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Do you have a drinking problem?

February 26th, 2010 | Author: admin

Do You Have A Drinking Problem?

Alcohol is socially acceptable and it’s legal. It’s also fine in moderation and even desirable in certain social settings and celebrations. Jokes and anecdotes abound that make light of getting drunk and the consequences of doing so.

Unfortunately because alcohol use is such a large part of our culture, abuse of it may go undetected until it’s too late. How do you know for sure if you have a drinking problem? The following questions will help you determine where you stand.

Has the thought crossed your mind that you should cut down on your drinking?

Do people criticize your drinking habits?

If people do criticize your drinking, does it make you angry?

Do you sometimes feel ashamed of your drinking?

Do you sometimes drink in the morning either to steady your nerves or “cure” a hangover?

Do you sometimes drink alone?

Do you hide how much you drink from others?

Have you ever missed work or important appointments because you drank too much?

If you answered yes to just one of these questions, you may have an alcohol problem. To help answer any questions that you may have please contact a substance abuse counselor. Talking to a professional drug and alcohol counselor you will receive the best information on alcohol addiction and methods of treatment. Taking advice from someone that is not a professional in the field of addiction is dangerous and may lead to prolonged suffering from you and your family.

Studies have shown that 80% of alcoholics that come into rehabilitation on anti depressants have been misdiagnosed. Alcoholics do not tell the truth about their drinking, and alcohol is a depressant when taken is large quantities; this makes it easy for doctors to misdiagnose depression for alcoholism and prescribe unneeded and often addictive drugs for depression when alcohol is the whole problem. When looking for an alcohol rehabilitation program talk to a professional counselor about the program you are thinking of going into before you go, they can help you find the best program for your needs.

To speak to an addiction counselor please call 1-877-744-3536

Posted in Alcoholism, Blog post, Counselors Notes, Families | No Comments »

Are you an Addict?

February 23rd, 2010 | Author: admin

Are You An Addict?

Sometimes it isn’t easy to see when we’re looking at ourselves. Denial is common among those who abuse drugs and alcohol and their friends and family may not want to see the problem either. If you think you may be developing a problem with drugs or alcohol, or if you know someone that may be, ask the following questions.

Do I use regularly? Or do I use more than other people?

Whether it’s several times a day or even just once daily, if you feel that you have to have this drug or drink on a regular basis, you may be dependent.

Can I stop using the drug on my own? Have I stopped using drugs or alcohol for extended periods of time in the past several months?

Failure to discontinue use on your own is a sign of trouble. Casual users can take it or leave it. Those who are addicted cannot stop using and using the drug occupies their thoughts almost constantly.

Do I spend money I don’t have on the drug?

If you’re behind on your rent and your bills are going to collection because you spend that money to obtain drugs or alcohol, you need help.

Am I engaging in behavior I never thought I would?

Addicts often steal, sell belongings and resort to degrading practices such as prostitution in order to purchase drugs.

Do I feel anxious when my supply runs low?

Those who are dependent on drugs work hard to keep a constant supply available. Feelings of anxiety or panic and distress often occur when the user realizes that his supply is dwindling.

Do I resort to getting high every time I’m faced with a problem?

Self-medicating with drugs or alcohol at the slightest provocation may be a warning sign. Almost everyone at one time or another has “had a few too many” when something devastating has happened in their lives. But if you reach for drugs and alcohol every time a problem is the least bit distressing, it may be a sign of addiction.

Is all my time focused on getting and using drugs?

Typically a drug addict will spend most of his waking hours chasing down drugs so he can get high.

If you answered yes to one or more of these questions, you may have a drug or alcohol dependency that needs to be treated. To find a quality drug and alcohol rehabilitation program contact a professional addiction counselor. Not all rehab programs are the same, there are many different methods of treatment and there is not one that is right for everyone.

To speak to a professional addiction counselor call 1-877-744-3536

Posted in Alcoholism, Club Drugs, Counselors Notes, Facts about Marijuana, Families, Heroin addiction, Intervention, Legal and Dangerous, The nature of addiction, Treatment | No Comments »

12 principles of effective treatment

February 20th, 2010 | Author: admin

NIDA: 12 Principles of Effective Addiction Treatment

If you are seeking treatment for addiction for yourself or a loved one, the National Institute on Drug Abuse has put together 12 principles for finding effective treatment. Consider the following before making your choice.

One size does not fit all. Find a treatment or facility that matches your own personal problems and needs.

Treatment should be accessible and readily available so the patient applicant doesn’t get lost.

Treatment must encompass the drug abuse, as well as physical and psychological issues and legal troubles.

