RECOVERY and HEALTHY RELATIONSHIPS | Gifts of Eating Disorder Recovery

The gifts of eating disorder recovery are immense and incredible. In our other two posts on the topic of recovery, we focused on the meaning of GIFTS OF EATING DISORDER RECOVERY and Physical Freedom as a Gift of Eating Disorder Recovery. Eating disorder recovery in regards to relationships can mean the relationship to food, relationship to body, relationship with self, and relationships to others.This post will focus on recovery and healthy relationships. Even more specifically, healthy interpersonal relationships meaning relationships between people.

In my recently released book, EATING DISORDERS: Decode The Controlled Chaos - your knowledge may just save a life, I state that “Eating disorder sufferers focus all of their energy and attention into the dark world of their eating disorder, often leaving their family, loved ones, and friends behind.” Relationships are affected when one is in the depths of an eating disorder, or any type of addiction. This is especially true when one may feel or have felt like the only connection and relationship they have is the one with their eating disorder. Those who have struggled from an eating disorder, along with those who have been affected in any way by the wrath of an eating disorder, most likely understand that any or all of those close relationships are affected in a negative manner. The secrecy, avoidance and/or denial results in distrust, withdrawal, difficulty communicating, and a lack of emotional intimacy. For example:

• I slowly stopped returning phone calls. I said that I would do it tomorrow but then another day passed and another until the shame and guilt led me deeper into isolation.
  
• I am not a liar, but when it comes to my eating disorder or other addictions, I can look right into the eyes of those I love most and lie. I will protect my eating disorder at all costs.
• My relationship deteriorated, how can I let someone touch me when I am so repulsed by my own body?
• I make plans with a friend and have every intention of going, but as time grows closer all I can do is think of every reason possible why I have to cancel.

The connection between eating disorder recovery and healthy relationships tends to be a concept which is more accepted at different times along the journey of recovery.  Learning to trust others and becoming trustworthy is often a painful and daunting task. Eating disorders and addictions leave a great deal of destruction in their path. So, while some of these relationship gifts of eating disorder recovery may be extremely subtle,  some  will be much more pronounced. Some come earlier in recovery and some further along the journey of recovery.  Recovery can result in relationships filled with honesty, trust, sincerity, affection, healthy communication and clear boundaries. Some examples of healthy relationships as one of the many gifts of not only eating disorder recovery, but recovery in general, includes:

• The ability to actually speak my truth and have someone listen to me and even actually hear me.
• The ability to use my voice and not be questioned.
• To be believed and know there were no secrets or lies.
• The ability to go out with a friend, which is a big deal in the first place, and laugh.
• The ability to be present and engaged instead of comparing self to others.
• To allow my significant other to hug me without me pulling away because I was too focused on him thinking I was “fat”
• I am married, I have children and I love my family.
• I have people in my life that I can call and we can rely on one another.
• I have a group of women in my life that I truly love and they truly love me.
• I can go to a social event and freely engage with others.
• I am able to help others and serve as a role model of woman who has recovered from an eating disorder.

The list goes on and on and is so personal for each individual. Please share some of your stories of recovery and healthy relationships. Everyone needs hope and to know there is a light and beauty ahead on the path of recovery. It is so important to reflect on the unique gifts that we have experienced through recovery and share with others to give hope those who may still be living in the darkness of an eating disorder.

