Getting Sober and Repairing the Family

“We alcoholics are sensitive people. At the beginning of recovery a man will take, as a rule, one of two directions. He may either plunge into a frantic attempt to get on his feet in business, or he may be so enthralled by his new life that he talks or thinks of little else….since the home has suffered more than anything else, it is well that a man exert himself there. He is not likely to get far in any direction if he fails to show unselfishness and love under his own roof. We know there are difficult wives and families, but the man who is getting over alcoholism must remember he did much to make them so.” – Pg.125-127 in The Family Afterward from the big book of Alcoholics Anonymous

When we first receive alcohol addiction help and get sober we are usually so filled with relief and joy. Many of us are on what is referred to as a “pink cloud”. This is where everything just seems so great and amazing. It’s as if we had been dead inside for so long and were just reborn. Often times when we are in this state many of us want to experience everything, just enjoy it, and have fun which is okay as long as we are doing the work as well as repairing our relationships with others especially family. When the big book talks about how our home has suffered more than anything else it is referring to the damage we caused in our families lives .For most of us our loved ones were the ones that were there and witnessed us at our worst. While it may take a while the chances of familial reparation is high and likely for most of us. It is one of the gifts of sobriety .perhaps not at first but in time they will be able to see the dedication to sobriety and will most likely be thrilled, and supportive. With that being said If  we fail to mend our relationship with them and put time and effort into those relationships they will most likely continue to be resentful since not only were they losing their loved ones to this disease but they will probably go on to feel like they also lost them to recovery as well.Therefore its imperative that we do what we need to do to get sober, Go to a drug addiction detox, AA, or 30 day rehab program, and then do the best we can to be a better daughter,son,mother,father,and sibling .We owe it to them and to ourselves.

Admitting A Minor To Drug Rehabilitation

In the United States, children under the age of 18 are considered minors. According to a recent survey performed by the National Survey on Drug Use & Health, a total of 11.6% of adolescents 12-17 are admitted drug users. In some instances this drug use can be attributed to underlying mental disorders. In other cases, use is based on simple experimentation or a lack of supervision on the part of the parents. In this entry, we will discuss some tips and tricks to help get your teen the help they deserve.

1 – Communicate your concerns. In many cases, opening the dialogue between parent and teen can offer results not seen with more immediate and drastic measures. Not only will your teen appreciate the effort; they will be more likely to discuss their own thoughts and concerns regarding the topic. In an effort to avoid consequences, teens will often hide feelings from their parents. By eliminating the parental barrier of authority, your teen may feel more inclined to work with you, rather than against you.

2 – Do your research. Before diving into professional help, it’s important to educate yourself regarding the type and degree of drug use you are dealing with. The more knowledgeable you are on the topic, the better equipped you will be to address it. Once you’ve properly assessed the situation, you will be better able to determine whether professional treatment is the right road to take.

3 – Ask your teen to attend treatment. Some teens may agree without much persistence. Others may choose to attend following an intervention. Be sure to communicate that your teen’s “loose ends” (work, school, pets, etc.) will be attended to so they feel comfortable choosing treatment without fear of consequence.

4 – If your teen is unwilling to accept help for their addiction, they can be committed by parental consent, or a court order. Parents and guardians have the option to enroll minors into rehabilitation without patient consent. Teens who have found themselves in legal trouble may find themselves with a court ordered ticket to treatment as part of the sentencing.

5 – Support your teen throughout the recovery process. Rehabilitation is a difficult period for people of all ages. By supporting and involving yourself in your teen’s recovery, you will be creating a solid base from which to help them succeed both within and outside the rehabilitation environment.

Need Help?

If you have a teen struggling with drug use, our Above It All addiction specialists are on-hand to help! Give us a call today and let our certified rehabilitation team help your teen back on the path to the happy, productive, fulfilling, and sober lifestyle they deserve.

Family Roles In The Recovery Process

Drug addiction is a disease that affects not only the afflicted individual, but the family and loved ones surrounding them. If you have a loved one dealing with the pain of a drug or alcohol addiction, the truth is… you’re suffering alongside them. It’s only natural to feel confused, hurt, angry and unloved by the actions and behaviors exhibited by the addict. But with a healthy dose of love, determination and help, rest assured… you will all make it through.  In this entry, we will discuss the roles and actions of friends and family members throughout the recovery process.

1 – Do you due research and educate yourself in regard to the type of addiction you’re dealing with. It’s important to learn as much about the addiction as possible, in order to properly prepare yourself for the road ahead.

