Archive for the ‘Substance Abuse’ Category

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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Pros and Cons of Inpatient Rehab Centers — Addiction

Addiction, Substance Abuse, Treatment | Posted by admin
Aug 08 2010

If you are seeking treatment for a drug or alcohol addiction, you may have considered an inpatient treatment facility. With this type of rehab center, residents live at the facility during the duration of their treatment, which typically lasts around 30 days. During this time, their recovery is monitored closely by professionals.

If you are thinking of an inpatient facility, consider the following pros and cons:

Pros:

• Help through the hard parts. The first step of a rehab program is the detox period, in which you wean yourself off of the substance that was addictive. This period of time is considered the most difficult, as it is physically and emotionally draining. An inpatient facility provides constant monitoring by professionals during this time, making it easier to deal with.
• Difficult to get access to substances. Inpatient treatment centers control and monitor the center and anyone coming and going to ensure drugs and alcohol are not allowed on the premises. Removing this temptation makes it easier to get through the treatment program.
• Support 24 hours a day. The beginning of any addiction recovery program is difficult. An inpatient program offers support and medical assistance around the clock.
• Better environment to recover in. The support of peers and counselors, as well as a structured environment free of temptation and access to substances, makes it a much better environment to recover in.

A few of the cons of an inpatient facility include:

• Cost. Some rehabs cost tens of thousands of dollars. What’s more, many insurance companies don’t cover this type of treatment program, so it must be paid for with loans or out of pocket.
• Confining. Some residents may feel like they are being too closely monitored or “punished” for trying to get help by taking away a sense of their freedom. With a negative attitude towards rehabilitation, it makes it harder to recover.

Knowing the pros and cons can help you make a better decision regarding inpatient treatment.

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Pros and Cons of Outpatient Rehab Centers — Addiction

Addiction, Substance Abuse, Treatment | Posted by admin
Aug 06 2010

Selecting a rehab center to help you through the addiction recovery process can be daunting. There are basically two main types of rehab facilities: outpatient and inpatient. In an outpatient center, the patient receives therapy and treatment and then goes home, whereas with an inpatient facility, the patient lives there until treatment is complete.

When deciding if an outpatient facility is for you, it’s important to take into account the pros and cons:

Pros

• Flexible schedule. An outpatient facility is a good choice if you have responsibilities and obligations such as school or a job you have to go to each day. An outpatient allows you to make appointments based on your schedule.
• Family responsibilities. If you have a family you must take care of, an outpatient facility will allow you to go home to them each day, get them ready for school, and so forth.
• Cost. Outpatient centers are more affordable than inpatient, and most insurance companies will cover the cost.

Cons
• Greater temptation. The biggest threat of outpatient is the uncontrolled environment. This is especially true in the beginning of treatment and during the difficult detox period, when it’s easier to go back to old habits when not under constant monitoring.
• Less monitoring. An outpatient facility does not provide the constant monitoring that an inpatient facility provides. This is important because 24/7 monitoring of the facilities and patients’ coming and going means less chance of relapse. Once they leave the outpatient facility, patients may go back to surroundings that don’t monitor usage.
• Less support. 24/7 support is important to help recovering addicts get through the most difficult parts of their treatment. Outpatient facilities don’t have the 24/7 support that is so important for recovery.

Choosing the right outpatient facility is an important part of recovery. Weighing the pros and cons of each type can help you choose the best one for you.

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Signs of Teen Drug Abuse

Addiction, Drugs, Substance Abuse | Posted by admin
Aug 05 2010

Drug abuse isn’t just a problem for adults–a growing number of teenagers are using drugs more and more these days. Because many teenagers exhibit drug abuse symptoms that are actually just the result of teens growing up and changing hormones.

If you suspect your teen is using drugs, be alert for these warning signs:

• Sudden decline in school performance. This can include skipping classes, getting calls from teachers or principals, poor grades, tardiness, and so forth.
• New friends. If he or she has suddenly made new friends or is spending less and less time with their friends, it could be an indication something is wrong. This is especially true if the new friends have bad habits and bad reputations.
• Mood swings. If your teen has become increasingly angry or suddenly depressed all the time, it could indicate some sort of substance abuse.
• Acting secretive. Teens who have a problem with substance abuse act increasingly private. For example, this may include leaving without telling you where they are going, stopping talking on the phone if you come in the room, or suddenly no longer confiding in you.
• Change in style. Teens frequently experiment with new styles and clothings, but if they suddenly begin wearing clothing that encourages drug use or reflects styles of other drug users, there might be a substance abuse problem.
• Sudden concern with smells. If you notice your teen has started using incenses or air fresheners, it could be to mask smoke or chemical smells. Same with use of perfumes, colognes, and air fresheners.
• Evidence of drug use. This can include eye drops to hide bloodshot eyes, drug paraphernalia such as inhalant items like aerosol cans, rags, paper for rolling, or pipes.

