True Life Center provides compassionate guidance and treatment to patients looking to find healthier coping mechanisms and live a life free of substance use.

How Alcohol Affects Anxiety

When thinking about anxiety, it’s important to understand that the relaxation that alcohol provides isn’t all there is to the story. What can initially feel calming can actually increase anxiety over time due to the ways alcohol impacts brain chemistry. Here’s what’s happening in your body with alcohol consumption:

• Short-term relief: Alcohol first boosts GABA (a neurotransmitter that calms the nervous system), creating a temporary sense of relaxation. This is what most people are seeking when looking to relax or release feelings of anxiety
• Rebound anxiety: As alcohol begins to wear off, GABA levels drop, leading to an increased level of stress and anxiety
• Disrupting sleep patterns: Alcohol reduces REM sleep, which is essential for emotional regulation, anxiety management, and repair
• Increased heart rate: Alcohol’s impact on the cardiovascular system can mimic the symptoms of a panic attack

It’s easy to unknowingly make your anxiety symptoms worse by consuming alcohol. This can lead to an unhealthy cycle of reliance.

The Cycle of Drinking Alcohol with Anxiety

If you’ve tended to self-medicate with alcohol in order to cope with stress, you’re not alone. It’s important to understand, however, that this coping mechanism has negative long-term consequences. The cycle normally looks like this:

1. Anxiety arises due to stress, social situations, or internal worries.
2. Alcohol provides temporary relief and relaxation.
3. The effects of alcohol wear off, leaving behind feelings of anxiety once again. Sometimes called “rebound anxiety.”
4. At this point, many people consume more alcohol to relieve the anxiety.
5. A tolerance often develops here, with more alcohol required to achieve the same calming effect that it had initially.

Over time, this pattern can lead to dependence, worsening both anxiety and alcohol-related health risks.

Signs That Alcohol Is Worsening Your Anxiety

If you’re wondering whether you’ve developed a dependence and it’s time to seek professional support, ask yourself if you’re experiencing any of the following symptoms:

• Increased anxiety or panic attacks the day after drinking
• You find it hard to manage stress without alcohol
• You’re not able to socialize or relax without consuming alcohol
• Irritability, restlessness, or racing thoughts are things you experience often. These can be withdrawal signs
• Stress or emotional overwhelm is coped with by drinking alcohol

These may be warning signs and indicate the need for professional support. There is no shame in admitting you need help. It’s a brave, courageous step. And one that will ultimately benefit not only you, but your loved ones as well.

Co-Occurring Disorders: When Alcoholism and Anxiety Exist Together

When anxiety and alcohol dependence occur together, they are classified as co-occurring disorders. This means both conditions impact one another. True Life Center provides comprehensive treatment that addresses both conditions as needed for long-term recovery.

What Does Treatment for Alcoholism and Anxiety Look Like?

Breaking free from a co-occurring disorder requires professional expertise. Effective treatments include:

• Medical detox & withdrawal support: If dependence has taken root, supervised detox can ensure a safe, comfortable way of managing withdrawal symptoms.
• Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT): CBT helps individuals recognize any negative thought patterns they may be having that contribute to their anxiety. They then work with a therapist to develop healthier coping mechanisms to manage anxiety without alcohol.
• Holistic and mindfulness-based therapies: At True Life, we utilize whole-body techniques like meditation, breathwork, and acupuncture support for emotional regulation and stress reduction
• Medication management: If needed, non-addictive anxiety medications may be recommended to help your recovery efforts while learning new coping skills.

At True Life Center, you’ll find a custom, integrative approach to anxiety disorder treatment. We focus on healing your mind and body so that you’re ready to live life on your own terms again. Free of substances and free to thrive.

Call True Life for Anxiety Disorder Treatment Today

If you’re turning to alcohol for anxiety relief, you don’t have to. We’re here to help you find a better, healthier way to cope and begin a new chapter. Call 858.202.1822 today or reach out online.

The post Understanding the Relationship Between Alcoholism and Anxiety appeared first on True Life Center.

In 2020 alone, there were 99,017 alcohol-related deaths, and in 2021, there were 108,791.¹ With people drinking to help manage their feelings of anxiety, loneliness, and helplessness during unprecedented times, it’s no wonder that COVID’s impact on alcohol use continues to be felt. At True Life we can help you find freedom from unhealthy coping skills that no longer serve you. If you or someone you loved one is still feeling the impact of COVID, call 858.202.1822 to learn more about our alcohol addiction treatment in San Diego, CA. 

