Category: Treatment

The Grieving Process

Overcoming Grief In Recovery – Part Three

Articles, Australia, Education, International, LGBTQ, Malaysia, Treatment, Understanding Addiction, United Kingdom, United States

This is part-three in a three-part series about overcoming grief in recovery. In parts one and two, we talked about how the loss of a loved one is especially difficult for those in recovery and we discussed the five stages of grief. Now, we’re going to give you some helpful tips about how to undertake the grieving process without relapsing.

# 1 – Give Yourself Permission To Grieve The Loss of a Loved One

One of the most important things you can do while you are dealing with the loss of a loved one is to give yourself permission to grieve. Many people don’t do this. They try to push away their sadness and disbelief. They try to will away their pain or stuff it down and bottle it up inside. This is not effective when trying to overcome grief.

Tell yourself, “I give myself permission to grieve. I recognize this is going to be a painful process and it is going to take some time. I will honor my thoughts and feelings as I come to accept the loss I am experiencing.”

Doing this is a personal acknowledgement of your current state of being and a demonstration of your commitment to stay in recovery while you grieve.  

#2 – Feel Your Feelings Without Trying To Escape Them   

Grief is painful. There is no way around this unfortunate fact of life. No one wants to experience the gut-wrenching sadness, anger, bewilderment, and confusion that accompany the loss of a loved one. However; feeling feelings is a necessary component to overcoming grief.

Many people relapse during the grieving process because they want to escape the pain – not realizing that using drugs or alcohol or acting out sexually will only make the pain worse. While you will certainly want to escape the pain of loss, the only way to overcome it is to walk through it, feel it, and continue to confront it until it subsides.

# 3 Build A Support System 

While no one can take your pain away from you or feel it for you, you can find great comfort in a support system. Surrounding yourself with people who care about you will ensure that you don’t become overwhelmed with loneliness and desperation as you undergo the grieving process.

It may be a good idea to join a grief support group so you can share your experience and find strength in the company of other grieving people. You may even consider seeing a therapist to guide you through the stages of grief. Having people in your life you can lean on while you reorient yourself to your new reality will help you stay committed to your recovery program.

#4 Keep Your Routine

When you are confronted with the loss of a loved one, it may seem like you can’t go on with life. You may feel like you are falling apart and simply cannot deal with the responsibilities of daily living. However; it is important to keep up with your daily routine. Go to work or school. Continue to maintain self-care like taking a shower, brushing your teeth, etc. Eat properly. Maintain your household. Exercise. Do what you can to take care of yourself and focus on your mental, physical, emotional and spiritual well-being. Maintaining a daily routine will help keep you grounded.

Remember, Grief Doesn’t Last Forever – It Will Pass

Although the grieving process can feel like it will never end, it will. Sure, there will always be an empty spot in your life where your loved one used to be. You will always miss them. But, you will become accustomed to the fact that they are gone and you will move into acceptance. The tears and the pain will subside. Life will go on.

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Overcoming Grief in Recovery

Overcoming Grief In Recovery – Part One

Articles, Australia, Education, International, LGBTQ, Malaysia, Treatment, Understanding Addiction, United Kingdom, United States

This is part-one in a three-part series about overcoming grief in recovery.

Death Is A Part Of Life – Though We Would Rather Not Think Or Talk About It 

Loss is an unfortunate part of the human experience. Though we wish it weren’t so, everyone we love and care about will one day die and depart from this earthly realm. This includes our parents, friends, relatives, spouses, romantic partners, and even our beloved pets. We too will cease to exist one day, leaving behind the people who love us most to grieve our loss.

Yes, death is a part of life – and it’s something most of us would prefer not to think or talk about.

However; facing the reality of death and the subsequent grief it brings (and talking about it) is important for those who are in recovery. Losing a loved one can be an especially devastating experience for someone who is recovering from drug, alcohol, or sex addiction. Even losing a pet can be earth-shaking.

If you are currently going through a period of grief, we want to help make the process a little easier. If you aren’t presently dealing with some kind of loss, we believe the suggestions offered in this blog post will prepare you for such an event.

Please keep in mind that if you are experiencing grief and you are also struggling with an addiction, DARA Thailand can help. Just contact us and we will tell you how our specialized programs can get you on the right track.

Losing A Loved One Can Be A Trigger To Return To Active Addiction

Loss can become a very strong trigger for someone to use drugs or alcohol or act out sexually. Indeed, the loss of a loved one forces recovering people to navigate some very painful feelings and many feel ill-equipped for such a brutal undertaking.

If you have spent much of your life turning to drugs, alcohol, or sex to numb your feelings and cope with the stressors of daily living, it can be almost instinctual to return to your addiction during a grieving period. The compulsion to engage in self-destructive behaviors can be all-consuming during extreme emotional events. This is because when you are vulnerable, you can easily buy into the illusion that sex, drugs, or alcohol are a solution to your current state of being. The thing is, addiction always makes grief worse. It never helps the situation.

