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.

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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]

Building Stronger Families Through Recovery

Addiction is not a solitary disease. It has a widespread impact that reaches far beyond the person misusing drugs or alcohol. Family, friends, colleagues, and communities are affected as well. Family members struggle with their own challenges when it comes to coping with addiction and how it affects them and their life.

When a substance use disorder is present, it can contribute to many breakdowns in the family. Getting everyone to participate in the addiction treatment and recovery process can have a positive effect on the entire family and build a brighter future.

  • Improves Communication: In family therapy you can learn how to talk to – and listen to – each other more effectively. This can help with understanding each other’s perspective and opinion. It can support the rebuilding of trust and respect that may have been damaged during active addiction.
  • Creates Healthier Relationships: Learning how to talk to and interact with one another in more constructive ways can improve family connections. You can take the time to get to know one another and appreciate each person’s strengths. In addition, you will be more prepared to work through challenges together.
  • Supports Problem Solving: Family therapy can teach you how to work through problems together and come to a mutual agreement. Instead of one person becoming upset and the other shutting down, you will have more effective strategies of coming to a solution. This can be applied throughout many aspects of your life.
  • Promoting Prevention: When you create a drug-free environment and practice healthier routines, you are setting a positive example for everyone in your family. You are creating an environment that protects against substance abuse and opens lines of communication for honest discussion.

Building a stronger family can take time. Everyone will have changes and adjustments to make and adapt to. Having patience can pay off as you see your family changing for the better and appreciating one another. Above It All can help you get on the road to recovery and rebuild relationships with your family through comprehensive addiction treatment.

[cta] Leave a comment and let us know how recovery has strengthened your family relationships! [/cta]

Above It All Treatment Center Stresses the Importance of Alcohol Awareness and Treatment

The Sun

Above It All Treatment Center is committed to promoting awareness and providing access to treatment for those struggling with alcoholism. April is Alcohol Awareness Month and a great time for parents to engage in meaningful discussions with their children that continue long into the future. Regular conversation and reinforcement of healthy lifestyle choices can support addiction prevention efforts. For those struggling with alcohol abuse, entering a treatment center like Above It All that addresses the complexities of addiction can support recovery and set a positive example for others. It is not too late to seek treatment for alcohol abuse or too early to start making children more aware of the dangers associated with drinking.

[cta]For more information visit The Sun[/cta]

How Does Alcohol Damage Your Body?

It is no secret that alcohol is bad for you and your body, but many people do not understand just how damaging it can be. Drinking excessively can lead to long-term, sometimes irreparable effects on a person, which is why you should stay away from it. It is important to learn about alcohol and its negative effects, and what better time to do it than Alcohol Awareness Month? Here are just a few of the ways alcohol is slowly affecting your body.

  • Alcohol interferes with your brain activity, the central hub of your entire body. Drinking excessively impedes the communication flowing through your brain, which can affect your concentration, your coordination and your behavior.
  • Your liver, which possesses enzymes to break down the alcohol, is especially susceptible to alcohol damage after excessive consumption. Drinking too heavily can cause steatosis, alcoholic hepatitis, fibrosis and cirrhosis. Although the liver is designed to heal itself, too much alcohol can eventually damage it beyond repair.
  • Your immune system starts to suffer after too much alcohol makes its way into your body. Alcohol weakens your overall immunity, leaving your body vulnerable to diseases. Chronic drinkers are often much sicker than those who do not drink, and even drinking on a single occasion can have negative effects on your immune system.
  • Alcohol takes a major toll on your heart as well. The more you drink, the higher the risk for cardiomyopathy, arrhythmias, strokes, high blood pressure and multiple other heart-related diseases. Too much drinking can also trigger an irregular heartbeat, which could lead to a heart attack.
  • Finally, alcohol can increase your likelihood of developing several types of cancer in various areas of your body such as your mouth, throat and liver.

There are countless ways that alcohol can negatively affect your body and your mind, but it is understandable that many people cannot simply quit drinking. The best option is to go through a professional detox program. Fighting alcohol dependency can also affect your body in a negative way, so it is wise to seek professional help to assist you with the journey. The ultimate goal is to completely end your addiction with as little damage to your body as possible, and the best way to achieve this is with a caring and compassionate detox and counseling program. You too can start the healing process today, call the Above It All team to learn more about our alcohol rehab.

[cta] What other negative effects have you seen or experienced due to alcohol? Let us know below. [/cta]

How Does Alcohol Affect the Heart?

February is American Heart Month and great time to brush up on how alcohol can negatively affect your heart and overall health. Over the years there have been contradictory studies regarding the pros and cons of certain alcohols such as red wine on the heart. Results seem to suggest that this really varies by person, and potential benefits may be in the components of red wine, which are available through other sources as well. And it may also have to do with other factors such as exercise and lifestyle, not just drinking.

But the facts are clear that drinking can take a toll on your heart health. Excessive or prolonged drinking can lead to high blood pressure and increased risk of heart disease or a stroke. High blood pressure puts greater stress on your heart to pump efficiently and circulate blood through your body. Too much stress and drinking can actually weaken your heart muscle which also puts it under more strain. This can increase your risk of suffering from a stroke, heart attack or heart failure. Alcohol can also contribute to an irregular heartbeat which can add to your risk of having a heart attack.

When your heart muscles, arteries, or vessels become damaged, this keeps your heart from working as effectively as possible. It is not able to deliver oxygen and nutrients to your organs and cells or properly remove toxins and carbon dioxide from the blood as well.

It is not a good idea to start drinking because you think it will protect your heart. The best way to promote better heart health is to abstain from drinking and adopt a healthier lifestyle that includes a nutritious diet, moderate exercise, low stress, and a healthy blood pressure. If your drinking has become problematic, it is a good idea to seek treatment at a drug and alcohol rehab facility so that you can better protect your heart, health, and overall well-being.

[cta]Share with us some changes you’ve made to protect your heart health.[/cta]