What If They Don’t Want To Go?

There are times when we get calls at Above It All Treatment Center from families that have a family member who clearly has drug or alcohol addiction or substance abuse problems and are in complete denial, or worse, simply do not want help.  What can these families do?  They know their loved one needs help but at the same time they know that they will not be able to convince them to get the help they need.

Above It All Treatment Center understands these family problems and realizes that by the time a family member is calling, it is because they cannot withstand the terror of the addiction any longer.  They realize that their family member needs help and that the family will need some assistance in order to provide that help.

Above It All Treatment Center is a full service facility that is available to the addicted as well as the families when needed.  We can schedule a time to meet with the family and then guide the client into the meeting where, with the help of professionals, we can lay all the cards on the table and let the client know how they are affecting others in the family in a negative.  We work towards ending the meeting with a commitment by the client to enter our treatment facility to get the needed help.

Once the need for help is determined, we then relocate the client, either by airplane or by car to our beautiful facility in Lake Arrowhead located in the California Mountains.  Our nice, stress-free, relaxing facility is the perfect place to work down the path to a complete recovery.  Our clients, upon arrival, will be able to assist us as we design a treatment plan with them in mind.  This plan will be the guide to recovery and a happy life.  It will be designed with the client in mind and will allow enough stability to keep the client focused on their recovery while allowing enough flexibility for them to function in their everyday lives without disruption.

If the client sticks with the treatment plan to the end, then they will make a successful recovery and begin a happy and addiction free life.  Above It All Treatment Center is the place that you will want to go if you are struggling with any addiction in your life.  Why not give us call today and see how we can help you.

Alcoholism, Addiction, and the Double Life

“What usually happens? The show doesn’t come off very well. He begins to think life doesn’t treat him right. He decides to exert himself more. He becomes, on the next occasion, still more demanding or gracious; as the case may be still the play does not suit him. Admitting he may be somewhat at fault, he is sure that other people are more to blame he becomes angry, indignant, self-pitying. What is his basic trouble? Is he not really a self-seeker even when trying to be kind? Is he not a victim of the delusion that he can wrest satisfaction and happiness out of this world if he only manages well?

Is it not evident to all the rest of the players that these are the things he wants? And do not his actions make each of them wish to retaliate, snatching all they can get out of the show? Is he not even in his best moments, a producer of confusion rather than harmony? Our self-centered-ego-centric, as people like to call it nowadays. – pg. 61 How It Works, from the big book of Alcoholics Anonymous

Often times even after receiving alcohol addiction help and getting sober the alcoholic likes to enjoy a double life like an actor in a play and gets upset when things go awry. Little do we know that our lack of success in this area has little to do with how we manage things but instead is a result of trying to take our will back, and enjoy “stirring things up” without wanting to deal with the consequences. We are often oblivious to this reality and are under the delusion that if only everyone else played along everything would be okay. When we enter into a drug addiction detox, AA, or 30 day rehab program we learn how to become a team player, and live an altruistic lifestyle. At this point we can finally see that it’s not all about us but rather about the fact that we are all bonded through this disease that has stripped everything from us and in turn share a common solution. Recovery is much bigger than us and our desires. It is a freedom from the bondage of self and our only role in this play is to be of service and help others recover from alcoholism.

The Ins and Outs of Drug Rehab

As the premier drug rehab in California, Above It All treatment center’s commitment to education, comfort, and support is virtually unmatched. In this entry, we will seek to provide our readers with an in-depth look at the process by which our recovery process is run.

Referral

Patients come to Above It All through for an array of reasons. Because of the progressive nature of addiction, it is not uncommon for individuals who have experienced the continued negative consequences of the associated behaviors to seek help on their own. Other factors may include exterior pressures, such as legal issues, employers, or loved ones. Once a commitment to seek help has been made, the real recovery can begin.

Intake

Intake assessments are the initial step of the recovery process. During this period, facility counselors will ask an assortment of questions to better determine a care plan, which will ultimately dictate the type of treatment the patient will receive. Common questions typically revolve around the types of drugs being used, abuse histories, and the reasons for seeking help in the first place. Patients who are experiencing both substance abuse and mental health issues simultaneously are quite common. As such, staff members will generally request information pertaining to a patient’s mental health history, including current medications and symptoms.