You simply cannot work through grief and manage an addiction at the same time. The addiction will inevitably take over, which will prolong the grieving process. If you choose to turn to drugs, alcohol, or sex to once again cope with painful feelings after you lose a loved one, you will quickly find yourself drowning in a sea of sorrow from which there is no escape.

No Matter How Badly You Are Hurting, Recovery Has To Come First

If you are currently grieving, we hope you have been able to maintain your recovery throughout this difficult time. If you have not been able to continue to stay abstinent, we encourage you to seek help right away and recommit to your recovery process. Remember, our team of experts at DARA Thailand can assist you with overcoming your addiction and dealing with grief.

We understand that grieving the loss of a loved one can be a soul-crushing experience. It may even feel like you can’t continue to live life without some kind of crutch to carry you through the day. However; we want you to know that you can make it through this – without engaging in your addiction to cope.

If you aren’t presently experiencing grief, make the commitment to yourself now that no matter what comes, you will continue to walk the road of recovery and live life on life’s terms. That way, when you do lose a loved one, you will remain steadfast to your commitment and walk through the grief without relapsing. 

Please read Overcoming Grief In Recovery – Part Two to learn about the stages of grief. 

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heroin withdrawal

Heroin Withdrawal

Articles, Australia, Celebrity Rehab, Education, International, LGBTQ, Malaysia, Treatment, Understanding Addiction, United Kingdom

The fact that prescription painkillers are becoming harder to obtain may sound like a positive and for the most part but what it means for some is that heroin has become a cheaper alternative to achieve the same relief from real or imagined pain. The problem with heroin withdrawal is it begins almost immediately as the drug starts to leave the system. The good news is that it only lasts about a week for most people. However, the problems associated with heroin use may last for years to come if the body has been damaged or related issues have occurred. The symptoms of withdrawal are shared below as are some of the possible long term effects someone should watch out for after entering recovery.

Heroin withdrawal symptoms include nausea, abdominal pain, sweating, shaking, and nervousness. Think of the worst stomach virus you have ever experienced, only worse. Additionally, agitation, depression, muscle spasms, and cravings may occur. The cravings are typically very strong, especially with prolonged use and can lead to immediate relapse even days into withdrawal. If withdrawal occurs in a medical detox program some medications and therapy can be provided to help alleviate symptoms. These may boost the chance of fully detoxing and entering recovery.

Unfortunately heroin use has more than doubled in recent years with the number of fatalities being nearly four times as high. As heroin is highly addictive and has powerful withdrawal symptoms, medical detox is typically the best route to use when trying to kick the habit. Withdrawal symptoms will depend on the duration and amount the drug was used. Also in the method in which it was taken. Additionally, someone with a mental illness or addiction previous to heroin use is more likely to become dependent on the drug faster. Heroin can change the chemistry of the brain, making withdrawal and dependence even stronger.

While mild withdrawal symptoms have been shared above. Moderate symptoms of heroin withdrawal may also include vomiting, diarrhea, trouble concentrating, goose bumps, and tremors. Those who get severe withdrawal symptoms may have insomnia, hypertension, racing heart, impaired breathing, difficulty feeling pleasure, and stronger cravings. Though the actual withdrawal is not typically life threatening. Some of the medical symptoms or even psychological issues that arise can be.

Those in severe withdrawal may even become depressed or suicidal and cause self-harm. Heroin withdrawal symptoms will begin within 6 to 12 hours of the last dose. These will peak in 2 to 3 days and can last 5 to 10 days total. This is for the worst of the symptoms, but depression, anxiety, and even cravings can last longer. Many who are heroin addicts work through a Suboxone to make withdrawal a little easier. This will require a clinic and counseling as part of the program.  

If you or someone you know is trying to get off of heroin or is going through withdrawal and need help then it is available. Find a rehab that will help with both medical and psychological issues for the best long term results. Don’t give up. You are stronger than your addiction and can get into long term recovery if you are willing to do the hard work involved. Your life will be better for it.

CLICK HERE to get a Free Confidential Heroin Addiction Rehabilitation Assessment.

Cocaine withdrawal

Cocaine Withdrawal

Articles, Australia, Celebrity Rehab, Education, International, LGBTQ, Malaysia, Treatment, Understanding Addiction, United Kingdom, United States

Cocaine is a dangerous drug that had its purpose in the medical community for a time, but is now predominantly used to get high. There are short and long term effects of cocaine and neither are positive. In fact, cocaine is a drug that requires more and more to maintain the same high for an individual. Cocaine can be deadly from the first use as it is often mixed with other drugs or substances to bulk up the actual drug. This makes coke a seriously harmful drug to both use and withdraw from for the addict. Even if you have only used once you may experience withdrawal symptoms if you are trying not to use again. Read on to learn more about the cocaine withdrawal symptoms and other long term effects that come with extended use.

