Category: Understanding Addiction

Addiction Recovery Resorts Offer Long Term Rehab Success

Articles, Australia, International, Treatment, Understanding Addiction

Those suffering from drug or alcohol addiction would be well advised to consider the facilities and services offered by overseas addiction recovery resorts.

Here are just 7 reasons as to why:

Highly professional establishments:

Luxury rehab resorts are staffed by professional, fully qualified staff that offer help with addiction problems. Such assistance will match, and in many cases better the services offered by similar establishments in your own country.

Guidelines for medical and counselling services offered adhere to global standards, and this is seen in the fact that some medical insurance companies acknowledge and accept certain overseas rehabilitation resorts in their personal insurance cover.

Minimal waiting lists:

This is an extremely important point. Addiction to any substance turns your life into a daily struggle and what seems like a constant search for your next high.

Any person who has finally ‘hit the wall’, admitted to themselves and their loved ones that their drink or drugs problem is now out of control deserves credit.

What they do not deserve is to pluck up courage, contact a local or in-country rehabilitation centre, or go via their health practitioner to make such arrangements, and then be told “Yes, we understand you have a problem. We should be able to take you as an inpatient in around 4-6 months”.

How discouraging does that sound? It is enough to make any addict think “Ah well, I may as well have another Toot and settle in for the wait!”

Many drug and alcohol professionals, ex-addicts and addicts alike feel that the only certain thing to come out of such a waiting list is deeper addiction.

Addiction recovery resorts do not work under such demanding constraints as those in your home country. Upon contact, and assuming suitability for treatment from both sides is agreed the addict can usually begin treatment within a few weeks of initial contact.

It cannot be expressed strongly enough how important it is for someone suffering from drug or alcohol dependence to have their problems addressed in as timely a manner as possible.

In a complete new environment:

Having taken the decision to do something about your addiction, does it not make sense to do so in a completely new, refreshing and idyllic setting?

While there will be routine, regular meals, physical exercise, counselling and group activities for each and every client, these will be held in surroundings that are extremely conducive to recovery.

This is a major turning point in your life and the more comfortable you feel, the more you will realise just exactly what your drug of choice is doing to your life and those around you, and the more determined you will become to do something about it.

Cost:

Another issue that simply cannot be overlooked. It is understandable that many addicts may be hesitant to even consider addiction recovery resorts due to a fear that high fees will be the norm and thus way out of their reach.

Nothing could be further from the truth!

The cost of inpatient rehab at such luxury resorts is far cheaper than similar rehabilitation centres in your own country.

Add to this the fact that certain insurance companies acknowledge and accept overseas rehabilitation centres as offering valid and certified treatment, and that they include such establishments as part of their personal medical insurance policies, and this should tell you that cost is most certainly not an issue.

Aftercare:

Yet another vital piece in the addiction recovery jigsaw. Many professionals and ex-addicts place well organised aftercare programs as an essential part of success for recovering addicts.

The physical effects of withdrawal may well improve in a relative short period of time, but it is the psychological effects that must be taken into account over the long term if acceptance and recovery is to be achieved.

A professional overseas rehab establishment will offer a variety of flexible option in terms of aftercare. This flexibility will take into account your current home circumstances. Such attention to detail and scope of aftercare options has proved crucial in spurring on ex-addicts to their ultimate goal of getting clean and staying clean.

Addiction recovery resorts, strict and sensible treatment:

As addicts will explain all too freely, excessive drug or alcohol use is not the free ticket to Utopia many mistakenly believe in. They did not set out with the intention of becoming addicted to their drug of choice. It is not where they want to be, but it is where they are.

Coming off drugs or alcohol is no easy task, but it is certainly achievable.

Any addict who has taken the very brave step of confronting their addiction deserves all the help they can get. For sure there will be tough periods ahead, but caring, understanding and professional help from overseas addiction recovery resorts will give them the best chance of reaching their ultimate goal.

Such establishments have strict but sensible rules in place, these rules will be clearly explained and need to be understood as well as accepted before a person is welcomed for treatment.

They also have the right and the intention to challenge a recovering addict’s comments, thoughts and feelings over addiction issues. Such challenges are aimed at helping the addict understand the whys, wherefores and ‘big picture’ effects their addiction has caused.

Understanding the misery and despair an addicts substance abuse is causing to themselves and those they love is a very important step in the long term recovery process.

