November 25, 2021

The Benefits of Long Term Treatment for Clients

Posted by Jaywalker Lodge Staff in Recovery
happy woman with the wind blowing against her hair

Jaywalker Lodge’s programs last a long time compared to stays at other treatment centers. Our multi-phased journey of healing can last anywhere from six months to a year. Many ask why our programs last for that long while some treatment centers keep clients for a maximum of three weeks. At Jaywalker, we believe that the length of our programs provides us with our most valuable resource: time. The length of our program allows time for our clients to stabilize, heal, and plan for their future in recovery outside of treatment.  The Length of Treatment at Jaywalker We offer our programs in multiple phases at Jaywalker Lodge, starting with The Landing and ending with our outpatient program. The Landing, our introductory program lasts between one and three weeks depending on each client’s individual needs. Our stage one and stage two programs, The Lodge and Solutions, are both 90-day treatment programs. Clients can…

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November 24, 2021

What Are 7 Things I Shouldn’t Say to Someone in Recovery?

Posted by Jaywalker Lodge Staff in Recovery
ladies talking

Recovery is a time for healing after treatment. However, people in your life – such as their loved ones or peers – can sometimes say hurtful things that make the process harder. It’s important to try to avoid saying these things to your peers or loved ones in recovery. Here’s a list of phrases that can hurt someone’s recovery and how they are harmful. #1. “You’ll Never Change.” As the saying goes, “Once an addict, always an addict.” Being told “You’ll never change” can eliminate a person’s motivation to get better. Why even try? The problem with a statement like this is that it claims the person has no identity outside of their addiction. It also spreads the false idea that people with addiction can’t get better and can’t recover. The truth is that plenty of people can have a successful treatment experience. Instead, try to be supportive of a…

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November 21, 2021

The Hero’s Journey and Its Role in Your Client’s Recovery

Posted by Jaywalker Lodge Staff in Recovery
Hiking trip alone - Man walking with backpack in beautiful landscape with sun, trees, and hills

Joseph Campbell’s Hero’s Journey has influenced stories from Star Wars to Harry Potter, but its familiar arc can be used as a metaphor for your client’s inner transformation as they battle their addiction and come out of treatment a stronger person. What is the Hero’s Journey, and how can it be applied to your client’s trajectory in recovery? Why We Use the Hero’s Journey Over a year ago, we wrote about the Hero’s Journey and how it could apply to the journey the residents at Jaywalker Lodge undertake. The Hero’s Journey, coined by mythologist Joseph Campbell, tells the common story of any protagonist and their ultimate quest. The Hero’s Journey is special to us because it has twelve parts, just like the 12 Steps of recovery and our 12 We Believe statements. Since the Hero’s Journey is thought of as a universal journey in fiction, as well as in real…

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November 18, 2021

Why Does Jaywalker Allow Our Clients to Interact With the Community?

Posted by Jaywalker Lodge Staff in Recovery
Trust exercise. Cheerful people hugging during group therapy session, panorama, free space

One stereotype of recovery centers is that they are places where people hide to get better. People view recovery as a time where a person with addiction sequesters themself from society for treatment. The fear is that interacting with “regular people” will only tempt the person with addiction. However, the truth is that isolation from the community only encourages shame and worsens recovery. People who are recovering from addiction benefit more from human interaction than solitude. Here’s why community is important to our program and why we believe that not only is community integration safe, but it’s also a lifesaver. Shame Only Becomes Isolation Many know of the negative stigmas attached to addiction. These negative stereotypes and opinions tend to make others live in denial about their addiction. Those who think they might have an addiction hide it because they’re afraid of being judged. Being afraid to share or talk…

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November 12, 2021

Do I Need to Believe in God to Succeed in AA?

