go and return your focus to the present moment. When you focus on the here and now, you can see things clearly and can take positive steps forward.

Ways to Utilize Mindfulness To Improve Your Mental Health

Despite what you may think, incorporating mindfulness practices into your daily life is simple. The most common form of mindfulness practice is mindful meditation (also known as focused breathing). This form of meditation is very effective and only requires 10-15 minutes of your day. To perform mindful meditation, find a spot that is quiet and free from distraction. Focus on your breathing and the sensations you experience. When thoughts arise, acknowledge them, accept them, and return to your breath.  

You can also incorporate mindfulness in recovery in other parts of your day-to-day life. For example, you can practice eating meditation where are take time to slow down and focus on each bite of food. Note the taste and texture as you slowly chew. You can also perform a walking meditation where you find a secluded spot where you can walk comfortably and note the sensations you feel with every step. Additionally, you can perform a listening meditation where you listen to sounds in your environment and imagine yourself getting inside those sounds. As always, avoid placing judgment on these sounds; accept them for what they are at that moment and move on.

Bolster Your Confidence In Recovery With Help From The Last House

You have worked hard to overcome your addiction and you must protect your investment at all costs. An excellent way to preserve your sobriety is to attend aftercare and sober living programs such as the one offered at The Last House. The Last House is Southern California’s premier sober living housing network. Our homes feature state-of-the-art amenities, evidence-based programming, as well as top-tier clinical support. We will help you develop and sharpen the tools you need to achieve lasting recovery. Call The Last House today and become confident in your sobriety.

The key to staying sober for the long term is learning to take care of your mental health. A large part of accomplishing that goal is to prioritize self-care daily. The ability to take care of your physical and mental health needs goes a long way in keeping you vibrant, sharp, and ready to face the challenges of daily life positively. While finding ways to prioritize yourself seems self-explanatory, it is easy to lose sight of proper self-care in the hustle and bustle of day-to-day living.

This article will discuss what self-care is, the importance of self-care prioritization, and how you can prioritize your self-care regimen to live a healthy and happy life. Call The Last House toll-free today if you are newly sober and looking for extra support and confidence. Our sober living network features evidence-based sober living programs, state-of-the-art amenities, and clinical support that will take your sobriety to the next level. Call us today to learn more about our sober living programs.

What is Self-Care?

During your stay in drug treatment, you may have heard the term self-care. You may be familiar with the concept in a broad sense, but you may need help to define self-care. According to the National Institute on Mental Health (NIMH), self-care is taking the time to do things that help you live well and improve both your physical health and mental health. Prioritizing self-care promotes overall good health, helps minimize the risk of disease, and helps you healthily deal with stress. There is no universal self-care regimen that everyone follows. Instead, self-care comprises many different activities you can utilize to suit your specific needs.

How to Prioritize Self-Care

Self-care prioritization can be difficult, and finding ways to prioritize yourself and your needs can feel overwhelming and even confusing. Fortunately, there are simple steps you can take to make self-care at the top of your to-do list. You have learned these tips while in treatment, but refreshing yourself on these effective principles is always good. These principles are as follows:

Have Dedicated “Me Time” Every Day—set aside 15-20 minutes every day for you and your needs. Go to a quiet space, turn off your phone and tablet, and tune in to yourself. You can go for a walk in the park, journal, or practice mindful breathing techniques.

Be Kind to Yourself—When things don’t go as planned, it is easy to beat yourself up and be your worst critic. Remind yourself that you are doing the very best you can and run the race at your own pace. You will have good days and bad days, so take things in stride to the best of your ability.

Eat Right—It is important to eat a healthy and balanced diet. Plan your meals and choose foods that will nourish and sustain you.

 Get Restful Sleep—when you get a good night’s sleep. Your mind and body can reset itself and be recharged and ready to go for the next day. You should get at least 7-8 hours of quality sleep each night.

Cut Down on Social Media—You are well aware that social media is everywhere. While it isn’t bad to be on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter, you shouldn’t jump down the proverbial rabbit hole. Set limits on how long you are on social media each day and have times when you unplug from social media altogether.

Treat Yourself—Every once in a while, it is good to treat yourself to something nice. Schedule a spa day, go on a day trip, take yourself out for a great meal, or book a great vacation to a destination you’ve always wanted to visit.

Find What Makes You Happy—it is easy to chase after and obtain material possessions, but do they make you happy? Take time to discover what makes you happy and go after those things.

Take Your Recovery to the Next Level With Help From the Last House

Being newly sober comes with new challenges. Learning how to navigate daily life while prioritizing your sobriety can feel daunting. Sober living programs such as the one found at The Last House will provide you with the additional tools, support, and confidence you need to strengthen your sobriety. Our sober living programs are evidence-based, extensively tested, and paired with clinical support to help you stay on the path to recovery. Take the next step in your recovery and call The Last House today. 

If you are newly sober, it feels like you are stepping into a new, brave world. While you are excited to begin this new chapter in your life, temptations and triggers seem to lurk around every corner. As someone new in recovery, you need to have things in place that minimize the risk of relapse while helping you feel comfortable and helping grow your recovery. Perhaps the most important thing you can do to achieve those goals is to create a safe and supportive environment in recovery.