2 – Call an Above It All treatment center representative to discuss possible treatment options. Have a list of questions ready, and fire away! Our team of addiction counselors are on hand 24/7 to assess and address any and all of your questions and concerns… and no subject is too taboo. You may even decide to schedule a tour of the facility to gain a first-hand look at what we have to offer

3 – If you are reading this, it is likely your loved one has an issue, which you must accept. Now is the time to stop covering and making excuses on their behalf. Allowing yourself to live in denial will only accentuate the problem, offering little more than continued disappointment and wasted time/resources/energy. Taking a stand will let both you and them know that change is here, and that you’re committed moving forward.

4 – Determine whether or not the addict is open to accepting treatment. Bring up the topic lightly to gain an understanding of their thoughts and feelings on the topics. Sometimes, it only takes a kind request to put the recovery process in motion… In other instances more aggressive strategies must be employed.

5 – If your loved one is unwilling to seek help on their own. It’s time to discuss your intervention options. A quick call to our drug rehab in California will place you in touch with an array of addiction specialists who can help direct you through the intervention process.

6 – Whichever route you end up taking, it’s important to assure your loved one of how much you care for them. Recovery is directly dependent on a strong and sturdy support system. By sticking by your loved one throughout the recovery process, they will have a much better chance of achieving the healthy, happy and long-lasting sobriety they deserve.

7 – Once your loved one has completed rehabilitation, it’s vital you continue to support their sobriety efforts. Considering attending group therapy sessions and 12 step recovery programs with the addict to keep you both motivated and focused.

Keep yer chin up! In time, this period of time will be little more than a past adventure, life lesson, and success story for all involved.

The Big Talk – Teens & Drugs

When it comes to parent / teen conversations, drugs are likely second to sex on the list of topics you’d like to avoid. Though you may find the subject taboo or awkward to speak about, it is important that the job be done in a calm, educational and positive manner. By taking the time to plan ahead, you can actually make the experience a fun and interactive discussion, providing each party with the confidence and peace of mind they deserve. In this entry, we will outline a few tips and tricks to help you through the conversation.

Step 1 – Ask your teen to put aside some time to speak with you. Tell them that there is something you’ve been meaning to discuss with them, while communicating the fact that they are not in any trouble. Starting the dialog in this manner puts the ball in their court, and will likely peak their interest in the conversation.

Step 2 – Begin by telling your teen about your own encounters with drugs. If you do not have any personal experiences with drugs, you can recall stories of friends or relatives who do… but be discreet. There is not right or wrong in this conversation. By opening yourself up to your child in an honest way, you will likely gain their respect and confidence. Avoid the horror stories and glamour and stick to the facts.

Step 3 – Ask for feedback and find out what they think about your experiences. Opt for open-ended inquiries that will allow them to open up to you about their feelings and thoughts on the matter.

Step 4 – In a calm and loving manner, simply ask your teen about their drug experiences. Make sure to declare the conversation punishment-free and hope for the best. In order to have an open dialog with your teen, they must feel comfortable communicating with you. A swift punishment for admitting to past drug use will only close them off in the future.

Step 5 – Do your best to react with compassion and empathy. If your teen does not have any experience with drugs, commend them for it in a calm and positive fashion. If they do, your reaction should remain composed. Discuss the circumstances behind their usage to find out more about their interest and history.

Step 6 – Get the facts. Going into these types of conversation without a grounded education will only serve in making you appear silly. Treat this situation as you would a business meeting; with preparation and a healthy dose of respect.

Step 7 – Whether or not your teen is taking drugs, it’s important to offer your support. Outline the potential consequences and ways to avoid future use. If you suspect a real problem, it’s important to consider the possibility of treatment. The quicker you can nip the problem, the better chance your teen will have of a healthy future.

If you’re interested in learning more about your teen’s available alcohol and drug treatment options, Above It All is here to help. Give our addiction counselors a call to find out about our drug treatment plans, philosophies, and financing options. Raising a teen is hard enough without the presence of drugs and alcohol. Get the facts and help you deserve today!

How Family Counseling Aids In Addiction Recovery

By the time an addict has reached our drug rehab center in LA, the families are typically through with the heartache and drama that’s been caused. Though the family still loves and supports the addict, it’s not uncommon for members to feel as though their attempts to help the individual only serve in making the situation worse. Why would a stay at Above It All be any different?

Support for family of addicts is one of the main focuses at Above It All. Here, friends and relatives of the addict are invited to take part in the recovery process with the aid of a licensed addiction specialist. In this way, family members are better able to understand what their loved one is going through, and the efforts being made to combat the addiction as a whole. Counseling can take place either in person or over the phone, and can take place as often as 1x per week.