Important lessons will also be learnt relating to drug or alcohol avoidance situations. If a recovering addict is aware of situations that could put them at risk of relapse they will be in a position to take action to avoid such temptations.

Exotic settings, effective results:

We have only skimmed the surface of what addiction recovery resorts offer, but it is clear that many benefits are to be seen from these overseas inpatient rehabilitation programs.

Anyone who is struggling with drug or alcohol addiction would be well advised to consider such an establishment.

They are fully focused on assisting those with dependency issues in their quest to get clean, and just as importantly to stay clean for the foreseeable future.

Helping A Family Member Addicted To Alcohol

Articles, Australia, International, Treatment, Understanding Addiction

When you realize a family member has a drinking problem, it can become quite unsettling, but realizing they have a problem is the first step to helping them get help for his problem. Let us look at some other ways to help a family member who is in the same dilemma.

Be supportive, instead of criticizing. Criticizing someone with an addiction will only put a barrier between you and the person because she will feel like you are judging her and her behavior. Do not use critical words, but instead use direct examples and share your feelings of how the person’s addiction is impacting your relationship with her. Express how much you care for your relative and be genuine when talking with her. Furthermore, talk calmly, instead of getting all worked up and becoming boisterous. If you become angry or heated about the topic or their alcohol usage, she will likely become defensive and not hear any of things you have to say. Also, have concrete alternatives ready to present for her issue with alcohol when you talk with her. Counseling, support groups, an intervention and inpatient treatment facilities are forms of options you can present her for her to obtain help for her alcohol addiction. Having ready alternatives available not only shows that you are serious in your wanting her to change, but it provides her an opportunity to think about the options available to her when she gets ready to make a change.

Have patience with the person. It may be hard for him to digest all of the accusations you have just thrown at him, and it may take them time to sort through the information you given about his alcohol use. It may take several conversations and loads of time for him to see things the same way you see them. Do not expect the person to be ready to change immediately. Also, do not place your expectations on your family member either. You have been thinking and processing the steps for recovery far longer than your relative, so remember to be patient with them. Allow them time to process the information you have presented him with concerning his addiction. He will have to weigh the pros and cons to determine if recovery is something he are willing to accept and participate in. Do not be disheartened if it this process takes longer than you were expecting either. Additionally, if you remain uncritical of him, it will allow the lines of communication to remain open for many conversations about treatment opportunities in the future as well. Remember, most things that turn out really good later, take patience starting out!

Ask other family members the individual trusts to talk with her as well. If the family member with a drinking problem has a good relationship with someone, they will be more likely to listen to what that person has to say regarding their alcohol problem. As many people you can have on your team, will help lead your family member toward recovery.

Do not blame yourself for your relative’s choice to drink. This issue is not something you would ever choose for your family member. So, remember, it is not your fault he is drinking or is in the situation he is currently enduring. Even if you could change the situation, he would still have other problems that are outside of your control. You are not responsible for the condition he is in, and you are not responsible for the choices and actions he has made, which led him to this point. Only the person making the choice to drink is responsible for the suffering he is enduring. You do not have as important of a role in their addiction as you think you do. You are pretty much powerless to help unless he is willing to change for himself. You can be there for support or to cheer him on toward recovery, but stop blaming yourself for something you are not in control of. Most importantly, blaming yourself does not help the problem. It only produces defeat and in order to overcome addiction, one must always have hope.

Create boundaries to prevent yourself from being hurt by your relative’s alcohol abuse. It may not be pleasurable to spend time with your family member when he has been consuming alcohol. It is acceptable to tell your relative you will not spend time with him when he has been boozing. Putting boundaries in place allows you to maintain your relationship without it being damaged by the alcohol use. Keeping boundaries allows you to keep the love for your relative instead of being sucked into the craziness and drama that typically revolves around alcohol use. Tell your loved one the boundaries you are putting into place and make sure you are consistently following through with these boundaries. Develop consequences for when the family member does not abide by the boundaries and follow through with those as well.

There are many ways to help a family member who is addicted to alcohol; too many to list here. The hope is for you to continue to research ways to best fit the needs of your family. There is nothing more frustrating than realizing your family member has a problem outside of your control, but remember, you can have a significant impact on your relative finding freedom from his drinking problem.

Long Term Rehab Is Required Because Your Addiction Is Not Short Term

Articles, Australia, International, Understanding Addiction

Anyone suffering from drug or alcohol addiction must look at long term rehab as their best possible chance of acceptance and recovery from the substance(s) that have taken over their lives.

