Category: Understanding Addiction

Say This Not That

Articles, Australia, International, Understanding Addiction

If someone you care about has a drinking problem, the best way to approach them in is a kind, considerate and empathetic manner. Put yourself in their shoes and think about how you would want to be approached if you had a problem like them.

Here are a few ways to consider approaching the topic with your family member or friend, who has a drinking problem: Say this, not that.

SAY: “I wonder if you drank less, if your health problems would improve.” It is true. You can even backup your statement with some facts, but do your best not to sound like a know-it-all. Some facts after one stops drinking include one’s complexion and skin looking and feeling better. One can also drop some pounds after cutting out alcohol since it is loaded with calories, and considering it is full of sugar, it can cause sugar cravings to decrease as well. After stopping alcohol use, one will also experience more clarity and concentration. It can also benefit one’s mental health as well. After quitting alcohol, one’s mood will increase as can their mental clarity. Health problems can be drastically affected by drinking alcohol. However, if one chooses to stop drinking, his physical and mental health can improve over time.

NOT: “Since you have become an alcoholic, your well-being greatly decreased.” Accusing someone of being an alcoholic, especially before they are willing to accept the fact they have a drinking problem, will quickly shut them down. There are many health concerns that are increased that come with being a chronic drinker, such as heart problems and cancer, but choosing your words wisely is incredibly important when trying to talk to a friend who abuse alcohol. Try saying the above statement, instead of this one, and it will hopefully come across much more loving.

SAY: “I have noticed since you have been drinking, you are not as happy as you used to be.” Yes, alcohol is a depressant, so it alters one’s mood. Not only could alcohol be adding to someone’s depression, but it could also be causing anxiety. Even if the person is taking medication for depression or anxiety, the medications may not be working if they are drinking alcohol while taking the medications. The alcohol will counteract the medication causing it to be ineffective. Alcohol can cause or deepen one’s mood disorder, but one’s mood can rise when he chooses to stop using alcohol.

NOT: “Are you unhappy because you have a drinking problem?” This type of question could backfire on you. The individual may not think they are unhappy or she may not think she has a drinking problem. She may be in denial about both of these issues. She may not be able to see the effects alcohol is having on her, especially not in the same way you can see it. The feelings she is experiencing may feel quite normal to her, so she might even be unaware her own feelings unhappiness. She might even blame her unhappiness on life or other circumstances and will not correlate it to her alcohol use. To avoid these statements, ask an open ended question like the one above instead of this one.

SAY: “I have been doing some research, and I am wondering if you should take an assessment about your drinking.” Talking to a friend your believe has an alcohol problem about completing an alcoholic assessment is a step in the right direction. Mentioning the information you have learned, while educating yourself about alcoholism, will also be beneficial. Any insight you can give them into their alcohol problem will potentially get them thinking about their alcohol use as a problem. Again, be careful with your wording. You do not want to sound like a wise guy or a walking encyclopedia either. You simply want them to see they may have a problem with alcohol.

NOT: “You have to stop drinking.” He does not HAVE to discontinue drinking. It is better for addicts to make their own choices about quitting. Him choosing to end his alcohol consumption usually produces better results throughout the recovery process. Also, this type of statement does not show concern or care about the person either. This is your opinion, and he may not believe the same thing. A better way to allow him see his alcohol use is a problem is to get him to take an alcohol assessment, like with the statement mentioned above.

Cutting out alcohol has both short term and long term benefits. Helping your friend realize she has an alcohol problem and helping her toward the path to recovery is a crucial step. No matter what, it is important for your friend to know that you will always be there for her, even if she decides now is not the time for her to own her alcohol problem.

Why Is Hydrocodone An Opiate To Respect And Fear?

Articles, Australia, International, Understanding Addiction

Let us take a look at a highly effective painkiller and address some answers to the question: Why is hydrocodone an opiate that should be treated with caution?

What is hydrocodone?

It is a semi-synthetic opioid that is derived from codeine. This is one of the more commonly known opioid alkaloids found in the opium poppy.

It acts as a powerful narcotic painkiller and works very effectively by interfering with your central nervous system pain signals. When taken it prevents nerves in the body from sending pain signals to the brain.

While it is prescribed on its own it is often combined with other drugs. Two examples are by adding acetaminophen. This combination works in a two-fold way.

The acetaminophen helps to calm a person’s mood, and it boosts the effects of hydrocodone’s painkilling abilities. The prescribed drug Vicodin is an example of this combination.