Truth be told, the single greatest thing you can do to help your loved one succeed in their recovery is making a commitment to attend Al-Anon meetings. These environments provide participants with the knowledge and support they need to fully recognize their own involvement in the addiction. As the old saying goes, “your only as good as the company you keep”. By making a concerted effort to better yourself, you will in effect be doing your part to aid the individual in question. Addiction is never a solo journey… and the same rules should apply to recovery.

Even with family counseling and Al-Anon meetings, it’s important to know that there are no guarantees for complete recovery. In some cases, it may even take years for the addict to truly commit to the recovery process.  Make a point to keep tabs on the addict’s attendance in regard to 12 step meetings once they have completed their treatment. A willingness to continue maintaining their sobriety through counseling and support groups is a good sign that the individual is invested in a positive change.

If you’re considering your rehabilitation options, take a moment to contact one of our licensed addiction counselors. He or she will be best able to assess the situation at hand and provide you with available options in addressing the addiction.

Deep breaths… Postive thoughts… Love & Compassion… We’ll get through this yet!

Getting Addiction Help When You’re Young

Making the decision to get sober is already a difficult thing. It’s already hard enough sometimes to hit a bottom when were older let alone when were young. Since alcoholics have a tendency to defend our right to drink and use to the death many of us don’t receive or ask for alcohol addiction help until we are older. However these days there are a lot more young people getting sober through the help of places like AA, or California rehab centers. We see more and more young people getting here at such an early age such as 16,17,18 years old or even younger that work the steps, go to some sort of drug rehab facility in LA, and as a result of one or both things achieve long lasting recovery. It’s a beautiful thing. some people that get sober young might have the lingering questions such as was it just a phase?, did I get sober too young?, do I have another drinking spree left in me because I’m so young?, or how can I be or admit I’m  an alcoholic when I’ve never had a legal drink? We as alcoholics are always trying to prove ourselves exceptions to the rules or terminally unique. These thoughts to a young alcoholic are only icing on the cake when it comes to trying to be the exception. While it might seem more difficult the fact is that if you get the opportunity to get sober young and you take it you too can recover the same way all of us have. Not only that but there will have been most likely less wreckage caused and an amazing long life ahead of you. There are several young people’s events and meetings available to you if you’re young and ready to get sober. As young people in recovery we don’t suffer through sobriety. Instead we insist on enjoying every second of it. For we are grateful, know how blessed we are, and know that our sober lives are way too valuable to take for granted.

Creating Healthy Boundaries

Boundaries work to help individuals assert who we are in relation to others. They aid us in our quest for understanding in regard to responsibility in our own lives as well as the lives of those surrounding us. When an individual is admitted to a rehabilitation facility, it’s crucial to establish healthy boundaries in order to get the most from the experience. In this entry, we will provide a few tips to help create these boundaries.

Instructions

1 – Get in touch with your counselor to determine a healthy set of boundaries. If you are to be successful in setting boundaries with other people, you must first gain a basic understanding as to what they are. Your counselor should be able to provide you with reading materials and worksheets to help in the education process.

2 – Avoid substituting your addictions. When making the transition into a sober lifestyle, it’s not uncommon for repressed emotions to come out. Though the experience can seem overwhelming, it’s important to work though your emotions without covering them up with a new addiction. Immerse yourself in the treatment experience and treatment program activities to ensure a positive and healthy transition into sobriety.

3 – As feelings surface, it’s important to face them head-on. Confront your emotions by keeping a journal and sharing your feelings in group and private therapy sessions. This will not only allow you to work through emotions in a positive manner, but will open the door to positive peer support with other individuals working toward similar goals.

4 – Remember the golden rule? The same basic principal applies at our California alcohol rehab facility. Write out a list of your personal boundaries and hold yourself to them in regard to your interactions with others. What types of responsibilities to you have? What do other people do that make you nervous? Having a firm grasp of your own boundaries will help you respect the boundaries of others.

5 – Communication is key. If you’re ever in doubt, it’s never a bad idea to ask others whether their boundaries are being crossed. Different people hold different values and different levels of comfort. Though one person may enjoy a good hug, another may find the advance a little strong. Play it safe and make sure to ask before acting on impulse. The results of your continued communication and respectful manner will ultimately help you on the road toward the happier, sober and fulfilling lifestyle you’re after.

