There is a range of treatments in drug addiction for you to choose from. This range itself makes it difficult for someone to choose the best of the lot. The question that looms in front is how does one choose the best? It would be even more difficult for the person having drug addiction problem to choose a treatment that would be best suited to his or her needs. In order to provide some insight, an outline of some basic drug rehab programs is provided here.

Short-term residential drug rehab

Short-term residential services are offered to those who are in need of help to break away from the problem of drug addiction. Typically the duration of services range from 3 to as much as 6 weeks. These programs usually are intense requiring the patient to follow a twelve-step plan. Initially the patient is assed for a number of factors such as physical, emotional, mental and behavioral. These are then the basis for designing a personalized program specifically for the person. The patients are expected to go through the program with a sense of responsibility through the twelve-step process. The patients are to actively participate in all the meetings in a setting with supportive structure. The patients participate in these programs that offer information and are quite educative. A treatment for follow-up is also planned and offered on completing the short-term residential services which can then be pursued as out-patient service.

Detoxification

Detoxification programs assist those with drug or alcohol addiction problem to withdraw from the use of these drugs which the person otherwise finds impossible to do on his or her own. These are carried out under the supervision of a licensed medical professional. Detoxification programs also take into consideration the behavioral side of addiction.

Long-term residential drug rehab

Long-term residential services are offered for drug addiction problem for a longer duration ranging from typically 6 months to as much as a year. The services are provided all day round for all days. The program deals with behavioral aspects of the person also. The participants in the program also realize the psychological responses that contributed to actually getting into the problem of drug abuse and resultant addiction. This live-in facility for a longer duration is intended to assist and ensure that the patient is able to reconstruct and remobilize one’s life on a daily basis in order that the chances of relapse are kept minimal.

Treatment as outpatient drug rehab

The treatments offered as outpatient service are meant for those who are not in a position to avail the short-term or long-term residential services for various reasons. However, it must be noted that invariably such treatments are no less costly than the residential services. The person undergoing outpatient services are to involve in activities including counseling that helps in recognizing behaviors and goals that will assist the patient in keeping away from the drugs. The program is designed taking into consideration the convenience and needs of the patient.

There are a few more treatments that are offered which are personalized to the specific needs of the patients. Some drugs such as Methadone require treatments that are to be specifically designed for rehabilitation. The criminal justice treatment is yet another treatment service that is usually offered in prisons but also in the community also.

At some specific point of time, when alcohol addiction gets beyond control, checking into rehabilitation is the sole option left. But all the alcohol addiction help centers out there are not able to adequately meet your needs. This article is going to tell you what to take a look at while checking in an alcohol addiction help centre.

First, the most important thing to figure out is whether the care facility is properly accredited. But specialty help centers also exist and so do alcohol-specific care facilities.

Important Points For Consideration

An alcohol addiction help centre’s most distinguishing aspect is its staff. When we say staff, it’s not just doctors and psychiatrists we are talking about. The supporting staff also plays a very critical role in determining how the final outcome would be.

One of the of the most vital stage in alcohol de-addiction is detoxification. Routinely, detox process doesn’t take more than 72 hours. The post detox process is more painful and time consuming for the patient and this is where alcohol addiction help center plays an important role. So while deciding whether the alcohol obsession help centre is good or not, try to discover if it has good post detox care facilities or not.

Also keep it in mind that alcohol addiction help centers are not covered under health care insurance, so you need to establish before hand how much your complete treatment is going to cost.
A psychiatrist plays a particularly crucial role in an alcohol obsession help centre. A psychiatrist helps the patient in dealing with the Problems associated by conducting analysis sessions. If the psychiatrist is over worked and you are given counseling sessions in groups, better find a better alcohol addiction help centre, where one to one counseling is given by the psychiatrist.

After You Get Alcohol Addiction Help To Dry Out, You Must Still Avoid Relapsing

And to reach that stage, an alcohol rehab centre plays a very critical role, so consider above discussed points before you or someone you know checks into an alcohol dependence help centre.

Please enlist friends who can help you who are not drinkers. You want people to spend time with you to help you avoid the temptation to go back to drinking. For many people, drinking is habitual – you do it at parties, when you’re alone by yourself, or when you meet friends at a sports bar. To avoid relapsing, you’ll have to avoid a lot of other stuff you used to consider fun. Try building some new healthy behaviors, like going to the gym in the evening. Watch sports on TV with your sober friends and eat cookies and nachos. You may have to be creative, but making the shift is worth it.

1) Alcohol Detox Programs – Choosing an alcohol detox program that is comfortable, safe, and affordable.

2) Quit Drinking Stories – Information on how and why you must quit drinking to create a healthier, happier life – starting now!

A drug and alcohol rehabilitation centre can be the perfect position to deter from the detrimental way of life that is being escort. It is necessary that cautious preparation of that drug or alcohol accumulation management agenda is preferred though.

