Do Sober Living Homes Need to be Licensed?

Recovering from addiction and learning to live a life of sobriety isn’t easy, but a good sober living home can help. If you’re on the hunt for suitable sober living homes and wondering whether or not they need to be licensed, keep reading to learn more.

Legal Requirements

Whether or not sober living homes are required to be licensed depends on the state you’re in. In the state of Utah, there are legal requirements you have to meet to operate a sober living home. This includes providing the proper staff, food and medical services and building and grounds to comply with laws. The important thing to remember is that not all sober living homes have to actually employ these staff directly; as long as they contract with the necessary staff or are able to provide referral information for clients, they are complying with Utah laws regarding sober living homes.

Another important thing to keep in mind when it comes to these regulations is the fact that the specifics often change. You can read the most up-to-date version of the regulations surrounding sober living homes in Utah on the Utah Office of Administrative Rules website.

The Best Treatment

Recovery is a long and arduous process for most, so it’s important to find a sober living home that makes the process as easy as possible. This means looking for sober living homes that provide the staff and services you need to overcome your addiction. Ideally, you should look for sober living homes where most of the staff is actually employed by the facility rather than being provided to you as a referral.

At Pathways, we do our best to create an environment that makes your recovery a little bit easier. We start by tailoring our services to your needs because we know treating addiction isn’t a one-size-fits-all deal. We do this using a team of in-house professionals, including therapists, counselors, alcohol addiction specialists, licensed clinical social workers and more. We also accept most insurance and offer to finance so you can get the treatment you need no matter what.

Sober living homes in Utah have plenty of regulations, but there’s also some wiggle room within them. If you’re looking for the best place to treat your addiction, you need to find a sober living home that goes above and beyond to provide treatment like Pathways.

Author statement:

Michelle Amerman is a licensed therapist and President of Pathways Real Life Recovery. Pathways is a mental health counseling and addiction recovery center in Utah. Her treatment approach is based on 30 years’ worth of groundwork and has been assessed and validated by pioneers in the field of recovery research.

Pathways Real Life Recovery
8706 South 700 East #205
Sandy, UT 84070
801-895-3006

3 Mental Health Effects of Sexual Assault and Abuse

What are sexual abuse and sexual assault? Sexual abuse is defined as any sexual contact between an adult and a child. In most cases, the perpetrator is someone known by the child. As for sexual assault, it refers to a sexual act without the consent of the victim.

Sexual Assault and Abuse can affect a person emotionally, psychologically and physically. The physical effect includes the fear of contracting HIV or getting pregnant. The emotional effect includes isolation, anger, denial, or disbelief. As for mental health, here are three effects of sexual harassment:

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)

Victims of sexual abuse and harassment often suffer from PTSD. Symptoms of PTSD include having nightmares, inability to sleep, developing severe anxiety, and having uncontrollable thoughts. They end up disassociating themselves from their family and society. In addition, they find it harder to trust new people.

Development of Depression

Whether sexual abuse or assault was reported or not, this experience can still lead to depression. Women who suffered sexual abuse becomes sad and feel hopeless. They tend to cry a lot (for no apparent reason) when in fact they just remembered what happened to them.

Having a Suicidal Tendency

Victims of sexual assault and abuse often develop suicidal thoughts especially after learning that they are impregnated. Without enough support from family and friends, these victims often contemplate death as their best way out. They think that they are suffering from a miserable life and everything ends if they commit suicide.

Help for Those Who Have Been Sexually Abused or Assaulted

What can we do if we knew someone who suffered sexual abuse or assault? The first thing to do is to tell her that we believe her. Show her our support. Do not force her to tell her story and wait for her to share her thoughts. If we notice that her situation is not improving, talk her into getting professional help. Find a professional sexual abuse therapist or an organization that can help like Pathways Real Life Recovery. Pathways offer different kind of counseling and assistance that can save a sexual abuse victim with their unique approach.

Author statement:

Michelle Amerman is a licensed therapist and President of Pathways Real Life Recovery. Pathways is a mental health counseling and addiction recovery center in Utah. Her treatment approach is based on 30 years’ worth of groundwork and has been assessed and validated by pioneers in the field of recovery research.

Pathways Real Life Recovery
8706 South 700 East #205
Sandy, UT 84070
801-895-3006

3 Ways Springtime Can Help Your Addiction Recovery

The best time to reach out to an addiction recovery center in Utah and start this personal journey is always ‘today.’ However, if you’re thinking about changing your life for the better as this winter melts into spring, you’ll find that the season gives you some key advantages over other times of the year. Here are three ways that springtime can help you beat addiction and build a new life:

Healthier Bodies

Recovery is not just a shift in mindset. It’s also about getting yourself into a better place physically. The increased sunlight in springtime will boost your body’s Vitamin D levels. This can increase bone strength, decrease your risk of heart decrease, improve your immune system, and may even reduce your chances of cancer.

