Tips For Finding Help For a Drug Problem

Guest Post: Chris from St. Jude Retreats

If you decide that you want to quit using drugs for good, it's important not to join a group or program that reduces your chance of achieving and maintaining sobriety.

Today's main form of help for drug users is 12 step based programs. These programs use the 12 steps as the basis of their program, while incorporating daily activities and therapy sessions. Unfortunately, the use of the well-known 12 steps has a very low success rate. For example, Narcotics Anonymous (N.A.) has a one-year success rate of only about five percent. That is, after one year, only about one of every 20 members will be sober. Research by the cleanslate.org has found that not obtaining any outside help leads to a higher success rate!

There are some things you should consider or research before choosing a program, 12 step programs and NA are some of the most popular programs, but that does not always mean they are the most effective. Here are some things to watch for:

Consider the environment you will stay in. Think about what environment you want to be in if you choose to go away to a program. Some rehabs, especially free or government funded programs are not the most pleasant environment and can even be lock down facilities. A majority of these programs are held in hospitals and some are even in or around the psychiatric ward. If this is something you would not be comfortable with make sure you ask before you enroll.

Some other questions for the environment you may be in would be, do you have to wear a hospital gown, are you going to be given any replacement drugs such as suboxone that you will have to worry about becoming dependent on, and can you contact family and friends?  Free funded programs can also hold a large amount people which can mean less individualized attention, shared room, and possibly be around some people with pretty bad withdrawal symptoms. Do your research to see if this is a type of environment you would be successful in and could focus on your own problems.

Ask about the programs' Success Rate. This is something you absolutely should ask about in detail, how that particular program get their number, what is the date range they survey past guests in, and is the success rate independently verified, which means a third party company does the survey and it's not done internally. Programs can easily say any number they desire, so it is on you to see if the program truly works. Ask to see previous guest testimonials or any data they have on people who have remained drug free or have started using again.

Does the program encourage follow up recovery programs and lifelong support? Many 12 step programs and even some non 12 step rehab programs promote lifelong recovery after your rehab stay. Typically, this is not always in your best interest because it will leave you with the mentality that you will need a crutch to constantly help you from using again.

The truth is: only you have control of your own behaviors. You can either choose to continue to use again, or make the decision to remain drug free. Addiction can be overcome, but the choice is up to you.

 

Holistic Addiction Treatment - A Review

A lot of addicts ask, “What is used in holistic addiction treatment?” In addition, the addict’s acquaintances and loved ones might likewise ask and question how it may benefit their loved one.

Holistic addiction treatment is a comprehensive and progressive treatment system that centers on treating the whole person. An crucial point about holistic addiction treatment is that it provides a wide range of therapies that go a long way in assisting the person in full recovery. Additionally, these addiction treatment platforms likewise foster peace (which you know is crucial if you read my blog).

I have come across an outstanding program that uses holistic treatment for addictions. While checking into the program that uses a holistic approach (which, remember, centers on the whole person) I came across Holistic Light Addiction Rehab Center.

This program uses the treatments developed by Dr. Jacob Marshak (The Marshak Method). Dr. Marshak, after graduating from school in Russia began one of the first private rehab centers in Russia. He as well is a Kundalini Yoga teacher (yoga is used in holistic treatment, hence the "peace" part). Due to the glowing testimonials on the website, I was compelled to investigate further as it's important that addicts have an individualized plan and a center that actually cares about their recovery.

As I searched the net I found that Dr. Marshak is really a world renowned therapist and his treatment is well respected. The treatment includes therapeutic exercise to help manage mood swings that addicts have an issue with during and after recovery. As well the program includes special supplements to aid in recovery. Which if you follow this blog at all you know that I totally have faith in and have provided you info on that subject.

I say yay! I have long wondered why it is that conventional medicine and holistic medicine couldn't just get along and provide a better resolution for any patient, especially addicts. As well, there are testimonials from patients treated at Holistic Light Addiction Rehab Center. The reviews are glowing. But as addicts are usually skeptical by nature I knew that this alone would likely not be enough. However, to my surprise I found that this center provides a guarantee. This was surprising to me as many centers unfortunately count on the fact that addiction can mean a long cycle of recovery and relapse which pads their pockets. The last thing an addict needs is to feel they are not personally cared about and that the very people that are there to help them are concerned about everything but their true recovery. So a guarantee blew my mind!

If you follow anything here you know that the subject of addiction has had a personal impact in my life, being a mother of an addict. I am not in the habit of endorsing any one place or treatment as I believe each person requires treatment that is "just for them". That being said, I am impressed with this award winning program that centers on the needs of each "individual". After all, addiction is NOT a "one size fits all" thing.

My final thought to you today is, if you have an addiction you might already be at the place where you know that you need to stop. You may be battling with your recovery (as is the case with most if not all addicts). But getting the best care you can is essential to your total recovery and according to my research Holistic Light Addiction Rehab Center is a fantastic place for you to begin your journey.

Check it out for yourself here : http://www.holisticlight.com/

As always, my thoughts and prayers with you.