If you or someone you know or love may be struggling with an eating disorder, please utilize the resources listed below to help find support and treatment in your area. Also, follow me on twitter- @ericaives

National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA)- nationaleatingdisorders.org

International Eating Disorders Professionals Association (IAEDP)- iaedp.org

Eating Disorder Treatment and Information Centre edreferral.com

 PHYSICAL FREEDOM IN EATING DISORDER RECOVERY

physical freedom in eating disorder recovery

Physical freedom as one of the many gifts of eating disorder recovery, are usually the most difficult ones to embrace. In early recovery it often feels more like physical punishment than physical freedom. Having to experience the physical discomfort of one’s changing body can be agonizing. Then on top of that,  learning to connect to physical sensations, something that we know that an eating disorder sufferer attempts to disconnect from, is terrifying. Some of these sensations include bodily cues, such as hunger and fullness cues. Early eating disorder recovery is often met with some resistance, feelings of discomfort, anxiety, and even disgust. An eating disorder sufferer does not trust her body and so having to learn to trust the body all over again can be so incredibly scary, to say the least. Further along the journey of recovery, the gifts of eating disorder recovery, including physical freedom, may actually start to be met with curiosity and wonder, as well as relief and freedom.  For example:

• I am starting to have more energy.
• My headaches from purging or dehydration are going away.
• I can sleep through the night and wake up feeling somewhat refreshed.
• I am not so constipated all of the time.
• I got my period again. This has a great deal of additional underlying meanings and metaphor for eating disorder sufferers and deserves to be explored further in another post.
• I was able to get up in the morning and make the choice to not do any body checking.
• I have energy instead of feeling weak and depleted.
• My throat is not sore anymore since I stopped purging.
• I don’t have that gross vomit taste in my mouth anymore.
• My eyes are clear and not so bloodshot anymore
• My heart is calmer and not beating so quickly all the time.
• I no longer have severe stomach pains because I stopped abusing laxatives.

As one moves even further along their journey of recovery, these physical gifts of eating disorder recovery bring strength, health, life, and overall freedom

•  I am physically strong and can engage in the physical activities that I love.
• I am having a baby and it is my greatest gift of recovery.
• I trust my body and know it is working at its most optimal level.
• I can wear one layer instead of three, not only because I am no longer trying to hide my body, but because I am no longer cold all of the time.
• I feel freedom to wear a bathing suit.
• I can look in the mirror and actually like what I see.

PLEASE KNOW that there is no exact time frame for one to shift beliefs on the physical gifts of eating disorder recovery. Recovery is unique to every individual because no two people are exactly the same. And while some of these gifts may seem so unachievable, they do happen if you choose to live a mindful recovery. The list goes on and on and is so personal for each individual. Please share some of your stories and gifts of eating disorder recovery as they relate to physical freedom, wherever you may be on your journey of recovery. Please also share your stories if you are someone who has experienced these gifts in relation to someone who has suffered from an eating disorder. It is so important to reflect on the unique gifts of physical freedom that you have experienced through recovery and share with others to give hope those who may still be living in the darkness of an eating disorder. If you or someone you know or love may be struggling with an eating disorder, please utilize the resources listed below to help find support and treatment in your area. National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA)- nationaleatingdisorders.org International Eating Disorders Professionals Association (IAEDP)- iaedp.org Eating Disorder Treatment and Information Centre edreferral.com My new book, EATING DISORDER: Decode the Controlled Chaos is now available for purchase. Please click here for more information and thank you for all of your support. Remember, your knowledge may just save a life. My best to all, Erica

GIFTS OF EATING DISORDER RECOVERY| Recovery Psychotherapy Calabasas

Gifts of eating disorder recovery

If you are in the early stages of eating disorder recovery, the concept of the gifts of eating disorder recovery may understandably be a difficult concept to grasp. If you are further along on your journey of recovery, you may know more of what I am referring to. However, no matter where you are in your recovery, my hopes in writing this blog are to reinforce the fact that the gifts of eating disorder recovery can be and are truly incredible.

Being a woman, even before being a therapist, who has walked on my own journey of recovery after battling an eating disorder that consumed at least 15 years of my life, I will never forget the early stages of recovery. One of the reasons I so clearly connect to my early recovery is because I have the honor of helping others struggling with an eating disorder. Another reason is because it easily connects me to the feeling of gratitude and another opportunity to remember my gifts of eating disorder recovery. And let me tell you, that the early stages seemed so dark, with only slight glimmers of light. But, those who lit my path of early recovery continually helped me to understand the meaning of the gifts of eating disorder recovery.

