Category: Australia

Rehab Abroad – The Foundation For Long Term Recovery

Articles, Australia, International

Rehab abroad for those with alcohol or drug dependence issues is becoming ever more popular. Here are just 5 reasons why:

Out of your normal environment:

Many addicts find that their current environment plays a big part in maintaining and fueling their addiction.

They are in a routine, and that routine involves easy access to their drink or drug of choice, and they are socializing with others who are also subject to similar substance abuse.

This makes it very difficult to avoid temptation even if an addict is trying to come clean with the assistance of their medical practitioner, or as an outpatient at a local rehabilitation centre.

The slightest set-back during such treatment will see the drug addict heading back to their dealer, or an alcoholic reaching for ‘just one more bottle’.

This is not because the addict is weak, it is because their body and mind has built up such a tolerance to their substance of choice that it demands feeding, and if not fed regularly it will let the user know in no uncertain terms in the form of nasty withdrawal symptoms.

The easy option in such circumstances is for the addict to take that well-trodden path back to the readily available source of the substance that first put them in this situation.

Opting for rehab abroad takes an addict out of their normal environment and into a fresh, idyllic setting which is completely geared to putting them at ease in completely new surroundings.

Gone is the easy option of nipping back to their dealer or favourite watering hole.

Gone is the chance of bumping into those you socialize with who share your interest in drugs or alcohol.

Gone is the immediate humdrum existence that many addicts feel contributes heavily to fueling their addiction.

Waiting lists – What waiting lists?

It is a well-known fact that rehabilitation services and inpatient rehab clinics in your home country are struggling under the weight of over-subscription.

Put simply, the amount of people dependent or addicted to drugs and alcohol far outweighs what such establishments can cope with.

The result of this is that when an addict finally admits to themselves that they must seek assistance with their drink or drug issues, they suffer an immediate set-back.

This set-back is that upon contacting in-country inpatient rehabilitation centres, they are told that no immediate assistance can be given, but they can be placed on a waiting list.

Such waiting lists to a drug addict or alcoholic are akin to saying “Don’t stop just yet, you have another xx months before any inpatient treatment can be given”

The longer such treatment is delayed the deeper the addiction will become, and in many cases the less likely an addict is to wait for this much needed treatment.

This is not the case when you opt for rehab abroad. These establishments are not under the same pressure or constraints as in-country rehabilitation centres.

They do not carry the same burden of oversubscription, and in many cases will be able to accept clients within a couple of weeks from first contact.

Such timing is crucial for an addict or alcoholic. If they have taken the brave step and decided it is time to confront their issues, then prompt attention is of the utmost importance.

Professional, committed staff:

The staff at overseas rehab establishments are fully qualified and committed to helping those with addiction issues in the same manner as your in-country professionals, but with the advantage that constant work-load pressure and oversubscription does not affect them in the same way.

They will offer structured, approved and proven techniques in an idyllic setting. This type of setting is fully conducive to giving an addict the best possible chance of getting clean, and just as importantly, staying clean for the long term future.

Cost:

It is a myth that rehab abroad establishments, or luxury rehab resorts as they are often called, are out of reach in terms of cost for the majority of addicts.

It is very important to understand that such inpatient treatment is nowhere near as expensive as many people assume. Indeed, they are far cheaper than your in-country alternatives.

While this may come as a surprise to many, something else that should also be noted relates to medical insurance policies.

Quality overseas rehabilitation centres are acknowledged as giving valid and approved services that are covered under personal medical policies.

So, if you are an addict, or someone who is trying to help a loved one suffering from addiction problems, please take a long hard look at the services and associated costs of such overseas rehab establishments when considering the best route for inpatient addiction treatment, and where relevant do not forget to contact your medical insurance company to see what inpatient cover is offered.

Aftercare:

This is the last point of five we will touch on, but it is very important to understand that it must never be discounted.

Many professionals and recovering addicts place the importance of aftercare in the recovery process as absolutely crucial to its success.

Well respected luxury rehab resorts will offer a varied and flexible choice of aftercare options for each and every client.

These options will be discussed in full with the recovering addict to see which fits their lifestyle most conveniently.

Once all options are understood the client and their overseas in-patient rehab counsellor will agree which aftercare program is the most appropriate.

