Are You Unknowingly Enabling Addiction?

It’s hard to watch a dear friend or loved one struggle with addiction. You want to see their life get better. You want to help them. You do what you can to be an asset and an encourager.

Only, what if you’re not actually helping? What if, despite your best intentions, what you’re really doing is enabling?

It can happen, and the line is a fuzzy one. Ultimately, real help always has the end goal of seeing your friend or loved one seek treatment and long-term recovery. Enabling, meanwhile, makes it easier for your friend or loved one to continue using drugs or alcohol—not changing, not getting better.

You may be enabling without quite realizing it. Here are some of the most common ways in which well-meaning friends and family members enable addiction:

Lending money. The only time it’s ever really wise to lend money to someone struggling with addiction is if it’s needed for healthcare—that is, if it’s really life-or-death. Otherwise, a money loan is more likely than not going to go toward more drugs or alcohol.

Having drugs or alcohol available. Don’t keep them in your home. Don’t do anything to make these things more easily accessible to the person with addiction.

Lying on their behalf. Subsets of this include making excuses or keeping secrets for your friend or loved one who has addiction—all forms of enablement.

Denying the problem. Finally, and most crucially, note that it is a form of enablement to be anything less than real about the true gravity of the problem.

What then can you do to offer real help? Pledge your ongoing support and encouragement—and urge your loved one to seek recovery through an addiction treatment program. That, ultimately, is the best thing you can ever do for someone with addiction.

[cta] What tips would you offer to someone who struggles with enablement? Let us know! [/cta]

Does Family History Mean You’ll Develop Alcoholism?

Knowing your family’s medical history – including any history of alcoholism – is important. It allows you to be proactive and know what conditions you may be more prone to. However, just because alcoholism runs in your family does not necessarily mean that you will develop it. At the same time, even if your family doesn’t have a history of alcoholism this is not a guarantee that it won’t affect you.

There is no single cause of alcoholism; it evolves from combinations of factors including genetics, environment, and social influences. Having parents or grandparents who struggled with alcoholism can increase your risk, however. According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA), research has shown that “children of alcoholics are about four times more likely than the general population to develop alcohol problems.”

Reducing your Risk of Alcoholism

There are steps that you can take to protect your health and reduce your risk of developing alcoholism:

  • Know your family history. If you’re unsure, ask your parents or relatives about any history of alcoholism or alcohol use disorders.
  • Know yourself. Do you have a hard time limiting yourself when you drink? Avoid putting yourself in situations where heavy drinking occurs. Take steps to hold yourself more accountable and get involved in activities that do not involve alcohol.
  • Choose your friends wisely. Spend time with people who don’t make you feel pressured to drink and who have other interests besides drinking.
  • Talk to your doctor if you’re concerned about your drinking or your risk for alcoholism. They can help you to find the proper resources and support.
  • Seek treatment if your alcohol use has become problematic. Addressing the problem before it becomes more severe can boost your recovery efforts. It’s never too soon to get help.

Family history is only one part of the equation when it comes to alcoholism. Know your risk factors and protective factors, and if you think you may need help, contact Above It All to learn more about the treatment programs available to support your recovery.

[cta] Are you worried about your drinking or that of a loved one? Call Above It All to learn more about our treatment programs. [/cta]

Why Summer and Alcohol Don’t Mix

When it comes to summer and enjoying the weather, many people plan for trips to the lake, boating, swimming, barbeques, picnics, and much more. All of these activities can be great ways to unwind and spend quality time with friends and family. However, when summer festivities include alcohol, this can pose some serious safety concerns, especially if you’re near the water.

  • Alcohol impairs judgment. You are more apt to make risky decisions and put yourself in dangerous situations. It also slows your reaction time meaning your brain and body won’t be as quick to respond when danger arises.
  • Alcohol dehydrates you. With the summer sun beating down, you want to feel refreshed, but alcohol is a diuretic and can end up dehydrating your body even more. This can put you at greater risk for heat stroke and other health problems.
  • Alcohol can increase risk of drowning. When your coordination and judgment are impaired, it can make swimming more difficult. You may become disoriented, have trouble breathing, or develop hypothermia due to how alcohol affects your body.
  • Alcohol impairs driving. Whether you’re driving a car or a boat, doing so under the influence of alcohol is never a good idea. Intoxicated boaters may not see swimmers in the water or be able to react quickly enough to prevent accidents. According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, boat operators are 16 times more likely to be killed in an accident if they’ve had four or five drinks (BAC of 0.1 or higher) than operators who haven’t been drinking at all.

If you’re headed out this summer, leave the alcohol behind. It will create a much safer environment for you and your loved ones as well as others around you. If you’re struggling with alcoholism, Above It All can help you get on track for a more enjoyable summer through treatment and recovery.

