3 Crucial Reasons to Choose Pre-Marriage Counseling Before You Get Married

With the high numbers of divorce, one of the best ways that can help you save your young marriage before it starts is through premarital counseling. Couples that are planning to get married within the walls of their church are often required by the pastor or the ministry to go for counseling before they agree to officiate the ceremony.

For lovers that are not religious, they can miss out on pre-marriage counseling procedure since it is not a requirement. According to most studies, couples that choose to have premarital counseling tend to experience low divorce rates than those who do not. Here are reasons to choose premarital counseling before you get married.

It Builds Communication Skills

When lovers go to this type of counseling, they get an opportunity to talk to a religious leader or a counselor who provides the training needed to help the couples understand each other in a better way.

Couples who get an opportunity to go through premarital counseling inevitably build or establish better communication skills since they have a neutral party that helps them understand each other. With no doubt, this is one of the greatest benefits of this type of counseling. Apart from learning how to communicate your desires and needs, most couples also get to know how to handle each other.

Face Issue

Most couples who get an opportunity to attend pre-marriage counseling are in good position to discuss problems that many lovers argue about and most often result in separation or divorce. Marriage counseling may help you address complex issues before they arise.

Also, it will help you discover what your partner believes about the problem so that you can get a lasting solution or agreement before walking down the aisle. You can discuss issues such as the religion under which you will raise your children or even talk about what will happen if your in-laws interfere with your marriage. Having plans of action on how you will be able to handle serious problems will help you minimize altercations later.

Helps Couples Plan the Future

Most premarital counselors always do more than just helping couples go through their current problems. They are in the position to help them plan for their future. A neutral party or a counselor can help you set financial family planning or financial goals.

It can also help you find different ways of accomplishing your goals. This type of counseling is the best place for couples to talk about their expectations that they have for their marriage and life. Counselors help their customers focus on the healthy goals and the relationship changes.

Get Marriage Counseling in Utah

Are you or your loved one struggling with issues affecting your marriage or relationship? Contact Pathways Real Life Recovery for professional and personalized treatment. We offer free assessments, financing, and take most insurance. Talk to us today and let us help you.

Author statement:
Michelle Amerman is a licensed therapist and President of Pathways Real Life Recovery. Pathways is a mental health counseling and addiction recovery center in Utah. Her treatment approach is based on 30 years' worth of groundwork and has been assessed and validated by pioneers in the field of recovery research.

Pathways Real Life Recovery
8706 South 700 East #205
Sandy, UT 84070
801-895-3006

5 Signs You Should Seek Trauma Therapy

Many people who experience trauma wait for things to get really bad before seeking therapy. However, it doesn't have to be that way; there are signs that you can watch out for and seek help before matters get out of hand. Here are a few signs to look out for:

Fatigue and Disrupted Sleep Patterns

Mental health issues affect the quality of life and may result in a feeling of hopelessness. More often than not, your eating and sleeping patterns are affected. When you encounter any of these symptoms, then it is time to reach out for help. It will only be a matter of time before things go south.

Your Hobbies No Longer Interest You

When you stop enjoying or participating in hobbies and activities you used to enjoy, it may be a sign that a change is needed. Painful experiences can keep us from actively engaging in life, but if this goes on for a long time, you should ask for assistance. With the right support, things will get better.

Getting into Addictive Habits

Trauma can lead us to addictive and destructive habits. People may cope with trauma by abusing drugs or alcohol to numb the pain, or even by eating excessively. Over time, it becomes difficult to break away from these habits which subsequently reduces our quality of life. If it gets to this point, you’ll need help to improve your ability to cope with unpleasant circumstances.

Emotions Getting out of Control

Feeling overwhelmed by trauma can lead to emotional outbursts of anger or sadness, even when a very minor inconvenience occurs. If you emotions are boiling over to a point it is affecting your day-to-day life, it may be time to seek treatment. With help, you can make improvements, and you will be able to manage your emotions better.

Avoiding Social Events

You may find that you begin to dread social gatherings. This is usually driven by feelings of inadequacy stemming from what is going on in your life. Social anxiety can stand in the way of a fulfilling life. Seeking help will help boost your confidence and make you enthusiastic about life again.

