What Came First Alcoholism or Mental Health?
What Came First Alcoholism or Mental Health?
What Came First Alcoholism or Mental Health?

What Came First Alcoholism or Mental Health?

Posted on: July 23rd, 2018 by admin No Comments

What Came First Alcoholism or Mental Health?

Issues of addiction and mental health are often closely connected and individuals in recovery often find that the two problems influence one another. When a person abuses drugs it can negatively affect their mental health and people with mental health issues are more likely to seek substances to self-medicate. As the two issues frequently coexist it can be difficult to tell which one caused the other.

People can be unaware that they have a mental illness and end up abusing alcohol because they don’t know how to deal with what they are experiencing. As their symptoms begin to interfere with their life they may start drinking as a way to escape their problems or temporarily alleviate painful feelings. Unfortunately, addiction can worsen symptoms of mental illness and cause even more issues that make it difficult for the person to function normally.

Others who heavily abuse drugs and even people who have a serious alcohol dependency can begin to develop symptoms of mental illness due to their behavior. Alcohol and other drugs can change a person’s brain chemistry and make it harder for them to experience natural feelings of joy. Symptoms of depression, anxiety and other problems can develop over time as their addiction progresses.

The Complex Relationship Between Addiction and Mental Health

When someone suffers from both an addiction and mental illness it can be much more challenging for them to address both problems and recover completely. Their mental illness can cause them to continue abusing alcohol or drugs and their substance abuse tends to worsen their mental illness. The two problems become a vicious cycle that can wreak havoc on someone’s personal and professional life.

Mental illness and alcoholism essentially interact with each other in a complex dance that can take time to dismantle. Some people may have one disorder that is worse than the other such as mild mental illness with heavy drinking or a severe mental illness with a more minor addiction. Others can have both issues be very severe which can lead to serious health problems if they don’t get help from treatment.

Some of the mental illnesses that are most commonly associated with drinking include problems like depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety and schizophrenia. Depression is a mental illness that can frequently cause people to begin abusing alcohol because it can temporarily mask their feelings of sadness. Depression can be very common among female substance abusers although it also occurs among men who drink as well.

Bipolar disorder is characterized by intense mood swings from feeling deeply depressed to manic euphoria. People with this disorder may begin abusing substances like alcohol to help smooth out their mood swings. Anxiety disorder is also commonly associated with drinking because individuals will drink to calm themselves down or feel more comfortable in social situations.

Schizophrenia is a very severe disorder that can involve hallucinations and feelings of paranoia which the individual may try to ease with alcohol use. People who abuse alcohol can also begin to develop symptoms of psychosis even when they hadn’t experienced the problem before. Depending on a person’s relationship to alcohol, any of these mental illnesses can appear with chronic substance abuse.

Recovering from a Dual Diagnosis

Regardless of which disorder appeared first, a person with both an addiction and a mental illness is said to have a dual diagnosis. When this is the case they will need to attend a specialized treatment center that is designed to address both problems simultaneously. Only treating one problem and not the other will be ineffective and could have some negative consequences for their health.

Treatment centers that focus on both addiction and mental illness will have programs in place that can help treat each problem through tools like detox, therapy, medication, and relapse prevention. Everything about their treatment program should be focused on resolving both issues so that the patient can minimize and greatly reduce the symptoms of their mental illness while also learning how to maintain sobriety. The goal for their treatment is to be able to manage their symptoms without turning to substance abuse as a solution.

The steps involved in treatment for two disorders start first with an accurate diagnosis. It is very important for the patient to understand what type of mental illness they have in order to learn how to manage it. Expert psychiatrists and staff members can help assess the individual and give them an idea of the severity of both their mental illness and their addiction.

With focused and individualized treatment it is possible for anyone to recover from a dual diagnosis in spite of the complicated issues associated with having two disorders. If you think you might have a mental illness and an addiction contact a dual diagnosis treatment center that can provide you with the help you need to recover.

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Opioid Addiction Rehab

Posted on: July 19th, 2018 by admin No Comments

Opioid Addiction Rehab

The most serious epidemic that the U.S. is currently facing is the amount of people that are abusing and overdosing on opioids throughout the country. Opioids are one of the biggest threats to public health in years and more people than ever need help in overcoming their addiction to prescription painkillers. Fortunately many rehab treatment centers cater to opioid addiction and provide the kind of care that is necessary to overcome this devastating problem.

People often don’t realize how addictive opioids are both mentally and physically to the user. It is common for people to be prescribed opioids for a particular issue such as pain after surgery and end up addicted. Opioids have many of the properties that addictive drugs tend to have such as feelings of euphoria, developing a tolerance and withdrawal symptoms.

When people are not aware of the addictive nature of opioids or they are not careful about the doses that they take then it can end in tragedy. Overdoses are all too common in the U.S. with more than 115 people dying every day from taking opioids. Rehab can help prevent a tragic overdose and can help someone recover from their addiction to opioids.

Detoxing from Opioids

The first step in recovery from an opioid addiction will be to abstain from any opioid use. For people with milder addictions, they may be able to go “cold turkey” from their opioid abuse and avoid using any drugs during detox. Others with more severe addictions may need to transition to substitute medications such as methadone or suboxone which can help them ease out of their opioid abuse.

Opioids can lead to very intense withdrawal symptoms and some people may have addictions so severe that they will not be able to get through withdrawal safely. In these cases, medications can be life-saving alternatives that prevent overdose and help them get on the right track to recovery as soon as possible. Over time the patient will be able to wean themselves off of the medication until they are ready to completely abstain from any kind of substance.

