At Lakeside-Milam Recovery Centers, we recognize the significance of this achievement and have answers to several uncertainties that may come with observing one year sober.

What Counts as One Year Sober?

The most common question is whether you should count one year sober by the last day you used or the first full day you didn’t use. The answer is the latter – you should mark a complete year without substances based on the first day you lived entirely sober.

How Many Times Do I Celebrate?

How you observe your first full year of sobriety can vary. Some choose to celebrate at every 12-step meeting they attend during their anniversary week, while others may only have a small commemoration with their home group. Decide what feels most meaningful to you.

What Happens During the Meeting?

Typically, toward the end of a 12-step meeting, there’s an opportunity for those celebrating milestones to raise their hand and speak up. If time allows, the group leader might ask you to briefly explain how you achieved your first year of sobriety.

What If Celebrating Feels Selfish?

You may hesitate to commemorate your sobriety anniversary if you feel anxious about stepping into the spotlight. However, celebrating your accomplishment isn’t self-centered. Sharing your story can provide crucial inspiration, insights, and hope for someone at an earlier stage of their recovery, so don’t be shy.

Are There Any Rituals?

Yes, there are a few rituals associated with celebrating your “sober birthday.” One common tradition is receiving a one-year sobriety chip from your sponsor. This token symbolizes your hard work and commitment to recovery. In some meetings, the group may pass the chip around the room, allowing each member to infuse it with their positive energy and support before giving it to you.

How Do I Prepare?

When getting ready to share your story, think of three specific aspects or strategies that have helped you maintain sobriety. Focus on sharing these in a way that could uplift and encourage others. Reflecting on your path to recovery, the challenges you overcame, and the support you received can be a powerful way to prepare for your celebration.

Join Our Recovery Community in Washington

Accomplishing one year of sobriety is a significant life event. It’s a time to meditate on the past year, acknowledge the growth and progress you’ve made, and motivate others.

At Lakeside-Milam Recovery Centers, we encourage everyone to embrace their sobriety milestones as personal achievements and opportunities to contribute to the recovery community. If you need affordable, effective, and accredited alcohol and drug treatment, contact us today to request your free substance use evaluation.

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Alcoholic cardiomyopathy is an often-overlooked consequence of chronic alcohol abuse. This severe condition can lead to heart failure and increase your risk of a heart attack. At Lakeside-Milam Recovery Centers, we understand the complexities of alcohol dependency and offer treatment for people looking to improve their health by overcoming addiction.

What Is Alcoholic Cardiomyopathy?

Over time, excessive alcohol consumption can change the heart’s shape and function. The heart muscle becomes weakened and dilated, unable to pump blood efficiently. This inefficiency can cause a backlog of blood in the heart, leading to symptoms such as fatigue, swollen legs and feet, and shortness of breath. If left untreated, these changes can cause severe damage, culminating in heart failure or increasing the risk of a heart attack.

The relationship between alcohol and heart health is complex. Besides alcoholic cardiomyopathy, long-term, heavy drinking can have several adverse effects on your heart.

• Increasing blood pressure
• Irregular heart rhythms
• Fatty deposits in the heart muscle

Prevention and Recovery

The best way to prevent alcoholic cardiomyopathy is to stop drinking. However, you might find this challenging if you are physically dependent on alcohol. Trying to quit may result in powerful cravings and uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms like insomnia, sweating, and seizures.

A worsening alcohol addiction will affect every aspect of your well-being – physically, mentally, and emotionally. Recognizing your need to ask for help is critical for preventing the cardiovascular damage associated with alcoholic cardiomyopathy.

How Lakeside-Milam Can Help

At Lakeside-Milam, we have helped more than 100,000 people overcome addiction and reclaim their health. You can benefit from our comprehensive approach to recovery.

• Medical detoxification: Health professionals will safely manage your withdrawal symptoms and monitor your condition, stabilizing you to move into your next phase of treatment.
• Individualized treatment plans: We will tailor your recovery program to meet your needs and health concerns, including addressing the risk factors for alcoholic cardiomyopathy.
• Behavioral therapy: A therapist will help you confront trauma, develop healthier coping mechanisms, and rebuild a sober life.
• Supportive community: Inpatient rehab provides a structured, judgment-free environment where you can share your experiences, gain encouragement, and start finding your sober supporters. We ask our clients to participate in the recovery community as they seek continued sobriety.

