Category: Australia

Heroin Addiction Rehabilitation and Recovery

Heroin Rehabilitation and Recovery

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

Heroin seems to be the addictive plague of our time. Around the world, use of heroin has steadily grown and the devastating consequences of addiction and overdose are seen every place heroin is found. In fact, 1 in 3 overdoses in Europe have been in the U.K. and the majority of these overdoses have been from heroin and other opioids. The use and abuse of heroin is at epidemic proportions.

Heroin Addiction

Since heroin is so highly addictive there really is no such thing as a “casual user”. There emphatically is no safe way to use heroin and addiction will inevitably take over anyone who uses heroin more than once. As users “come down” from the high of heroin they often experience nausea, vomiting, dry mouth, and itching. In fact, general itching is sign of opiate and opioid use in general. This is the set of symptoms often referred to as being “dope sick”. After a period of time, a secondary set of symptoms will emerge. These include extreme drowsiness in which the user/addict will need to sleep for hours at a time. They will also feel a foggy mental state, unable to focus. Users will begin to ‘nod off,” falling asleep and waking up over a long period of time.

Heroin Withdrawal

Severe heroin withdrawal symptoms include muscle pains, inability to sleep, rapid heart rate and hypertension, depression, and a severe craving for the drug. Heroin addicts will crave the drug so badly that they will be driven to obtain it. In this way the cycle of addiction become firmly established and can be difficult to interrupt. To complicate this further, the more heroin users go through this painful cycle of withdrawal and getting high, the more they crave the drug. And the more of the drug they tend to use. Heroin users will use more and more of the drug to obtain the same effects. This will further increase the risk of overdose.

Heroin Rehabilitation

Heroin addiction requires treatment. Most heroin addicts will likely require in-patient treatment. The withdrawal form heroin is so difficult and pernicious that any attempt to stop using the drug seems to send the addict straight back to using. Dara offers the full range of professional treatment for heroin addiction. From medical detox to the a treatment program which heals the addictive patterns and underlying psychological problem which lead to and contribute to heroin addiction, Dara offers everything that current science can provide.

Heroin Recovery

One of the more insidious aspects of the current heroin addiction problem is the fact that so many users began by using prescription opioid pain medications. Opioids are highly addictive in the same way as heroin. Once a person is addicted, heroin can become an easy and cheap alternative to prescription medication. This too can be addressed in the recovery programs at DARA. The addiction treatment professionals at DARA have a complete understanding of the complexity of the current opioid/heroin problem. The recovery programs at Dara are made to fit this complex set of medical and psychological needs.

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Staying Motivated in Recovery

Staying Motivated in Recovery

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

Recovery is tough. There is no reason to sugar coat this fact. Addiction tends to take everything from an individual and recovery is the time when that person works toward regaining a normal, functional life. It can be difficult staying motivated when in recovery, but it is not impossible. This article will explore five ways in which you can keep yourself motivated throughout the recovery process.

The first way in which you can keep yourself motivated is through keeping it simple. Though most people tell you to look at the big picture, in recovery it is best to focus on the here and now. This is especially important in the early stages of recovery. By keeping things simple you can more easily reach small goals and milestones. These small achievable steps will help keep you motivated and eventually lead to larger gains. In the very beginning you must focus on one day at a time or even one minute at a time until you are strong enough to think of long term goals.

A second way to stay motivated is by affirming yourself. This ties into keeping it simple as you can celebrate your small accomplishments along the way. Take time each day, each hour if needed to think of the positive steps you have taken. Additionally, remember to keep a positive attitude even when it seems like everything is tough or falling apart. This attitude paired with the affirmations will keep you focused on recovery and the new life that lies ahead.

The third step is to celebrate your accomplishments. Make sure to celebrate in small ways at every accomplishment. If you have your first 24 hours clean then treat yourself to something small and healthy. Celebrate a full week clean and a month. In a year you can throw a party, without drinking or drugs, to celebrate a full year of recovery. Sometimes addictions are so strong that making it a single day is a huge accomplishment, do not be afraid to be happy for yourself. In fact, many people pre-plan an award for certain milestones as a way to stay motivated.