Detox can be one of the most difficult steps in rehab because it is the process by which someone rids themselves of a chemical dependency. They will have to confront many uncomfortable physical symptoms and feelings that arise when they no longer are relying on drugs to feel normal. Opioid detox can be painful but once a patient gets through this process they will then be ready to start the hard work of recovery.

Therapy and Relapse Prevention

Much of the focus in opioid addiction rehab is on individual therapy, group therapy and methods for relapse prevention. People that have drug addictions need to address the kind of psychological and emotional issues that can cause them to begin or continue abusing substances. Therapy is a crucial component in recovery and one of the most traditional parts of every rehab program.

In therapy patients with opioid addictions can start to open up about how and why they became addicted in a safe environment where they can be vulnerable. They may have a family history of addiction or their own personal issues with mental illness that acted as factors in their developing addiction. Although opioids are inherently addictive, there are often internal problems that can cause people to abuse drugs as well.

Group therapy is a method that can help addicts learn to connect with others and share their stories so that they feel a part of a community. In group therapy, those with opioid addictions can talk about their experiences which may be similar to many other people in the group. They can provide each other with valuable support and advice which can help them become more confident in their sobriety.

Another important component of addiction recovery is helping patients focus on skills for relapse prevention which will help them stay sober long-term. Understanding what causes relapse and the type of triggers that can lead to someone using drugs again can help patients be more prepared for the possibility. They can learn how to handle specific situations which could lead to relapse and how to reach out for help when they are struggling.

With opioid abuse, relapse can be particularly dangerous because people who have been sober for a period of time might end up abusing the same amount of drugs that they had in the past. The lower tolerance that they have after a period of sobriety could lead them to overdose from a relapse incident. Aftercare programs and relapse prevention methods are critical in keeping patients safe after they return home.

If you have been struggling with an opioid addiction, reach out to a local treatment center so that you can take steps to become sober again.

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Age Specific Rehabs

Posted on: July 11th, 2018 by admin No Comments

Age Specific Rehabs

People from all walks of life can struggle with issues of alcoholism and addiction no matter what age or where they are from. Young people can have addictions even before they reach the age of 21 and older adults can still have addiction problems even later in life after their children have grown up. Certain age groups can have varying needs and so age specific rehabs are useful programs to cater to individual demographics.

There are many different kinds of rehabs designed to provide patients with what they need to recover so that they aren’t left behind. More traditional “one size fits all” programs can be less effective for people that feel they need something more personal that will adjust to their specific issues. Age specific rehabs are just one of many different types of programs that are created in order to be a more personalized type of recovery.

People in different age groups are at specific stages in their life when addiction may affect them in unique ways. A young person may have a very different relationship to drugs or alcohol than an older person that is addicted. Age specific rehabs allow people to focus on what will help them at the stage they are in life.

Long Term Success with Tailored Rehabs

An age specific rehab can provide people with a way to achieve long term success because it is tailored to their personal needs. Young and old people may have dramatically different ideas about addiction and will understand their problem in various ways. A person’s generation and the way that they grew up can shape their concept of drug use and influence their behavior.

Older generations for example may feel more ashamed about their alcohol or drug use and might have a harder time opening up in front of others. They also may feel more ashamed because they have a career and a family that they might have harmed through their addiction. They have more responsibilities that they have jeopardized through their drug use and need to get their life back on track.

Younger people may prefer to be in a room full of other young people because they might feel more intimidated around people that they consider to be an authority. Going to a rehab with older people may make it more difficult for them to relate to other people’s stories. They may worry that they won’t be taken seriously or will be judged for their young age.

There are a wide range of issues that can come up regarding a person’s age in rehab. Being around people of a similar age group and getting tailored treatment based on the group’s age can make it easier to succeed. Whatever feelings the individual has about their age,they will not have to worry about it in an age specific rehab.

Rehabilitation and a Sense of Community

One of the most important aspects of rehab is building up a sense of community among the patients in the program. This can be much easier with a group of people that are in similar stages in life and can find things in common. A group with widely varying ages might feel a sense of disconnect from one another because they are experiencing very different things with their addiction.

People like to be around peers and feel more comfortable around those that they have more in common with. If they grew up in a particular era then they will have more common ground on which to build a relationship. An older generation may find it difficult to relate to the things that younger people experience in their modern upbringing.

A critical aspect of rehab is being able to connect, feel a part of a community and develop a social support network of people for help in the future. Patients will need someone that they can talk to when experience triggers or are worried about their ability to stay sober in any given moment. Connecting with people their same age will make it easier to create a support network and have someone to call or lean on in times of stress.

People need to recover in an environment where they feel comfortable, can open up and be themselves around people that may become lifelong friends. Age specific rehabs can help foster that sense of community and comfort that would be more difficult to experience in a rehab with some people that are very young, middle aged or in their senior years. People tend to spend more time with others in their own age group and rehab is a place the requires a kind of connection and bond with each other.

If you are looking for a rehab that caters to your individual needs, an age specific rehab may be a good choice for your recovery.

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What is a Non-12 Step Rehab?

Posted on: June 29th, 2018 by admin No Comments

What is a Non-12 Step Rehab?

There are many different types of rehab facilities and choosing which one is a good fit can take some patience. Some rehabs specialize in addiction and alcoholism, while others can focus on behavioral addictions such as gambling addiction or sex addiction. Unfortunately only some treatment centers offer dual diagnosis treatment in which they treat substance abuse as well as the underlying psychiatric treatment that is often needed.