Treatment should be flexible and grow and change with the patient’s recovery progress.

Adequate time should be given oneself for treatment. Three months is standard although some addicts may require more. Whether you succeed or not depends greatly on how much time you receive effective treatment.

Counseling, both group and individual is essential for learning new ways to cope with stress, learn constructive activities to replace drug using habits and learn to navigate interpersonal relationships.

Mental disorders often are misdiagnosed with addiction and should also be treated only after the addict is clean and sober for at least six months.

Medical detoxification is but a small part of the total treatment experience and is only the first stage in getting the addict on the road to recovery. It is useful; in decreasing symptoms of withdrawal.

Even if the patient does not voluntarily participate, treatment can be effective. Sanctions and enticements by relatives, employers and the criminal justice system can get an addict where he needs to be to get help.

Monitoring possible drug use during treatment encourages the patient to stay clean and should be a component of the program.

Assessments for HIV/AIDS, sexually transmitted and communicable diseases such as tuberculosis and hepatitis should be given. Counseling can help patients overcome high-risk behaviors.

Relapse is often an inevitable part of the recovery process and should not be viewed as a failure. On-going sessions and participation in self help programs after rehabilitation can increase the rate of success and recovery.

For help finding effective treatment for drug and alcohol abuse and to speak with an addiction conselor please call 1-877-744-3536

Posted in Addiction treatment programs, Alcoholism, Counselors Notes, Treatment | Tags: long term rehab, rehabilitation, Treatment | 1 Comment »

When to seek professional help

January 15th, 2010 | Author: admin

When to seek Professional Advice

The world of drug and alcohol addiction is a confusing place, and for some reason people think that talking to friends, family members, clergy or even their hair dresser is the best source of information when looking for addiction rehab help. Even if these people have had some sort of addiction experience in the past it does not mean they know what is best for your loved one. There are many different methods of addiction rehab and there is not one that is right for everyone. If you had someone with cancer in your family would you trust these same people to help you make the decision on where to get the best cancer treatment; or would you seek professional help. Of course you would go to a professional and let them guide you to the best treatment plan for your specific needs.

Over the past ten years as the addiction epidemic has grown Addiction Rehabilitation Centers have been opening up all over the U.S., in many cases these programs are nothing more than a way to make big money for the owners. They will incorporate the lowest cost methods of treatment, such as group meetings where 15 individuals are grouped together with 1 counselor. This method offers a very low success rate for long term sobriety but they are very low cost, so the program can make the most profit. These addiction rehabs have very qualified sales people working their phones and they will make you feel very comfortable about the center, only after you spend thousands of dollars do you realize your loved one is not getting the help promised.

Many times people will talk to other families that have had a loved one in an Addiction Rehabilitation Center; their family member is still sober after x number of years, so they think it must be a good Rehabilitation Center. They send their loved one into that same program; only, upon completion of the program their loved one relapses almost immediately. Every person has their own specific needs; what worked for one is not right for everyone. A Professional Addiction Counselor can assess your loved one and make recommendations to the best Addiction Treatment Centers based on their specific needs.

To find the best Addiction Rehab Help you need to speak with an unbiased addiction professional that has the knowledge of what programs and methods of treatment are available, not only in your home town or even home state but a across the country.

Call a professional Addiction Rehabilitation Counselor today; 1-877-744-3536

Posted in Alcoholism, Blog post, Counselors Notes, Families, Intervention, Legal and Dangerous, Process Addiction, Special Needs Addiction Rehab | Tags: addiction rehab, alcohol rehab, drug rehab, rehabilitation | No Comments »

Bible Studies Help Many

January 12th, 2010 | Author: admin

Bible Study Helps Many

Addiction Rehab centers help millions of people each year overcome drug and alcohol addiction. Yet not everyone is comfortable with the clinical setting of treatment centers. For others it simply isn’t enough to understand why they used drugs; they also need a reason other than physical and emotional health to be convinced to give up drugs forever. One such alternative drug treatment is being accomplished on a worldwide basis by devoted men and women who share their hope for the future. This type of alcohol rehabilitation is for those how are not experiencing any withdraw symptoms when they stop drinking alcohol. To safely detox someone from alcohol medical attention is needed.

Though not initially done for the purpose of treating addiction, in home Bible studies conducted by Christian groups have helped literally thousands to tens of thousands of people get sober and stay that way. Thus, coming to an accurate knowledge of the scriptures aids those who are full of shame and guilt and feel helpless to break their drug addiction. For many addicts, studying the Bible with other Christians is a life changing alternative.

