Archive for the ‘Addiction’ Category

Alternative Treatments for Addiction

Addiction, Healthy Life, Treatment | Posted by admin
Aug 18 2010

Consider adding holistic treatments to help recover from addiction. Creative arts therapy, yoga and biofeedback are just a few of the many available options that can drastically improve rates of recovery when combined with a traditional treatment plan, such as a 12-step program.

For example, creative arts can provide an avenue for the addict to explore and express feelings that are difficult to understand, identify or express in words. It’s easier for an addict to draw an abstract picture of a child with dark tears falling on his face and a male adult figure leaving in the background than to write down or talk about how his father left home when the addict was a boy, and he never saw him again. Exploring the feelings of abandonment and the anguish of such an event can help the addict understand the underlying cause of his addiction and give him an opportunity to break an old pattern. Coloring, painting and drawing can also help with anxiety by calming the mind and easing the anxiety attendant upon recovery.

Musical therapy, such as drumming, and biofeedback can be other effective techniques. Scientific research indicates that drumming and biofeedback can change brain wave patterns that have been damaged by drug or alcohol abuse. Drumming has been shown to slow down brain wave cycles, while biofeedback can keep the addict on the straight and narrow, preventing a fall off the wagon.

Physical exercise such as yoga can give the addict a renewed sense of control over the body — an element that is sorely lacking when a person is abusing alcohol or drugs. The continued practice of yoga can also help with cravings. anxiety and detoxification by calming the mind and the spirit. In addition, strengthening the body is always helpful in recovery, and mastering yoga moves such as downward dog can give the addict a sense of accomplishment.

When exploring rehabilitation avenues, ask if holistic treatments are offered as part of the program. If so, give them a try and start on the journey to recovery!

  • Share/Bookmark

Tags: ,
No Comments »

What to Expect With AA– Addiction

Addiction, Drugs, Substance Abuse | Posted by admin
Aug 17 2010

Alcohol addiction is a problem affecting millions of people in the United States. Its negative effects on home, work, and personal life cause many people to seek treatment. Treating an addiction is difficult, and many people turn to support groups to help them manage their addictions and rely on the experiences and advice of others who are going through or have already gone through recovery.

Alcoholics Anonymous, or AA, is one recovery group that utilizes a Twelve Step program that leads to recovery. It has been successfully helping people with alcohol addictions for over 60 years. If you are considering AA for treatment of alcoholism, there are a number of things you can expect:
• Regular meetings. AA members typically meet on a weekly basis. The type of meeting will vary; some are open groups in which anyone can attend, some are for women or men only, and some are closed, which means only those who need help to stop drinking and invited to attend.
• Meetings are run by other alcoholics. Meetings are typically discussion-led and fairly informal. There are suggested meeting guidelines, but the groups will run their meetings however they want.
• Sponsors. Members of AA who have successfully completed the Twelve-Step program and have remained sober for at least a year sponsor other members. The purpose of a sponsor is to provide assistance and encouragement to new members who are having difficulty. Members are encouraged to call their sponsors when they are tempted to drink.
• Abstinence from alcohol. AA believes that completely abstaining from alcohol is the best way to recover from alcoholism and encourages all its members to avoid any drinking at all.

AA has been a successful program for many people. Through group therapy and individual encouragement, members of AA can successfully overcome their alcohol addictions.

  • Share/Bookmark

Tags:
No Comments »

Researching Treatment Facilities

Addiction, Healthy Life, Treatment | Posted by admin
Aug 17 2010

Finally, your spouse has admitted he might need help with his drinking. After years of putting up with his abuse of alcohol, he has agreed that a rehabilitation or treatment center might be the way to go. If you haven’t already done your research and found a center, then start calling places and getting on the Internet. If you have targeted a specific provider, good for you! You are one step ahead of the game.

Before you commit to a specific place though, make sure to find out the answers to some important questions. Check into the provider’s accreditation or license. Each state has its own licensing laws, while national accreditation is offered by various organizations.

