Blog | Central Kentucky Addiction Treatment

Healthy Lifestyle Habits for Addiction Recovery

Fri, 11 Aug 2023 05:56:52 GMT

Substance use disorder, more commonly referred to as addiction, comes with a lot of unhealthy habits one has to unlearn. When you have support from a team like the staff at Central Kentucky Addiction Treatment, you will begin a therapeutic regimen that replaces those unhealthy or maladaptive habits with new, healthier choices.

Developing healthy lifestyle habits can ease those in recovery from substance use disorder as they transition to their new normal. If you or a loved one are recovering from addiction, make a plan and work with your support systems to develop new lifestyle habits that can help make recovery easier.

1. Identify Triggers and Ways to Address Them

Different types of addiction treatment can help you identify certain triggers that could cause you distress and undo the work of recovery. Therapy should help you identify these triggers and work with you to develop a plan for what to do when you encounter them. Being aware of what triggers you, how to avoid it, and what to do when you can’t avoid the triggering event is part of a healthy lifestyle habit you can continually rely upon.

2. Create a Routine

Once upon a time, you had a routine that included your substance use. Now, you need to create new routines. You may need to change what you do for fun, how you spend your evenings, who you spend your time with, and other habits. One thing to include in your new routine is attending at least one support meeting every week.

3. Attend Support Meetings

The benefits of peer support meetings are abundant. They provide people in treatment or recovery with people who have faced the same struggles they’re dealing with, as well as tips for staying away from triggering events and people and sharing knowledge about what has worked for them. Meetings are free and in plenty, so it’s easy to find some nearby.

4. Eat Regularly with a Healthy, Balanced Diet

Disordered substance use can deteriorate the mind and body. Many persons who have struggled with substance use pursue their problem use at the expense of their health, which can often impact eating habits and appetite, so it’s important to relearn healthy eating habits. Some things to consider include:

Drinking enough water
Incorporating all the food groups into the diet
Limiting sugar intake
Eating enough food to sustain oneself

5. Exercise Your Body and Brain

Incorporating regular opportunities for growth can help you feel calmer, work through problems, clear your head, and relax. Adding exercise into your routine restores health and rebuilds strength. Exercise also releases dopamine and serotonin, which can help with depression.

A hobby can give those in recovery something to focus on, which can lead to feelings of joy and excitement, while simultaneously improving your emotional well-being. You can develop a skill you’re already interested in, a hobby you had before that won’t trigger you, or spend time on a new hobby.

6. Develop Relationships with People

Disordered substance use, and trying to hide that harmful use, often places folks in situations where they distance or sever ties with friends and family members. While avoiding triggering situations, during addiction recovery, reconnecting and developing old and new relationships can provide necessary encouragement and support .

Reach Out to Our Team

Recovering from substance use disorder or addiction shouldn’t be done alone. Contact Central Kentucky Addiction Treatment in Danville, KY, to jumpstart the recovery process. Our team has the tools, the practice, and the experience to deal with many disorders, including alcoholism, drug addiction, sex addiction, and gaming addiction.

Start on the road to recovery. We proudly serve the area surrounding Danville, KY, including Bardstown, Berea, Campbellsville, Corbin, Harrisburg, Irving, Lancaster, Lebanon, Liberty, London, Monticello, Nicholasville, Richmond, Somerset, and Stanford, KY.

Supporting the Mental Health of Factory Workers

Fri, 21 Jul 2023 09:58:28 GMT

Mental health awareness is becoming more prevalent in the workplace, but there’s still a long way to go, particularly in factories. This is true, whether you are a worker at Toyota in Georgetown, KY, or for Yokohama in Versailles. Factory employees work long hours in stressful conditions. If you’re a factory worker struggling with mental health issues, you can seek assistance and find improvement. Factory employers can contribute by making needed beneficial changes.

Mental Health Issues Factory Workers Face

Working in a factory can be a long, draining, and repetitive process that can easily take a toll on your mental health. The long hours, the pressure to work faster to meet parts requirements and quotas, the financial difficulties that arise if those quotas aren’t met, working under managers with unrealistic expectations, and the lack of time with family can all exasperate the situation. These elements, and more, can lead to high levels of stress, lack of sleep, depression, anxiety, and dependence on drugs or alcohol.