COVID and Alcohol Use Disorder 

For many, stress, isolation, and uncertainty became catalysts for excessive drinking and alcohol use disorder (AUD) during COVID. It’s not uncommon, during any period of intense pressure, for people to turn to coping strategies that are unhealthy for a sense of relief, even if it’s temporary. This can look like excessive shopping, eating, substance use or any number of things that, left unchecked, can spiral out of control. Unless people are taught healthy coping strategies to help manage their stress, it’s likely they’ll engage in behavior that isn’t healthy. 

During the first week of COVID lockdowns there was a 54% increase in alcohol sales in and a 262% increase in online alcohol sales.² Though people often believe alcohol consumption will help to reduce their stress, what’s more accurate is that alcohol can actually cause mental health issues to worsen by:  

• Causing disruption to the balance of neurotransmitters in the brain, which leads to increased feelings of anxiety and depression 

• Impairing sleep quality, which is critical for mental health and emotional regulation 

• Initiating structural and functional changes in the brain that intensify mental health symptoms. 

• Worsening symptoms of PTSD, bipolar disorder, and other psychiatric conditions by lowering emotional resilience 

If you’re still feeling the impact of pandemic-induced AUD, reach out to True Life at our alcohol addiction treatment center in San Diego, CA. 

Is Alcohol Use Still Increased? 

In 2024, the Keck School of Medicine, University Southern California, reported that COVID’s impact on alcohol use has persisted into 2022, with sustained high rates of drinking across demographics, including age, race, and gender.³ 

The pandemic amplified stress and gave individuals more time at home with easy access to alcohol any time of the day. It created a perfect storm for dependency issues. If you’re wondering if perhaps you’re experiencing AUD, here are a few warning signs to watch out for: 

• Drinking more frequently or in larger quantities than intended 

• Struggling to cut back or stop drinking despite negative consequences 

• Neglecting responsibilities or relationships due to alcohol use 

• Experiencing withdrawal symptoms when not drinking 

If these signs are familiar, it may be time to seek professional treatment. Early intervention can prevent further health complications and provide a clearer path to recovery. There is hope. 

Comprehensive Treatment for Alcohol Use Disorder in San Diego 

Seeking help for alcohol addiction is a courageous step. At True Life Center, we understand that the pandemic happened to all of us and we’re here to help you recover with empathetic support. Our evidence-based therapies and holistic care address the root causes of your addiction. Our programs include: 

• Customized care plans – Tailored to meet your specific needs. 

• Holistic therapies – including mindfulness, meditation, and yoga to support the mind-body connection. 

• Evidence-based treatments – Such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) 

• Partial hospitalization (PHP) and intensive outpatient programs (IOP) – Flexible treatment options to fit your lifestyle 

Our integrative model for alcohol addiction treatment goes beyond symptom management by fostering long-term recovery and wellness. 

Call True Life Center for Alcohol Addiction Treatment 

Located in the heart of San Diego, True Life Center offers a luxurious and supportive environment designed to help patients heal. You’ll benefit from the expertise of our multidisciplinary team, including doctors, psychiatrists, psychologists, and holistic practitioners, all dedicated to bringing you the highest quality care. 

You can reclaim the years that COVID took by reclaiming your sobriety. Call 858.202.1822 or use our online contact form.  

Sources: 

1. National Institute of Health (NIH) – Risky Alcohol Use: An Epidemic Inside the COVID-19 Pandemic 
2. JAMA Network – Changes in Adult Alcohol Use and Consequences During the COVID-19 Pandemic in the US 
3. Science Daily – Pandemic-era increase in alcohol use persists, research shows

The post COVID’s Impact on Alcohol Use appeared first on True Life Center.

If you or someone you love is struggling with alcohol addiction, our True Life Center team can help. Our comprehensive alcohol addiction treatment program provides the structure and support you or a loved one may need for long-lasting recovery.

What Are the Warning Signs of Alcohol Addiction?

