The current version of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, or DSM-5, identifies substance abuse disorders as a category of mental illness. And 9.2 million Americans with a substance use disorder have a co-occurring mental illness. That means
Emotional intelligence is a necessary skill for managing your recovery. It helps you understand the sources of your addictions, respond constructively to your triggers and manage cravings. Moreover, it furthers your growth in every area of your life. Developing this
Developing your emotional intelligence in recovery can help you thrive in every aspect of your life. This skill increases your resilience in the world. It helps you face challenges and balance the highs and lows of recovery. With emotional intelligence,
The brain is a remarkably adaptable organ. It learns certain patterns and repeats them automatically so that you don’t have to think about everything that you do. However, it can take time to reverse unhealthy patterns that have been reinforced
What is Mindfulness? “Mindfulness is not just being present in the moment. Mindfulness is how am I present in the moment in a way that aligns with my values? Knowing what I’m doing, why I’m doing it, whether it’s healthy
Depression and Addiction: What kind of Treatment Do You Need? Substance use disorder — whether from alcohol or drugs — can often look like deep depression when in reality it is just severe alcoholism. On the other hand, someone with
For many individuals, anxiety disorder is also present with substance use disorder. Anxiety symptoms like dysphoria, irritability, and feeling agitated or overwhelmed can be experienced initially in response to withdrawal symptoms. But once sober, anxiety can become obsessive and even
While the specific goals of addiction treatment are different for everyone, the overarching objective is to sustain recovery. However, a single course of treatment is not always enough to prevent relapse, which has a rate of up to 60% within
Most people associate rehab with getting clean. While quitting drugs is essential to addiction recovery, it’s not the only important element for achieving and sustaining sobriety. You are much more than your addiction. Therefore, your treatment program must address all
Have you ever heard someone brag about their alcohol tolerance? When it takes you more drinks to get buzzed, you may feel as though you have some control over your drinking. However, alcohol tolerance is a sign that you are
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Dear Renewal Lodge Visitors,
My name is John Bruna, co-founder of the Mindfulness in Recovery® Institute, and more importantly, a grateful member of the recovery community. I am incredibly fortunate to have found my recovery in 1984. Of course, I did not achieve continuous recovery through willpower or my own efforts, but through the guidance and caring support of countless others that selflessly taught me how to live through the 12 Steps.
My journey of recovery brought this once homeless, shame-based, traumatized, insecure young man to a life far beyond anything I could have ever imagined. I discovered self-worth, the joy of helping others, the gifts of parenting and grandparenting, and most importantly the ability to live a meaningful and purposeful life with integrity.
One of the greatest gifts of recovery is that I have the opportunity to give back and help others discover their self-worth, dignity, and the skills to fully live lives that they find truly meaningful. This is the inspiration for developing the skills of Mindfulness in Recovery® (MIR) to meet the needs of new generations struggling with alcohol and other substance use disorders. MIR is a set of evidence-based skills designed to help people fully integrate their tools of recovery in ways that are personalized, practical, and in alignment with their deepest values.
While we train counselors and therapists throughout the United States and abroad, I personally have chosen to work directly with the amazing team and clients at Renewal Lodge to develop the model MIR 12-step program for the nation. I choose Renewal Lodge because of the vision of its mission and the dedication of its team. Renewal Lodge is an extremely rare environment in which the staff embodies the very mindfulness and 12-step practices and skills they offer their clients. The results have been beyond my expectations. It is an honor to be here and I treasure my personal time with every client I meet.
With Gratitude,