From there, necessary arrangements for such care will be put in place before the client leaves the establishment, and just as importantly, regular monitoring of progress will be kept up by both sides.

Rehab abroad:

Taking just these 5 advantages for those seeking assistance with their drug or alcohol issues makes the use of such an establishment an eminently sensible one.

Once further research is undertaken it will become very clear that there are many more benefits to be had.

The bottom line here is: The greater the benefits on offer, the greater your chances are of staying clean for the foreseeable future, and after all, that should be every addict’s ultimate goal.

Inpatient Rehab – The Second Part Of Your Recovery Process

Articles, Australia, Understanding Addiction

Inpatient Rehab should be considered as the 2nd part of a 3-stage recovery process. While many may see this as being the first stage, let’s explain what comes before such treatment:

Stage 1:

As just mentioned, many addicts feel the first stage of addiction recovery is inpatient or outpatient treatment, but the truth is that the first stage is the hardest, and it is a very brave one.

It is that you admit to yourself that you have developed a drink or drugs habit which has gone well beyond your control.

Here are just 3 of the many signs that point to dependence and addiction:

Using more to achieve the same effect:

Regular users of drugs or alcohol will quickly find that their mind and body builds up a tolerance to their preferred drug of choice. Substances that are particularly addictive include Heroin, Alcohol and Cocaine, this includes its cousin; Crack Cocaine.

When such a tolerance increases your brain demands a constant supply of the drug. Trying to ignore or deny this demand will result in withdrawal symptoms that are very unpleasant. Hence without the help of professional rehabilitation services the strong likelihood is that you will be unable to resist the urge to quickly take another ‘hit’.

The problem here is that taking the same amount of the substance as previously taken will not fully meet the ‘pleasurable’ feeling you are searching for, so a larger ‘hit’ is required to achieve the same high, and thus the vicious circle of increased use and dependence continues.

To break this circle time spent at an inpatient rehab establishment will help by tapering your use. This means you will submit to a gradual reduction of the drug over a carefully monitored period.

Diminished social responsibilities:

Your drug of choice becomes all-consuming. Very little else matters in your life but securing enough of the substance to feed your habit.

Household chores are neglected, you will take more time off work by calling in ‘sick’, and social events will be missed or declined as the substance takes over your life.

Just as importantly, although you realise the damage the substance is doing to yourself, your relationships and your loved ones you simply cannot stop.

Attempting to cease use on your own:

Those with an addiction will at varies stages consider stopping use. Such considerations will include the thought that this can be achieved on your own without the assistance of drug rehab services.

Unfortunately this is far more easily said than done. The substance you are using and its effect on your mind and body have no intention of letting go lightly. You will convince yourself that “just one more hit” is needed, and this conviction will, in the vast majority of cases continue time and again.

Take a very brave step:

If such signs, and there are many others, relate to you the first stage of beating your addiction is to admit to yourself that you have a real problem and that you need specialist help. This should be in the form of consultation and inpatient rehab services.

Make no mistake, admitting to yourself and your loved ones that you have a real substance abuse problem is no easy thing, but by being brave and doing so you have taken a vital step to beating your addiction.

Stage 2:

Once you have taken the first step and faced up to the fact that drugs or alcohol are ruining your life you need to push on quickly. Please understand there is no time like the present as far as beating addiction is concerned.

Many addicts choose to seek help from their medical practitioner, and while this is acknowledged as a very sensible approach it has its pitfalls.

These include the fact that you will not be under constant supervision while reducing use, and that you will be living in the same conditions and environment that helped to develop your habit. Such issues are not conducive in helping you stay away from your substance of choice.

A far more positive and focused choice is to avail yourself of inpatient rehab at an approved and professional establishment. It is very important for addicts to understand that these services do not have to be in their home region or country.

Overseas luxury rehab resorts should be strongly considered. These establishments, particularly in South-East Asia have advantages above and beyond what is often offered in your home country.

Such advantages include idyllic settings that are conducive to your recovery, professionally qualified and caring medical and counselling staff who completely understand your addiction issues, structured treatment that takes a 3-pronged approach to assisting you with recovery which incorporates physical, psychological and spiritual sessions during your stay.

