Category: Understanding Addiction

No punches pulled, no excuses given. If you are addicted to your drug of choice, or find you are becoming evermore dependent upon them you need professional help.

One proven and effective choice is registering for inpatient treatment and therapy. Below we will give some of the key reasons as to why you should consider a stint at a luxury rehab resort.

But, first things first, there is something you need to do.

Stand Up and Own Up:

A trait common to the countless men and women who are now dependent upon drugs is denial.

They will lie to the ones closest to them about their drug consumption, and even more damaging, they will convince themselves that they are in control of their drug use and not the other way round.

Excessive drug taking is damaging your body and your mind. It is also causing untold angst and concern amongst those closest to you.

Until you take the very brave step of admitting to yourself just how serious your dependence has become you are on a one way street signposted “Deeper dependence and addiction”.

What’s with the denial?

Before getting into why you should consider a stint at a luxury rehab resort lets put the issue of denial to bed.

The reason you will continue to deny there are serious issues is based on FEAR! This fear relates to the frightening consequence of how you will possibly cope without your regular hit.

Many addicts have reached the stage where their first fuzzy thoughts upon waking are drug related, and such thoughts remain their constant ‘companion’ throughout the day and long into the night.

While such fear is completely understandable it is vital for you to realise that the longer you deny, the deeper your problems will become.

Help yourself and seek professional help:

You should NOT be ashamed that addiction has currently got the better of you, and you must believe that with willpower, perseverance, determination and the caring, professional help available that you can come off, and stay off drugs for the foreseeable future.

Drug rehabilitation programs and services have been around for a long time, the professionals in this field fully understand the challenges and issues you face.

Rest assured they will make it their job to help you overcome these problems in a structured, sensible and caring way.

So, here is the first reason why you should consider a stint at a luxury rehab resort:

Unique, fresh environment:

Your current environment has more than likely got a lot to do with why you are hooked on drugs. You will be mixing with like-minded users and have several dealers phone numbers off pat.

The life you are leading has taken on a routine all of its own. That routine revolves around scoring, preparing and receiving that desperately needed high.

It also leads to temptation and temptation when coming off drugs is something you must avoid.

A stay at a luxury rehab resort will certainly change that, and rather than looking at an establishment in your own country you should seriously consider an overseas destination such as South-East Asia.

I’m not made of money!

Many people automatically assume that the cost of an inpatient stay at an overseas rehab resort in this beautiful part of the world will be way beyond their financial means.

In fact it is exactly the opposite and is a major reason as to why you should consider a stint at a luxury rehab resort abroad.

For example, the cost of staying at such an establishment in Thailand is around one-third of the cost of similar establishments in western countries.

You will also find that quality overseas establishments have been approved by major personal health insurers and certain policies are accepted as cover for treatment.

Fully qualified staff:

While a stay at such a resort is excellent value for money, this does not mean you are getting any less in terms of the fully qualified staff employed there.

Medical, counseling and other relevant staff will have industry standard qualifications that meet recognized global standards and are very likely to have worked in other rehab centres in various parts of the western world.

Rules, Routine, Respect:

Before being accepted as a client at any respectable inpatient rehab establishment it is important to understand you will need to agree to rules laid down. Such rules are sensible and have been set to ensure you have the best possible chance of beating your addiction.

Regular routine is another strong reason as to why you should consider a stint at a luxury rehab resort. By having focus, keeping active and attending private as well as group therapy sessions such a routine will help you develop strength and determination to beat your addiction.

Respect for yourself, other inpatients and the rehab resort staff is a key ingredient to the success of such establishments. Self-respect can be very low amongst those struggling with drug issues; experienced councilors will work to help you regain respect for yourself and those around you.

The better you feel about yourself the more positive you will become about your current situation and the fact that there really is a future without drugs.

A whole new experience:

Breaking free of the sterile environment you are currently stuck in and the rut which is getting deeper are vital reasons why you should consider a stint in a luxury rehab resort. You need a breath of fresh air in more ways than one.

A stay in a tropical location offers a whole new experience for many, and involves a raft of new sights, sounds and activities. Such things will blend well with the physical, psychological and spiritual sessions you will take part in on an individual basis as well as through group sessions.

