Many people feel overwhelmed by choosing the right place to go through rehab for addiction treatment. It is a big decision. There are so many things to consider - treatment approach, cost, and success rate, among others. 

But what about the rehab environment? Meaning, the physical surroundings, the staff, the makeup of the participants? These things can easily be overlooked, yet are some of the most important factors in recovery.

If you are an adoptee or adoptive parent you may be familiar with the term "adoption trauma." We deal with all forms of trauma as underlying causes of addiction at The Clearing, and what we know is that what is traumatic for one individual, isn’t for another. It’s all about how each person holds an event in our memory and consciousness.

Let's face it - family can be so stressful. In the worst cases, difficult, damaged people showing up to spend time with other difficult, damaged people. Perhaps no time of year makes this more evident than the holiday season!

Yet of course, the words “difficult” and “damaged” are just our own judgments, just stories that we tell. We could also say that our families are made up of beautiful, big-hearted, and funny people. But often we need to begin the healing process by acknowledging what’s hard about family life.

Many people suffering drug or alcohol addiction do not understand this problem is one of the effects of childhood trauma on adults. Unhealed trauma drains your energy and pulls happiness from your life, even when you do not think about your painful past. So if you want real hope and healing in your life, your addiction rehab treatment must include many hours of trauma counseling.

Millions of people affected by suicide loss observe International Survivor of Suicide Day each year. Through related events, you gain comfort and understanding in your trauma toward healing and hope. If you suffered suicide loss, this November 17, 2018 health observance helps you focus on what you need for a better future. If you abused drugs or alcohol before, during or after your suicide loss, you gain your hope and healing through rehab treatment.

I worked in a luxury Malibu treatment center for several years while obtaining my doctoral degree. What I witnessed at that Malibu treatment center at that time is still impacting me today. After reading An Intervention for Malibu in the New York Times on the problems with Malibu treatment centers, a lot of the old memories came rushing to the surface.

When someone has low self esteem, it can make doing normal activities seem impossible. They feel unaccepted, unloved and unable to accomplish their dreams. By learning how to overcome low self esteem, individuals gain the confidence and courage to live a fulfilling life.

Each year, one out of five Americans experiences a mental illness. Because of the stigma of mental illness, many people do not get the help they need. They may feel ashamed or uncomfortable about admitting that they need support. Thankfully, these negative attitudes and beliefs are gradually starting to change.

Today, you should give yourself forgiveness.

Why? Because to start off, we know that judgment is self-condemnation and self-forgiveness is freedom.

Many people struggle with finding healing from substance abuse, and finding the right physical environment plays a critical role in their success. For some, residential treatment centers are the best way to heal from the underlying traumas that cause substance abuse. But different treatment centers offer different types of environments, and selecting the right one for you is critical.