While every person dealing with alcohol use disorder is unique, there are certain key signs that you or someone you care about has an issue with alcohol use. These include:

• Being unable to control the amount of alcohol you consume, particularly on a daily basis
• Trying to cut back on drinking alcohol but failing to do so on your own
• Feeling strong urges or cravings to drink alcohol
• Using alcohol in unsafe situations, like drinking and driving
• Developing a tolerance to the amount of alcohol you drink so that you need more and more of it to feel its effects
• Experiencing any withdrawal symptoms, like nausea or shaking, from trying to quit drinking

These symptoms are all signs that you or a loved one may have an issue with alcohol and need alcohol addiction treatment.

What Does Alcohol Addiction Treatment Usually Involve?

It’s crucial to recognize that alcohol use disorder is a disease, not a moral failing on your part. You are struggling with something that has taken over your life, and you deserve compassion and help, not blame or shame. That being said, it’s also critical that if you think you need alcohol rehab, you talk to your primary care physician as soon as possible. They can help you find an alcohol addiction treatment program that’s right for you.

If you do reach out to your doctor and determine that alcohol rehab is the best course of action for you, they may ask you a few questions before referring you to an addiction center. They may ask about your drinking habits, perform a physical exam if you are having severe physical symptoms of addiction, and also complete a psychological evaluation. It doesn’t stop there, though.

Which Alcohol Rehab Is Best for Me?

When you get referred to an in-patient alcohol rehab in California like True Life Center, you will be given a complete physical examination, as well as a psychological evaluation, much like your primary care doctor does.

However, at True Life Center, an alcohol rehab based in San Diego, we believe in holistic treatment. That is to say; we like to treat each person experiencing alcohol addiction as a unique and special individual. There are no “cookie-cutter” treatments at True Life Center. We offer a variety of therapies, from traditional talk therapy to group therapy and more, and we understand that you are not your addiction. You are much more than it, and we aim to treat the whole of you that way.

Some of our treatments include:

• Trauma-focused treatment
• Dual-diagnosis treatment
• Pet therapy
• Art therapy
• Exercise therapy with a full gym
• Body work
• One-on-one meditation
• Acupuncture

We use neurobiological integration to treat our patients’ addiction issues with a truly science-based yet holistic approach. Our True Life Center team believes in evidence-based approaches to alcohol addiction treatment and understands that not everyone’s path to recovery is the same.

Seek Alcohol Addiction Treatment at True Life Center

If you or someone you care about is struggling with alcohol use disorder, there is hope. True Life Center can be a crucial part of your recovery process, and we are more than capable of getting you on the path to a happy and healthy lifestyle. So don’t wait. If you are interested in alcohol addiction treatment in San Diego, call True Life Center today at 858.202.1822 or fill out our online form.

The post What Is the Best Treatment for Alcohol Addiction? appeared first on True Life Center.

At True Life Center, we can help you or a loved one heal with our addiction treatment and generalized anxiety disorder treatment. Our team has decades of combined experience helping people regain control of their lives with anxiety treatment and alcohol treatment. We can do the same for you or a loved one.

How Anxiety Manifests

Because anxiety can cover a broad range of disorders, such as:

• Generalized anxiety disorder
• Panic Disorder
• Social anxiety disorder
• Post-traumatic stress disorder
• Obsessive-compulsive disorder

However, symptoms will vary from person to person. Some of the most frequent ways it manifests, however, include:

• Racing heart rate
• Distraction or difficulty concentrating
• Memory recall issues
• Sleepless nights
• Muscle tension
• Jaw clenching
• Nausea, upset stomach
• Fatigue

You may feel edgy and unusually abrasive or find yourself worrying and looping over the same sources of distress without being able to find your way out. This fixation can feel overwhelming, and without the right help or guidance, it may lead you to seek other ways to cope. That’s where anxiety and alcohol come into play together, and initially, alcohol is extremely effective at reducing anxiety symptoms.

Why People Turn to Alcohol

Knowing what a potent physical and mental toll anxiety can take on anyone, it makes sense that someone suffering from frequent bouts of anxiety would turn to something that represents a soothing balm or distraction from the vicious circle of restless thought patterns. Anxiety and alcohol share a long history of use as a means to overcome that leads to abuse. It’s all too easy for one drink to take the edge off to lead to more drinks. If you can’t find any other outlet or means of dealing with anxiety symptoms, you may find yourself turning again and again to the liquid anesthetic. The more frequently you use it to calm your anxious physical and emotional symptoms, the more you risk teaching your body to depend on the substance, which leads to a greater need for it to achieve the same results.