Aside from coming to an accurate knowledge of the scriptures, fellowship with others who once struggled with addiction helps the one afflicted to be strengthened. He can take comfort in the fact that others had and may still be, sharing his struggle to stay clean and sober in an effort to be pleasing to God. The mild manner, genuine concern and non-judgmental demeanor of a bible study is a comfort to many who sometimes feel scolded or shamed by concerned loved ones this is yet another appealing attraction to an in home Bible study as drug treatment alternative.

However Bible studies are not a solution to alcohol withdraw, the withdraw symptoms from a sever alcoholic can be deadly. As a matter of fact withdraw from alcohol is one of the only drug withdraws that can kill an addict. Medical professionals are needed to keep a sever alcoholic safe while going through withdraw; do not attempt this at home it is very dangerous.

The most successful rehabilitation for an alcoholic is the long term in house treatment centers. If you are looking for a Christian based drug or alcohol rehabilitation center there are many available, and if you need help finding what you are looking for please call us for help.

To speak to a professional addiction counselor please call 1-877-744-3536

Or fill out the form below and an addiction counselor will contact you in a timely manner

Posted in Alcoholism | No Comments »

Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and Addiction

January 11th, 2010 | Author: admin

To speak to an addiction counselor call 1-877-744-3536

Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and Addiction

Many people are exposed to high levels of trauma on a near daily basis, Doctors, nurses, firemen, policemen, people in the military and paramedics all fall into this category. Addiction Rehabilitation Help for such individuals that suffer from PTSD can be tricky.

What makes drug rehab for professionals such as this so difficult is that their very careers contribute to their desire to self medicate. Think of the emergency room of a hospital and how stressful the environment can be to doctors and nurses. Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is common among healthcare workers and other professionals because they are exposed to the very worst of human tragedies; and they are exposed very often.

Not only is alcohol and substance abuse a worrisome occurrence among these professionals; it’s a threat to public safety. An impaired surgeon or nurse could theoretically injure or accidentally kill a patient if under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Those who rescue others in danger likewise could make a serious mistake that could cost civilian lives. Impaired police officers and firefighters for example have to make quick decisions at times. When under the influence public safety is threatened.

Accessibility might make treatment difficult for people with PTSD. Healthcare professionals for example have access and it’s not uncommon for their peers to “look the other way” or to even enable them to use drugs. Doctors can write prescriptions for other doctors and nurses and so forth. Not to mention that although inventory is taken regularly, small amounts missing might not be noticed or even recorded. Also people diagnosed with PTSD are able to get many different prescriptions from their medical professionals such as anxiety medication that are very addictive as well.

What is the best drug rehab or drug addiction treatment for these professionals? By far the best strategy is individualized treatment that begins early after a particularly traumatic event. Since substance abuse and addiction starts out very slowly and progresses over time with such professionals the best cure, so to speak, is prevention. When counseling is sought early on, many of the pitfalls can be avoided that plague those who never received specialized counseling after experiencing traumatic events.

More than one type of treatment strategy may be needed in order to cover the broad scope of events and issues that face those in healthcare and other public service careers. PTSD is a complex disorder that, if left untreated for long, can take many years to overcome and often leads to drug addiction. In the cases that lead to addiction, addiction rehab treatment is absolutely necessary, not only to save the professional who is addicted, but also for the welfare of those who they interact with every day.

PTSD is not limited to these professionals; many people have suffered tragic events in their lives from abuse to accidents, events such as this can also lead to PTSD. Finding the right Addiction Rehab Center for someone with PTSD is critical, not all rehab centers deal with the individual needs of each addict. For more information on PTSD and Addiction Rehab Help please call and speak to an addiction counselor today.

Call 1-877-744-3536

Or fill in the form below and a professional addiction counselor will contact you.

Posted in Alcoholism, Blog post, Club Drugs, Counselors Notes, Families, Heroin addiction, Intervention, Process Addiction, Special Needs Addiction Rehab, The nature of addiction, Treatment, prescription Drugs | 1 Comment »

Is Alcoholics Anonymous a viable option?

January 9th, 2010 | Author: admin

Alcoholics Anonymous: A Viable Outpatient Program?

Bill Wilson, an alcoholic whose disease nearly and completely ruined his life, founded alcoholics Anonymous in 1935. Inspired by an old pal he used to drink with who had since found sobriety through spiritual awakening, he founded AA slowly with a handful of members. The premise behind the group was to help alcoholics stay sober by sharing their experiences with other alcoholics and by lending support to one another. Today, there are chapters of AA all over the world with upwards of 2 million members. The big question: Is Alcoholics Anonymous a viable outpatient program for alcohol addiction treatment? The answers may vary.