[cta] Join the conversation on Facebook and let us know how you celebrate summer sober! [/cta]

Celebrating Your Independence from Addiction

It was 240 years ago on the 4th of July that America celebrated its independence as a new nation. While your time in sobriety may seem to pale in comparison, your independence from addiction is certainly something worth celebrating. Whether you’ve been in recovery for two weeks, two months, two years, or two decades, it’s an accomplishment. As you’re enjoying picnics, barbecues, fireworks, and family, take some time to stop and think about what your independence means to you.

Reflect on the progress you’ve made. Consider how much your life has changed for the better and how far you have come from your days of active addiction. What are some things that you’ve accomplished that you never thought possible before? How has your physical and mental health improved?

Appreciate your freedom to choose what you do. Drugs and alcohol no longer dictate your life – you do. You have the ability to make healthy choices and pursue your goals and dreams. Without the influence of addiction, you can think more clearly and remember life’s special moments.

Re-evaluate where you’re headed. The year is a little more than halfway over. Are you still on track with your goals? Review what you want to accomplish and how to get there. It may be time to set some new goals for yourself.

Set yourself up for success. There will be lots of events going on for the 4th of July. Remember that you don’t have to accept every invitation. Focus on finding sober activities, or host your own party so that you’re more in control of the environment. Know your triggers and how to minimize them so you can still have fun.

If you can’t fathom a 4th of July without a few drinks, it may be time to consider addiction treatment. Above It All Treatment Center can help you get on the path to sobriety and a lifestyle of recovery that you can be proud of.

[cta] Leave a comment and let us know how you’re celebrating your independence from addiction and how it’s changed your life for the better! [/cta]

The Road to Recovery: Choosing a Rehab Further from Home

Once you’ve made the decision to enter rehab for addiction, the next step is choosing where to go. There are addiction treatment facilities throughout the United States and the world, and each one is different. It can be tempting to stick close to home since it’s what you’re familiar with and it seems more convenient. However, traveling further away for a quality program can have its benefits as well. It may be just what you need to really focus on your recovery and make positive changes in your life.

Change of Scenery: Heading away from home for addiction treatment puts you in a new environment with different surroundings. You’re not just a short drive away from work, friends who may be a poor influence, or places you used to hang out while in active addiction. You can leave those things behind and get a fresh start where you don’t know anyone or anything around you.

Fewer Distractions: No one ever said that recovery was easy. Being further away makes it harder to leave when things get tough. It can distract you from thinking about what you might be missing out on or wanting to join in. Instead, you’re able to create healthier routines and put your energy into what you’re learning in treatment. You came there to turn your life around and make the most of your future, so give yourself the opportunity to do so.

If cost is a concern, talk to the facility about how you can make the most of insurance coverage and what other financial options are available. You may be paying a little more to go further away, but think of how much you’ll save in the long run once you’re in recovery. Make your health and well-being a priority and contact Above It All today to learn more about our treatment programs.

[cta] How has traveling further away made a positive difference in your recovery? Leave a comment and let us know! [/cta]

PTSD & Addiction: A Different Kind of War

When many people think of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), they envision military personnel returning from war or veterans. These are the stories commonly shared across the media. While war is a common cause of PTSD, it is not the only cause. Men, women, and children who have nothing to do with the military can be affected by this debilitating condition. There are many types of trauma that can lead to PTSD.

Since 2010, June 27 has been designated PTSD Awareness Day, and since 2014, the month of June as a whole has been recognized as PTSD Awareness Month. This is in an effort to increase awareness and understanding about PTSD and let people know that effective treatment is available. While there is no cure for PTSD, various types of therapy and treatment can help to alleviate the symptoms and allow individuals to live a more normal life.

What Causes PTSD?

Post-traumatic stress disorder can affect anyone, young and old alike. It develops as the result of experiencing or witnessing a traumatic incident. This could include things such as:

  • War
  • Physical or sexual abuse
  • Natural disasters (hurricanes, tornadoes, floods, earthquakes, etc.)
  • Terrorist attacks
  • Unexpected death of a loved one
  • Serious accidents

While most people would be shaken up by these events, they are typically able to process them and move on within a few days, weeks, or months. They may think about them from time to time, but these incidents do not disrupt their overall life. For those with PTSD, they continue to have strong reactions, hypervigilance, or flashbacks even when there is no present danger. Around 10 percent of men and 20 percent of women who experience or witness trauma develop PTSD.

Symptoms of PTSD

Everyone may experience this condition slightly differently, but there are several common symptoms that occur. They may range in severity from person to person.