These are just a few of the things that could indicate drug abuse in teens.

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Common Causes of Teen Substance Abuse — Addiction

Addiction, Healthy Life, Substance Abuse, Treatment | Posted by admin
Aug 04 2010

When you think of the problems and stresses teens face, you probably think of things like grades, friends, getting into college, or dating. However, for many teens, addiction to drugs or alcohol is a real problem that can ruin their lives if not taken care of.

There are a number of things that can lead to teen substance abuse. Some of the more common ones are:

• Stress. Teens face stress just like adults do. Dealing with things like getting into the right college, grades, fitting in with friends, and dating relationships can cause great amounts of stress in teens. Some of them turn to drugs or alcohol to help them deal with the pressure.
• Peer pressure. Friends are a huge influence on teens. Many teens with substance abuse problems got started by hanging out with a crowd that frequently drank or did drugs. Not wanting to feel left out, they participate and end up getting addicted themselves.
• Acceptance. Most high school kids want to be accepted by their peers, yet many find themselves alienated. Some turn to drugs and alcohol with the hopes that it will help them fit in. Or, they find that people who use are more accepting of them, and get caught up in their habits as well.
• Problems at home. Abuse, divorce, strained family relationships, and money problems are a reality for many families these days. Teens who live in environments like this may find themselves drinking or doing drugs to escape from their home life.
• Depression. Depression isn’t just an adult disease—teens with depression may find they feel better if they drink or use drugs to get high. To them, it helps deal with the depression they face each day and provides a temporary respite.

Teen substance abuse is a growing problem, and these are just some of the most common reasons teens start to use drugs or drink.

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A Look at Wilderness Programs for Teen Substance Abuse — Addiction

Addiction, Substance Abuse | Posted by admin
Aug 03 2010

Choosing the kind of help and treatment your teen gets from substance abuse is a big decision. There are many programs available, from inpatient rehab centers to therapy to detox programs. One type of treatment program is a wilderness substance abuse program.

What is a Wilderness Program?
A wilderness program, or outdoor therapy, or anything similar to that takes place in the outdoors, typically away from any large cities or major modern conveniences. They range anywhere from a few weeks to an entire summer or fall, depending on the program. They are frequently used in conjunction with another substance abuse treatment program, like in-patient or out-patient therapy.

How Does it Work?
During their time in the wilderness, teens are supervised and led by trained counselors with experience in dealing with teens as well as drug recovery. A variety of programs and projects are put in place that are designed to build self-confidence and self-esteem and respect for authority. Group therapy is also a big part of a program like this.

What are the Pros/Cons?
Benefits of a wilderness substance abuse program include:
• Controlled environment. The temptation of drugs and alcohol are not present, nor is the ability to acquire them.
• Increased self-confidence. Many teens fall into drugs because they feel they didn’t fit in, had low self esteem, or were depressed. These programs give them an increase in confidence.

Drawbacks include:
• Short-term success. These programs have a shorter success rate than others when used alone, which is why they should be used with other treatments.
• Return to “real world” can be hard. Once out of the program, teens have access to bad friends, drugs, alcohol, and other things that can cause a relapse.

A wilderness program can be a great way to build up a teen who suffers from a substance abuse problem when used alongside other forms of treatment.

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What to Look For in a Substance Abuse Treatment Program

Addiction, Substance Abuse, Treatment | Posted by admin
Aug 01 2010

If you are searching for a program or facility to help you overcome a substance abuse problem or addiction, there are many things to take into consideration to ensure you find one that gives you the best tools and treatment for a successful recovery.

Some of the things to ask yourself when choosing a treatment program include:

What is their philosophy on addiction?
Some treatment centers believe addiction is the result of a biological issue; others believe it is behavioral. Make sure their philosophy is in line with your own.

Are they accredited/licensed?
The facility or program as well as the staff should be licensed, accredited, and experienced in handling substance abuse rehabilitation.

What does the treatment plan include?
Knowing what the treatment plan includes, such as whether or not there is a detox or the type of therapy given, will help you not only know what to expect, but also whether or not it is something you can live with for the duration of the program.

Are they qualified to care for a dual diagnosis?
Many people with addictions also have other illnesses or problems in addition, such as depression, schizophrenia, or an eating disorder. If you fall into this category, the program you choose should be prepared to address and handle it.

Do they have an aftercare program?
A good facility should have an aftercare program or refer you to a support group or counselor that can help you transition back into daily life after your treatment and learn coping techniques to prevent a relapse.

Are they accommodating to my schedule?
Is the program inpatient or outpatient? If outpatient, look to see if they flexible with your obligations to work, family, school, and so forth.

In addition, it’s also a good idea to tour the facility or ask for references. The treatment you choose is an important decision, and you should put a lot of thought and research into it.

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