Posted by Administrator in Recovery
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One of the potential barriers for those who attend 12-Step meetings is how spirituality is defined. People might have experienced issues in the past that might make them apprehensive about participating in AA or opening up to the 12-Steps. Others might feel like they aren’t being genuine if they feel like they have to hide the fact that they don’t believe in a higher power, negatively impacting their experience in AA. Is it essential to believe in God or any higher power? And if so, what if you don’t? The Question of Faith You aren’t the first person to wonder if 12-Step programs require their attendees to believe in a higher power. In fact, giving up control to a higher power can be one of the biggest sources of apprehension for those considering AA or NA. Many people are either agnostic or atheist, and secular thought is becoming more and…

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November 8, 2021

The Dangers of Kratom Use

Posted by Jaywalker Lodge Staff in Recovery
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Many people who are struggling with substance abuse turn to anecdotal evidence to help them with their recovery. One of the more popular substitutes for those struggling with opiate addiction is kratom. Some laud it as a healthy, habit-free alternative to opiates like Oxycontin and heroin. Many claim that kratom is a safer alternative, both as a drug and as a tool for withdrawing from the aforementioned drugs. But is this actually true? Here are the facts: kratom is a highly unregulated and highly addictive substance that can cause a litany of problems in users.  What Is Kratom?  Kratom is a grounded extract that is pulled from an evergreen tree found in Southeast Asia. In mild doses, it acts as a stimulant on the brain. In higher doses, it mimics the effects of opiates. Anecdotally, some people feel as though that kratom can be safely used to lessen the symptoms…

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November 5, 2021

Relationships and Recovery: Maintaining Sobriety After a Breakup

Posted by Jaywalker Lodge Staff in Recovery
young woman looking to the side with a sad face

Breakups can be devastating for anyone. For those who struggle with a substance use disorder, maintaining sobriety after a relationship ends can be a major challenge. Intense emotions such as jealousy, insecurity, and uncertainty can all be potential triggers. However, it’s very important that we do not give in to the negative emotions that are often associated with bad breakups and resort to alcohol or drugs to numb our pain.  The “Splitting-Up” Spiral and Sobriety  What could I have done differently? They were the one; what happened? How can I ever move on from this? These are just some of the many questions that we may find ourselves asking after a breakup. Whether the breakup was mutual and amicable or not, this negative loop of emotions and questions can persist for days, months, and sometimes even years.  According to marriage and family therapist Courtney Geter, “The negative thoughts that breakups…

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November 1, 2021

Battling Boredom During Recovery

Posted by Jaywalker Lodge Staff in Recovery
Young man chatting on the phone

For those of us who associated “fun” with substance use for many years, boredom can be a leading cause of relapse, struggles, and anxiety. In order to cope with this, it is imperative that we restructure our idea of “fun” by building new hobbies and spending time with ourselves without drugs and alcohol. Sober Stimulation  When we leave the structured life of a treatment program and return home with a commitment to sobriety, we are suddenly forced to deal with the monotony of day-to-day life with a clear mind. This can be especially difficult when we are dealing with “boredom” while in recovery. This is why so many programs and addiction experts recommend finding hobbies and activities that we can invest our time and effort in. During active addiction, we try to control our emotions with substances. We avoid discomfort by using. Boredom can be a very uncomfortable emotion, and…

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October 25, 2021

Relapse: Does It Happen To Everyone?

Posted by Administrator in Recovery
barefoot woman with jeans sitting on the grass

There is a lot of debate about whether or not relapse is bound to happen. Is it inevitable, or does it depend on circumstance? The idea of having a relapse may sound terrifying to you. It’s the last thing you want to happen when you’re in recovery. However, by understanding the causes of relapse, the warning signs, and how to prevent it,  there is hope that you can avoid it happening to you.  The Real Possibility of Relapse In recovery, relapse is very common. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, approximately 40-60% of people in recovery are likely to relapse. Addiction is a disease that takes hold and completely rewires your brain, affecting the reward centers. But thankfully, relapse isn’t something that just happens at random. It can be prevented, as long as you’re aware of the warning signs and what causes you to experience cravings.  What Causes Relapse…

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October 24, 2021

Dating in Recovery: But What If They Don’t Accept My Sobriety?

Posted by Administrator in Recovery

You match with someone on a dating app and they ask you out for drinks. Uh-oh! Dating in recovery comes with some social obstacles if people aren’t aware of your sober lifestyle. From miscommunication to outright rejection, navigating the dating world in recovery can be stressful or even downright dangerous. Here are some tips on how to date successfully without giving up your sobriety. Wait to Date Many recovery centers suggest waiting until after the first year of recovery to go on dates. This is because the first year is always the most vital part of the recovery process. In early recovery, you are at your most vulnerable. During this time, you’re still trying to get your life together. You’re developing routines and mastering healthy habits. You’re learning how to properly cope with stress and navigate the difficult parts of your life. While finding love can be extremely fulfilling, it…

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