Springtime also means an explosion of colorful, vitamin and mineral packed vegetables and berries in the supermarkets. Indulging in this affordable and delicious produce will further increase your health. Our bodies and minds are linked, so a healthy body can help you with the mental clarity needed for recovery.

Boosted Mood

Many people suffer from Seasonal Affective Disorder or more mild versions like the infamous ‘winter blues.’ Long nights and cold, gloomy days can do a number on your mood. Then spring comes along with lots of fresh air, blue skies, and brighter spirits. Many people can channel that emotional lift into the energy needed to tackle addictions that are dragging them down.

Active Lifestyles

Better weather gives you more opportunities to tackle common New Year’s resolutions. This could include making more friends, taking up hobbies like painting, or getting out of the house and jogging outdoors. This helps you build a healthy support network, distracts you during times when you’re tempted by your addiction, and gives you a sense of pride as you knock goals out of the park. Springtime can really spring-board major changes in your life!

Spring Cleaning for Your Life

Are you ready to turn over a new leaf as the leaves burst out this springtime? At Pathways Real Life Recovery, we guide people from all walks of life into making big changes. Our staff members are experienced in helping people with a wide range of addictions. Together, we will build a customized recovery strategy that is personalized to your unique needs and goals. Contact us today to learn more about what we can do for you.

Author statement:

Michelle Amerman is a licensed therapist and President of Pathways Real Life Recovery. Pathways is a mental health counseling and addiction recovery center in Utah. Her treatment approach is based on 30 years’ worth of groundwork, and has been assessed and validated by pioneers in the field of recovery research.

Pathways Real Life Recovery
8706 South 700 East #205
Sandy, UT 84070
801-895-3006

 

4 Hobbies That Can Help Reduce Anxiety

Individuals that are suffering from the ravages of substance addiction may experience the onset of anxiety during the earlier stages as they take the journey to recovery and attempt to create new strategies for coping. When seeking treatment such as rehab for depression and anxiety, dealing with lifestyle changes, creating new habits and a positive mindset can sometimes seem daunting.

According to motivational speaker Tony Robbins, ” Where focus goes, energy flows.” Let’s take a look at four ways to reduce anxiety that may prove helpful during recovery.

Listening to Music — according to the American Anxiety and Depression Association of America, the calming effects of music has been proven as a stress reliever and anxiety reducer. For instance, exercise is instantly more enjoyable and decreases anxiety when accompanied by music.

Yoga — the mind-body practice of yoga cannot only lower the heart rate, reduce stress, but overall anxiety can also be reduced, creating a relaxed state of mind and serenity. Whenever anxiety presents itself, turning to yoga is a beneficial option.

Journaling — one of the most effective ways to reduce anxiety, journaling offers an opportunity to capture any anxious feelings that may be present and helps to pinpoint those emotions and how we may be affected at that point in time. By identifying feelings of anxiety on paper, an individual is allowed to set goals and start the path of making lifestyle improvement.

Volunteer — whether visiting a nursing home several times a month or serving as a youth mentor in a church, volunteering can provide a sense of purpose and will place focus on others instead of self. This also presents an opportunity to meet new people, make new friends and create a positive environment, which in turn helps to reduce stress.

Someone who suffers from substance addiction does not have to go it alone. At Pathways, an experienced staff of recovery specialists, therapists and counselors are available to create an individualized program for treatment. For solution-focused therapy options, contact Pathways today where people are treated to become healthy, whole people.

Author statement:

Michelle Amerman is a licensed therapist and President of Pathways Real Life Recovery. Pathways is a mental health counseling and addiction recovery center in Utah. Her treatment approach is based on 30 years’ worth of groundwork and has been assessed and validated by pioneers in the field of recovery research.

Pathways Real Life Recovery
8706 South 700 East #205
Sandy, UT 84070
801-895-3006

3 Ways Music Therapy Can Help Those with Depression and Anxiety

Music is a constant in our world. It would be hard to go through your day without hearing some kind of music at some point. Even if it’s just the wind blowing through the trees, music is everywhere. The fact that music is so ubiquitous is also why it can be so healing: it’s familiar, predictable, and it makes us feel secure. Almost all of us grew up with our parents singing us lullabies and using music to help us learn in our formative years. Click here to learn more about our music health therapy program in Utah and continue reading below to learn more about ways music therapy can help with depression and anxiety.