You Are Sober- Now What

You got yourself clean and sober and today the fog is beginning to lift and realness smacks you in the face:

This is your life. Sober.

Now, what are you going to do to sustain it?

This is the entire point of a recovery program, be it a spiritual based program, the 12 step plan, a series of counseling and therapy sessions, or whatsoever. They all seek to do the same thing:

Keep you from backsliding.

So which one is the most beneficial one? What is the most beneficial technique of preventing relapse?

Now plainly there are recovering addicts and alcoholics who succeed utilizing different forms of relapse prevention. A few individuals follow a spiritual based plan and they do exceedingly well with it and it transforms their life for the better and they never utilize drugs or alcohol again.
Others will totally reject a religious based plan and they will not become open to the theme even for a short moment. For them, perhaps a different sort of relapse prevention works best, even the spiritual based 12 step plan maybe.

And still others are out there recovering who don't utilize faith or 12 step programs to prevent relapse. They discover additional ways to metamorphose their lives.

So now you understand: there's more than one way to live clean and sober in recovery. There's more than one way to forestall backsliding. Blanket statements like “Each alcoholic has one hope in this world and that's the plan of AA” are simply dead wrong.

The most beneficial relapse prevention model that is unparalleled to you is likely a mixture of many approaches, and will depend upon your willingness to search out what works for you, and what doesn't work for you.
Consider that for a minute:
It's your duty to test out what works better for you in recovery.

This guides us to 2 major hints:

* Don’t simply blindly live with the 1st solution stuffed down your throat, and
* Don’t simply sit there. Become active, and begin exploring your own development in recovery.
Finding what works for you

What do you utilize to assess success in recovery?
By far the most crucial measure is upheld abstinence. If you relapse, what you were doing wasn't working. Try something else. Relapse is the elemental indicator that you have to modify your plan of attack to recovery.

But let’s suppose that you manage to lay down a couple of weeks or a couple of months of clean time, but you nevertheless don’t feel really positive in your recovery. What is a different measure of success that you are able to utilize to judge how well you're doing?

Favorable daily action.

If somebody says “what did you accomplish for your recovery today?” and all you are able to say is “well, I didn’t drink or utilize drugs, but that's enough!” then I think you're really harming yourself in the long haul.

If abstention was all that was called for, then we would not require plans, or self help groups, or rehabs, or therapists, or counselors, or whatsoever. If all it called for was abstention, then there would be no junkies or boozers.

But recovery calls for more than mere abstention. If all you may claim as favorable action for every day is your sobriety, then you're on thin ice. You have to accomplish more.

More what?

More favorable action. More favorable changes in your life that center on personal growth.

I can't tell you what your precise relapse prevention program is, as everybody will be unique in that respect. But if you're not taking favorable action each day, then you have to discover a way to turn things around.
For instance, you may:

* Work out.
* Assist others in recovery.
* Go to meetings and share frankly.
* Go to religious groups and become involved with the community.
* Better your education and learn more.
* Volunteer.
* Instruct.

These are generally just general actions you may take to provide you an idea.

But truly what you wish to do is to figure out how you are able to grow personally, how you may better your own life, and how you may utilize your extra talents to assist and empower other people in the world. What are you great at doing? How may you best assist others? Discover a rewarding way to accomplish that.

A great relapse prevention program is based totally on YOU taking action. What actions you adopt are subject to experiment. You might have to research for a while. However the key is that you don't sit stagnate, and expect your recovery to come to you.

No, you have to go produce it for yourself.

If you abide by somebody else’s relapse prevention program, then you can't truly complain if you're not acquiring the outcomes that you wish. Rather, take charge of your own recovery, and begin working out which path will lead to personal growth.

Accept responsibility for your own success in recovery.

Tip Sheet For Batteling Substances

Ø Determine that you do truly wish to stop using drugs. Unless you've the want to change you'll never be able to.

Ø Be totally true with yourself and other people. Your chances of recovery are not great if you can't face yourself and deal with confrontations from other people.

Ø Be patient with yourself. It commonly takes at least 3 months prior to significant improvement, so don't quit if you don't get split second results.

Ø Take away influences that enable your substance use from your life.

Ø Prevent relying on somebody to stop doing drugs with you, as he or she might not have the willingness to change. You must be amenable to stop spending time with individuals who use substances, and to avoid enticement. Learn to walk off from those that insist on utilizing or discussing using in front of you. It might call for you to be alone for a while or discover a whole new set of acquaintances to hang out with.

Ø Stock up on nourishing, easy-to-eat foods like soup to maintain your strength while clucking (undergoing drug withdrawal). Be particularly sure to center on your protein consumption. This will help keep your blood glucose level stable, which successively helps maintain your mood on an even keel.

Ø Discover a group in your local area like Narcotics Anonymous or SMART Recovery. It will help you address the issues that arise when quitting drugs. Narcotics Anonymous isn't actually particular to narcotics - substance abusers of all sorts of drugs, including cannabis, attend Narcotics Anonymous. Recovering users of all sorts are likewise welcome at open meetings of AA. SMART Recovery assists addicts in learning to refrain from drugs, alcohol, and addictive behaviors utilizing self-management strategies, and might be a great alternative for individuals who don't feel well-situated with 12-step groups.

