Treatment Solutions

Top 5 Ways to Prevent Substance Abuse

Bethany Winkel — Mon, 07 Oct 2019 22:11:52 +0000

While it’s practically impossible to prevent anyone and everyone from using illicit drugs, there are things we can all do to avoid drug and/or alcohol abuse. By sharing this knowledge with those closest to you, you yourself may be able to prevent them from doing drugs, too. Here are the top five ways to help prevent drug use:

1. Effectively deal with peer pressure. The biggest reason teens start using illicit drugs is because their friends utilize peer pressure. No one likes to be left out, and teens (and yes, some adults, too) find themselves doing things they normally wouldn’t do, just to fit in. In these cases, you need to either find a better group of friends that won’t pressure you into doing harmful things, or you need to find a good way to say no. Teens should prepare a good excuse or plan ahead of time, to keep from giving into tempting situations.

2. Deal with life pressure. People today are overworked and overwhelmed, and often feel like a good break or a reward is deserved. But in the end, drugs only make life more stressful — and many of us all too often fail to recognize this in the moment. To prevent using drugs as a reward, find other ways to handle stress and unwind. Take up exercising, read a good book, volunteer with the needy, create something. Anything positive and relaxing helps take the mind off using drugs to relieve stress.

3. Seek help for mental illness. Mental illness and substance abuse often go hand-in-hand. Those with a mental health illness may turn to drugs as a way to ease the pain. Those suffering from some form of mental health illness, such as anxiety, depression or post-traumatic stress disorder should seek the help of a trained professional for treatment before it leads to substance use.

4. Examine every risk factor. If you’re aware of the biological, environmental and physical risk factors you possess, you’re more likely to overcome them. A history of substance abuse in the family, living in a social setting that glorifies drug abuse and/or family life that models drug abuse can be risk factors.

5. Keep a well-balanced life. People take up drugs when something in their life is not working, or when they’re unhappy about their lives or where their lives are going. Look at life’s big picture, and have priorities in order.

If you know someone that is suffering from Substance Abuse and addiction treatment is an option; check to see if their insurance provider covers some, or all of the treatment.

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Learn the 5 stages of substance abuse

Treatment — Tue, 20 May 2014 00:41:11 +0000

Generally, substance abuse is a difficult topic to talk about. Many people have been affected in some manner by drugs and alcohol, yet the stigma surrounding the condition continues to suppress a public dialog on programs to improve treatment options and get those struggling with substance abuse into detox centers. In many ways, openly talking about drugs and alcohol can be an effective means to educate people from starting or continuing down a self-destructive path.

Understanding just how that path looks can be another effective way to inform people about how a pattern of addictive behavior occurs. While addiction affects every person in different ways, the five stages of substance abuse are a general guideline for how even casual use can transform into behavior that may not be easily controlled.

1. Experimentation
The first stage of substance abuse is also the most innocuous. Many people’s first exposure to potentially addictive substances begins as a social event. Teenagers may drink at parties or with friends, while adults may dabble with drugs just for the experience.

For many people who are able to control their intake of drugs and alcohol, their experience with substance abuse does not progress past this stage. However, StopMedicineAbuse.org explained that others may find themselves rationalizing more regular drug or alcohol consumption as within their ability to regulate it.

2. Regular use
Once a person has progressed past the experimentation phase, regular use of drugs and alcohol ensues. This may include drinking or consuming drugs only on weekend or other periods of downtime. People may often miss the fact the their consumption has increased because they are doing it in the company of other people.

This second stage is also where drug and alcohol use begins to affect people’s lives. Collateral damage from substance abuse such as falling grades in school or missed social engagements may be examples of this.

3. Risky use
With the onset of the third stage, serious collateral complications begin to manifest as people’s normal lives clash with the instability of substance abuse. While some may think that a drink or two after work is harmless, they may not be able to realize that they are too drunk to drive. Teenagers may see their grades fall precipitously and their group of friends change drastically.

The University of Rochester Medical Center explained that even though people may acknowledge that drugs or alcohol are beginning to affect their lives, they may balk at attempts to decrease their substance consumption or to get them help.

4. Dependence
The fourth stage of substance abuse is where things begin to take a serious turn. Dependence means that while no physical changes have taken place in the chemical makeup of the brain, people will continue to drink and use drugs regardless of the impact to their health, job, friends or anything else.

Dependence may be characterized by higher doses or increased potency of substances to overcome a growing tolerance and withdrawal symptoms without a constant supply.

5. Addiction
At the final stage, a chemical change has taken place within the body so no matter how hard people may try, giving up the substance of choice is almost impossible without help. People in this stage may experience sudden and intense cravings for drugs or alcohol and will act on these cravings until they go away.