If you have just started your recovery journey, this article will highlight what you need to do to create a safe and supportive environment in recovery. If you are looking to bolster your confidence and coping skills in a safe environment, call The Last House. Our sober living programs feature exciting group activities, clinical support, and close family involvement. Call The Last House today to learn more about our dynamic sober living programs.

Tips to Create a Safe and Supportive Environment In Recovery

Having a recovery environment that is safe and supportive fosters healing and growth. Also, having a safe and supportive environment in recovery nurtures your emotional and psychological needs. The following tips will help you create a space where you can grow confident in building your recovery life:

Nurture Your Emotional Well-Being

A safe and supportive environment starts with creating a space where you can nurture your emotional well-being. This environment needs to be a judgment-free space where you feel comfortable discussing your vulnerabilities, feelings, struggles, and achievements. People within this environment should not only praise your achievements, but they should also be allowed to hold you accountable if you fall short in working your program of recovery.

Physical Safety

Another critical aspect of creating a safe and supportive environment in recovery is having a strong sense of physical safety. This includes setting clear boundaries so you know what to expect of yourself and what you expect others to respect about you. You must also have structure in your environment, which includes regular cleaning, eliminating triggers that can lead to relapse, and creating a space where you can find new and healthier hobbies and habits to develop.

Encourage Healthy Habits

Speaking of healthy habits, having an environment that emphasizes building a stable and balanced daily routine will help you regain a sense of stability and control. Establishing a consistent daily schedule helps reinforce positive habits and reduces the risk of relapse. Additionally, a well-rounded routine addressing physical, emotional, and mental health needs creates a solid foundation for you to grow in your recovery.

Building a Support Network

While you put in the hard work needed to overcome addiction and find recovery, having a support network helps strengthen your recovery and keeps you motivated to stay on track. Your support network can include recovering peers, family, friends, therapists, addiction professionals, and others who are fully supportive of your decision to stay clean and sober. As already stated, your support network should celebrate your successes while holding you accountable when you aren’t fully working on your program of recovery.

Practice Proper Self-Care

Practicing self-care not only helps you stay healthy but also promotes your overall well-being. Self-care activities can include:

• Journaling
• Practicing mindful meditation techniques
• Finding or rediscovering hobbies
• Simply taking time out of every day to unplug and reflect

Proper self-care builds strong self-worth and resilience, and you can focus on your progress and not try to become a perfect person.

The Last House Sober Living Programs Provide the Foundation for Lasting Recovery

Sober living programs provide a safe and supportive environment for you to build your newfound recovery. The Last House is a sober living network located in the heart of West Los Angeles, CA. We provide dynamic sober living programs that not only help you flourish in sobriety but it will also help you flourish in life. We offer evidence-based programs and clinical support that will help solidify the life and coping skills needed to stay on the path to recovery. We also provide a myriad of fun activities that allow us to have fun and become social with others.

Call The Last House today and find purpose in your recovery journey. 

I am not sure how to express the shift in perspective I have had while staying here, but I will give it a shot. I have been to hell and back ten times over the time I arrived at The Last House. I came in broke and broken, confused, empty, and with nothing left to give. My 70-year-old mom dropped me off with a week’s worth of clothes, my care, and personal effects were scattered from Pasadena to Arizona. I weighed 150 pounds with 11 staples in my head and my front tooth gone with no recollection as to how or why it happened. As I got out of the car my mother looked at me and said “not that you have much-left son, but what is remaining I would think about because I can’t afford to care anymore, please do not call.” That was the day my life had turned into yet another introspective journey as to how fucked up my life was once again. I was forced to sit with that. Regardless of how capable and disciplined I thought myself to be. Here I was, along with Jonas, Ryan, and Diego steering the ship I knew choppy waters were not far ahead. Then Dustin came in and just when I thought my life couldn’t get any worse, there was a guy who couldn’t leave! I could!! Meeting another like mindedindividual-who was violent by design and courteous by choice, I thought to myself this relationship is going to go one of two ways. We were either gonna fight or assimilate. We have not fought… yet. So there we were in the dish pit, cooking, cleaning, and striking. Many moons passed and the routine became non-negotiable, the consistency more frequent. I, we, all of us, faced with the opportunity to dig deep and get honest or comply and fly by had a choice to make, I got BUSY! I sat across from my sponsor and evaluated my character and assessed my conduct, we went over causes and conditions with a thorough inventory, I discarded what caused turmoil, and tailored my actions to helping others to help myself. I shut my mouth and listened to others’ perspectives. I voiced my concerns, I chose the gym over the couch, and I chose work over pleasure. I soon began to realize what I had neatly avoided over the 15 years of trying to get sober was the one thing that kept me disconnected. My intolerance and judgment of others and my immense concern for myself I had. I want what I wanted in life and went to any lengths to get it, with little to no regard for others and no remorse for what they had to endure. I was not much but I was all I thought about. If you were to ask me what I do today to maintain sobriety and mental stability, I would tell you it is not what I do as much as what I don’t do!. It is beyond wordswhat has happened in my stay here- simply put, I let go of the wheel, I let others do for me what I failed to do myself. In the 16 years, I attempted getting sober I can say today that my only strength comes through restraint. – Will Van Zandt

“The answers will come if my own house is in order”