Some California drug and alcohol rehabs bring in the error of marginalizing the detox process.
As should perhaps go without saying, cant realistically wish to facilitate the patients get healed.
Substance abuse treatment can only work if its done right, and drug and alcohol detox are instrumental in any substance abuse treatment program.
The exclusive rehabilitation programs we offer to the patients have a proven track record of success.
For the sake of the people that care about find the courage to bring in the apt choice.
Start making tomorrow a thing worth waking up for.
Drug treatment at Sunset Malibu is special for two reasons.
The exclusive Sunset Malibu rehab treatment program will be overseen by an experienced staff of veteran caregivers, all whom are foremost information in the respective fields.

Alcohol Abuse and Alcohol Rehab is filed under alcohol rehab.

The Susan B Anthony RecoveryCenter, Inc. (SBARC) was founded in 1995 in Fort Lauderdale, Florida to provide critical services to at-risk families involved in substance addiction. Since its inception, the Center has helped bring 700+ families back together and provided the intensive services needed to STOP THE CYCLE of family dysfunction and substance addiction. SBARC addresses the special issues that women face while in recovery from the disease of substance addiction and/or homelessness while keeping the family intact.

The services are provided in Broward County, Florida but serve families from around the State. The goal is to keep the family together while giving the moms the skills they need to become productive members of our community and role models for the children.

The Susan B. Anthony Recovery Center began as a vision of the Junior League of Greater Fort Lauderdale to address the critical need for residential treatment services for families involved in substance addiction and in the child welfare system. The League provided the seed money, hired our Founding Executive Director, Marsha L. Currant in February 1995, and created a separate 501(c)3 and community board. In September 1995, the first house opened with five women and six children in residence. The program has grown over the years in response to the need in the community and we currently have the capacity to serve sixty-four (64) families.

Our staff is highly trained and experienced in working with the families we serve. Our staff is composed of: (1) Licensed Clinical Psychologist and seven (7) masters’ level therapists. Additionally, many therapists hold specific licensures. Our Executive Director has a Master’s degree in Social Work and has worked in this field for over thirty (30) years. We have developed a network of collaborative partners that complement our services to provide a high quality cost effective seamless service delivery system.

A drug and alcohol rehabilitation centre can be the perfect position to deter from the detrimental way of life that is being escort. It is necessary that cautious preparation of that drug or alcohol accumulation management agenda is preferred though.

Some California drug and alcohol rehabs bring in the error of marginalizing the detox process. As should perhaps go without saying, cant realistically wish to facilitate the patients get healed. Substance abuse treatment can only work if its done right, and drug and alcohol detox are instrumental in any substance abuse treatment program. The exclusive rehabilitation programs we offer to the patients have a proven track record of success.
For the sake of the people that care about find the courage to bring in the apt choice.

Instruction For the First Visit To An Alcohol Rehabilitation Center is filed under alcohol rehab.

Modern-day studies have shown that addiction is not necessarily a wanted condition, or something that can be controlled. While there are some addicts who believe that their substance of choice makes them stronger or able to cope with their lives, others recognize that they are trapped in an unhealthy or dangerous situation that they are not sure how to get out of. The truth is that addiction is not always a want, but a dependence of the mind and body on a substance. It is because of the toll that this dependence takes on an addicts mind and body that many have become skeptical and even fearful of rehabilitation.

There are several myths that surround drug or alcohol rehab. To start, some believe that the process of recovery will be physically painful. In some ways, the initial phase of recovery can be when substance withdrawal is not properly dealt with. However, there are methods and medications that can help to ease many of the withdrawal symptoms that an addict may experience. Most rehab and detox centers are able to prescribe these types of medications to counteract withdrawal, supplement the diet and make the process of recovery less stressful and painful.

Another myth surrounding rehabilitation is that an addict will eventually fall into a relapse of their addiction. Many times, a relapse occurs because the total addiction is not treated. It is not enough simply to treat physical ailments and symptoms. Often times the reason a person turns to an illegal substance or abuses alcohol is because of severe emotional trauma, low self-esteem, lack of guidance or emotional support, financial strain or other conditions such as Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Therefore, it is important that psychological exams be given to get assess why and how the addiction began. Then these underlying issues must be treated in addition to the physical symptoms in order to prevent future relapses. It is also important to ensure that those in recovery have ample resources for support and assistance in finding housing and work to avoid future financial stress that might lead to a relapse of the addiction. The treatment given must, in short, span a full 360 degrees to be most effective.

A final common myth is that drug or alcohol rehabilitation is too expensive for the addict to handle. There are several rehab and detox centers which offer financing and other payment options that help to ease the financial burden of rehabilitation. Some rehab and detox centers offer loans and accept insurance or medicaid to assist with costs as well. And last but not least, family members or close friends who want the best for their loved ones may also be willing to offer financial support for rehabilitation. Some rehab and detox centers have special programs for family members or friends wishing to get help for a loved one who is suffering from an addiction. And with the abundance of work assistance programs, it is easier than ever to find work to help yourself or a loved one move forward in the recovery process.

Recovery from alcohol or drug addiction does not have to be painful, stressful, embarrassing or extremely expensive. One only has to know where to look to get the help they need. If you are considering going into rehab yourself, or are considering getting help for a loved one, remember to look for facilities that treat the entire addiction, not just the physical symptoms. Also remember that while recovery will not be a quick or easy process, making the commitment and going all the way will likely be one of the best decisions of one’s life.