Of these different types of rehabs centers, each will follow a certain treatment method. The treatment methods utilized will either be 12-Step or Non-12 Step, and what that essentially means is that the method will have a religious/spiritual focus or a scientific/ holistic focus.

Before we discuss non-12 Step rehab programs, lets identify the 12-Step program and its core philosophy. A 12-Step program is a set of guidelines (steps) that one will strictly follow in recovery. These 12 steps were first published in the Alcoholics Anonymous book and have been used as the foundation of the majority of treatment programs until more recently.

The basis of the philosophy is that those suffering from addiction are powerless against the disease and need to surrender to a higher power, not always “God” to achieve recovery. Narcotics Anonymous, Gamblers Anonymous and other groups incorporate these steps into their daily lives. When those “work the steps” they will be successful in their recovery journey. Because the 12-Step method is the most common, it is generally covered by insurance plans.

The 12-Step method has been popularized and used in mainstream media that often time’s people think this method is the only recovery treatment method.

The 12-Steps:

Step 1 We admitted we were powerless over alcohol—that our lives had become unmanageable.

Step 2 Came to believe that a Power greater than ourselves could restore us to sanity.

Step 3 Made a decision to turn our will and our lives over to the care of God as we understood Him.

Step 4 Made a searching and fearless moral inventory of ourselves.

Step 5 Admitted to God, to ourselves, and to another human being the exact nature of our wrongs.

Step 6 Were entirely ready to have God remove all these defects of character.

Step 7 Humbly asked Him to remove our shortcomings.

Step 8 Made a list of all persons we had harmed, and became willing to make amends to them all.

Step 9 Made direct amends to such people wherever possible, except when to do so would injure them or others.

Step 10 Continued to take personal inventory and when we were wrong promptly admitted it.

Step 11 Sought through prayer and meditation to improve our conscious contact with God, as we understood Him, praying only for knowledge of His will for us and the power to carry that out.

Step 12 Having had a spiritual awakening as the result of these Steps, we tried to carry this message to alcoholics, and to practice these principles in all our affairs.

Other treatment methods wont necessarily utilize these steps verbatim but substitute alternative words or incorporate them by summarizing or pulling out key themes, such as are honesty, discipline and action, forgiveness, acceptance etc. So instead of finding a “sponsor” they may just refer someone as a sober companion but will still employ fellowship.

Although this method has helped many people in their recovery, those who were not as religious or spiritual were not connecting. Opponents of the 12-Steps believe declaring yourself a lifelong addict with a deep character defect is counterproductive and fundamentally disagree with the idea that addiction is a disease that’s beyond your control. Some may also deem many aspects of the 12-Step culture outdated and unnecessary.

Non-12 Steps

Alternative treatment philosophies started to pop up with the basis of treatment being more science based, and self-healing based. Non-12 Step programs are viewed as “non traditional” or secular and are considered modern-day because they follow evidence-based research which is constantly evolving. Newer treatments like dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR), trans-cranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), emotional freedom techniques (EFT) are used.

These programs focus on the individual rather than the addiction and argue that one treatment program does not fit all. An example of Non-12-Step treatment method that has becoming more and more utilized is SMART Recovery. SMART Recovery (Self Management for Addiction Recovery) can be seen as the opposite of 12-Step philosophy that instead of being powerless, those with addiction are powerful enough to overcome with a few key tools like a commitment to sobriety, a change in lifestyle and coping mechanisms and general self-management.

Non-12 Step methods place focus more on personalized psychotherapy methods rather than group-focused therapy and integrate cognitive behavioral therapy to try to get to the root of addiction. The patient looks within and can work through past trauma, family issues or other environmental factors that may have contributed. In these programs addicts will learn actual coping skills and be able to identify trigger warnings, manage cravings and negative though patterns.

Holistic treatment methods are also Non-12 Step in that they call to focus inward and seek to find health in the physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual aspects of ones self. They include scientific methods along with holistic treatment therapies or such as energy healing, mindfulness meditation, acupuncture, massage therapy, equine therapy, sound therapy, art therapy etc.

Some treatment centers incorporate both the 12-Step structure as well as Non-12 Step methods and really make their recovery treatment specialized. Some will use the SMART Recovery Model, Rational Recovery Model or Freedom Model but still encourage their patients to attend AA meetings.

It is important that people take some time to research and ask questions so they choose the right treatment center that offers a recovery method they feel the most comfortable with that they can be the most successful at.

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What Determines The Success Rate of a Rehab Facility?

Posted on: June 27th, 2018 by admin No Comments

What Determines The Success Rate of a Rehab Facility?

Some addiction centers claim to have very high success rates for their patients as a selling point to convince more people to enroll. But what does rehab success mean and how is it determined? It can be difficult to measure success after rehab and every treatment center is likely to have their own definition of a high success rate.

There is currently no standard definition of rehab and no standardized way to measure the success of what an addiction center does for their patients. Not every treatment center will follow up with their patients after treatment and some may only do so immediately after they have completed the program. They may not be aware of or take into account possible relapses that occur weeks or months after they have left the treatment center.

Some treatment centers may base patient success simply on them completing the program or by using client interviews or internal studies to determine patient satisfaction. The real success of a program might be better measured by the specific quality of care that a treatment center provides during the patient’s stay and after through continuing programs. The longer a patient is able to stay sober after leaving treatment with the rehab’s support, the more successful it can be considered to be.

Defining Rehab and Success

Even in terms of what constitutes rehab there is no standard concept or set of guidelines for addiction treatment. Success rates are even more loosely defined by different treatment centers that want to project the best possible image. Some facilities will advertise that they have success rates in the 90th percentile but because of the flexible criteria for success these numbers can often be misleading.