This assessment also serves to help determine just how motivated a patient is to make chances, alongside any stressors that may inhibit the rehabilitation process.

Detox

Various types of substance addictions, such as heroin and alcohol will typically call for a medically monitored detox to help patients through the initial transition into sobriety. Without proper care, the risks of serious complications and physical harm are drastically heightened. The detoxification process can last anywhere from 3 to 10 days, and will include 24/7 staff monitoring. Patients in detox will be offered various medications throughout the process to ensure a comfortable and safe experience.

Short Term Treatment

In cases where detox is of no concern, patients may be offered short team rehab at varying intensity levels. This type of outpatient care is typically only offered to patients who are able to function sufficiently at home while still attending treatment. Patients will often be forced to submit to random urine screenings to help ensure that care is at the adequate level. Group and individual therapy is common, alongside a variety of therapeutic activities to help patients acquire the skills needed to enjoy a sober and happy lifestyle.

Long Term Care

Where more intensive measures are required, counselors may recommend residential long term care. The length of stay will vary from patient to patient, but generally averages around the 3-month mark. Within a long term care program, patients are afforded the opportunity to earn freedoms and responsibilities over time. Long term care provides patients with the ability to obtain the care they require without the distractions and stressors o

Recovery – The Basics

In addition to substances, addiction can affect individuals with a dependency to various behaviors, such as shopping, gambling, or even sex. In order to achieve a successful recovery, addicts must first address both factors of addiction’s dual faceted nature. In this entry, we will run through a few common addiction recovery basics.

Rehabilitation

Perhaps the most important aspect in any one recovery is locating a proper recovery program to address the addiction. By making the decision to seek out professional aid, addicts stand a much higher chance of success in the long road to recovery, happiness, and personal fulfillment.

Withdrawal

When an individual is physically dependent to a drug, a withdrawal process will take place once availability is diminished. The severity of the withdrawal process ultimately depends on the use history, type of substance, and the condition of the individual themselves.

Detox

Detoxification refers to the period of time where an individual’s body is learning to cope without the aid of the addictive substance. Detox periods vary, but will commonly last between 3 – 10 days. Patients who are admitted to addiction recovery programs will commonly be offered 24 hour medical supervision to help ensure a safe and healthy transition.

Common withdrawal symptoms can include: 

Nausea

Vomiting

Body Aches

Hallucinations

Depression

Breathing Difficulties 

Meds

In some cases, the withdrawal and detoxification periods can be severe enough that physicians offer addicts medication to help smooth the transition into sobriety. These medications work to calm the individual, while relieving many of the withdrawal symptoms listed above.

Medication is also used to address dual diagnosis mental disorders, as commonly seen in recovery settings. Because many addicts use drugs to self-medicate, it’s not uncommon to find patients with a need for proper diagnosis in the area of mental psychosis.

Therapy

Individual and group therapy is often utilized as a way to help patients work through their recovery. In this way, addicts are better able to address and recognize problem situations and behaviors that may lead them to relapse.

Support Groups

Support groups and 12 step recovery programs serve to benefit the rehabilitation process by way of addressing the continued mental struggles associated with addiction. These organizations offer individuals a safe, non-judgmental arena to share their struggles, triumphs, and stories, while working as a open network to those seeking a sober peace of mind.

Need Help?

If you or someone you know is ready for a change, our Above It All addiction counselors are on hand to take your call. Pick up the phone today, and find out how Above It All can help you on the road towards clarity, happi

Fatboy Slim on Recovery

Center stage, atop of gigantic glowing octopus, British DJ, Fatboy Slim reintroduced millions of worldwide viewers to “The Rockafeller Skank”. Rising to worldwide prominence in the late 90’s, Mr. Slim’s appearance at the 2012 London Olympic Games Closing Ceremonies would not appear a shock to many, had it not been on the heels of a difficult ‘bout with alcoholism.

Just prior to the performance, Fatboy Slim (real name: Norman Cook) spoke with media sources regarding his 2009 recovery and rehab experience:

“I gave up drinking three years and I’ve run Brighton Marathon… Everything you do is a lot easier to deal with when you go to bed after a show rather than party for two days.”

