Author: Serenity Vista

Play the Tape Through

Play the tape through

Play the Tape Through: A Strategy To Prevent Relapse Newcomers to recovery need all the help they can get! There is a little gem of a relapse prevention strategy we find especially helpful. We call this strategy, “Play the Tape Through”. A Kit of Spiritual Tools There is a shining promise made in the 12 Step recovery literature. Well, there are a LOT of promises throughout the literature. But, one promise is about being able to access a kit of spiritual tools. When, therefore, we were approached by those in whom the problem had been solved, there was nothing left for us but to pick up the simple kit of spiritual tools laid at our feet.   p. 25 Big Book Okay, that may sound kind of esoteric. So, let’s get right down to it. In very practical terms let’s talk through…

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Addiction, Anxiety & Depression

Drug Rehab costs

Addiction, Anxiety, & Depression – Common Co-Occurring Disorders Co-Occurring Disorders – What does this mean? Co-Occurring disorder is a replacement term. It replaces the terms dual disorder and dual diagnosis. The term refers to an individual who has a co-existing substance-use disorder and a mental illness. Working in the addiction field, we hear the term co-occurring disorder often. The term can apply in the vast majority of people seeking help for alcoholism or other forms of addiction. Addiction manifests in many ways. And many of those ways overlap with symptoms that may be termed mental health conditions. Thus, at Serenity Vista, we treat addiction as the primary condition. That includes it’s many and varied manifestations. Therefore, the solution is to treat the whole person. In contrast, we do not focus on one specific diagnosis. The solution encompasses body, mind, and spirit. Therefore, it is…

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Why Can’t I Stop Drinking If I Want to Quit?

want to quit drinking

I Want to Quit – Why Am I Drunk Again? That is the question almost every alcoholic gets to at one point in their drinking career. Sometimes, not finding the answer to that question will lead right to the graveyard. The sad news is, that once the undertaker is tagging your toe, it is too late to do anything about your drinking. If you want to quit, don’t wait. So, back to the question, “Why am I drunk again? Why do I keep drinking, when I clearly want to stop?” If you find yourself asking this question, guess what? You are probably an alcoholic. It doesn’t matter if anyone else diagnoses you as alcoholic – the change to sobriety can ONLY happen if it is your own diagnosis. Here’s a good clue though, people that are not alcoholic never wonder…

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Why Panama is an Ideal Luxury Rehab Destination

Why Panama for Drug Rehab

Addiction is a global health crisis that isn’t going away anytime soon. An estimated 240 million people worldwide are dependent on alcohol, and 15 million more use injection drugs. Addiction is prevalent in all age groups, socioeconomic brackets and geographic locations, and it’s a stressful and isolating experience no matter who you are. However, for those in the public eye, addiction presents unique challenges that can be difficult to navigate. For executives, political leaders and even pop stars, an extra level of discretion is necessary when treating addiction because of the intense scrutiny public figures face. How is the Experience of Addiction Different for Public Figures? Public figures have a unique experience of addiction. If you’re a politician or high-level business executive, your reputation plays a central role in gaining the trust of voters, political allies, employees and shareholders. If…

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30 Day Rehab vs Extended Rehab Programs

30 Day Rehab is Not Enough

I Want a 30 Day Rehab Program This is part of a correspondence with a potential guest wanting a 30 day rehab program. While a 30 day rehab program may be more palatable, it is not nearly as effective as a longer program. Read our actual email response: Dear __________, Thanks for sending in the Admission Inquiry Form last evening. It seems like Serenity Vista would be an excellent fit for your needs. We offer a full, professional treatment team, holistic therapies, and adventure recreation. Panama offers a plethora of opportunities for fun! You describe being able to stop your drug use for days or weeks at a time, but always end up going back and starting again. Staying stopped, for good, is what we will help you with. Your experience shows that you are able to safely stop your use…

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“Mom, I’m Going To Rehab”

Calm waters drug rehab

Should I Tell My Mother I’m Going to Rehab? Considering rehab can be really frightening. No one is thinking about going to rehab because they are filled with clarity, wisdom and decisiveness. Most people getting ready to take this leap of faith are sick, desperate, confused, hurt and angry. Often they direct that anger at the family. It is a good question to ask: should I tell my mother I am going to rehab? Should I tell my biggest critic/supporter that I’m a failure? Tell My Mother I’m Going to Rehab? Yes or No First of all, the fact that you are open to residential treatment for your addiction is great news. It may be hard to see this now, but you are NOT a failure. Your techniques for living did fail, but that is not who you are. Should you…

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8 Tips for Handling Social Anxiety Without Alcohol

Social Anxiety and Alcohol

Everyone deals with a certain degree of social anxiety from time to time. But while the majority of people are able to get through some awkwardness in order to maintain a healthy social life, others find the thought literally impossible. Around 7 percent of adults have social anxiety disorder (SAD). Many people use drinking as a way to deal with their anxiety, and even cite this as their reason for starting to drink. But ultimately this practice makes anxiety worse and puts users at risk for alcohol addiction and a host of other stress-inducing complications. This is partially why 28 percent of those who are diagnosed with SAD also suffer from long-term alcohol use disorder. Additionally, about 20 percent of social anxiety sufferers also have an alcohol addiction. Because SAD is such a common condition, affecting two to 13 percent…

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2020 Vision: Setting Mindful Intentions for a Sober Year

Living sober in recovery

New Year’s resolutions are typically thought of in terms of self-discipline. We promise ourselves we’ll work out more, be more productive, lose weight or hit our income goals. But the reality is that goals are much easier to accomplish – and more importantly, sustain – when you come at them from a place of self-love. And living sober in recovery with joy is a process that requires an extra gentle attitude toward yourself. Here are our ideas for intention-setting for addiction recovery as we look forward to a joyously sober year:    Setting Up a Simple Morning Self-Care Ritual Taking a few moments to start your sober morning off on the right foot does wonders for the rest of your day. This organizes your energies and sends a cue to yourself that you intend to go about your day in a…

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Secondhand Drinking

Effects of Secondhand Drinking

How Alcohol Abuse Hurts People Around Us Secondhand drinking is a real issue. While most who struggle with alcohol abuse or dependence are convinced that they’re only affecting themselves, unfortunately, this couldn’t be farther from the truth.  A recent study published in the Journal of Studies on Alcohol and Drugs found that around 53 million people in the US – that’s one out of every five adults – experience harm by someone else’s alcohol use. The report showed that, not unlike secondhand nicotine use related smoke, drinking “causes significant harm to those other than the drinker.”  That harm can come in the form of harassment, violence, property damage, car accidents or family and interpersonal problems. Researchers are calling for more attention to what they see as a “significant public health issue.” Alcohol’s Profound Effects On Those We Love When in…

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