Acceptance and Alcohol Addiction Help

“Acceptance is the answer to all my problems today”

pg 417 The Big Book of Alcoholics Anonymous.

There are a lot of feelings that come up when one begins to get sober. Perhaps feelings of excitement, fear, or uncertainty come up but rarely acceptance. Acceptance often times gets mistaken for surrender however acceptance is not surrender. Surrender is an action while acceptance is a feeling. When you or your loved one surrenders and begins to accept their alcoholism/addiction then there are several places to reach out to for alcohol addiction help. Here are a few:

-Drug rehab in California
-AA
-California rehab centers

When the alcoholic starts the recovery process and decides this is the path they want to take then they can truly begin to understand the meaning of acceptance and live in it. They can begin to know a new freedom and a new happiness with the certainty that everything is as it’s supposed to be. that is the core of acceptance … knowing that things are the way they are and not trying to change it but instead living in that moment with peace and serenity. It is the act of assenting or believing. While surrendering means to give oneself up, and to abandon whether you’re abandoning false beliefs or your previous lifestyle or anything that no longer works for you – it is an act of surrender.

The journey begins when you realize you can’t do this alone, realize you don’t have to, and reach out for help. Best of  luck on finding your road to happy destiny!

The Benefits of Relaxation During Alcohol and Drug Detox

Unsurprisingly there are a lot of benefits from relaxation during alcohol and drug detox.  “The adrenal hormones, glucocorticoids, which increase the sensitivity of mesencephalic dopaminergic neurones to drugs, seem to be one of the biological substrates of the effects of stress on the propensity to develop drug intake (Piazza and Moal, 1998)”. “The cyclical nature of chronic drug use, involving periods of drug abstinence and subsequent relapse, highlights the presence of this disease throughout the lifetime of an individual” (Hyman , Malenka -2001).

In terms of economic and health care costs, drug abuse is among the top three health problems.  “The stress response is mediated by a highly complex, integrated network that involves the central nervous system, the adrenal system, the immune system, and the cardiovascular system. Stress activates adaptive responses. It releases the neurotransmitter norephinephrine, which is involved with memory. This may be why people remember stressful events more clearly than they do non-stressful situations. Stress also increases the production of a hormone in the body known as corticotropin releasing factor (CRF). CRF is found throughout the brain and initiates our biological response to stressors. During all negative experiences, certain regions of the brain show increased levels of CRF. Interestingly, almost all drugs of abuse have also been found to increase a CRF level, which suggests a neurobiological connection between stress and drug abuse” (Hanson-2009).

All this jargon means that when you are stressed out your mind craves something to help relax you. For some people this can take the form of getting more sleep or finding time to exercise, and sometimes this thing can take the form of drugs and alcohol. So finding a residential treatment center in California that chooses relaxation as one of the key components of rehabilitation is essential. Through this period, one can learn how to incorporate time for the self in their future sober living.

 

When Legal Problems Lead to Long Term Drug Rehabilitation

According to some estimates, as many as 60% of people in long term drug rehabilitation programs have legal problems as a result of their addictions to drugs or alcohol. Many of those in recovery have entered under a court-ordered mandate to complete a rehab program, while others enter as a proactive measure – to clean up their lives and potentially reduce charges or jail sentences.

The good news is that many addicts do succeed in a court-ordered or influenced addiction program.  Studies have shown time and time again, that treatment does not need to be voluntary to be effective. All addicts have the potential to relapse, and total, long lasting sobriety takes a lifetime commitment.

Proponents of court-ordered rehab believe that in spite of relapse percentages, these rehab stays can be effective. Relapse can occur even when clients enter voluntarily, and  abstinence rates are  relatively high among those that successfully complete all court ordered affordable rehab stays. Even if just a small percentage of addicts are given the necessary tools to recover from their addictions, the ultimate cost to the tax payer drops considerably –  estimates are that one tax dollar spent towards drug treatment yields a seven dollar tax savings to society at large.

For many struggling with the pain of dependence, admittance to a court ordered rehab program is eventually seen to be a great stoke of luck. Not only does mandated treatment allow the addict to sidestep incarceration, it also grants them access to comprehensive drug dependency treatment.