How Family Counseling Aids In Addiction Recovery

By the time an addict has reached our drug rehab center in LA, the families are typically through with the heartache and drama that’s been caused. Though the family still loves and supports the addict, it’s not uncommon for members to feel as though their attempts to help the individual only serve in making the situation worse. Why would a stay at Above It All be any different.

Support for family of addicts is one of the main focuses at Above It All. Here, friends and relatives of the addict are invited to take part in the recovery process with the aid of a licensed addiction specialist. In this way, family members are better able to understand what their loved one is going through, and the efforts being made to combat the addiction as a whole. Counseling can take place either in person or over the phone, and can take place as often as 1x per week.

Truth be told, the single greatest thing you can do to help your loved one succeed in their recovery is making a commitment to attend Al-Anon meetings. These environments provide participants with the knowledge and support they need to fully recognize their own involvement in the addiction. As the old saying goes, “your only as good as the company you keep”. By making a concerted effort to better yourself, you will in effect be doing your part to aid the individual in question. Addiction is never a solo journey… and the same rules should apply to recovery.

Even with family counseling and Al-Anon meetings, it’s important to know that there are no guarantees for complete recovery. In some cases, it may even take years for the addict to truly commit to the recovery process.  Make a point to keep tabs on the addict’s attendance in regard to 12 step meetings once they have completed their treatment. A willingness to continue maintaining their sobriety through counseling and support groups is a good sign that the individual is invested in a positive change.

If you’re considering your rehabilitation options, take a moment to contact one of our licensed addiction counselors. He or she will be best able to assess the situation at hand and provide you with available options in addressing the addiction.

Deep breaths… Positive thoughts… Love & Compassion… We’ll get through this yet!

Explaining California Drug Treatment To Kids

Without the aid of a California drug treatment program, alcohol and drug dependency often leads to negative consequences for both the addict and their loved ones. Many addicts have trouble understanding the effect of their addictions on those surrounding them. The truth is, addiction is a serious disease, often prohibiting individuals from noticing exactly how their behaviors are affecting others. This poses serious issues for children forced to live alongside the addiction, often requiring a sober parent or family friend to explain the dependency in a manner that the child can comprehend.

Step 1 – Discussions should be catered to the audience. Kids under 5 years of age may not be able to understand, nor should they be subjected to the intricacies of the abuse. If a particular behavior must be explained to a child in this age range, do your best to make it short a sweet; explain that the individual isn’t feeling well.

Step 2 – There is a fine line to walk with children ages of 5 – 9. Here, you will want to color the conversation in a way that helps the child understand that the addiction is actually a disease. Explain how people with this particular disease must obtain help to overcome it. Be sure to emphasize that the behaviors exhibited by the addict are not the child’s fault, as it’s not uncommon for children to place blame on their own heads.

Step 3 – Once a child has reached age 10, it’s appropriate to be a little more direct. Sit the child down and calmly explain the intricacies of the addiction disease. If you’re dealing with someone in their early teens, it may be a good time to stress the importance of avoiding alcohol and drugs in their own life. Children with addiction in their families have a much higher risk of becoming addicts themselves. As such, it’s important to make sure the child understands the risks associated with their own experimentation.

Step 4 – Explain that the addict is seeking help for their dependency at a drug rehab in California. Outline the treatment process, and provide the child with a basic understand of what to expect (visits, timeline, etc.) throughout the recovery. Most substance abuse centers in California offer family counseling to patients and their loved ones as part of the recovery process. In this way, children can gain a better understanding of addiction, and the best means for supporting their family members.

The Alcoholic Addict and Step Four

STEP FOUR: “Made a searching and fearless moral inventory of ourselves.”

Through doing steps 1, 2, and 3 we have built our foundation for recovery. An archway which we can walk through. We had to make sure we were thorough. If we weren’t then we would have to go back and do more work or we would eventually drink. After we did this we immediately began work on the fourth step. A four column process that not only helps us to look at the times we were hurt by others but also helps us to see we were not the victims that we once thought we were in these situations. We got to see our parts and the areas of our lives that it affected. As far as our fourth step goes it was imperative that we dug deep and made sure nothing was left out or else our efforts would have been in vain. If we are able to recognize, take responsibility, and clean our side of the street then we can regain control of our lives. However if we remain victims we assume a position that has little or no power/control  aside from the time, anger, and fear we assign to it. In order to do this step we may enlist the help of places such as an addiction program in Los Angeles, AA, or a California alcohol rehab. Most of these places also offer support for family of addicts and alcoholics available and if not then they can point you or your loved one in the right direction. If you are tired of living this way or feeling like a victim these and other places are there for you to get the help you need.