One other major benefit is cost. These rehab abroad establishments are far cheaper than similar operations in your home country, they represent excellent value for money, and in many cases medical insurance can assist with such costs.

Stage 3:

While stage 1 and stage 2 are vital to your recovery prospects, it is extremely important that you reach and continue with stage 3 after your stay as an inpatient rehab guest. This is:

Aftercare:

Many addicts overlook the importance of aftercare. While the physical toll substance abuse takes on your body can generally be addressed in a fairly short time scale the psychological effects can take far longer to overcome.

Obviously this depends on the type and amount of substance a user has been abusing. It also depends on the length of time you have been addicted, but in some cases such psychological issues can last for years after an addict has stopped using.

This is why any inpatient rehab stays you undertake must be at establishments that offer flexible and structured aftercare options. Such options will be a joint agreement between the addict and their overseas rehab resort counsellor.

This can take the form of regular Skype contact and monitoring with your overseas counsellor, the use of approved 3rd party aftercare organisations in your own country with regular feedback to you and your counsellor, and re-visits to the luxury rehab resort that will tune up your mind and body.

Such re-visits can be free of charge if the user has maintained the pre-agreed conditions.

Not as easy as A, B, C, but very achievable:

Addiction should not and cannot be sugar-coated. It affects millions of people globally, doing nothing about your addiction will lead to a rapid downward spiral, and trying to kick a habit on your own leaves you with an unnecessary mountain to climb.

But, by following steps 1, 2 and 3 above you are giving yourself the very best chance to overcome your addiction and appreciate what an addiction-free future has to offer.

How To Help Someone Through Drug Addiction

Articles, Australia, International, Understanding Addiction

There is often a negative stigma associated with drug misuse. However, there is help available for those seeking treatment for a drug problem.

Here are some signs to consider if you believe a loved one is using drugs:

Does your friend seem more agitated than he has been in the past? Maybe he is more irritable also. He can seem agitated and irritable for many reasons. Those using drugs are more prone to mood swings when they are using drugs. Drugs can cause depression, especially when the person realizes his using is causing negative consequences in his life; however, he is addicted and cannot stop using. Drug use can also cause anxiety and paranoia among those using them. The individual may also be more agitated because he is not sleeping well due to the drug use. Some other reasons he may be irritable include the withdrawal symptoms he is experiencing, and he may be having trouble obtaining drugs, causing him to become more rigid than normal.

Has your loved one become withdrawn from activities he normally participates in? Typically, drug abusers withdrawal from previous activities to hide their drug use from others, especially the people they are closest to because they are embarrassed about the frequency or amount of drugs they are using. Your friend or relative may also have become more preoccupied with the drug and participating in less social activities than he previously did. They may have also developed a whole new set of friends to do drugs with instead of engaging in other recreational activities as they normally would.

Have you noticed your friend or family member has less money than he did before? He may also have possessions missing that you noticed him having before. Perhaps you have noticed items missing at your house after this particular loved one comes around. Maybe you thought you had more money in your wallet the last time you saw him. Your friend or family member may be spending the majority of his money on drugs, selling his possessions to buy drugs or maybe even stealing your items to have money for drugs.

Is there burnt aluminum foil lying around the house or in the trash can? Perhaps you notice your friend or relative is smoking hand rolled cigarettes or you have noticed syringes at your loved one’s house. These are alarming signs that may point to your friend or family member having a drug abuse problem.

Even if you find out your loved one has a drug problem, it can be difficult for them to become aware, accept and overcome the problem right away. Drug addiction is powerful, and it can be hard to understand if you have not been in her shoes before. Help your friend or relative process the information they are dealing with concerning her drug use. The mindset to get clean is an important factor of the recovery process. An addict usually only sees her life with drugs, so help them understand what life looks like when they choose to be drug free. Give her examples of what it will be like when she gives up her drug use. Commit to being there for her through the entire process and let her know specifically how you will be there for her. As she endeavors to better herself, make sure you are willing to forgive her for past mistakes as well. These ideas will go a long way in helping your friend or relative overcome her drug use.

