Category: International

Thailand Rehab Where Addiction Can Be Beaten

Articles, Australia, International, Treatment, Understanding Addiction

For those dependent upon alcohol or drugs and looking to kick their habit, South East Asia may not be the first port of call, but please think again; Thailand rehab resorts should most definitely be a consideration.

Let us first understand why you need professional rehab services, regardless of whether you take these in your own country or at an overseas rehabilitation establishment.

It is time for change:

If you are currently in, or heading towards a cycle of addiction you will have realised the damage you are doing to yourself and your loved ones. Realising such damage is one thing, admitting to it is another.

But, it is very important to understand that once you face up to, and take responsibility for your addiction issues, and the baggage your action is leaving behind it is the first crucial step in challenging your dependence problems.

This is when it is time to change your world.

Kicking your habit alone:

Before we consider the advantages of using a fully qualified, professional and extremely cost effective Thailand rehab establishment it should be pointed out that the first course of action for many addicts is to try and beat addiction on their own.

While this is an admirable route to take, it is filled with obstacles that in the majority of cases will derail your efforts to stay ‘clean’.

It is important to understand that this is not because you are weak, it is simply because the tolerance your body and mind have built up to your drug of choice mean they demand more of the same on a crushingly regular basis.

There is also a strong likelihood that you will have the distractions of being in the same social surroundings that helped begin, and continue to cement your love/hate relationship with your ‘poison’ of choice.

Such an environment and the ease of which illicit substances are freely available to you mean the slightest set-back, or temptation you are given will be the best excuse ever for ‘just one more hit’.

Addiction is easy to achieve, beating it is far more challenging!

Make no mistake, the illegal substances that are readily available on the street are ruthless. They will give you a cracking high, they will leave you feeling at ease with the world and of course, you will feel you can control your use and abuse.

If only this was the case! The payback is that your body and mind quickly build up a tolerance to such drugs and the vicious circle begins.

This tolerance begins a very hungry habit. The brain demands feeding, but because it continues to be fed, it needs more of the drug to achieve the same high as your last hit.

Simple solution: Take more!

As sure as day follows night, the more you take the more you need, the more you need the more you want.

No get out of jail free card:

Many already realise and many millions more will quickly find out that once your body is dependent upon and expecting its next ‘feed’, you will not be able to simply step away from it and stop use.

Withdrawal symptoms will remind you of this in a nagging, nauseous and not very nice way. The solution to curbing such withdrawal symptoms is either to “get back on it” or take the route that is inevitable:

Inpatient rehabilitation services:

Professional help is required if you are to face, challenge and beat your addiction problems. Here are some of the reasons why Thailand rehab resorts should be strongly considered.

Professional, qualified staff:

It goes without saying that those suffering from alcohol or drug addiction need the assistance of caring, professional and qualified staff. The luxury rehab resorts you will encounter overseas are based along exactly the same lines as your in-country options in terms of treatment, counselling and qualified staff, but they also give a whole host of additional benefits.

Challenging and caring:

While overseas rehab resorts offer idyllic settings and luxurious comfort, this alone will not resolve your addiction problems.

You need to receive caring, professional help from staff that fully understand the issues and challenges you face.

Such staff will have the knowledge, skills and presence to challenge you and your current problems in a way that will help you realise the extent of the problem, the damage it is doing to you from a physical and psychological point of view, the unnecessary heartache you are causing to your loved ones, and the steps required to overcome such challenges.

Out of your environment into tranquility:

Your current environment is not conducive to kicking a habit. By remaining in an often sterile environment this will do little to aid your efforts, indeed it simply adds fuel to the fire in terms of temptations and opportunities when it comes to relapsing.

The tropical and idyllic settings of a Thailand rehab recovery resort are exactly the opposite. They will give you a chance of a new start in a fresh, exciting and exhilarating setting, and such a setting will help prepare you to face the personal mountains you need to climb in beating your addiction in the short term, and then laying a solid foundation for long term rehabilitation assistance.

Tranquil surroundings, internal angst:

Please do not fool yourself that withdrawal and staying “clean” for the long term is an easy ride, but climbing and overcoming your initial withdrawal and angst issues is a far more achievable task if your surroundings give a calm and peaceful environment to do so.

Thailand rehab resorts offer such a setting over and over and over again.

Physical, Psychological, Spiritual:

Luxury rehab resorts will address your problems through physical exercises that are within your reach, they will help you explore the psychological reasons as to why alcohol or substance abuse has overtaken your life, and calming spiritual teaching is offered as part of your recovery process.