Not only do these mental health issues affect home life and quality of life, but they negatively affect the workplace. Mental health issues reduce job performance, increase workplace accidents, decrease attendance, heighten employee turnover, and damage a worker’s ability to complete tasks. It’s in an employer’s best interest to support their worker’s mental health.

Ways Employers Can Provide Mental Health Support to Factory Workers

Mental health has as great an impact on a worker’s ability to do a job well as any physical ailment, like the flu or a broken leg. Employers can make an impact by improving their mental health awareness and supporting their employee’s mental health. In return, they’ll have employees who are committed to their job, take pride in their work, have fewer incidents, and create an enjoyable work culture.

In a factory setting, it’s difficult to offer shorter hours, change shifts, or swap responsibilities. Instead, employers can make the biggest difference within employee benefits. Benefits that can combat stress, anxiety, and depression, and improve physical health, include:

Providing a gym membership or fitness reimbursement to give employees the opportunity to work on physical fitness without financial hardship.
Offering time off that doesn’t take away from vacation days or sick days.
Covering a specified number of paid counseling or therapy hours every month.

Using Therapy or Counseling to Support Mental Health

Kentucky Factory workers like those at Toyota in Georgetown or Yokohama in Versailles, KY, can greatly benefit from counseling . Not only does it improve personal mental health awareness and help with issues ranging from depression to substance abuse, but talking with a mental health specialist can also lead to a better home life, better relationships with friends and co-workers, and reduced stress. All of these improve quality of life, which can also lead to greater physical health.

Get Help Today

If you or a loved one work in a factory and are struggling with mental health or substance use disorder, seek help. Reach out to Central Kentucky Addiction Treatment. Our friendly staff will help figure out your needs and schedule an appointment with Dr. Alicia Leslie. She sees patients struggling with substance addiction, sex addiction, gaming addiction and more.

Central Kentucky Addiction Treatment proudly serves the area surrounding Danville Kentucky, as well as Central Kentucky and Southern Kentucky.

Does AA Work? How Meetings Can Help You Through Recovery

Mon, 12 Jun 2023 14:33:34 GMT

If you or someone you love is trying to recover from alcohol addiction, you probably wonder if 12-step programs like Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) work. AA faces regular skepticism, but parts of its system bears out time and time again—meeting with and talking with others who have experienced substance use disorder can be a helpful part of any full treatment plan.

If you or someone you know wants help with recovery, Central Kentucky Addiction Treatment can help you begin the recovery process. Once you’ve finished rehab, regular meetings like those done at organizations like AA can give you the tools you need to stay sober and on track.

Does AA Work?

Since 1935, Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) and its many offshoots have been helping people achieve sobriety. The cost-effective method helps people achieve and maintain abstinence from alcohol if they’re willing to put in the time and effort. Meetings also require a certain amount of vulnerability because attendees must admit they have a problem and can’t handle it on their own. With the stigma surrounding addiction, anonymity is also an important component.

These components work together to make meetings effective at helping people abstain from their addictions. Trying to change a behavior is difficult. Finding others trying to make the same change makes it easier because they support one another through recovery . For many people, AA fills this need by giving them a group of people they can connect with, who are on their side, and know what they’re facing.

How Meetings Can Help You Through Recovery

When it was originally designed, meetings with individuals going through recovery were meant for people facing alcohol addiction recovery on their own. However, meetings are even more effective when they are combined with rehab and behavioral therapy as part of a full treatment plan. Here are some of the ways meetings can help:

You connect with people who have been there. They know what it’s like to face addiction and how hard it is to go through recovery.
You gain emotional support and practical tips.
You begin to reconcile the fact that you don’t have control over certain aspects of your life and that you need outside help.
You’re in a supportive non-judgmental space where you can share the things going on in your world that are causing you to struggle and get advice about them.
Being around people who have succeeded can raise your confidence and your belief that you’ll be able to do the same.
The meetings are free, so there’s no cost barrier.
You can find meetings that fit your schedule or are available when you start struggling.
Since you can go to as many meetings as you need throughout the week, so you maintain motivation.
Working through the 12 steps has helped many people deal with depression.

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Meetings are remarkably effective, especially when combined with professional therapy, medication therapies, and rehab. They can give people the day-in, day-out support they need, for free.