AA is a self-supporting non-charitable organization that relies solely on donations from active members. Those taking the lead in each chapter are volunteers who are actually encouraged to remain sober by engaging in the assistance of helping others. These men and women are not trained professionals. Consequently it isn’t unreasonable to wonder whether a group being lead by others who are suffering from the same affliction can really be effective. One might conclude it’s like the blind leading the blind.

Measuring the effectiveness of AA is difficult because the meetings are “anonymous” and studies on attendees have been sketchy at best. There is a comfort and strength in being among others who share the same struggles, triggers, and ultimately the goal of staying sober—come what may.

As an alcohol addiction treatment option, AA appeals to those who are trying to put their lives back together, but still need to function at work and at home. Those who act as sponsors have been sober for at least one year and agree to be at the beck and call of newer members who are trying to get over the initial hump of sobriety, or detox. Of course a relapse can occur at any time no matter how long a person has remained in a state of sobriety.

Studies that have been conducted do show a correlation between the AA program and abstinence from alcohol. Participation is voluntary and free, which makes this particular alcohol addiction treatment attractive for those who, though not full blown alcoholics in the strictest sense, may need to get a handle on their drinking habits. However the phrase “My name is ________ and I am an alcoholic” has to be said before speaking in an A.A. meeting, also you have to agree that “Alcoholism is a disease and that you are powerless over your addiction”. Many in house rehabilitation centers do not believe that you are powerless over anything in your life. In most cases these in house alcohol rehabilitation centers run much higher success rates than any outpatient program could offer. However;

the twelve steps developed for AA encourages users to accept accountability for their actions and make amends to loved ones they may have hurt when they were using. The spiritual nature of the program is also of great comfort to many.

If you or someone you know needs to find encouragement and support for a drinking problem, Alcoholics Anonymous meetings are conducted in virtually every city in the nation and the program is a free, viable, outpatient resource for recovering alcoholics.

For more information on Alcohol Addiction and Alcohol Rehabilitation call 1-877-744-3536 to speak to an addiction counselor or fill in the form below and a counselor will contact you.

Posted in Alcoholism, Counselors Notes, Families, The nature of addiction, Treatment | No Comments »

Rapid Detox

January 8th, 2010 | Author: admin

Rapid Detox

Ultra Rapid Detox, or Rapid Drug Detox, is a somewhat newer alternative for drug rehab that involves putting a patient who is addicted to opiates, prescription painkillers or other habit-forming drugs under a general anesthesia in a hospital. This is done with anesthesiologists and nurses who are trained to perform this type of procedure.

Once under the general anesthesia, the patient is given a drug that counteracts the drug to which he or she is addicted. While the person is in this drug-induced coma, he or she can avoid experiencing the various physically painful and uncomfortable aspects of detox, such as shaking, sweating and delirium tremors. The body goes through some of this process while the person is still in a drug induced coma. When the person is taken out of the Drug induced coma it is not the end of all withdraw symptoms, the addict is still going to be very uncomfortable and still experience many of the same symptoms of withdraw as he would have without going through the drug induced coma.

Though the owners of these clinics make rapid detox an attractive alternative to traditional methods, it must be noted that therapy and other related aids to recovery are also needed. Lifestyle changes will need to be made and a patient must take responsibility for his recovery and understand his disease so that he can successfully manage his now sober life. Psychological triggers have to be addressed and healthy coping skills adopted.

A recovering addict must learn a new routine; otherwise he may slip back into old patterns that lead to his drug use and addiction. Daily habits may need to be restructured so that reminders of his past drug use do not bombard him.

With a sudden change, such as occurs from Rapid Detox, it may be harder for the patient to avoid returning to drugs than if he was weaned gradually. Such a quick and painless detox could be compared to an antidote. It can be argued that this kind of detox is not as effective as one in which the addict has to endure the physical withdrawal. Some think it is necessary to work through it and learn that if he or she goes back to the destructive behavior again, those are the consequences that will be suffered the next time.

Finally, as promising as this may be, it is not considered to be a mainstream form of treatment for addictions. There are many others available which are successful and much easier for a person to gain access. Also, there is always a risk to the patient who is put under a general anesthesia. For those considering a treatment option such as rapid detox, it would be wise to weigh the various alternatives in treatment that are available and speak to qualified professionals in order to make an informed decision.