There is NO permanent short term fix:

We need to be brutally honest in terms of countering drug or alcohol addiction. To say there is a permanent short term fix is wrong.

But professional rehabilitation services can and will lay a foundation that gives short term help and guidance, midterm assistance and long term aftercare options that will increase your chances of beating substance abuse problems.

How did you get into this situation in the first place?

This is certainly not a one answer’s all question. Addicts each have their own story, this will usually include peer pressure at the outset of their substance abuse journey, the often sterile environment they live in, where many others are in the same boat, physical abuse or a tragedy that has greatly affected them.

Another oft mentioned fact by addicts is that something that started as “a bit of fun and enjoyment” has turned into a dependence nightmare they wish they could rid themselves of.

Addiction is non-selective:

Addiction takes no prisoners and has no boundaries. It has no racial or spiritual bias, indeed, it will hook its claws into any person it can whenever excessive use and abuse of drugs and/or alcohol are on the menu.

It is a global problem, and when looking at solutions an addict should take these facts into consideration by looking at overseas rehab establishments as well as what is on offer in their own country.

Why do so many become addicted:

Long term rehab is an essential consideration for addicts looking to wean themselves off substance abuse and give themselves a positive future to look forward to. This is because addiction is easily achievable over a relatively short period of time, but its effects leave long term challenges that demand ongoing professional help and assistance.

The reason so many become addicted is because right from that first hit of their drug of choice it is very easily and very well tolerated by the mind and body.

Once you have experienced that initial rush or high, your body naturally wants it again, your brain works overtime by sending signals that indicate it is time to ‘feed’.

The response to these compelling messages is that a new vein is tapped, an extra line is snorted, another pipe lit, or another bottle cracked open.

The problem here is that to achieve the same high as previously, the tolerance you have built-up means you need to take more. You take more, you need more. Destination; Addiction.

Steps to consider in terms of long term rehab:

We will look at some steps to consider for those suffering from alcohol or drug addiction. This is far from exhaustive, and there are many steps between and after, but it is a base to begin from:

Admission:

This is not the type of admission you would pay to get into the movies, nor is it entrance to a luxury rehabilitation resort. It is Self-Admission.

When the time comes that you can honestly admit to yourself and those close to you that you have a substance abuse problem, this should be the start of a new beginning.

It is an extremely difficult thing to admit, but once accepted by yourself, you should feel a weight lifted from your shoulders. From that moment on quick and decisive action should be your aim.

Seeking help in your effort to withdraw:

We will break this down into 3 categories:

Going it alone:

Trying to kick an addiction habit on your own is a decision to be admired. Indeed many of those with drug or alcohol problems will take this as their first ‘escape route’. While it is to be admired, it must be said that in most cases it will be unsuccessful.

This is not because you are weak, it is because the grip your substance of choice has over you will not let go easily.

If you try to cease use immediately there will be unpleasant withdrawal symptoms to face and facing these without professional rehabilitation services makes such a prospect a very daunting one.

If you try to gradually reduce usage without help there is a very strong chance that temptation to continue and increase usage will be waiting around every corner.

Your health practitioner:

Confiding in your health practitioner is a step in the right direction. They should listen, understand and put in place a tapering program that is intended to help you gradually reduce dependence upon your drug of choice while regularly monitoring your progress.

While this is a sensible step it also offers several pitfalls that may be difficult for an addict to overcome. These include the fact that you will not be under constant supervision during early stage withdrawal, and the strong possibility that you will be living in the same environment that helped towards your addiction.

Both factors lead to a very big chance that temptation will get the better of you and a relapse is likely.

Long term rehab:

Strongly recommended by drug and alcohol rehabilitation professionals and addicts who have stayed clean for long periods of time, this type of rehabilitation gives you the best chance of kicking your habit.

It will begin with a discussion to fully understand your situation. Please remember, your situation will be unique. There is no one fits all treatment. You need to be 100 percent honest and open during this discussion. By doing so a plan to move forward in a positive way will quickly be created.

The period you stay at a rehab resort will be agreed and understood. During your stay you will take advantage of many benefits targeted to help you through those crucial early days and weeks of withdrawal and put you in the best frame of mind for long term recovery.

These include first class medical treatment, counselling, physical exercise, challenging discussions, drug or alcohol avoidance techniques and fun communal activities.

