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]

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]

Preventing Prescription Drug Addiction

Prescription drugs are a part of life for many people. We use them to combat infections, to treat mental disorders, and to help overcome whatever ails us when we are sick. Even though prescription drugs can be beneficial, it is easy to develop an addiction, and being addicted to prescriptions can be dangerous. Battling prescription drug addiction is tough, but with the combined effort of physicians, patients, and pharmacists, it is possible to stop an addiction before it escalates. Here are a few tips on stopping this type of addiction at its roots.

Work together. As mentioned earlier, you need to work with both the physician and pharmacist to prevent a prescription drug addiction. Your physician should be screening for signs of drug abuse during routine medical visits. They need to take note of rapid increases of amount of medication required and unscheduled refill requests. Pharmacists must be diligent when checking out prescriptions in case there are forgeries or other false documentation.

Consider healthy alternatives. In many cases, prescription drugs can be a big help in the fight against illnesses. That does not mean that they are your only choice. Consider other options before you go on prescription drugs. Work out regularly, eat healthy, and take multivitamins. Meditation has also been proven to help with treating anxiety and depression, two diseases that often require prescription drugs, which could eventually lead to addiction down the road.

Educate yourself. Never be afraid to ask questions about prescription medication. You should always ask your doctor and your pharmacist about side-effects and likelihood of addiction. It is their job to prevent you from abusing your medicine, so don’t hesitate to seek their guidance. The more you know about your prescriptions, the less likely you are to abuse them and become addicted to them. Be forewarned: it is best to consult with a medical professional about prescription drug addiction. Do not rely solely on information on the Internet.

Prescription drug addiction can be very dangerous. If you or a loved one is facing this issue, you will want to contact a treatment center right away. These prescriptions are meant to help you, not harm you. Don’t let a prescription turn into an addiction.

[cta] Do you have any healthy alternatives to using prescription drugs? Share your thoughts below! [/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]

Tossing and Turning: Substance Abuse and Sleep Disorders

Sleep is an integral part of overall well-being because it allows the body to heal itself and recharge for the next day. Poor sleep not only leaves you feeling exhausted the next day, it can also have a negative impact on your health and make you more susceptible to illness. Some people turn to drugs or alcohol as a way of self-medicating and helping themselves fall asleep, but substance abuse can actually make sleep disorders worse and cause substance-induced sleep disorder.

Stimulants can make it harder to fall asleep and result in insomnia or increased sleep latency. Your body and mind have difficulty relaxing and entering into restful sleep. On the other hand, while depressants can make it easier to fall asleep, you may find that you wake periodically during the night and do not feel as rested in the morning. You are not getting quality sleep or experiencing regular REM cycles, which are the deep sleep your body needs. As a result, you may be overly tired during the day but then still have trouble falling asleep at night.

Sleep disorders can put you at higher risk for relapse because they can be frustrating and stressful. It is hard to relax and feel energized the next day when you are tossing and turning all night or waking frequently. Addiction recovery can help to alleviate some sleep disorders, but it can take time for your body to return to more normal circadian rhythms and overcome the impact of substance abuse.

Activities such as meditation, exercise, progressive muscle relaxation and cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) can all support more restful sleep. Setting a consistent sleep schedule, avoiding caffeine, and creating a dark, cool environment to sleep in can also help. If you are having trouble sleeping because of substance use, contact Above It All Treatment Center to find out how we can help you rest easier.

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Above It All Treatment Center Admissions Team Takes Part in Heroes in Recovery 6K

Sacramento Bee

Above It All Treatment Center is dedicated to supporting recovery efforts on an individual and national level. The facility is pleased to announce that the Above It All Admissions Team, will be running in the Heroes in Recovery 6K in Palm Springs on February 6, 2016, to help break the stigma of addiction and raise awareness about addiction recovery. Dispelling myths and stigmas about addiction encourages individuals to seek treatment and promotes greater understanding and support from families and communities. It is these misconceptions that often hold people back from getting the help they need and impacts support in recovery. The race follows National Drug & Alcohol Facts Week: Shatter the Myths, which will be held January 25-31, 2016. The staff at Above It All is passionate about advancing education and advocacy for addiction recovery in all they do, and the Admissions Team is just one example of putting this vision into action.

More information can be found at Sacramento Bee.

Mastering the Monster is Part of Understanding Addiction

Promises for a “cure” are never given, but we do promise to help our clients learn to live fully beyond drug and alcohol use. Addictions are, quite frankly, monstrous. Understanding addiction means looking at it from scientific, social and even spiritual viewpoints.

Psychiatrist Gerald G. May described addiction in this way:

Addiction is not something we can simply take care of by applying the proper remedy. For it is in the very nature of addiction to feed on our attempts to master it.