Why drug rehab?

Drug addiction is a major problem in America today. Did you know that 60% of the world’s illegal drug market is in the U.S.A. alone? Our society has come to rely on quick fixes and feel goods to deal with the overwhelming problems we face today. Addiction has taken its toll. Did you know that the Annual cost of Federal entitlement programs alone due to alcohol & illegal drug abuse is $31 billion!

Drug rehab is an umbrella term for the processes of medical and/or psycho therapeutic treatment, for dependency on psychoactive substances such as alcohol, prescription drugs, and so-called street drugs such as cocaine, heroin or amphetamines. Drug rehabs have been around in one form or another for quite some time. Over the years, drug rehab facilities have changed and evolved into what we have available today. Their are several thousand drug rehab centers in the U.S.A. alone. This is due to the growing number of addicts every year.

The main focus of a drug rehab is to enable the patient to cease substance abuse, in order to avoid the psychological, legal, financial, social, and physical consequences that can be caused, especially by extreme abuse. This is not an easy task. Many times there are many layers of denial, self justification, rationalization and manipulation that must first be broken down. Most drug rehab have several main elements to there program. Here are a few to consider when looking for a drug rehab center: Psychological counseling, psychiatry and pharmacotherapy, group therapy, individualized treatment planning, relapse prevention, after care and follow up.

Successful outcomes in treatment depend partly on the above information, but also on the clients willingness and readiness to change. Recovery from addiction requires more than simply not using or drinking, it requires life changes. This is where drug rehabs are most important. They help clients to understand this with sufficient force, and help them to develop a support system through family, friends and recovering communities.

If you would like to read more on drug rehabs, please follow the link below. Recovery is a gift that we can all have. The disease of addiction can be treated!!

www.oasistropical1.com

What is addiction?

Addiction is a progressive, chronic, primary, relapsing disorder that involves features such as compulsion to use a chemical(s) or indulge in a behavior, loss of control over the use of a substance(s) or behavior, and continued use or acting out in spite of negetive or adverse consequences. It is the state of being where it becomes impossible to survive and get mental peace until ones needs are fulfilled in regards to whatever the addiction is for.

The word addiction is generally linked to drugs and alcoholism, which is very true also but it’s not only that. There are many kinds of addiction, which are very common these days: computer addiction, games addiction, gambling addiction, over eating problems, sex addiction, etc.

A disease?

Many people do not think addiction is a disease. Some say it is simply a moral problem, or weakness. Addiction is NOT a moral problem or a weakness. To better understand addiction as a disease, we must first examine what a disease is.

Definition of a disease: A definate morbid process having a charachteristic trait of symptoms, it may affect the whole body or any of its parts. And it etiology, pathology, and prognosis may be known or unknowns. E.M. Jellinek in the late 1940’s had found that alcoholism had a charachteristic set of signs and symptoms, and it has a definate and progressive course. We like to think of this as the stages of addiction. They are as followed:

Pre stage: Relief-fun

Early stage: Start using more, forgetting, start to sneak use, begin to feel guilt about using, dont communicate about it, and increased tolerace begins.

Mid stage: The addict starts to experience a loss of control over use, probably mild at this point. Mild enough to rationalize the use or behavior. The addict can show signs of aggressiveness, grandiose behaviors, and remorse. The addicted person will change friends and begin to lower there standards of friendship in order to continue use or behavior.

Late stage: There will be a significant change in values at this point, the deeper into the addiction one gets the less important values become. The addict will neglect health and usualy end up in hospital or detox clinics frequently. The addict is saturated with self pitty and resentment, and tries to escape reality as often as possible.

Final stage: At this stage the addict has lost all control of there use or behavior. All areas of life become affected negetively and are unmanageable. The addict will experience tremors, hallucinations, frequent blackouts, psychosis, irritability, confusion, ethical deteriotion, physical and emotional shutdown, insanity and if intervention is not done death.

At any of these stages addiction can be treated and arrested. Physical dependence can occure with drug and alcohol addiction. Physical dependence occurs when the cells in the body become accustomed to the drug and begin to adapt to the presence of that drug. Once this has happened, the body appears to be in balance only when the drug is present. Physical dependence must be treated by a qualified medical staff or center, as withdraw symptoms can be dangerous if not properly managed.

In conclusion, addiction is a serious disease. One that involves genetics, environment, social factors, biology, and psychology. Addiction is treatable and many have found relief. The first step is to admit there is a problem and ask for the nessesary help.

Visit Tropical Oasis online at: www.oasistropical1.com

Tropical Oasis alcoholism treatment, drug rehab, and addiction recovery center is located in beautiful Costa Rica on the central pacific coast. We are dedicated to helping addicts and alcoholics recover from the devastating effects of addiction and reunite with family and loved ones. Fully equiped with a drug detox, our private rehab program is aimed at fully servicivng clients in a mind, body, spirit approach.

