Category: Addiction Treatment

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8 of the Most Addictive Drugs to Stay Away From and Ignore

Learn the Most Addictive Drugs

A government report showed that about 64,000 people died due to drug overdoses in 2016.

Drug abuse has led to several adverse implications among young and older adults.

Other than death, addiction to drugs can alter your brain chemistry and cause financial, legal, and health issues.

The side effects of drug abuse are not new to users. In fact, many have tried to ditch drug abuse to no avail.

Most of the abused drugs lead to addiction, making it harder for users to survive without them.

The extent of addiction to drugs varies. Here’s a comprehensive list of seven of the most addictive drugs that you need to know.

Most Addictive Drugs - Photo looking down on a table with an assortment of the most addictive drugs including Pills, Heroin, Cocaine and Alcohol.
alcohol, drugs, pills on a wooden background

1. Heroin

If you didn’t know what the most addictive drug in the world is, there you have it.

Heroin ranks as the most addictive substance, scoring 3 out of the maximum, three. Heroin is derived from opium poppy extracts.

Heroin is an opiate, mostly sold as a brownish or whitish powder. Users commonly smoke, swallow, or inject heroin into the veins.

The drug increases dopamine levels when taken. The activated opioids receptors produce a good-feeling sensation, relaxation, and blocks pain.

Users get into a dreamy state when heroin’s euphoric effects subside.

Heroin has extreme withdrawal symptoms, which make users continue using the drug.

Some of the withdrawal symptoms include diarrhea, vomiting, cold flashes, severe bone and muscle pain, uncontrollable movements, and restlessness.

Despite ranking as the most addictive, heroin is reported to be the second most dangerous drug due to the damage it has on society and the individual.

If you’re recovering from heroin addiction, you need to know how to stay away from common relapse triggers. Once you identify these relapse triggers, remaining sober won’t be such a struggle.

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2. Cocaine

When listing the most addictive drugs, cocaine is almost in the same category as heroin. Up to 14,000 Americans succumbed to cocaine overdose in 2017.

This was a 34% increase from the previous year. Clearly, cocaine’s popularity has been increasing in recent years.

Cocaine is a white crystal powder. Users inject, smoke, or rub the powder on their gums.

Crack cocaine has slight differences from the regular cocaine; it has a high potent nature, making one feel the effect more quickly than the typical variant.

Using cocaine gives users an intense euphoric feeling. The drug triggers the brain to produce dopamine, which makes one feel high.

With constant use, the body becomes tolerant of cocaine, and one has to increase the dose to achieve the desired excitement, happiness, and high energy.

As the drug continues to wear off, users experience anxiety, anger, and depression.

As a resultant, users become dependent on the drug. Continued snorting of cocaine can lead to a constant runny nose, swallowing difficulties, nosebleeds, and loss of smell.

3. Nicotine

The use of tobacco involves chewing, sniffing, and smoking products that have nicotine. Tobacco products that contain nicotine include cigars, cigarettes, bidis, and hookah products.

A significant number of teenagers and adults smoke these products.

Administering nicotine in the body leads to the release of endorphins.

While the surge is incomparable to other drugs, increased use raises dopamine levels in the user’s body. Long-term exposure to nicotine prompts the brain to seek more of this drug.

Nicotine is amongst the addictive drugs that kill. It narrows the arteries and hardens the arterial walls, which can lead to a heart attack.

Besides the cardiovascular effects, nicotine increases the risk of gastrointestinal and respiratory conditions.

When one tries to quit smoking, withdrawal symptoms such as headaches, mood swings, and anxiety can be a hindrance.

The symptoms are severe, and users often relapse. Besides, nicotine products are easily accessible, which makes their addiction common.

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4. Alcohol

Global alcohol consumption per capita is projected to increase by 17% within the next decade.

Despite the rising cases of alcohol-related disorders, more adults are taking alcohol without flinching. Alcohol is in the category of the most addictive drugs, not only in the US but also globally.

The use of alcohol in a social setting makes it seem less harmful as compared to other hard drugs.

Yet, it increases the risk of liver diseases, cancers, and cardiovascular disorders. Alcohol alters one’s judgment, which prompts users to engage in risky behaviors such as explicit sex and drunk driving.

Consumption of alcohol increases dopamine levels, which gets users excited. However, continued use ultimately leads to dependence.

The extreme withdrawal systems such as severe headaches make alcoholics to fall back.

If you’ve been experiencing withdrawal symptoms or can’t go a day without alcohol, it’s probably time to go to rehab.

The willpower to check into rehab isn’t always present. But if you have several troubling signs, going to rehab will give you better control of your life.

Most Addictive Drugs - Photo of several alcoholic drinks in glasses of all sizes and types. Alcohol is one of the most addictive drugs.
Photo of several alcoholic drinks in glasses of all sizes and types.

5. Methamphetamine

Methamphetamine is one of the highly addictive psycho-stimulant drugs. Despite being illegal, thousands of people use it for the euphoric effects. Meth raises the levels of norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain.

Meth users inject, ingest, snort, or smoke this illegal drug. The intense rush and euphoric high can last up to 24 hours. The effects of meth last more than cocaine.

Methamphetamine can be made using available ingredients, which means it’s cheaper. Some of the street names for this drug include crystal, chalk, ice, speed, and rank.

Meth has high neuro-toxicity, which can have damaging effects on the serotonin and dopamine neurons in a user’s brain.

This toxicity further increases when a person combines the drug with opiates, cocaine, and alcohol. Regular use of methamphetamine might lead to irreversible functional and structural changes in the body.

When you follow the steps to overcome addiction, you can be free from this highly addictive drug. However, it is essential to acknowledge that meth addiction is one of the most difficult drug addictions to treat.

Support from family and friends can go a long way in the process of recovery.

24/7 Rehab Hotline – Get Help Now

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6. Barbiturates

Barbiturates are in a category of drugs referred to as sedative-hypnotics. While the drug is typically in the form of a pill, users inject it in its liquid form.

These drugs were initially used to decrease anxiety and induce sleep in the 1960s.

However, an incorrect dosage can be dangerous. In extreme cases, overdosing on barbiturates can cause death or coma.

When used minimally, the drug can cause euphoria. Barbiturates are highly addictive.

Fortunately, these drugs are rare, unlike in the past. Doctors have replaced the prescriptions with benzodiazepines, which play the same sedative-hypnotic role. The latter is safer than barbiturates.

Continued use of barbiturates can cause tolerance development. Abuse of this drug might lead to an overdose. A coma, dilated pupils, shallow breathing, and clammy skin are some of the overdose signs you need to observe.

Discontinuing barbiturates exposes a person to a myriad of side effects.

Some of the notable withdrawal symptoms include insomnia, anxiety, dizziness, psychosis, and seizures. If untreated, barbiturates lead to circulatory failure, hypothermia, and death.

7. Methadone

Methadone is under the category of opioids. When analyzing some of the most addictive drugs, opiates rank first in this category.

This drug has been highly effective in treating extreme pain.

Besides, some doctors use it to treat heroin addiction. You can take methadone as a liquid, powder, or tablet.

While doctors prescribe this methadone in some cases, people still take it illegally by injection.

Constant use of this drug can cause addiction. Some of the side effects of methadone include hallucinations, light headedness, breathing difficulties, and chest pains.

Your body might adapt to the calming effects of methadone. When you get to the drug tolerance stage, addiction might be imminent.

It is advisable to seek medical help if you find yourself taking more methadone than what’s recommended.

8. Cannabis

Cannabis, also known as weed or marijuana, is another common addictive drug.

This drug is a mixture of dried stems, leaves, and flowers of the Cannabis Sativa plant. People using cannabis smoke it via a pipe or as a cigarette.

Weed induces the central nervous system, leading to the production of sensations such as mild euphoria, wrong perception of time and space, relaxation, and increased appetite. Cannabis is addictive. Yet, eleven states have legalized its recreational use.

One of the behavioral symptoms of cannabis includes losing interest in activities that you previously enjoyed. Withdrawal from friends and secrecy are other signs of cannabis addiction.

Declining performance at work and school can also result from consistent use of weed.

Cannabis addiction leads to physical symptoms such as dry mouth, bloodshot eyes, poor coordination, fatigue, and lack of attention.

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Most Addictive Drugs Have Several Withdrawal Symptoms

Drug users trying to reform often face extreme withdrawal symptoms.

With such relapses, doing away with most addictive drugs isn’t usually easy.

If you have a friend or family member who’s deep in addiction, supporting them can help a great deal.

It would be best to walk with such people through rehab so that they can transform.

Some of the long term implications of these drugs are fatal. Rehabilitation can save a soul.

Do you need an addiction counselor?

Contact us today.

Our team of qualified medical staff will walk with you or your loved one until you recover.

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What to Look for in a Drug Rehabilitation Center

A group therapy session going well, with a young woman sharing intently, shows one aspect of 'What to Look for in a Drug Rehabilitation Center'

There are over 14 000 rehabilitation facilities in America. When you or your loved one is ready for help, how are you supposed to choose one? With this in mind we’ve written our take on what to look for in a drug rehabilitation center.

Naturally, some facilities are better than others.

There are lots of things to consider when choosing a center. The types of programs offered, the credibility of the center, and their options for detox, to name a few. Then there’s the price and if it’s covered by insurance.

Basically, there’s a lot to consider before you can go to treatment. We’ve made it easy for you by compiling all those factors in one place. Keep reading for help choosing a drug rehabilitation center.

