Why Do An Intervention

Choosing to go ahead with a professional intervention is usually not the first choice a family makes when dealing with a loved one who is addicted to drugs or alcohol. By nature, addiction can be difficult to spot, and the family may go through a period of denial about the seriousness of the situation. Denial is one of the classic signs of addiction, and the person who has the substance abuse issue is going to use denial and deflection as two of his or her tools to focus attention away from the real issue and keep the addiction alive and well.

Once the family realizes that it is dealing with someone who is an addict, they use the methods they are familiar with to try to get that person into treatment. These may include:

  • Reasoning
  • Arguing
  • Nagging
  • Pleading
  • Threatening

Some family members take a completely different view of the situation and may either ignore the issue or start enabling the addict. Neither of these are helpful, either.

Intervention Services Focus on the Family

When a family decides that they would like to bring in an interventionist to work with them, they are enlisting the help of someone who has the skills and experience to help their loved one admit that they need to get help. The family does not have to deal with the situation alone anymore.

During the months and years when an addict has been actively engaged in his or her behaviors, the family has had to deal with the consequences of that persons choices many times. It has been a costly experience, in time, money and in the emotional toll it has taken on everyone around the addict.

Choosing to conduct an alcohol and drug intervention means that the family gets to stop the emotional and financial bleeding.  It doesn’t mean abandoning someone who is willing to get help, though. It means that the family has decided to set some healthy limits on what it considers to be acceptable behavior.

The person who is struggling with addiction is presented with the opportunity to go to treatment. Ideally, arrangements have already been made so that all the loved one has to do is say,”Yes” and then he or she can leave right away. The opportunity to get well is presented in a non-confrontational way. This type of pattern for a California intervention has the best chance of success.

If Your Loved One Needs Help, Get It Now

If you are struggling with finding help for your loved one’s addictive behavior, contact Above It All Treatment Center online, or call us now at 888-997-3006.

Hallucinogens Trip You Up By Distorting Reality In A Dangerous Manner

Hallucinogens are a specific type of drug that interfere with the way in which a user perceives reality. When someone is under their influence, they may see, hear, or feel things that don’t really exist. These experiences make it difficult to think clearly. A person who uses one of the drugs in this classification may have intense emotional experiences as a result of the hallucinations experienced while under the influence of the drugs.

Types of Hallucinogens

Some common types of hallucinogens are:

• Mushrooms

Street names for mushrooms include magic mushrooms, magics, shrooms, liberties, and liberty cap. Approximately 190 species of edible mushrooms contain psilocybin, the chemical which causes hallucinations.

• LSD

LSD (lilysergic acid diethylamide) is made from lysergic acid. It is found in the ergot fungus which grows on rye and other grain products. This odorless, colorless drug is known as acid, dots, heavenly blue, loony toons, purple heart, tab, and zen.

• Mescaline

This hallucinogen is a naturally-occurring substance that can be found in certain types of cactus plants. It is known as buttons, cactus, mesc, moon, peyote, and topi.

Dangers of Using Hallucinogens

The problem with using hallucinogens is that no one can predict in advance what kind of “trip” he or she is going to have. If the hallucinations are pleasant ones, the experience may actually be enjoyable. A bad trip may lead to episodes of:

• Hallucinations with frightening images, such as insects crawling on a person’s skin
• High levels of fear or anxiety
• Panic, which leads to the person taking action to get away from the perceived threat, such as running out into traffic
• Feeling that the person is “losing it”
• Paranoia

Violent outbursts or suicidal thoughts or actions are rare, but can occur while under the influence of this type of drug.

Find a Substance Abuse Treatment Program

If someone you love has been experimenting with hallucinogens, don’t take a “watch and wait” approach to the problem. It’s not going to get any better on its own. Your loved one may benefit from a 30 day rehab treatment program or a longer-term stay at a treatment center where he or she can break free from the psychological hold of these types of drugs.

Checking out of reality is not the way to deal with stresses of modern life. Checking in to a drug addiction treatment program is a much better choice. Clients get a personalized program to meet their needs, along with support to help them achieve (and maintain) sobriety.

Adding Spice To Your Life Can Be Harmful To Your Health

“Spice” is a type of herbal mixture that produces an effect which is similar to marijuana. It is on the market as a safe, legal alternative to cannabis, but it is anything but safe. The synthetic marijuana is popular with high school students and is easily accessible by young people in this age group.

This drug contains dried plant materials and chemical additives. The chemicals used in the mixture have placed Spice on the list of Schedule 1 Controlled Substances, since they have no medical benefit and “have a high potential for abuse.”