The fourth step is to create a support network. This is something that can grow and change throughout recovery, but is highly important. Being in recovery is possible without friends and support, but it is like a three legged table, without the fourth leg it is just not as balanced and secure. Find friends and family members who you can both be accountable to and celebrate with in a happy manner. Surround yourself with people who will be happy for you as you grow and change in recovery. These people will hold a special place in your life.

Finally, maintain structure in your life and routine. Addiction tends to make things chaotic. Though life cannot always be scheduled down to every minute, many things can occur daily. Make sure you are taking care of yourself, your general care and hygiene and that you are completing the basic things needed to stay in recovery. Have a set routine that you can stick to each day. The consistency without your addiction will become the new life you desire.

Staying motivated in the challenges of recovery can be a daunting task, but one that will help you reach long term recovery. You were strong enough to make the decision to go into recovery, to start working against your addiction, don’t give up because you are worth it.

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Attitude of Gratitude

Having an Attitude of Gratitude

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

Attitude is everything in life. This seems like a broad statement, but it holds a great deal of truth. The same is true in addiction and recovery. Many addicts feel they are different from everyone else in life. They believe that their life has been especially hard or unfair and this allows for the destructive behavior of addiction to continue. This is simply not true. No matter how difficult a situation is, one can choose their attitude. This ability and choice is totally up to the person. This can be very useful in life, but imperative when in recovery.

If attitude is a choice than why not have an attitude of gratitude. Having an attitude of gratitude in recovery can change the way we interact and promote behaviors that are supportive of long term recovery. In order to have this attitude of gratitude you must first shift your mindset. This is something that must be done daily by choosing to see what recovery has opened up, not what addiction has taken away. This can be tough for the addict who may feel like everything was lost during addiction, but the positive spin is that you only have one direction to go, up. Every situation can have positive in it. There are people in jail who get clean. There are addicts who have been at death’s door who get into recovery and create an amazing, productive life.

You simply have to change your attitude to one of gratitude. Take for example an addict that has lost everything to addiction that can move into an apartment during recovery. This person can find the positive in having a consistent roof over their head, not worrying about the next hit, but thinking about what to fix for dinner. The apartment could be small and not well furnished, but it is a step in the right direction. Recovery gives you the opportunity to change the way you think and approach situations if you allow it to do so.

Learn to appreciate the small things by concentrating on what makes life great, not always worrying about the bigger picture. Make an attitude of gratitude journal. A great way to start is by starting one morning and every hour writing down one thing that you are grateful for in life. This can be something simple like a beautiful flower or a good friend. Truly take time to think about what you are grateful for as you move through your day and write it down. Keep this journal handy for days that are not feeling great and refer to the things that made you feel grateful before. It will become easier to find things you are grateful for with practice.

You can also have an attitude of gratitude by doing something for others without expecting anything in return. Take time to help someone with something they need. Fix a meal for a friend, help someone carry in groceries, or volunteer at a local shelter. Whatever you choose you will get the good feelings that come with helping others. This will have the added benefit of building your self esteem and possibly connecting you to others who can be friends. Addiction makes people self absorbed so the humility involved in helping others without expectation will promote good feelings and further the attitude of gratitude.

Finally, be gracious for the changes you are going through in recovery. Embrace the imperfection that is human and keep growing and changing. So this boils down to one thing, change your attitude, and change your life. You are learning about recovery or are in recovery or perhaps you have a loved one with an addiction, no matter the situation you are in control of your attitude and reactions, stay strong.

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personal values in recovery

Finding Personal Values in Recovery

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

Everyone has a value system. Values will vary between and among people, families, and even cultures. Personal values are deeply ingrained into a person from the time they are small. Values are intended to help you lay a solid foundation for your life. Unfortunately, addiction can make a person ignore or forget these personal values as the addiction takes over every aspect of life. Once someone enters recovery those values can be rediscovered and used to guide decision toward long term recovery. Values offer that foundation for permanent change if allowed to do so.