As your friend or family member moves toward realizing the negative effects drugs has on his life, the easier it will be for him to move toward gaining help for his problem. However, seeking help can be very anxiety provoking for someone choosing to get treatment for a drug problem. To them, there is much at stake for giving up their drugs. However, as a loved one, it is important to remain patient and supportive for a friend or family member seeking help. Support the goals he develops and encourage even the small victories and steps toward sobriety. Do not assume the person is going to change immediately. It will take time and often many steps to move toward recovery. Also, be prepared if the person continues to use drugs despite your offering to help. If it seems hopeful your loved one is ready to make a change, come prepared to talk to them about the treatment options available to them. Help your friend or family member decide what way will be most effective in treating his problem with drugs.

A person struggling with a drug addiction is not likely to reach out for help. It is important for loved ones to know the signs of drug use to be able to step in and help a family member or friend struggling with a drug related problem. By knowing what to look for, loved ones may be able to intercede sooner to help the drug addict get the treatment she needs for her drug abuse problem.

Alcohols Relationship With Cancer

Articles, Australia, International, Understanding Addiction, United Kingdom, United States

Alcohol abuse is characterized by poor work performance, legal issues and having difficulty among social situations as well. Alcohol use not only affects the person using it, but it impacts their family and friends’ lives as well. There are many ways an alcohol addiction can affect the person using it as well as those around them. However, a person who abuses alcohol continues to use alcohol despite the negative consequences he experiences.

A fact that many people do not realize, or even choose to ignore is that alcohol consumption may be linked to the increased risk of developing cancer. The information following this investigation is stunning, and research also shows the majority of people do not even know the risk. However, the scary truth is drinking alcohol can increase your chance of developing some cancers.

Drinking alcohol has been correlated to causing head and neck cancer, especially in the mouth, where alcohol intake begins. Alcoholics or heavy drinkers are at least two times more likely to develop cancer in their mouth or throat than others who are not regular boozers or if they do not booze at all. Once you pair alcohol consumption with tobacco use, the likelihood of developing cancer within the mouth and esophagus are exponentially higher.

Liver disease is a well known effect of drinking alcohol, but the development of liver cancer is something that is not talked about as often. Research is unwavering that alcohol use is damaging to the liver. However, we should also be aware that liver damage and cirrhosis of the liver can lead to liver cancer due to the damage already done to the liver.

Women, who ingest high amounts of alcohol, likewise have a greater chance of developing breast cancer. Research shows that women who have three or more drinks a day have an increased risk of developing breast cancer. It further shows even women who drink once a day still have an elevated risk of developing breast cancer. Alcohol raises the levels of estrogen within a woman’s body, which could be the cause of the elevated risk of breast cancer among women who consume alcohol. Drinking over a long period of time also considerably increases women’s chances of developing breast cancer as well. One’s body produces the necessary amount of estrogen, so altering that amount has been linked to the increased risk of developing breast cancer among many studies. The more one cuts down on her drinking, the lower her chances of developing breast cancer due to alcohol consumption will be.

Additionally, alcohol intake has been associated with the increased development of colon cancer. Heavy drinkers, as shown in the other cases, have an elevated risk of developing rectal cancer as well.

By definition cancer is the uncontrollable division of abnormal cells within the body or parts of the body. When cells are damaged by alcohol, altering the genetic makeup of them, the cells then become abnormal, taking a dangerous step toward the augmentation of cancerous cells. The breakdown process of ethanol, which is found in all alcoholic beverages, is a toxic chemical that damages the genetic makeup of the body. Alcohol may even get in the way of the body’s natural absorption of nutrients, leading to the mutation of cells and the boost of cancer cells within the body. Alcohol also increases the amount of estrogen found in the bloodstream, which is linked to breast cancer. Another risk factor associated with alcohol consumption and the development of cancer is linked to the effect alcohol has on body weight. Drinking adds more calories to one’s diet, and if excess amount of calories are added, then the person risks becoming overweight, and being overweight has been shown to increase the risk of cancer among individuals as well. Alcohol has also been linked to suppressing the immune system and prohibiting the body from absorbing needed nutrients into the body. Therefore, making the body more susceptible to the maturation of cancer. The amount of potential harm to the body and the likelihood of developing cancer from consuming alcohol far outweighs the benefits of drinking.