The gifts of eating disorder recovery come at so many areas including a physical, emotional, cognitive (thoughts), interpersonal (relationships), vocational (career or job), spiritual levels, and beyond. For the sake of this blog post, I will simply begin to provide an overview of the meanings of this concept of the gifts of eating disorder recovery.  So please come back to mindfulpath.com/blog- to focus more specifically on each of the mentioned areas of recovery.

In the early stages of recovery, you may only grasp the concept of recovery through the eyes and words of others. It may seem almost impossible to even imagine that you can or even want to live without your eating disorder. But, one of the earliest gifts of eating disorder recovery comes from admitting that you may even be struggling with an eating disorder. This gift of eating disorder recovery is honesty. Once you think of getting help or actually seek help, you are gaining even more gifts of recovery. Some of these gifts include strength, a desire to live differently, hope (even if it is a glimpse), and more. Once you begin breaking free of rigid food rituals, or fighting your urges to binge or purge, or eating an unsafe food, you are connecting to more gifts of eating disorder recovery. I know that at the time, one may not view these experiences as a gift, but instead as a punishment, a struggle, or even horrifying. That is why is so important to have someone in your life who can help you see the successes. With that being said, some of the gifts of eating disorder recovery may include proving to yourself (even if it is for the moment) that you are capable and determined. That you are able to break free of the rigid rules of your eating disorder and practice flexibility. You may be beginning to feel better physically, whether it is having more energy or fewer stomachaches. These are gifts of eating disorder recovery. You may be letting other people in your life and beginning to build trusting relationships. You may be becoming back to life and believing that you deserve some of the joys that life has to offer.

The list goes on and on and is so personal for each individual. Please share some of yours or others gifts of eating disorder recovery. It is so important to reflect on the unique gifts that you have experienced through your own recovery and share with others to give hope to those who may still be living in the darkness of an eating disorder.

If you or someone you know or love may be struggling with an eating disorder, please utilize the resources listed below to help find support and treatment in your area. Pick up a copy of EATING DISORDERS: Decode the Controlled Chaos, writted by myself- Erica Ives, M.A., MFT, CEDS, Licensed Marriage and Famiy Therapist and Certified Eating Disorder Specialist.

National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA)- nationaleatingdisorders.org

International Eating Disorders Professionals Association (IAEDP)- iaedp.org

Eating Disorder Treatment and Information Centre edreferral.com

My best to you,

Erica

Do you know what pushes YOUR buttons? Do you know what activates that nerve deep inside you? Makes your heart start racing? Makes you want to crawl back into bed to disconnect, numb, and avoid. Do you know what makes you want to run as quickly as possible? Can you identify YOUR relapse prevention triggers so you can live a mindful recovery?

It is so important to have as much mindfulness to identify YOUR relapse prevention triggers because life will always keep knocking on your door. Have you ever heard the statement that nothing predicts the future better than the past? Well, if you choose to take a look back, an inventory if you will, of what evokes that strong emotional response or activates those sometimes unruly voices in your head, then that would be just the right place to start. The first goal is to identify YOUR relapse prevention triggers beforehand, so you can create more predictability in an unpredictable world. This will ultimately help prevent a relapse and keep you on a path of mindful recovery.

So what really does a “trigger” mean? Thoughts, feelings, or memories that have some connection to your past, but are occurring in the present, define a trigger. Triggers are very personal and mean different things to different people.

Remember, relapse prevention triggers can be much more than times of high risk, which can include holidays, divorce, death, a move, stress, as well as relationships, marriage, having a child, and aging.  A trigger includes your interpretations and responses to all of these events. Anything that threatens abandonment or predictability, provokes feelings of inadequacy, rejection, loneliness, boredom, or fear can translate to a personal trigger.  A trigger can activate one or several of your senses including sight, sound, touch, taste, and touch. To be even more specific, a song you hear on the radio, the tone of someone’s voice, the way someone looks at you, or simply a particular time of the day can be triggering.