We know that each client is an individual and our treatment plans are tailored to address each persons specific needs. Most drug rehabs are missing a very important element in there programs, that is the personalization of each client who walks through the door. Our drug rehab program is not a “cookie cutter” approach that seems to be widespread in the treatment industry. Tropical Oasis alcoholism treatment, drug rehab, and addiction recovery center is a small 10 bed facility, focusing our time and energy in the recovery of our clients. Our Tropical Oasis drug rehab is a privately owned center and our program is completely confidential.

Our drug and alcohol treatment program is based in a holistic approach taking into consideration the mental, emotional, biological, social and spiritual aspects of this disease. For this reason we utilize the bio-psycho-social treatment model, following Hazeldens Living in Balance program Moving from a life of addiction to a life of recovery.

We have nationally and internationally licensed and certified staff. Tropical Oasis is an accredited drug rehab nationally by the Instituto de Alcoholismo y Farmacodependencia (IAFA) and by the Ministerio de Salud. Our alcohol rehab center offers many activities such as yoga, massage, and outdoor activities. We have many of the amenities you will find at home including laundry service, wireless internet, beautiful premises, Costa Rican style food included as part of your treatment.

Visit our website at: www.oasistropical1.com

Call now for more information: 866-921-3778

With all the new detox diet fads hitting the street, bookstores, and television infomercial venues, there might be a lot of hoopla regarding whether or not using a natural detox diet to remove toxins and poisons from your body is a good idea. On the surface they sound inviting though; eating pure and natural foods instead of processed and refined ones seems like such a no brainer.

                Although there is something worth looking into regarding this new idea, there seems to be more than what is on the surface. After all, there’s a huge amount of information out there from numerous celebrities, doctors, and gurus claiming they have the best detox diet program. They can’t all be right, or can they?

                The increase in interest has been fueled by the notion of a lifestyle enhancement – to just clean out the poisons and toxins so you can start all over with a fresher, healthier, and newer you.

                In fact, it is pretty much what going to an alcohol detox and alcohol rehab is all about. A lot of active alcoholics want to stop but the painful withdrawal symptoms, and their addiction, prevent them from doing so safely and on their own. So, checking into an inpatient alcohol detox can give the alcoholic the break he feels his body needs. It will also help with the withdrawal symptoms because in many of those inpatient cases a medical staff is on board to help alleviate the dangerous symptoms that can drive an addict back to drinking or even death to escape the pain.

                Following up to this type of program is about spending time in an inpatient or outpatient alcohol rehab program. In just about all cases it is imperative that the alcoholic goes through an alcohol detox program before being considered or allowed to enter an alcohol rehab program or facility.

                However the alcoholic or dieter wants to go about a detox, they should understand there are risks involved and consulting a doctor or physician before entering a program like this is highly suggested.

                There’s no sense in going it alone.   

This is a place for all those who have or are suffering from alcohol abuse or alcoholism. This is a safe place to share and to learn from one another. There are no judgements and you can come sober, drunk or however you feel. You can express your feelings in safety and may also share anything you see fit. The only thing I ask is that you remain non-judgemental toward others and that you only use or give as much information as you are comfortable with.

If you are experiencing despair, depression or negative life effects from your alcohol use then this site is for you. I am with you as I am one of you so I understand you. AA did not work for me nor did any self-control. I did find my own type of solution and I have shared it with others. I will continue to do this but I do not endorse any one form or manner of achieving your desired results.

This site is not AA or any group. It is not affiliated with any group. This is my personal blog. I will tell you my journey, my struggles and my findings. In return I want people to find a place to feel free to post and share and never feel alone no matter how deep in the throws of alcohol abuse/addiction they may be. This is not my sites, this is our site. I was not alone when I started to share and learned to dig deep into the depths of my addiction to alcohol and slowly climb out and I do not require or expect perfection from myself or others. I would lie if I said there still were not rough patches, that is why I do not believe or endorse traditional treatment for alcohol abuse. I have found a way to moderate and help myself to control my drinking and I will share this with all of you

The greatest experience I have had was sharing on a forum that was able to allow me to share my pain while I was still drinking excessively and not be judged. I still may have days where I will do that on this forum.

NOBODY chanted mantras of “you’re not working your programme” or the likes at me.. There were no judgements and in turn I passed no judgements on others. When I had a good day I shared with others how, when I had a bad day they helped me. Everyone who comes to this site will likely have encountered and endured the worst days and the feelings of despair, isolation and hoplessness. For purposes of this group I will continue to use my name that I first used at the forum that has sparked me to start this site; Formerly Hopeless. When I first went there I simply went by Hopeless

Today I want to welcome you all, hopefully many of you will remember me and will have followed me to my forum from our original “chat” group. I missed many of you. For those of you who have found this new please understand, we were a simple group of alcohol abusers who each shared almost daily but then the site had some issues and it was hard to post. There were also “agendas” on the site to sell certain products. I do not endorse any one way of getting yourself in control, whether you choose complete sobreity, harm reduction or like me attempts to moderate. I will simply share what I do and have done and hopefully through this and your own sharing we can help each other and others.