Prevent Alcoholic Cardiomyopathy With Qualified Addiction Recovery

In honor of Heart Health Month, we encourage anyone struggling with alcohol dependency to consider the long-term impact on their heart and other organs. Alcoholic cardiomyopathy is a preventable condition, and the sooner you stop drinking, the better you will feel. At Lakeside-Milam, we are here to support you in your commitment to get sober and build a brighter future. Our team is available 24/7 when you’re ready to speak with someone who understands.

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At Lakeside-Milam Recovery Centers, we recognize the profound impact compassion can have on givers and receivers, playing a crucial role in recovery and personal growth.

The Mutual Benefits of Kindness

Kindness is a universal language that transcends racial, cultural, and age barriers. It’s a currency in which everyone can be wealthy, and its benefits are manifold. Being generous and compassionate can significantly enhance your mental and emotional well-being. These practices encourage you to look outside your needs and concerns, setting aside the introspective tendencies that can sometimes lead to feelings of isolation or selfish behavior.

As you will learn in the tenets of your 12-step recovery program, “Courtesy, kindness, justice, and love are the keynotes by which we may come into harmony with practically anybody.” This balance can foster better relationships with others and cultivate a sense of peace and self-acceptance as you set aside grievances or resentments.

Simple Ways to Participate

Random Acts of Kindness Week should inspire us all to engage in simple, spontaneous gestures of goodwill. The beauty of kindness is that it doesn’t have to be grandiose to be impactful. Here are a few suggestions.

• Reach out to someone in recovery: A text message or phone call can be a lifeline to a fellow member of your 12-step group. Offer your support, share your experiences, or be a good listener.
• Volunteer your time: Nonprofits are always looking for enthusiastic people to contribute their time and talents. Whether you help at a local shelter or participate in a community cleanup, your efforts can make a tangible difference.
• Express gratitude: Take a moment to thank the people in your life for their love and kindness. A heartfelt note, small gift, or public acknowledgment can make someone feel valued.
• Perform daily courtesies: Tiny gestures can be more impactful than you realize. Hold the door open for a stranger, compliment them on their outfit, or offer a smile.
• Donate to a cause: If your budget allows, consider donating to a charity that resonates with you. Your contribution, no matter the size, can support vital services and initiatives.

The Ripple Effect of Kindness

The acts of kindness we perform can extend far beyond the immediate moment, fostering a culture of compassion and understanding. Compassionate, judgment-free surroundings can be particularly valuable in the recovery community, where each person’s accomplishments are simultaneously personal and shared. It builds an environment where everyone feels seen, supported, and connected, reinforcing the foundation for lasting sobriety.

As we observe Random Acts of Kindness Week, let’s embrace the opportunity to bring light and warmth to those around us. By mindfully choosing to spread love, you can enrich yourself and everyone nearby, moving closer to harmony within your community and yourself.

At Lakeside-Milam Recovery Centers, our team commits to the principles of kindness and compassion in everything we do. Together, let’s celebrate the power of kindness and its role in healing, recovery, and building a better world.

If you need help overcoming addiction, do not hesitate to contact us today. You’ll get to speak to someone who understands what you’re going through and can advise you on your next steps.

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1. Acknowledge the Need for Change

The first step in overcoming alcohol dependence is acknowledging that drinking is adversely affecting your life. This realization can come through personal reflection or feedback from friends, family, or work colleagues.

2. Set Clear Goals

Making realistic, achievable goals provides a roadmap for your journey. Be specific about what success looks like for you, and consider setting small, short-term targets to build momentum.

3. Seek Professional Help

Severe alcohol withdrawal symptoms like delirium tremens can be physically dangerous, so you should always seek medical supervision to minimize the risks. Medical professionals can provide detoxification services in a safe, controlled environment, ensuring you are stable enough to proceed with the next stages of recovery.

4. Build a Support System

You’ll need to surround yourself with positive, like-minded people to help you stop drinking. Friends and family can encourage you and help you manage the emotional aspects of alcohol abstinence. You can also find invaluable advice in groups like Alcoholics Anonymous or SMART Recovery.

5. Recognize and Avoid Triggers

Identify situations, environments, or emotions that trigger your desire to drink. These could be stress, social settings, or even specific people. Developing strategies to either avoid these triggers or cope with them in healthier ways is a vital part of maintaining sobriety.

