Red Door Recovery

In addiction, the ride can be rough. It's like you are on a carousel and the horse behind you wants to destroy you. The horse in front can help you, but you can't catch up. You feel trapped in an endless cycle. At Red Door most of us have experienced this Nightmarey-Go-Round, and we learned how to stop the cycle. If you are ready to change the game, we can help you get off the carousel.

OUR HAPPY CHEMICALS: Dopamine, serotonin, oxytocin and endorphins are the neurotransmitters responsible for our happiness. Many events can trigger these neurotransmitters. Some are healthy some are not. For example, sex can deliver an increase in dopamine. Meth can provide a flood. Ultimately, in a way it is the effect of the neurotransmitters that we can become addicted to. Drugs are a super-easy way to open up the feelgood shop. But every up has a down. Following are some safer ways to hack into our positive neurochemicals (for more info, about supplements etc. to help with dopamine/serotonin production, please email info@reddoorrecovery.co.nz): Dopamine: Dopamine motivates us to take action toward goals, desires, and needs, and gives a surge of reinforcing pleasure when achieving them. Procrastination, self-doubt, and lack of enthusiasm are linked with low levels of dopamine. Break big goals down into little pieces — rather than only allowing our brains to celebrate when we’ve hit the finish line, we can create a series of little finish lines which releases dopamine. Serotonin: Serotonin flows when you feel significant or important. Loneliness and depression appears when serotonin is absent. Most antidepressants focus on the production of serotonin. Self-gratitude/esteem practices remind us that we are valued and have much to value in life. If you need a serotonin boost during a stressful day, take a few moments to reflect on a past achievements and victories. And get some sun – which promotes vitamin D and serotonin production. Oxytocin: Oxytocin creates intimacy, trust, and builds healthy relationships. It is released during orgasm, and by mothers during childbirth and breastfeeding. (Animals will reject their offspring when the release of oxytocin is blocked.) Oxytocin is like a ‘cuddle/kiss drug’ and a simple way to keep oxytocin flowing is to give someone a hug. Inter-personal touch not only raises oxytocin, but also reduces cardiovascular stress and improves the immune system; rather than just a hand shake, go for the hug. Endorphins Endorphins are released in response to pain and stress and help to alleviate anxiety and depression. The surging “second wind” and euphoric “runners high” during and after a vigorous run are a result of endorphins. Similar to morphine, it acts as an analgesic and sedative, diminishing our perception of pain. Along with regular exercise, laughter is one of the easiest ways to induce endorphin release. So go for a jog or a walk this weekend.

Hāngī The word ‘hā’ meaning essence of life and the word ‘ngī’ meaning the internal spark of Papatūānuku. Our Tangata whaiora bringing in 2025 with a Hāngī, working together to bring together a feed and to connect with one another over kai. Kua horahia te kai Nā ngā atua i homai Tāne Māhuta Haumiatiketike Rongomātāne Tangaroa Kia ora. We hope 2025 is a blessing for you all, and is filled with wins, love and light. No doubt life will bring challenges of all kinds, but its how we navigate those challenges that really counts, we don’t have to do it alone. Find your purpose in 2025, achieve the goals you set and reach out to good people who understand. Mauri ora whānau.

Kia ora e te whānau, He kaimahi ahau kei Red Door Recovery. Another year done with the Red Door whānau. All years come with pits and peaks. This year hasn’t been any different but as a team we have navigated all challenges with mana and finished going into the Christmas space with an amazing bunch of tangata whaiora and our kaimahi are strong. Please be safe over the Christmas time, connection is key. Reach out if you’re struggling. Ma te kotahitanga e whai kaha ai tātau. In unity, we have strength. Mauri ora whānau.

E rere te huata, kapohia! Making the most of every opportunity. Meet our intern Graham (the one in the middle) who flew over from Canada 3 months ago to finish his study in addictions counselling with Red Door in Welly. Graham has been an absolute blessing. The mahi he does. The love our tangata whaiora have for him. It takes a special human to do this work; to have the empathy and boundaries and to continually show up with a smile and a full heart has been beautiful to witness. This morning Graham is jumping on a ferry and embarking on a wonderful roadie: a full circuit of the splendid South Island. Ngā mihi e hoa, we will miss your laid back Canadian vibe and the way you do the things you do.

Creating the new means burying the past. Long-term recovery from addiction means a lot more than just giving up the drink or the drugs, it requires re-invention of your life. #addiction #recovery #livedexperience

Long-term recovery from addiction means a lot more than just giving up the drugs. It requires re-invention of yourself. Your essence. One of many examples: it may mean severing relationships with people you have known, perhaps for a long time. These are the people who, one way or another, will trigger you into using again. Some will understand. Others may not. Yes, it is hard. What will help is more shovels: people who can help you create your ‘new’.

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The fall. And the rise.... https://lnkd.in/gQ--VqS8