Also find out about the professional staff. Are there medical doctors, clinical psychologists, nurses? What about specialists in addiction? How about the counselors? Make sure the staff meets all the national standards. You don’t want a fly-by-night organization that has former addicts with no training posing as professional counselors.

How many counselors are there for every patient? If you can afford it, a place with small groups and personalized care is better. You don’t want your husband to get lost in the shuffle.

What are the treatment options — a 12-step program, clinical care, detoxification? Make sure it resonates with your husband and is a plan that he can believe in and follow. What about length of the treatment plan? What are your options after treatment is completed?

Always try and take a tour of the facility. is it clean? Does it feel safe? Is it a nice setting? Spending time in nature has proven to be beneficial to recovery. Does the facility offer walking trails, serene alcoves for sitting, a tree to sit under?

Of course, finances are always a consideration, so ask if the provider takes your insurance.

If you like the answers to these questions, then you have probably found the right treatment provider and can get started on the journey to recovery.

  • Share/Bookmark

Tags: , , ,
No Comments »

What Is a Twelve Step Program — Addiction

Addiction, Rehab, Substance Abuse | Posted by admin
Aug 15 2010

For those who are battling addiction, there are a number of different treatment options to choose from to help them on their road to recovery. One of these is a Twelve-Step program for support.

The Twelve-Step program originated with Alcoholics Anonymous over 60 years ago as a way to overcome alcohol addiction. Now, the Twelve Step program is used by people for many different types of addiction, not just alcohol. Other groups that use this type of system with permission from Alcoholics Anonymous include support groups for gamblers, drug abusers, overeaters, and people with debt and spending problems.

Although Alcoholics Anonymous is not affiliated with any religious groups, the original Twelve Steps focused heavily on relying on God for support for alcohol treatment. Today, the main goals behind the twelve steps include:

• Recognizing and admitting that the addiction has caused a complete loss of control over the person’s life
• Turning to a higher power for a source of support and strength
• Willingness to work to overcome the addiction
• Take a close look at problems in life or relationships that were harmed as a result of the addiction
• Attempting to make amends to those who were affected or hurt by the addiction
• Learning and applying new habits to break the addiction
• Striving to help other who are suffering from the same addictions, often through a sponsorship program

The twelve step program focuses on total healing, including the mental, spiritual, and physical aspects. These vary with each addiction, for example, a drug addict’s physical tolls may include hyperactivity or lack of control, mental may include the feeling of not being able to stop using drugs, and the spiritual could be the self-centered nature of addiction. After identifying these problems, they work to overcome each aspect.

Many people have used the Twelve Step program successfully to overcome an addiction, whether it’s an addiction to gambling or drugs or alcohol or anything else.

  • Share/Bookmark

Tags: ,
No Comments »

Effects of Addiction — Addiction

Addiction, Substance Abuse, Treatment | Posted by admin
Aug 13 2010

Any addiction, whether it’s an addiction to drugs or alcohol or gambling or food, is harmful. The effects of addiction are numerous. Not only do they affect a person’s health and well-being, but they are almost always painful to those who are close to them.

Anyone who thinks their addiction isn’t hurting anyone should consider the following effects of addiction:

• Health problems. Many addictions come in the form of substance abuse. This could be an illegal drug like crack or heroine, and it can also be something perfectly legal, like alcohol or a prescription drug. Using too much of anything can be harmful to the health. For example, alcoholics frequently have liver problems, and overdosing on any type of drug can make a person very ill or even kill them.
• Relationship problems. Some people are good at hiding their addictions, and even those who are closest to them don’t know anything is amiss. Most of the time, however, personal relationships with friends and family are affected. An addiction could result in money to pay bills and feed a family being spent on drugs or gambling instead, or an alcohol addiction could result in violence or domestic abuse. Family members who see the effects of their loved ones’ addiction also causes pain and worry. In a divorce, or if a single parent has an addiction, he or she could even lose custody of their children.
• Workplace problems. Oftentimes an addiction can affect performance on the job as well. An addiction makes it difficult to focus on tasks at hand. Or, perhaps the person spends his or her time seeking the next high and neglecting to go to work. Addictions result in lost jobs all the time.