Fatboy Slim’s performance followed British comedian Russell Brand’s appearance on a psychedelic tour bus. Amidst a sold-out stadium, the vehicle was transformed into an illuminated octopus, as Fatboy Slim rose from the center to perform two of his better-known hits, ‘The Rockafeller Skank” and “Right Here, Right Now”.

Despite receiving 10 MTV Video Music Awards and 2 Brit Awards in previous years, the DJ is quick to say that he is uninterested in a return to the recording studio.

“I listen to current dance music and I think, do I even fit in here” I really don’t feel drawn to the studio. I much prefer to focus on DJing.”

In recent years, a great number of celebrities have shown difficulty kicking their respective habits under a watchful public eye. From movie and TV stars to musicians, one can only hope that a valuable lesson has been learned from repeat episodes of VH1’s Behind the Music and A&E’s Biography.

With the media focus affixed to ailing addicts and troubled celebs, it’s refreshing to find a story of triumph and determination among the wreckage. As younger generations often mimic the behaviors of their idols, the benefit of Norman Cook’s struggles and perseverance is not one to be taken lightly.

There will always be the potential for happy outcomes. There will always be obstacles on the way. How we choose to deal with these trials will ultimately make our goals sweeter once they are within our grasp. Regardless of where your journey currently keeps you, a commitment to perpetual betterment is one that will only serve you well. To sum up the point: You will get there… if only you want it.

If you or someone you know is evaluating recovery options, our Above It All addiction specialists are available to address your questions and concerns. Give us a call today, and find out how you can get on track towards the happy, fulfilling, and productive life you and your loved ones deserve. Your potential will thank you.

Your Rehab Survival Guide

Alcohol, drugs, and countless other addictions can pose extreme strain on the professional and personal life of an individual. Once the choice has been made to seek out recovery options, surviving the rehabilitation process becomes a priority worthy of the individual’s unabashed attention. For many rehab patients, this journey is one not one easily traveled. In the following entry, we will offer up a few tips to help you through the initial rehab process to ensure a successful and long-lasting recovery.

1 – Accountability is key. The first step to take in your recovery journey is the acknowledgement that you, and only you, are responsible for your success. If you are not completely invested in your own recovery, the help of others will do little to aid in your quest. Communicate your goals with close friends and relatives to gain support, and request help whenever needed. Though your recovery is dependant on you, a solid support system is vital on the road to success.

2 – Take a deep breath and throw yourself head-first into your Above It All treatment program. Participate in group activities and discussions, educate yourself on your addiction type, and take medications as advised by your addiction counselors. Create a structure and routine for your time to keep yourself accountable.

3 – Come to the understanding that you are addicted, out of control, and in need of help. Locate other people, be them staff or other patients within the rehabilitation program, to relate to. The more you are able to communicate and involve yourself with others, faster your recovery will take place.

4 – Learn how to attend to your feelings in a productive manner. With a focused and quiet mind, you can and will survive this process. Write our your future goals, and make lists that will help you determine how to reach them. By incorporating your recovery into your goal list, you will be able to prioritize your actions, while keeping your eye on the prize.

5 – Find an activity that makes you happy. From exercise and sports to music and arts, throwing yourself into something outside your own head will serve to keep you motivated, determined, and pushing forward. Who knows… you might even find a new career path! Explore your options, and pursue new avenues whenever able.

6 – Your rehabilitation staff is there for a reason. Use them when you are having doubts, concerns, or need to address a difficult question. These professionals, are highly trained in the areas of addiction and addiction recovery, and will be able to help point you in the right direction.

7 – Keep a journal. Writing in a daily journal will provide you with an outlet for your thoughts, while giving you a reference to keep throughout your journey. Jot down your feelings, poems, pictures, whatever you like! In time, you will wonder what you ever did without it.

When it comes to inpatient treatment programs in Southern CA, Above It All is a cut above the rest. Offering a comprehensive, innovative, and effective addiction treatment platform, Above It All has you covered for the personalized, high-quality care and attention you need to enjoy the quality of life you deserve. Call us today!