For a personalized program that will make life worth living contact Pathways Real Life Recovery.  Schedule a free assessment today and discover how you can change your life for the better. At the end of the day, you’ll appreciate yourself more as your belief system will have transformed how you look at life. Do not go through life with a downcast heart. Seek medical support and get your life back on track.

Author statement:

Michelle Amerman is a licensed therapist and President of Pathways Real Life Recovery. Pathways is a mental health counseling and addiction recovery center in Utah. Her treatment approach is based on 30 years' worth of groundwork and has been assessed and validated by pioneers in the field of recovery research.

Pathways Real Life Recovery

8706 South 700 East #205
Sandy, UT 84070
801-895-3006

5 Hidden Signs of a Drinking Problem

According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA), more than 15 million people struggle with alcoholism in the United States. Less than 10 percent of the people struggling with alcohol use disorder get treatment. Alcoholism, as it’s commonly referred to, is rampant among the young and the old. The condition wears many masks and can easily go unnoticed. Here are five reliable, tell-tale signs of a drinking problem.

Problems at Home, Work, or School

Excessive alcohol is bound to cause problems at work, school, or at home. These problems may not happen immediately, but eventually, everyone with a drinking problem faces problems at home, work, or school. The negative consequences of alcoholism are hard to miss even for high functioning alcoholics. These include lateness, absenteeism, mistakes at work, etc. If such problems begin to manifest, seek treatment in one of the established Utah drug treatment centers.

Mysterious or Unexplainable Injuries

One of the biggest signs of a person hiding a drinking problem is cuts, bruises, sprains, and bumps that lack an adequate explanation. These are common among binge drinkers. Falls and blackouts are frequent, leading to one ending up with injuries, which they have a hard time explaining.

Drinking Before and After Parties

A person nursing a drinking problem out of sight and under the radar will often drink before and after a party and other social situations. Persons struggling with the onset of a drinking problem often drink alone and in secret, rather than in public. That’s because a compulsive drinking problem often manifests as an internalized sense of shame.

Hiding Alcohol in Unlikely Places

Alcohol abuse is probably a culprit if prized souvenir bottles of tequila suddenly go missing from your liquor cabinet and turn up in a spouse’s desk drawer or under your son’s bed. Some people can be very creative when hiding their stash, so it’s not easy to find.

High Tolerance for Alcohol

How quickly can someone become impaired or intoxicated after they start drinking? Tolerance refers to how the body responds to the functional effects of alcohol. A high tolerance for alcohol is a sign of a hidden drinking problem.

A full blown alcohol use disorder was once a seemingly harmless social drinking. Anyone who drinks alcohol can develop a drinking problem, even without knowing it. Identifying the signs of a drinking problem can be difficult for family and friends of those struggling with the condition. If you suspect that a loved one is struggling with a drinking problem, contact Pathways Real Life Recovery for assistance and treatment for the condition.


Author statement:
Michelle Amerman is a licensed therapist and President of Pathways Real Life Recovery. Pathways is a mental health counseling and addiction recovery center in Utah. Her treatment approach is based on 30 years' worth of groundwork and has been assessed and validated by pioneers in the field of recovery research.

Pathways Real Life Recovery
8706 South 700 East #205
Sandy, UT 84070
801-895-3006

7 Stages of Using Crystal Meth

If you or a family member are suffering from an addiction to crystal meth, it is important to understand the 7 stages that happen when you use this drug. Breaking an addiction to crystal meth is difficult, but not impossible, and with guidance and care from Pathways Real Life Recovery, it can be a possibility for your future. When you have a greater understanding of the seven stages of meth use, it becomes easier to grasp the complexities of overcoming this addiction and the need for professional care.

• The Initial Rush - The first physical reactions to using crystal meth include an increase in blood pressure, metabolism, and the users' heartbeat which often feels like a rush of adrenaline.
• Understanding a Crystal Meth High - When high, users report that they often feel more confident and feel freer to express their thoughts and opinions, often in an argumentative and aggressive manner.
• Binging with Crystal Meth - Because they want to continue the high feeling that the drug initially provides, they will continue to use more and more. However, as the user develops a tolerance their high never gives them those same feelings of initial euphoria.
• "Tweaking" on Crystal Meth - As they come down from their high many users will turn to other drugs such as alcohol or opiates to help alleviate their feelings of emptiness.
• Experiencing a Crystal Meth Crash - When they finally quit bingeing and come down from their high, users will be completely exhausted and will often sleep for days at a time following an extensive crystal meth binge.
• An Attempt to Return to Your New "Normal" - Even after their days of sleep and when they feel that they are back to normal, users will have caused damage to their systems and psyche that can take weeks or months to get over. With prolonged use, this damage can become permanent.
• The Effects of Withdrawal from Crystal Meth Use - This drug does not stay in the system long, but its effects can be felt for weeks and months, even after you stop using and most users will require meth addiction treatment.

