Category: Treatment

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Magpie’s Story

Articles, Education, International, Testimonials, Treatment

(Dealing with Addiction on Golden Pond)

#6: The Heartfelt Reality of Being Functional

I’m still 28 days out from checking into DARA. I’m struggling to stay afloat. I would
love to take off for Thailand tomorrow. I pray I can make it another 28 days. The
reasons for the delay are complicated, focusing primarily on financial issues.

Another reason might possibly be my cursed blessing of being functionality. I am
100% Irish and have addiction on both sides of my family. There is no doubt that I am
genetically predisposed. And, may I dare say, that as a culture we Irish have, over
time, developed an amazing tolerance for alcohol. Personally, my climb to the top of
the addiction pyramid happened very gradually….over 40 years. I have no trouble
admitting publicly that I have reached the top that pyramid and that there is no place
for me to go at this point but down.

The problem with my being functional is that everyone expects that of me. And, I
don’t want to ever let myself or anyone else down. I will do as much as others ask of
me or I ask of myself within the limits of my current state of health.

Today, I was asked to run an errand by a contractor I’m employing. I ran the errand
successfully, but with two very close calls driving on the highway. If it weren’t for
those two other drivers’ quick reactions, we’d all be dead.

Another essential aspect of functionality is that, even when I gently tell loved ones
how poorly I’m feeling, either they don’t believe me or they don’t know what to do
about it or they don’t care.

In journal/diary fashion, let me just conclude by saying that I have a 9:00 a.m.
appointment with an Addiction Psychiatrist tomorrow. The part of my brain that can
still think, tells me to call a cab. That will be costly, very costly. The other part of my
brain tells me that I can make it to 9:00 a.m. without a drink. And, I probably can.

But, I also have severe chronic sinusitis which also wreaks havoc on my frontal cortex
and my inner ear throwing off my balance, judgement and even my eyesight (dry eye).
I wish I had a support system that could really hear, empathize and help out.

I hope that in writing this I did not offend anybody, but those are my heartfelt
thoughts in this moment in time.

As always, look foreword to your thoughts.

With compassionate understanding,

Magpie

family alcohol talk

How to Help Your Child After Rehab

Articles, Education, Treatment, Understanding Addiction

After you have a child return home after completing a stint at rehab, it can be a very confusing time for both of you. While you will obviously be excited at their return, you need to understand that post-rehab can also be very unsettling. Initially, your child may feel at odds with their surroundings, even though the setting is familiar to them. They have undergone a huge life change after all.

The main question that parents want to know is “how can I best support them”

Although every situation is going to be different, the guidance in the article should be able to help you with the transition.

Continued Care is Required

Unfortunately, completing time at rehab is not a magic cure that ensures your child will be sober the rest of their life. Addiction is a chronic disease which your child must learn to manage. Managing this disease will be a lot easier with continued care and support from their loved ones.

Aim to work with your child to set up a plan for the future. The plan may include meeting with a trained therapist every so often or entering into a 12-step program. It is recommended that counselling and therapy sessions are encouraged more frequently in the beginning, especially the first 90 days. The plan can also include things such as diet and exercise as well as steps to avoid certain triggers in life.

Set Future Goals

A new path begins when your child steps out of rehab so ensure that you have a talk about the future and what lies ahead. Start setting rules and goals. Ask them about their own vision of the future and how you can play a part in helping them with these goals.

Maybe they want to start some new hobbies or learn some new skills. There is a possibility that your child may also want to talk about their relationships and how they were affected by their addiction. Maybe they feel that they need to build some bridges with certain people. Use these goals as an indicator of how they are coping.

alcohol rehab

Be Vigilant and Aware of Their Lifestyle

It is important that you are aware of what is happening in your child’s life. This will require communication between you both as well as trust. It might also lead to some frustration on your child’s part as they may not want you to know all about their everyday movements.

However, being aware of who your child is spending time with and what they are getting up to is important. They need to keep away from old habits and social patterns. It is important that you know the signs of relapse. These may include a continual feeling of negativity about their life and apathy towards their recovery. Some people also show signs of arrogance regarding their addiction and act prideful that they have beaten it. This can cause an overconfidence that eventually leads to temptation and relapse.