Learning From Our Experiences and Making Changes

One of the hardest things in life is feeling stuck in a situation that we don’t like and want to change especially when we are powerless over drugs and alcohol and don’t know how to ask for alcohol addiction help. We may have exhausted ourselves trying to figure out how to make change, and we may even have given up after several failed attempts at getting and staying sober. However, each day offers us an opportunity to renew our resolve and to declare to the universe that we are ready for change. We may even say out loud that we have tried and struggled and have not found a way, but that we are open to help, and that we intend to keep working to create change for ourselves. We may realize we need the assistance of a drug addiction detox or an affordable rehab. It can be done today, right now.

It is difficult to understand, even with hindsight, how the choices we have made have added up to our current situation, but it is a good idea to examine the story we tell ourselves. If we tend to regard ourselves as having failed, this will block our ability to allow ourselves to succeed and stay sober. We have the power to change the story we tell ourselves by acknowledging that in the past, we did our best, and we exhibited many positive qualities, and had many fine moments on our path to the present moment. We can also recognize that we have learned from our experiences, and that this will help us with our current choices on how we plan on staying sober.

When we do this kind of work on how we view our past self, we make it possible for the future to be based on a positive self-assessment and give ourselves a fighting chance. This inner shift may allow us to get out of the cycle we’ve been in that’s been keeping us stuck. Allow today to be the day to end cycles and enter into a new way of being.

A Glimpse Into Our Inpatient Drug Abuse Treatment Program

If you’re considering addiction recovery at Above It All treatment center, you may be wondering what to expect throughout the experience. In this entry, we will offer a glimpse into our inpatient drug alcohol treatment program to provide you with a better idea.

What To Expect

Inpatient drug addiction programs offer patients group and individual therapies to aid in the recovery experience. With the personal education and awareness conveyed during treatment, studies show a higher rate of success when compared to patients taking a solo route.

Patients arriving at Above It All will be expected to complete inpatient paperwork, including permission-to-treat and insurance forms. Once paperwork has been completed, luggage is checked before escorting patients to their rooms. Checking personal belongings is a necessary aspect of treatment to ensure no concealed substances make their way into the facility.

During the initial stay, patient phone calls and visits are kept to a minimum. Patients are permitted to communicate with loved ones through our family counseling, alongside a licensed therapist. In this way, family members are able to hear what their loved ones are going through, and the changes taking place throughout treatment.

Patients are also encouraged to attend 12 step meetings on a daily basis. These meetings serve to keep our patients focused, while providing them with a sense of support and education. In many cases, patients will continue attending 12 step meetings  well after their rehab completion.

Considerations

Upon admission, patients are assigned an addiction counselor to help support and monitor their progress throughout treatment. This individual offers private therapy throughout the week, in addition to family therapy sessions.

People turn to rehab programs for a variety of reasons, and unfortunately they are not always the right ones. Simply put, the recovery process will be ineffective unless a patient is truly invested in the rehabilitation process. Though many turn to recovery in an effort to avoid consequences with their family, job or through the court, these reasons alone will do little to ensure success in recovery without the proper mindset.

Time Frame

The amount of time patients spend in rehab varies. Determining factors regarding patient stay includes insurance restrictions, and the patient’s own view on their recovery. In some cases, patients may even opt to extend their rehabilitation stay in order to ensure a smooth and healthy transition back into society.

When the time comes to leave rehab, patients will still have a fair amount of work ahead of them. Follow-up treatment is common, and may include 12-step meetings or outpatient counseling. Maintaining sobriety can often be more difficult than slipping back into old habits. As such, it’s important for patients to continue their education and recovery methods well after they’ve left the Above It All grounds.

If you or someone you know are interested in learning more about your recovery options, our Above It All treatment specialists are on-hand to answer your questions. Give us a call today to speak with a representative and get on track towards the happy, sober and fulfilling lifestyle you’re after!

Inpatient vs. Outpatient Rehab

Rehab facilities address particular issues, including eating disorders, drug abuse and addiction. Different facilities often offer different types of programs, with a main distinction of outpatient and inpatient treatment plans. If you or someone you know is considering recovery options, the following entry will provide you with a little insight into the basic differences between these two treatment models.