9 Things to Consider When Choosing a Facility

Each rehab center is unique in its approaches, reputation, and effectiveness. And, each addict has a unique background, substance of choice, and psychology.

Finding a treatment center that suits the addict doesn’t have to be difficult. Here are nine things to consider before you make your decision.

1. Credentials and Licenses

First, you need to ensure the facility you’re interested in is certified and licensed. This means it can legally operate and advertise as a rehabilitation center.

Unfortunately, there are some facilities that say they’re credible when they aren’t.

There are a handful of accreditation organizations for rehabilitation facilities. If a facility is accredited, they can accept insurance and advertise their services.

They include:

– the Joint Commission Accreditation

– the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities

– the LegitScript Certification

You should also ensure the staff that work at the facility are licensed. They should have ample training and experience as well as official certifications. Some examples are Licensed Drug and Alcohol Counselor (LDAC) and Certified Addictions Counselor (CAC).

Lastly, see what the facility specializes in. It’s unlikely that any facility can treat every addiction disorder effectively. That’s why specializing in a few is more promising.

Some centers specialize in alcohol addiction and heroin addiction. Others in prescription pill addiction or methamphetamine addiction.

2. On-Site Detox

The first phase of getting sober is going through a detoxification process. This is when the body runs out of substances and doesn’t get replenished.

Also called withdrawal, the detox process can sometimes be painful, distressing, and stressful.

You need a facility that is experienced in administering detoxes. Users in this state need constant monitoring and on-call emergency services.

Ensure the facility you choose offers 24-hour care for detox patients. You should also inquire if they offer medication for certain addictions, like opioids. In these cases, going cold turkey off the substance isn’t the safest option.

3. In-Patient vs. Out-Patient

In-patient programs are when patients live in the facility full-time. They eat, sleep, and complete the program on-site.

Out-patient programs allow the patient to sleep and spend time out of the center. They will often come to the center for treatment and therapy.

You must decide if an in-patient or out-patient program is best for you. Often, the counselors at the rehabilitation facility can help you decide. As can your doctor.

In-patient programs are often for users who can’t fulfill regular tasks, like going to work. Or, if the user has tried many different out-patient programs without success.

4. Individualized Care and Programs

There’s no one-size-fits-all treatment program. So, if the facility offers a generic program for all patients, stay away.

A reputable center will offer a customized program based on the patient. They will combine different therapies and treatments that will benefit each unique patient.

The facility should also only use evidence-based programs. These are programs that have ample research proving their effectiveness. Some examples would be Cognitive Behavioral Therapy or 12-Step Facilitation.

You may also want to inquire about gender-based treatment. Some facilities offer treatment for men, women, teens, or specific religions.

5. Mental Health Services

Did you know that 25 percent of addicts also have mental health illnesses? Mental illnesses go hand in hand with addiction.

So, it’s beneficial for the patient if the facility can treat both problems.

They might offer addictions counselling as well as counselling for depression or anxiety. This is sometimes called dual diagnosis treatment.

No two dual diagnosis are the same, so these patients need customized treatment plans.

Inquire how the facility creates their treatment plans for these patients especially. What kinds of assessments do they do first? How many licensed professionals contribute to creating their program?

It’s important to have mental health professionals handling these conditions. Not just a general counselor.

6. Diverse Treatment Team

Find out the patient to staff member ratio. When the patients outnumber the staff, it’s likely that your loved one won’t get the attention they need.

And, there shouldn’t be a few staff members wearing all the hats.

Effective treatment requires expertise in many different fields. That’s why reputable facilities will have medical doctors, nurses, counselors, and psychiatrists. They also often have wellness experts, like nutritionists and spiritual counselors.

Additionally, there will be property managers, groundskeepers, and cleaners. A well-staffed and diverse facility runs like a well-oiled machine. Patients get all the attention and help they need.

7. Services & Amenities

The top rehabilitation centers don’t spend 24-hours a day focused on the addiction. They give patients time to explore new hobbies and activities.

It might seem strange for a treatment center to offer fun activities. But these services and amenities give addicts the opportunities to develop new interests.

Some centers will have fitness rooms, a pool, or an art room. There might be musical instruments, lessons, and even pet therapy.

Meditation and mindfulness are often helpful during addiction recovery. So, there might be yoga classes and meditation sessions.

Remember that luxury amenities don’t always equate to quality. Some centers boast having the top amenities. But, their ability to treat addiction is less than par.

Focus on quality treatment first, amenities second.

8. Family Participation

As you likely know, addiction doesn’t just affect the user. It affects everyone in their life that loves them.

Often, the family of a user needs treatment as much as the addict does.

For that reason, many facilities will incorporate families into the recovery process. That could mean sitting in on meetings or doing therapy with the recovering addict.

Perhaps there are wounds your family needs to heal. Or, perhaps your family needs to learn how to adjust to your loved one’s sober lifestyle.

Look for facilities that acknowledge the role of the family in addiction. And, are willing to incorporate it into the addict’s program.

9. Post-Treatment Support

What happens when the patient completes their program? Are they kicked out? How can you ensure they don’t relapse?

Many rehabilitation centers will offer post-treatment support services. These are programs that continue treating the addiction, but not necessarily on-site.

They might include phone coaching, accountability apps, or even support groups. Attending support groups can be very helpful for the recovering addict to find peers who understand their past.

There are also sober living homes where patients can go after in-patient programs. These homes offer a transition period before heading back to the real world. It’s where they can learn how to adjust and continue to heal in a safe environment.

It’s a good idea to arrange support services before the patient leaves the program. This could mean planning for ongoing counseling and career counseling. Or, continuation of the hobbies they enjoyed during treatment.

How to Find a Drug Rehabilitation Center

Now that you know some of the things to consider when choosing a facility, here are the steps to pick one.

First, do lots of research.

Pay attention to how long each facility has been in business. You should look for one with many years of experience. And, one that specializes in the type of addiction you or your loved one has.

Look at the online reviews. Read their success stories.

Keep in mind that if it seems to good to be true, it probably is. Beware of centers that promise or guarantee success.

Next, ask lots of questions. Book phone interviews with facility managers who will answer all your questions. Take notes and pay attention to the manager’s friendliness and professionalism.

Last, tour the facility in person. Look for cleanliness, safety hazards, and the staff to patient ratio. Talk to different staff members if possible and observe different activities in progress.

Looking for the Right Addiction Treatment Center for You?

As mentioned above, treatment centers vary in quality, price, and effectiveness. It’s important to weed out the ones that won’t serve you well. And, investigate the ones that seem promising.

Best Rehabs In Arizona is a highly reputable drug rehabilitation center in Colorado and Arizona. Our team of licensed experts help patients recover from certain addictions.Contact us to learn more about our addiction recovery services.

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Staying Away from Common Relapse Triggers

Does every day of your life feel like a battle to remain sober? If so, we’re here to help with our guide to ‘Staying Away from Common Relapse Triggers.’

It’s important to remind yourself that you’re not alone in these struggles. In fact, substance abuse has become a serious epidemic in America today. Studies have found that 46 percent of

American adults have a friend or family member that is suffering from drug addiction.

There’s no denying that overcoming addiction and remaining sober is a long, complicated road.

Fortunately, there are steps that anyone battling addiction can take to enhance their chances of overcoming addiction.

Learning how to stay away from common relapse triggers is one of the best means of prevention possible. This is where your relapse prevention plan comes into play. Having a detailed prevention plan is what’s going to allow remaining sober to be easier and all the more likely.

If you want to learn more about how to deal with your triggers, you’re going to want to read this. We’re uncovering eight of the most common relapse triggers and how to best avoid them. Let’s get started.

1. People

For recovering addicts, there are certain people in your life that are going to be triggers. This could be anyone from a close friend or a former drug dealer to an ex-partner or a sibling.

The truth is, these people may set off cravings that could eventually lead to a relapse. They’re also likely to offset negative emotions that lead you to feel stressed or anxious. For those that can easily be avoided, it’s best to do so.

Of course, there are certain people in your life that are difficult to avoid. This would be a family member or someone that you need to see on a routine basis. When these situations cannot be avoided, it’s crucial to plan for these interactions in advance.

This is where talking to your therapist comes into play and is so important for your recovery. It’s best to plan ahead for how to deal with these emotions when they present themselves. If you cannot change the people that are present in your life, you need to change your reactions to these people.

2. Places

Just like people, there are also going to be certain places and locations throughout your life that act as triggers. These are often places such as:

  • Certain neighborhoods
  • Bars and nightclubs
  • Hotels
  • A certain friend’s house
  • Casinos
  • Downtown areas
  • Former pick-up places

Wherever these places are for you, it’s important to identify them in advance. Simply being present in these areas may spark past memories of your drug use. When you look back on these memories, it’s easy to glamorize the situation and ignore all of the negative results that followed.

All in all, it’s best to avoid these places as much as possible during your recovery journey. Because relapse is most common during the first year of recovery, these places should be avoided at all costs during that first year.

3. Social Isolation or Loneliness

When you return from treatment, it’s easy to get into a pattern of remaining at home and isolating yourself.

This is often the result of wanting to avoid former social circles and social situations altogether. But, this also may be the fear that you’re unsure how to perform socially without your substance. This is a natural fear at first, but also one that must be overcome.

The truth is, the more you isolate yourself, the easier it becomes to rationalize using again to yourself. Throughout your recovery, the support of others is essential to your journey.