Together, these treatments can change a person’s perspective and their life. It can also be a good complement to the one-on-one therapy we offer at Central Kentucky Addiction Treatment.

If you or a loved one struggle with any form of addiction, including gambling addiction, sex addiction, alcohol addiction, or drug addiction, reach out to Central Kentucky Addiction Treatment for help.

We proudly serve all of Central Kentucky, including Richmond, Somerset, Nicholasville, Irvine, Berea, Lancaster, Lebanon, Liberty, Campbellsville, Bardstown, Stanford, London, Corbin, Monticello, KY, and the greater Danville, KY, area.

How Does Rehab Differ from Outpatient Addiction Treatment?

Tue, 09 May 2023 11:17:39 GMT

Rehab and outpatient addiction treatment are both useful for dealing with substance use disorder. Where rehab provides a controlled environment to treat an addiction, outpatient addiction treatment can build on practices you instill during rehab to continue therapeutic support or provide an alternative environment to provide substance use disorder therapy.

If you or a loved one are struggling with addiction, our team at Central Kentucky Addiction Treatment in Danville, Kentucky can get you the help and support you need.

Rehab Takes Patients Out of Their Normal Environment

Rehab takes place onsite, outside a patient’s normal. They leave home, usually for several weeks, and are in an environment where they receive step-down care and around-the-clock support. This allows them to focus solely on their recovery.

Outpatient treatment allows patients to live at home and continue their normal routine, except they attend scheduled therapy sessions. These sessions can be daily or several times each week.

For someone who isn’t dealing with a severe addiction, or who has already undergone inpatient rehab, outpatient treatment can be a good choice. However, it may not be sufficient, especially for people who don’t have a good support system .

Rehab and Outpatient Options Both Use Medication-Assisted Treatment

Patients receive a personalized medical treatment plan that includes counseling. Medication-Assisted treatmen t can be another part of a full treatment plan. MAT uses FDA-approved medications to manage withdrawal symptoms and substance cravings. This allows the brain to heal as it’s not forced to deal with painful, dangerous, and distracting symptoms. These treatments:

Improve retention rates.
Reduce hospital visits from people attempting to detox.
Make it less likely patients will return to their addictions.
Improve birth rates among pregnant women struggling with addiction.
Help with job retention.

Outpatient addiction therapy also includes therapy and counseling, which could include group or individual sessions.

Addiction Treatment Also Incorporates Therapy and Counseling

Addiction treatment isn’t just about managing symptoms. Patients develop personal coping strategies and create new routines that don’t include their addiction. They get a tailored, individual treatment plan and receive individual counseling sessions.

At Central Kentucky Addiction Treatment, we teach stress management techniques, coping skills, and how to identify negative thought patterns and behaviors. You will also set goals, discuss setbacks, and celebrate wins.

A full substance use disorder treatment plan includes some combination of counseling or group sessions. Patients might start going several times a week, and then going less as they rely less on previous behaviors. How often they attend is determined by a medical professional.

Contact Us

We understand how hard it can be to be in the middle of an active addiction cycle, and know that with the right tools, you and your loved ones have the capabilities to make great strides for your health, and are there for you every step of the way—no matter if you choose a rehab or an outpatient treatment center like Central Kentucky Addiction Treatment as a part of your greater plan.

If you or a loved one are battling substance use, g et help on your side . Contact Central Kentucky Addiction Treatment today. We serve the greater Danville area, including Richmond, Somerset, Nicholasville, Berea, Lancaster, Harrisburg, Lebanon, Liberty, Campbellsville, Bardstown, Stanford, London, Corbin, and Monticello, KY.

Incorporating Medication Into Your Treatment Plan

Mon, 01 May 2023 12:35:20 GMT

Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT) is a type of treatment that uses medications, along with counseling and behavioral therapies, to help people treat their substance use disorders. MAT can be used to treat addiction such as opioid and alcohol use disorders. The medications can be used to treat withdrawal symptoms, cravings and other issues related to addiction.

The Benefits of Medication-Assisted Treatment

Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) is a combination of behavioral therapy and medication. It can help patients reduce cravings for opioids or alcohol, which can make it easier to stop using. Medications can also reduce the risk of overdose because patients are less likely to take too much of their drugs of choice when they are combined with naloxone or Vivitrol (the brand name for naltrexone). Medication-assisted treatment also has the ability to improve the patient’s quality of life by reducing symptoms such as anxiety, depression, and insomnia that may have been caused by long-term substance use.