Ø Connect with a dependable friend who doesn't take drugs, if you have one. Ask him or her to remain with you to help out while you experience the worst of your withdrawal.

Ø If you feel you can't deal with drug withdrawal by yourself, then see a physician or go to a hospital ER.

Ø Put down a list of matters you enjoyed doing before you began using drugs or things you've been interested in doing that you haven't done as yet. Drugs have been a huge part of your life and it will be simpler for you if you plan ahead to fill the emptiness that their absence will produce.

Ø Distinguish your triggers, which are individuals, places, things, events, activities, emotions, times, dates and so forth., that make you consider using; consequently placing you at a higher risk of using. After you distinguish your triggers, prevent them.

Ø Discover your relapse warning signs, which are alterations in your behaviors and/or attitude that signal a risk that you're close to using.

Ø School yourself on the dangers to your brain and body.

Ø Discover a support scheme.

Ø Arrive at a list of health goals and read it daily.

Ø Formulate a crisis program.

Ø Formulate and utilize positive self talk.

Ø Discover healthy activities to substitute substance usage.

Ø Center on your health and attending to your family.

The Benefits and Advantages of Drug Rehab

I was inspired to make this post due to a comment from a parent anguishing over a child refusing to see the benefit of drug rehab. If you or a loved one is battling the denial of addiction and drug rehab have a look at this post and hopefully there will be a piece of it that grabs part of you!

Nothing distresses you more than watching unable to help as a loved one demolishes their health and well-being through alcohol or substance abuse. You don’t understand what to do, nothing you've attempted has done any good and it's tearing you up inside seeing the decay. Thankfully, you are able to make a difference, you can mold change and you can get somebody to accept the help in the form of drug rehab they so desperately need. Let’s have a look at just what drug rehab can accomplish and the benefits of going to a program.

Drug rehab brings imposed sobriety:
No matter what any of the therapies proposed, merely staying away from access to drug or alcohol for one month or more has unbelievable worth. The clearness of sobriety arrives only with time, and none of us are really ready to take part truthfully in the therapies of relapse avoidance till we've got a few good weeks of sobriety accomplished. Imposed sobriety likewise provides our minds a chance to start the healing process, and we begin to relearn how we can have fun without a need for being messed up.

Drug rehab offers a great deal, but merely remaining sober and away from drugs or alcohol for a month or more can be life altering in itself.

Drug rehab helps us discover why we act the way we act:
For many us, there lives something within our beings that makes us look for a toxic condition. It might be a lack of self-assurance, family trauma or anxiousness that drove us to abuse at first; but whatever it is that draws us need to get inebriated or high, unless we can begin to deal with our issues, we're bound to duplicate our failures.

Drug rehab helps us learn how to have a better chance at sobriety by avoiding temptations:
Dependency and addiction happens deep inside the brain in an place beyond our conscious cognizance or control. While addicted, we behave in ways that look deliberate and selected, but are in point of fact just the end consequence of mighty impulses from deep within us.

Nothing but time lets the brain to mend and for the harm done by addiction to Wither, but we can acquire concrete and effective techniques to downplay the influence of this, and hopefully get beyond the period of its relapse agitating forces.

With therapies and cognitive behavioral education we discover how we can command not only our actions, but even our ideas to dilute the enticements that doom so many of us to failure. We likewise discover concrete and effective techniques that can get you out of spot of temptation, and keep you sober for an additional day.

Time will mend you, but you need to afford yourself time. Therapies and instruction show you how to get past the beginning few months of cravings and enticement.


Drug rehab helps us put together a unique and beneficial relapse prevention plan:
You can't leave anything up to fortune during the beginning few months of sobriety, and to guarantee you stay on a course of sobriety, in drug rehab you'll formulate a relapse prevention plan. Many individuals that relapse do so only after they begin to disregard their self-generated document of sobriety. Inside this living and ever-changing document are the techniques, aspirations and even telephone numbers you'll require when you sense you can no longer stand firm. You are able to prepare one on your own, but formulating a plan in consultation with addiction pros guarantees that you’ve truly got something that's going to work, and that precisely reflects the unique menaces to your sobriety.

Drug rehab helps us recover and be inspired by others going through the same thing:
When you attempt sobriety on your own, it looks unimaginable; but when you recover in a group with others that you know suffer the same tribulations that you do, seeing them get better can be a true origin of inspiration. Most individuals working in drug rehabs are themselves recovering addicts. They understand what you’re experiencing, they know what you need to do to become better, and they comprehend just how hard it can be. Discover what works from other people in recovery, and discover how those individuals who've done it became sober, and remain sober day-after-day.

You can’t say it's out of the question when you spend time daily with a group of individuals overpowering their demons, and with a group that already have.

Don't delay til the addict hits rock bottom, as denial is so characteristic of the disease, you should never hold off til an addict or alcoholic realizes the require help on their own.