Hopefully the above guide will help you in supporting your child going forward. Remember, the most important thing is to help your child accept their new life. Encourage them to pursue sober activities such as sports that can lead to meeting new friends who won’t drag them down. Also encourage them to stay in contact with any friends that they made during the time in rehab. Starting afresh opens up the door to new interests and goals.

As a parent you must offer full support and be ready to listen or offer a shoulder to cry on when needed. Help you child succeed as maintaining sobriety is very tough.

90 day recovery

The First 90 Days on the Path to Recovery

Articles, Education, Treatment, Understanding Addiction

Congratulations You Have Done It!

If you have recently completed treatment for a substance use disorder, the path to recovery is now open to you. The first 90 days are the most important for preventing a relapse, so this guide has been written to help you on your new found journey.

90 day treatment alcohol

 

No doubt you are feeling a little nervous and wondering what lies ahead, but hopefully you are also feeling determined and strong. The first 90 days after recovery are always the hardest. Research published in the “Psychology of Addictive Behaviours” discovered that the risk of relapse was at its highest within this period of time. However, the study also found that those in recovery who continued with some sort of treatment in these first 90 days had a much higher chance of maintaining their recovery for a full year.

Although the early stages of recovery can be challenging, there are techniques and tips you can use to help make it through this initial period. Getting support from loved ones and friends, taking up new hobbies and continuing with some form of treatment will make the process easier.

Below are some suggestions to help you during the initial 90 day recovery period.

Clean Home

Make sure that before you arrive home someone has cleaned the house of any alcohol, drugs or any paraphernalia relating to your addiction. Everything should be removed that may serve as a trigger and risk a relapse.

Follow a Schedule

Keep yourself on track by following a schedule. This should include the time you wake up, your meal times, any appointments with doctors or therapists, exercise time and any other obligations. It is important to leave yourself enough time to relax, mediate or pursue your hobbies. Keeping yourself busy and following a structure will ensure there is less time to relapse.

Don’t Go it Alone

Spending too much time by yourself may result in you worrying about things such as your future, finances, or whether your recovery is really going to last. Being alone can also make it harder to resist cravings so always surround yourself with the people who are offering you support.

Look After Yourself

Addiction can have gruelling effects on the body and it will take time to get yourself healthy and back to 100%. Even detoxification will affect the body, so you need to give it time to heal. To increase the time it takes to heal you should ensure that you exercise regularly and follow a healthy eating plan. Also make sure that you get at least 7 hours sleep at night.

Continue Treatment

As mentioned previously, a study that was published in the Psychology of Addictive Behaviors found that those in recovery that continue treatment in the initial 90 days increased their odds of completing a full year without taking any substances. Continuing therapy, or joining a twelve step program can give you a real boost in the first 90 days.

Celebrate Your Success

Each day that you continue on your path to recovery is cause for celebration. Every single therapy appointment you go to, every time you have a glass of water instead of reaching for the harder stuff, every choice that you make that prevents a relapse is a fantastic milestone.

No matter how small you treat yourself for reaching new milestones, do something to recognise the success. Always be kind to yourself. This is very hard work after all!

 

 

 

 

Xanax Withdrawal

Xanax Withdrawal – How Easy To Get In, How Hard To Get Out

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

Xanax Withdrawal – There is little doubt that Xanax has its uses, there is also little doubt that it can become highly addictive. For those who feel they are now dependent upon the drug, or those nearing this state, Xanax withdrawal must be considered.

We will take a look at the drug itself, why it is so potentially addictive and steps to be considered when going down the withdrawal route.

What is Xanax?

Its generic name is Alprazolam and it is known as a benzodiazepine which means it is a member of the tranquilizer family.

Who needs it?

Xanax is used to treat adults who suffer from panic attacks, anxiety disorders and those with related psychiatric disorders.

How does it work?

In works on a chemical messenger in the brain known as GABA and helps to increase its action by rebalancing your brain chemistry.

So what is the problem?

From the above, evidence from the medical community and first-hand user experience we can see that Xanax helps those with anxiety disorders, and does so effectively.