Yes, it can be difficult to overcome an addiction to crystal meth, but with the professional and effective care provided by Pathways Real Life Recovery, you will find the help that you need for your meth addiction treatment.


Author statement:
Michelle Amerman is a licensed therapist and President of Pathways Real Life Recovery. Pathways is a mental health counseling and addiction recovery center in Utah. Her treatment approach is based on 30 years' worth of groundwork, and has been assessed and validated by pioneers in the field of recovery research.


Pathways Real Life Recovery
8706 South 700 East #205
Sandy, UT 84070
801-895-3006

How Can I Explain My Alcohol Addiction To My Spouse?

Previously referred to as alcoholism or alcohol abuse, alcohol use disorder is a common condition in the US. According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, alcohol use disorder is a disease affecting more than 17 million adults in the United States (18 years and older). Alcohol addiction can have a negative impact on your life. If you or someone you know is struggling with alcohol use disorder, get help. There are countless drug treatment centers in Utah where Utahans struggling with alcohol addiction can get the assistance they need.

Talking to Your Partner About Addiction

If you are married, how do you tell your spouse that you have alcohol addiction? How is your spouse going to react? Most people dealing with this condition find it easy to just keep mum about it and suffer in silence. Talking about your condition can save your relationship and help you get assistance. But how do you overcome the fear and talk to your better half about your addiction to alcohol?

• Plan. What do you want to say to your spouse? Come up with specific goals on the conversation. When you clearly know what you want to talk about, you will know the right thing to say.
• Be Assertive. Make a position and be assertive when it comes to the recovery process. You’re the one with the problem, and you know what kind of help you need. Make it clear that you don’t want your partner to preach or lecture you.
• Brace Yourself for a Strong Reaction. It’s your spouse, and it’s their life too, so there’s definitely going to be a strong reaction. Be ready to handle it.
• Have a Thorough Discussion. Carefully choose the time and place for the discussion, and make sure that you talk about the situation thoroughly. Don’t rush or postpone the conversation.

Remember to practice what to say beforehand − you don’t want a situation where you know what you want to say but can’t find the words. Starting the discussion is the hardest part but when you are through with it, the rest of the conversation will flow. Describe your struggle with the condition to your spouse and tell them how you need their help and support. Talk about your feelings (how the addiction makes you feel) and how your life has changed. Let your spouse know that you need their support and encouragement to get treatment and hopefully shed the habit. Remember to be specific when asking for help from your spouse.

About the Author:
Michelle Amerman is a licensed therapist and President of Pathways Real Life Recovery. Pathways is a mental health counseling and addiction recovery center in Utah. Her treatment approach is based on 30 years' worth of groundwork and has been assessed and validated by pioneers in the field of recovery research.

Pathways Real Life Recovery
8706 South 700 East #205
Sandy, UT 84070
801-895-3006

3 Treatment Options for Depression in Utah

When depressed, you always feel like you will never get out of it. However, even severe depression is manageable. So, if your depression is denying you the beautiful life you want to live, do not hesitate to look for help from a recognized Rehab anxiety depression health institution. Having knowledge about your depression treatment options will help you make an informed decision during your treatment process.

From lifestyle changes, medication to therapy, there are various treatment options that can help you recover and reclaim your life. Depression victims are required to be more informed about possible and available treatment options. Here are the top three treatment options for depression.

Psychotherapy

Psychotherapy which is sometimes called talking therapy is used in the treatment of both moderate and mild forms of depression. A licensed mental expert helps individuals with depression to focus on ideas, emotions, and behaviors that contribute to depression. They also help the depressed individuals to understand and identify life issues that act as main causes of depression which help patients to gain back their sense of control over their lives. Psychotherapy can be performed on groups or individual and can also include spouses and family members.

