“We are all struggling to recover from something; it’s on the journey through recovery that we can learn to become more resilient”

– Anonymous in Recovery.

We do not believe that resilience means being positive all the time – we understand that recovery can have many ups and downs.  We believe that it is possible for anyone to recover who is willing to work for it.  The work on the frontlines of our lives is where we can build our resilience and strengthen our ability to rise up and bounce back from our darkest moments. Here are some of the ways that Behavioral Health Hawaii helps people become more resilient in their recoveries.

PERSONAL CONFIDENCE

Working through a difficult situation with the appropriate support can provide opportunities to take control of the choices in your life. Addiction is frequently accompanied by a sense of loss. Facing our difficulties and learning new ways to cope with difficult situations brings the confidence to make healthier decisions in the future.

PERSONAL CONNECTIONS

Resilience comes from our ability to balance our needs with the needs of others. We can  maintain a strong sense of emotional security by sharing our feelings with others and developing strong emotional bonds. Sharing our feelings with people who express their respect and support for our recovery gives us the opportunity to reduce fear and regain trust and a positive outlook for healthy relationships.

PERSONAL CONTRIBUTIONS

We all need to have a sense of meaning and a purpose for our lives in order to value the contributions we make in our world and in turn have others value what we bring back to the world.  The support we accept and the support we offer in recovery go hand-in-hand with an essential recovery idea – that we give back to others what was freely given to us and through that exchange of support we stay stronger and more resilient even when faced with dark moments.

CULTURAL IDENTIFICATION

Recovery builds tolerance for others, as we learn to accept and repair the damage we may have caused. We understand the importance of having a strong sense of who we are and where we come from.  Being culturally grounded in our personal lives and with our families and communities means that we can not only survive whatever individual or collective trauma we  may have experienced, but we can transform our painful experiences by discovering our personal and collective strengths. Resilience helps us do more than survive – we learn how to thrive.

Resilience is not a result of pain, or trauma or dark moments – resilience is the direct result of what we do in the face of our adversity that gives us hope.  If possible, let us to it together. Behavioral Health Hawaii Care Team

We wish you a Merry Christmas and a very good New Year. There is no better way to have a Merry Christmas than to be surrounded by our loved ones, experience good health and have the ability to live a purposeful life free from addiction. If you or someone you know and love is struggling with addiction today, please consider giving the gift of recovery!

Behavioral Health Hawaii is internationally recognized by the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation for treatment of addictions.  We have various levels and intensity of treatment to care for the needs of Maui’s communities.  Our treatment includes serving special populations of individuals with addiction, acute or persistent pain, individuals with depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress and other mental health diagnosis. Our treatment programs are culturally responsive and designed for flexibility. We support the patient through a continuum of care with minimal disruption to their daily lives.

To narrow the widening gap for persons who are addicted to opioids, we also provide Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT), which is the use of FDA-approved medications, in combination with counseling and behavioral therapies, to provide a “whole-patient” approach to the treatment of substance use disorders.  Behavioral Health Hawaii offers a variety of choices for each individual, including Naltrexone and Vivitrol to individualized care to each person served.

Please imagine a holiday season with hope ~ and a new year filled with the freedom that comes from getting help and support to break the cycle of addiction for you, your family and your loved ones.  All we want for Christmas is your recovery!

Spring is a time for new beginnings.  We hope this Spring is filled with a sense of possibility and that you find yourself blossoming in your early recovery. Recovery is a process that requires continuous change.  Our brains undergo changes as we learn to live without the addictive substances, and our behaviors must change if we want to have a healthier lifestyle.  Although change can be difficult, staying on course in early recovery can be deeply satisfying.   We want to be there to support you when it’s difficult just as much as we want to be there with you to celebrate your success.  The following suggestions may help you stay focused in early recovery.

Keep a structured schedule

The more you commit yourself to a healthy, daily routine the less likely you are to fall back into old routines and habitual thinking patterns that don’t support recovery.  Take responsibility for creating your schedule.  Keep it simple.  Structure doesn’t necessarily mean staying busy, but it does mean having a plan.  Early recovery is a time to practice new recovery skills and a daily routine helps you stay focused. Even a change as small as planning your meals or taking a bath before bedtime can helpful.

Make time for self-care

Early recovery is a time to make your self-care a top priority.  A good place to start is having healthy habits.  When we are hungry, angry, lonely or tired (H.A.L.T.) we are more vulnerable to the conditions that lead to relapse.  Good nutrition, regular sleep, exercise and relaxation are part of health self-care. Meal planning makes it easier to choose wisely when you are hungry. Practice a form of relaxation. Keep a journal to help rid your mind of racing thoughts. Create a good sleeping environment and try to keep a consistent bedtime routine.