While the picture of substance abuse may seem dark, addiction treatment centers across the country are staffed by professionals with the expertise necessary to help anybody move from a habit of addiction to a healthier and more fulfilling life.

Let’s verify your coverage for treatment at an American Addiction Centers location. Your information is always confidential.

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Break these junk food habits for a healthier diet

Treatment — Tue, 13 May 2014 00:15:52 +0000

The human body has been compared to an engine, and just like a car, it will poorly run if supplied with low-quality fuel. Every child grows up learning that breakfast is the most important meal of the day because it kick-starts the body’s metabolism, and athletes are trained to eat a large meal the night before a big game so they have plenty of energy to make that last-second play

However, someone who eats anything that comes across his or her path most likely will not have as much energy as a person who carefully chooses what to eat. This is where junk food can wreak havoc on people’s diets, waistlines and digestive systems. Evidence suggests that junk food such as potato chips, soda and candy is designed to produce an addictive response in the person who eats it, though rehab centers rarely treat that kind of addiction. Instead, everyone can take immediate steps toward a healthier lifestyle and diet by breaking some simple junk food habits.

Designed to snack
No matter how hard they try, some people just cannot help themselves from eating an entire bag of potato chips or finishing off a liter of soda. The fault may not lie entirely with the consumer, however, as The New York Times explained that an entire industry of food production companies employ scientists, chefs and advertisers to create foods that are optimally crunchy, sweet, savory and sour.

According to the Times, multiple food giants like Cadbury Schweppes, Campbell Soup and General Foods have turned to Howard Moskowitz, Ph.D, director of a food optimization consulting firm in New York.

“I’ve optimized soups,” Moskowitz said. “I’ve optimized pizzas. I’ve optimized salad dressings and pickles. In this field, I’m a game changer.”

Moskowitz looks at various aspects of different foods, such as the complexity of the flavors, the visual appeal, the brain’s tendency to grow bored of a certain dish and dozens of other factors. Once he determines the sweet spot for a particular food product, consumers typically have a hard time eating only one chip or cookie and business profits skyrocket.

Cut out soda
Even though certain foods have been specifically designed to make it hard to quit them, it only takes a bit of willpower to make a serious change that can benefit anyone’s overall health. CNN explained that, on average, six weeks of dedication to a new diet is enough time to change a person’
s overall food preferences.

To start those six weeks, one of the simplest ways to take strides toward healthier living is to stop drinking soda. Health Ambition explained that the standard can of soda in the U.S. contains about 39 grams of sugar or high-fructose corn syrup. For an enlightening test, place a can of regular and diet soda in a bucket of water – the regular soda will sink to the bottom because of its sugar content while the diet version will float.

Stop emotional eating
For some people, junk food is not so much a nutritional requirement as it is a way to comfort themselves during times of stress. FitDay explained that emotional eating can happen when people experience excessively strong positive or negative feelings.

This junk food habit is particularly dangerous to a healthy diet because it is not related to feeling full or satisfied. Instead, people who think they might be emotional eaters should pick up a hobby to channel their energies through an avenue separate from junk food. Spending more time with friends may also stop emotional eaters from indulging too much.

Of course, giving up all junk food may prove unreasonable for some people, so reducing junk food intake to a moderate level can be a perfect start toward healthy living.

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Take the Love Quiz: Are You Codependent?

Treatment — Wed, 20 Nov 2013 06:00:25 +0000

Love can be a slippery slope—and sometimes being in love with someone gets tangled up with feeling the need to control that person, or stay in the relationship even when it’s toxic. When a partner or loved one is struggling with drug or alcohol addiction, it often adds an even greater level of this dysfunction, known as codependency.

Those with substance addiction or other addictive behaviors often develop relationships with someone who will care for them and willfully exist in a place of codependency. Codependents themselves become addicted to the control, the drama, the obsession and the dysfunctional relationship.

This push and pull creates many problems as such toxic relationships can emotionally starve their participants over time. Individuals lose their sense of their own desires and needs, and instead of caring for themselves, they live to take care of and be with their partners. The resulting stresses and anxieties marinating within can be detrimental to one’s health.

Does your partner have a problem with addiction? If so, have you begun to take care of him or her to an unhealthy extent? Do you devote an unhealthy amount of effort and attention to your partner?

A codependent relationship is an unhealthy relationship. Put yourself—and your relationship—to the test now.

[WATU 4]

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Myths & Facts About the Designer Drug Known as “Molly”

Treatment — Thu, 05 Sep 2013 15:41:56 +0000

The drug “molly” has recently come into the spotlight due to some recent deaths at a New York electronic music festival, Electric Zoo. This past week, the drug has been all over the media and blogosphere. Here are some common misconceptions being reported, as well as some important facts for families.

