Category: International

Substance Addiction

Just What Is Addiction – Part 2

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

This is the concluding article of 2 on what substance addiction is. This complex condition affects individuals in many different ways, so let’s start with:

Why do some suffer addiction and others do not?

The exact reasons why some fall quickly into addiction while others using similar substances or amounts do not, but a family history of addiction is known to have an effect.

This means if a blood-relative such as a parent or grandparent suffered with substance addiction then the chances are increased that you will.

There is also the environment in which you are living to take into account. If this is one where drugs or alcohol are freely available and openly used, then the chances are that a person will begin substance use at an earlier age than those living in environments where substance use is not so prevalent.

 The earlier a person begins using drugs or alcohol the greater the chance of them becoming addicted to a substance later in life.

Mental disorders:

Mental disorders such as depression, anxiety and stress are also common factors when it comes to determining whether a person will fall foul of addiction.

The problem with such disorders is that we all feel these conditions during some periods of our lives, but those suffering more than most with these mental problems often do not realise that their condition is serious enough to warrant medical attention.

It is known that those who have a diagnosable mental disorder are far more likely to develop more than one addiction. Dealing with one addiction is difficult enough, to have to cope with multiple addictions can be devastating.

Those with more than one substance addiction are termed as having co-occurring disorders and it is crucial that once this is identified that specialised treatment is given to that person to ensure each condition is treated separately.

One thing is certain:

The more regularly a person dabbles with substances the more they will want. This is because the body builds a tolerance to that substance. As tolerance builds it means that more of the same is required to achieve the same effects as previously experienced.

Continued tolerance will eventually lead to dependence because the body and brain cannot do without your substance(s) of choice. These substances alter the way your brain works and this makes it extremely difficult to resist the strong urges to continue substance abuse.

Don’t let things slide:

It is far easier to continue using substances and ignore the growing need for them than to do anything about it. Many put their use down to ‘enjoyment’ and convince themselves they can stop use whenever the wish, but ‘now’ is just not that time.

The importance of recognising your substance abuse is getting out of hand is crucial and there should be no shame in admitting this.

You are not alone:

If you have tried, but failed to stop your substance use it is important to understand that embarrassment should not come into the equation in terms of seeking assistance. Quite the opposite, by seeking professional help you are making a brave statement about your character and desire to quit.

It is also important to understand that countless people before you have been in your position and countless more in future will be, but with professional help you can leave addiction where it belongs; in the dim and distant past.

What is Addiction - Dara Rehab Can Help

Just What Is Addiction? – Part 1

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

It is far too easy for those who do not fully understand addiction to dismiss this illness as one that affects only those who are weak-willed, easily lead or should know better. They also cannot understand why an addict does not simply cease use of the substance(s) concerned immediately.

If Only:

Such thoughts are obviously formed without an understanding of exactly how complex addiction is, why some people are more prone to becoming addicted than others and the reason it drives many to an early grave.

No control:

Those men and women who are addicted do not have control over their actions.

Where drugs are concerned an addict does not know exactly what different chemicals they are putting into their body. The ‘main’ substance responsible for their devastating dependence will obviously be the major ingredient, but they are also pumping their bodies full of a wide range of chemicals and mixing agents that can also do substantial harm.

Addiction is not just drug-related:

Again, it is easy for those who are unaware of exactly what addiction is to assume that illegal substances or the abuse of prescription medication is the only cause of dependence.

Yes, addictions are caused by the physical things a person consumes, so alcohol and drugs certainly top the list, but addiction can strike in many ways. Gambling is a valid and worrying example but there are many others.

When considering, it is important to understand that this can either be a substance or a behavioural addiction.

Addiction wears 2 hats:

History shows us that a person classified as an addict was one who was dependent upon psychoactive substances which affected them by crossing the blood-brain barrier and temporarily altered the brain’s chemical balance.

Major psychoactive substances are alcohol, certain categories of drugs; the opioid family are a powerful example, and tobacco.

Over time this single reason causing addiction had been challenged. It is now accepted by medical and addiction professionals that a second strand of dependency exists. This is psychological addiction. Gambling has already been mentioned in this category, but sex, exercise, work and internet addiction are also placed in this category.