If you find that you’re feeling lonely, don’t ignore these feelings. Be proactive and ensure that you’re doing something to combat this feeling of loneliness. This may include talking with your sponsor, joining a sober social group, or even deciding to get a pet.

4. Feelings of Stress, Anxiety or Sadness

Whilst you were attending treatment, you likely had access to a number of therapists.

These therapists were generally available when you were experiencing negative emotions. Upon leaving treatment, it may be difficult to transition to a life without such a therapist. When you experience natural emotions such as stress or sadness, these emotions often become triggers when they’re not confronted.

The best way to keep negative emotions from becoming problematic is to have a therapist arranged for life at home. In the early stages of your recovery, you’re going to want to speak with this therapist on a routine basis. This therapist will be a sounding board for your emotions and provide you with the tools for how to deal with difficult emotions and situations.

5. Feelings of Elation and Celebration

Just as feelings of sadness and stress can be triggers, so too can feelings of elation and of celebration.

In your past life, you may have celebrated happy life events with drug use. In fact, the happier the occasion the more excessive the substance abuse may have been. This is a common pattern for addicts.

The reality is, these happy life events urge you to celebrate. This is why happy life events can often feel like triggers for recovering addicts. The best way to avoid this trigger is to create a plan in advance for how you’re going to celebrate positive life events.

This could be anything from scheduling the day off of work and treating yourself to a day of relaxation or planning a formal dinner.

6. Overconfidence

The act of feeling over-confident is a dangerous game during the recovery process.

It’s important to remind yourself that recovery is a lifelong process. The truth is, being overconfident puts you at extreme risk during the recovery process. At some point, you may feel that you no longer need to follow your recovery plan and that you can transition into another stage.

This overconfidence may lead you to believe that you can tolerate one drink or occasional drug use. Your mind may lead you to believe that you’re capable of behaving in a way that is not troublesome or classified as addictive behavior.

While confidence is important, it’s also important to ensure that you don’t become over-confident in your sobriety journey. You can best avoid these feelings of over-confidence by remaining humble and reminding yourself that addiction is a chronic disease.

7. Reminiscing on Past Drug Use

There are going to be days when you find yourself reminiscing about your past drug use. In these moments, it’s easy and sometimes even natural to romanticize this past drug use.

After all, it’s tempting to focus on the highs that drug use brought you and to forget about the lows. You may remember the seemingly good times that you had with friends when you were using. Similarly, you’re going to ignore the incredibly negative and gloom-ridden moments that followed as you came off your high.

When this happens, you’re going to find yourself mourning the fact that you can no longer use drugs. When these thoughts present themselves, it’s crucial to force your mind to remember why you made the decision to fight your addiction.

8. Hollywood Drug Use Depiction

There are a number of Hollywood movies today that glorify substance abuse.

When you’re watching certain drug-induced scenes, it can be challenging to remember the negative aspects of drug use. Instead, you’re being exposed to the seemingly positive aspects that drugs and alcohol have in daily life.

In these instances, it’s important to challenge your mind. While the film may be casting substance abuse in a romanticized light, you know firsthand that this is not the true reality. In truth, you know that substance abuse can ruin lives, relationships and impact your physical as well as your mental health.

If you don’t feel that your mind is yet strong enough to challenge these notions, it’s best to avoid this type of entertainment. If you’re still early in your sobriety, this type of film may generate negative thoughts or persuade your mind to believe that drug use can be romanticized.

Identifying Relapse Triggers

Did you know that only ten percent of addicts will seek treatment in order to overcome their addiction?

Even taking a simple step towards a sober lifestyle is one that not many addicts can easily commit to. So, if you’ve taken this step, you deserve a moment to congratulate yourself. After all, there’s no denying that making the decision to fight your addiction is one of the most daunting decisions that you’ll ever make.

Once you begin your journey toward sobriety, you’re going to experience a number of relapse triggers. The good news is that it’s easy to identify your relapse triggers in advance. From here, you can determine how you can best avoid these triggers.

To help, we’ve compiled a list of the most common relapse triggers facing recovering addicts. These triggers are anything from certain people and places to over-confidence and typical human emotions. Once you learn how to avoid these triggers, you’re going to feel a lot more secure in your sobriety plan. 

Do you feel that you need further help in overcoming your addiction? If so, don’t hesitate to contact us. While recovery is a complicated road, we have professionals that are readily available to help you today.

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How to Stop Enabling an Addict: Loving Enough to Say No

How to Stop Enabling an Addict

Every year in America, there are over 70 000 deaths due to overdoses. This means it’s highly likely that someone you know is struggling with drug or alcohol addiction. For some, it’s their child, spouse, parent, or close friend. With this in mind, we’ve written this advice on how to stop enabling an addict.  

We know your role in their life is invaluable.

Unfortunately, the loved ones of addicts often misunderstand the difference between being supporting and enabling. By enabling your addict, you allow them to continue their dangerous, and often lethal, lifestyle.

It’s never too late to give them the support they need. Keep reading for the exact steps on how to stop enabling behavior.

What is Enabling Behavior?

Before you can become better support for them, you need to understand the consequences of your behavior. Enabling behavior makes the life of an addict easier.

In a healthy relationship, enabling is a positive thing. You might cook dinner all week to enable your spouse to work later and make more money.

When one person is an addict, however, adding ease to their life means they can continue using. Often, without feeling the consequences of their behavior.

And, as we know by the high rate of overdose deaths in America, continuing their behavior is very dangerous. It’s important to stop enabling and, instead, help them choose to seek treatment.

Common Traits of an Enabler

You might not be sure if your behavior counts as enabling. Here are some of the common behaviors of enablers. See if any of them feel familiar.

  • You avoid telling people outside the family about your loved one’s addiction to protect the family image
  • You don’t fully believe your loved one has an addiction
  • You believe some drug or substance abuse is okay because they work hard or have a lot of stress
  • You haven’t addressed how their substance abuse makes you feel

If you’ve been avoiding your own emotions about the addiction, it’s time to face them. This can be scary; it takes bravery and courage to admit there’s a problem.

But, doing so can save your family and loved one’s life.

How Enabling Affects the Family

When you enable a family member’s addiction, the lines between helping and harming get blurred. Of course, everyone loves the user, but the healthy ways of showing it aren’t clear.

This is especially dangerous if it’s a parent suffering from addiction. They’re modeling that behavior for their children. As the spouse, you’re modeling what enabling looks like.

And that is how the cycle of addiction continues. Living with a user causes stress, trauma, and hurt to the family for generations.

Understanding Your Boundaries

How Enabling Affects the Family

You may fear how the addict will react to you changing your ways. Will they leave you? Will they stop loving you?

First, it’s important to remember that addiction is a disease. Your loved one is sick and not in control of their impulses. If they choose to leave, it’s because the addiction is strong.

But, it does not mean their love for you is gone. It just means they need honesty, reality, and help.

If you can understand that giving up enabling will help them in the long run, you’ll see how it comes from a place of love and support. Setting boundaries is the first step to getting them the help they need.

How to Stop Enabling Behavior

Now, for the concrete ways you can change your enabling behavior. Many of these will be difficult, especially if you live with the addict.

1. Stop Lying for Them

When you stop enabling, you’re admitting that you don’t condone any of the activities associated with using. That includes covering for them while they do these behaviors.

You may have found yourself lying to their employer for them. Have you ever told someone that they’re sick, when really they’re on a binge? Or they’re not sober enough to go to work?

Whether it’s their employer, friends, or other family members, stop lying. Let them lie for themselves. If it’s up to you, tell whoever asks what is going on.

2. Stop Fulfilling Their Obligations

You may think that paying their bills is helping them stay afloat. If they didn’t pay rent, where would they go? If you didn’t drive them to work when their license was taken away, how would they get there?

It’s time to let go of the “what ifs” and let them figure that out.

The user needs to be accountable for their using. If driving drunk caused them to lose their license, then they can’t drive. And if they continue to abuse alcohol, you won’t provide transportation for them.

Then, they’ll take the bus. Or walk. Or not go to wherever they wanted to go.

The same goes for paying their cellphone bill, driving them to AA meetings, and letting them borrow your car. If they have obligations to fulfill, it’s their responsibility to do so.

3. Stop Funding Their Lifestyle

Stop Funding For Addict Lifestyle

Money is a huge point of contention for loved ones and addicts. Often, they lose their job to their addiction. So, they’ll start asking loved ones for “loans” or to “borrow a few dollars.”

Before you know it, you’re funding their entire lifestyle.

You need to commit to not giving them another dollar. The only money you will spend on them is for their rehabilitation treatment.

If they need money for food, buy them a meal. If they need money for transportation, buy them a bus ticket.

4. Stop Supplying Their Substances

If you have drugs or alcohol in the house that they can access, they will. This is probably the clearest enabling behavior.

Stop keeping booze in the house and refuse to buy them any. Even for “special occasions.”

If they ask for “just one” of your prescription pills, you must say no.

Did you know that 53 percent of overdose deaths come from pharmaceutical abuse? Stop storing your pharmaceuticals in the house and learn how to prevent them from accessing your medications.

5. Don’t Rescue Them

Do not Rescue An Addict

This can be a tough one. When your loved one gets arrested, it’s a natural reaction to want to rescue them.

But, the truth is that jail might be exactly what they need.

For many addicts, going to jail is their breaking point. They know that they’re either going to die from their addiction or end up in jail. You still have a future when you go to jail.

