Rehab Articles
substance abuse, rehab
1. Price- The best rehab may have a higher price than one that is run by a community government or charitable organization, but the cost may be worth it due to more focus on proven methods and techniques which are more effective. Make sure that you compare all of the factors involved and not just the price.
2. Location- The location of a substance abuse treatment facility can be a critical component in your decision. You want a program that provides some distance between your old activities and the start of your new and sober future. This will make it harder for you to leave on a whim or give in to an impulse to check out early.
3. Relapse Rate- The relapse rate shows how many previous patients have required additional rounds of treatment. If a program has a high relapse rate then this shows the facility may not be as effective as other options, and it may not be the right choice for your rehab needs.
4. Treatment Methods Provided- Some methods used for substance abuse treatment are scientifically proven to be more effective than others. One method that is highly effective is individual counseling sessions several times per week.
5. Residential or Outpatient Facility- Before you choose the right rehab you need to determine whether you are looking for a residential program or if an outpatient facility may be a better choice instead. Residential treatment rehabs usually offer better results.
Rehab Articles
stay sober, holiday season, substance abuse
1. During the holiday season the need to stay sober is very important, but this time of the year can be difficult for anyone who struggles with alcohol or drug abuse. Parties, holiday dinners, and all of the stress that this time of year brings can be daunting. Take time to relax, treat yourself to a spa day ro soak in the tub with your favorite music playing and some fragrant bath products.
2. Avoid places and situations where substance abuse is likely to occur. Bring your own bottle and make it a non alcoholic sparkling juice instead of wine or liquor. This will help you abstain no matter what cocktails the host of the event is serving.
3. Sleep is more important than ever during the holiday season, make sure you get enough quality sleep each night. When you are tired you are more likely to relapse and slide backwards, a good night of rest can keep you strong in your recovery.
4. Make a plan to help you stay sober. Carefully consider event invitations and weigh the risks involved. It is okay to leave early so that you get enough sleep, and you should not feel bad about turning down invitations. Don’t let yourself be overwhelmed.
5. Past substance abuse is a serious issue, and gift giving can cause incredible amounts of stress that could lead to a relapse. This year why not give gift cards? These are easy and convenient, making your shopping list easier to manage and your gifting requirements less stressful.
Rehab Articles
Faces of Addiction, substance abuse
Faces of Addiction photos show the toll that substance abuse takes, letting people see physical evidence of what the use of drugs and alcohol will do over time. In the year 2013 alone, the latest statistics available right now, there were more than 24 million people just in the United States who reported abusing illegal street drugs or prescription medications each month. The latest project is an attempt to make people stop and think before engaging in substance abuse. The photos displayed on the Faces of Addiction project involved 13 different individuals who have had arrests for a variety of drug charges that included pain medications, cocaine, and methamphetamine.
The contrast between the before and after photos with the Faces of Addiction project are shocking, and the website does disclaim that the changes are not only a physical result of substance abuse. People who have an addiction typically follow a devastating path that includes self neglect because the drugs take over, and taking care of their appearance and health is a secondary concern. According to the website “The pursuit of a drug habit can cost these people everything – their friends and family, their home and livelihood. And nowhere is that impact more evident than in the faces of addicts themselves.” Some of the after photos show incredible premature aging, missing teeth, open sores and lesions, shrinking and facial wasting, and other changes which are severe. Faces of Addiction shows what happens when substance abuse sets in and continues for a year or more.
Rehab Articles
Halloween without alcohol, substance abuse
1. Enjoy Halloween without alcohol by throwing your own party and making it clear on the invitation that this is an alcohol free event. Look online and find some spooky cocktails that do not include any alcohol and then serve these to your guests instead. Most people will not even miss the booze and your party will be a big success while you and your guests stay sober.
2. Volunteer in your community. You are more likely to engage in drinking and other forms of substance abuse if you are at home alone on this holiday. Look on the Internet for volunteer opportunities in your town or city, and go help others enjoy this time of year while you get out of the house and stay away from alcohol.
3. If you are looking for fun ways to spend Halloween without alcohol then reach out to some of the recovery groups in your area to find out what parties and other events they will be holding. In most areas AA, NA, and other recovery groups will hold celebrations which are designated substance free. This allows everyone to enjoy a good time without drinking or using drugs.
4. Avoid any event or celebration where you know drinking or other types of substance abuse will be going on. One of the most common relapse triggers is arrogance, thinking that you can be around a substance that you have had a problem with in the past without being affected. Avoid these events completely.
Rehab Articles
substance abuse, violence, suicide
There are proven links between substance abuse, violence, and suicide. Drug and alcohol abuse increase the risk that an individual will either become violent towards others or attempt to take their own life. There is some ambiguity in the studies and statistics though, because individuals who have substance abuse issues may also suffer from mental disorders that can play a role as well. Anyone who has an undiagnosed mental illness may turn to drugs or alcohol as a way to self medicate, and in these situations it can be hard to determine what was caused by the substance abuse and which actions and behaviors are actually the result of an underlying mental disorder that has not been accurately diagnosed and effectively treated.
Substance abuse has the ability to lower inhibitions, and in some cases violence is the result of this. When someone is drunk or high they may lash out in ways that would not occur when the individual is sober. Acts of violence may also increase the risk of suicide, especially if the individual feels that they can not control violent tendencies. If the person feels depressed or has emotional pain on a constant basis then this can also cause suicidal thoughts. When substance abuse is added into the mix then the person is more likely to act on an impulse to harm themselves or others because the drugs or alcohol use eliminates any restraint that they might have. Since around 90% of suicide attempts can be linked to mental illness it is important that any mental disorders are accurately diagnosed and substance abuse is avoided.