What can you do to decrease the dangers of developing an alcohol related cancer? Keep track of how much you are drinking. Your liver cannot tell how much you are drinking, so you must keep up with how many drinks you ingest in order to reduce your risk of developing any of the cancers listed above. Keeping up with how many drinks you have can also help you cut back on drinking because you will be aware of how many drinks you are taking into your body. Regular intake of alcohol creates a tolerance within your body. Try taking breaks from drinking or, at very least, decreasing your alcohol intake. Also note, even drinking only a little alcohol increases your chances of developing cancer. Even if you choose to continue drinking, you should be aware and consider the liabilities involved with alcohol consumption.

The Addictive Nature of Alcohol

Articles, Australia, International, United Kingdom, United States

If you’ve ever drank too much before, then you know that feeling where you wake up the next morning with your head pounding and feeling awful. You pledge to never drink again, but often the feeling wears off shortly after you recover from the previous night. Another opportunity arises to go out and drink with friends, so you go and drink another time. The cycle begins all over again

Maybe you do not go out and drink too much at night, but you cannot go a day without having an alcoholic beverage. A day passes and you are feeling out of sorts because you must have a drink in your system in order to feel “normal”.

In addition to all the affects you feel on the outside of your body, there are other effects happening within your body. Alcohol affects all parts of the body. It changes brain chemistry, the central nervous system, vision, the liver, sexual functions, and motor skills. Alcohol consumption can change the way the neurotransmitters absorb in the brain, causing them to send, receive or process information inaccurately. It also lowers inhibitions causing decision making processes to be impaired, which can cause injuries and possibly even death. Consuming alcohol can also disturb one’s speech. Since alcohol is a depressant, it slows down the functions of the central nervous system, which includes the slowing down of speech, thinking, as well as reaction time. High levels of alcohol can upset the central nervous system so drastically that it could possibly cause a person to slip into a coma or even cause death. Alcohol consumption changes one’s vision causing him to not be able to see clearly, which could have serious consequences while walking, driving or engaging in other activities also. Alcohol can change the way the body metabolizes the substance, which can lead to scarring the liver, and, ultimately, to the development of liver disease. When consuming alcohol, it can also affect one’s sexual performance causing it to be inhibited and can even result in impotence when used excessively. Finally, alcohol can cause one’s coordination to be impaired causing injuries or other problems as well. It is important to consider the risks of alcohol use when determining how it transforms one’s body.

After each binge or each day you cannot go without a drink, you may tell yourself, “I cannot keep harming my body like this.” However, you continue despite the negative feelings you are experiencing. Then the question we need to ask ourselves becomes, “What makes alcohol so addictive?”

In addition to the physical changes listed above, one of the most impressive factors of alcohol being addictive is the brain changes that occur with repeated use of alcohol. Repeated alcohol use alters brain processes and changes the way the brain perceives pleasure. It creates a message inside the brain that continually says it needs more pleasure. Then, the brain changes and is constantly seeking out those gratifying activities. A problem develops when the brain continues to tell one to seek out pleasurable activities despite the consequences one experiences, like those listed above. The consequences could include losing friendships or even legal trouble, but the person continues to use alcohol despite those negative experiences in their life.

Genetics also play a role in the addictive nature of alcohol. Those who have a prior family history of alcohol abuse are more prone to becoming addicted to alcohol. Although biology plays only about a 50% role in the addictive nature of alcoholism, it is still a significant factor to consider.

On the other hand, others become addicted to alcohol because they use it to decrease their symptoms of stress or other mental health disorders they are experiencing in everyday life. While using alcohol their psychological symptoms seem to decrease. However, when they stop alcohol use, the symptoms pop back up again causing the uncomfortable feelings of their mental health disorder to increase again. For this reason, they continue to use alcohol so they will not have to feel the effects of their psychological disorder. Even though the person believes the alcohol is keeping their emotional problems under control, it is actually creating more mental issues for the person. Alcohol has it’s own set of side effects that influence and contribute to more and more consumption. Using alcohol to curb symptoms has many serious risk factors and can leads to addiction as well.

There is not simply one factor that plays into the addictive nature of alcohol. However, many components play a role in alcohol being such an addictive drug.