Statistics show that the motivation for entry into a program has little effect on the likelihood of  successful recovery, the odds that an addiction can be beaten once and for all through court-ordered drug rehab is fairly high. Full participation in court mandated long term aftercare also increases the odds of success and long term sobriety.

Drug court mandated drug rehab treatment is no guarantee of a future of sobriety, and some degree of relapse is to be expected. Addicts assigned to court ordered drug rehab and court funded drug and alcohol addiction treatment do have the opportunity to better their lives as well as avoid jail. Court ordered drug rehab operates as a needed lifeline to many struggling with addiction, and although most addicts don’t see it as a blessing when arrested, they are often ultimately grateful for  lifesaving treatment.

Court ordered or entry to drug rehab as a way to avoid jail time may not work in every case, but when it does, both the addict and society as a whole benefit. If addiction has caused legal problems for you or someone important to you, contact us today to learn more about drug rehab in California.

30 Day Rehab Programs – The Right One For You

Different 30 day rehab programs offer various approaches to recovery and treatment. When it comes to drug and alcohol addiction, there is no one-size-fits-all method. Each case is as unique and personal as the patients themselves. Locating an inpatient facility that will prove most effective to a particular patient is a matter of research, questions and education regarding what each facility has to offer. If you or someone you know is in need of professional help, the entry below will provide you with a few tips to help locate the care you’ve been searching for.

1 – When researching various facilities, be sure to ask about each treatment center’s philosophies. Having a basic understanding of the approach used during treatment will help determine which place is best suited for the individual in question. Some programs are based in traditional medicine, while others incorporate holistic treatments.

2 – Patients who are dependent on alcohol or opiates will often require detoxification prior to entering rehab. Some facilities will offer this service in-house, while others will concentrate solely on recovery.

3 – Determine how to pay for your treatment. There is no guarantee that treatment centers accepting insurance will be able to obtain approval from your provider. If finances are an issue, be sure to get in touch with your insurance provider prior to researching facilities to obtain a list of facilities that can be covered under your current plan.

4 – Inquire as to whether the facility offers a family counseling program. Some facilities may discourage patient contact with friends and family members during their stay, while others will recommend involvement.

5 – Take a look into any aftercare services that are provided by the program. Patients attending treatment for 30 days without seeking outside help post-treatment are at a much higher risk for relapse than those who do. Plan ahead to determine your available options and avoid finding yourself in a poor spot down the road.

Successful Long Term Drug Rehabilitation – Finding the Right Fit

Long term drug rehabilitation is not simple. Aside from treating the intense and often uncontrollable cravings which have led the addict to devastating personal consequences, the effects of prolonged drug exposure on brain functioning affect multiple circuits in the physical body – including those involved in motivation, learning and memory. These complicated issues make treatment a complicated matter as well.

Because of this, an effective addiction program can often incorporate many components, to each target a particular aspect of the illness and its consequences. Addiction treatment must first and foremost, help the individual stop using  – but it should also give him or her the tools to maintain a drug-free lifestyle, and function again in work, home and in society at large.

Research has proven that treatment can help patients addicted to drugs stop using, help them to avoid relapse, and regain control over their lives.

Those seeking drug and drug rehab help should consider the following:

–Remaining in treatment for an adequate period of time is critical.

–Counseling can help treat underlying issues which contributed to the abuse

–No treatment program is “one size fits all.”  Each person’s treatment plan must be continually reassessed and fine-tuned as treatment progresses.

–Treatment does not need to be voluntary to be effective.

Counseling and therapy are both important elements of a process that often begins with drug addiction detox, followed by treatment and finally, relapse prevention. A balanced spectrum of care should include a customized treatment program which addresses all aspects of the addict’s life, and should include medical and mental health services. Each of these components, in it’s own way, is crucial to a person’s success in creating and maintaining a drug–free lifestyle.

Addiction is a very complex disease that affects brain function and behavior, but it is treatable. No single treatment will suit every person but tailored, personalized treatment is readily available in our quality program.

