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.

At True Life Center we believe in utilizing a variety of therapeutic techniques for your highest healing. Contact us today for information about our group therapy program.

What Is Group Therapy?

Group therapy is a structured setting where a therapist guides people in sharing their common experiences. Individuals who participate in group therapy can learn from one another and build new coping strategies. Group therapy can offer a personal, comforting approach to mental health care that brings solace to those experiencing tough situations.

There are different types of group therapy to meet a variety of needs. True Life Center offers evidence-based group therapies such as:

• Cognitive-behavioral group therapy (CBGT): This type of therapy helps participants restructure challenging thoughts and behaviors
• Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) groups: During this time, people engage in mindfulness, emotion regulation, and interpersonal effectiveness
• Support groups: These kinds of groups provide peer-driven conversations for individuals facing challenges that are similar to one another
• Psychoeducational groups: In this group, individuals are educated about mental health conditions and coping mechanisms
• Process-Oriented Groups: People in process-oriented groups talk openly about their healing process and develop both self-awareness and greater resilience

Knowing that you’re not alone can be such an impactful realization. People often find group therapy to be more helpful than they realized it could be.

Understanding the Goal of Group Therapy

The goal of group therapy is to provide a supportive setting where individuals can:

• Develop coping skills: Learning how someone else in a similar situation handles their stress, anxiety, or depression can reenergize you in moments when your motivation is lacking
• Gain perspective: Hearing others’ experiences offers new insights on your own challenges
• Foster healing in a social setting: Talking to people who just “get it” helps rebuild trust and confidence in social interactions
• Encourage emotional growth: Guided discussions promote self-reflection and awareness of where personal growth may need to happen

Group therapy can have a profound impact on your healing journey. If you’re wondering if it’s right for you, decide to attend at least three sessions to get a better idea of the benefits. After that, you’ll be able to make a more informed decision on whether it’s something you’ll continue long-term.

Is Group Therapy Effective for Everyone?

Group therapy provides a range of benefits that can accelerate healing and personal growth. It’s up to you to decide what your goals are, and whether spending time with people who are also on a healing journey can help. Group therapy is most effective at providing:

• Emotional support
• Reduced isolation
• Skill development
• Improved communication
• Accountability and motivation

Speaking with your therapist about how they think you can benefit from therapy with others is a good idea. They’ll be able to guide you in understanding which aspects of group therapy would be most beneficial to your healing.

How Does Group Therapy Work?

Group therapy follows a structured progression. These stages of group counseling include:

1. Forming: Participants are introduced to each other, and rules and guidelines for the group are established
2. Storming: As comfortable, people begin to share their experiences
3. Norming: Relationships are strengthened, and a sense of unity is created
4. Performing: Members actively engage in bonding conversation and practice new coping skills
5. Adjourning: The group reflects on progress and prepares for closure or transition to other therapeutic support

Group therapy is effective for various mental health conditions, including anxiety and depression, PTSD, substance use recovery, social anxiety, or grief.

At True Life Center, our experienced therapists curate group sessions that align with each individual’s therapeutic needs, ensuring a personalized treatment experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

It’s normal to have questions before beginning any type of therapy. Here are some of the most common questions about group therapy.

1. How is group therapy different from individual therapy?

Group therapy involves multiple participants sharing their experiences, while individual therapy is a one-on-one session with a therapist. Group therapy allows for peer support and learnings from shared experiences, whereas individual therapy focuses solely on the personal challenges of one person.

2. Will I have to speak during group therapy?

Participation is encouraged but never forced. Most people benefit more from at least occasionally sharing in the group. Participate at your own pace.

3. How long do group therapy sessions last?

Sessions are usually 60-90 minutes, depending on the needs of the group and the type of therapy.

4. Can I do both group therapy and individual therapy?

Yes, many individuals benefit from combining both approaches for a more comprehensive treatment experience.

Mental health concerns sometimes leave you feeling disconnected from the people around you. Consistently attending group therapy with people who understand what you’ve been through, can help you feel like you’re living life again. Support groups, for example, are often a vehicle for finding joy in human connection again.

Group Therapy at True Life Center

At True Life Center, we’re excited to help you heal. All of our groups are led by licensed, experienced therapists. We offer a personalized approach in a safe, beautiful setting so that patients can grow, heal, and support one another.

Take the next step toward healing and contact us today online or by calling 858.202.1822.

The post The Benefits of Group Therapy: How Shared Experiences Can Heal appeared first on True Life Center.

At True Life Center in San Diego, we practice a trauma-informed approach that guides the support we offer our patients as they find their way to recovery.

What Is Trauma-Informed Therapy?

Trauma-informed therapy is a philosophy that recognizes how impactful trauma can be on an individual’s life and health. Therapists who practice trauma-informed care prioritize creating an environment of safety and trust so you feel secure and comfortable to share your feelings and experiences during sessions. They understand how trauma influences emotions and triggers and can design treatment in a way that avoids re-traumatization and empowers you to heal.

Rather than treating just the symptoms, a trauma-informed therapist looks at the whole being. At True Life Center, we are committed to helping patients find healing in their minds and bodies.

Types of Therapy for Trauma

There are several effective types of therapy for trauma, and often, a combination works best. Common trauma therapy modalities include:

• Cognitive-behavioral and dialectical behavior therapies (CBT & DBT): Therapeutic approaches that help identify unhelpful thought patterns and teach people healthy coping skills to manage uncomfortable emotions
• Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR): Uses guided eye movements to process traumatic memories and reduce their emotional hold
• Holistic therapies: Techniques like mindfulness, yoga therapy, and acupuncture all work together to address the mind-body connection of trauma. These practices work to calm the nervous system and promote peace of mind

At True Life Center, we utilize all of these methods in creating a personalized plan for you. We address the varied aspects of who you are.

Trauma-Informed Therapy Techniques

Trauma-informed counselors use a myriad of techniques to help patients cope with trauma symptoms and process memories at a pace that doesn’t retraumatize. They work to teach new coping skills, improve emotional management, and design sessions so that you feel in control. Common trauma-informed therapy techniques include:

• Grounding exercises: These are exercises that help anchor you in the present (focusing on your breath or immediate surroundings) to ease the impact of anxious feelings or difficult memories
• Mindfulness and relaxation: Practices like meditation and deep breathing can help greatly reduce stress and calm your mind and body
• Somatic therapies: Gentle yoga, progressive muscle relaxation, or other gentle body-focused activities support the nervous system and help to release tension

Healing with a Trauma-Informed Therapy

At True Life Center, our therapists take a compassionate, team-based approach. Psychiatrists, psychologists, and holistic providers collaborate to create a well-rounded treatment plan that includes counseling, any needed medical support, and wellness practices. At True Life, there’s always someone in your corner to help ignite transformation within you.

Healing from trauma may take time, but with the right support, it’s very possible. Over time, you’ll begin to notice your anxiety decreases, your mood improves, and you regain a sense of control. Nightmares and flashbacks might fade, your sleep can improve, and you start to feel like yourself again. Even small steps are meaningful signs of progress.

Trauma-Informed Therapy at True Life Center

After trauma, you need a way to recalibrate your stress response system. At True Life Center, this means neurobiological integration (NBI). When you find peace for both the mind and body, the result is deeper healing. We want to help you go from surviving to thriving.

Quality care is so important. If you’re in Southern California, True Life Center in San Diego offers trauma-informed care in a convenient outpatient setting. True Life Center’s experienced team offers compassionate, integrative support. Call 858.202.1822 today to get started, or visit us online.

The post What Is Trauma-Informed Therapy and How Can It Help You Heal? appeared first on True Life Center.