Myth #1: “This is a new drug.”

While many may not recognize the name ‘molly,’ they will certainly recognize its other name: ecstasy. While “molly” is a newer form, the drug MDMA (3,4-methylenedioxy-N-methylamphetamine), has been around since the early 1900s. Molly typically comes in powder or crystalline form, where as ecstasy is typically found in pill form.

One reason for the increased popularity of the drug is due in part to pop culture. Rappers like Kanye West and Lil Wayne have made reference to this drug, as well as teen pop idol Miley Cyrus, who reportedly makes reference to the drug in her new song, “We Can’t Stop.”

Myth #2: “It’s safer than other drugs.”

Many believe that because molly is considered a purer form of ecstasy, it’s safer. This is not the case, as the drug is still cut (or mixed) with other drugs during its refining process.

Even if someone gets their hands on actual, pure MDMA, it still has high risks, such as body temperature disfunction. Deaths have been reported due to cases of MDMA-induced hyperthermia.

Myth #3: “The side effects of molly really don’t last long.”

According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, “the reported undesirable effects [can last] up to one week post-MDMA or longer.” These side effects can include: restlessness, irritability, thirst, lack of appetite, aggression, sadness and anxiety.

Myth #4: “Drinking lots of water makes the drug safer.”

One side effect of MDMA or molly is hyperthermia and dehydration. Unfortunately, many under the influence of this drug cannot regulate their water intake. Because this drug can keep the body retaining water, some drink enough to qualify for water intoxication. Water intoxication occurs when someone consumes too much water, leading to an imbalance of electrolytes – which can be fatal.

While molly may seem safer than other drugs due to its reputation of being pure, drug, it’s still a street drug that can pose life-threatening effects.

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If you or a loved one is struggling with MDMA or other club drugs call us today at 877.417.6137 to learn about our many safe and effective treatment options.

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Communication Styles and Recovery – Social Wellness Month

Treatment — Tue, 23 Jul 2013 15:15:08 +0000

July is Social Wellness month, so we’d like to talk about communication – what it is and why it’s important to your recovery.

The first year in recovery is a time of confusion, joy, fear, anger, sadness, happiness; a whole spectrum of emotions. Your loved ones may not know what to expect the first year, either. With the new transformation in the system, understanding and applying communication styles is vital for recovery success.

The purpose of communication is to get your message across to others clearly and unambiguously. Before your treatment and recovery, there was most likely a “don’t trust, don’t talk, don’t feel” rule in your communication with others. These thoughts and ideas that you conveyed do not necessarily reflect your own and caused a communication breakdown, which stood in the way of your recovery goals. Getting your message across is paramount to progress.

In spite of the increasing importance placed on communication skills, many individuals continue to struggle, unable to communicate their thoughts and ideas effectively – whether in verbal, nonverbal or written form. By successfully getting your message across, your chances of sustained recovery improve.

Verbal vs. Nonverbal

Verbal and nonverbal communication can differ in various ways. Nonverbal communication is more immediate, while verbal communication is not restricted to the immediate (like speaking of the future).

Approximately 10% of what is said actually makes its way into a person’s long-term memory bank. With nonverbal communication, we’re in the presence of someone else, constantly sending signals about our attitudes, feelings and personalities. Thus, nonverbal communication is focused on the present. Verbal communication is primarily perceived as intentional or manipulated while nonverbal communication is often seen as unintentional and “truthful.”

Here are some quick tips and facts to help you improve your communication with those around you:

Seek to understand, then to be understood
Event + Reaction = Outcome. You cannot control the event, but you can control the outcome based on how you react or respond.
Avoid absolutes such as “you always…” and “you never…” It puts people on the defensive. Try wording it as, “When you do X, it makes me feel Y.”
Listen more. Listening is the number one form of communication.

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Relapse Prevention: Relapse Signs and Symptoms

Treatment — Tue, 16 Jul 2013 14:55:32 +0000

When you make the decision to stay clean and sober, relapse prevention is critical. Addiction, like any other disease, has specific warning signs that can indicate an imminent reoccurrence of the illness.

The disease of addiction can be deadly and thus requires planning and management in order to maintain good health. Relapse prevention involves educating yourself and having a strategy. You must work at recovery, and be proactive to avoid relapse.