Cost effective care – Prompt attention:

Luxury overseas rehab resorts are often thought of as a bridge too far in terms of cost for many who have an addiction problem, or for those who feel their use of alcohol and/or illicit substances has taken a step too far.

THINK AGAIN: In many cases the cost of such care is far cheaper than in your own country, if appropriate it can be supported by medical insurance policies, and you will be entering a brand new environment with a fresh feel and ambience.

This on its own lends itself to positive thoughts, total encouragement and a determination you will find falls into place thanks to the surroundings and settings you will gladly expose yourself to.

THINK AGAIN: Waiting lists are the bane of anyone who has made a very hard and conscious decision to finally admit they want to quit their drug of choice.

When such a decision is made, this can and should be a monumental time of your life.

The last thing an addict needs is to be told: “Yes”, we understand you have a problem, join the queue, we will be back to you in 3, 6, 9 months’ time.

In the vast majority of cases, anyone contacting a Thailand rehab resort in need of care, professional attention and a real opportunity to beat their addiction in both the short and long term will be offered a placement that ensures treatment begins very quickly.

The Cost Of Drinking Alcohol

Articles, Australia, International

Overcoming an alcohol addiction can be a hard feat. If you have tried it in the past, you may even think it is impossible. Others may just not be ready to quit. However, when you are ready to quit, there are many ways to support your decision. You do not have to wait for a major life change to decide to quit either. Your choice to change may simply come after weighing the pros and cons of your alcohol consumption. Here are some ideas to help you decipher the benefits and the consequences you may be experiencing due to your alcohol intake.

Those who drink and associate forgetting their problems and alcohol together, view this as a gain for their lives. Some people, especially teenagers, who drink, may use drinking as an escape from having to deal with their family problems. Others may drink to avoid dealing with other negative relationships in their life, such as their boyfriend or spouse. Other people drink to deal with depression or other mood disorders they deal with everyday. Other individuals drink because they do not feel secure in their identity, so they withdrawal with alcohol. Often those who have been drinking for a period of time, have become addicted and cannot stop drinking. Whatever the case, they are using alcohol as a means to avoid complications in life.

Others use alcohol to help them relax; another positive outcome in their opinion. Alcohol can improve one’s mood and make you feel less stressed for a period of time. These people might also be the ones getting drunk in order to not have any feeling at all, where they are almost in a euphoric state because their body is totally relaxed, and they are no longer themselves.

Those who drink often worry about what will happen when they stop drinking alcohol, so they keep drinking because they are afraid of the negative results. Individuals, who use alcohol to loosen up, often worry about having to find a new way to cope with their problems if they give up their alcohol use. It is normal to fear the unknown when changing a lifestyle, specifically when choosing to quit using alcohol.

Other people also fear having to deal with responsibilities they have been putting off because of their alcohol consumption, so they choose not to deal with the consequences. However, if you stop drinking, you will have more money to deal with the responsibilities you have put on the back burner. You will no longer have to worry about missing work deadlines or school assignments because you will be more involved without alcohol in your life. You will have more time to fulfill your responsibilities rather than sitting at a bar. You can also be more involved in your spiritual life you have neglected because you will not have guilt standing in the way. After stopping consuming alcohol, this fear will be replaced with optimism because you will realize you will have more time, energy and other resources to deal with the responsibilities you have been ignoring.

Nonetheless, alcohol consumption can often leave you feeling more depressed and having more consequences. Alcohol is a depressant, so by nature, it is going to leave you feeling depressed at the end of the night. Drinking is often an easy way to self-medicate; to help you forget about your problems and your depression. However, alcohol abuse can worsen depression as well as other mental health issues. Alcohol abuse has also been linked to suicidal behavior. Since it is a depressant, it increases inhibitions and lowers judgment creating a dangerous atmosphere for suicidal thoughts. There are tons of resources dedicated to this topic, so if this idea is a concern in your life, check out some other reliable resources online to educate yourself better on this topic.

Some people also say a benefit to consuming alcohol is that boozing allows them to have more fun. It is true that alcohol can arouse your senses. Alcohol consumption, especially with teens and young adults, is viewed as having a good time with friends and partying, yet there are many facts disproving the notion that alcohol actually creates a more enjoyable atmosphere. Despite these facts, there are also many other ways to have fun and be fun without hitting the bottle, such as dancing or watching movies.

Another fear of those who are considering ending their drinking habit, is the fear of losing friends they often drink with and this negative consequence may prevent them from quitting. Many drinking companions will not understand the decision to stop drinking. They have not seen the effects that it has had on your life, so it will be hard for them to understand. Losing friends is never easy, notably, when someone is making a major life change. Even though your companions may not understand, you have to consider all the other benefits you will gain by not drinking, even if that means losing some people close to you in the process.