So, by becoming more MINDFUL of self on all levels, you will be more likely to continually increase your ability to identify YOUR relapse prevention triggers for mindful recovery.  Start taking an inventory of your experiences, meaning becoming conscious of people, places, things that evoke a strong emotion, or a thought that makes you suddenly feel uncomfortable, weak, or more fearful than is appropriate to the situation. Have someone you trust help you with this, remember you can be your own worst critic and often need someone who can guide you down the right path. Then you can make the choice to do something beneficial for your recovery instead of choosing the self-destructive behavior.

Eating Disorders and Apps-Toxic or Healthy Relationship| Recovery Expert

Who knew that eating disorders and apps would be in the same sentence? I don’t know that anyone knew, but what I do know is that eating disorders are insidious. They will use whatever vices are available to make sure the sufferer is obedient and makes that eating disorder the number one priority.  Welcome to the new relationship between eating disorders and apps- a toxic or healthy relationship? Apps can prove to have both dangers and benefits to recovery, all of which need to be explored and talked about.

The relationship with eating disorders and the internet is alive and thriving is both healthy and toxic ways. Pro-mia(pro-bulimia) and pro-ana (pro-anorexia) eating disorder websites focus on “how to” tips and tricks to be exceptional at your eating disorder  and the concept of “thinspiration” in the form of photos of dangerously thin individuals. While many site hosts have shut down and banned these websites, they are still in and continue to come into existence. Besides social media, we now have new outside factors, which have come from that deep relationship between eating disorders and the internet to contend with: the world of apps, some of which can feed an eating disorder and pose dangers to recovery.

Many apps can be a potentially dangerous playground for creating and exacerbating one’s eating disorder which results in a very toxic relationship.  There are apps that feed an eating disorder by telling you how many calories you have eaten, how many calories you “should” be eating, how many steps you have walked, how many steps you “should” be walking. Some apps even have “friendly” reminders that it is time to exercise and these apps can ultimately become some of a sufferer’s eating disorder voice, rules, and commandments. As if the eating disorder sufferer didn’t have enough to already contend with. There are also motivational apps to help one lose weight, apps to find different diets, learn on the go exercises, and apps that even serve as scales to help you track your weight loss. Now don’t get me wrong, I imagine that some of these apps are extremely beneficial for some, but for others they can be extremely dangerous.

Eating disorders and apps also have the capacity for a very meaningful and healthy relationship, especially when the app works to turn the eating disorder on the journey called recovery. This healthy and meaningful relationship is known as eating disorder recovery apps, that can be a beneficial tool to aid in one’s recovery.  I have seen many of my clients find that these eating disorder recovery apps actually help in numerous ways, including creating accountability, staying connected to others, increasing mindfulness, and being an easily accessible recovery tool. Some of the top eating disorder recovery apps of 2012 include, but are not limited to,

1. Recovery Record (Eating Disorder Management) is “the smart companion for managing your journey to recovery from eating disorder including anorexia, bulimia, obsessive eating, compulsive eating, and binge eating.”

The app helps users track progress, log food and feelings, connect with treatment providers, and build coping tactics. This 5-star app also allows users work toward goals, achieve their rewards, and even collect clips in a scrapbook.

2. The Body Beautiful, as an eating disorder recovery app, helps users embrace their bodies and self-image to develop confidence and self-acceptance. The app delivers inspirational quotes, videos, articles, and other media tools on a regular basis.

The app lets users collect and share their favorite quotes and items, including the latest body-positive celebrity reflections. Body Beautiful also encourages chatting among members and a user “pledge” to respect and love their bodies. This app is primarily targeted to women working to end “fat talk” and wars against calories.

3. Positive Thinking is about training your brain to be optimistic—may be a helpful strategy for people with body image problems and eating disorders by learning strategies for self-appreciation and confidence.