6. Develop New Habits and Interests

Replacing old habits with new, healthier activities can provide a distraction, boost your mood, and reduce the risk of relapse. Consider hobbies or interests that you’ve neglected or always wanted to try, like yoga, photography, or volunteer work.

7. Practice Self-Care

Taking care of your physical and mental health is a significant part of recovery. Get enough sleep, eat a balanced diet, exercise, and find ways to manage stress. Self-care also means being kind to yourself and recognizing that recovery has many ups and downs.

8. Prepare for Setbacks

If you find your motivation to stop drinking flagging, view it as a temporary setback instead of a failure. Analyze what caused you to stumble and use this knowledge to strengthen your future coping strategies.

9. Celebrate Your Progress

Acknowledge and celebrate your triumphs, no matter how small. Each day of sobriety is an achievement, and recognizing your progress can be a powerful motivator.

Embracing a Sober Life

Quitting alcohol is a courageous decision and a significant step toward a healthier, more fulfilling life. At Lakeside-Milam Recovery Centers, we provide qualified outpatient and residential addiction treatment at seven locations in western Washington. Contact us today to put sobriety within your reach.

The post How to Stop Drinking appeared first on Lakeside-Milam Seattle.

While psychotic episodes are hallmarks of schizophrenia, some drugs also lead to this condition. Understanding drug-induced psychosis, its symptoms, and its causes is essential for anyone grappling with substance abuse or concerned about their well-being.

What Is Psychosis?

Psychosis is a mental health symptom characterized by a disconnection from reality. It can manifest as hallucinations, delusions, or radically altered perceptions. While often associated with psychiatric illnesses, psychosis can also result from other factors, like extreme stress, trauma, and substance abuse.

The onset of psychosis can be subtle, beginning with minor changes in thought processes and perceptions, and can gradually worsen if left untreated. Some early warning signs include:

• Difficulty concentrating or making decisions
• Withdrawing from social interactions
• Experiencing inappropriate emotional responses or numbness
• Lack of motivation for self-care
• Hearing or seeing things that aren’t there
• Having unusual, irrational beliefs or experiencing intrusive thoughts
• Increased paranoia or distrust
• Assigning significance to trivial events

Drug-Induced Psychosis: A Closer Look

While drug abuse can exacerbate existing mental health conditions, any substance that alters your perceptions can trigger psychosis. Drug-induced psychosis might occur due to excessive consumption of a particular drug, combining various substances, or as a withdrawal symptom. Symptom severity often correlates with the intensity of drug use and typically lasts until the substance is entirely out of the system.

The following substances can result in a psychotic episode.

• Prescription drugs: Some muscle relaxers, antidepressants, and high blood pressure medications may induce psychotic symptoms. If you experience such symptoms while taking your medication as directed, consult your physician for an alternative treatment plan.
• Illicit drugs: Cocaine and methamphetamines are notorious for inducing persecutory delusions. People taking these drugs may experience paranoia, believing others are plotting against them.
• Marijuana: Growing evidence links high-THC marijuana products to psychosis, particularly in frequent users.
• Alcohol: Severe alcohol withdrawal can induce delirium tremens, a condition marked by intense delusions and hallucinations.

Starting Your Recovery With Drug Detox

Drug-induced psychosis is a severe condition, but you can return to mental wellness with support, accountability, and symptom reduction. At Lakeside-Milam Recovery Centers, medical detox is the foundation of a comprehensive treatment plan. Trained professionals will monitor your symptoms while your body clears all traces of drugs. After up to a week of supervision in our Washington detox center, you will be stable enough to transition into one of our two outpatient treatment programs.

Our compassionate team provides comprehensive care for substance use and mental health disorders. Talking to someone about your relationship with drugs is the first step in getting sober and starting your recovery on the right foot. Contact our admissions advisors today for answers to your questions.

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At Lakeside-Milam Recovery Centers, we understand mental wellness is multifaceted, encompassing emotional, psychological, and social aspects. Here, we offer compassionate insights and practical tips for boosting your holistic health during these colder months and beyond.

1. Establish a Routine

Establishing a consistent daily routine can provide a sense of normalcy and control, especially when the shorter, darker days of winter seem to run together. This routine can include set times for waking up, meals, exercise, work or hobbies, and sleep. Structure brings balance and stability, which contribute to improved mental wellness.