So, don’t pay their bail. Don’t pick them up from the station. The only place you will take them is straight from the cell to a treatment center.

6. Stop Reacting to Their Behavior

When you try to make changes, the user might get upset with you. They might threaten you by saying they’re going to be homeless or sick. They might accuse you of causing their addiction.

You will be tempted to defend yourself. But, it’s crucial you don’t elevate your emotions. You must stay even-tempered and calm.

When you react strongly to their reaction, they believe they’re convincing you to not set boundaries. They need to know that your consequences are real, and the decisions have already been made.

7. Don’t Join Their World

You would think this step goes without saying, but unfortunately, it’s far too common.

For some loved ones, appeasing the loved one takes priority. They become so co-dependent with the user that they’ll do anything to make them happy at the moment.

That might mean having a drink with them. Or, hanging out with them and their addicted friends.

Stay away from their world. You need to be a stable voice based on reality.

When you abuse a substance with them, it condones the behavior. And, it shows that you encourage it.

How to Explain Your Boundaries to an Addict

Explain Your Boundaries to an Addict

Once you know the boundaries you need to set, it’s time to tell the addict.

This gives them a chance to assess their behavior and make changes if they wish. Often, they won’t change right away but will try to test your boundaries.

So, have this conversation when they’re sober. Tell them how much you love them. Explain the new boundaries and consequences.

Emphasize that you will be sticking to these boundaries. And, that if they ever want to get help, you’re always ready to help them get it.

They likely won’t ask for the help they need right away. In fact, of the 1 million addicts who admitted to needing help, only 33 percent tried to get it.

Remember that your love and support for this person are ongoing. Whenever they’re ready to get help, you’ll be there. Until then, hold strong to your boundaries.

Is Your Addicted Loved One Ready for Help?

Stopping your enabling behavior is the first step to getting your loved one sober. When you stop enabling their behavior, they’re faced with the reality of their addiction.

And remember, it might get worse before it gets better. Just keep following these tips on how to stop enabling.

When your loved one is finally ready, you can help them by finding them a treatment center. Contact us at Best Rehabs In Arizona to get started.

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What NOT to Do During an Addiction Intervention

Are you planning on holding an intervention for a loved one who is addicted to drugs or alcohol? Before you do, you should always consider hiring a professional to help and at the very least familiarize yourself with our guide to ‘What NOT to Do During an Addiction Intervention.’

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, there are more than 300,000 substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors working throughout the country right now.

Many of them can lead an addiction intervention for you.

Outside of bringing a professional on board for your intervention, you should also make sure you go through all the proper preparations for it. More specifically, it’s important for you and those who will be taking part in an intervention to learn about what not to do during one.

If you don’t do this, those participating in an intervention might say or do the wrong things and cause it to fail. Here are nine things you shouldn’t do during the addiction intervention that you hold.

1. DON’T Stage an Intervention Without Planning It First

Most people decide to stage an addiction intervention for a loved one when they’ve finally had enough of their behavior. And they’re sometimes in such a rush to do it that they don’t take any time to plan out how they want the intervention to go.

Do not do this! While you might be tempted to rush into staging an intervention, you’re not going to be able to make the most of it if you take this approach.

Rather than rushing into an intervention, sit down and ask yourself these questions:

  • Who should attend the intervention?
  • Who should I hire to host it?
  • Where should I hold it?
  • Should everyone get a chance to speak during it?
  • What order should people speak in during the intervention?

You pretty much want to plan out your entire intervention before it begins. You and those who are going to attend it might even want to run through the intervention from start to finish to see how effective it is prior to holding your actual intervention.

2. DON’T Bring an Addict to an Intervention When They’re Under the Influence

When you welcome your loved one into their intervention, you want them to have an open mind and be able to process everything that people say to them. You do not want them to be under the influence of drugs and alcohol while their intervention is taking place.

If they use drugs or alcohol right before the intervention, they might not understand exactly what’s going on. They might also not take it seriously. They might even forget some of the things that are said and done during it later.

So if you sense that a person might be even slightly under the influence, cancel their intervention and schedule it for another time. It’ll be worth waiting until they’re in a better state of mind.

3. DON’T Lose Your Temper the Second an Intervention Starts

As we alluded to earlier, there’s a good chance that you’re going to be at your wit’s end when you make the decision to stage an intervention for your loved one. You’re going to be so upset and, in some cases, even angry with regards to their drug or alcohol use.

It’s okay to be angry. But it’s not okay to lose your cool as soon as an addiction intervention starts.

The last thing you want to do is blow up on your loved one by expressing your rage at the beginning of an intervention.

Many people will naturally go on the defensive the second you snap at them. They might start to yell back at you, and they might even get up and walk out as soon as you start screaming.

You’re much better off keeping your cool and reading something that you’ve prepared in writing ahead of time. It’ll have more of an impact on a person than you might think.

4. DON’T Pass Judgment on an Addict While Talking at an Intervention

In addition to trying to keep your composure while you’re talking to your loved one, you should also do your best to avoid passing judgment on them.

The point of an intervention isn’t to make a person feel awful about themselves. It’s to show them what effects their actions are having on other people. And you can talk about how their behavior is affecting you without judging them every step of the way.

Steer clear of saying things like: “The way that you’re choosing to live your life right now is so wrong. You are hurting your friends and setting a terrible example for the younger members of your family.”

Instead, speak on some of the specific ways in which your loved one’s behavior is taking a toll on you. If you need a hand wording things the right way, talk to the professional who is helping put the intervention together.

5. DON’T Speak Over Others Who Are Trying to Talk During an Intervention

More often than not, everyone who attends an intervention will get at least some time to talk to their loved one. Some people might get more time than others, but everyone will get the opportunity to say their piece.

When it’s not your turn to talk, you should keep quiet and let others say whatever it is that they want to say. You shouldn’t try to talk over them or talk to other people at the intervention about what’s being said.

This is very important since your loved one might not be able to focus if a bunch of people start talking at once. It’s going to lessen the impact of the things that are being said during an intervention.

6. DON’T Make Excuses for an Addict in the Middle of an Intervention

When an addict is sitting in front of their family members and friends at an addiction intervention, it’s not uncommon for them to try and come up with excuses for their behavior.

Unfortunately, it’s also not uncommon for some of an addict’s family members and friends to make excuses for them. In some instances, these family members and friends have spent years enabling an addict.

If you feel as though you might fall into this category, make every effort to avoid making excuses for your loved one. You might think that you’re helping them by rationalizing their behavior to others. But you’re really just enabling them to continue doing what they’re doing now.

7. DON’T Gripe With Others While Attending an Intervention

In a perfect world, all the people at an intervention would be on the same page and feel the same about a person’s addiction. But there are times when family members and friends will gripe among themselves during an intervention and ruin it.

“Maybe if you were around a little more often when Johnny was younger, he wouldn’t be in this position right now,” Mom will yell at Dad.

“I knew your parents should have been stricter with you when you were little,” Grandma will yell at her daughter and son-in-law.

And before you know it, the people who are supposed to be showing their love and support for an addict are allowing gripes to get in the way.

This is another reason why hiring a professional is so important. They’ll stop those at an intervention from bickering and help them maintain a united front.

8. DON’T Fail to Present Solutions to an Addict at the End of an Intervention

What is it that you want an addict to do at the end of an intervention? Do you want them to:

  • Check themselves into an inpatient rehab facility?
  • Consider going to an outpatient rehab facility?
  • Attend some kind of support group for those with their specific addiction?

Whatever the case may be, you should have solutions to present to a person once their addiction intervention is over. You don’t want them to agree to go to rehab immediately only to realize that you don’t know where to take them.

Write down a list of solutions to their problem and be prepared to help them in any way possible.

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9. DON’T Give Up If an Intervention Doesn’t Work

There is no guarantee that an addiction intervention is going to work. No matter how hard you plan for it, any number of things can stop it from being successful.

If you’ve ever watched the reality TV show, Intervention, you know that a lot of interventions are successful to some degree. But there are also plenty of people who have died of overdoses after appearing on the show and getting help.

You shouldn’t let this stop you from continuing to try and help your loved one. Even if an intervention isn’t successful—either in the moment or months down the line—you should keep doing whatever you can to get your loved one the help they need.

Begin Planning an Addiction Intervention for Your Loved One

As long as you take the time to plan it out and avoid doing everything we mentioned here, you can stage a successful addiction intervention.

You can give your loved one the nudge they need to seek professional help for their battle with addiction. The key is to use an intervention to shine a light on how your loved one’s behavior is affecting both them and those who are all around them.
Contact us today to find out how we can help your loved one. We specialize in treating those battling alcoholism, heroin addiction, prescription pill addiction, and more.

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Reasons to Avoid Sharing Prescription Drugs

Is it illegal to take another person’s prescription? The simple answer is yes. No matter the circumstances, you are taking a medication that wasn’t prescribed for you by a medical professional. It may seem obvious to some, but here’s our complete list of ‘Reasons to Avoid Sharing Prescription Drugs,’ in case you shared any reservations on the matter.   

Sharing prescription drug laws are not the only issues raised by the decision to take medicine without prescriptions.

Taking other people’s medications can put your physical and mental health in jeopardy. Plus, you may be depriving the prescription holder of the resources they need to stay healthy and balanced.

Maybe you know deep down that it isn’t a good decision. We encourage you to keep reading so that you may understand how harmful of a decision it is.

