HJNO Sep/Oct 2022

HEALTHCARE JOURNAL OF NEW ORLEANS I  SEP / OCT 2022 27 can take charge and lead to relapse. 10 A life review with the support of a counselor or sponsor, in which an addict starts at birth and remembers all the different experi- ences they have had up to the present, can decrease emotional triggers that lead to substance abuse. Reviewing the lifeline invites the opportunity to know all the dif- ferent events that were transitional in their life. There will be obvious events within the lifeline that caused major and discordant changes, and quite often it is the more sub- tle and minute events that may be the emo- tional triggers. Reviewing the difficult times as well as the victories within a person’s life is critical to building a strong foundation for recovery. Such a review allows a person to take inventory of their own strengths and weaknesses. Secrets can be revealed, domestic ways of thinking may arise, and shame for certain acts or thoughts will sur- face. The process of reviewing the lifeline allows the individual to see where there is unresolved grief or trauma as well as other emotionally charged events. Through this emotional work, an addict can be released from their self-imposed emotional jail, become cognizant of saboteur tendencies, and start to become aware of the actions from their past that allowed the person to survive in the midst of the challenging cir- cumstance. The individual will be able to see where and how they acted in order to survive and how these survival skills have become habitualized, consciously or uncon- sciously, through the course of their lives. Realizing that most historical actions are survival skills can allow the person to see that they were only surviving to their best abilities and can actually learn from those events. The process allows the lifeline to become facts rather than shaming narra- tives, losses to be grieved, and traumas to be released. This work enables the person to become more mindful of themselves as well as the world around them. The time- line becomes scars of wisdom rather than gaping wounds causing emotional distress. As triggers are identified, healing begins, and the prefrontal cortex can stay online rather than the impulsive, instant gratifi- cation limbic system of the brain. Self-for- giveness, recognition of habitualized behav- iors, and respecting the disease of addiction allow for someone to decrease the intensity, frequency, and duration of the emotional distress while using recovery tools to stay emotionally sober. Physical Physical health is another key compo- nent for building a recovery program that is sustainable. Literature continues to demon- strate the importance of physical health for healthy living and substance abuse recov- ery. 11 People with substance abuse have a tendency of having more physical ailments and mental health ailments with lower lev- els of cardiovascular exercise. Depression and anxiety are common within addiction, and research shows that exercise can be as useful for these mental health disorders as psychotherapy. 12,13 In the throes of substance use, most addicts are not likely to exercise to main- tain healthy weight, muscular fitness, and a healthy immune system. Severe substance abuse also takes an enormous toll on the body. Internal organs are compromised and need recovery and healing in order to be the physical vehicle that sustains the sober per- son. Physical health does not only include exercise. Nutrition is a key component of recovery as nutrition is the fuel for the body. Discovering a healthy and balanced diet allows the body to recover from abuse and give energy to navigate the present day of trial and tribulations. Along with nutri- tion, including water, sleep and rest are essential. If the body has time to rejuve- nate, it can continue to heal and be sharp presently. To be physically sound increases healing while decreasing fatigue, hunger, ill- nesses, and other physical stressors. Health can give the resiliency needed to navigate recovery. 10 Nutrition, exercise, and rest can become set rituals, which enable consistent and established programs for health. The body and mind benefit from the feeling of safety that accompanies consistency rather than constant change. On a sidenote, per- sonal hygiene can play an important role in physical and mental health. Healthy hygiene can build self-esteem and decrease illnesses. Maintaining personal hygiene will also help set rituals of self-care that set up neurologi- cal pathways of care and self-worth. Mental Intellectual well-being continues to help build the foundation of recovery. 14,15 Keep- ing the brain stimulated will help open neu- ropathways allowing the prefrontal cortex to be more creative, improve decision- making, and empower the person’s self- esteem. Mental lethargy can be destructive for recovery and can cause boredom and increase anxiety and depression. Knowledge can be the generator of power in recovery and the personal passion to continue with the demands and disciplines of a sober life. Learning new skills, going to school, par- ticipating in social events and service, con- versing in interesting topics, journaling, finding different cultural outlets, reading, and exploring what intellectually brings curiosity to the brain helps give motivation and vigor. Intellectual wellness decreases feelings of being unworthy and allows for new stimulation and new experiences as the mind wants to learn and grow, while intel- lectual discomfort can lead to substance use. 16,17 In successful long-term recovery, a feeling of fulfillment can also be achieved as the stimulated brain will help build struc- ture for success. Spiritual Spirituality has become a forsaken topic within the addiction conversation due to the chance of causing strife, offending some- one, or due to being more personal and less concrete in everyday vocabulary. Having an openness to spirituality as an individual path for making meaning out of life and a purpose within life is important. Barriers of spiritual connection need to be removed in