Everything is geared to giving you the best possible chance of continuing and pushing on with your rehabilitation once your stay is over.

Aftercare:

Please do not underestimate the importance of aftercare in terms of your rehabilitation. Such care and monitoring is key to long term rehab success and any establishment worth its salt will major on such care.

They will offer a variety of options, explain each one in turn, and help you to decide what is most appropriate for you. From thereon in they will monitor and keep regular contact with you as part of your full recovery process.

Their aim is your aim. This common goal is for you to become drug or alcohol free and continue to stay clean for the long term future.

It Is Crystal Clear The Effects Of Crystal Meth Cloud The Mind And Body

Articles, Australia, Education, International, Understanding Addiction

The effects of crystal meth can devastate those who become hooked as well as their friends, family and loved ones.

It needs to be made crystal clear to users of this drug as well as anyone contemplating it use just why this is a substance to be feared.

What’s with crystal meth?

This highly addictive drug belongs to the drug methamphetamine and crystal meth is simply a shortening of: Crystal Methamphetamine.

It is a white crystalline drug that is either snorted, smoked, injected or taken orally. No matter which way a user decides to take their ‘medicine’, one thing is for sure: Once tried, more needs to be supplied!

Make no mistake, once taken you will feel a very strong desire to continue using it. Indeed, many become hooked after their first couple of hits. This is not scaremongering it is fact.

Why such an urge to continue use?

The effect of crystal meth takes no prisoners in terms of your mind or body. According to many addicts, the drug creates a ‘rush’ that is hard to beat. Some state it gives a massive sense of wellbeing and happiness. Their confidence is at an all-time high and they feel as if their energy levels are boundless.

These traits and the fact that crystal meth effects can easily last between 6 and 8 hours (although up to 24 hours is not unknown) make it a perfect ‘club’ drug.

The reason it is so highly addictive is that one of the major effects of this drug is to burn up your body’s resources. This process creates a devastating dependence which will only be satisfied by taking more of the drug.

When should you consider seeking help in terms of your crystal meth use?

The straight answer is very quickly! The issues this class of drug create are best dealt with via a responsible rehabilitation clinic. They have the accommodation, expertise, knowledge and qualified staff who are ideally placed to deal with such problems.

Before we touch on such establishments let’s consider what type of crystal meth user you would be classed as when seeking drug rehab assistance:

A low intensity abuser:

These users tend to snort or swallow crystal meth. They excuse their indulgence by convincing themselves that it is helping them to stay awake long enough to finish something that has been neglected or to meet a deadline.

Others in this category want the effective appetite suppressant abilities the drug offers to aid them in their weight loss efforts.

While it is not their intention, by continuing such use the effects of crystal meth could very well turn them into:

A ‘binge’ abuser:

These users are getting into uncontrolled use of the drug. They need a more intense, stronger hit, and want it fast. This form of use is generally where psychological addiction begins to form.

These users are leaving themselves wide-open to all sorts of physical and mental problems. They are prime candidates for moving into the heaviest category of users. As they do so this confirms addiction:

A high intensity abuser:

If you are in this category then inpatient drug rehabilitation services should be a major priority. Such users find that nothing else but crystal meth matters.

A fierce determination will develop with this category of user. That determination will be to ensure they never face a ‘crash’ and the startling physical and psychological withdrawal symptoms that accompany periods without the drug.

The huge problem these users face is that in order to achieve a similar high to their previous one they need to take more of the drug.

As this spiral continues so the users’ addiction increases. If long term rehab help is not sought as a priority there is a possibility the end result will be fatal.

“Never put off until tomorrow what you can do today”

When it comes to seeking help for the effects of crystal meth abuse this old saying certainly rings true.

Please do not delay seeking the assistance of a qualified addiction rehabilitation centre. The longer you leave it, the harder it will become, both in terms of taking the courageous step to seek help, and going through the withdrawal and full recovery process.

Where to seek help:

The first thing to state here is that you should not be blinkered into thinking domestic drug rehab facilities are your only choice.

A growing number of people with crystal meth dependence and addiction problems are looking to overseas rehab establishments with Thailand a major focal point.

Here are just 3 reasons why:

Cost:

Such establishments offer professional crystal meth addiction assistance at extremely affordable prices. Far less than in your home country.

Professional, caring, fully qualified staff:

It is important for those with dependence and addiction problems to understand that this is a global problem. As such staff at overseas rehabilitation centres have qualifications and counselling abilities of the same high standards demanded in western countries. Many of these staff are expatriates and work in unison with fully qualified local colleagues.