If you are reading to find out what withdrawal from cocaine is going to be like for yourself or someone you care about then know that everyone’s experience is different and it will be tough. But in the long run it is worth it to get back to a healthy life that can be truly enjoyed. Cocaine withdrawal occurs when someone who has used a great deal of cocaine decides to cut down or stop completely. Withdrawal symptoms can begin before all of the drug is out of the body. The amount of cocaine that is considered ‘a great deal’ may vary from person to person.

Cocaine produces a false sense of euphoria by causing the brain to release dopamine. When the binge or use lessens or stops the crash follows almost immediately. A strong craving will start during this initial crash and other symptoms can include lack of feeling any pleasure, irritability, anxiety, fatigue, sleepiness, and extreme agitation.

Cocaine can produce physical symptoms such as nausea or shaking but it is not as common as with withdrawal from other drugs. Specific to withdrawal a person may become depressed and even suicidal for months following the last use of cocaine. They may also have increased appetite and a slowing of activity. Someone may be generally uncomfortable and have vivid and scary dreams. The powerful, intense cravings may lead to further use. But with more use the high becomes less pleasant and more likely to bring about fear and suspicion.

Symptoms of withdrawal will disappear over time, but severe symptoms may require in-patient treatment to be safe and in a medical environment as a precaution. This allows for counseling and medication if needed through the withdrawal period. After withdrawal the person may need some monitoring through blood tests, chest x-rays, ECG’s, and toxicology for screening purposes. Additionally, support groups are good resources.

Cocaine addiction is very difficult to treat and relapse is highly likely. However, treatment should start with the least restrictive option and increase if relapse does occur. Some medications may help deal with the depression and paranoia, but no medication currently exists to help with the actual withdrawal symptoms. If you or someone you know is seeking help then do not wait any longer. Cocaine use can be deadly, the next hit could be your last. You can get over your addiction if you are willing to try.

CLICK HERE to get a Free Confidential Addiction Rehabilitation Assessment.

healthy relationships

Letting Go Of Toxic Relationships Part 2

Articles, Australia, Education, International, Malaysia, Treatment, Understanding Addiction, United Kingdom, United States

This is part two in a two-part series about letting go of toxic relationships.

In part one of this series, we talked about the importance of having healthy relationships in recovery. We also identified the characteristics of a toxic relationship. Now, let’s talk about healthy relationships.

How To Recognize Healthy Relationships

We have told you how to recognize a toxic relationship. We also want you to know the components of a healthy one.

Healthy relationships:

  • Build you up and make you feel loved and cared for
  • Make you feel good about yourself
  • Will be based on mutual respect
  • Are reliable and stable
  • Are about give and take
  • Revolve around shared values
  • Foster healthy communication
  • Are not centered on addiction
  • Encourage your recovery process
  • Support you in your efforts to make positive changes in your life

Toxic Relationships Vs. Positive Relationship

By now, you should have a general idea about the characteristics of both toxic and healthy relationships. Now, it is important to understand the effect each type of relationship can have on you. This way, you will see the benefits of healthy relationships and be more encouraged to seek them out – and avoid toxic ones. 

  • Toxic relationships drag you down. Healthy relationships lift you up.
  • Toxic relationships exhaust you. Healthy relationships energize you.
  • Toxic relationships create chaos in your life. Healthy relationships bring peace.
  • Toxic relationships revolve around addiction. Healthy relationships revolve around recovery.
  • Toxic relationships suck up your time. Healthy relationships enhance your life.

Enough cannot be said about how much of an influence relationships can have on your life. After all, you are the company you keep. If you hang around with people who empower you and encourage you to be your highest and best self, you will become a better, healthier, more well-balanced person. If you spend your time in toxic relationships, not only will your recovery be in jeopardy, so will your peace of mind.

To Enjoy Your Life And Experience The Gifts of Recovery, You Must Let Go Of Toxic Relationships

The only way you are going to be able to continue on your recovery journey is if you let go of toxic relationships and engage in healthy ones. You may have some toxic relationships with important people in your life that you aren’t willing to let go of – your parents, your spouse, or your close relatives, for example. This is understandable. We’re not telling you that you have to shut these people completely out of your life. But, we are encouraging to spend a minimal amount of time with them whenever possible so you can work on yourself and your recovery program.

Besides these important relationships, who else are you allowing into your energy field? Who are you spending time with? Where are you investing yourself when it comes to relationships?

Chances are, you can think of some people you hang out with who are toxic to you. We are talking about so-called friends who aren’t your friends at all. Maybe they are people you used to drink/drug/gamble/ have sex with. Maybe you are involved in a romantic relationship with someone who is toxic to you. Or maybe you known someone who always bring drama and negativity to your life.

We strongly recommend that you let go of THESE toxic relationships so you can grow in recovery. Replace them with healthy relationships and you will feel like a new person.

CLICK HERE to get a Free Confidential Addiction Rehabilitation Assessment.