January 2023 - My Recovery Source

What is a 12-Step Program?

A 12-step program is an addiction recovery program that focuses on helping those in recovery manage their behaviors and compulsions through a series of steps that are not only aimed at promoting sobriety and teaching coping mechanisms to deal with addiction but also learning to heal the damage that was caused by addiction. Though each addiction is different, the mechanisms by which addiction works are the same, people are compelled to abuse a substance or perform a behavior, and these impulses are what continue the addiction, even despite negative consequences.

Since their inception, there have been a number of new and different 12-step programs that have been started, and now it is possible to find a 12-step program for any type of addiction that a person has, from alcohol, to substances, gambling, and more.

What Are the 12 Steps?

The twelve steps vary slightly depending on the program that a person enters, but the core values and principles have stayed the same. The twelve steps focus on recognizing past actions resulting from a person’s addiction.

From recognizing and admitting a person’s actions, the steps work towards acceptance of those actions, knowing that addiction was the root of their problems, and coming to terms with the fact that they are powerless over their addiction. Next, the steps help the person recognize what they can change and identify those they have hurt. Once they have taken steps to accept their actions, they can begin the process of making amends to those they have hurt.

This teaches acceptance, accountability, the ability to move past one’s addiction and move forward with a better mindset and the ability to recognize and change harmful behavior.

What Are Examples of 12-Step Programs?

The most common example of a 12-step program is alcoholics anonymous. AA is the first organization to have a 12-step program. From that one program has sprung dozens of others. Another common program that millions have been helped by is Narcotics Anonymous. There are many others, such as gamblers anonymous, for gambling addictions, and there is a program for just about any other addiction you can think of.

Added to that is the fact there are separate support programs for family members of those with addictions. The most famous is Al-Anon, a subgroup of alcoholics anonymous for the partners of loved ones of alcoholics. Many groups have formed with similar goals and missions beyond just the standard 12-step program, meaning that the right option for you is out there.

What is the Relationship Between Depression and Anxiety?

Mental health is a major concern here in America, but millions of people still don’t know how to get the help they need for their mental health or the relationship between different mental health issues that they may have and how they interact with one another. Dealing with a mental health issue can impact every area of a person’s life and make doing even day-to-day tasks more difficult. The most common issues that people face are depression and anxiety disorders, but millions of people go untreated and even undiagnosed. Some mental health issues coincide with one another and are triggered by specific factors. Understanding the relationship between depression and anxiety is the first step to getting the help you need with your mental illness.

While many people suffer from anxiety and depression, each person is unique, and that means that they need a unique approach to their treatment and recovery. My Recovery Source combines a wide range of resources and service providers to give people the care they need for their mental health. We are dedicated to matching clients with the right type of care so that they can not only find out what their mental health issues are but learn effective measures to deal with them, beyond just medication.

Contact My Recovery Source today to find the best mental health treatment center or drug rehab near you.

What Are the Signs of Depression?

Depression can be a completely debilitating illness that interrupts your life. Understanding the signs of depression is the first step to getting help and learning how to manage it.

Depression can come in various forms. The most severe forms of depression are called clinical depression or major depressive disorder. Depression is characterized as a feeling of sadness or lack of interest in day-to-day activities, even ones a person once found enjoyable. Depression is a long-term mental health illness; contrary to popular belief, it is not possible to force yourself to not feel depressed or simply “get over it.” It takes long-term treatment and management to deal with depression.

People with depression will experience intermittent bouts of sadness, low self-worth, and melancholy. They may engage in dangerous activities, including self-harm, if left untreated.

What Are the Symptoms of an Anxiety Disorder?

Recognizing the symptoms of anxiety is another important factor in determining the state of your mental health. Many people report self-diagnosing some level of anxiety disorder, though a small percentage actually seek meaningful treatment for the disorder.

The common symptoms of an anxiety disorder include:

Restlessness
Inordinate reactions to a stressful event
Feelings of unease or worry, particularly after an event has passed
High levels of stress
Panic or negative reactions to stressful situations

These symptoms can be consistent across events or come and go on a situational basis. For instance, a person may exhibit continual restlessness and only experience panic attacks during particularly stressful situations. This is part of the reason that many people are able to self-diagnose but never seek treatment.

What is the Relationship Between Depression and Anxiety?

The relationship between depression and anxiety is very complex. Some people experience anxiety as a symptom of their clinical depression, such as worry or fear over the thoughts and actions of others. Anxiety also has the potential to cause a major depressive disorder. The stress and worry of anxiety can cause a person to feel sadness and detachment.

Many people are diagnosed with both clinical depression and some form of anxiety disorder, such as panic disorder, separation anxiety, or general anxiety disorder. This is another reason why treatment is so important. Compounding health issues can lead to even more negative effects and outcomes.

How to Find Mental Health Treatment for Depression and Anxiety

When you’re in the middle of a depressive episode or anxiety attack, it can make finding help for your mental health even more difficult. That’s why My Recovery Source makes the process as seamless as possible.

Clients just have to take one of our assessments or quizzes that determines the type of treatment they need and matches them with a treatment facility based on their individual needs. From there, we also have additional resources that can help with care during treatment and finding support once treatment ends, as well as support for the family of those in treatment.