Different reasons – similar negative feelings:

Whether your dependence has been caused due to physical or psychological issues there are common feelings of negativity to contend with. Examples are:

  • Enhanced feelings of guilt
  • A deeper and more pronounced feeling of shame that will generally be very well disguised
  • A sense of helplessness at their situation which only serves to fuel addiction
  • Deep despair where an addict often feels they have nowhere to turn
  • Self-failure will be a regular visitor to their thoughts as will how they have failed others
  • Rejection will deepen. An addict will reject anyone close to them in various ways while those affected can eventually reject the addict due to unreasonable and erratic behaviour.
  • Anxiety is a common companion. This is increased if there are extended periods without an addict’s substance of choice.
  • Humiliation is also something that has significant effects on an addict’s self-respect.

We will continue to look at exactly what addiction is in the 2nd article, but anyone who relates to things mentioned above really would benefit from seeking urgent professional assistance.

CLICK HERE to get a Free confidential assessment or call.

Recovering from addiction

Widening Your Circle Of Sober Friends

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

Recovering from addiction – Anyone currently going through recovery from drug or alcohol addiction should consider ways of widening their circle of sober friends.

Why are friends needed?

Recovering from addiction is not easy. It will have been drilled into you during rehab just how trying this process can be and that many challenges need to be faced.

Trying to do this alone, or relying on just one or two people to help you through tough times is limiting your ability in terms of advice and encouragement.

Having a healthy cross-section of friends to rely on will give different viewpoints on specific issues. It will also give much needed encouragement that can be the difference between progression, stalling progress, or even relapsing.

Resist the lure:

It is highly likely that friends from your ‘old’ life will include a large percentage of those who either use drugs on a regular basis or drink more than is good for them.

Loneliness can be a huge negative for those going through recovery, but it is important that a person does not allow this fact or the temptation of things ‘familiar’ to lure them back into those circles.

By re-establishing such contacts, a person going through recovery is surely leading themselves towards the temptations of re-starting drug use or drinking again in double-quick time.

Ways to meet new, sober friends:

Here are 3 ways that should be considered when it comes to widening your circle of sober friends.

Join a support group:

By being part of a Recovering from addiction support group, you will quickly understand that you are not alone in your quest to maintain sobriety and improve your all-round well-being.

It will also be clear that the challenges continued recovery bring are felt by others. Honesty in terms of how you and others feel will also be clearly expressed without feelings of embarrassment.

Support groups can also offer solid guidance from others who understand the issues you will face as your recovery progresses.

Volunteer:

Volunteering is an excellent way to make new friends. It will also make you feel far better in yourself by the fact that you are giving something back.

Another big plus is that being part of a volunteer project will keep you busy. A busy and active mind does wonders to keep any negative thoughts and feelings at bay.

Stay balanced:

Self-development is absolutely crucial during recovery from addiction. The more you can nurture and develop all aspects of your personal being, the greater the chance of maintaining a healthy, positive balance. This will include aspects such as:

  • Physical health
  • Mental health
  • Emotional status
  • Spiritual feelings

The issue is that you must not allow this self-focus and development to completely overshadow other aspects of your life. You need to work on family life, your employment situation and social responsibilities. By doing so you will continue to feel better all-round while meeting others from all walks of life.

Keeping a proper balance is certainly a challenge, but achieving one is often regarded as the best predictor for long-term sobriety.

CLICK HERE to get a Free confidential assessment or call.

Free Quit Drinking App

Free Apps That Can Help You Quit Drinking – Part 1

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

Regular drinkers will at certain times feel they would like to either reduce their intake or quit drinking altogether.

This is the 1st of a 2-part article on apps that are free to download on Android and iPhone devices or on both.

Temporary thoughts:

It must be said that these thoughts often surface after a particularly heavy session. Usually when those who have overdone their booze quota are feeling sorry for themselves. That “morning after” feeling is not something to be welcomed, nor are any embarrassing situation caused by too much drink.