This app is also customizable. It helps users work on topics such as decision-making, health, perfectionism, self-control, and other subjects that are useful for individuals with eating disorders. The quotes are inspirational and allow users to focus on whichever area of improvement most interests them.

4. Optimism is a mood charting app that helps you develop strategies for managing depression, bipolar or other mental health conditions.

Let’s talk about it. Let’s talk to each other, our children, our family, our friends, and our loved ones. Eating disorders and apps have shown to be a very toxic relationship, but when recovery comes along, it is much more likely to become a healthy relationship.  Awareness and knowledge….it’s imperative and it starts there.. To learn more please refer to  EATING DISORDERS: Decode the Controlled Chaos which is my recently published book.

Best,

Erica

Wow, wow, wow…can you only imagine the experiences of the olympic athletes and the emotions they must endure? As a sports therapist Los Angeles, I must say that the Olympics have done a beautiful job introducing our athletes as REAL people, the commercials have spoken about GREATNESS being in whatever it is your doing, they have connected us to the gratitude that these athletes have for those who have supported and believed in them. Celebrating moments of happiness can bring a smile to our face, chills up our spine, and tears in our eyes. Stories of hope, the parents sharing their fondest memories and dedicated belief in their child. To watch the parents share about the pride they feel for their child. The athlete looking for a parent in the audience to share their greatest accomplishment ever is an incredible moment to watch and be a part of. So overcome with emotions…

But then it can all change in the blink of an eye. The pain in their eyes, the grief in their souls, the unbearable disappointment and shame the athletes are left to deal with when it doesn’t go right. Sitting with the camera as close up to the athlete’s face as possible, trying to catch every expression, every potential tear that may or may not fall from their eyes. Trying to shield themselves from the world yet being more exposed than imaginable. Suddenly the athlete has never felt so alone and wants nothing more than to disappear. So overcome with emotions….

Remember, it’s just a moment. A moment that can push you to work harder, hold on your to dreams, or shatter your world. The athlete must gain their composure, regain their confidence, and move to the next event. This is a lesson for those of us living our lives on a much “smaller” scale. Successes are amazing and disappointments are inevitable. One day the lights can go out and the hope can be depleted, but the next hour or the next day the event results in a score that erases that shame, disappointment, and pain. But you must embrace and stay mindful within each moment to embrace the moment that lies ahead. Let the lessons of these Olympics remind us of the importance of having healthy tools to navigate the struggles and embrace the joys that we create and that life brings. To be overcome with emotions is simply truly living in the moment. And every moment is simply that, a moment…

In the last 30 years, recognizing that thoughts are connected to feelings and behaviors has helped therapists to assist their clients to take an active role in their recovery.  This type of therapy, know as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), helps us recognize that negative thoughts can become a habit and affect our mood, beliefs and behaviors choices.  With the help of CBT, many people have successfully reprogrammed the thought pathways in their brain changing negative beliefs about self and the world to more hopeful perspectives. This has in turn reduced their experience of depression, anxiety and stress.  Using CBT methods such as automatic thought records, affirmations, thought stopping, cost benefits analysis, and evidence gathering gives a greater awareness of thinking patterns, which when modified can bring a more harmonious relationship with self, others and the world.

Erica Ives, MFT, CEDS and founder of Mindfulpath, Inc. in Calabasas needs YOUR help to expose these deadly dangers and help you with Eating Disorder Treatment Calabasas

Have you ever heard of this secret language known as “Pro-Ana” or “Pro-Mia” that has been continually emerging on the Internet?  Well, It is time to further expose this secret that continues to perpetuate and glorify the true darkness, despair, and imprisoning world of eating disorders and Erica Ives, MFT, CEDS (Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and Certified Eating Disorder Specialist) and the founder of Mindfulpath, Inc. in Calabasas, CA wants to begin to teach you how.

