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Tarzana Treatment Centers in Los Angeles is participating in Recovery Month 2009, in part, with articles about recovery during the month of September. Most individuals suffering from alcoholism and drug addiction begin their recovery with alcohol and drug treatment. So it is our pleasure to help bring awareness to the general public about the benefits of recovery to individuals, their families, and everyone with whom they interact.

Highly motivated individuals in recovery from alcoholism and drug addiction tend to be very active. This is healthy because it means they are “participating in their own recovery”. But being active should not wear individuals down to the point of exhaustion. It is important to find balance and maintain good health in recovery by recharging physically and mentally.

Alcoholics and drug addicts in recovery need to attend several 12 Step meetings each week so they can get connected with the fellowship. Along with meetings, they may be required to attend groups in aftercare as a commitment to an alcohol and drug treatment program. They may even go to recovery picnics, conventions, step studies, and church. All of this occurs while they try to spend more time than usual with family members and friends to rebuild relationships.

It all sounds exhausting, especially for individuals who work 40 hours or more per week. While all of the activities are probably enjoyable for motivated recovering individuals, the body and mind can only take so much. So finding brief moments for meditation and relaxation is very important.

If the body and mind are not recharged with meditation and relaxation, a type of “burn out” can occur in recovery. It usually happens abruptly rather than gradually. Individuals just stop attending their regular meetings, and don’t show at events. It isn’t difficult to prevent this from happening.

There are several things that will work. Daily meditation is important, but it must be real meditation that includes physical relaxation. Meeting friends in recovery for a coffee or meal is relaxing as well, and discussions will likely surround recovery but it isn’t required. Going on a weekend spiritual retreat with fellows in recovery is a great way to recharge.

Overall, it is important to not isolate. Relaxing with friends is more effective and fulfilling than being closed off from the world for a day. That is not relaxation, it is hiding. Quiet relaxation can be effective in just 15 minutes.

A good 15 minute technique for relaxing has been posted on www.lessons4living.com. It does not need to be used daily, but can be effective as a precursor for daily reflections and meditation. An excerpt from the page is below, and the link follows. It is likely that some relaxation may even result from just reading the excerpt, but we recommend learning the whole process.

— Begin external content —

Find a quiet place where you will not be disturbed for about 15 minutes. Dim the lights. Locate a comfortable chair in which you can sit straight up with your feet on the floor. Sit comfortably in the chair. Pay close attention to how you feel as you begin. Notice any stiffness or tightness. Are there any aches or pains? Do you feel tense, frustrated, or keyed up? Pay attention to how you feel now because you are going to become more relaxed, and you need a point of comparison.

— Source: http://www.lessons4living.com/how.htm —

Tarzana Treatment Centers in Los Angeles provides alcohol and drug treatment to adults and adolescents, and includes education groups as part of our commitment to integrated behavioral healthcare. For more information, please call 888-777-8565 or contact us here.

Southern California Locations for Alcohol and Drug Treatment
Tarzana Treatment Centers has locations all over Southern California in Los Angeles County. Other than our central location in Tarzana, we have facilities in Lancaster in the Antelope Valley, Long Beach, and in Northridge and Reseda in the San Fernando Valley.