Consider Why You Are Debating Taking Medicine You Aren’t Prescribed

As a first step, we’d like to ask that you do a bit of reflection. What is it that you are hoping to achieve by taking someone else’s prescription drugs?

It could be that you’ve been experiencing a great deal of pain or mental anguish and you are seeking relief. There’s no shame in asking for help, but you need to approach it the right way.

If you feel that you are in need of prescription medication, make an appointment with your doctor or psychiatrist. Together, you can determine the right medication and dosage to suit your needs.

Maybe you have been prescribed the same medication before and ran out. It’s the same stuff, right? A doctor prescribed it to you before, so what harm is there in taking it again?

There is a reason why doctors have to verify your need for a refill. Some medications are only meant to be temporary solutions. Long-term use can have negative side effects. Plus, you are exposing yourself to the risk of taking the wrong dosage of a medication, which we will talk more about later on.

Finally, it’s possible that you are curious about what a certain medication feels like. Studies have shown that the most commonly abused drugs in the United States are opioids, depressants, and stimulants.

These medications have beneficial uses for those prescribed to them. However, they are often viewed as recreational drugs with the ability to alter the state of mind of those who do not need them for medical reasons.

If you fall into this last category and find yourself craving or addicted to these medications because of the altered states they can produce, you may need to take serious action and seek help to overcome your dependency on them.

Reasons Not To Take Medicine Without Prescriptions

You have considered why you are interested in or have been taking medications you don’t have a prescription for. Now we would like to address some of the most important reasons why you should never do this.

We’d like to remind you that yes, there are prescription drug laws that render this action illegal. However, that is not our only or even our biggest concern. What matters most is your health and safety.

You Don’t Know All the Side Effects

Unless you have spoken with a medical professional about the possible side effects of a medication, you may not know what those side effects are.

If those side effects are internal–for example, some medications can be potentially harmful to the kidneys or liver–you won’t notice the effects right away. If you can’t feel it and you aren’t aware that it’s a possibility, you could be creating serious health issues that could worsen down the road.

If those side effects are more palpable–for example, some medications cause light-headedness, nausea, or insomnia–you may come to the conclusion that those side effects are their own disorders that need medical attention. In reality, they would go away if you stopped taking the medication you aren’t prescribed.

You Don’t Know What You’re Actually Taking

Unless a medication has come into your hands from the hands of a pharmacist, you can’t be sure that what you’re taking is what you’ve been lead to believe it is.

The bottle you found in your roommate’s medicine cabinet may be empty of what it originally contained and repurposed to hold something else. The friend who’s promising you one thing may be intentionally giving you something else. Maybe you’ve confused the name of two different drugs and accidentally took something you didn’t intend to take.

There’s no real way to know, and that’s not a risk worth taking.

You Don’t Know What Dosage You Are Taking

This is an important one, especially for anyone who thinks that because they’ve been prescribed a medication in the past, it’s okay to take again without their own prescription.

The dosage a doctor prescribes is not a one-size-fits-all amount or an arbitrary number. The correct dosage depends on a myriad of things, from the severity of the disorder the medication is prescribed for to the physical build of the patient.

In other words, dosages are catered to each prescribed user. If it isn’t your prescription, it hasn’t been catered to you.

Plus, many medications need to be taken in small increments before working up to a full dose

Without these instructions, you may unknowingly take more of a medication than your body is prepared to process

Other Medications You Take Could Interact Negatively With the One You Aren’t Prescribed

Not all medications interact well, and some combinations can cause serious problems. These are things your doctor can keep in mind when changing or adding to your prescribed medications, but you may not have all of that information off the top of your head.

Even herbal supplements and over the counter medications can have bad reactions with prescription drugs. Even if you aren’t taking any other prescription medications, this is is still something you need to be aware of.

You can do some research online to make sure that the combination of drugs you take aren’t deadly. We understand that it can take time to seek the help you need to stop taking medicine without prescriptions altogether. If you aren’t ready to ask for help, at least make sure that you are not putting your life in serious danger.

You Could Be Allergic to the Medication

There are a lot of different ingredients and components that go into a single medication. Even if you believe that you are knowledgable about a prescription drug, it is unlikely that you know what it’s made from.

If your allergies are known to your doctor, they won’t prescribe something that will trigger those allergies. If they aren’t, your doctor will be able to monitor your reaction to a medication and determine if it’s safe for you to take or if you need to stop taking it immediately.

By taking medicines without prescriptions, you are exposing yourself to the possibility of an allergic reaction, which could be severe enough to be life-threatening.

You Could Be Harming Someone Else

Maybe you’re sneaking prescription medication from someone in your household. Maybe you’re giving someone money in exchange for a portion of their prescription. Maybe you’ve discovered someone who is willing to give away their prescription for free.

No matter the circumstances, if someone has been prescribed a particular amount of a medication, it’s because a doctor believes that amount to be necessary. This means the whole bottle and for the entire time allotted on the prescription.

Whether people are unknowingly or willingly giving you their prescription medication, taking it from them could be harmful to their well-being.

In the Event of an Emergency, Medical Professionals Will Not Know What Drugs Are in Your System

One of the worst-case scenarios of taking medications without prescriptions is a medical emergency resulting from an overdose or bad reaction.

If you are taken to the emergency room due to a medication you do not have a prescription for, the medical professionals trying to help you won’t know what it is that they need to treat. This is especially concerning when a patient has been rendered unconscious or is too afraid of repercussions to communicate about the drugs in their system.

Don’t risk your life for a medication you don’t have a prescription to.

If You’re Already Taking Medications Without Prescriptions, Take Action

If you or a loved one is struggling with an addiction to prescription medications or taking medicine without prescriptions, reach out for the help you need. We are not here to judge you for the decisions you have made, only to help you move forward.

It can be a lonely and difficult journey overcoming addiction. We understand that, which is why we offer treatment specifically for prescription pill addiction. It requires more than strength to battle drug addictions, and it is never a sign of weakness to ask for help.
To talk to an addiction counselor today or find out how much your insurance will cover when you enroll in one of our treatment programs, call 877-651-3366. If you’d rather not call but still want to get in touch with us, visit our contact sheet and send us a message. Let us help you in your journey towards recovery.

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5 Ways to Prevent Drug Abuse

Prevent Drug Abuse

RAISING AWARENESS AND EDUCATION ON THE PREVENTION OF SUBSTANCE ABUSE

Statistics provided by the National Survey on Drug Use and Health in 2017 show that approximately 19.7 million Americans aged 12 years and older suffered from a drug addiction disorder.

Other statistics show that of all 21 million people who suffer from substance abuse, only 10% of these individuals actually receive treatment. What is even more shocking is that drug abuse has resulted in over 700,000 deaths from 1999 to 2017.

This makes drug abuse awareness, education, and preventative measures all the more important. Having a family member or a close friend suffering from substance abuse often leaves you with one thought: how to help beat their addiction and reclaim the person you love.

But what if you can find ways to prevent drug abuse before it becomes a problem? Drug abuse prevention starts with looking at what triggers this use. This is a key part of preventing substance abuse: being aware of its causes.

SUBSTANCE USE RISK FACTORS

Although many people use drugs and alcohol, not all of them end up becoming addicted to these substances. However, as the statistics above indicate, a good number of substance users end up being emotionally and physically attached to the drugs.

Just like in other diseases, there are several psychological, environmental, and physical risk factors that may cause certain individuals to be more likely to develop addictive habits. In many cases, knowing these indicators can help prevent substance abuse.

GENETICS AND FAMILY HISTORY

GENETICS AND FAMILY HISTORY Of Addiction

Having family members who have struggled with drug abuse in the past can significantly increase a person’s chances of developing these habits themselves. Of course, this is not a destined eventuality.

Knowing all the information on your familial addictions can help you better avoid forming your own addictive behaviors. This can also be helpful should you choose to start your own family, through maintaining a balanced family life and setting good examples for your children.

Community prevention programs can also often lend assistance and resources for reference in this regard. If you are unable or unsure of how to keep yourself and your loved ones away from harmful substances, it can help to seek professional assistance in preventing substance abuse.

MENTAL ILLNESS

Psychological problems such as depression and anxiety can lure one to drugs in the hope of self-medicating the emotional pain these mental conditions can cause. This mostly happens with teens and young adults, whose minds may not know how to process difficult emotions yet.

Mental illness can be a significant risk factor for the later development of a substance use disorder. This is why it is so important for the parents of adolescents struggling with mental health problems to check in with their child about their emotional state.

Knowing how to healthily and effectively talk about difficult subjects can be essential for helping children to be aware of the dangers of substance abuse, and communicate their emotional needs.

Furthermore, adults with mental illness will also be more likely to develop a substance addiction from using drugs or alcohol as a form of self-medication. In these cases, it is highly recommended to get professional help in learning how to live a well-balanced life.

Common mental conditions found amongst adults struggling with addiction are general anxiety disorder, post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and various other personality and mood disorders.

ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL FACTORS

Friends and peers have a great impact on one’s life. Sometimes, this impact can have negative consequences. In many cases, people start using illicit drugs or abusing alcohol to better fit into their social circles.

To minimize this risk in children, teaching them the power of independence and ensuring they are aware of the various health risks that come with using drugs can help them more easily make healthy choices.

If they are already using or are ‘at-risk,’ then reaching out to community prevention programs and resource centers that aim to prevent substance abuse can be a great way to provide support to these struggling youths.