“Pro-Ana,” known as pro-anorexia and “Pro-Mia”, known as pro-bulimia, are websites that promote these deadly eating disorders as a “lifestyle choice.” These sites may initially be explored due to curiosity or even as a way to gain support or connect with others struggling with body-image issues and/or eating disorders.  But instead what you see are images and words that definitely strike a cord and leave a lasting impression.  The numerous images of emaciated models, the detailed descriptions of how-to tips, and the dark affirmations and poetry found on these sites are quite disturbing. Yet, for the individual suffering, these websites may provide almost a sense of community: a place where they no longer feel so alone, a place to find new ways to attempt to strive for even more perfection, and become even better at their eating disorders. For those struggling with body image issues and fighting their own critical and negative self-talk, for those spiraling downward into dangerous eating disorders, or those vacillating with recovery are easily lured into this dark world. Pro-Ana and Pro-Mia websites may validate the idea that it is ok and even desirable to have an eating disorder.

Young women write the majority of these websites and they have become very popular amongst the teen population.  Although many large search engines have worked to ban these sites, there are still hundreds that continue to pop up.

So, what do you do? We as a community, as parents, as significant others, family members, peers, and those courageous individuals on the path of recovery must become knowledgeable and involved.

• Use your voice. Speak out anyway you can to share your Anti-Ana and Anti-Mia position. Use online forums, write letters, and volunteer at eating disorder treatment centers.
• Be a role model. Pay attention to your own actions and behaviors and be willing to make your own changes.
• Be responsible and proactive parents. Know what your kids are doing on the Internet. Loving someone means being involved and taking actions even if sometimes doesn’t feel comfortable.
• Report Pro-Ana and Pro-Mia websites to the hosting ISP. Unfortunately, as long as a website promoting the pro-Ana movement includes a disclaimer stating that “those who are in recovery or those who are looking to become eating disordered should not enter the site,” it cannot legally be removed. However, there are many ISPs that are unwilling to take the risk that the website will be responsible for a death and are willing to shut down the site.
• Sign a petition to ban Pro-Ana websites http://www.petitiononline.com/killana/petition.html
• Read NEDA’s (National Eating Disorder Association) position paper on Pro-Anorexia and Pro-Bulimia Websites. http://www.NationalEatingDisorders.org
• Visit www.webiteback.com, an anti Pro-Anorexia website to fight back.

My name is Erica Ives, MFT, CEDS and as a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and Certified Eating Disorder Specialist for more than 15 years. I have a private practice in Calabasas, work as a Clinical Director of a treatment center, provide clinical supervision as a CAMFT Certifed Clinical Supervisor for over 10 years,  and am also a published author and speaker on the topics of addiction, eating disorders, and recovery. Specializing in the treatment of eating disorders, I believe that the lack of knowledge and true understanding is bringing this illness to epidemic proportions. Make a choice to become more pro-active. It starts right here and right now. For more information on eating disorders and treatment, please visit http://www.mindfulpath.com

Calabasas Psychotherapy – Self-care and a mindful breath- inhale then exhale

Self-care simply starts by taking a mindful breath, inhale then exhale. While this may sound like a cliché, it is true. It is not only true, it is simple. Yes, simple. With every breath, you are making a mindful decision that you want to live. Making a decision that you want to live is self-care. Mindful breath awareness supports our mind, body, and spirit.

 I am sure you are aware of the good old saying, “If I don’t take care of myself, I am no good to anyone else.” Well, this is about as true as it gets. But, easier said than done, right? Not necessarily. I don’t believe that anyone does not truly want to take care of oneself; instead I believe that one may just not know how. When you don’t know how to do something, what do you do? You learn and practice and learn and practice and so on… Start to visualize what self-care even means to you. Did you take a breath while you read this post? If not, then stop and take a mindful breath-inhale then exhale-now.