It is also commonly used in lower quantities with antihistamines and sold over the counter in pharmacies as cough medicine and medicine which is used to give relief from pain caused by coughing.

So why is hydrocodone an opiate to be feared?

This is because of the very strong addictive properties it contains. Those using hydrocodone should only do so as prescribed by their health practitioner. It is also very important to be fully aware of the drug’s potential for addiction.

When it comes to recreational use many users may be aware of its addiction qualities, but this is certainly not stopping it being abused. Indeed, it is claimed that hydrocodone is the most abused opiate in the United States.

Is there a difference between dependence and addiction?

When asking this question there can be confusion. Even medical authorities are changing these terms because of such confusion.

It is generally felt that when the word “dependence” is used this is referring to a physical dependence upon a substance. Such dependence is marked by symptoms of tolerance and withdrawal.

Even though it is accepted that some users have a physical dependence on a drug it is also acknowledged that they are not classed as being addicted to it. Having said this it is also the case that addiction is very likely to follow dependence.

Addiction is generally acknowledged when biochemical changes take place in the brain after continual substance abuse.

Such addiction is seen in a person’s behaviour, their all-consuming need that prioritises the abused drug above everything else and irrational acts when they do not have the substance in their system.

Why is hydrocodone an opiate you become so quickly addicted to?

This is because it creates effects very similar to heroin and morphine although the intensity of the hydrocodone ‘hit’ and its associated highs are slightly lower.

Euphoria, relaxation and being at one with the world are common feelings that recreational users chase. The problem is that with regular use the mind and body quickly become tolerant of the drug.

Such tolerance often means that mentally you are quickly convinced that another hit is due, and physically you will begin to feel withdrawal symptoms if you do not feed your need.

The more often you take, the more you want, and quickly it becomes evident that you require more hydrocodone simply to achieve the same feelings as previous ‘highs’.

When such a cycle continues you are facing hydrocodone dependence and addiction.

If you are in this position or feel that hydrocodone is beginning to take over your life it is absolutely vital you seek the help of your medical practitioner. Better still, take a long look at the services offered by a professional rehabilitation centre.

Is hydrocodone an opiate to be messed with?

The answer here is very clear: NO! Many users have an attitude of “It will never happen to me”.

Sadly, while experimenting with hydrocodone on its own is bad enough, many users take an even more damaging step and begin to mix the drug with other illicit substances or alcohol in their effort to reach an even ‘higher high’.

It is true that this can be achieved, but please understand that you are also leaving yourself open to serious psychological and physical damage that has resulted in many fatalities caused by overdose.

Side effects:

Similar to other opiates, hydrocodone comes with a variety of side effects that affect different users in different ways. Some of the more common are feeling nauseous, constipation, a runny nose, chills or sweating and derogatory changes to your diet.

There are a whole host of other side effects that can rise in seriousness such as increased anxiety, feelings of depression and insomnia. Those suffering from such effects must seek professional help either from a rehabilitation centre or their doctor very quickly.

Is hydrocodone an opiate you can withdraw from easily?

The truthful answer is that it is easier to withdraw from hydrocodone than it is to stay clean from thereon in.

This is why the withdrawal process should be seen as just part of your ongoing rehab care. It is common for a medical practitioner to taper your dose. This means gradually reducing the amount taken over a given timescale.

While this is certainly a step in the right direction many feel it is simply not enough to see your doctor once a week while trying to kick your hydrocodone habit.

One major reason here is that in all likelihood you will be living in the same environment you became addicted in and temptation will be everywhere.

Consider a residential rehab clinic:

While tapering will be used to lessen your withdrawal symptoms when you enroll as an inpatient at such an establishment there are a host of other mental, physical and spiritual aspects included during your stay.

Caring councillors and medical staff fully understand what you are going through. Their mission is to help you manage what is undoubtedly a testing time of your life.

Just as importantly they realise how vitally important aftercare is when it comes to keeping you off hydrocodone.

When considering inpatient rehabilitation establishments it is very important that you look at the aftercare options offered. You should choose one that gives a variety of options.

Is hydrocodone an opiate addiction you can beat?

Without a shred of doubt the resounding answer to this final question is: YES!

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.

Quit Drinking – Why You Should And Who Can Help

Articles, Australia, Understanding Addiction

Waking up with the mother of all hangovers will have many people declaring “That is it, I am going to quit drinking”. The problem for millions of men and women the world over is that such a statement is far easier to say than it is to achieve.

Let’s consider why alcohol consumption can so easily get out of hand, how it can affect you, and just 2 approaches to prevent the demon drink from taking hold of your life in an extremely negative way.