Creates Distraction

Music therapy provides a welcome distraction to those suffering with depression and anxiety. Soothing music and rhythms help to shift the brain’s focus. This can also be used in conjunction with progressive muscle relaxation to help keep the mind distracted and relax the body.

Suppresses Sympathetic Nervous System

The sympathetic nervous system is the part of the body that deals with the “fight or flight” response. Music can increase both endorphins and dopamine, which is a neurotransmitter involved with the fight or flight response. Low levels of dopamine are often associated with depression and anxiety. Music has also been shown to decrease cortisol, which is a stress hormone. When dopamine is higher and adrenaline (another stress hormone) is lower, the sympathetic nervous system—and thus the fight or flight response—is suppressed.

Encourages Expression

Sometimes it can be hard to express and verbalize your feelings. Music therapy involves not only listening to but creating music as well. This can help you verbally express how you’re feeling and use music and sound to mimic your emotions. Music has also been shown to reduce feelings of isolation and improve the ability to communicate.

Music is a constant in our lives and is often something that seems familiar and safe, even when nothing else does. Whether you’re creating music or listening to music, the effects can be remarkable. Just turn on your favorite song right now we bet you’ll start to feel a little more relaxed. Therapy using music is part of our caring and loving approach to help you and your family overcome your struggles. If you’re suffering from depression or anxiety, our music therapy program can help.

Author Statement:

Devin Parker is the owner of Vertex Roofing, a roof repair and roof replacement company in Salt Lake City, Utah. If you have a roof with leaks or in need of repair and other damage, Vertex Roofing can provide a thorough inspection and free estimate.

Pathways Real Life Recovery
8706 South 700 East #205
Sandy, UT 84070
801-895-3006

How to Help a Loved One with Depression

It is important to exercise patience when comforting and helping someone who is battling with depression symptoms. In most cases, when words of encouragement fail to help and invitations get turned down repeatedly, most people either blame themselves for not doing enough or the person in depression. Here are ways you can help a loved one with depression.

Just Listen

Listen and provide emotional support to help make the person feel cared for. This is very crucial because people dealing with depression tend to withdraw and isolate. Therefore, be sure to listen with empathy and show compassion. Don’t tell the person to snap out of it or try to “fix” the depression symptoms.

Be Positive

Even if you don’t say a word of encouragement, your involvement with an individual with depression is a huge help. You need to keep an encouraging and positive attitude at all times. You should avoid pleading, scolding, or cajoling someone with depression as that will only serve to make things worse.

Do Research

Research and learn more about the condition so you can provide the right support. Find out more about the symptoms your loved one is showing because some people may not recognize depression as an illness. However, keep in mind that understanding the condition doesn’t necessarily mean that you comprehend what the person dealing with the symptoms is feeling.

Help Find a Therapist

It is almost impossible for the person dealing with depression to make the initiative of contacting a therapist and booking the first appointment to get help. Hence, you should do some research, ask for recommendations, and help your loved one book an appointment with a rehab center for depression and anxiety. In addition, if your loved one fails to have a connection with the therapist that you found, you should continue searching until you find the perfect therapist. You can find a reliable social worker, psychiatrist, or psychologist to help your loved one.

 

If your loved one is dealing with depression, contact Pathway Real Life Recovery for a solution-focused therapy. Our therapists use a personalized program that will meet your loved one’s specific needs. A pathway is all about helping people become whole again by restructuring their belief systems rather than holding themselves hostage. Remember to encourage your loved to be around people and stay active in addition to taking medication and attending the therapy.

Author statement:

Michelle Amerman is a licensed therapist and President of Pathways Real Life Recovery. Pathways is a mental health counseling and addiction recovery center in Utah. Her treatment approach is based on 30 years’ worth of groundwork, and has been assessed and validated by pioneers in the field of recovery research.

Pathways Real Life Recovery

8706 South 700 East #205

Sandy, UT 84070

801-895-3006

 

3 Crucial Reasons to Choose Pre-Marriage Counseling Before You Get Married

With the high numbers of divorce, one of the best ways that can help you save your young marriage before it starts is through premarital counseling. Couples that are planning to get married within the walls of their church are often required by the pastor or the ministry to go for counseling before they agree to officiate the ceremony.

For lovers that are not religious, they can miss out on pre-marriage counseling procedure since it is not a requirement. According to most studies, couples that choose to have premarital counseling tend to experience low divorce rates than those who do not. Here are reasons to choose premarital counseling before you get married.