Street Names for Spice

Spice is also known by the following street names:

  • K2
  • Fake weed
  • Skunk
  • Spice gold
  • Moon rocks
  • Yucatan fire

The drug is sold in head shops and convenience stores. In most cases, it is provided in small foil packs but may be offered in small glass jars. The spice may be labeled as incense or potpourri.

Effects of Spice Use

The effects of using spice vary, depending on the person and the exact type of drug used to make up the compound, but may include:

  • Abdominal cramps
  • Aggressive behavior
  • Chest pain
  • Difficulty breathing
  • Elevated heart rate
  • Hallucinations
  • High blood pressure
  • Rigidity
  • Paranoia
  • Seizures
  • Vomiting

Spice addiction is a very real possibility with repeated use. Drug abuse should always be taken seriously, and the designer drugs added to spice are not a harmless, natural substance. If you suspect that your teen has become dependent on spice, he or she needs professional help.

Find a Recovery Program for Spice Addiction

To break free from the cycle of addiction, your loved one’s best chance for success is to go to an inpatient substance abuse treatment center. In this supportive environment, he or she can learn how to live a sober life. Each client gets an individualized treatment plan, which may include attending 12-step program meetings, seeing an addictions counselor, attending group therapy sessions, or meeting with a therapist.

Other parts of the program may involve going on outings, participating in exercise classes, or spending time in reflection. All of these are important parts of the healing process and moving into long-term recovery.

There’s no “right time” to get treatment for addiction – take action now.  Your loved one’s life depends on it!

Whip Its: A Party Drug That Creates A Dangerous High

87613320_v3Whip-its are small metal canisters found in restaurants. They are used to recharge whipped cream cans. They can also be used to ingest compressed nitrous oxide, which is commonly referred to as “laughing gas.” This is the same compound used an anesthetic in dentistry and surgery. People who are looking to get high inhale the laughing gas because of its euphoric effects. It’s not at all uncommon to see many individuals in detox programs who have used whip-its on a chronic basis.

 

Other Street Names for Whip-It

Whip-its is the most common street name for this type of inhalant. Other names are:

• Laughing gas (nitrous oxide)
• Snappers (amyl nitrite)
• Poppers (amyl nitrite and butyl nitrite)
• Whippets (fluorinated hydrocarbons, which are found in whipped cream dispensers)
• Bold (nitrites)
• Rush (nitrites)

According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, organic nitrates may be sold to customers in small brown bottles. They may be labeled as “liquid aroma,” “leather cleaner,” “video head cleaner,” or “room odorizer” to disguise their true contents.

Effects and Dangers of Inhalants

Since the laughing gas is used as an anesthetic, it tends to slow down the body’s functions when ingested. If it is inhaled in a high enough concentration, it will produce an effect which is similar to being intoxicated. The effects are very short-lived, lasting only for a few minutes.

Some users will extend their high over several hours by breathing in the gas repeatedly. Over time, the person will lose his or her inhibitions and will feel less in control. If the use continues for a long enough period, the person can slip into unconsciousness.

Sniffing highly concentrated inhalants can result in heart failure or death. In some cases, a fatality can result from a single episode of sniffing whip-its by a healthy young person.

Find Help for Whip-Its Addiction

If someone you care has been using inhaling these types of chemicals and you are concerned that he or she has developed a whip-its addiction, extended treatment may be necessary to deal with the problem. This issue is not something you can afford to ignore.

Sleep Deprivation Can Set The Stage For Drug Addiction

Lack of sleep is an all-too-common problem in modern society. As we rush from one activity to the next, all too often we sacrifice getting the rest we need to cram more “stuff” into our already jam-packed schedules. This would be a mistake, since sleep deprivation (failing to get at least 7.5-9 hours of sleep per night) leads to the following behavioral effects:

• Stress and anxiety
• Depression and irritability
• Difficulty concentrating
• Lower creativity level
• Impaired motor skills

Prescription Medications for Sleep Deprivation

Prescription medications, such as Ativan (lorazepam) may be prescribed as a short-term solution to a person who is having difficulty sleeping. This medication is part of a group of drugs called benzodiazepines and may be used to treat anxiety disorders.

Ativan is not meant to be taken over a long period of time, as this medication is addictive. Patients who are prescribed the drug should read the instructions carefully and only take the dosage as directed by their doctor. It should only be taken by the person for whom it was prescribed.