Why Anxiety and Alcohol Don’t Mix Well

Feeding your body a cocktail when it actually needs skills to actually reduce the root cause of anxiety can only lead to an exacerbation of the symptoms you’re trying to escape. Although alcohol effectively brings initial relief from panic, insomnia, and anxiety, over time, alcohol can become one of the problems as it will worsen the very symptoms that it initially reduced. One of the best things you can do for your anxiety is finding the root cause of what is igniting it by seeking treatment before another difficult condition such as alcohol use disorder begins to manifest.

True Life Center’s Programs and Therapy Options

At True Life Center’s mental health IOP and PHP, we treat all of the above conditions with our unique neurobiological integration. Neurobiological integration is an integrated and collaborative approach that aims to identify the root cause of illness and gets results by using the synergistic combination of:

• Individual psychotherapy with DBT, CBT, and/or psychodynamic approach
• Specialized psychiatric treatment
• Acupuncture
• Mindfulness and self-compassion practices
• Family therapy
• Co-occurring substance use treatment
• Anti-craving medication

Finding Support for Anxiety and Addiction at True Life Center

True Life Center prides itself on helping you help yourself. After spending time with you and understanding the very real struggle you’re enduring, we will customize a dual diagnosis treatment plan using our integrative model that incorporates your dreams and your goals into the path we will build towards wellness and recovery.

Although anxiety and addiction may be challenging obstacles, recovery is possible when people decide to reach out for help. If you struggle with anxiety and addiction, True Life Center’s team of therapists and addiction specialists can become part of your team. However, the first step in this recovery journey is up to you. Contact True Life Center in San Diego by calling 858.202.1822 or completing our convenient online form to start your journey to healing today.

The post Anxiety and Alcohol: Identifying and Coping With a Common Condition and Its Unhelpful Anesthetic appeared first on True Life Center.

If you or someone you care about may benefit from alcohol addiction treatment, call True Life Center at 858.202.1822.

What Are the Signs of Alcohol Abuse?

While everyone suffering from alcohol use disorder can present their symptoms differently depending on the context, there are a few common ones that seem to occur across all people with alcoholism, including:

• Drinking more than you intended to drink. If you thought you would only have one drink but instead have five, that might signal a problem.
• If you’re unable to stop drinking despite trying, you might be suffering from alcohol abuse.
• You experience strong urges to drink, also known as cravings.
• You feel alcohol withdrawal symptoms, such as shakiness or nausea.
• Withdrawal happens when you don’t drink when you usually do or stop drinking suddenly.

These symptoms of alcohol addiction might seem scary or daunting to fight against, but there is hope. With substance abuse treatment, you can find a brighter future for yourself.

What Is Alcohol Abuse Therapy?

Alcohol abuse therapy involves a series of types of therapies. First, you must detox from your addiction. This may involve medication-assisted treatment under the watchful eye of your treatment team once you enter an inpatient rehab facility. Next, you will attend an inpatient treatment center, where you will live 24/7 and learn positive coping mechanisms to fight against alcohol cravings. You will also experience talk and group therapies, where you will discuss the root causes of your alcohol abuse and ways to best deal with them. Inpatient stays can range anywhere from 3 weeks to up to a year in length.

After you are done with your inpatient treatment, you will transition to an outpatient setting. This is a bit more relaxed, but you will still be applying what you have learned in inpatient therapy. Outpatient therapy consists of three types:

• Partial hospitalization programs (PHP) are the most intensive of all the outpatient therapies. In this scenario, you will live at home while attending treatment for up to 10 hours a day.
• Intensive outpatient programs (IOP) involve living at home while attending outpatient treatment 3 hours per day, 5 days a week.
• Standard outpatient treatment (OP) is perhaps the simplest and least intense of the outpatient therapies. Here, you will attend treatment sessions just a few times per week.

What Is the Best Alcohol Addiction Treatment for Me?

There is no one-size-fits-all approach to treating alcohol abuse. Of course, everyone must detox from alcohol, but sometimes patients manage to detox without medications, and sometimes they require them for safety. Some patients do best in one-on-one talk therapy sessions, while others may thrive in a group therapy session where they can connect to and relate with other people dealing with alcohol abuse. What’s important is that you get the right type of treatment for your needs.