This unison brings a fusion that is ideal for helping addicts work through their addiction. You will be in an environment that is far more amenable to recovery than many residential rehab centres your home country can offer.

Aftercare:

This may be the last of just 3 advantages offered by luxury rehab resorts we will mention, but it is without a doubt one of the most crucial aspects for those looking to beat their crystal meth addiction.

Aftercare options should be flexible, constant and monitored. Responsible overseas addiction recovery resorts will place such care as a major priority. This will ensure you are given the best possible opportunity of avoiding a relapse.

Such ongoing care will also help you carve a new life for yourself which is void of the potentially crippling effects crystal meth can create.

The bottom line:

Many recreational drug users think that drugs are the solution to the current problems in their life.

The reality is that drugs such as crystal meth almost certainly end up as being a major problem in their present and future life.

Drug Addiction – Begin To Overcome It

Articles, Australia, International, Treatment, Understanding Addiction

Often in the midst of a drug addiction, recovery seems like such an overwhelming goal, but recovery is always possible no matter your situation. Having support and getting the help you need are not as far out of reach as you might think. Do not give up on yourself, even if your attempts to quit in the past have been unsuccessful. The road to recovery is never straight. Know there will be bumps in the road, but this is part of the normal process of healing. However, you must be willing to take the first step in the recovery process and decide to make a change. When you decide you want to make a change, you have already taken one giant step forward in seeking the help you need towards your recovery.

Making adjustments in life are never easy, especially when deciding to give up something that has been a source of relief and sometimes even an entrenched habit. However, there might be many things in your life that will need modification in order for you to reach sobriety. It may be overwhelming for you to think about, but talk about it with a friend, who can encourage you and support you to seek treatment. Remember to also think about the good things that will come after you seek treatment. Try not to get caught up in past attempts to quit. Develop some specific goals you would like to reach in a specified time frame in order to quit. Remove things from your home, office, car and other places that might remind you of when you use. Most importantly, make sure you seek support from family and friends, who can help encourage you and hold you accountable while you are trying to rid yourself of drugs.

It cannot be stressed enough to pursue support during this time. You cannot overcome this addiction by yourself; you need others walking alongside you to aid you in this time. Lean on your family and friends during the time of recovery. Make some new friends that do not revolve around your drug usage. Try something new or volunteer somewhere in order to make new friends. Join a recovery group to help encourage you through this process as well. You will be able to connect to people in your recovery group who will understand what you are going through during your time of recovery.

In addition, learn new, healthy ways to cope with stress or difficulties in your life. Exercise is a healthy way to relieve stress. Getting a pet can make starting a new routine easier and shift your mind away from unhealthy life patterns. Get outside and do something you enjoy to help get away from your old habits. There are lots of healthy ways to deal with stress that can replace previous unhealthy habits

Realize that you will still have triggers and cravings despite changing your customs and finding new ways to cope. The best way to avoid triggers is to cut ties with everyone and everything that reminds you of using drugs. Avoid bars and other areas that will remind you of when you use. Be aware when you are having a medical procedure done to be upfront with your doctor before the procedure is done, so you can avoid be tempted by any medications they might prescribe you. Have a go to distraction when you have cravings. These can include exercising, going for a walk, listening to music, or anything you enjoy doing to get your mind off the craving. Call a friend to tell them you have just had a trigger or craving. Talk it through with someone you can trust to help you overcome the feeling. Instead of only remember the good feelings the drug gave you when you have a craving, remind yourself of all the negative consequences that ensued because of your drug use too.

Remember that there is no one healing system out there that works the same for everyone. Your recovery regimen should be customized to your specific needs. Seek a healing treatment plan that is the best fit for you. Also know that treatment will address more than just your drug addiction. You will be dealing with hard life issues too-things that the drug abuse has been covering up. Despite the hard topics you will be addressing, you will need to have a commitment to follow through with the treatment process. Make a commitment to stick to your treatment plan no matter what happens.

In order to effectively rid your life of drug use, you should commit to learn to enjoy things that are meaningful to you outside of your drug use. Find a hobby you enjoy and pursue it. Volunteer if it will help you feel good about yourself. Set new goals and accomplish them. Get serious about your health and taking care of your body.

Remember recovery is a process, and it will take time for you to get better, but taking the first step in seeking help allows you to step onto the road to recovery.