In reality many treatment centers will have former patients that relapse or return for more than one round of treatment. It is difficult to say how these statistics are incorporated into their success rate or how they evaluate these issues in studying their program’s effectiveness. Some treatment centers might blame the patient if they fail the program or relapse because they didn’t commit to or follow the program.

Many treatment centers won’t even take into account former patients that have relapsed later on in their proclaimed “100 percent” success rate because they only consider people who have completed the program as being successful. If a treatment facility doesn’t provide adequate aftercare and support to help each patient maintain their sobriety on their own after the program then can it really be considered successful?

Evaluating a Treatment Center Based on Care

When looking into a treatment center for yourself or for a loved one, the advertised success rate should not be the only determining factor in choosing a program. It is often unclear what their numbers are based on and they may not represent the true quality of the treatment that the facility provides. Focusing instead on the type of treatment options and support available in the facility itself can be a better way to evaluate its success.

Treatment centers that offer a variety of different kinds of therapy approaches, education opportunities and activities usually provide better success for their patients. A rehab that has a more traditional “one-size-fits-all” approach can usually make it difficult for patients with unique and personal issues to fully recover. A treatment center that has the ability to individualize a program to suit a patient’s specific needs is more likely to provide high quality care.

Most importantly for the success of a patient is that a treatment facility offers good quality aftercare for each person that completes the program. Addiction is a lifelong disease and only a few months in treatment does not always fully prepare a person to live on their own and stay sober. People usually need extra support and care for a period of time as they transition to their new lifestyle.

A more successful rehab will also offer relapse prevention training either as part of their main program or in their aftercare support. Patients need to be aware that relapse is a reality and be able to feel prepared for the possibility of relapse. When they have the skills and knowledge about how to prevent a relapse from occurring they will be more empowered to manage their sobriety and avoid going back to their old habits.

Remember that the advertised success rate of a treatment center may not necessarily mean that they offer a better program than other rehabs. The more options that a rehab has for allowing patients to return for help the better choice it will be for their own success. If you are looking into a possible rehab treatment program make sure to find out about their specific programs and what they can offer to former patients to prevent relapse.

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World Class Psychotherapy Treatment

Posted on: June 24th, 2018 by admin No Comments

 What Came First Alcoholism or Mental Health?

Therapy can be a great place to share personal thoughts and feelings but not all psychotherapy has the same level of effectiveness. Less experienced psychotherapists may provide people with an outlet for expressing their emotions but not as many concrete solutions for resolving their problems. World class psychotherapy treatment can make a significant difference in how a patient is able to heal and change for the better.

A more general psychotherapy treatment program may have less options for alternative therapies and less tools available to help patients. Although an average psychotherapy program may be suitable for some, certain patients with more complicated issues may need extra care. Having more choices for therapy approaches can have an impact on how quickly and successfully a patient recovers.

World class psychotherapy tends to focus more on holistic treatment that can target various aspects of a person’s mental illness, substance abuse problem or any other issue they are dealing with. Taking multiple approaches that address physical, mental and spiritual health can ensure that the program is treating the person as a whole and not just focusing on a narrow view of recovery. Therapists who take a holistic approach have a better understanding of how to truly improve a patient’s well being.

Meeting a Patient’s Needs in Psychotherapy

A one size fits all approach to recovery is rarely effective and psychotherapy needs to be especially tailored to each patient’s unique problems. People can respond differently to therapy and a more effective psychotherapy program can employ different approaches, allow a patient to explore a variety of alternative options, and cater to what they need individually. A customized therapy program is not always available in every treatment center so a better quality psychotherapy treatment is often necessary.

People may develop mental health or substance abuse issues for a number of different reasons. Each person’s genetic, background, upbringing, culture and social environment can all impact their health in unique ways. A highly trained and qualified psychotherapist can take all of these factors into account and have a deeper understanding of why the patient is experiencing their issues and what they can do to work on them. Therapists who have years of training, education and practical experience can quickly assess a patient’s needs and adjust their strategies to help them improve.

It is important for psychotherapy to focus not only a person’s present well being but also their underlying issues from the past that may have led to their current situation. An effective psychotherapist can look into a patient’s childhood relationships with their family members and how those may have impacted their mental health as they became adults. Issues of trauma, abuse, death and abandonment can often be connected with mental illness and substance abuse.

Different Types of Psychotherapy

A more modern, higher end psychotherapy treatment program is likely to have more options than just talk therapy. While talk therapy might be incorporated into sessions, a great psychotherapy program will have other tools available. Cognitive behavioral therapy is one approach that tends to be highly effective for people with issues of depression, anxiety and other problems.

Cognitive behavioral therapy is a type of treatment that allows patients to learn how to problem-solve. It helps people understand the relationship between their beliefs and thoughts and how that impacts their behavior. With this type of therapy patients can learn to perceive things differently so that they can experience more positive thoughts and feelings.

Another therapy approach is a type of cognitive behavioral therapy that can be effective for treatment called dialectical behavior therapy. This is a type of therapy that gives patients practical skills to help them deal with their painful emotions and decrease conflict in relationships. It focuses on helpful skills like mindfulness, distress tolerance and emotional regulation which can all help to manage difficult feelings and improve communication with others.

A new and lesser known type of therapy called eye movement desensitization and reprocessing may also be used at some high end treatment centers. This is a type of therapy that helps address a patient’s past trauma and allows them to work through unresolved issues. It asks patients to recall distressing images of trauma or painful memories while retraining them in how they react through specific eye movements that will help to calm their anxiety.