Begin Your Recovery with Alcohol Abuse Therapy at True Life Center

At True Life Center, we take a science-based approach to treating addiction with our alcohol abuse therapy in California. We will work with you to determine the best course of treatment for your alcohol abuse. This individualized approach has led to success for many of our patients suffering from alcohol use disorder. Our team of compassionate and professional doctors, nurses, and therapists will make sure that you receive the treatment that is best for you. So if you are suffering from alcohol abuse, don’t wait. Contact True Life Center today at 858.202.1822 for more information about alcohol abuse therapy in San Diego or alcohol addiction treatment in San Diego.

The post What Is Alcohol Abuse Therapy and How Is it Beneficial? appeared first on True Life Center.

Myth: “I enjoy a few glasses of wine each night to unwind from work. My wife seems to have a problem with my drinking habits, and lately, she’s been throwing around the word ‘alcoholic.’ I’m a very successful businessman and a good father, there is no way I’m an alcoholic.”

A problematic drinking habit often begins innocently: as a way to relax or transition from work to home, as the most common drug people use to fall asleep, to have sex, to reduce social anxiety, and to enjoy themselves. So before we ask loved ones to stop drinking altogether, we must first understand what role alcohol is playing in their lives. Drinking problems are defined not only by how much and how often someone drinks, but also by the effect drinking has on a person’s health, home, social, legal, or work life. It’s helpful to avoid shame-inducing terms like “alcoholic,” but if your drinking is having a real and negative impact on one or more of your primary relationships, a wise next step would be to talk with your doctor or therapist in a supportive environment about the role alcohol is playing in your life and if an alcohol addiction treatment program could be right for you.

Myth: “My college-aged daughter confided to me that she has, on occasion, blacked out after drinking too much at a party. But that’s just part of the college experience these days, not an indication of a larger problem.”  

I want to first commend your courage for even exploring the idea that your child could have a problem with alcohol. For many parents, underlying fear keeps them in denial. Binge-drinking (defined as 4 or more alcoholic drinks within a few hours for women, 5 or more for men) is a part of the college experience for more than 40% of students, according to some estimates. My concern for those students, and for your daughter, is safety. The dangers of binge drinking include alcohol poisoning, unsafe sex, sexual assault, drunk driving, legal or academic consequences, and serious or fatal injury. Binge-drinking could certainly be an indication of an alcohol use disorder. It could also be a symptom of an underlying mental health issue like anxiety or depression. It would be in your family’s best interest to continue this conversation with a professional who can help you make informed decisions about wisely and compassionately supporting your daughter.

Myth: “Alcoholics just lack willpower. With discipline, someone could easily get their drinking under control on their own.”

This is the kind of myth that breaks my heart because it might prevent someone from seeking or receiving much-needed help. Alcohol use disorder is a biological, brain-based disease. It is my job as a physician, and our society’s job as a whole, to treat addiction with the compassion and medical attention it deserves. Consider a disease like cancer or diabetes; you would never suggest that someone battling those illnesses should simply will him or herself to overcome the illness overnight. Additionally, sudden and severe withdrawal could cause painful physical symptoms leading to hospitalization or death. In my experience, so many people suffering from addiction want to change, but they don’t know how. Safe, supportive, and effective treatment is the bridge between the desire to change and the ability to change.

Benefits of Addiction Treatment at True Life Center

Hopefully, Dr. Roybal’s words have given you hope. True Life Center provides outstanding comprehensive addiction treatment. Some of the benefits of our treatment programs include:

• Enhanced sense of self-esteem
• A support system of peers also in recovery
• Strategies to avoid your triggers
• Aftercare support options
• Personalized treatment plans

Our team of experts, including Dr. Roybal, will give you the tools that you need for genuine, long-lasting recovery.

Choose True Life Center to Begin Your Recovery

True Life Center for Wellbeing is an integrative mental health and addiction treatment center located in La Jolla’s UTC area. We offer an Intensive Outpatient Program as well as outpatient psychiatry and therapy appointments. If you or a loved one feels ready to prioritize wellness and end your drinking problem, please contact us today at 858.202.1822.