Inpatient Care

Patients choosing to receive inpatient care are provided with 24-hour care while living at the facility. Most inpatient drug treatment facility programs last 30 – 90 days, but may last longer depending on the patient’s individual needs and progress. Many of these programs also offer medically assisted detox and therapy to help patients towards a fresh recovery start. Residents must adhere to facility rules and regulations, while maintaining a clean and positive mindset.

Outpatient Care

The main difference between outpatient and inpatient programs is the patient’s ability to retain a sense of routine outside of the program. Patients involved in an outpatient program are able to keep a job, attend school, and live at home throughout their treatment. Patients are typically required to attend meetings and check-ins at the facility throughout the week to ensure sobriety and healthy habits outside the facility walls.

Inpatient Environment

The environment within an inpatient program is very defined and highly structured. Patients are monitored constantly, both physically and mentally, while keeping to a healthy dose of individual counseling, group therapy, team activities and chores. As residents succeed within the program, they are provided with freedoms, responsibilities and praise. Because inpatient programs work to remove their residents from the constant reminders of their addictions, many find them a solid step forward on the road to sobriety.

Outpatient Environment

Outpatient facilities offer patients a great deal of flexibility throughout the recovery process. However, because patients are able to remain at home throughout their treatment, they are often forced to work harder to avoid old habits.

Which One Is For Me?

When it comes to deciding on a treatment program, patients should take the time to consider the severity of the addiction at hand, and their ability to put forth the extra effort at an outpatient recovery center. Where there is a doubt, there is risk.

Above It All

If you’re searching for an effective inpatient rehabilitation treatment facility, Above It All is the place to call! With a team of seasoned addiction specialists on-hand to assess and address your individual needs and goals, you can count on Above It All to have you smiling, sober and on the path towards the happy, clean and fulfilling lifestyle you deserve. Representatives are standing by. Call today!

The Link Between Prescription Drug And Alcohol Abuse

Studies show alcoholics to be 18x more likely to abuse prescription drugs than individuals who use alcohol on a mild to moderate basis… An alarming statistic, especially considering the dangers and risks associated with combined usage. In this entry, we will outline the links and health issues associated with alcohol and prescription medication abuse in an effort to inform and educate our readers of these dangers.

The combination of prescription drugs and alcohol poses numerous risks to users, including vomiting, alcohol poisoning, blackouts, loss of consciousness respiratory depression and even death. In addition, many combination users show an increased likelihood of risky behaviors; engaging in activities that would otherwise feel inappropriate if sober. Common behaviors include unplanned or unprotected sex, DUI and the loss of judgment and inhibition.

Though prescription drugs certainly serve a valuable role in the medical community; when used in excess, or in ways other than directed, the risks associated with use are drastically heightened. Of these substances, the most commonly abused are those in the opioid family (pain medications). Due to ease of access and a perceived level of social acceptance, pain medications are often combined with alcohol to achieve a “better high”. Unfortunately, this high also poses a much higher risk of accidental overdose; with rates higher than both heroin and cocaine combined.

When it comes to user demographics, studies show people ages 18 – 24 posing the highest risk for binge drinking, nonmendical use of prescription drugs (NMUPD) and alcohol use disorders. The risks of NMUPD are heightened substantially among alcohol abusers (22.02%) when compared to individuals who choose to abstain from alcohol completely (1.26%)

Many users choose to combine prescription drug use with alcohol in an effort to intensify the effects of each substance. Though this tactic often provides the user with the desired effect, the risk of experiencing additional and unintended side effects, including nausea, dizziness, increased sedation, drowsiness and even death, are once again drastically heightened. To boot, these risks do not apply solely to long-term users, but to any and all individuals engaged in combined use….  In other words, “one time” may be one time too many.

If you or someone you know are considering, experimenting, or are currently having issues with drug and alcohol use, Above It All’s drug rehab addiction specialists are available to help. One quick call to our beautiful rehab center in Los Angeles, CA, will provide you with the information, education, support and guidance you need to make the right step towards you or your loved one’s recovery. Representatives are standing by 24/7. Call today!