An often overlooked aspect of addiction recovery is the family and community that have been affected as a result of the addict’s behavior. However the case, family and friends should accept they are part of the solution and not part of the problem.

                Statistics have shown that a large majority of the population knows someone, family or friend, who actively still suffers from alcoholism or drug addiction or has entered an alcohol detox or alcohol rehab. Those who are close understand it is difficult to cope with someone who abuses or who is dependent upon alcohol. It can literally destroy your life if you allow it to do so.

                However, once the choice has been made, via interventions or otherwise, for the addict to enter an alcohol detox or alcohol rehab, you can be an important part of their recovery. A few things to consider are the following:

·         Not keeping liquor in the house. If you drink and keep liquor around it could make it more difficult to help your loved one stay sober.

·         Start the relationship from scratch. Over time you have gotten to know the addict and how he or she behaves. Most of the time when the addict comes back from an alcohol detox and alcohol rehab their behavior and personality is different. Which, of course, is natural, so give it some time and start a new!

·         Set up a relapse plan. Help your loved one figure out the best course of action to take if a relapse does occur. It’s important to understand, as the addict has probably learned already, that relapses can happen and it doesn’t mean to throw in the towel.

·         Be positive. If you can, create a positive environment and sincerely compliment the person on how they are doing in their recovery. Ask questions about how recovery is going. You do have a right to know but, be sure to not overdo it…in could come across as disingenuous.

                Please understand that you are part of this recovery process as much as you want to be. Know that you have someone who has the disease of alcoholism in your house. Be gentle, be kind, and know there is success now and down the road if you work together.

Although an alcoholic has a lot to consider, admitting there is a problem, how to stop using, whether to go to an alcohol rehab, and also how to learn to live again, there’s another side effect a lot of people don’t stop to consider for a while, and it’s not really a surprise. The focus has been on the alcoholic for so long that other peoples’ feeling haven’t been considered. We sometimes tell ourselves that as long as the alcoholic is getting help then our anger and resentments will just slip away. Not so!

                Even the most supportive families can turn on one another as the disease of alcoholism takes hold, creating anger with each other as well as toward the alcoholic. This will happen even after the person has entered an alcohol detox center.

                Talking openly with family and friends regarding drinking and recovery will certainly help alleviate a lot unknown fears. One of the big things an alcoholic in recovery can do is to assure their family and friends that they did not cause the problem. They can, however, help out with your recovery. An alcohol detox and alcohol rehab center can offer counseling for families to work on issues that might arise at home. It will also be important to let family and friends know, as soon as you do, about what a relapse is, what might cause one, and what to do if it does happen. Of course they can help you prevent one as well.

                Living with an alcoholic is rough, so covering up the person’s drinking, making excuses, or even trying to control their drinking will only create a higher level of stress and resentment. Asking yourself what the best route to follow, and being totally honest about it, will do family and friends a world of good. Thinking about a plan of action on what you will do if the alcoholic continues and then following through will be extremely helpful. Empty threats and promises to an active alcoholic are as empty as their threats and promises to you. Either way, the relationship will become more and more strained, and maybe one day irreparably damaged.

                If money problems are occurring due to alcohol use, then say so, and if you need to, separate your finances, cancel credit cards, but be prepared to do this. Although it might create hostility, they will probably thank you once coming out an alcohol rehab. In most cases, once their head is clearer, they can see where the drinking has brought them.

                It’s a tough road, but with honesty and love the road can be paved smooth again.

My hat goes off, and my heart goes out, to anyone who can admit they are powerless over alcohol and their life has become unmanageable. It’s the first step in the twelve step recovery process of Alcoholics Anonymous. So many people struggle with this one because it’s beyond their comprehension for one reason or the other. In some cases it can be that friends around them drink heavily and they don’t have the problem, or if the addict had eaten more food before hitting the bar they wouldn’t have gotten drunk, or even if they hadn’t mixed hard liquor with beer the result would have been different. The list could go on and on.

                All three of those examples are good ones because these things can happen to a person who isn’t an alcoholic. People make mistakes, they misjudge a situation, but they also learn from those mistakes and change the behavior. An addict just doesn’t, he just finds different excuses, or tells the same stories to different groups of friends. Most friends get it from the start though. Their friend is in need of a good alcohol detox and alcohol rehab.

                Of course there are others out there that just get it right from the get go. They know there is a problem, they’ve made excuses and have tried different ways to drink. Although they may be slow at putting two and two together, they are sometimes pointed in the right direction and clarity strikes. Being an alcoholic makes sense of all the craziness.

                What makes an addict hold back on an alcohol detox and alcohol rehab as opposed to just making it happen from the get go? Well, no one can be truly sure. Sometimes it can be an environmental situation. Maybe they already have alcoholism in their family, so the signs aren’t as, if you’ll pardon the pun, blurry.

Whatever the reason though, it’s important to get help from an alcohol detox and alcohol rehab. Admitting you are powerless is not the end of the world. Actually, it’s a choice to a better life, a better you!