The post Ask the Psychiatrist: Do I Have A Drinking Problem? Alcohol Use Fact vs. Fiction appeared first on True Life Center.

Alcohol Counseling Near Me

At True Life Center in San Diego, we are proud of our supportive environment, which is cultivated by our caring team of expert practitioners. From your first visit, we hope you or your loved one see our dedication to high-quality care and a multidisciplinary approach. By beginning your search for a local alcohol treatment center, you have taken the first, and sometimes the most difficult, step on a journey to wellness. You deserve a team of dedicated professionals is to guide you to recovery and sustainable mind-body wellness.

Your personalized care begins as soon as you arrive at True Life Center. Our knowledgeable clinicians will listen to your personal history, walk you through treatment options, and help you determine the best path forward for you or your loved one.

Admission to Alcohol Addiction Treatment Program

Our admissions coordinator’s first role is to listen. By really listening to your unique story, she is able to provide you with the information and resources you need to make an informed decision about treatment. If True Life Center is not the best fit for you, we will direct you to alternative programs or practitioners that may be better suited.

The decision stage for entering an addiction treatment program may look like:

• Scheduling a tour for a firsthand look at our welcoming environment, meet with team members, and have questions answered
• Scheduling a comprehensive assessment that helps our clinicians understand your health history, recovery goals, and challenges
• Working with a True Life team member to explore treatment and insurance options

Once you complete an assessment, our team members collaborate on a treatment plan and schedule best suited to your individual needs.

Why You Need an Alcohol Addiction Treatment Center

Alcohol use disorder can disrupt every aspect of your life and cause harm to social, emotional, and physical health. In order to safely stop drinking, individuals can benefit from a structured and compassionate program to explore the root cause of the addiction. Our evidence-based Neurobiological Integration approach helps patients looking for alcohol counseling find help that is right for them. With an Intensive Outpatient Program, patients have the freedom to balance work and family responsibilities with alcohol treatment, so it is important that potential patients are in the right place in their wellness journey for autonomy.

True Life Center offers thorough mental health treatment to clients with co-occurring mental health disorders. If clinically recommended and desired, patients can work with our in-house psychiatrist to explore medications that alleviate the symptoms of withdrawal and reduce cravings. Alcohol counseling can introduce patients to individual and group psychotherapy and encourages develop coping skills that improve chances of lifelong recovery.

You may have family responsibilities that prevent you from committing to a residential treatment program. Our partial hospitalization and intensive outbound programs allow you to move forward with your treatment thanks to flexible scheduling and the ability to spend time at home.

Psychiatric Care for Alcohol Use Disorders

Our team of licensed psychiatrists and psychologists guide you through co-occurring disorders accompanying your addiction. These programs include:

• Generalized anxiety disorder therapy
• Childhood trauma treatment
• Social anxiety treatment
• Trauma therapy
• Depression treatment

Find Alcohol Counseling Near Me in San Diego, California

Alcohol addiction rehab leads you down a path to total healing at True Life Center in San Diego, California. Our integrative approach focuses on each client’s specific needs. If you’re looking for alcohol counseling near me, start with our effective addiction treatment program. Don’t remain in thrall to your addiction when help is nearby. Contact us today by calling 858.202.1822 or completing our secure online form to find out more about our alcohol addiction treatment program.

TLC’s Neurobiological Integration Approach

Our team understands the complexities of mental health, and we can help you or your loved one explore a customized healing path. At True Life Center, our dedicated professionals are committed to working with patients on discovering their true selves and living their best lives. Our unique Neurobiological Integration Approach aims to identify the root cause of illness and gets results by using the synergistic combination of:

• Individual psychotherapy with DBT, CBT, EMDR and/or psychodynamic approach
• Expert psychiatric treatment
• Acupuncture
• Mindfulness and self-compassion practices
• Yoga therapy
• Body healing with Qi Gong

Reaping the Benefits Of Finding Mental Health Treatment In San Diego California

True Life Center is committed to helping individuals find and express their authentic self. When suffering is deep and enduring, recognizing a path forward brings comfort and hope. Our aim is to provide a comprehensive map for long-term recovery and optimal health. We listen carefully to you and your loved ones to understand and collaborate in the creation of your True Life recovery plan. Finding the right treatment for your unique mental health concerns may seem challenging, but we are here to help.