Challenging for a reason:

Any luxury rehab resort worth its salt will make sure your stay is a productive but challenging one, and this is for very strong reasons.

It will certainly be no walk in the park, but understanding what drugs have done to your life, what can happen if you continue feeding your habit, and responding to the challenging sessions you will be involved in an honest, open and positive manner is key to giving you the best possible chance of kicking that habit into touch and looking forward to a drug free future.

Reclaim your life – Take up the challenge!

There are many more valid reasons why you should consider a stint at a luxury rehab resort, but hopefully the above has encouraged those with drug issues to rise to the challenge and make a very important

If you are worried about a friend, who is using drugs, it is important to learn the best ways to talk to him about your concerns. You can help your friend by gaining information about drug use. It is a good idea to learn all you can about drug abuse before talking with your friend. If you understand addiction, you will be better able to talking about the reasons you want your friend to quit her addiction, It will also allow you to better empathize when she is talking about her own addiction. Do some research and figure out as much as you possibly can about drug addiction before talking to your friend about recovering from his addiction.

Keep in mind your pal may not see his drug problem the same way you see it. He might not believe he even has a drug problem. If he cannot see he has a problem, then he will probably not see he needs to make any changes in his life regarding his drug use. Help him to see his substance abuse problem clearly. Help him to see the facts of his drug abuse. If you present the facts of his drug abuse, it then becomes his choice to recognize and change them in the future.

Share with your friend the reasons you are concerned about her drug abuse. State specific times you have been worried about your friend when she has been using drugs. Mention your concerns about her health or other ways you have noticed her addiction has impacted her life. Also, tell her how her addiction has impacted your life as well as your relationship with her. Reassure your friend that you do not want her to live her life this way any longer. Show her how much you care about her and inform her that you do not want her to suffer from this abuse any further.

Stay positive and restrain from being condescending or shaming your friend about her drug dependence. It can be tempting to want to judge another person when you do not walk in her shoes, but refrain from making this mistake when talking with your loved one about her habit of taking drugs. Being harsh might only push the person farther away, making it more difficult to help her get sober in the future. Help her to see the positive effects of quitting her drug abuse. Assist her in clearly seeing the ways her life can be different if she chooses to stop using drugs. Praise her any chance you can when she makes strides toward dropping her drug use. Let her know you worry about her, and gently continue to point out you can only help her in the future if she seeks treatment for her addiction. However, remind her constantly you will be there to support her whenever she needs it.

Remember to point out facts instead of emotions when talking to your friend about his addiction. Refrain from trying to guilt him into giving up his drug abuse problem, and realize threatening another person to desert a drug dependence never works either. Negative thoughts or feelings is often what create drug habits in the first place, so avoiding talking down to him and belittling him. Be honest as you communicate about how his addiction has affected you and your relationship with him. Persons with a drug habit are often unaware of how the addiction is influencing relationships overall, so keep in mind how you choose to communicate you want for him to get help because it can make a huge difference in how he responds to the information you present to him.

Do not forget to take care of yourself through this process. It can be exhausting talking to a friend with a drug abuse problem. Therefore, make sure you are seeking the help you need while you are helping an addicted loved one. Arrange to do things you enjoy. Doing things you love brings joy to your life and makes you happy. Make sure you are eating a proper diet and getting enough sleep too. Also, ask for help when you need to do so. Although it may sometimes feel like it, caring for yourself is not a selfish act.

Remind yourself often recovery for your friend is possible. Even when it does not seem like recovery is possible, sobriety is always achievable. Although it may feel as though you are getting through to your friend, continue to have conversations with him that will allow him to see the effects of his drug abuse. You never know when something might get through and stick in his brain to help push him toward seeking help.

There is no one way of talking to a friend who is addicted to drugs. Your friend can choose to take your advice or not, but remember it is not your fault if he chooses not to follow through with the aid you provide him. Do not blame yourself if your friend chooses not to allow support for his drug addiction. However, talking with him about his addiction can assist him in seeing how his addiction is impacting the people he loves and potentially pushing him to get the cure he needs for his addiction.

Recreational drug use is something millions the world over partake in. Many see this as the ideal way to relax in the privacy of their own home, or to give an added boost when enjoying themselves at clubs, raves, festivals and parties.