Flashbacks. Following the traumatic event, some people keep seeing it happening in their mind over and over again. They may have nightmares that keep them up at night. However, the incidents seem very real and dangerous to the person, even though they’re not. Sights, sounds, and smells around them can trigger flashbacks.

Avoidance. People often go out of their way to avoid anything that reminds them of the event. They may take the bus to work instead of driving if they’re fearful of being in an accident.

Hypervigilance. The body goes into a “fight or flight” mode when it is in danger. Those with PTSD may always feel like they’re in this state. They may be acutely aware of everything going on around them and be easily startled. This can make it harder to eat, sleep, socialize, or focus.

Mood changes. After a traumatic event, the person may have a more dismal attitude. They may lose interest in activities they once enjoyed and feel detached from the world around them. In addition, they could feel a sense of guilt or shame about what happened, even if it wasn’t their fault.

These symptoms can interfere with a person’s normal life and ability to carry out daily activities. They may have a lot of trouble functioning in different situations and it can detract from their quality of life. Some people have trouble holding down a job, forming relationships, or being in public situations. If left untreated, symptoms of PTSD may continue to worsen and have an even greater impact on a person’s life. It is not too late to get help or to return to treatment for more support.

PTSD and Addiction

As a way of coping with the symptoms of PTSD, some people turn to drugs or alcohol. They may use these substances to try to relax and calm themselves, or a way to try to forget about their problems. This can quickly spiral into addiction which can make things worse and exacerbate symptoms as well as adding new problems. Some people don’t know how else to cope with what they’re feeling.

However, there is help available and hope for recovery. Addiction treatment centers like Above It All offer services tailored to those with a dual diagnosis. A dual diagnosis means that the client is struggling with both addiction and a mental health disorder such as PTSD. It is important that both conditions are addressed simultaneously for more effective recovery.

If only the addiction is treated, or only the PTSD, it is easy to overlook the interrelated nature of these conditions. Clients are therefore at a greater risk for relapse because underlying issues have not been properly addressed. With a dual diagnosis program, clients gain a better understanding of how their PTSD and addiction are related and how they affect one another. This allows them to develop more effective coping strategies to reduce risk of relapse and keep symptoms managed.

Above It All uses a mind, body, and spirit approach to recovery. Treatment plans incorporate individual and group therapy and counseling, 12-step methodologies, yoga, meditation, nutrition education, support groups, and other recreational and holistic activities. Each client’s plan is tailored to their individual needs and goals to optimize their recovery and support long-term success. Clients are equipped with the tools and resources they need to overcome trauma and addiction and create a healthier lifestyle in recovery.

Dual diagnosis programs can give clients the support and confidence they need to keep moving forward in their life. They can work through both their mental health and substance use issues and develop routines that are more conducive to a substance-free lifestyle and reduce triggers for relapse. If you or someone you love is struggling with PTSD and addiction, contact Above It All today to learn more about how our dual diagnosis program can provide a safe place for more effective recovery. We will work with you along each step of the way and help you to overcome the challenges that you face. Take back control of your life with help from Above It All. Recovery is possible.

[cta] You don’t have to let PTSD and addiction control your life. Reach out Above It All to find the support and care you need for recovery. [/cta]

Above It All Treatment Center Joins the Fight for Improved Access and Coverage for Addiction Treatment

NBC Right Now

Above It All Treatment Center advocates for its clients and the industry as a whole against insurance restrictions that make it more difficult for individuals to access the addiction treatment that they need. The facility supports parity acts that treat substance use and mental health disorders with the same seriousness and coverage as other health conditions. Through underpayment for services, unreasonable demands placed on clients, and other obstacles, insurance providers continue to make it more difficult for individuals to enter addiction treatment and afford these services. Kory Avarell, founder of Above It All and CareForward Health, has been actively engaged in petitioning against unfair practices by insurance companies and lagging reimbursement. Above It All strives to provide high quality care and support for those struggling with addiction and mental health disorders so that they can attain long-term recovery.

[cta]For more information visit NBC Right Now.[/cta]

Planning a Fun Vacation without Derailing Your Recovery

Summer is here and for many, that means vacation. Whether you’re going away for a week or a long weekend, it can be a time to rest, relax, and take in the sights. However, this can be a bit challenging – and perhaps a little daunting – if you are in recovery. Vacations can mean a lot of unknowns, unfamiliar places, and potential temptations. With a little planning and preparation, though, you can feel more confident about going on vacation without as much fear of relapse.

Tips for Planning Your Vacation

One option is to talk to others in recovery and see what they recommend. They may be able to steer you toward fun getaways that won’t threaten your sobriety. There are also organizations that plan sober vacations geared toward those in recovery. It can be worthwhile to check out.