Alcohol Stats and Effects -When alcohol is consumed in moderation it ’s effects on the body can be minimal. Many doctors even claim a glass of red wine can do a body good. But alcohol is addictive and for an alcoholic one glass of wine can lead to disaster.  Many people enjoy the a little buzz and feel it helps them relax for a while.  But when a person is alcohol dependent it can cause long term health issues.  And if they participate in reckless behavior while under the influence it can create life altering consequences.

You do not have to be alcohol dependent to make poor choices while drinking.  Many women are raped while under the influence of alcohol because they are not as clear minded as when sober. 41 percent of fatal car crashes involve alcohol. 

Alcohol abuse statistics show, women are less likely to abuse alcohol, or become alcohol dependent as men. 8.5 percent of American adults either abuse alcohol or are alcohol dependent. Alcohol abuse is more prevalent among:

1. Native Americans (5.75 %) 
2. Whites (5.10 %) 
3. Hispanics (3.90 % 
4. Blacks (3.29 %t) 
5. Asians (2.13 %)

Long term health effects of alcohol abuse include damage to the brain, heart, lungs, kidneys and liver.  Heavy alcohol use is one of the risk factors associated with cancer. Depression and anxiety are also linked to alcohol abuse and dependency.

Even though fewer women abuse alcohol than men, they feel the effects of alcohol abuse or dependency more strongly. Damage to the body’s organs happens earlier in women than in men. The progression of alcoholism is faster in women than in men.

Consequences of alcohol abuse and dependency are very serious. It affects families and friends, and even strangers. The health effects, mental health problems and other consequences, related to alcohol abuse cost about $185 billion each year.

There are many great drug and alcohol rehabs that treat alcohol dependency. If you or a loved one are struggling with alcohol dependency seek help now.

Checking in and out of an alcohol detox or alcohol rehab numerous times can lead to the question: Does the person have poor self-control or is the facility coming up short on their treatment plan?

                In order to really answer that question it is important to have an understanding, general or otherwise, on how addiction works.

                In today’s medical world, it’s agreed that addiction is a disease of the brain that corresponds to the genetic makeup of the person, and in addition there is a behavioral component. Currently, there isn’t a cure via medicine or an operation, but instead the only treatment available is a lifetime commitment to change behaviors. Although, it may sound easy, it isn’t. Relapses are common but are not a reason to give up on someone, or yourself. Hopefully, the recovering addict can learn what actions, or trigger points, led them back to substance abuse, and maybe next time they can seek help before using again.

                Statistics have shown that attending an alcohol detox and alcohol rehab treatment plan the chances for staying sober at least up to a year after are in the range of 50%. That’s great news. In addition to that news, the stats have shown that most of those going through a treatment program understand a relapse can happen. They are not surprised when it happens overall, but they learn not to turn in on themselves if it does. The same studies have shown that there is a direct correlation to long-term success with the length and intensity of treatment and a frequency to either group therapy and/or the high frequency attendance levels to Alcoholics Anonymous meetings.

                Getting the help you deserve is important. No matter how you feel about yourself and no matter what occurs, there are people out there to help. You can learn from them and from yourself.

Whether you’re a celebrity in a high end, posh, spa-type alcohol detox and alcohol rehab, or the average Joe off the street entering a functional facility, addiction treatment goes through a number of steps. A good detox and rehab will supply the following for recovery treatment:

·         Detoxification Treatment: Checking into a drug and alcohol detox for a few days is always recommended. Depending up the severity and length of abuse, some addicts will need to cope with withdrawal symptoms including tremors and depression, while others will need to deal with crises that might have brought them to treatment; legal and domestic issues usually top the list. If the overall drug and alcohol rehab program is outpatient, a number of facilities do require the drug and alcohol detox to be inpatient.

·         Many addicts suffer from sleep disorders, bipolar, anxiety and other types of psychiatric problems, while others have suffered through traumatic life experiences, such as war, incest, and events like that. The most important component to rehab is to diagnosis the history of the addict and then point the rehabilitation program in the correct direction.

·         The correct therapy program that deals with life situations will help identify triggers to substance abuse. Triggers are those points, memories or associations that influence the addict to use drugs or alcohol. It’s important at this point to find alternative release avenues instead of the destructive path they’ve chosen in the past.

·         Most alcohol detox and alcohol rehab programs understand the addict is not alone. They are sure to invite family members to help heal relationships and to assure a social supportive network from this point forward.

·         Many centers encourage the ’90 Meetings in 90 days’ mantra for all of their patients. Depending on the addict, the meetings, of course, are Alcoholics Anonymous or Narcotics Anonymous gatherings. Sometimes it is a combination of both. In some cases there are forms of group therapy that can last for a year or more.

Before entering any drug and alcohol detox and rehab do the home work and be sure that these minimum standards are met. Otherwise you might just be attending a spa!

A disturbing trend in the news today is the continued reports of celebrities; actors, singers, and politicians checking themselves into a drug and alcohol detox and/or a drug and alcohol rehab. Although my first instinct is to always feel sorry that alcoholism or drug addiction has taken over their lives, I sometimes wonder if an alcohol detox and alcohol rehab are just there as a perceived quick fix.