While this article does not condone such a pastime it is clear for all to see that drug use is part and parcel of many people’s lives.

What needs to be understood are the signs that ‘recreational’ and ‘occasional’ are turning into ‘regular use’ and a habit that needs constant feeding.

Let’s consider the definition of using drugs recreationally, why so many dabble, what the ‘favourite’ drugs of choice are, and why this pastime can turn into a dangerous, habit forming dependence.

Definition of recreational drug use:

Recreational drugs are generally classed as illegal chemical substances that are taken for pleasure. It should not be forgotten that legal substances such as alcohol and tobacco are often used for recreation, but are also highly habit forming.

Why do so many see drug use as part and parcel of life?

There are many reasons that men and women see drugs as part of their life. Peer pressure is a big factor for those starting out on the drugs trail.

Young users will often try drugs not because they have a particular desire to do so, but because the crowd they are hanging with have influential members who introduce a drug to try.

Not wanting to feel left out, many will feel pressurised into going along with this experimentation.

Others are genuinely interested in experimentation. They will do so in a quest to discover how certain drugs affect them and to feel the ‘highs’ that are promised.

A more straightforward reason is that those who try illegal substances genuinely enjoy the experience and feelings that their drug(s) of choice give them.

Three reasons that are not a great basis for recreational drug use:

Again, there are lots of reasons not to get involved in drug use, but those who take them for any of the following reasons need to be very careful they do not slip into heavier more regular use, dependence and addiction.

If you are taking drugs because it gives you a newfound confidence when relating to others, you are taking drugs to help forget problems or worries, or you are taking drugs because that is when you feel happiest, you are part of a group that is far more likely to suffer dependence or addiction issues.

The reason for stating the above is that such reasons give false feelings that are only temporary.

Using drugs in such situations can rapidly lead to increased use, increased amounts when taken, and these users can find they quickly become dependent upon drugs simply to deal with day to day issues, to ‘escape’ their problems; which will not go away on their own! Or to help them relate to others.

Recreational drug use – the most common illegal substances:

Depending on which part of the world you live in Marijuana or Cannabis is the most popular drug for recreational use. This is followed by Amphetamines: Whizz, Speed and a whole host of other names, Cocaine: Charlie, Toot or ‘C’, Amyl Nitrates: Poppers, TNT, Liquid Gold, Ecstasy: ‘E’, Mandy, and then there is the ‘legend’ of all drugs; Heroin; Smack, Horse, ‘H’.

While all of the above can become habit forming the use of cocaine and/or heroin should be avoided. These are dangerous drugs to dabble with. This is due to the fact that your mind and body quickly accept these substances and become ever more hungry and dependent upon them.

Tolerance:

It cannot be understated how quickly your mind and body take to drugs. Your brain and body are complex machines that know what they like and like what they know.

Tolerance of drugs is quickly accepted, but this acceptance comes at a price. The price is that both body and mind want more. As your tolerance to the drug builds, you need more of the same simply to reach the same ‘high’ as previously achieved.

A dangerous spiral to get into:

The tolerance factor means that regular and continued recreational drug use will lead to a user taking more of the substance, and taking it more regularly.

Before they really realise it the ‘recreational’ has disappeared from their drug use and they now find they have a habit that must be fed.

As this habit grows so does dependence and addiction. Users who find themselves in such a situation really must seek professional drug rehab assistance sooner rather than later.

Everything in moderation:

No one sets out to become dependent upon drugs. Everyone thinks “I am far too strong minded to let my drug use take control”.

The evidence shows that many are wrong. The millions who are now addicted have their own story to tell, and this story will start along similar lines.

“….I began recreational drug use because the company I kept and the fun we had while under the influence was ‘cool’, ‘happening’ and a real good laugh…”

Unfortunately for many of these users the hold drugs takes on them has made things very ‘uncool’, ‘un-happening’ and the dependence they now harbour is anything but funny.

Moderation in all things is the sensible way to go, but drugs do many weird things to your thought process, feelings and mood. Excessive use is a surefire way to find yourself dependent on something that is not easy to stop.

What to do if you feel your drug use is becoming excessive:

Please do not delay in seeking the assistance of drug rehab establishments. The fact you have a problem with drugs is not something you should ignore or feel embarrassed to admit.