Personal values are the principles in life that you can use to find meaning and fulfillment. They can form the base of your identity and if consistently held, your identity will reflect these values. In practical terms this means you need to construct a foundation of practical values from which you can manage the most important aspects of your life. The analogy of a car can be drawn. Values are like the engine in your car, you can survive without them, but it is easier when they are available. In a healthy person, values provide the motivation that drives behavior, the impetus for decision making, and the foundation for feelings and emotions. Without the foundation lives would lack even the most basic sense of significance. Addiction can create that type of meaninglessness.

There are two areas that values fall into, though the actual values will vary for individuals. The areas are universal values and practical values. Universal values are things like self-respect, health, love, and integrity. This doesn’t mean everyone shares the same views on these topics, but that there are values in every culture that are related to these areas. Practical values are more personal. These are the values you use day to day. Though you should know and be aware of your universal values, it is the practical values that must evolve as part of recovery to make your changes real.

In the early stages of recovery it is important to take time to write out your values on both the universal and practical level. Your practical values may grow and change over time, but having a basic list will give you a reference point when you need help in the recovery process.

Perhaps you value honesty above all else. You need to write this out and practice rigorous honesty in all your dealings. If you hold true to your values than they will show in your life. Maybe you want to hold the saying ‘treat others as you would like to be treated’ as a value. If this is true than treat others with respect and kindness if you expect the same in return. Being reliable is another good value to adopt that will be highly beneficial to recovery. Being reliable can build your value system. Help others learn to trust you as you consistently show this trait, and help build self esteem.

You have made the first step toward recovery in not using and getting help. Now you need to take steps to start improving your life. You are a strong person that can do this if you stay focused.

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Self Deception in Addiction and Recovery

Self Deception in Addiction and Recovery

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

Self deception is a tricky topic because if you are deceiving yourself you are unlikely to be aware that you are allowing yourself to believe lies. This ties into addiction as you convince yourself, often for a lengthy amount of time, that you do not have a problem with drugs or alcohol or that you are leading a perfectly normal life while using. You may also believe that you can get clean alone without the help of anyone, but this is nearly impossible. Related to self deception is lack of trust. In fact, most people entering recovery say they have a difficult time trusting or have trust issues in general. This is likely true, but the real issue is lack of self trust, more so than not trusting others. Rationalization, justification, and minimization are part and parcel to addiction.

We tend to lie to ourselves and others as part of addiction, but in recovery there is no need for this. There is never a need to lie over healthy behaviors.

Self deception is rarely a conscious process, in fact it can be remembered as a simple acronym DENIAL. DENIAL stands for Don’t Even Know I Am Lying (to myself). This does not mean that learning to trust yourself is impossible, in fact it is quite simple. It requires paying attention to your thoughts and statements at all times. This may be difficult at first, but it does become easier with practice. A few tips will be offered below.

Candor is key in learning to trust yourself and others. Not simple honesty, but rigorous, unrelenting honesty. This means that you must be honest with yourself and others about how you feel and what you have done. This does not give license to be mean, but does mean if you make a mistake or hurt someone you should be honest about it and apologize if needed or if it would not cause further harm. You must also be brutally honest with yourself. If anger has taken control you should be realistic and find a way to deal with that anger, the same goes for depression or even cravings. Seek help when needed. Being honest about and to yourself will help you become a stronger person and learn to trust in your own decisions in time. You will know who you are and what you need and want in life.

Learning to trust yourself will also allow you room to learn to trust others, as well as them learning to trust you once again. Additionally, as you grow and improve you will be able to help others in their journey to long term recovery. This can become a purpose that will create a stronger drive in you to stay in recovery. So if you are new to recovery know that it will get easier with time, practice, and patience. If you have been in recovery awhile make sure you are being honest with yourself in all aspects. No one is perfect, you are allowed bad days, just do not let them take over.

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