Amongst older individuals, their abuse of alcohol or other drugs may also be influenced by environmental or social factors, such as living with an abusive or addicted individual, peer pressure from negative friend groups, or high-stress work, school, or home responsibilities.

Ways to prevent these external influencers from having a major impact on your own life may be to start talking to a counselor, surrounding yourself with good friends, or seeking support from other family members and acquaintances.

STARTING DRUG USE AT AN EARLY AGE

STARTING DRUG USE AT AN EARLY AGE

If someone goes through a traumatic childhood, they may turn to drugs to try and alleviate the trauma effects. Some common traumatic experiences that can result in mental illness or substance abuse include sexual harassment, neglect, harassment, accidents, and others.

If your child experiences any of these hurtful experiences, it is important to get them professional help. Adverse childhood events or ACEs are increasingly being linked with drug use and mental health disorders that arise later in life.

One of the most important ways to prevent substance abuse is to be a good example of parental support and help your child maintain a well-balanced life through getting them the help they need after a traumatic experience.

REASONS WHY PEOPLE RISK DRUG ADDICTION

Whether involving illegal drugs, prescription medication, alcohol, or any other form of addiction, there are various reasons as to why someone may risk their health by abusing these addictive substances.

CHASING THE RUSH OF A HIGH

Many drugs can produce euphoric highs, making the person taking them feel powerful and confident. These feel-good effects can be brought about by other behaviors, including gambling, which gives you financial gains.

One can also get excited after receiving social media notifications, resulting in smartphone addiction. The most common forms of addiction, however, are those involving addictive substances, such as alcohol, marijuana, cocaine, opioids, and various others.

AS A WAY OF RELIEVE STRESS AND SADNESS

REASONS WHY PEOPLE RISK DRUG ADDICTION

People who suffer from social anxiety, stress, and depression may turn to substance use with the hope of overcoming stress. Facing stressful situations may also prompt people to continue using or relapse even after going through successful treatment.

TO IMPROVE CONCENTRATION AND INCREASE PERFORMANCE

Some people, especially those who engage in sporting activities, take stimulants to increase their performance. Others, and especially students, take sleep-alleviating drugs to study for more hours.

While these behaviors may give you short-term gains, the long-term side effects are far worse and often can result in permanent damage. Furthermore, for many forms of drug use, no conclusive evidence has been found to confirm that these are, in fact, performance-enhancing.

When there is more than one risk factor involved, the chances of developing a substance use disorder are higher. However, many individuals can still form an addiction, even without any risk factors playing a part.

5 WAYS TO PREVENT DRUG ABUSE

Just as substance addiction is possible, so is prevention. When it comes to preventing substance abuse, there are various factors that go into making better decisions for the mental and physical health of both yourself and others.

Here are a few effective ways to raise awareness of the abuse potential of drugs, the underlying causes of addiction, and ultimately how to help prevent drug abuse.

1. FIND EFFECTIVE WAYS TO HANDLE PEER PRESSURE

Human beings have a habit of not wanting to be left out, especially by their friends and peers. For this reason, you will find that most teens and some adults start abusing drugs as a way to fit in with their friends.

If you find yourself in this situation, try finding the courage to say no. Or, you can find more positive friendships that will not pressure you or push your boundaries. If you find yourself being pressured to try drugs, finding a good excuse to leave the situation can help prevent temptation.

2. FIND BETTER COPING MECHANISMS

WAYS OF PREVENTING SUBSTANCE ABUSE

A good number of people who abuse drugs do so as a coping mechanism for the negative things they are facing in life. It is important to note that there is nothing wrong with experiencing negative emotions.

Instead of turning to drugs for solace, find better ways of dealing with them. Some effective coping mechanisms include:

  • Talking to someone
  • Meditation
  • Yoga
  • Writing it down
  • Exercising

Trying out any of these mechanisms takes your mind off drugs. Even practicing mindfulness can help make what seems unbearable a bit easier, even for younger individuals by learning how to ‘observe’ thoughts without acting on them.

3. CHOOSE YOUR CIRCLE OF FRIENDS CAREFULLY

Making healthy friendships plays a major role in your overall health and well-being. However, you need to choose your friends wisely as socializing with the wrong crowd can easily lure you into drug use, and you may find yourself abusing drugs in no time.

Make sure you hang out with people who show you love and support and discourage you from attempting unhealthy substance use. Such people also provide a safe environment where there is less likelihood of triggering drug abuse risk factors.

4. ALWAYS ALLOW YOURSELF TO REST

Ways to Prevent Drug Abuse

Imagine spending all day in the office handling difficult clients or workmates, then going home to find family duties and social obligations waiting for you. All these responsibilities expose you to a chronic state of stress, leaving you no time to rest.

In the long run, you might find yourself turning to drugs to help you keep up. But guess what, if you fell ill and took an emergency break today from all those responsibilities, this would not be seen as unacceptable.

So, rather than sacrificing your happiness and risk getting physical and mental illnesses, consider taking time off and taking care of your wellbeing. There are some great activities that you can engage in during this time, including:

  • Getting a massage
  • Reading your favorite book or magazine
  • Taking a hot bath
  • Switching off your smartphone and taking a break from social media

Taking some time off may seem like a hard thing to do, but it goes a long way to preventing drug abuse. In the long run, this can also help reduce the likelihood that you will need to take more time off in the future in order to receive treatment for a substance addiction.

5. ANALYZE ANY POSSIBLE RISK FACTORS

Having prior knowledge of any possible drug abuse risk factors makes it easy for you to overcome them. For instance, if you have a family history of substance abuse, then you can make a promise of abstinence to yourself and plan ahead to avoid following in their footsteps.

Also, if you are friends with someone who abuses drugs, it may be a good idea to help them seek professional addiction treatment services. If this is not an option, making the decision to distance yourself from or end this friendship can keep you from forming these habits, as well.

CHOOSE LIFE OVER DRUG ABUSE

Although the potential to abuse drugs may be in your genetics, the choice on whether to use them or not is entirely yours. By actualizing the above tips on how to prevent drug abuse, you avoid not only addiction but also other risks that come with substance abuse.

If you have an addiction problem or fear that someone close to you is using in excess, you do not need to suffer in silence. Enrolling in a research-based treatment program can provide assistance in addiction prevention and help you eliminate substance abuse risk factors.

MAKING AN ACTION PLAN TO TACKLE DRUG ABUSE

Take the bold step to change your life now by contacting the Best Rehabs In Arizona team. We offer alcohol and drug addiction diagnosis and effective, evidence-based treatment that can help you or your loved ones prevent and overcome addiction.

Just by reaching out to a Best Rehabs In Arizona representative, we can help you avoid the consequences of addiction and learn how to maintain a happier, healthier, and substance-free life, today!

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14 Rules You Should Never Break When Dealing With Addiction

The National Institute of Drug Abuse reports that every day, 130 people die from opioid overdoses in the United States. Dealing with addiction is one of the most difficult tasks for anyone. Thats why we’ve come up with ’14 Rules You Should Never Break When Dealing With Addiction,’ to serve as a helpful set of guidelines for starting a difficult conversation.  

We know it is not easy to watch a loved one suffer through addiction.

Fortunately, by laying down some ground rules, you can have a solid foundation from which you can help your loved one overcome their problems without getting hurt in the process.

Keep reading to learn what rules you should follow and how they can help you guide your loved one through rehab. 

1. Listen for the Truth

Most people who are addicted to drugs aren’t ready to admit that they have a problem. That’s why this is the first step of many addiction programs.

They instead cover up the truth about how much they use, especially from those closest to them. Carefully listen to what your friend, relative, or partner is saying to find the truth buried in what they’re saying.

For example, they may frequently make excuses for why they’re drinking, whether they claim to have needed to unwind after a hard day at work or that they’re having trouble sleeping.

If it seems like someone is using drugs or alcohol more often than they admit, this is a red flag. It indicates that deep down, they know they have a problem.

2. Recognize the Signs of Addiction

As your loved one makes excuses, don’t let yourself give them the benefit of the doubt every time. And don’t ignore obvious signs that someone may have an addiction problem.

Some of the signs of addiction are:

  • Sudden weight gain or loss
  • Bloodshot eyes
  • Changes in personality
  • Lack of self-care
  • Poor work or school performance
  • Sudden desire to keep secrets
  • Unexplained financial problems

Keep in mind that it’s typically a combination of signs that can indicate drug abuse as most of these have other explanations when they present alone.

14-rules

3. Don’t Enable Them

Once you know for sure a person has a problem with addiction, you have to be sure you’re not enabling them to continue.

The easiest way to do that is to never give them money or anything that can easily be sold for cash. Drugs cost money and many addicts will borrow money or even steal from loved ones to feed their habit.

You also need to be careful about how you speak to them. Be understanding as most people feel trapped by their addiction so you don’t want to condemn them. However, you also need to make it clear that you want to get better.

4. Watch for Actions

The old adage that actions speak louder than words is true. If your addicted loved one isn’t taking steps to follow through with what they say they’re going to do, then don’t believe them.

For example, if someone says they’re going to stop going to the bar every night but continues to do so, then you know they’re not being genuine. However, if they do start going only two or three times per week, this is progress.

5. Don’t Fear Confrontation

When you do see that your loved one’s actions aren’t lining up with their words, it may be time to confront them. Although a fear of confrontation can be difficult to overcome, you must do so for the sake of your loved one.