The longer you think the problem will simply go away and the longer you delay contacting an established drug rehab counsellor the more difficult things will become.

You will continue to heap psychological and physical damage on yourself, you will continue to increase the hurt and anguish on those closest to you, and the harder it will become to face a life without drugs.

Recreational drug use will never stop, but if you decide to add this pastime to your list of ‘hobbies’ please be fully aware of the hungry expectation of your mind and body. They will want feeding more often and with larger portions.

Recognising the signs that you have moved on from occasional use to it becoming a dependent part of your life, and seeking qualified professional drug rehab assistance is vital to avoiding or overcoming dependence and addiction.

Often individuals, who are helping an addicted family member or friend, think his actions are aiding his friend, but in reality, he is actually perpetuating the problem. In actuality, he is really enabling the person. Truthfully, he is in fact hurting the person.

So how do you know if you are enabling someone? Here are some questions you can ask yourself to see if you are indeed enabling your relative or friend. Do you cover up her addiction? Do you avoid talking to her about her addiction? Do you believe she can quit using whenever she wants to do so? Have you bailed her out a financial situation in the past? Does she continue to fail at promises she makes even though you keep giving her chances to change? Do you rationalize her behavior, so you cannot even detect when you are covering up her substance use? If any of these questions pertain to your relationship with an addict, you are more than likely enabling her addictive behaviors.

So now that you realize your enabling habits can be harming the addict, instead of helping, what do you do now?

Do not be afraid of changing and do not wait until a junkie hits rock bottom. You can help now before the problem gets out of hand. Do not be afraid of the consequences your loved one will endure if you quit enabling him. Enabling only allows the alcohol and drug habits to continue in your family member or friend’s life, so commit to making changes in your relationship to allow your loved one to feel the full effects of the consequences of the behaviors he chooses to engage in while feeding his alcohol and drug dependence. Allowing him to experience the consequences will push him to evaluate his substance abuse problem.

You can begin to change by setting boundaries with your family member or friend. Reassure her that you care about about her, but let her know you will be setting up boundaries in your relationship moving forward. Help her understand that you will no longer be giving into requests, which contribute to her alcohol or drug fixation. Let her know you will no longer sit aside and be passive on her obsessive choices as she drags you into the complications that coincide with her substance dependence. However, make sure you are not being aggressive and mean when you are establishing boundaries with your loved one. Be assertive. Make it known that you will no longer be giving her money. Tell her you will no longer be making excuses for her addiction to others. Explain you will no longer be fulfilling her obligations for her either. Hold your ground and make sure you are following through with the boundaries you set in place. Refrain from rescuing your family member or friend from situations she gets herself into as well. Understand this change will be hard for both you and your addicted loved one. However, remember to stand firm and not give in to angry demands or threats.

Recognize there will be strife that comes with these newly changed behaviors. Changing previously relied upon behaviors and once providing expected finances can cause a person to become angry. Be prepared for the angst, retaliation and manipulation that comes along with your stance against enabling. Accept your family member or friend may push harder to get what he wants and has previously gotten out of you. Learn how to cope with the person acting out against you. Being prepared for these types of behaviors so you can deal with them appropriately instead of giving into them. Have confidence in the boundaries you set and stick to them.

Do not give into your loved one’s negative reactions. Do not allow her to control your choices by making her own poor choices. She might try to regain the control she at one time had by guilting or manipulating you, but remember she must take full responsibility for her behaviors in order to learn from the consequences. However, feeling these ramifications may make her feel uncomfortable causing her to act out in insecurity or rebellion.

It is also important to take care of yourself. Loving an addict and setting boundaries can often be difficult and hurtful. It is important to recognize the choices he makes is his responsibility not your responsibility. If you are being harmed by an addicted loved one, make sure to report it to the proper authorities as well, so you all can get the help you need.

Finally, try to get your addicted family member or friend to seek professional guidance. Hopefully, by allowing her to feel the weight of her options through the consequences she experiences, will help her realize she needs treatment to overcome her addiction. It may be a long journey to recovery, but in the end it will be well worth it for you and your loved one.

Help your addicted family member or friend have the opportunity to get better by refusing to enable him any longer. It is a long, hard journey, but in the end, getting better and overpowering the addiction is well worth it for everyone involved.