These temporary thoughts usually fade and little, if any action is taken, but if you are worried that your drinking is getting out of hand try letting technology help.

Try technology:

As with most things today there are a host of apps awaiting download that can help those with a determined attitude to reduce or quit drinking.

Here are the 2 that are free and surely worth consideration.

Sober Grid:

Free on Android and iPhone:

This app takes sobriety global! Sober Grid has been designed to help those looking to get sober, or who are currently in recovery.

Sober Grid members are a mix of those looking for support, and those offering it.

This mix is highly effective for those in need of advice, support and help. One feature that can be particularly effective is the “Burning Desire” icon.

This allows a user to find sober acquaintances either locally or while they are away from home. The latter option can be particularly useful for those who are working away, on holiday, at an airport or in a particular town or city anywhere in the world.

It offers a news feed where members can post and read sobriety-related experiences. This app majors on tracking your progress and giving peer-support, both of which are vital initial steps on the road to sobriety.

Nomo

Free on Android and iPhone

This app certainly provides detail. It was created by 2 fathers who wanted an application to keep them motivated while going through recovery. Their intention was to design an attractive app with multiple clocks which kept them and others in their support group connected.

The detail to timing information has certainly been achieved. Nomo breaks down the time you have remained sober to the minute. This means you can track your sobriety down to minutes, hours, days, weeks, months and years.

Every milestone reached is rewarded with a recovery milestone chip aimed to help you remain motivated while celebrating your achievement.

Money saved can be calculated on the app and you can share your milestone chips on social media. Another useful feature is that your sobriety clock can be shared with an accountability partner. This will then allow them to check-in on you, check how long you have remained alcohol free and comment on your continued progress.

Benefits aplenty:

There are plenty of reasons to reduce or quit drinking altogether. These include feeling physically healthier, mentally more agile, likely weight loss, increased appetite with more desire to eat healthier meals and the potential to achieve considerable financial savings.

Social Circle - Addiction Recovery Group

Why a social circle is so valuable during recovery? – DaraRehab

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

Life can be tough once you have completed rehab. There will be days when things go swimmingly, others will feel as if you are drowning.

The importance of staying strong:

Resilience is a key word for those progressing through recovery. There will be knocks and setbacks littering the way. Some may be half-expected, others will jump right out in front of you. This is why it is so important to stay strong and determined as you heal.

Things will get easier as time elapses, but the ups and downs can be far smoother and that much more manageable if you have a varied social circle.

An invaluable part of your support system:

Navigating recovery is a tricky business and there is little doubting that having a healthy social circle will do you the power of good. Friends from a variety of backgrounds, and with differing social skills can do wonders as part of your support system.

It will give options in terms of where to turn if a particular issue arises. Some of the circle will be better at addressing certain things than others. This means you have an all-important tool in your recovery locker: Choice.

You will be able to lean on those who can effectively keep you away from temptation, others to calm you, and those that are effective when reminders of your strengths are needed. This last point is very important when that necessary self-confidence goes missing.

Less time spent thinking about your own concerns:

It is vital that you are mindful and aware of the stresses and challenges that will be encountered throughout recovery, but dwelling on them for too long is not healthy.

By spending time with different sets of friends you will widen your view on things. Topics will be discussed that interest and invigorate.

Feeling far less alone:

During those drink or drug-fuelled days you will have had company all the hours god sends.

Making your way along the path of sobriety can leave you quite lonely. Loneliness is a major reason for relapse and relapse is not something to encourage.

A varied circle of social friends that are dedicated to sobriety can be very inclusive. You will feel part of the group you are with. This togetherness should also put you far more at ease.

Your outlook will improve no end:

Increasing your circle of friends with people who care, who have similar interests and who offer sound camaraderie will do your confidence and outlook on the future the power of good.

Feeling happy is an excellent tonic for strengthening your recovery determination. It should also help increase contentment with the way your progress is going.

Yes, of course there will be bad days, but with good friends on hand the problems or issues you face can be worked out to a positive end.

A solid circle of friends will help you, you will be keen to help them, and it is these partnerships that can form trusted, long lasting bonds that will make recovery that much more manageable.