Alcohol:

As long as you are over the age of consent it is legal, and even if you are underage it is easily obtained.

It can be extremely enjoyable and relaxing if taken in moderation and drinking is an accepted practice by a wide range of communities the world over.

Having said that, it should be very clearly understood that alcohol is also highly addictive.

Because of its availability and acceptance in society alcohol is readily available from many sources, this means it is very straightforward for people to start and continue to drink at will.

What is not easy for those over using alcohol is to simply quit drinking. Here’s why:

The Pleasure Palace!

Many who drink find a great deal of pleasure from their imbibing. This is because alcohol works on the brain to increase endorphin production. Endorphins are neurotransmitters that are responsible for many things including euphoria and relaxation. By drinking you begin to feel good, confidence can grow and inhibitions are loosened.

Addiction Avenue:

So far, so good. The problem is that your mind and body quickly develop a tolerance to alcohol consumption. This tolerance gives you a drinking problem.

It means that to achieve the same effects as previously experienced you need to drink more. The more you drink, the more dependent you become on alcohol both from a physical and psychological aspect.

Such a dependence upon alcohol will eventually lead to addiction. This is because the quest to satisfy your craving will grow and grow. The end result is that you will continue to consume evermore quantities.

The brain needs feeding and it tells the body this in no uncertain terms. It is vital to understand that if you take the approach to stop drinking abruptly your body will show its displeasure in the form of:

AWS – Alcohol Withdrawal Syndrome:

When you accept there is a problem with the amount of alcohol you are consuming, you have taken a major step in the right direction. While it is admirable to try and quit drinking on your own this is a tough path to travel.

In all likelihood your cravings will get the better of your efforts, and you will rapidly need ‘just one drink’ to ease such cravings. Of course, one drink will lead to another and then another, and thus the vicious alcohol addiction circle will begin to spin even faster.

This is why it is advisable to seek the assistance of a professional, qualified alcohol rehab centre. Before we explain why such establishments can give you the best possible chance of overcoming your alcohol addiction here are some AWS facts:

AWS onset:

The time it takes for AWS symptoms to appear will vary from person to person and how deeply dependent they are upon alcohol. Such symptoms can occur anywhere from 6 hours to a couple of days after your last drink.

Symptoms:

AWS symptoms vary from person to person, but commonly include such things as body tremors, in particular the shaking of your hands, you will feel anxious, nervous and irritable, nauseous feelings will be fairly constant and in some cases you will experience vomiting.

Headaches and sweating are common and many who try to stop drinking abruptly will suffer confusion and insomnia, and when they do fall asleep this uneasy rest will often be accompanied by nightmares.

It gets worse before it gets better:

These symptoms along with others will get worse before they get better. There is a good chance that over the first 2 or 3 days they will worsen and then persist for weeks.

That is the good news!

While the above symptoms are quite common, those with serious alcohol addiction problems will suffer from the most severe type of withdrawal. This is known as Delirium Tremens, or DT’s.

Such symptoms include extreme agitation and confusion, fever conditions, and tactile hallucinations. This means you suffer from feelings of itchiness, numbness or a burning sensation that do not exist. Many then have to add into the mix visual and sound hallucinations where they see images or hear sounds that do not exist.

Anyone suffering from severe AWS symptoms needs to seek emergency medical treatment.

Who is best placed to help you quit drinking?

The initial admittance of having a drink problem, the misery it is causing to your loved ones, and the physical and psychological damage it is doing to your body must first come from within, as we have already touched on, trying to go it alone is not the best, nor easiest route to take.

Alcohol addiction needs treating with the assistance of professional alcohol rehab establishments.

They fully understand the issues and challenges you face, the signs and strength of the withdrawal symptoms you will go through, and the measures required to give you the best chance possible of accepting your situation, and in helping you progress with a positive roadmap in terms of getting your life back on track.

Physical, Psychological and Spiritual treatment – Now and for the future:

The very best alcohol rehab programs will incorporate a residential stay that includes mentoring through achievable physical exercise based on your current condition.

It will include psychological mentoring that meets and faces the reasons why you are in the position you are in, and they will offer spiritual teachings to help you come to terms with your alcohol addiction.

Just as importantly such treatment will offer extensive aftercare programs that are tailored to suit you and your ongoing circumstances.

When such treatment is combined the desire to quit drinking will be as resolute as possible, and it will give you the best possible chance to overcome an addiction that is very easy to acquire and very difficult to challenge.

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.