New Beginnings at a Drug Rehab in California and Rebuilding Trust in the Family

Many times previous to our getting sober, we have done damage to the relationships with our families.  In the midst of drinking and/or using we set fire to the bridges that brought us here.  The relationships we have sacrificed, many times, are the people closest to us and that usually means our families and closest of friends.

When we begin the process of our journey to living a sober life, perhaps our families and friends don’t have any semblance of trust nor are they immediately inclined to rekindle what was broken and lost.  They are skeptical at best.  There are times when, the pain and betrayal we may have caused them supersedes their wanting anything to do with us after such personal attacks, be they direct or inadvertent.

In the throes of our alcoholism and/or addiction we may not only haves set fire to said bridges but, perhaps, we insured our separation by pouring gasoline on the stick of dynamite we threw into the burning flames.  We cannot expect that just because we are in early sobriety that everything that came before is immediately wiped away and our slate is instantly clean.  We have to recognize and take stock of where we have done wrong and what we can do to amend and rectify the situation(s) at hand.

To rebuild the trust and love in our families can become extremely important as we develop our support network.  Time, however begrudgingly we may find this idea, is often the healer of circumstance and can offer us and the people with whom we injured the opportunity to begin anew.

As trust was whittled away over a period of time, even if that time was mere minutes, it takes far longer to return however, fear not, the possibilities of repairing our relationships can happen.  The drug rehab in California is among the rehabs that take insurance and gives us a firsthand view of how to begin reweaving our threadbare, at best, fabric of understanding and trust with our families.  It is not impossible; however, it simply does not occur overnight.  The road is long but through our actions, not just our words, will yield the signposts that lead the way for our friends and family to return.

More Myths About Alcohol Drug Detox

Myths keep millions of people struggling with alcohol and drug addiction from seeking the alcohol and long term drug addiction treatment they need. Rehab can be a positive and life-changing experience that leads to a long, happy life free of drugs and alcohol. While there is no “cure” for addiction, drug rehab is often the first step to this new life. Don’t let the following myths stop you from getting the help you or a loved one needs.

“I have to hit rock bottom before I can go to rehab.”

While hitting rock bottom can lead to powerful change, it’s not the only way. With the help and encouragement of family and friends, many people have gone entered California drug treatment before hitting rock bottom and successfully maintain their sobriety. Why choose to hit rock bottom before you decide to take control of your life?

“Rehab doesn’t work if it’s forced.”

Making the choice to enter drug rehab voluntarily is more pleasant for all concerned, but sometimes drug rehab is court mandated or forced. Those cases have as good of a chance of recovery as any, regardless of the situation that led to taking that step. Sometimes only a stay in drug rehab can make it possible for an individual struggling with addiction to fully grasp the severity of his or her problem.

“Rehab cures addiction.”

There is NO cure for addiction. Unfortunately, relapse happens. The fear of relapse, is not a valid reason to avoid 12 step recovery programs. The key to successful recovery is to stay dedicated to working the steps of your treatment program, surround yourself with support and focus your efforts on healthy behaviors. Recovery is always possible, but not without dedication and self-awareness.

“There is no affordable rehab available to me.”

Yes, there are costs associated with inpatient accommodations, supervised medical detox and therapy sessions, but some treatment centers will work with your individual financial situation. Some insurance policies cover most (if not all) drug and alcohol rehab and many rehab centers offer payment plans or other payment options.

Drug rehab educates the addicted individual and their loved ones, creates a strong support system, and imparts the life-skills necessary to lead a productive life without the use of alcohol or drugs. Don’t let a myth stand in the way of a bright tomorrow.

Recovery Stories on Drug Rehab Blogs

As our sobriety continues and we begin to feel better, we may see our lives rebuild in a material fashion.  They may even be re-upped or improved upon with the things we lost while we were getting loaded; be it car, house, job, partner, etc.  There is also the distinct possibility these things may not come our way.  We are guaranteed nothing in the material.

We may hear stories on drug rehab blogs or from people in 12 step program addiction groups who have received everything they lost and then some.  There are times when, while listening to someone sharing and/or a speaker in a meeting, we may hear that person say they live a life beyond their wildest imagination, all the while delivering a message that is only connected to the physical items they now have.  Perhaps after the statement regarding “A life beyond… imagination.” they relay their tales of material acquisition without covering what brought them there.  They may have left out the important details of how they got to that place in their life and focus solely on all of the seemingly fine and fabulous things they now own.