For more information about rapid detox and to speak to a professional drug and alcohol counselor please call:1-877-744-3536

Posted in Alcoholism, Counselors Notes, Families, Heroin addiction, Rapid Detox, The nature of addiction, Uncategorized, prescription Drugs | Tags: Rapid Dtox | No Comments »

Medications used in the treatment of alcoholism

January 8th, 2010 | Author: admin

Medications Used In Treatment Of Alcoholism

Many alcohol addiction treatments exist. Inpatient, Outpatient and residential and of course the well known “Twelve Step” programs such as AA. One option that may not be as well known is that of treating alcohol addiction with medications.

Several oral medications have been approved and have been shown to be effective in controlling alcohol dependence. Disulfiram, naltrexone and acamprosate as they are called by their generic names. An inject able form of naltrexone is also available and has a long acting effect.

Medications for alcohol addiction treatment work in several ways depending upon which medication is used and the stage of the alcoholic’s addiction. For example, disulfiram discourages drinking because when alcohol is introduced into the system of the patient taking this drug, he become violently ill. Such physical discomfort is a strong deterrent.

Naltrexone can greatly reduce the cravings of a patient who has stopped drinking and acamprosate is used primarily to treat the depression and anxiety that often follows when a patient stops drinking for a long period of time. All three approved medications have been a helpful aid in keeping the patient from relapsing into heavy drinking and remaining abstinent.

Other medications can be used to treat the symptoms of withdrawal such as insomnia, shakiness, anxiety, depression and mood swings. However, it must be understood that there is no such thing as a “cure” for alcoholism and no “magic pill” that will instantly make abstaining from alcohol a piece of cake. Long term abstinence requires a strong commitment to getting well.

Can medications alone help in the recovery process? Not likely, but again the outcome would depend on the severity of the disease. How successful alcohol addiction treatment is depends on the patients particular needs and length of illness. Private counseling sessions along with group therapy or a positive Twelve Step program can compliment the use of medications and make recovery smoother and longer lasting with less chance of relapse.

Alcohol and drug abuse more often than not are triggered be deep emotional wounds or issues that have never been dealt with. Clinical depression is responsible for 80% of those who suffer from alcohol addiction. Others grew up in a home where one or both parents was an alcoholic or drug addict.

Until the patient can derecognize and define the moments the preceded his desire to abuse alcohol any treatment will simply be a stop gap. Long term sobriety is easier to accomplish when the patient through counseling and group therapy can understand his illness and the emotional and environmental triggers that encourage his drinking.

Alcohol addiction can be successfully treated. Recovering alcoholics can lead wonderful, productive lives again and families can be put back together and learn to function in a healthy manner. Programs such as Al-Anon and Alateen are excellent for helping family and friends of a person suffering from addiction, to be able to cope.

Researching and mapping out a treatment plan that works in harmony with the needs of the patient, and the loving support of family and friends are the key to getting well for life.

For help finding the best Drug and Alcohol Rehabilitation center for your specific needs please call:

1-877-744-3536

Posted in Alcoholism, Counselors Notes, Families, Intervention, Special Needs Addiction Rehab, The nature of addiction | No Comments »

The Addicts Offering of Hope

June 15th, 2009 | Author: admin

The Addicts Offering of Hope

The offering of hope is the most commonly used form of manipulation by the alcoholic or drug addict. You as a family member so desperately want to believe in the hope that the problem can and will be fixed that the alcoholic or addict may use that hope against you. It may go something like this; “Yes I screwed up, but it will never happen again. I promise. I can beat this on my own. I don’t need rehab. I’ll go to an outpatient clinic or see a counselor once a week or maybe go to one of those meetings. I’ll see a psychiatrist once a week. You can drug test me every week. I just need to get a job, you can even hold onto my paychecks. I can quit I just need your support. I swear it will not happen again”. The addict or alcoholic will argue with such conviction that you find yourself faltering. He seems so sincere, doesn’t he?

In most cases the offering of hope isn’t an actual offering of recovery or treatment that will handle any of the underlying issues. It is a temporary band aid; an absolute minimal non-intensive solution with no long term gain. If you accept this offering of hope the uncomfortable conversation or confrontation is over… that is until next month or next week when you are in the same situation as you are in right now. Never accept a minimal solution in the hopes that something is better than nothing. The minimal solution or offering of hope has only one motive… to make the intensive long term Drug or Alcohol Rehabilitation Center go away.

“Addiction Rehab Help” can help you find the Intervention service group and the “Drug and Alcohol Treatment Center” that best fits your needs. Call to speak with one of our counselors today.

Addiction Rehab Help – 1-877-744-3536

Posted in Alcoholism, Counselors Notes, Families, Intervention, The nature of addiction, Treatment | Tags: Offering of hope | No Comments »