It Builds Communication Skills

When lovers go to this type of counseling, they get an opportunity to talk to a religious leader or a counselor who provides the training needed to help the couples understand each other in a better way.

Couples who get an opportunity to go through premarital counseling inevitably build or establish better communication skills since they have a neutral party that helps them understand each other. With no doubt, this is one of the greatest benefits of this type of counseling. Apart from learning how to communicate your desires and needs, most couples also get to know how to handle each other.

Face Issue

Most couples who get an opportunity to attend pre-marriage counseling are in good position to discuss problems that many lovers argue about and most often result in separation or divorce. Marriage counseling may help you address complex issues before they arise.

Also, it will help you discover what your partner believes about the problem so that you can get a lasting solution or agreement before walking down the aisle. You can discuss issues such as the religion under which you will raise your children or even talk about what will happen if your in-laws interfere with your marriage. Having plans of action on how you will be able to handle serious problems will help you minimize altercations later.

Helps Couples Plan the Future

Most premarital counselors always do more than just helping couples go through their current problems. They are in the position to help them plan for their future. A neutral party or a counselor can help you set financial family planning or financial goals.

It can also help you find different ways of accomplishing your goals. This type of counseling is the best place for couples to talk about their expectations that they have for their marriage and life. Counselors help their customers focus on the healthy goals and the relationship changes.

Get Marriage Counseling in Utah

Are you or your loved one struggling with issues affecting your marriage or relationship? Contact Pathways Real Life Recovery for professional and personalized treatment. We offer free assessments, financing, and take most insurance. Talk to us today and let us help you.

Author statement:

Michelle Amerman is a licensed therapist and President of Pathways Real Life Recovery. Pathways is a mental health counseling and addiction recovery center in Utah. Her treatment approach is based on 30 years’ worth of groundwork and has been assessed and validated by pioneers in the field of recovery research.

Pathways Real Life Recovery
8706 South 700 East #205
Sandy, UT 84070
801-895-3006

5 Signs You Should Seek Trauma Therapy

Many people who experience trauma wait for things to get really bad before seeking therapy. However, it doesn’t have to be that way; there are signs that you can watch out for and seek help before matters get out of hand. Here are a few signs to look out for:

Fatigue and Disrupted Sleep Patterns

Mental health issues affect the quality of life and may result in a feeling of hopelessness. More often than not, your eating and sleeping patterns are affected. When you encounter any of these symptoms, then it is time to reach out for help. It will only be a matter of time before things go south.

Your Hobbies No Longer Interest You

When you stop enjoying or participating in hobbies and activities you used to enjoy, it may be a sign that a change is needed. Painful experiences can keep us from actively engaging in life, but if this goes on for a long time, you should ask for assistance. With the right support, things will get better.

Getting into Addictive Habits

Trauma can lead us to addictive and destructive habits. People may cope with trauma by abusing drugs or alcohol to numb the pain, or even by eating excessively. Over time, it becomes difficult to break away from these habits which subsequently reduces our quality of life. If it gets to this point, you’ll need help to improve your ability to cope with unpleasant circumstances.

Emotions Getting out of Control

Feeling overwhelmed by trauma can lead to emotional outbursts of anger or sadness, even when a very minor inconvenience occurs. If you emotions are boiling over to a point it is affecting your day-to-day life, it may be time to seek treatment. With help, you can make improvements, and you will be able to manage your emotions better.

Avoiding Social Events

You may find that you begin to dread social gatherings. This is usually driven by feelings of inadequacy stemming from what is going on in your life. Social anxiety can stand in the way of a fulfilling life. Seeking help will help boost your confidence and make you enthusiastic about life again.

For a personalized program that will make life worth living contact Pathways Real Life Recovery.  Schedule a free assessment today and discover how you can change your life for the better. At the end of the day, you’ll appreciate yourself more as your belief system will have transformed how you look at life. Do not go through life with a downcast heart. Seek medical support and get your life back on track.

Author statement:

Michelle Amerman is a licensed therapist and President of Pathways Real Life Recovery. Pathways is a mental health counseling and addiction recovery center in Utah. Her treatment approach is based on 30 years’ worth of groundwork and has been assessed and validated by pioneers in the field of recovery research.

Pathways Real Life Recovery

8706 South 700 East #205
Sandy, UT 84070
801-895-3006

 

5 Hidden Signs of a Drinking Problem

According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA), more than 15 million people struggle with alcoholism in the United States. Less than 10 percent of the people struggling with alcohol use disorder get treatment. Alcoholism, as it’s commonly referred to, is rampant among the young and the old. The condition wears many masks and can easily go unnoticed. Here are five reliable, tell-tale signs of a drinking problem.