The monster of addiction takes over lives, our minds and our families. It requires vigilance and the right armor to keep it from insidiously reappearing. Addictions don’t miraculously go away. But preventative steps for relapse can be taken. This is partially what Dr. May refers to, this somewhat perpetual nature of addictions. There is no one cure all, no one magic pill or potion.

Although Dr. May spent much of his professional life working with those with chemical dependencies, his didn’t limit his interest in addictions to just substances, such as drugs and alcohol. He felt that to understand addictions of all types, including sex, work, and obligations, it was important to recognize the intent behind addiction.

Addiction seeks to assert control over a person’s life. Complete control. If you have an addiction, or are in recovery from one, you recognize just how encompassing the control was. The next drink, the next drug. The monster of addiction works to feed only itself.

Dr. May’s view of addiction as an individual’s will and desire being enslaved by compulsion, obsession or preoccupation didn’t (during his professional years) include current research on neurobiological changes in the brain caused by drug and alcohol abuse. As a psychiatrist and a theologian, he wrote in terms of mental health and spirituality. Research now shows that another monstrous effect of addiction is the resulting changes in the brain’s structures.

Above It All is here to help individuals and their loved ones understand addiction and gain mastery over it. Intake counselors are available 24/7 to help guide you towards a new, fulfilling life of recovery.

[cta]Continue the discussion on Facebook and learn more ways to strengthen the road to recovery.[/cta]

More Federal Resources Dedicated to America’s Opiate Epidemic

The opiate epidemic in the United States continues to grow with not just heroin, but prescription pain killers too. In years past, the federal government hefted a single-pronged spear by focusing primarily on drug trafficking. However, the FY 2016 budget proposes a much more comprehensive line of attack towards the opiate epidemic.

This broader (and deeper-pocketed) three-prong approach covers:

  • Prevention
  • Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT) Programs
  • Addressing domestic and transnational drug trafficking

Sad Stats

Each day more people die from drug overdoses than car accidents. The majority of these overdoses aren’t from cocaine or designer drugs but heroin and prescription painkillers. The escalation of the opiate epidemic isn’t modest. Even with an intense focus on this problem in the media over the last few years, the disturbing fact is deaths related to prescription painkillers is up 300% since 1999. This is a critical public health issue.

Earmarks of New Federal Funding

Whether you are someone struggling with addiction, a family member, treatment professional or a concerned citizen, this funding will provide significant resources. Prevention funding includes education, technical assistance, treatment and training based on evidence-based practices and acute needs. Medication assisted treatment, and other clinical services will be beefed up with grants and funding for both state-level public programs, as well as those in the criminal justice systems. Long term recovery support is integrated into the funding umbrella.

Tamping the opiate epidemic also means eliminating drug trafficking at the point of origin, as well as via local suppliers. This has proven challenging in the past, but federal and more local law enforcement offices will be able to collaborate more seamlessly, sharing hard and soft resources.

[cta]Continue the discussion on Facebook and learn more ways to strengthen the road to recovery.[/cta]

Families Dealing With Addiction Sing “If Only . . .” Theme Song

When a loved one suffers from abuse of drugs or alcohol, the family suffers, too. On one hand, addiction is a disease of isolation, but at the same time, it affects families, friends, neighbors and employers. The No. 1 symptom affecting substance abusers and the people who love them is denial. One result of denying the reality of drug and alcohol addiction is learning to sing an “if only” theme song. The lyrics go something like this for the substance abuser:

  • “If only I didn’t have such a lousy job, I would be able to quit drinking.”
  • “If only my wife hadn’t left me, I wouldn’t have to drown my loneliness in alcohol.”
  • “If only my mother hadn’t died of cancer, I would have a chance to show her I could sober up.”
  • “If only I had let my designated driver take me home, I wouldn’t be sitting in jail with a DUI.”

The verses go like this for families:

  • “If only I had been home when he called, I could have picked him up.”
  • “If only we could move to a better neighborhood, she would make different friends.”
  • ‘If only my husband didn’t have to work so late, he would be here to see what I see.”
  • “If only we had enough money, we could put her through rehab.”

All of these scenarios have elements of denial. They all wish for a different reality.

Acceptance Of Reality Gives Recovery A Chance

In order for substance abusers and their families to recover from addiction, the first step is accepting reality by living in the present. Regrets over the past cannot change the past. The best hopes for the future cannot be created by wishes. The only time for action is the present, and the only control we have is over ourselves. Reality involves facing shame, guilt, anger and a host of other emotions. It is not an easy process. Treatment centers and support programs have experience in helping substance abusers and their families recognize and face the realities of addiction, often through people who have experienced the realities of addiction themselves. Reaching out to companions on the journey of recovery can make all the difference.

[cta]Continue the discussion on Facebook and learn more ways to strengthen the road to recovery.[/cta]