Relapse Signs and Symptoms

Experiencing Post Acute Withdrawal: You start having problems with one or more of the following: thinking difficulties, emotional overreaction problems, sleeps disturbances, memory difficulties, becoming accident prone and/or starting to experience serious sensitivity to stress.
Return to Denial: You stop telling others what you’re thinking/feeling and start trying to convince yourself of others that everything is alright, when in fact it is not.
Avoidance and Defensive Behavior: You start avoiding people who will give you honest feedback and/or start becoming irritable and angry with them.
Starting to Crisis Build: You notice that ordinary everyday problems become overwhelming and no matter how hard you try you can’t solve them.
Feeling Immobilized, or Stuck: You start believing that there is nowhere to turn and no way to solve your problems.
Becoming Depressed: You start feeling down-in-the-dumps and have very low energy.
Compulsive and/or Impulsive Behaviors (Loss of Control): You start uncontrollably using one of the following – food, caffeine, nicotine, work, etc.. You may also react without thinking of the consequences of your behavior.
Urges and Cravings (Thinking about Drinking/Using): You begin to think that alcohol or drug use is the only way to feel better. You start thinking about justifications to drink/use and convince yourself that using is the logical thing to do.
Chemical Loss of Control (Drinking/Using): You find yourself drinking/using again to solve your problems. You start to believe that “it’s all over ‘till I hit bottom, so I may as well enjoy this relapse while it’s good,” though your problems continue to worsen.

Taking a daily inventory of your emotional states will help you keep informed of you relapse risk. Remember, even positive emotions can be triggers. You can journal daily using the same 1-5 scale.

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Social Wellness Month: Coping Skills for Recovery

Treatment — Tue, 09 Jul 2013 16:49:13 +0000

July is Social Wellness Month! To celebrate, we’re taking a look at what Social Wellness Month means for those in recovery, and how social wellness and coping skills can help prevent or lessen the effects of relapse.

Life happens on life’s terms; despite our choices, plans and commitments, life still has a tendency to catch us by surprise – this alone is reason to emphasize the importance of coping skills.
What Are Coping Skills?
Coping skills are what we use to try and deal with difficult situations or events that occur in our lives. Coping skills can either be positive (healthy) or negative (unhealthy). For many, addictive behaviors mean unhealthy coping skills, such as lying or using/abusing substances. Healthy coping skills are adaptive and help manage negative emotions, thoughts and situations.

Coping Strategies

There are numerous healthy coping strategies that can be utilized on a daily basis. Some of the most effective coping skills are:

Deep controlled breathing
Relaxations techniques, i.e. massage
Visualization techniques
Exercise
Boundaries/Saying “No”
Support Systems
Distractions

Which positive coping skills have worked for you? Which coping skills have not worked for you?

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Have Fun & Stay Sober This Memorial Day!

Treatment — Mon, 20 May 2013 06:00:58 +0000

We’re closing in on the (unofficial) start of the summer! When Memorial Day weekend kicks off at the end of this week, let the summer travel, BBQs and parties begin. Having fun is a must, but so is staying safe, as drunk driving rates are higher on Memorial Day and other holidays.

For many, Memorial Day is a time to celebrate freedom, and our country’s vets who have dedicated their lives to protecting us. But Memorial Day weekend also produces heavier traffic than usual, and more people get behind the wheel while intoxicated. In 2009 alone, over 470 people were killed during Memorial Day weekend. (1)

Via MADD.org, here are some safe driving tips for Memorial Day weekend:

Plan a safe way home.
Avoid late-night driving.
Wear a seat belt.
Don’t call, text or eat.
Be aware.
Keep your tires properly inflated.
Rest up before you drive a long distance.

What are your Memorial Day weekend plans?

Sources:

(1) MADD

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Is Alcohol Riskier for Elders Than for Teens?

Treatment — Wed, 08 May 2013 15:38:05 +0000

“In the United States, as many as 13 percent of men and 8 percent of women over age 65 take part in risky drinking behavior, with an estimated 1 to 3 percent of them believed to be seriously abusing alcohol,” The Huffington Post reports.

Whether an elder abuses alcohol because he or she is lonely, tries to create more comfortable social settings or wants to take advantage of the common-held beliefs that alcoholic drinks, like wine, can reduce the risks of conditions such as Alzheimer’s or osteoporosis, seniors who drink in excess still put themselves at higher risk for disease and injury/accidents than most.

Aging can reduce the body’s ability to adapt to alcohol, making alcohol and its effects more risky for older people than for teens. This is because the older you are, the more the water in your body decreases, making alcohol levels more concentrated. Many senior citizens also take medication on a regular basis, which can have a negative impact on alcohol use by lessening the effectiveness of a medication and/or causing harmful side effects along with a medication.

Once in treatment, however, we’ve typically seen older adults more successful at getting and staying sober than other client populations. Some seniors feel this will be their last chance to get sobriety right, and failure isn’t an option. Others are motivated by their children or grandchildren and by the desire to create a positive legacy.

If you or a loved one is an elder person who may need substance abuse treatment, contact us today for the help and support you need!

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