Medications that are used in medication-assisted treatment include:

Naltrexone: stops the effects of opioids by blocking opiate receptors in the brain
Buprenorphine/naloxone combination products: reduces cravings for opioids
Methadone: an opioid agonist that works by reducing the intensity of withdrawal symptoms and decreasing cravings for opioids.
Buprenorphine: another opioid agonist used for treating heroin and prescription painkiller addictions as well as alcohol dependence.

Side Effects of Medication-Assisted Treatment

Side effects are a common side of medication-assisted treatment. They can range from mild to severe, but they're generally manageable.

If you experience any side effects, talk with our team at Central Kentucky Addiction Treatment about how best to manage them. If the problem persists or gets worse despite treatment, call 911 or go to an emergency room immediately.

The Role of Counseling and Therapy

When you are ready to start your treatment plan, it's important to consider the role of counseling and therapy. Counseling is any type of talk therapy that helps people overcome mental health issues. The goal of counseling is for you to feel better about yourself and have more control over your life by learning new skills such as problem-solving or communicating effectively with others.

Counseling may include:

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT): This kind of counseling focuses on changing negative thought patterns so they don't affect your mood or behavior anymore. It teaches you how to identify these thoughts and replace them with positive ones instead.
Interpersonal psychotherapy (IPT): This type of counseling focuses on improving relationships with other people through communication skills training.

Choosing the Right Treatment Plan

As you begin to think about your treatment plan, it's important to remember that there are many factors at play. At Central Kentucky Addiction Treatment, we will consider your symptoms, medical history, lifestyle, and more when determining the best course of action for you.

Sticking to your treatment plan is the best way to ensure that you get the most out of it. Consistency is key, so it's important that you take your medication and attend counseling as prescribed by your medical team. If you don't feel like your moods are improving or if they're getting worse, talk with your team about adjusting or switching medications.

If you have any questions about how to incorporate medication into your treatment plan, please don't hesitate to ask!

Contact Us

As you can see, there are many benefits to MAT. In addition to helping people with opioid use disorder or alcohol use disorder stay in recovery, it also can improve overall health and well-being. It's important that you or your loved one find a treatment plan that works for you—and with a combination of care, our team at Central Kentucky Addiction Treatment, we can help determine what's best for your needs.

Contact us today to talk to a member of our staff about any addiction struggles you are facing. Central Kentucky Addiction Treatment proudly serves Danville, Kentucky, and the surrounding areas of Southern and Central Kentucky.

3 Ways to Support Your Mental Health

Mon, 13 Mar 2023 15:01:23 GMT

Mental health is a crucial aspect of overall well-being, and it's essential to prioritize it to maintain a healthy and fulfilling life. Mental health disorders, such as depression, anxiety, and substance use disorders, also known as addiction, can have a significant impact on an individual's quality of life. If you're struggling with mental health issues, it's important to seek help. There are also several steps you can take to support your mental health. In this post, we'll explore three ways to support your mental health.

Seek Professional Help

Seeking professional help is crucial for those who are experiencing severe symptoms of depression, anxiety, or addiction. Professional help can include therapy, medication, or a combination of both. Therapy can help individuals identify and change negative thought patterns and behaviors that contribute to mental health issues. Medication can be effective in reducing symptoms of depression, anxiety, and other mental health disorders.

If you're struggling with mental health issues, it's essential to seek professional help as soon as possible. Mental health disorders are treatable, and seeking help can significantly improve your quality of life. At Central Kentucky Addiction Treatment, we have a compassionate team led by addiction specialist Dr. Leslie and we are committed to helping patients beat their addictions with help from all available therapeutic options.

However, there are some other things you can do to create a better environment for your mental health.

Practice Self-Care

Self-care is an essential component of maintaining good mental health. Self-care includes any activity that promotes physical and emotional well-being, such as exercise, healthy eating, meditation, and getting enough sleep. These activities are crucial for reducing stress, improving mood, and increasing energy levels.