Every psychotherapy program will have its own combination of various types of therapies and not all treatment centers will have the same options. World class psychotherapy treatment tends to have a wider variety so that patients can benefit from approaches that work most effectively for them. If you need to address any mental health, behavioral or substance abuse issues then make sure to research the psychotherapy that a treatment center offers and determine whether it will be right for you.

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Is a Sober Coach with Me 24/7?

Posted on: June 18th, 2018 by admin No Comments

Is a Sober Coach with Me 24/7?

People in recovery often need extra support to keep them from feeling tempted to relapse back into their habits of addiction. There are many options to keep you focused on sobriety goals during or after completing rehab including meetings, aftercare programs and sober homes. One of the most personal and effective choices for some people is hiring a sober coach to provide advice, knowledge and one on one assistance whenever you need it.

A sober coach is not necessarily someone to watch over every move you make or spend every minute with you. They are simply a resource that you can check in with every day and use whenever you really need someone to be there for you. The sober coach does not act as a babysitter but more like an on-call counselor and friend that offers support for those in need.

Utilizing the help of a sober coach can be part of a greater plan to stay sober after finishing rehab. There are many pieces that need to be in place in order for a recovering addict to adjust to their new sober lifestyle. A sober coach can be available in the most difficult moments until you feel more stable and confident in your sobriety.

What a Sober Coach Does

Some people might imagine that a sober coach is a luxury for the wealthy elite or Hollywood celebrities that are trying to quit an addiction. The reality is that many sober coaches can be an affordable and effective option for anyone that is in need of assistance in their recovery. Sober coaches provide a necessary service for people that are worried about the possibility of relapse.

Someone might choose to hire a sober coach if they feel that they don’t have a close friend or family member that can give them all the help and support that they need. Some people in recovery have a limited social support system or simply want to avoid being a burden on the people in their life. A sober coach can act as a friend that you can always call when you need to talk or need motivation and guidance.

Sober are often employed for the first few weeks after leaving a treatment center and returning home but they can be used at any point in the recovery process. A sober coach essentially provides assistance through answering phone calls, attending social events with you, checking in through daily meetings and providing counseling on-call. The sober coach will set up face-to-face meetings with you to boost your confidence and see how you are doing on a regular basis.

Learning to Cope with Triggers through a Sober Coach

One of the most useful things that a sober coach can provide is assistance in dealing with triggers as they come up. Triggers can happen at any time and people in recovery will need someone to talk to so that they can get through them without relapsing. The sober coach can give you ideas and tools on how to cope with triggers so that you will become more adept at handling them in the future.

Triggers can occur in many different situations and through many mental states that naturally come up during the day. People can be triggered by things like boredom, fatigue, loneliness, physical discomfort, running into an old drinking buddy or dealer, being near an old bar or hangout and many other situations. Any time a trigger occurs you will need to have some type of response that works best for you so that you don’t feel overwhelmed by the temptation to use again.

Sober coaches have had many years of experience working with addiction issues and understand what tactics work best when triggers come up. They can help you come up with strategies to deal with triggers based on what personally seems to work best for you. Each individual will react differently and have their own unique needs in order to stay sober and a sober coach can work to tailor their program to you.

The important thing to understand about a sober coach is that they will not necessarily be by your side all the time but are there to give you motivation and support. It is up to you to take their advice and do the work to stay sober. Being focused on sobriety means paying constant attention to triggers and employing strategies to minimize them whenever necessary.

Even though a sober coach is not with you 24 hours a day, they can give you what you need through one-on-one meetings and counseling in order to feel more confident in being sober. Having a sober coach can make the most difficult moments of living sober a little easier and more manageable as part of the overall recovery process.

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Environmental Therapy

Posted on: June 11th, 2018 by admin No Comments

Environmental Therapy

There are many different ways for people to heal when they are struggling with an addiction, mental illness or other issue that has disrupted their life. Incorporating a variety of therapies into treatment can be effective in addressing every aspect of a person’s health. Options like environmental therapy may be available in certain treatment centers for patients to have a natural healing experience.

Environmental therapy or eco therapy is a way for people in recovery from emotional issues to experience nature in a way that can allow them to feel more grounded and centered. Most people lead busy, stressful lives in the city and are cut off from our natural state of being. Feeling more connected to the earth and our environment can help reduce the sense of isolation that people often feel in a big city.

Recovery can be a chance for people to reconnect with themselves and environmental therapy is a good opportunity for self-reflection. Being immersed in nature allows people time for quiet contemplation and a feeling of being a part of something bigger than themselves. Treatment centers that offer environmental therapy can provide patients with a memorable experience that will help them remain more stable in the future.

The Concept of Environmental Therapy

Someone who has never been through environmental therapy might not understand the benefits of being in nature for difficult issues such as substance abuse and mental illness. However the environment can have a powerful impact on a person’s well-being and their sense of self. The practice of ecopsychology is a growing field that is becoming more relevant in modern times.

The idea behind ecotherapy is that we are all part of the web of life and our psyches are not separate but deeply connected to the environment surrounding us. It is grounded in the belief that people need to have a relationship with nature that they can explore for their own personal growth. Our physical, emotional and spiritual state can benefit from being closer to nature and feeling connected to the earth.

Clinicians who practice environmental therapy believe that the earth has a powerful ability to provide balance and harmony when people have a relationship with it. They believe that personal well-being and planetary well-being are not separate from each other but are deeply connected. The interaction between people and the environment is something that needs to be addressed for better mental health.