Recognize what needs changing

It’s difficult to change unhealthy habits on your own.  Make contact with other people in early recovery. Planning ahead and avoiding situations that put you at risk is now a priority. Each person is different and what works for one person may not always work for another.  Practicing self-reflection and self-honesty will help you identify what is most important for you right now. Go to 12-step meeting or other appropriate support groups where you can talk with others who are facing similar challenges. It’s helpful to witness what is working for others.

Isolation can be dangerous

Spend time with family and friends who will support your recovery. Focus on gratitude for the people who support you. Practice letting go of resentments and unrealistic expectations.  Reconnect with family and friends when you have the opportunity. Tap into your creative side – we all have a creative side so let yourself discover what gets you excited.  Get up and get outside every day – we need the fresh air.  Promise yourself you will look for ways to connect with others.  Sometimes just listening to another person and acknowledging them is a great beginning.

Keep your eye on balance

It’s not uncommon for people in early recovery to overdo it – in fact it’s possible to replace one set of unhealthy behaviors with another set of compulsive behaviors. Small, steady changes work best for most people. A strong foundation for early recovery includes healthy habits.  You may need to work on making these changes in small stages.  Commit to changing one thing – maybe it’s eating breakfast or going to bed earlier – then follow through with that one step for seven (7) days. It’s easier to commit to small steps and then re-assess the following week what is working.  Don’t give up.  The key to balance is to keep practicing!

Remember we are here to support you in any way we can. Please let us know how we can help.

Your Team at Behavioral Health Hawaii

The holiday season can be a time filled with celebration, meaningful connections and joyful events shared with family and friends. If you are in recovery from substances such as alcohol, opiates or other drugs this season can also be filled with profound stress. Being around friends and family can bring on emotional distress, as well as anticipated feelings of uncertainty.

We understand the unique challenges of balancing life choices with the critical importance of your recovery goals. We also understand that the first thing you put ahead of your recovery will be the next thing you risk losing. During the season of joy and gift giving, let your most precious gift be the gift of recovery – this is a gift you give to yourself as well as the ones you love.

We suggest planning ahead, and if necessary, limiting your time at family events, as well as other social celebrations.  If possible, bring a sober friend with you. Remember that local recovery support groups, including 12-step meetings, have holiday marathon meetings, to make sure you can access that extra needed support.

Finally, the holiday seasons are always a good time to focus on gratitude, extend a loving hand to someone in need, be a good listener, count your blessings, and allow time for relaxation, reflection and spiritual renewal as you prepare your heart and mind for another wonderful year in recovery.

There are so many reasons to consider that summertime may be the best time of the year. Gathering with friends and family, enjoying the beach, and summer vacations can also be challenging for people in recovery, especially early recovery when it is easier to experience relapse triggers in these pleasurable situations. Here are some suggestions for enjoying a summer and protecting your recovery.

1. Always plan ahead—If you know that you will be attending a party, barbecue, or other event that may be triggering, have an exit plan in place. Consider bringing your preferred non-alcoholic beverage and healthy snacks. Drive your own car so that you won’t get stuck there longer than you want to or bring a sober friend along for support. If you are going on vacation, consider researching some self-help meetings that are available in the area, or use online meeting to help you keep your focus on recovery.
2. 2. Enjoy the outdoors—Summer is a wonderful time of year to enjoy healthy outdoor activities such as hiking, biking, camping and swimming. Exercise is a great recovery tool, and fresh air and warm weather can provide a quick and easy boost to your mood.
3. Remember Self-Care—In addition to exercise, make sure that you get plenty of sleep and eat well. Taking care of yourself physically and emotionally makes it easier to make healthy choices and stay focused on your recovery goals. Sometimes it’s smart to say no to social events if you are feeling overwhelmed or especially vulnerable. Make sure you plan time for healthy relaxation.
4. Practice stress reduction practices – Early recovery can be an especially stressful time. Taking time for yourself, and participating in practices such as meditation, yoga, journaling, or even just quiet walks can help you build strength and resilience that you can call upon, especially during stressful times. Be careful not to over plan or schedule yourself too heavily. Take time to just enjoy each day.
5. Be honest with yourself and others – If you are feeling uncomfortable in any situation, feel it and own it.  If you need to leave, leave.  Don’t hesitate to tell others how you are feeling and why you feel that way. Sober support may be a text or phone call away – identify who’s in your corner and stay connected to your support.
6. Keep focused on your goals—Recovery happens when we work for it – this means that although temptations will arise we can use our support and our self-care to keep focused on our long-term goals. It is also important to plan for how you will celebrate your accomplishments. Part of planning ahead is recognizing when to make sacrifices that are well worth it and when to celebrate your success at living a fulfilling and meaningful life.
7. Practice, practice, practice – As you practice these new and healthy behaviors you will develop new habits that replace old, destructive ones. The more you practice new habits the more they will become second nature and contribute positively to one’s safety and wellness.