Exercise is particularly effective in improving mental health. Regular exercise has been shown to reduce symptoms of depression, anxiety, and stress. Exercise releases endorphins, which are natural chemicals in the body that promote feelings of happiness and well-being. Additionally, regular exercise can improve sleep quality, which is essential for good mental health.

Healthy eating is another critical aspect of self-care. A diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein can provide essential nutrients that support brain function and mood. On the other hand, a diet high in processed foods and sugar can lead to inflammation and worsen symptoms of depression and anxiety.

Meditation and mindfulness practices are also effective tools for promoting mental health. These practices involve focusing your attention on the present moment and letting go of distracting thoughts. Research has shown that regular meditation can reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression, improve sleep quality, and increase feelings of well-being.

Build Social Connections

Social connections are essential for mental health. Having a support network of family and friends can provide a sense of belonging, reduce feelings of isolation, and provide emotional support during difficult times. In addition, social connections can promote positive behaviors, such as regular exercise and healthy eating.

Building social connections can be challenging, particularly if you're struggling with mental health issues. However, there are several ways to meet new people and build social connections. Joining a support group or community organization can be an excellent way to meet like-minded individuals who share your interests. Volunteering can also be a great way to meet new people while making a positive impact in your community.

Contact Us

In conclusion, mental health is a critical component of overall well-being, and it's essential to prioritize it. Practicing self-care, building social connections, and seeking professional help are three effective ways to support your mental health. Remember, mental health disorders like addiction or substance use disorder are treatable, and seeking help is a sign of strength. If you're struggling with mental health issues, don't hesitate to seek professional help from our team at Central Kentucky Addiction Treatment.

Contact us today to talk to a member of our staff about any addiction struggles you are facing. Central Kentucky Addiction Treatment proudly serves Danville, Kentucky and the surrounding areas of Southern and Central Kentucky.

Supporting Loved Ones Through Recovery

Tue, 14 Feb 2023 08:01:25 GMT

If you know a friend, family member, or loved one who is struggling with any form of addiction, it is normal to want to help them find peace and start their journey to recovery. We know that support from loved ones is crucial to our patients and want to provide information and guidance to those who love someone in a journey toward recovery. At Central Kentucky Addiction Center , we have a compassionate team and are led by addiction specialist Dr. Leslie who is committed to helping patients beat their addictions with help from their wider support network.

Recognizing the Signs of Addiction

It is important to recognize common signs of addiction, substance abuse, withdrawal, and relapse. While this list is not comprehensive, awareness of these signs can help you be in tune with your loved one and offer them support when needed.

Common signs and symptoms of substance abuse include:

Physical warning signs such as bloodshot or watery eyes, or weight loss or weight gain
Changes in appetite or sleep patterns
Deteriorating personal hygiene
Tremors, slurred speech, or impaired condition
Changes in attendance or performance at work or school
Engaging in secretive or suspicious behaviors
Sudden change in friends, favorite hangouts, and hobbies
Unexplained change in personality or attitude

If your loved one displays some of the following factors, it also may be an indication that a commonly used substance, such as alcohol, has become a problematic substance and may be trigger a use disorder.

They use the substance more than intended.
They experience cravings.
Use of the substance causes interpersonal conflict.
They continue to use the substance despite its negative consequences.
They seek out the substance and/or use it during dangerous situations.

Providing Support while Avoiding Dependency

If you love someone who struggles with addiction, it is reasonable to believe that your relationship is affected by their substance abuse or other form of addiction. One common outcome of relationships with people struggling with addiction is codependency, which can be defined as a pattern of interactions that result in enabling the addict.

Codependency is not malicious in nature but often involved attempting to save, rescue, or protect an addict from their addiction, which only gives them a safe place to land the next time they face a negative consequence of their addiction. In codependent relationships, the sober individual may neglect their own care for themselves, spending too much mental and physical energy helping their loved one.

Loving someone with an addiction can be complicated, but there are steps you can take to support your loved one and also take care of yourself.

Understand that addiction is a disease that requires treatment. You cannot “fix” someone with a disease.
Work on identifying the difference between helpful behavior and enabling behavior on your part.
Take care of yourself in the process and rebuild any areas of your life that may have faltered.
Consider visiting a program for family members or loved ones of those experiencing addiction or substance abuse, like Al-Anon.
Do not wait for something to happen - reach out to our team at Central Kentucky Addiction Treatment soon if you have a loved one struggling with addiction.