2. Stay Physically Active

Exercise benefits every aspect of your life. Engaging in regular physical activity, even something as simple as a daily walk, can alleviate depression and anxiety symptoms. If the weather is too harsh, consider indoor exercises like yoga or this no-equipment bodyweight workout.

3. Connect With Nature

Spend time outdoors whenever possible. Exposure to natural light, even on cloudy days, can significantly boost your mood and combat the effects of seasonal affective disorder. If getting outside isn’t an option, maximize natural light in your home or create a nature-infused space with plants.

4. Practice Mindfulness

Mindfulness is a powerful tool for managing stress and improving your mental clarity. Dedicate a few minutes each day to practices like deep breathing or guided meditation to center your thoughts and reduce feelings of anxiety.

5. Foster Social Connections

Social interactions are vital for mental health. With the current COVID surge and winter weather potentially limiting face-to-face contact, you must find creative ways to stay connected. Regular video calls, online social events, or reaching out to friends and family via text or phone can lessen feelings of isolation.

6. Engage in Creative Activities

Creative expression is a therapeutic way to channel emotions and reduce stress. Activities like painting, writing, cooking, or any form of crafting can be immensely fulfilling and lift your spirits.

7. Prioritize Sleep

Quality sleep is essential for mental health. Establish a calming nighttime routine, reduce screen time before bed, and create a comfortable, sleep-conducive environment that regulates your mood and improves your overall emotional wellness.

8. Seek Professional Support When You Need It

Remember, it’s OK to ask for help. If you’re struggling with mental health issues, consider talking to a mental health professional who will provide you with healthy coping strategies.

A Holistic Approach to Mental Wellness

Mental wellness is an ongoing journey, and you can use this January as a springboard for year-long habits. At Lakeside-Milam Recovery Centers, we’re here to support you with outpatient mental health treatment to enhance your well-being. Reach out to us today to request help.

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1. Enhanced Relationship Stability

Substance abuse can strain the bonds between friends, family members, and partners, leading to conflict and mistrust. By getting sober, you’re healing yourself while repairing and strengthening these vital relationships. As you improve communication and rebuild trust, a newfound depth and authenticity will emerge in your interactions with others.

2. Financial Wellness

Financial stability is one of the most tangible benefits of sobriety. Maintaining a drug or drinking habit can be expensive, draining resources you could otherwise use more productively. Sobriety brings a renewed sense of fiscal responsibility. It allows you to create a budget, save money for emergencies, and even let you indulge in hobbies or plan previously unaffordable vacations.

3. Improved Physical Health

The physical health benefits of sobriety are extensive. From reducing the risk of chronic diseases related to substance abuse to improved energy levels and immune function, the body gradually heals from the ravages of addiction. Many people in recovery also find themselves more motivated to stick to an exercise and nutrition routine, further enhancing their well-being.

4. Better Mental Health and Self-Awareness

Sobriety often leads to significant improvements in mental health. Issues such as anxiety, depression, and mood swings tend to decrease when drugs and alcohol are no longer present in your life. Moreover, being in recovery fosters a greater sense of self-awareness. You learn to understand and manage your emotions better, leading to a more centered and peaceful state of mind.

5. Acquisition of Life Skills and Healthy Coping Mechanisms

Recovery is a process of learning and growth. In therapy, you will learn valuable life skills and healthy coping mechanisms that are essential for managing daily ups and downs. These skills include managing stress, resolving conflicts, setting goals, and making decisions that align with your values and long-term aspirations.

6. Rediscovery of Passions and Interests

Sobriety opens the door to rediscovering old passions and exploring new interests. With a clear mind and a healthier body, many find joy in activities they had forgotten or neglected. This rediscovery can be a source of immense fulfillment, adding a richness that was previously missing.

Build Your Brighter Tomorrow at Lakeside-Milam

Getting sober and rebuilding your life can be a profoundly personal experience. The benefits of a substance-free lifestyle are multifaceted, offering the promise of a brighter, more stable, and satisfying future. At Lakeside-Milam Recovery Centers, we are here to support you with residential, outpatient, and virtual treatment options, ensuring you can find a solution that fits your goals and needs. When you call us, you will reach someone who understands what you are going through and can explain how to break the self-destructive cycle of addiction.