Find the Support You Need and Deserve at True Life Center

True Life Center in San Diego, California, is dedicated to helping you. Our comprehensive mental health treatment program provides anxiety treatment, along with treatment for depression, trauma, addiction and more. No matter what you’re facing, our team is here to help. To learn more, call 858.202.1822 or reach out to us online.

The post Options for Alcohol Counseling Near Me appeared first on True Life Center.

At True Life Center, we want our patients to feel comfortable and clear about the journey ahead for those in our alcohol addiction treatment program. Our expert team is here to ease any fears you may have and to take the mystery out of attending an alcohol rehab program through our transparency.

Entering an Alcohol Addiction Treatment Program

When you first enter an alcohol addiction treatment program, you will undergo a thorough evaluation. As a part of this assessment, our clinical staff will:

• Gain an understanding of your complete medical history, including your family history and history of alcohol use
• Review your symptoms and behavior against diagnostic tools that may point us toward underlying mental health conditions
• Identify which therapeutic approaches may be the most beneficial to you and begin designing your customized treatment program

The cutting-edge neurobiological integration approach that we have pioneered at True Life Center necessitates an evaluation of both mind and body. Once the evaluation is complete, you and the staff will better understand which path your recovery must take.

What to Expect Once You Have Entered Our Alcohol Addiction Treatment Program

In our outpatient alcohol addiction treatment program, we offer two main levels of care. These are:

• Partial hospitalization — In the partial hospitalization program at True Life Center, we offer a program that is as comprehensive as a residential treatment program but without on-site boarding requirements. Patients in the PHP receive up to 20 hours of treatment per week, and as is the case in all of our programs, each treatment plan is tailored to the patient’s individual needs.
• Intensive outpatient — Our intensive outpatient program gives patients the freedom and flexibility to attend work or school and to fulfill their social and familial obligations while receiving the same level of customized care the team at True Life Center is known for. The IOP is ideal for patients who continue to need a high level of support and accountability, but who will also benefit from putting the lessons they are learning into practice in the real world.

Not every level of care is right for every patient. However, in the alcohol addiction treatment program at True Life Center, we ensure each of our patients receive individualized care that provides the tools needed to achieve long-term recovery goals.

Life After Alcohol Addiction Treatment

The end of your time in an alcohol addiction treatment program does not equal the end of your journey to recovery. Recovery is a lifelong process, and as such, you will likely need continued support and counseling. Over time, counseling may become less necessary, but avoiding relapse will always be a focus, and many of the wellness practices you will have learned at True Life Center will sustain you as you navigate everyday life.

Having a plan in place, goals in mind, and a toolbox of coping strategies to follow upon leaving an alcohol addiction treatment center is crucial for continued success. That is why our team at True Life Center is committed to working with you to develop an aftercare plan. With the help of the support network and skills that you have developed at True Life Center, you can feel confident about life after treatment.

TLC’s Neurobiological Integration Approach

True Life Team understands alcohol use disorder and how to find the root etiology, and we can help you or your loved one explore a healing path that’s custom-designed for you. At True Life Center, our dedicated staff is drawn to working with people on finding and freeing their true selves to live their best lives. Our unique Neurobiological Integration Approach aims to identify the root cause of illness and gets results by using the synergistic combination of:

• Individual psychotherapy with DBT, CBT, EMDR and/or psychodynamic approach
• Expert psychiatric treatment
• Acupuncture
• Mindfulness and self-compassion practices
• Yoga therapy
• Body healing with Qi Gong

Reaping the Benefits of Finding Mental Health Treatment in San Diego, California

True Life Center is committed to helping individuals find and express their authentic selves. When suffering is deep and enduring, understanding the path forward brings comfort and hope. Our aim is to provide a comprehensive map for long-term recovery and optimal health. We listen carefully to you and your loved ones to understand and co-collaborate in the creation of your True Life Recovery Plan. Finding treatment for mental illness may seem challenging right now, but it’s only a phone call away. Five minutes can give you the key to years of stability and contentment. Give us a ring to start your journey to healing today.

Learn More at True Life Center Today

Here at True Life Center, we utilize a Neurobiological Integration approach to treatment that honors the mind-body connection in healing from alcohol use disorder and addiction. Reach out to us online today or call us at 858.202.1822 to learn more.