                Maybe they’ve done or said something that is seen by the public as being not politically correct or scandalous so they check out while checking in to rehab. It sometimes seems that by checking into an alcohol detox or alcohol rehab, they feel it excuses their bad behavior and all should be forgiven. At least that’s the public relations spin I think is being played out. Of course I could just be jaded from the onslaught of celebs hitting rehab. To me it comes across as insincere because the exclusive facility has a full spa and ocean views.

                Now, don’t get me wrong, I’m always hopeful that some celebrities are seriously trying to stop the patterns of their addictive behavior, and for those I am truly impressed. They understand what’s on the line and not just going off to rehab for a vacation away from the spotlight – as cameras are not allowed in an alcohol detox or an alcohol rehab.

                For the rest of us, those who are hoping to find answers and the path to a new life, pay the price. Because of rehab abuse by a number of addicts, insurance companies rarely cover this type of program now-a-days, and since a thirty-day stay in an alcohol detox and rehab is somewhat costly, most Americans cannot afford the help they seek. It would appear only the rich and famous can afford ‘help.’

                An effective, and less expensive, treatment for a lot of addicts is an outpatient treatment program, but there are no guarantees of successful treatment. Success truly depends on the person’s drive and goal to remain clean and sober.

                So, regardless of the marble bathroom, the daily massage and steam, or the horse rides though the country, success is a matter left up to the individual.

I’m continuing on with what I consider one of my important blogs of recent past. It’s not that I’m an egomaniac of any sort it’s just that when I blog about kids of alcoholics it’s a matter a bit closer to my heart, something I can surely identify with. As I’ve mentioned the children of alcoholics suffer a great deal; confusion, anger, and imagined personal responsibility are three areas I’ve covered, but it doesn’t end there.

                The process of healing for all involved can begin when the alcoholic parent decides to enter an alcohol detox and alcohol rehab. Addiction recovery takes up a lot of your time, and will for quite some time thereafter, so asking your children to participate, or help out in some way will be a necessity for them and you. The time spent around an alcohol detox and alcohol rehab recovery program can place a tremendous amount of pressure on the spouse or significant other, so asking them to pitch in around the house while you are attending counseling or in treatment is a great start. Let them know you need some help and this is great way to do just that. You’d be surprised at how often children will help out in this area. It’s something constructive and healthy, and it will make them feel like an active part of the parent’s recovery.

                And lastly, and I don’t mean that like there’s nothing more to have to deal with down the road, talk to your children about drugs and alcohol. Just take as much time as you possibly can to discuss the dangers of abuse. There are a number of pamphlets you can leave with them. Be sure to digest the information first and then use the pamphlets as back up, or even as something to reinforce any questions they may have. In addition, explain that although you haven’t been the best role model in the past you are going to an alcohol detox and alcohol rehab to get better.

You still have a great opportunity ahead of you and you can be an active part of their lives as you all get older.

As I began in my blog of yesterday, I think it is important to not only focus on the recovery of the alcoholic. Sometimes people forget about the damage done to the family of the addict as well, primarily the children.

                After reassuring the child that it is not their fault the parent drinks and is going to an alcohol detox and alcohol rehab, it’s important to focus on how they are feeling in other terms. A majority of the time a child will experience both shame and anger about the addicted parent. This is perfectly natural in a stressful situation such as this.

                Ask them to try hard not to be ashamed or embarrassed. It would be good to explain that alcoholism is a disease, an illness, and it needs to be treated just like any other sickness. Sending the addicted parent to an alcohol detox and alcohol rehab is the ‘medicine’ they need to make themselves better. It is the first step in their recovery.

                As with most children, anger is a big emotion related to an active parental alcoholic. Anger at the chaos and the disappointment that their parent struggles with this illness can lead to a great deal of frustration, so taking the time to explain their anger is completely normal will help them feel a bit more secure, not so confused. Allow them to express their feelings in a safe environment and assure them that what they say will be heard and not held against them later. This is important to their development and acceptance of this issue.

                If they are not feeling one-hundred percent comfortable, or are having some difficulty expressing their feelings, set them up with Alateen. Alateen is a support group where they can find other children just like themselves. It’s a great place that offers hope and strength for family and friends of problem drinkers. Al-anon runs along the same lines but is set up to help older family members, offering the same hope and strength.

                Having a parent head off to an alcohol detox and alcohol rehab away from home for any length of time is scary and can create an unlimited amount of emotions. Staying in touch, speaking honestly and openly among family members will help all of you cope with your feelings.

Although alcoholism primarily affects the addict, creating numerous physical, social, and psychological problems, there are other people who are affected as well. Sometimes the family, if the alcoholic has one, is overlooked. However, any good alcohol detox and alcohol rehab will surely work to include a recovery program surrounding the needs of the family, especially the children.

                When an alcoholic parent is actively in his or her disease, the attention tends to go in their direction. There seems to be a self-centeredness associated with alcoholism that is a common thread throughout. The family walks around on proverbial eggshells wondering if dad or mom is going to come home drunk and angry, or drunk, happy, and then quickly turning angry, or even coming home at all. It creates an enormous amount of stress on the family of the alcoholic.