Contact Us

If you see signs of addition in someone you love, encourage them to get help today by contacting Central Kentucky Addiction Treatment. With your support and under the treatment of Addiction Medicine specialist Dr. Leslie, your loved ones can treat their addictions and live happier, healthier lives. Central Kentucky Addiction Treatment offers support for various forms of addiction such as alcohol substance abuse, opioid addiction, and more.

What is Alcohol Addiction or Alcohol Use Disorder?

Mon, 09 Jan 2023 12:06:02 GMT

In our current consumption-based culture, alcohol and alcohol consumption are not only prevalent but advertised, monetized, and often normalized. While for many, consumption of alcohol can be an occasional habit or hobby, alcohol is an addictive substance that can easily become problematic and cause issues in one’s life, relationships, work, and more.

At Central Kentucky Addiction Center , our talented team of professionals is led by addiction specialist Dr. Leslie, and we are dedicated to helping our patients live their best lives and recover from all types of addiction, including alcohol.

What is Alcohol Addiction?

Sometimes referred to as alcohol use disorder, alcohol addiction is a medical condition that is classified by an individual having a diminished ability to control their consumption and use of alcohol, even when faced with consequences. Alcohol addiction is considered to be a disorder of the brain and, like many other disorders, exists on a spectrum and can be mild, moderate, or severe. Some questions doctors may ask to determine if a person has alcohol use disorder and its severity are:

Have you ever felt the need to cut back on drinking?
Have you been annoyed at or criticized for your drinking?
Havre you ever felt guilty about drinking?
Have you ever felt the need to drink early in the morning?

What Causes Alcohol Use Disorder?

Alcohol use disorder can develop over time based on how much, how often, or how quickly one consumes alcohol, but there are characteristics that can increase an individual’s likelihood to develop an addiction to alcohol over time.

Genetics. A family history of addiction, especially with alcohol, can influence the likelihood that a person will develop alcohol use disorder over time.
Mental health and trauma. Many psychiatric conditions such as depression or post-traumatic stress disorder are associated with a higher risk of developing alcohol addiction.
Early adaptation. Studies shoe that individuals who began drinking before the age of 15 were five times more likely to develop alcohol use disorder than those who abstained until the legal age.

Steps to Alcohol Addiction Recovery

While alcohol use disorder can lead to negative consequences, the good news is that treatment and recovery are possible, especially with the help of specialists like Dr. Leslie and our team at Central Kentucky Addiction Treatment. Treatment for alcohol addiction will vary by patient but there are some key components that can help an individual recover from addiction and improve their quality of life.

Medication can be a part of alcohol addiction treatment to help someone reduce their drinking and prevent a relapse. All FDA-approved medications for alcohol addition treatment are non-addictive and can be combined with other treatment methods.
Behavioral Treatment, such as therapy or counseling, can help an individual overcome alcohol use disorder.
Mutual support groups are a very popular tool for individuals suffering with alcohol addiction. Group meetings are available often, in various locations, and at convenient times.

Contact Us

If you believe that you or a loved one may be suffering from alcohol addiction or alcohol use disorder, it is important to know that recovery is possible. With the help of board-certified Addiction Medicine specialist Dr. Leslie, you can work on your relationship with alcohol and other substances to live a happier, healthier life. In addition to alcohol addiction, Central Kentucky Addiction Treatment offers support for other forms of addiction such as opioid, gambling, sex, and more.

Contact us today to talk to a member of our staff about any addiction struggles you are facing. Central Kentucky Addiction Treatment proudly serves Danville, Kentucky and the surrounding area.

Healthy Tips for Dealing with the Holiday Blues Near Danville, KY

Sat, 10 Dec 2022 22:06:26 GMT

While the holidays are often portrayed as ‘the most wonderful time of the year,’ the holidays and the winter in general can be stressful and difficult for many people. Whether you struggle with addiction due to some specific time in your life related to the holidays or just start to feel depressed or like your in need of additional support this time of year, you are not alone. At Central Kentucky Addiction Center , our team, led by addiction specialist Dr. Leslie, provides addiction treatment and counseling for those struggling with addiction and we want to set you up for success this holiday season.