Recovery has many ups and downs along its way, with many temptations to return back to your addiction. If you are someone who has recently sought treatment in an inpatient or partial hospitalization program, or has been on an existing path of recovery, it is so very critical to stay connected to others for support. As you experience all parts of yourself re-awaken, it may at times be very overwhelming. It as at these times that you need your strength from within as well as outside support to help continue down a mindful path of recovery. Remember, being alone was exactly where you were in your addiction, so it surely will not work in your recovery. Support is key from family, “healthy” peers, communities of recovery, a sponsor, and professionals. Accountability and guidance is critical to avoid relapse. Continued work with treatment professionals is extremely beneficial and recommended for your continued physical, emotional, spiritual growth and well-being.

It is so important to have as much awareness as you can about your triggers that initially led you to your addiction because life will always keep knocking on your door. Remember, triggers can be much more than times of high risk, which can include holidays, exams, divorce, death, stress, as well as relationships, marriage, having a child, and aging. A trigger includes your interpretations and responses to all of these events. They also include emotions, such as loneliness, overwhelm, boredom, or/and fear, To be even more specific, a certain smell or sound, a song you hear on the radio, or simply a particular time of the day can be triggering. So, by becoming more mindful of self on all levels, you will be more likely to continually increase your awareness of your OWN triggers. Then you can make the choice to do something beneficial to your recovery instead of choosing the self-destructive behavior.

If someone you know has relapsed during their recovery process and found their way back to recovery, consider them lucky. Far too often relapse results in death, especially when it comes to drug and alcohol abuse. If they did in fact find their way back to recovery, one can only hope that the “slip” was used as an opportunity to take positive steps to understand what can be different in the future to change the outcome. It is critical to explore what happened step by step and make a new plan for the future. This will increase the likelihood you may not need to rely on your addiction, or other self-destructive behavior the next time you are faced with that same situation, thoughts, and/or feelings. Remember, the shame and guilt that surrounds relapse is enough to drive you to continue in your self-destructive behavior. That critical and demeaning chatter in your head can get loud very quickly. You must have the tools to replace that dangerous mindset.

Here is a brief list of things to do to avoid relapse:

1. Limit your surroundings of temptation.
2. Keep building a strong support system.
3. Live life a bit slower.
4. Learn how to live responsibly as you face continual social pressures.
5. Acknowledge your successes on a daily basis.
6. Manage boredom and loneliness.
7. Reach out to safe people everyday.
8. Acknowledge your urges and choose to do something different.
9. Listen to your body- get enough sleep, eat a healthy diet, take care of your health to strengthen your immune system.
10. Take direction from those who are succeeding in their recovery.
11. Make sure to have fun.
12. Find something to laugh and smile about everyday.
13. You need to feel to heal.

Relapse prevention work is also an opportunity to stay focused on your strengths. Remember, you are not alone and there is no perfect recovery, only your recovery. The more success you achieve on your journey, see that you can walk through the tough times, reconnect to your healthy self, and experience gratifying and authentic relationships, the more you truly begin to live again.

Ives, E. (2010, February 5). Relapse Prevention – Living Life in Recovery. Retrieved September 26, 2010, from http://ezinearticles.com/?Relapse-Prevention—Living–Life-in-Recovery&id=3707215

Erica Ives is a MFT, CEDS (Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and Certified Eating Disorder Specialist) and demonstrates a passionate devotion to this significant field of healing. She has consistently been in private practice while simultaneously working closely with other professionals and clients in a multiple array of environments. Erica has worked as a Clinical Director of an Eating Disorder and Chemical dependency treatment center, trained and supervised therapists working towards licensure, written numerous articles and continuing education courses, and educated communities on prevention and treatment of eating disorders and addiction. Erica views recovery as being unique to each and every individual and understands the vulnerability shared throughout the therapy experience. She values and creates a safe, nurturing, and empathic environment for one to successfully begin their journey of recovery. Erica teaches the tools for one to achieve a life filled with balance, awareness, and well being to live on a mindfulpath of recovery.