Keep in mind that sometimes, only a direct confrontation will help you properly address the situation and help your loved one realize they need to make some serious changes in his or her life.

A confrontation doesn’t necessarily need to be a fight. Often, simply sitting down with the other person to tell them how you feel is enough to get them to admit they need help.

6. Monitor Your Money

Although we mentioned this before, it bears repeating. Keep an eye on your wallet and bank accounts if they’re shared with the person who has an addiction problem.

Desperate addicts will do whatever they need to do to get drugs, and for many, nothing is off-limits.

7. Stay on Solid Ground

Something that often comes along with a person being addicted to drugs is a lot of drama. This could be with their relationships as the people around them are affected by their actions or with the law if they get caught.

As much as possible, avoid this drama. This will keep you from finding yourself in trouble with the law and allows you to be a firm foundation which they can rely on when they’re ready to get help.

8. Protect Your Values

Part of standing firm is protecting the things you believe in. Make it clear to your loved one that while you still love them and want to support them, you can’t condone their decision to abuse drugs or alcohol.

Let them know where the boundaries are and that you expect them to follow any rules you set down when they’re spending time with you.

This can help them begin to learn self-control and sets you up as a safe place to avoid temptation when they’re ready to start on their road to recovery.

9. Find the Right Rehab Center

When your loved one asks you to help them get into a rehab center, take your time to search for the right one. There are a number of different types of therapy, but not all of them are right for every situation.

Somatic therapy, for example, deals with past traumas that trigger addiction. If this isn’t something that your loved one is suffering from, it’s not going to help them overcome their issue.

10. Offer Support During Rehab

As soon as your loved one enters rehab, you need to step up your game as far as support goes. 

For many, the drug detoxification process is the most difficult step as it comes with withdrawal symptoms and many other struggles.

Despite how difficult this step is, it’s also crucial which is why your loved one needs your support more than ever.

Continually remind them that what they’re feeling is temporary and help them focus on the good that will come out of rehab if they stick with it. Stay positive and don’t let them quit.

11. Don’t Lose Hope on Recovery

Sometimes, a loved one will have a relapse and find themselves doing drugs or drinking alcohol again after they’ve completed a round of rehab. Don’t get discouraged or attack them because they couldn’t stay clean.

Remain hopeful and positive. This attitude will show your loved one you still believe in them and know they can recover. If you need to, tell them you’re proud of what they’ve accomplished and that you know they can do so much more.

12. Realize You’re Not Alone

Being part of a support system for a recovering addict is extremely draining on you emotionally. 

You may feel like the only person in the world that’s going through this and that nobody will understand your situation.

However, that couldn’t be further from the truth.

There are many support groups for people who have addicts in their lives. These support groups will show you that you’re not alone. You’ll be able to freely discuss your situation with others that completely understand you.

You can also get some tools that will help you continue to support your loved one while ensuring you don’t burn out emotionally. Overall, this will make you a healthier person who can better help everyone around them.

13. Recognize Your Role

At every point in your loved one’s recovery journey, you need to make sure you and they understand exactly what your role is. You should never be seen as their therapist since you’re not qualified for that position.

In most cases, your role will be a supportive one. You are there to help your loved one live their best addiction-free life. That will mean something different to every person and every situation.

14. Talk About Drug Issues with Your Children

If you have children, it’s your responsibility to talk to them about drug and alcohol abuse. After all, if you don’t show them the dark and dangerous side of these substances, they may be drawn in by those who only show the “benefits.”

Teach your kids that there’s nothing wrong with the safe and legal use of alcohol, marijuana, and prescription medications. Keep in mind if you focus too much on forbidding these substances, they can become more intriguing to kids.

Find a balance and encourage your kids to come to you when they have any questions about these things so you can discuss them with them.

Dealing with Addiction? Find a Rehab Program!

Now you know 14 rules you should never break when dealing with addiction. As you can see, it’s important for you to have a firm foundation so you can help your loved one overcome their problems.
If you’re looking for a rehabilitation program, we want to help you. Contact us today schedule an appointment.

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Somatic Therapy for Addiction Recovery

Do you have a sneaking suspicion that a loved one is addicted to drugs or alcohol? Are you wondering how to talk to them about going to rehab? If you want to know more about the tools for treating addiction, it is worth knowing more about using somatic therapy for addiction recovery.

There are more than 20 million people in the United States who battle with an addiction, but how many addicts never seek treatment?

If you suspect that your loved one has an addiction, you may feel worried or helpless. The good news is that there is a wide range of effective therapies available.

In this article, we’ll discuss the ins and outs of somatic therapy, an innovative approach to addiction. We’ll also help you find local rehab options for yourself or a loved one.

Common Signs of Addiction

Contrary to popular belief, not all alcoholics or drug addicts are living on the street. Millions of people with addictions go to work regularly, live a relatively normal life, and are considered “functional addicts.”

Although they do attend work, functional addicts cost American businesses more than $700 billion each year. People with an addiction are more likely to commit theft, call in sick to work, and have fatal accidents on the job.

So what are the signs of addiction? You might notice a change in your loved one’s appearance.

Extreme weight loss is a common sign of addiction to heroin, prescription medication, and opioids.

If you think that your spouse has an addiction, check your bank account. Is there money missing or suspicious ATM withdrawals?

Addiction thrives in secrecy and isolation. Many addicts have wild mood swings, a tendency to lie, and an unwillingness to get treatment.

What is Somatic Therapy?

Once your loved one agrees to get treatment for their addiction, they’ll have access to medication-assisted withdrawal and several options for therapy.

Somatic therapy helps people deal with traumatic past experiences that still influence their lives. People in recovery often talk about “triggers,” events that give them the urge to use drugs or alcohol.

For an alcoholic in recovery, a trigger could be driving past a bar they used to go to. It could be running into an old drinking buddy, or it could be walking past beer and alcohol in a store.

Triggers are the number one enemy of someone who’s in recovery. People who can conquer their triggers stand a much better chance of avoiding relapse.

In general, people who stay sober for one year have a 50 percent chance of relapse. If they stay sober for five years or more, their chances of relapse drop to 15 percent.

Somatic therapy uses meditation techniques, coupled with talk therapy, to help recovering addicts develop control over their unconscious triggers.

Signs of Unconscious Trauma

Somatic treatment allows people to confront the traumas of their past. In a safe office environment, people in recovery can share the events that led them to their addictions.

Somatic therapy focuses on relaxing the mind and facing past events. Therapists guide their clients to accept the emotional damage that their addiction has caused, but it’s not a blame game.

There are two kinds of trauma that somatic therapy helps to address.

Childhood Trauma

We may not realize it, but our childhoods heavily influence our adult behavior. Did you or a loved one grow up with a parent who drank heavily or used drugs?

Was there verbal or physical abuse in the home?

Other types of childhood trauma could include moving to a new school, losing a grandparent or other family member, and having trouble with siblings.

People with addictions may have turned to substance abuse to deal with emotions that they couldn’t express or traumas that they couldn’t understand.

While not every person had a traumatic childhood, it’s still a common theme among recovering addicts.

Event-Based Trauma

The other type of trauma is called “shock trauma.” That’s trauma that emerged from a dramatic, unexpected life event.

Shock trauma could include losing a job, losing a relationship, or suffering from theft.

It could also refer to long-term financial problems, loss of family or friends, and having a mental breakdown.

Surprisingly, almost 8 million people with addictions also have a mental illness. When your loved one enters rehab, they will be assessed to see if they have depression, anxiety, bipolar, or schizophrenia.

Somatic experiencing helps people confront past traumas a little bit at a time, dealing with traumatic life events without re-traumatizing the patient.

Key Terms in Somatic Therapy

What should you expect from somatic therapy? It’s not a quick fix, but a long-term support to your loved one’s recovery.

A somatic therapy session looks a lot like a regular talk therapy session. The person with the addiction sits and talks with a certified therapist, gently exploring their triggers and traumas.

Here are a few key terms you should know about somatic therapy.

Titration

You may have heard that there’s an easy way to make a two-liter of soda explode into the air. Just add a package of mints and the soda will fly sky-high.

Titration is the exact opposite of that dramatic reaction. It means that you don’t deal with past trauma all at once. You deal with it slowly but surely, overcoming your fears and emotional responses.

If you go too quickly with therapy, you risk traumatizing the patient. The effects of shock trauma can linger for years, deepening over time.

Somatic therapy can also help patients unearth memories from their childhood, events that affected them that they might not remember.

Like a splinter that gets pushed deeper over time, long-term trauma isn’t simple to remove. People who can lean in to therapy and stay the course have a better chance of long-term recovery.

Resourcing

In general, therapy should be a safe place to express your ideas and feelings. When you’re talking about deep-rooted trauma, your therapist should always help you come back to the present moment.

Resourcing means being strong in your recovery and adhering to your long-term goals. It means overcoming your “fight or flight” reflex and expanding your resources, the people or things that make you feel safe.

The recovery process is different for every person. When your loved one goes into a rehab facility, they will undergo an assessment by qualified medical personnel.

They may be offered medication to detox, and they will probably get individualized therapy. If you can be a resource for your loved one, you may be able to help them in their recovery goals.

Pendulation

Pendulation refers to the back and forth yo-yo feeling that people get when they’re healing trauma. They might cry dramatically, feel pain in part of their bodies, or just have a deep sigh.

Other days, they may not have an emotional response to trauma. It doesn’t mean they don’t care, just that their rational minds are taking over for a while.