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The Direct Financial Burden of Substance Abuse

Maintaining a drug or alcohol habit is an expensive endeavor. The costs of purchasing substances can quickly accumulate, leading to a substantial financial burden. For many, the compulsion to sustain their addiction can lead to dire decisions, including stealing or accruing significant debt.

The financial ramifications extend beyond the immediate cost of buying drugs or alcohol. Long-term substance abuse often incurs additional expenses. For instance, a DUI charge can result in skyrocketing car insurance rates, multiple different legal fees, and the need to hire a lawyer, and those costs can quickly add up.

Moreover, addiction can deplete savings or retirement accounts. Borrowing money from friends and family is a common resort, but the ability to repay these loans often becomes a hollow promise, straining relationships and worsening financial stability.

Rebuilding Finances in Recovery

Regaining control of your finances in recovery can be challenging. Integrating life skills coaching, including budgeting and fiscal responsibility, into your sobriety goals can be a crucial step toward rebuilding financial health.

Use these financial management strategies to help you regain control and enjoy more independence and responsibility.

• Develop a realistic budget: Assess your income and expenses to create a budget that accommodates essential needs while eliminating unnecessary expenditures and prioritizing high-interest debt repayment.
• Set up an emergency fund: Establish a savings goal for unforeseen expenses your budget doesn’t cover, like vehicle repair. Build a safety net by setting aside a small amount each month.
• Restore your credit health: Creating a plan to pay bills on time and reduce debt can gradually improve your credit score.
• Learning to distinguish needs vs. wants: Separate essential expenses from frivolous ones. Practice mindful, responsible spending to prevent falling into bad spending habits.
• Plan for long-term financial goals: Set achievable long-term financial objectives, such as homeownership, education, or retirement savings.
• Seek professional financial advice: Consider seeking help from a financial counselor or use online resources like budgeting software.
• Build healthy spending habits: Comparison-shop, use discounts, and avoid impulse purchases.
• Track your progress and adjust as needed: Be flexible about adjusting your budget and financial goals as your circumstances change.

The Financial Upside of Sobriety

Sobriety offers a path to holistic health, including financial stability. By addressing the root causes of addiction and equipping you with practical life skills, recovery can lead to a more secure and prosperous future.

At Lakeside-Milam, we support people working to overcome the disease of addiction with residential and outpatient programming, legal services, family counseling, and more at our seven locations across western Washington. Reach out today to learn how we can help you.

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Where to Meet Potential Sponsors

The concept of sponsorship wasn’t initially part of the 12-step model, but as the program evolved, people started reaching out to others and choosing to be of service after working through all 12 steps.

The ideal place to start your search for a sponsor is within your 12-step group. Here, you’ll encounter people in various stages of recovery. It’s wise to look for someone with more experience than you have. For instance, if you’re newly sober, try to partner with a sponsor who has at least a year of sobriety behind them. They can offer perspective and understanding, having faced similar challenges.

Support group meetings are ideal opportunities to connect with others. Listen to the stories group members share, observe the interactions, and gauge who you feel drawn to and can respect as a mentor.

Embracing Diversity and Consistency

Addiction does not discriminate, affecting people from all walks of life. This diversity can be a strength in your recovery journey. Consider choosing a sponsor who comes from a background different from yours and who can challenge you to see the world and your recovery from a new angle.

Since consistency in your support system is crucial, it’s best to work with one dedicated sponsor rather than switching back and forth. To find someone compatible, consider having informal meetings with potential sponsors, like a casual lunch or coffee. This setting allows you to understand their approach and personality better without sharing overly personal details.

Remember, most people do not immediately mesh with a recovery sponsor. It’s OK if the first person you approach isn’t the perfect match. Some might even decline, feeling they’re incompatible or lack the time commitment. Don’t be disheartened; the right sponsor for you is out there.

Building Your Support Network

Addiction recovery is challenging, yet incredibly rewarding. With a dedicated sober sponsor by your side, the path to a substance-free life becomes smoother and more approachable.

At Lakeside-Milam Recovery Centers, we have helped more than 10,000 people break the cycle of addiction and heal through accredited treatment. The traditional 12-step model is one of the core treatment concepts we use to teach clients how to change self-destructive behavior patterns and overcome their disease. Connect with us today to learn more about what we offer and how it can benefit you.

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