How the Environment Affects Mental Health

Research has shown that being in a natural place tends to have a more positive impact on a person’s emotions. One particular study had participants take a test designed to induce mental fatigue and then had them walk through a nature reserve, an urban environment or sit quietly reading or listening to music. Those who walked through nature had significantly lower levels of anger and more positive emotions than the ones who had different activities.

Walking through nature has been shown to reduce depression in 71 percent of study participants compared with other environments like shopping centers. Nature impacts all of our senses in a way that can dramatically reduce stress and promote a feeling of calm. People who hear natural sounds like water or birds or smell fresh air and plants tend to feel less depressed.

Visually nature can have an immediate impact on a person’s emotions as studies have shown that simply looking at photos of natural environments can promote feelings of well-being. While viewing pictures of trees and water can help reduce anxiety, the optimal choice is to be immersed in nature and fully experience it as a relationship and connection. Meditating in or walking through a natural place can have the most significant effects on mental health.

Treatment programs that offer environmental therapy will all have their own approach to how they help patients to connect with nature. They might have group therapy sessions outdoors where patients contemplate and write about or discuss aspects of nature. Some programs might have patients plant trees or work in a garden to feel more connected to the earth.

Physical exercise in nature can be beneficial because it releases endorphins while also creating awareness of the environment. Hiking, walking or jogging on a nature trail can effectively reduce stress, depression, anger and anxiety. Surfing or swimming in the ocean, walking on the beach and spending time in the sand can also be beneficial to our mental and emotional state.

For those interested in environmental therapy, contact a treatment program that offers options this kind of recovery method. A treatment center that is located in or near a natural environment can help patients heal in a way that they may not be able to in a more urban setting. Contact recovery centers in your area to find out if they offer environmental therapy.

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Intervention Specialist Assists Beyond Initial Intervention

Posted on: June 5th, 2018 by admin No Comments

Intervention Specialist Assists Beyond Initial Intervention

Having a loved one that struggles with a drug addiction or alcoholism, although more and more common, is extremely difficult and can have those dealing with this feel isolated. Whether that loved one is a spouse, child, sibling or parent, over the years dealing with the lifestyle that comes along with this destructive abuse can break people down. At a certain point families feel lost, defeated and hopeless.

Families seeking long term recovery for their loved one will want to take that first step and stage an intervention. When this occurs it is best to seek out professional help in the form of an intervention specialist. An intervention specialist can go by a number of different names or job titles from rehabilitation counselor, mental health counselor, addiction specialist, etc., however what they all have in common is that this person is a licensed and trained professional.

Having a trained professional present during an intervention makes the chances for a success far more likely. Not only do these people have the knowledge and experience, they have the understanding a family is looking for in these dire situations.

An intervention specialist has been through training and education and has passed national requirements with the proper certifications and credentials to obtain a license. These professionals may have other qualifications or professional titles along with their CIP (Certified Intervention Professional). An interventionist, or intervention specialist may also be a psychotherapist, a licensed clinical social worker, or a licensed and certified alcohol and drug counselor. Some intervention specialists work privately while others might work for a hospital or a rehab center. Depending on their experience, interventionists can specialize in substance abuse, alcoholism, eating disorder, sex addiction, gambling addiction and even video games addiction.

An intervention specialist’s role goes far beyond just assisting a family in the actual intervention process. The primary goal of an intervention specialist is to help the family convince their loved one to accept long-term recovery treatment. However, the intervention specialist plays an important role before the intervention and after the intervention. A intervention specialist forms a relationship with the family members and will be there for them for each step of the way.

Once you research and find an intervention specialist that you feel comfortable with, that is in your area and is available to help, the real work begins. The intervention specialist may want to speak or meet in person with you once or even a few times before the initial intervention. The intervention specialist will need to assess the situation so they can determine how to best approach this individualized intervention.

Discussing past behaviors and personality traits with family members allows the specialist to hone in on the addict and get to know them as a whole person. Each case is different and the specialist wants to know how this person got to this point and how the family has been affected. Learning about certain things such as when the substance abuse started or any legal and financial troubles can help the interventionist determine treatment needs. Although discussing these private family matters can make you feel uncomfortable or ashamed, the intervention specialist is only there to help you.

During this time the specialist will provide the family with education and instructions for the intervention. Other logistic planning will be done before the intervention such as insurance verification, medical detox, treatment facility arrangements, and even an aftercare and sober living plan.

Once the interventionist meets with those that will participate in the intervention will they choose the intervention model they feel will be most successful. Some addicts will respond to the Johnson Model, or the less confrontational Invitational Model. Before the intervention, the specialist and the family will have decided on a treatment facility and treatment program that is appropriate for their loved one. The team will have rehearsed the process and even discuss the different possible outcomes.

During the intervention, the intervention specialist will guide the discussion, add structure and keep everyone focused. An intervention brings high emotions and often includes tears, yelling and sometimes even physical violence. They will also help friends and family members vocalize their feelings and concerns in a productive way. An unplanned, impromptu intervention without the presence of a professional can sometimes be counterproductive. Without information and training family members can make their loved one retreat further into their harmful habits.

It is the job of the intervention specialist to keep this intervention on track and solution oriented. Towards the end of the intervention the specialist will discuss the treatment center and describe the treatment plan including location, length of stay, facilities, services, therapies etc. The interventionist may answer questions from the addict and offer explanation as to why they need to go to treatment immediately.