 

Problems at Home, Work, or School

Excessive alcohol is bound to cause problems at work, school, or at home. These problems may not happen immediately, but eventually, everyone with a drinking problem faces problems at home, work, or school. The negative consequences of alcoholism are hard to miss even for high functioning alcoholics. These include lateness, absenteeism, mistakes at work, etc. If such problems begin to manifest, seek treatment in one of the established Utah drug treatment centers.

 

Mysterious or Unexplainable Injuries

One of the biggest signs of a person hiding a drinking problem is cuts, bruises, sprains, and bumps that lack an adequate explanation. These are common among binge drinkers. Falls and blackouts are frequent, leading to one ending up with injuries, which they have a hard time explaining.

 

Drinking Before and After Parties

A person nursing a drinking problem out of sight and under the radar will often drink before and after a party and other social situations. Persons struggling with the onset of a drinking problem often drink alone and in secret, rather than in public. That’s because a compulsive drinking problem often manifests as an internalized sense of shame.

 

Hiding Alcohol in Unlikely Places

Alcohol abuse is probably a culprit if prized souvenir bottles of tequila suddenly go missing from your liquor cabinet and turn up in a spouse’s desk drawer or under your son’s bed. Some people can be very creative when hiding their stash, so it’s not easy to find.

 

High Tolerance for Alcohol

How quickly can someone become impaired or intoxicated after they start drinking? Tolerance refers to how the body responds to the functional effects of alcohol. A high tolerance for alcohol is a sign of a hidden drinking problem.

 

A full blown alcohol use disorder was once a seemingly harmless social drinking. Anyone who drinks alcohol can develop a drinking problem, even without knowing it. Identifying the signs of a drinking problem can be difficult for family and friends of those struggling with the condition. If you suspect that a loved one is struggling with a drinking problem, contact Pathways Real Life Recovery for assistance and treatment for the condition.

 

Author statement:

Michelle Amerman is a licensed therapist and President of Pathways Real Life Recovery. Pathways is a mental health counseling and addiction recovery center in Utah. Her treatment approach is based on 30 years’ worth of groundwork and has been assessed and validated by pioneers in the field of recovery research.

 

Pathways Real Life Recovery
8706 South 700 East #205
Sandy, UT 84070
801-895-3006

7 Stages of Using Crystal Meth

If you or a family member are suffering from an addiction to crystal meth, it is important to understand the 7 stages that happen when you use this drug. Breaking an addiction to crystal meth is difficult, but not impossible, and with guidance and care from Pathways Real Life Recovery, it can be a possibility for your future. When you have a greater understanding of the seven stages of meth use, it becomes easier to grasp the complexities of overcoming this addiction and the need for professional care.

 

• The Initial Rush – The first physical reactions to using crystal meth include an increase in blood pressure, metabolism, and the users’ heartbeat which often feels like a rush of adrenaline.
• Understanding a Crystal Meth High – When high, users report that they often feel more confident and feel freer to express their thoughts and opinions, often in an argumentative and aggressive manner.
• Binging with Crystal Meth – Because they want to continue the high feeling that the drug initially provides, they will continue to use more and more. However, as the user develops a tolerance their high never gives them those same feelings of initial euphoria.
• “Tweaking” on Crystal Meth – As they come down from their high many users will turn to other drugs such as alcohol or opiates to help alleviate their feelings of emptiness.
• Experiencing a Crystal Meth Crash – When they finally quit bingeing and come down from their high, users will be completely exhausted and will often sleep for days at a time following an extensive crystal meth binge.
• An Attempt to Return to Your New “Normal” – Even after their days of sleep and when they feel that they are back to normal, users will have caused damage to their systems and psyche that can take weeks or months to get over. With prolonged use, this damage can become permanent.
• The Effects of Withdrawal from Crystal Meth Use – This drug does not stay in the system long, but its effects can be felt for weeks and months, even after you stop using and most users will require meth addiction treatment.

 

Yes, it can be difficult to overcome an addiction to crystal meth, but with the professional and effective care provided by Pathways Real Life Recovery, you will find the help that you need for your meth addiction treatment.

 

Author statement:

Michelle Amerman is a licensed therapist and President of Pathways Real Life Recovery. Pathways is a mental health counseling and addiction recovery center in Utah. Her treatment approach is based on 30 years’ worth of groundwork, and has been assessed and validated by pioneers in the field of recovery research.

 

Pathways Real Life Recovery
8706 South 700 East #205
Sandy, UT 84070
801-895-3006