Healthy Tips for Dealing with the Holiday Blues

Revisit the mechanisms that helped you jump start your recovery.
Whether your addiction recovery began with a trusted friend, family member, health care worker, religious services provider, support program that offers meetings, or regular phone calls with a sponsor, revisiting your roots and using the tools that helped you begin your path to recovery will help you set your self up for success against the holiday blues, Seasonal Affective Disorder, or a potential relapse. Renewing affirming social practices can help you build a network of other individuals recovering from addiction and can ensure you have people supporting you on your journey.
Schedule an additional appointment with our team.
If you feel that your recovery may need reinforcement this holiday season, you can schedule an extra appointment with Dr. Leslie and our team. Counseling services and medication assisted treatment , both of which are provided at Central Kentucky Addiction Treatment, can be a great way to battle seasonal depression like the holiday blues and can get through the winter grounded in your recovery.
Practice good self-care.
While this tip may seem simple, practicing good self-care can ensure that you feel good and up to the challenge of facing the holiday blues. Whether your holiday blues are triggered by the colder weather, certain seasonal memories, or extended time with your family, practicing self-care can help you stay connected with your mind and your body to determine your needs, goals, and boundaries as you make it through the holiday season.
Make an effort to spend time outdoors and get sun exposure.
It has been proven that one of the many causes of the holiday blues is a lack of Vitamin D and exposure to sunlight. While we do face some cold weather in Central Kentucky, any effort you make to get outside and feel the sunshine can help you battle the blues. If it is too cold to go outside, you can keep your window treatments open to allow sunlight into your home instead, or invest in a lamp that is approved for light therapy.
Give back this holiday season.
It can be incredibly rewarding to give back during the holiday season and express gratitude for all that you have. Whether you want to volunteer at a local shelter, church, food back, or other type of charity, volunteering your time for others is sure to give your mind and body a boost again the onset of the holiday blues. While there is always the potential for stress and frustration, the holidays are a great time to take a step back and recognize everything you have to be grateful for.

Contact Us

We wholeheartedly believe that no one should have to struggle with opioid addiction alone, especially during the holidays. Dr. Leslie is a board-certified Addiction Medicine specialist and can work with you or a loved one to help jump-start or maintain your recovery this winter. In addition to opioid addiction, Central Kentucky Addiction Treatment offers support for other forms of addiction such as alcohol, addiction.

Contact us today to talk to a member of our staff about dealing with seasonal depression like the holiday blues. We proudly serve Danville, Kentucky and the surrounding areas.

Blog | Central Kentucky Addiction Treatment

Healthy Lifestyle Habits for Addiction Recovery

1. Identify Triggers and Ways to Address Them

2. Create a Routine

3. Attend Support Meetings

4. Eat Regularly with a Healthy, Balanced Diet

5. Exercise Your Body and Brain

6. Develop Relationships with People

Reach Out to Our Team

Supporting the Mental Health of Factory Workers

Mental Health Issues Factory Workers Face

Ways Employers Can Provide Mental Health Support to Factory Workers

Using Therapy or Counseling to Support Mental Health

Get Help Today

Does AA Work? How Meetings Can Help You Through Recovery

Does AA Work?

How Meetings Can Help You Through Recovery

Learn More ﻿

How Does Rehab Differ from Outpatient Addiction Treatment?

Rehab Takes Patients Out of Their Normal Environment

Rehab and Outpatient Options Both Use Medication-Assisted Treatment

Addiction Treatment Also Incorporates Therapy and Counseling

Contact Us

Incorporating Medication Into Your Treatment Plan

The Benefits of Medication-Assisted Treatment

Side Effects of Medication-Assisted Treatment

The Role of Counseling and Therapy

Choosing the Right Treatment Plan

Contact Us

3 Ways to Support Your Mental Health

Seek Professional Help

Practice Self-Care

Build Social Connections

Contact Us

Supporting Loved Ones Through Recovery

Recognizing the Signs of Addiction

Providing Support while Avoiding Dependency

Contact Us

What is Alcohol Addiction or Alcohol Use Disorder?

What is Alcohol Addiction?

What Causes Alcohol Use Disorder?

Steps to Alcohol Addiction Recovery

Contact Us

Healthy Tips for Dealing with the Holiday Blues Near Danville, KY

Healthy Tips for Dealing with the Holiday Blues

Contact Us

Learn More