The problem is that long term use of the drug comes with some serious issues. Three of these are:

  1. Those using Xanax often find that they need to increase their dosage over time to achieve the same calming effects.
  2. This drug is ‘famous’ for the dependence and addiction issues it can cause.
  3. In terms of Xanax withdrawal, if a person ceases use abruptly there is a strong chance they will experience severe withdrawal symptoms. This is due to the way your brain chemistry goes through the process of rebalancing itself.

In certain cases such symptoms can be life-threatening, and unsupervised withdrawal from Xanax has caused death.

Fear:

The thought of having to stop using something you have become dependent on, and in many cases are addicted to is frightening.

Indeed experts have established that fear is the main reason addicts delay or deny withdrawal to any substance they are addicted to.

While this fear is understandable, it should be clearly understood that with expert professional help these fears can be explained and managed, and that you can overcome your dependence.

Self-withdrawal – Not worth the risk

It should be made very clear that there is no need or benefit for a Xanax user trying to withdraw on their own.

At best such an approach will simply compound withdrawal symptoms and make them unbearable. In all likelihood such a situation will lead to a continuation of the drug’s use and a longer addiction while at worst it could result in death!

Two sensible withdrawal options:

Due to the addictive qualities of Xanax and potential problems posed during withdrawal it is strongly advised that the addict seeks professional help during this process. Here are 2 options to consider:

Option 1 – Tapering

The first option for Xanax withdrawal we will look at is under the supervision of your doctor and is known as ‘Tapering’.

Tapering means gradually reducing the dose of Xanax by an amount, and over a certain period of time that will be determined by your doctor.

This gradual reduction and the time it takes very much depends on each individual. There is no ‘one fits all’ scenario for this withdrawal process.

While you are going through this process it is very important you visit your doctor on a regular basis, you report any unusual feelings or signs to them immediately, you try and eat as healthy a diet as possible and you avoid any other drugs use.

This tapering process is a gradual one and will take time, but it is very important to stay as positive as possible, be as patient as possible and let the process take as long as it must.

Option 2 – Rehabilitation Centre:

This option is felt by many to be the best route to take and is highly recommended for several reasons.

You will leave your normal environment and the pressures this brings with it. Such establishments offer first class treatment, support and encouragement in an environment that has been established for one purpose.

This purpose is to give you the best chance possible to beat your addiction and begin to live a normal, healthy life.

The friendly, professional staff have extensive prior experience and success in terms of treating addiction. In terms of Xanax withdrawal it is particularly important that you feel at ease during what can be a very testing period of your life.

Some of the best centres are actually known as Rehab Resorts and they have been established in an idyllic setting that will relax you and add to your strength of purpose.

Medically you will receive expert and supervised attention. In many cases the 12-step program may be used. This was originally established by Alcoholics Anonymous over 75 years ago and has been modified over time. The program has been extremely beneficial to those addicted to any substance.

Your rehabilitation program will be designed specifically for YOU. No individual is the same, this is clearly recognized by the staff and the treatment, methods and procedures of such a withdrawal program will be designed specifically with your needs in mind.

You will be in an environment that encourages you to talk about your experiences, fears and ambitions, and you will share and listen to others in a similar position. You will also be encouraged to set targets and goals, and just as importantly how to deal with any setbacks on your road to recovery.

Aftercare:

This is an absolutely vital part of your healing process. The best Rehab Resorts will offer extensive aftercare options as part of your Xanax withdrawal program. Such aftercare will be based on whatever is more convenient to you.

They will allocate a personal counsellor and offer a variety of options for aftercare. These can include identifying and interfacing with a certified therapist close to your home who will be responsible for your aftercare while regularly updating your Rehab counsellor.

If you live in a remote area they can offer support with certified therapists via telephone and internet, or you may feel more comfortable keeping direct contact with your Rehab counsellor via Skype.

Whichever option you go for there should also be an offer to re-visit the centre for progress checks and encouragement therapy as you require.

The flexibility of aftercare options offered is something you should look closely at before deciding which Rehab Resort is right for you.

Xanax withdrawal can be achieved, it must be achieved, and YOU can do it:

If you are currently addicted to Xanax please do not think you are alone, and please do not think withdrawal is something which cannot be achieved. Professional caring help is out there and you will be welcomed with open arms.

Just as importantly, this treatment, encouragement and support will not only be for the here and now, it will include vital aftercare and support that will give you every chance of leading a happy, healthy and normal life.

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.