This medication should not be stopped all at once. A patient who has been taking Ativan who wishes to stop using the medication should discuss his or her plans with the doctor. The dosage may need to be slowly lowered over time to reduce the risk of withdrawal symptoms.

Signs of Ativan Addiction

Indications that a person may have developed an Ativan addiction are as follows:

• Cravings for the drug
• Restlessness or tiredness
• Irritability
• Confusion
• Sweating without engaging in physical activity
• Tingling sensation throughout the entire body
• Rapid heart rate
• Memory loss
• Panic attacks
• Hallucinations
• Nausea
• Vomiting

12 Step Program forms Basis for Treatment

If you are looking at drug treatment center for yourself or someone you love, you may be wondering about the approach to treatment used. There are many ways that professionals can help clients with substance abuse issues, but the Above It All Treatment Center focuses on 12- step programs to help its clients get clean and sober.

Why has the Center decided on this approach? It is a highly effective way to help addicts get sober and walk on that road over the long term. The 12 steps can be used by people of any religious faith, or no religious affiliation at all.

Working the 12 Step Program

  • Each person works the steps at his or her own pace.
  • The process is meant to be a lifetime process
  • The first step is for the addict to admit that he or she is powerless over the addiction.
  • Part of this process also involves making amends to those who have been hurt as the result of addiction
  • Another step involves taking a personal inventory
  • The final step in the process requires participants to be of service to others.

Being Accountable and Getting Well

One thing drug addicts are very good at is finding ways to avoid taking responsibility for their actions. At worst, they become professional victims and have a slew of excuses why they are not to blame for their addiction. They may even try to pin the blame on their family members or circumstances in their life to deflect it away from themselves.

Working through the 12-step program puts the responsibility for the addiction on the addict. They need to take a look at themselves and their actions and be accountable for the decisions they have made.

Other Treatment Programs Available

The 12-step program is one part of the treatment plan offered to a client who is admitted to the Above It All Inpatient program. Each client will receive specialized care designed to meet his or her individual needs. On arrival, clients are assessed. If necessary, they will go to detox so that their bodies are free from all chemical substances. Only when they are clean will the real treatment begin.

Clients may meet with counselors on an individual basis, participate in group therapy sessions, and see therapists on their own. They will receive instruction on nutrition and participate in hiking and other physical activities. Participating in 12-step meetings is an important part of the daily routine at the treatment center. The days are kept full, and clients learn how to enjoy a number of sober activities so they don’t have time to get bored while they are in treatment. The goal is to stay busy and keep working the 12 steps to get well.

Eventually, they learn how to integrate new healthy behaviors like these on their own, so they can leave the treatment center and liver sober, happy, and peaceful lives throughout the future.

California Rehab Centers: How To Choose The Right One

The first thing you need to understand is that each drug and alcohol recovery inpatient program is going to be different. All of them have different philosophies about how they deal with their clients and their approach to treatment. If you are looking for a program for a loved one and are harboring the least bit of anger or resentment about past events, it can be tempting to look for a center that promises to offer a “strict” approach to treating its clients. You want your loved one to receive appropriate help and support to get well. Here are some questions to ask to help you find the right program:f you have come to the point where you know you or a loved one has a problem with substance abuse that requires professional help, you already know how addiction can take over someone’s life. It can render you virtually unrecognizable to your family members, leaving a trail of broken promises, anger and shame behind. How do you know you have found the right treatment center? You need to ask questions before making your final choice to ensure that it feels like it would be a good fit.

 Does the inpatient addiction treatment center offer a number of programs?

Ideally, the treatment center you are considering can develop an individual treatment for each client. Some options would include the following:

  • Attending 12 step program meetings (Alcoholics Anonymous/Narcotics Anonymous)
  • Group therapy sessions
  • Individual treatment sessions with an addictions counselor
  • One-on-one psychotherapy sessions
  • Classes on nutrition
  • Exercise classes
  • Outdoor activities
  • Gym workout sessions
  • Study

 How much does the treatment cost?

Cost is a factor when you are looking at getting help for yourself or someone you care about. You may be able to find drug rehab centers that accepts Blue Cross Blue Shield or that will work with your insurance provider. Addiction is an illness and if coverage is available, don’t hesitate to use it to get help for yourself, your spouse or a dependent. The insurer will process the claim in a professional manner. Don’t let shame or guilt be a factor when it comes to getting help for a treatable condition.

Does the treatment center offer help for the family?

Families of addicts can benefit from programs, group therapy and educational seminars. Ask whether these options are available before making a choice.