The effects of addiction are found in all areas of a person’s life, from their health to their relationships to their jobs.

  • Share/Bookmark

Tags: ,
No Comments »

Causes of Addictions — Addiction

Addiction, Drugs, Treatment | Posted by admin
Aug 12 2010

An addiction is a serious problem that has negative consequences in virtually every area of a person’s life. An addiction is characterized by a person’s extreme dependence on anything habit-forming. People frequently think of drugs or cigarettes first when they think of addictions, but addictions can form for virtually anything, from alcohol to gambling to overeating.

The very essence of addiction can be confusing–why would some people become so dependent on something that others have control over or can easily do without? While the exact causes of why some people are more prone to addiction than others are unknown, some theories include:

• Depression. There are high correlations between people who are clinically depressed and addiction. This is often the result of attempting to mask the sadness they feel each day with something else. This is referred to as self-medicating, but in some cases the “medication” turns to an unhealthy addiction; for example, someone who overeats when they feel depressed or takes prescription pills to experience a high.
• Environment. People who are surrounded by certain addictive substances can also be more prone to developing an addiction than if they were not faced with the substance each day; for example, kids may pick up smoking at a young age and become addicted to it if their parents are also.
• Personality. Also referred to as addictive personalities, some personality types seem more prone to drug or alcohol addiction than others. Those who are impulsive or always seem to be seeking excitement are more prone to trying new things, including drugs or alcohol, and then become addicted to them easier than someone who is not constantly seeking a new thrill.

Causes of addiction vary from person to person. They could be mental in nature, or they could be the result of a physical or chemical predisposition.

  • Share/Bookmark

Tags: ,
No Comments »

What To Expect During Detox — Addiction

Addiction, Drugs, Rehab, Treatment | Posted by admin
Aug 11 2010

When overcoming an addiction to drugs or alcohol, the first step of many addiction treatment programs is the detoxification stage. This crucial step in getting over an addiction involves removing the drug or alcohol completely from your body and is often accompanied by withdrawal symptoms. While the length of the detox varies depending on the program and the drug, it usually lasts about a week.

If you are worried about the detox portion of your treatment or are unsure of what to expect, the following are a few things you can expect during the detox phase:

1) Medical supervision. When drugs are involved, the detox phase is almost always done in an inpatient facility or hospital so you can be closely monitored by doctors. The doctor will monitor your vital signs like breathing and blood pressure, and will also give any medications he or she deems necessary. These can help you with your symptoms as well.
2) Withdrawal symptoms. As the drugs or alcohol are leaving your body, you will experience withdrawal symptoms because your body has come to rely heavily on drugs or alcohol, and responds adversely when they are no longer there. Some of the most common side effects of detox include sweating and/or chills, strong drug cravings, vomiting and nausea, stomach cramps and diarrhea, and insomnia.
3) Emotional side effects. The detox period is emotionally draining as well as physically draining. You will most likely experience some emotional side effects, such as depression, irritability, or anxiety. Everyone responds differently to detox, but there will be trained counselors and support staff to help you through the emotional side effects.

Detox may not be a pleasant experience or one anyone looks forward to, the symptoms and side effects are only temporary. It is a vital step in progressing towards the life you want.

  • Share/Bookmark

Tags: ,
No Comments »

Preventing a Relapse — Addiction

Addiction, Rehab, Treatment | Posted by admin
Aug 11 2010

Those who are dealing with any kind of an addiction know the difficulty that comes with the recovery process. Part of this is the potential for a relapse. A relapse occurs when the recovering addict resumes old habits; it could be anything from “just one drink” for an alcoholic or a full-blown return to drugs for a drug addict.