Some others associate problems in their relationships because of their alcohol consumption, which could end up leading them to a path of recovery. Alcohol can have many effects on relationships. If you see complications in your relationship due to boozing, it is a good sign that you may need to seek professional help for your drinking issue.

If you are relying on alcohol to solve or lessen the troubles you are having or are drinking because you think it creates a more enjoyable atmosphere, you may need to consider the costs of the habit you are developing. Weighing the costs and benefits is a good way to determine if you are ready for a change. Once you decide you need a change, please explore appropriate, professional options to help guide you to a path of recovery.

 

Alcohol And Substance Abuse Treatment

Articles, Australia, International, Treatment

Typically, if you have gotten into trouble with the law or at work due to drug use, you will likely have to face a drug assessment. The reason for the assessment is to determine what you have been using, how it has impacted your life, how it has impacted your relationships, how it impacts your responsibilities and how it impacts your overall wellbeing.

An alcohol and drug assessment will gather information concerning your past history of alcohol and drug use, determine if you have had any past treatment for alcohol or drug abuse, figure out whether or not those were effective and judge if you are at risk for future alcohol or drug abuse. It will also gather medical information and your mental health history to value other risks associated with alcohol or drug use. Furthermore, it will gather information about your support system, your living situation and resources present to aid you in the recovery process. It will also assess past consequences from alcohol and drug use, such as legal problems, employment issues and relational problems.

An alcohol and drug assessment is an all-encompassing assessment of your past and present alcohol and drug use and your future outlook due to your alcohol and drug use. An assessment will find if your alcohol or drug use is a problem and guide you in appropriate treatment options for recovery.

Some treatment options that may be recommended for you can include no treatment if there is not an alcohol or drug issue present. Educational classes about alcohol or substance abuse may be recommended. Outpatient counseling to seek individual, one on one counseling for troubles related to alcohol or drug addiction may be an option as well. Group counseling or other peer groups or self-help groups, such as Alcoholics Anonymous or Narcotics Anonymous, may be useful for your current situation also.

Family counseling to help the family understand and learn to cope with alcohol or drug addiction and the changes that come with a family member seeking sobriety. Detoxification, depending on the severity of your alcohol or drug abuse problem, may be an option for you as well. Intensive outpatient treatment programs may be beneficial for your alcohol or drug concern also. There are also partial hospital programs that may be suitable to aid in your recovery process also. Inpatient, residential treatment to treat a more serious alcohol or drug addiction, however, may be the best route for you though.

There are so many treatment options to consider when determining which is the right one for you.

Outpatient counseling will help you develop a plan to quit using drugs and alcohol. With this method you can gain a better understanding about the negative behaviors contributing to your alcohol and drug use and provide you with better methods to cope with those thoughts and behaviors. It will teach you methods to remain sober and reinforce those methods to keep you drug free as well. It can also lead you through a 12 step program and motivate you to follow through with the steps toward recovery also.

Peer support groups and self help groups provide a forum for those with similar alcohol or drug related issues to gather together and share experiences of what has worked for them and assist them in getting clean with this approach. They provide mentoring, where you can be paired with someone who is further along in the process that can guide you in overcoming the grasp of addiction. This design also provide a spiritual aspect toward recovery that may be appropriate for you as well.

They may be drop in centers, where you can go to get immediate help or help as needed or  the can be halfway houses or other forms of housing, that provide housing needs through your recovery program as well. There are many types of support groups that can lead you through the steps toward recovery.

Detoxification may utilize medication in order to aid in your treatment for an alcohol or substance abuse disorder. Medications are used here to reduce the symptoms associated with the withdrawal symptoms you may feel when coming off of a substance. Medications for detoxification are used alongside counseling or with other methods of treatment.

Residential treatment programs may be more beneficial for others. It aids in the process of detoxification and helps with the symptoms of withdrawal in a more intense setting. This setting provides a more structured environment. It provides a deeper treatment regimen, as you will receive therapy every day as opposed to an outpatient setting, where you may only receive treatment once or twice a week. It will also prepare you as you leave the facility and return to your everyday life without the use of alcohol or drugs.

You will have to determine what is the best course of action for you after you take an alcohol and drug assessment. All of the recommendations above are established rooted in clinical experience. They are suggested based on your specific alcohol and drug related issues determined by the assessment given.

However, finances, time, willingness as well as other issues come into play when making this decision, so you must determine what you are willing to do for yourself. If it is determined you do need treatment, we recommend you follow through with getting the guidance you need in order to live a more fulfilling life.

 

 

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.

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.