It can be frustrating and maybe even feel near-deceiving when we don’t have those same results.  Perhaps we’re thinking we are supposed to have those very same things, on a similar timeline, to whomever we’re listening.  Maybe then we begin to think the program isn’t working.  We cannot understand why we feel like whatever program to which we are affiliated isn’t doing what we think it should.

The fact of the matter is participating in a program is not an insurance policy regarding acquiring “things” we may want to have.   If worked as instructed by the suggestions in the Big Book of Alcoholics Anonymous, we are given the ability to connect with our Higher Power, who subsequently allows us to match calamity with serenity.  That ability is a gift that far outweighs any material item.

Considering Short or Long Term Drug Rehabilitation

How long should inpatient treatment last in a 12 step recovery program? Can a short 30 day program really make a life-changing difference, or would a longer stay encourage better results? Although the choices can be overwhelming, if you or someone you know is searching for help, it’s here. Below we’ll explain a few of the differences between short and long term rehab.

Short term treatment is the most common form of drug and alcohol rehabilitation and is classified as continuous in 30 day treatment programs, while long term treatment ranges from 60-90 days to a full year.

Some studies have demonstrated longer lasting results with longer treatment times. Addiction takes time to develop and recovery can also take time. The most obvious benefit of long term care is that the individual is given time in order to discover and resolve the bedrock issues which led to the use in the first place.

One unavoidable problem with short term care is that the initial drug addiction detox period may extend one or even two weeks into treatment. Depending on the substance of addiction, patients can still feel the fog of addiction until week three. This leaves just one week of care, free of the acute withdrawals, for the person to deal with their issues and get back to their lives. Most people begin their  stays in rehab  ready to do whatever it takes to get clean and sober, but by the end of their stay, they simply focused on doing whatever it takes to get out.

It is not uncommon for addicts to require multiple 28 day stays before the rehab “sticks.” That can be   an emotional and financial drain on  both the addict and the family supporting them.

The bottom line is that every  person is different and the rehabilitation they undergo needs to be customized for them. In choosing what length of time to put into treatment it is most important to remain as objective as possible regarding the situation. To speak with an intervention specialist Los Angeles and learn more, contact us.

Healing Relationships and Support for Family of Addicts

Many times previous to our getting sober, we have done damage to the relationships with our families.  In the midst of drinking and/or using we set fire to the bridges that brought us here.  The relationships we have sacrificed, many times, are the people closest to us and that usually means our families and closest of friends.

When we begin the process of our journey to living a sober life, perhaps our families of origin and/or our families of choice, i.e. close friends, don’t have any semblance of trust nor are they immediately inclined to rekindle what was broken and, subsequently, lost.  They are skeptical at best.  There are times when, the pain and betrayal we may have caused them supersedes their wanting anything to do with us after such personal attacks, be they direct or inadvertent.

In the throes of our alcoholism and/or addiction we may not only haves set fire to said bridges but, perhaps, we insured our separation by pouring gasoline on the stick of dynamite we threw into the burning flames.  We cannot expect that just because we are in early sobriety that everything that came before is immediately wiped away and our slate is instantly clean.  We have to recognize and take stock of where we have done wrong and what we can do to amend and rectify the situation(s) at hand.

To rebuild the trust and love in our families can become extremely important as we develop our support network.  Support for family of addicts is one of the major benefits of many residential treatment centers in California. Time, however begrudgingly we may find this idea, is often the healer of circumstance and can offer us and the people with whom we injured the opportunity to begin anew.

As trust was whittled away over a period of time, even if that time was mere minutes, it takes far longer to return however, fear not, the possibilities of repairing our relationships can happen.  The California rehab centers give us a firsthand view of how to begin reweaving our threadbare fabric of understanding and trust with our families.  It is not impossible; however, it simply does not occur overnight.  The road is long but through our actions, not just our words, will yield the signposts that lead the way for our friends and family to return.