But relapses don’t just happen. It takes some time to get to that point, and typically there are signs to warn you that you may be headed for your bad habits again. Knowing what leads to a relapse is the best way to prevent them before they occur. Your behavior will change gradually rather than dramatically at the beginning of a relapse. A few of the ways you can tell if a relapse is imminent include:

• Skipping your recovery or support meetings
• Rationalizing your addiction or thinking that life was better then
• Hanging out with old friends you used to drink or use with
• Frequently thinking about drinking, using, or whatever else the addiction was

If you begin to notice these signs, a few things you can do include:

• Call your sponsor. If you are in a program like Alcoholics Anonymous or Gamblers Anonymous, you will most likely have a sponsor. Part of his or her job is to help you through these rough patches and remember why you wanted to quit in the first place. If you don’t have a sponsor, call a supportive friend or family member.
• Do something do distract yourself. Make a list of things you can do instead when you’re tempted to relapse, and turn to the list before you start using again. This can include working out or going for a walk, watching a movie, playing with your children, hanging out with friends, or anything else.

Relapses can be prevented if you know what to watch out for.

  • Share/Bookmark

Tags: ,
No Comments »

The Stages of Addiction Treatment — Addiction

Addiction, Substance Abuse, Treatment | Posted by admin
Aug 10 2010

Overcoming substance abuse is a long, difficult process. Many addicts or alcoholics know their lives will be happier if they stop using or drinking, but are unsure of what to expect during the treatment process.

Treatment for an addiction typically involves a number of stages or steps. The most common stages of addiction treatment you will see include:

Step One: Detoxification
Also called detox, this is the period in which the patient is weaned off of the substance they are addicted to. It involves gradually removing the substance from the body. Because it can be dangerous and is both mentally as well as physically exhausting and demanding, it is usually done in an inpatient treatment center under the watchful eye of medical professionals. During detox, patients experience withdrawal symptoms like shaking, vomiting, and cravings. They may also be irritable or anxious.

Step Two: Support
Once the detox is complete, the patient must then develop new habits and thought patterns to help them get back to life without depending on drugs and alcohol. This involves support from a number of different sources. The patient’s support network will probably include family members, close friends, counselors and therapists, support groups, and a sponsor. The support network will help the patient steer clear of old habits and friends and get help with underlying issues that may have caused them to turn to drugs or alcohol in the first place.

Step Three: Abstinence and Maintenance
The final ongoing step of drug or alcohol addiction treatment is to abstain from the substance for good. This helps the patient not be tempted to relapse back into old habits, and it also gives them a feeling of control over their lives.

Addiction can be overcome with the right treatment plan and support network.

  • Share/Bookmark

Tags: ,
No Comments »

Overcoming an Addiction: What You Need to Change — Addiction

Addiction, Rehab, Treatment | Posted by admin
Aug 10 2010

Overcoming an addiction means more than just quitting a drug or habit. To truly move past your addiction and start a new life, you must be willing to make changes in your life and relationships in order to leave your old life behind.

Some of these things include:

Find New Friends
Many times, people who are addicted to drugs, alcohol, gambling, or anything else associate with those who have the same addictions. In order to get past your addiction and start a new life, you have to surround yourself with people who want to help you change and encourage and support you. Associating with people who also use will not only put you in tempting situations, but because they are also addicted, they won’t encourage you to quit.

Find New Hobbies
Oftentimes, people who have addictions let the addictions run their lives. Replace your gambling, drug using, drinking, or whatever it is you were addicted to with a new hobby or pastime. You could take up a sport, learn a new hobby, or begin focusing your attention on developing a more healthy lifestyle by joining and gym and exercising.

Find New Coping Skills
Most people drink, do drugs, or turn to an addiction to help them when they are stressed, depressed, or lonely. Finding new coping skills when you’re feeling down can make it so you’re less likely to rely on their addiction to get through certain feelings. These skills can include calling a friend on the phone, exercising, going for a walk, listening to music, or visiting people who will help you get your mind off of your addiction.

Join a Support Group
There are support groups for virtually every addiction, and they can be a great tool to help you start your new life.

Getting past an addiction is difficult, but it helps to make changes in your life.

  • Share/Bookmark

Tags: ,
No Comments »