The post What Happens in An Alcohol Addiction Treatment Program? appeared first on True Life Center.

What Is Alcohol Use Disorder?

Alcohol use disorder is a condition in which an individual is unable to stop or control their consumption of alcohol despite personal consequences. Individuals with this diagnosis continue to use alcohol in the face of risks and potential problems for health and well-being. They may appear to be preoccupied with alcohol, cut back on other pleasurable activities, or find themselves in dangerous situations. This pattern of seeking out, using, and recovering from excessive alcohol use often persists until it impacts every facet of life. While loved ones often recognize the problem early on, an official diagnosis requires a medical professional.

What Are the Symptoms of Alcohol Use Disorder?

Assessing the severity of an individual’s alcohol use disorder requires an examination of an individual’s use of alcohol over a period of time, as well as an exploration of the effects of use. A diagnosis of alcohol use disorder can range from mild to severe, based on the number and severity of symptoms. Some of the most common symptoms include:

• An inability to limit how much alcohol is consumed
• A failure to meet responsibilities at home, work, or school
• Drinking despite social or physical consequences experienced
• The desire to cut down on drinking but the inability to do so
• Experiencing tolerance (increase in the amount of alcohol consumed) and dependence (experiencing withdrawal symptoms when not drinking)
• Using alcohol to manage mental health symptoms such as those from depression, anxiety, or trauma

Some individuals with alcohol use disorder have very obvious outward struggles, while others are adept at masking their use and remain high-functioning. A qualified mental health or medical professional can help you assess whether you or a loved one have cause for concern.

When Do You Need an Alcohol Addiction Treatment Program?

There are times when alcohol use disorder requires immediate professional help. In severe cases, there is a risk of alcohol poisoning, harmful situations, or dangerous withdrawal. In other instances, the individual may be resistant to professional help because their alcohol use has not impacted their ability to keep up with their job or familial responsibilities. Yet, in both cases, the individual and their family could certainly benefit from the guidance of professionals at an alcohol addiction treatment program.

At True Life Center, we offer a comprehensive treatment program for alcohol use disorder. Within our alcohol addiction treatment program, individuals learn about their compulsion to use, why it occurs, and how to manage it. Often, those who have this condition also have underlying mental health issues, including depression, anxiety, or post-traumatic stress disorder. A defining component of our care is to uncover and heal the root cause of a patient’s distress.

If you suspect you or a loved one has alcohol use disorder, please reach out to True Life Center to learn more about treatment options, including:

• Intensive outpatient program
• Partial hospitalization program
• Neurobiological integration approach
• Trauma therapy programs
• Anxiety disorder treatment

TLC’s Neurobiological Integration Approach

The True Life Team understands alcohol use disorder and how to get to root etiology, and we can help you or your loved one explore a healing path that’s custom-designed for you. At True Life Center, our dedicated staff is drawn to working with people on finding and freeing their true selves to live their best lives. Our unique Neurobiological Integration Approach aims to identify the root cause of illness and gets results by using the synergistic combination of:

• Individual psychotherapy with DBT, CBT, EMDR and/or psychodynamic approach
• Expert psychiatric treatment
• Acupuncture
• Mindfulness and self-compassion practices
• Yoga therapy
• Body healing with Qi Gong

Reaping the Benefits of Finding Mental Health Treatment in San Diego, California

True Life Center is committed to helping individuals find and express their authentic selves. When suffering is deep and enduring, understanding the path forward brings comfort and hope. Our aim is to provide a comprehensive map for long-term recovery and optimal health. We listen carefully to you and your loved ones to understand and co-collaborate in the creation of your True Life Recovery Plan. Finding treatment for mental illness may seem challenging right now, but it’s only a phone call away. Five minutes can give you the key to years of stability and contentment. Give us a ring to start your journey to healing today.

Invest in Your Health by Calling True Life Center Today

Alcohol use disorder is a condition that could be causing you or a loved one significant emotional, mental, and physical distress. A better life is possible. Our alcohol addiction treatment program and mental health services are here to help you navigate back to wholeness. With holistic alcohol rehab, you can find your way forward and find the healing you deserve. To learn more about all we offer, please, call True Life Center at 858.202.1822 or reach out to us online.

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