Lifestyle Changes

Lifestyle changes are simple but powerful tools in the control of depression. Sometimes they might prove to be all you need in overcoming your condition. Even if you prefer other treatment options as well, adopting the right lifestyle changes can help you to prevent or treat this condition.

Simple lifestyle changes such as regular exercise and nutrition can be effective in the treatment of depression. Exercise not only boosts endorphins, serotonin and other feel-good brain chemicals but also triggers the growth of new brain connections and cells. Experts recommend that even one hour of exercise daily can make a significant difference. Also, eating well is essential for both mental and physical health. Eating a well-balanced diet daily will help keep your energy and minimize depression conditions.

Another lifestyle change that can help you manage depression is social support. Active social network minimizes isolation, which is a key factor for depression. Make sure you are in contact with your family and friends to reduce any chances of depression.

Medication

When you are experiencing moderate to severe depression, your medical expert may put you under antidepressant medication. Antidepressants are normally prescribed when other types of treatment are not successful due to the level of the condition. Individuals with more severe conditions generally need to be under medication. This includes a combination of antipsychotic drugs, antidepressant and mood stabilizers.

Are you or your loved one struggling with depression in Utah? Contact Pathways Real Life Recovery today for specialized depression treatment. We offer solution-focused therapy and free assessments. We also accept most insurance and offer to finance. Talk to us today and let us help you manage your depression.

About the Author:
Michelle Amerman is a licensed therapist and President of Pathways Real Life Recovery. Pathways is a mental health counseling and addiction recovery center in Utah. Her treatment approach is based on 30 years' worth of groundwork and has been assessed and validated by pioneers in the field of recovery research.

Pathways Real Life Recovery
8706 South 700 East #205
Sandy, UT 84070
801-895-3006

3 Tips for Choosing a Drug Treatment Center in Utah

Dealing with drug and alcohol abuse is never easy for anyone. First, admitting that you need to go to a rehabilitation center is a difficult decision. This is a special moment in your life that you will remember forever. The moment that you admitted your life was on the wrong path and you needed help. Choosing the right drug treatment center in Utah for your unique needs is also difficult. You will have a long list of recommended rehab centers to choose from, and some of them will be best suited to your needs than others. Here are the top three tips for selecting a drug treatment center in Utah.

Consider Licensing and Accreditation

This is a critical factor to consider since you will only need to go to a rehabilitation center that is fully accredited and licensed. An accredited institution offers world-class treatment for various addictions. The specialists in such an institution will provide you with the best care and help you regain control over your life. The accreditation guidelines are state specific so you will have to check to ensure that the facility is accredited by the government of State of Utah. The people who work in that facility should also be professionally trained, licensed, and experienced.

How Long Is the Treatment Period?

The second factor that you should consider is how long your treatment will last. Typically, the average length of stay for patients discharged from the regular outpatient rehab centers is 85 days with only four days of detoxification. Keep in mind that rehabilitation isn’t something that will happen overnight. It requires time and proper treatment.

The specialist will be monitoring your situation over time to assess how you respond to various medications and conditions. Specialists say that 30 days isn't enough to make a positive difference in your life. You should go to a facility that recommends a prolonged stay and should be willing to explain why you need to stay for that long. Don't set up yourself for failure.

Cost of Treatment

Cost is another critical thing to consider while choosing a Utah drug treatment center. There are lots of other options to choose from if you are on a low budget or if you are operating with limited resources. Try to find a rehab center that will fit into your budget but doesn't let the costs be the primary driving factor.

Are you or your loved one struggling with addiction in Utah? Contact Pathways Real Life Recovery today for assistance. At Pathways Real Life Recovery, we create personalized programs for each of our patients that meet their unique needs and vision. We also take most insurance and offer to finance. Reach us today and let us help you become healthy and happy in your life.


About the Author:
Michelle Amerman is a licensed therapist and President of Pathways Real Life Recovery. Pathways is a mental health counseling and addiction recovery center in Utah. Her treatment approach is based on 30 years' worth of groundwork and has been assessed and validated by pioneers in the field of recovery research.


Pathways Real Life Recovery
8706 South 700 East #205
Sandy, UT 84070
801-895-3006