  • Stay away from typical hotspots. Head off the beaten path and avoid places where you know parties and drinking are prevalent. Instead of hitting the most popular beaches, go for somewhere more low-key and secluded. You can still enjoy the sun and sand without as much temptation.
  • Find local meetings. Do a little research and look for local AA or NA meetings to attend. They’re hosted around the world, so chances are you can find one nearby wherever you may be headed. Keep attending meetings to build your confidence and accountability. Plus, you’ll get to hear from new people and gain new perspectives.
  • Pick family-friendly activities. Events geared toward the whole family typically aren’t centered around alcohol. They offer plenty of activities to keep you entertained and occupied. Explore new things you’ve never done before.
  • Stay active. Keep yourself busy so downtime doesn’t lead to boredom and poor choices. Keep exercising to boost your mood, stay energized, and keep yourself feeling good.

Above It All can equip you with the strategies and skills you need to keep moving forward in recovery with more confidence and reduce your risk of relapse.

[cta] Leave a comment and let us know some of your favorite sober vacation ideas! [/cta]

Coping with Post-Acute Withdrawal Syndrome (PAWS)

One of the first things that clients experience as they’re going through detox and the early stages of addiction treatment is withdrawal. It takes their body time to adjust to no longer being on any addictive substances. This often comes with many physical symptoms such as sweating, nausea or vomiting, aches and pains, changes in appetite, tremors, or seizures. While this can be unpleasant, staff at Above It All can help clients to stay as comfortable as possible and minimize symptoms.

However, many clients do not realize that post-acute withdrawal syndrome (PAWS) can last for up to two years following detox. PAWS involves more emotional and psychological symptoms than physical ones. Clients may experience:

  • Irritability
  • Mood swings
  • Anxiety
  • Trouble concentrating
  • Fuzzy thinking
  • Lethargy
  • Depression
  • Difficulty coping with stress

These feelings can seem to emerge out of nowhere. But just as quickly as they come, they can pass. They may only last a few hours or a few days. Realizing that these episodes will occur and they are normal can help clients feel more prepared to deal with them.

When PAWS occurs, there are many ways that clients can push through these feelings:

  • Take time to meditate and try to clear your mind. Give yourself a chance to calm down and process your thoughts and feelings. Exercise can help too.
  • Keep things simple and do not overwhelm yourself with work or commitments. When you are going through a PAWS episode, realize you may need to step back. This does not mean veg out doing nothing, but break down activities into more manageable tasks.
  • Practice self-care. Make sure you continue to eat a well-balanced diet, drink plenty of fluids, and get adequate sleep. Taking care of yourself can help boost your mood and keep you going.

It can also help to talk things out in a support group. Recognize that PAWS will pass in time and doesn’t have to lead to relapse. Get the support you need for recovery at Above It All and overcome withdrawal safely and effectively.

[cta] Leave a comment and let us know some of your strategies for dealing with post-acute withdrawal syndrome. [/cta]

Promoting Men’s Health in Recovery

When it comes to addiction, men and women may face different challenges. Research has found, for instance, that alcohol affects each gender differently. Whereas women’s bodies break down alcohol more quickly, men’s do so more slowly. Also, given the makeup of their bodies, men are often able to consume larger quantities of alcohol before feeling its effects. Men are also more likely to turn to drugs or alcohol to cope with anger, stress, or relationship issues or as a result of peer pressure and the desire to fit in.

June 13-19 is National Men’s Health Week and a great time for men to reflect on their health and make necessary changes to make it a priority. Maintaining good health is especially important in recovery because drugs and alcohol can take a toll on the body and mind. When men feel better and are properly managing their health, it can reduce risk of relapse and help curb cravings.

Ways Men can be Proactive with their Health

There are many ways that men can be proactive with improving their health and supporting their recovery efforts:

  • Get plenty of sleep – essentially between seven and nine hours each night. This gives the body time to repair itself and allows you to rest and re-energize for the next day. It may also reduce your risk of developing certain chronic diseases.
  • Manage your stress. Learn to delegate and balance your schedule so you’re not feeling overwhelmed. Engage in deep breathing or meditation to help calm yourself.
  • Keep moving. Whether you’re shooting hoops with friends, hitting nine holes of golf, going for a run, or hopping on your bike, make sure to get at least 150 minutes of moderate exercise each week.
  • Get tested. Make sure your blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar are all within normal limits. Also know when to get checked for certain types of cancer or other conditions prevalent in men.

Paying attention to your health and engaging in self-care can make a positive difference in your recovery. Build the skills you need to make your health and recovery a priority through addiction treatment at Above It All.

[cta] Let us know what you’re doing to make your health a priority in recovery! [/cta]