Once the intervention is over and hopefully the loved on accepts treatment, the intervention specialist’s job is not done. The intervention specialist will then take the role of recovery case monitor. The specialist will work with the family to help them maintain a strong supportive role, and remind them how crucial their support plays in recovery. They may inform them on support groups such as Al-Anon or other family therapy. They can coach them on how to approach visits to the treatment center and also prepare the family for instances if their loved one were to leave rehab or relapse. A good intervention specialist will always check in with family members and the recovery patient and discuss any new developments and always be open to questions and guidance.

As addiction and mental health rates grow across the country, the need for this profession has also increased. If you are able to get the assistance from an intervention specialist do not hesitate. These professionals not only bring confidence and comfort to families seeking help but they heal those suffering and save lives.

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Benefits of Seclusion in Rehab

Posted on: May 27th, 2018 by admin No Comments

Benefits of Seclusion in Rehab

While everyone experiences addiction and recovery differently, most people feel better knowing that they are away from their daily lives in treatment. Staying in a facility can help create the sense that you have left behind your problems and are away from old habits so that you can focus on creating a new life. Certain rehabs offer a more serene and secluded environment that can help promote an even greater experience of being separate from the old addicted patterns.

Luxury rehabs particularly value seclusion because they understand how it can benefit every patient in treatment. A relaxing, beautiful environment that is away from the stress of our daily routines helps each patient focus on what they need to recover. This kind of secluded environment helps reduce the stress of quitting an addiction and promotes peaceful, positive feelings.

Many people who attend rehab are also concerned about their identity and others outside the treatment center discovering that they have an addiction. Remaining anonymous can feel easier in a location that is far away from work and clients who might find out about your stay in rehab. Seclusion can be an effective way to keep treatment experiences more confidential.

Keeping Away from Old Habits

In a secluded environment, patients will not have an option to go back to their habits of substance abuse. They will be far away from their old drinking buddies, their dealers or other people in their life that negatively influence them. A remote location takes away even the possibility of calling, meeting up with or contacting people that could jeopardize your sobriety.

Many secluded luxury rehabs are in amazing locations like remote beaches, islands, deserts and mountain scapes. These kinds of areas make it easier for patients to feel like they have left their old surroundings behind. Being in a location that is too close to home or too similar to their old life such as being in a big city can be a reminder of the things they’ve done in the past.

Seclusion offers people the chance to get away from everything that was connected to their addiction so that they can truly start over. Being in a remote place allows people the chance to focus more on themselves and what they need to heal instead of being wrapped up in a busy, social life. They can be more involved in treatment and less distracted by outside influences as they experience complete seclusion.

Stress Reduction and Anonymity

There is good reason that people often go to remote locations when they are on vacation. Living in the city can be stressful and problems tend to build up in a bustling, busy environment. Beaches, islands and natural places are stress-free because they don’t have the troubles associated with modern life.

Being in a remote, secluded place gives patients in rehab the opportunity to eliminate some of the stress that has accumulated in their life. They don’t have to worry about going to work, driving, or the general stress of living in the city. They can enjoy nature and allow some of their emotional problems to resolve in a safe and supportive place.

Another benefit of seclusion that can help reduce stress in rehab is the feeling of anonymity and privacy that patients feel. A remote place can really allow you to be free from the fears that someone will find out where you are. There are many patients that must keep their stay in rehab confidential so that it doesn’t affect their careers.

Anonymity is very important in rehab and a secluded environment makes it possible for people to feel experience complete privacy. This can be especially helpful for celebrities that don’t want to be found by the paparazzi or journalists who want to make their addiction public. A natural environment that is located away from any major cities will be more difficult to find and will allow them to recover in seclusion.

There are numerous benefits to staying in private, luxury rehab but seclusion is one of the most valuable for patients. It can make recovery feel much more safe and relaxing without any stress and worry. Staying in a treatment center should always be anonymous and confidential but a secluded place ensures that will be the case.

Seclusion is incredibly useful for rehab but also therapeutic for patients that need an extra level one on one care. Smaller rehabs that are in remote locations have more staff that can make recovery a more personal experience for patients. Getting individual care and attention while also enjoying a beautiful environment can make rehab a valuable and fulfilling time for each patient.

If you are interested in a more secluded rehab then you can research any of the luxury facilities that offer addiction treatment in remote locations.

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Heading Overseas for Treatment

Posted on: May 24th, 2018 by admin No Comments

Heading Overseas for Treatment

Getting rehab treatment does not always have to be in your local area in a typical city facility. Many treatment options are available in exotic or remote locations overseas so that patients have a chance to get away from their day to day lives. Location can be an important factor when choosing a treatment solution so it is beneficial to look into different options, including traveling outside your own area.

There are many luxury rehabs available in other countries overseas that can offer privacy, beauty and relaxation throughout treatment. Going overseas for rehab can be a good option if you are looking for a way to get away from your old life and experience new things. There are many benefits associated with receiving treatment in another country so it can be the right choice for people who enjoy traveling and need seclusion.

Traveling for recovery can often be more affordable as well since other countries can be cheaper to live in. Being in rehab in another country can be a life-changing experience as you get to be immersed in another culture with unique surroundings that provide healing and beauty. Every individual has their own personal needs for recovery and being overseas may be the best solution for their stay in treatment.

Unique Locations for Treatment

There are numerous options for traveling abroad for treatment in different parts of the world. Places like Australia, England, Antigua, Thailand and many others all offer high quality treatment centers that provide patients with unique and effective care. These remote locations are often in environments that are much more conducive to recovery such as being on a beach or a more natural area.

Being in a foreign place for recovery can make the whole experience much more meaningful for patients. They are in a new place that they have never been and are experiencing new things all the time. It can be a great learning environment where they will remember more about their stay and have interesting stories to tell when they return home.