                However, once the addict decides to get help it is important to talk openly and honestly about the parent going to an alcohol detox and alcohol rehab facility. Of course it may seem a bit uncomfortable to speak to a child about such a heavy issue, but sometimes the more they know the better they will be in the long run. Sharing age appropriate details and offering positive hope are both keys to good development and understanding. This will offer some security, which is what the child truly needs.

                Over the course of the next few blogs, I am hoping to lay out a nice structured plan to talk to your children about either your recovery or the recovery of your spouse.

                I think the most important topic to cover in this case is to let the child know it is not his or her fault; they are not to blame. Blaming themselves is normal. It’s an instant reaction. Sometimes they’ll wonder if they ‘just do this,’ or ‘they just do that’ it will make things better at home this time. It can be confusing for their young minds because nothing seems to work, there’s no consistency. Explain to the child that alcohol for the parent interferes with his or her perception of reality, and that while the parent is drinking it is difficult for them to make good decisions. It is also important to let them know that not everyone who drinks alcohol is like that.

                 This is a great first step. Always come back to how it is not their fault mom or dad has to go to an alcohol detox and alcohol rehab. Safety and security are two needs any child has, so assuring them they have done nothing wrong is the way to go.

As it is with any alcoholic, the goal of treatment is abstinence. Statistics show that approximately 50% to 60% of those in otherwise good health, who have social support, and motivation, find themselves remaining free of alcohol by year’s end and a majority of those stay dry for many years after, and some even a lifetime. For those with poor health – physical or otherwise, and poor motivation and social support tend to relapse immediately, or within the first few years. Either way, an alcohol rehab facility or program is highly encourage.

                Alcoholics are susceptible to dependency and prone to relapse, so the key to recovery is total abstinence. Typically this takes more of a wider and more encompassing approach like; education programs, group therapy, family involvement, and participation in groups such as Alcoholics Anonymous.

                The first thing, conventionally speaking, is that an alcoholic needs to find acceptance that a problem even exist, and then he or she needs to agree that stopping drinking is probably the best thing. There must be motivation for the long haul and not just for a few days. There are two stages of treatment; a detoxification, which is discontinuing alcohol, and the recovery period, which is alcohol rehab.

                The most crucial part of recovery for any alcoholic is abstinence, and there are ways to learn to live without the alcohol. It’s important that you:

·         Avoid people, places, and things that make you want to drink,

·         Find a new group of friends – possibly non-drinking friends,

·         Join self-help groups – preferably more than once a week,

·         Discover positive replacements to the times you spent drinking – new hobby or volunteer work, and

·         Get fit – discuss a physical exercise regimen with your doctor because exercise releases chemicals into the brain that provide a ‘natural high.’

Setting up an alcohol rehab program is essential to your success, and sticking to the plan on a daily basis will ensure a happier and more productive life.

People have been consuming alcohol for centuries.  It wasn’t until 1849 the term “alcoholism” was used to describe the adverse effects alcohol can have.  Nearly 100 years later, in 1935, when Alcoholics Anonymous was founded the terms “alcoholic” and “alcoholism” became more popular.  Both of these words often take on very negative connotations.  The definition of alcoholism/alcoholic varies even amongst the medical and psychological fields.  But, most definitions agree, in one way or another, that there is a problem with alcohol when it starts to negatively effect your life and the lives of those around you.   There are a number of self assessment tests available online that can assist you in knowing what questions you may want to be asking yourself if you think alcohol has become a problem in your life. 

Problems with alcohol are typically broken down into 3 categories:

Alcohol use disorders which are used to describe someone who tends to drink a little more than “normal”.  I realize what is normal for some may different for others but most people consider anything more than one or two drinks to be excessive.  One drink is measured by:

Someone who consumes two or more a day, often binge drinks, or drinks two or more alone on a regular basis may be considered in this category.

Alcohol Abuse is someone who goes beyond a few drinks a day, or often drinks several alone, may show signs of depression, may have an increased interest in alcohol.  Alcohol abuse does not usually entail physical dependency and may have very mild withdrawal symptoms.

Alcohol Dependency goes beyond the realm of alcohol abuse into physical dependency, making it difficult to physically function through a day without alcohol.  Most people that are dependent on alcohol will avoid activities and often falter on responsibilities.  Many alcohol dependent people will suffer some form of depression. Many people are aware of when they become dependent on alcohol, this may not mean they seek treatment or talk about it, but they know they need it and without it they will most likely go through withdrawal symptoms.

Health wise whether someone is a binge drinker, drinks 2 or more drinks a day, abuses alcohol, or is alcohol dependent they are putting themselves at risk for serious physical and mental problems. 

I came across this wise quote:  ”A problem drinker will change his/her behavior to meet their goals and an alcoholic drinker will change his/her goals to meet their behavior.”

Almost every drug/alcohol rehab program is equipped and trained to treat people with a problem with alcohol.   If you or a loved one is suffering from problems with alcohol seek help now.