Everyone’s response to trauma work will be different, as will their time frames for healing. It could take weeks or months to see the benefit from somatic therapy.

That’s where you come in: to support your loved one and make sure they don’t give up on themselves before they deal with their traumatic issues.

Benefits of Somatic Experiencing

Somatic experiencing has been used to treat a wide range of physical and mental issues. It’s good for people who have PTSD, chronic pain, and drug addictions.

The therapeutic process helps people with addictions deal with their triggers and stay stable in long-term recovery. It can also enhance feelings of well-being, peace, and comfort.

People who undertake somatic therapy include weight loss, a decrease in chronic pain, and the ability to have healthier relationships.

The thing about being in recovery is it’s hard to avoid some triggers. If driving past a bar triggers your loved one to drink, there may not be an alternate route to work.

If there are certain people that trigger your loved one to use drugs, it can be difficult to find new friends.

As your loved one starts to heal from their addiction, they may also incur the trauma of losing close-yet-unhealthy relationships.

Somatic therapy can help them learn a healthier approach to their everyday lives, and give them the skills to pilot their ship toward a brighter future.

How to Find a Local Rehab Facility

The first step in finding a rehab facility is to get referrals from medical professionals. If your loved one is already going to a doctor or nurse practitioner, you can ask them where they would recommend for treatment.

Check and see if the rehab center can accept your insurance. If you have a minor child, make sure that the laws in your state allow you to commit them against their will, if need be.

If your loved one is an adult and they’re willing to go to rehab, try to take a tour before they begin their program.

We offer inpatient and outpatient rehab options in a beautiful setting. We have medication-assisted detox and somatic therapy professionals on staff.

We also offer ongoing relapse prevention education, empowering your loved one to maintain their sobriety. Contact us online or give us a call for a tour of our Colorado or Arizona locations!

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Dual Diagnosis: What Is a Co-Occurring Disorder?

Approximately 50% of people who experience a mental health condition will also experience a problem with drugs or alcohol. With this realization, we thought it wise to look more into ‘Dual Diagnosis: What Is a Co-Occurring Disorder?’  

When addiction and a mental health disorder occur together, it’s called co-occurring disorder. People suffering from co-occurring disorders need a different approach than traditional programs.

Co-occurring disorders need a treatment program that addresses both conditions together. Without an integrated approach to treatment, the condition that persists will hinder recovery.

Keep reading to learn more about this mental health diagnosis. Choosing the right treatment means knowing where to look for help.

What Is A Co-Occurring Disorder?

A co-occurring disorder is when a substance use disorder and a mental health disorder exist at the same time. It’s also known as dual disorders or a dual diagnosis.

The term applies to any combination of addiction and mental health disorder. For example, depression and alcoholism or anxiety and prescription pill addiction. It could also mean posttraumatic stress disorder and gambling.

Co-occurring disorders put an individual at a higher risk for some problems. These include relapses, financial problems, and family problems, and social isolation. Other problems include incarceration, serious medical illness, and sexual and physical victimization.

Understanding Substance Abuse Disorder

Substance abuse disorder can range from mild to severe. It can involve any number of drugs as well as alcohol.

Addiction is a disease that involves alcohol or drug abuse. Sometimes, but not always, it also involves dependence.

Drug and alcohol abuse is the use of a substance to the point that it interferes with life. This includes relationships, work, and school.

Dependence is more severe than abuse. Dependence is when a person is unable to abstain from or control their use of substances.

Drugs and alcohol change your brain chemistry over a prolonged period of use. Over time, this can lead to physiological dependence.

This is why someone with an alcohol or drug dependence experiences withdrawal symptoms. And withdrawal symptoms can be a deterrent to getting and staying clean.

Understanding Mental Health Conditions

Every year, 54 million people in the US suffer from a mental health condition. With over 200 types of mental illness, the specifics of each are wide and varied.

Every mental health condition has its own range of symptoms. And symptoms affect individuals in different ways.

For example, many people experience periods of depression and anxiety. The problem occurs when these symptoms impact daily life and relationships. At the point, it may indicate a mental health condition.

Some mental health conditions are more common in co-occurring diagnoses than others. Mental illnesses commonly found in co-occurring disorder are depression and anxiety. But they can also include bipolar disorder and schizophrenia.

What Comes First?

It’s not always possible to tell what disorder was first. The fact is that both disorders have a compounding effect on one another.

The disorders exacerbate the symptoms of each other. This makes it very difficult to tell what symptoms are caused by what disorder.

Causes of Co-Occurring Disorders

Mental health conditions and substance abuse disorders share common causes. The development of these conditions is usually a combination of the following factors.

Biology

Brain chemistry varies between individuals. Some people’s brain chemistry is more prone to developing addictions. Changes in the chemical makeup and function of the brain can be caused by many things. This includes injury, early childhood exposure, prenatal development, and many other things.

Environment

Not having a supportive community can affect your tendency towards drugs. Having easy access to drugs and alcohol also makes you a higher risk for drug use. And a home permissive of drug and alcohol use is also a factor in addiction and mental health.

Trauma

Trauma can be caused by physical, emotional, and sexual abuse. It can also be caused by personal experiences during a natural disaster or in a war. Even exposure to trauma can have a devastating effect on one’s mental health.

These experiences may lead to a condition like PTSD or anxiety disorder. But they can also cause a person to cope with negative thoughts by turning to drugs and alcohol.

Genetics

If you have a relative that struggles with mental health or addiction, you have a higher likelihood of developing one yourself.

Risk Factors of Co-Occurring Disorders

There are some factors that put you at a higher risk of developing a co-occurring disorder. These include:

  • Having one or more mental illnesses
  • Being newly diagnosed with a mental illness
  • Not receiving adequate treatment for a mental illness
  • Recent traumatic experience(s)
  • Prolonged or untreated substance abuse

Addiction and mental health don’t discriminate on social status, race, occupation, or gender. They can affect anybody at any time in life.

Symptoms of Co-Occurring Disorders

There are significant variations in the symptoms of a co-occurring disorder. The symptoms depend on the mental health condition involved. It also involves the type of substance and degree of abuse.

Some symptoms of a co-occurring disorder are as follows:

  • Financial trouble
  • Legal trouble
  • Instability in employment
  • Instability in housing
  • Social isolation
  • Sexual deviance (including prostitution)
  • Aggression and violent behavior
  • Unexplained shifts in mood
  • Poor personal hygiene
  • Health problems
  • Noncompliance

Suicidal thoughts are a common symptom for people suffering from co-occurring disorders. For that reason alone, seeking immediate help after receiving this diagnosis is crucial.

Diagnosing a Co-Occurring Disorder

The symptoms of mental health overlap with the symptoms of substance use disorders. This makes it difficult to identify which condition caused the other. This can also make co-occurring disorder difficult to diagnose.

But two key factors help a medical professional diagnose the co-occurring disorder. These symptoms make themselves present during treatment.

One symptom is a mental health condition that worsens while receiving treatment. If treatment isn’t working, the problem might be that there’s a co-occurring disorder.

People who have mental health disorders sometimes use substances to self-medicate. Self-medicating brings relief for their symptoms.

While receiving treatment for the mental health condition, they’re unable to take substances. When you take away the substance, their mental health symptoms become more pronounced

Another sign of a co-occurring disorder is substance abuse treatment that doesn’t help. When someone with a co-occurring disorder gets clean, their mental health condition persists.

Without addressing the underlying mental health condition, they’ll find it difficult to stay sober as those symptoms persist.

Co-Occurring Disorders Treatment

Mental health disorder and addiction problems used to be treated as separate issues. But we’ve learned more about co-occurring disorders.

Today we know that treating the conditions separately doesn’t have much success. Treating the mental health condition will not automatically improve the substance use disorder. The same can be said for the other way around.

Instead, treatment for co-occurring disorders requires one, integrated treatment plan. An integrated treatment plan means coordinating both the substance use program and mental health intervention.

This integrated approach to treatment should begin while an individual is detoxing. Following detox, an inpatient or residential rehabilitation program should be attended.

This gives the individual a chance to address both conditions without the influence of drugs and alcohol. It also provides a safe and structured environment. There, they can begin therapy and building life skills.

Treatment programs specializing in co-occurring disorders will typically offer similar schedules. This includes group sessions, family therapy, and individual therapy.

In individual therapy, patients will use behavioral treatments such as cognitive behavioral therapy. These therapies help the patient to understand and change their behaviors.

Because of the mental health condition, many programs also offer pharmacotherapy. This involves using medication to treat the underlying mental health condition.

Co-occurring disorders need different treatment than single-diagnosis. Typically, that means longer and more intense treatment.

The combination of disorders means that there is more to understand. There are more behaviors to manage and the patient needs to learn coping tools for both conditions.

It also means that co-occurring disorders require a comprehensive aftercare program to support the patient in their real world circumstances.

The Right Diagnosis and Treatment

A co-occurring disorder involves substance abuse disorder and a mental health disorder. These two conditions exist at the same time, and they exacerbate one another. Meaning they make the symptoms of each worse than they would be on their own.

Because they’re intertwined, there’s no way to tell which caused the other. Regardless of which came first, they must be treated at the same time. Treating one and not the other doesn’t work.

These disorders need an integrated approach to treatment. But only specialized facilities have the resources for this type of treatment.If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with a co-occurring disorder, we have the tools and resources you need to get help. Contact us for more information.

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