In foreign places like Thailand patients will have the opportunity to learn about a new language and culture which can help break them out of their old habits. Being in the same surroundings all the time can make life seem stressful or dull. Foreign countries allow people to expand their minds and become more open to new experiences so that they are not stuck in the same routine.

Overcoming Concerns about Treatment Aboard

Some people might feel interested in getting treatment overseas but worry about the practical aspects of how they can deal with rehab in a foreign country. They might be concerned about language barriers, their safety in a foreign place, feeling homesick or missing the comforts of home and various other issues. It can be legitimate to have worries about traveling abroad for treatment in most cases people discover that their specific concerns are not as much of an issue as they believed.

Most rehab treatment centers abroad that offer care for Americans make sure to accommodate them as best they can. They can offer them staff members that speak very good English and even provide some of their comforts from home. Most foreign treatment centers allow you to experience another culture without having to sacrifice your own needs.

Patients can also rest assured that their treatment center will be located in a safe and welcoming place where they won’t have to deal with any dangers or risks. Some may be worried about the frightening experiences that can sometimes happen abroad but rehab facilities are always located in completely safe and secure areas. Patients will be cared for and treated with everything they need in a comfortable environment that still allows them to be immersed in exotic surroundings.

Treatment centers are also usually located away from tourist areas that may include many bars and clubs that are too tempting for patients. Rehab centers offer a more natural experience where patients are surrounded by beautiful beaches, mountains, jungles or forests. These environments can be more healing and beneficial for people in recovery than busy tourist spots.

Even though some people may have hesitations about traveling abroad for treatment, it can be a truly memorable time in their life that they will always treasure. Traveling can help us learn a lot about ourselves and the world around us in ways that can be eye-opening. Rehab overseas can be the perfect way to start a new life and change habits for the better.

If you are interested in finding a rehab center overseas you can find listings online for different countries and the programs they offer. Make sure that you find the right facility that caters toward your specific addiction or mental health issues in order to get the best results.

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How Effective is Holistic Addiction Treatment and Will My Insurance Cover It?

Posted on: May 20th, 2018 by admin No Comments

How Effective is Holistic Addiction Treatment and Will My Insurance Cover It?

There can be a myriad of different options when it comes to addiction treatment and it can be difficult to find the right one that will be most effective for you. Many treatment centers advertise themselves as offering holistic treatments as a way to heal the person in recovery as a whole. Holistic addiction programs can be some of the most effective treatments available because they focus not only on a person’s mental health but also their body and mind.

Some holistic treatments may not involve the more traditional types of therapy approaches such as the twelve step method. Choosing holistic treatment can be a good decision if you feel that the twelve step philosophy would not be effective for your recovery. Holistic treatment can focus on other types of spirituality and ways to improve all aspects of a person’s well-being.

Although some insurance companies might not cover alternative medicine on its own, if holistic treatment is part of a greater treatment program you might be able to get coverage. Alternative medicine can be expensive but more treatment programs are incorporating aspects of alternative therapies into their methods of recovery. There may be several programs that your insurance will cover that offer some holistic strategies within their treatment plan.

The Holistic Approach

A holistic treatment center that does not follow the twelve step approach usually has a different view of addiction than more traditional treatment centers. Instead of viewing addiction as a disease it may focus more on the past issues in a person’s life that may have contributed to the development of their problem with drugs or alcohol. The connection between the mind and body is a important aspect in a holistic program.

Using the holistic approach, patients are taught not only to abstain from the use of alcohol or drugs but to discover and understand the causes of their problem. It is not just a matter of willpower or avoiding substances because they have a disease. It involves looking into their past to understand why they began using and resolving those issues as a way to prevent relapse.

Non-twelve step treatment is usually more self-empowering than twelve step programs because it is more customized to the individual person’s needs. Patients can choose different types of therapies that they believe will be beneficial to them rather than having a one size fits all kind of treatment. Twelve step programs at times can be more regimented and less flexible to suit the individual and their unique issues.

Holistic programs usually include psychotherapy, various holistic techniques, evidence-based treatment models and group therapy. These types of programs may provide services that treat aspects of a person’s health other than their mental state. It could include things like acupuncture, massage, reiki or other spiritual and energetic healing practices.

Why Holistic Therapy Works

One of the reasons that people choose holistic therapy is that it helps them feel more involved in their own recovery and making their own decisions. Holistic treatment gives people the tools that they need to learn how to be sober instead of just following a program that focuses solely on abstinence. They can understand their addiction on a deeper level and know how to avoid falling back into old, unhealthy habits.

With holistic therapy, patients are able to learn everything that they can about their own triggers and the things that cause them to drink or use drugs. When a person in recovery has a solid understanding of how their addiction works they can feel more empowered and in control of their own habits. They will feel less helpless or at the mercy of a disease that they have no power over.

Holistic treatments also give people the freedom to explore their own type of spirituality that can help them feel more comfortable with expressing themselves and their inner life. They will not necessarily have to believe in any particular religion or a higher power if it is not something that they want to incorporate into their recovery. Spirituality can simply be anything that helps them feel more connected to positivity within themselves.

People often choose holistic treatment for their own personal reasons but it can be equally effective to many other approaches. The world of behavioral and mental health treatment has become more accepting of holistic therapy and the way it can help individuals in need of recovery. It is a treatment method that has proven itself to help people from all walks of life and with many different kinds of issues.

If you are interested in holistic therapy look for a treatment center that incorporates holistic methods. You can contact your insurance company to find out what types of holistic treatment programs it will cover through either partial or full payment.

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