  • Is aftercare offered once the inpatient program has been completed?

Transitioning to “real” life after spending time in a treatment program can be challenging for a client. Aftercare is an important part of the treatment process. For a number of people, being able to stay at a sober living house gives them the opportunity to be more independent while still having some support from a house manager.

Finding the answers to questions like these will help you find the right inpatient treatment program for yourself or someone you love.

Following Your Dreams in Sobriety

When it comes to recovery and sobriety we have to follow our dreams. Sometimes we have to commence to outgrow fear, take risks, and show ourselves what we are capable of. It’s one of the blessings and gifts that we receive. We receive alcohol addiction help, get sober, and as a result get to chase our dreams. If we are spiritually fit we get to go anywhere and do anything we want. There are many different opinions within the rooms around what is right or wrong good or bad but we learn through the help of a 30 day rehab program, A.A., or drug addiction detox how to build a foundation and follow our gut. We will come to know how to intuitively handle situations that use to baffle us and we will eventually learn when something doesn’t work for us or isn’t going to long before putting ourselves in harm’s way. We can begin to rely upon a power greater than ourselves and if we go with God in our hearts and sobriety in our minds we can accomplish anything. We got sober not only so we could escape from a seemingly hopeless state of mind and body but also so that we could create a life worth living, and that we could be proud of. It’s a life beyond our wildest dreams. We get to live happy, healthy, and free lives. Let this be the first day of the rest of your life. Go and chase you dreams, enjoy sobriety, and live this amazing life we were given to the fullest!

Being of Service

“It is not a matter of giving that is in question, but when and how to give. That often makes the difference between failure and success. The minute we put our work on a service plane, the alcoholic commences to rely upon our assistance rather than upon God. He clamors for this or that, claiming he cannot master alcohol until his material needs are cared for. Nonsense. Some of us have taken very hard knocks to learn this truth: job or no job – wife or no wife- we simply do not stop drinking so long as we place dependence upon other people ahead of dependence on God. Burn the idea into the consciousness of every man that he can get well regardless of anyone. The only condition is that he trusts in God and clean house.” – Pg.98 Working With Others from the Big Book Of Alcoholics Anonymous

It is normal to want to help other alcoholics out when they are having a hard time with problems other than alcohol however if it is not the right kind of help we could be potentially harming them as far as stunting their sobriety is concerned. After all most of us had gotten to the place where we were willing to ask for alcohol addiction help because we were so desperate. It was painful and difficult at times but we almost always came out the other side. To help out financially or with a place to stay could mean robbing someone of that experience. These struggles for many were what kept us going at times we might have given up. It’s what also makes our new sober life that much more amazing because we were so broken, and beat down that everything else seemed pretty great and we were open to the alternative life sobriety had to offer. Therefore if we come across a newcomer we can help them along the path of recovery instead of taking it on for them. If they need jobs or a home we can work with them on the steps so that they once again can become employable if they are not and we can make suggestions for sober living, an affordable rehab, AA, or rehabs that take insurance etc. We may also share our experience, strength, and hope so that they may be able to see that we went through the same struggles, were able to stay sober, and that through God and sobriety anything is possible.

Getting Sober and Circumstances of Life

“Let no alcoholic say he cannot recover unless he has his family back. This just isn’t so. In some cases the wife will never come back for one reason or another. Remind the prospect that his recovery is not dependent upon people. It is dependent upon his relationship with God. We have seen men get well whose families have not returned at all. We have seen others slip when the family came back too soon. Both you and the new man must walk day by day in the path of spiritual progress. If you persist, remarkable things will happen. When we look back, we realize that the things which came to us when we put ourselves in God’s hands were better than anything we could have planned. Follow the dictates of a higher power and you will presently live in a new and wonderful world, no matter what your present circumstances!” pg.-100 Working with Others from The Big Book of Alcoholics Anonymous

When first receiving alcohol addiction help and getting sober many of us think that life should look a certain way and that we should have certain things or get the things we lost back just because we are sober. While most of us do get our life’s back there are things and relationships that take time to heal and get back. That does not mean we cannot recover. There is no person place or thing that can keep us sober or stop us from recovering. Regardless of age, sex, job, race, political views, religion, and circumstance we can all recover. Those other possessions and relationships will come back if and when they are meant to. All we need to do is show up, and do the work that is asked of us in life, a drug addiction detox, AA, or 30 day rehab program. Regardless of the way our life looks the fact is that if we didn’t drink today, our lives are better for that alone, and the rest is extra.