Benchmark Recovery Center Blog

Fear, phobias and substance abuse

Benchmark Recovery Center — Thu, 17 May 2012 22:01:33 +0000

5 Quick Facts about phobias:

Approximately 15 million American adults suffer from one or more social phobias.*
Anxiety disorders affect approximately 40 million American adults ages 18 and older.*
Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) affects about 7.7 million American adults and is often accompanied by depression, substance abuse or other anxiety disorders.*
Specific phobias affect around 19.2 million adult Americans and are twice as common in women as men.*
Phobias are the most common form of mental disorder.**

Phobias versus fear

Having a phobia extends well beyond simply ‘being afraid’ of something. It is often a persistent, ever-present fear of an object or situation in which the person experiencing the phobia has a paralyzing, often irrational fear of being placed in a situation where they feel that danger is imminent.

The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) defines phobias as:

…an intense, irrational fear of something that poses little or no actual danger. Some of the more common specific phobias are centered around closed-in places, heights, escalators, tunnels, highway driving, water, flying, dogs, and injuries involving blood. Such phobias aren’t just extreme fear; they are irrational fear of a particular thing. [source]

Oftentimes, this irrational fear can lead to behavioral problems, social anxiety and/or substance abuse.

Phobias and substance abuse

Certain phobias and substance abuse share a reciprocal relationship, meaning that one is often influenced by the other. For instance, someone who suffers from a specific phobia may use drugs or alcohol as a type of coping mechanism to help ease their anxiety. Conversely, someone who has been abusing drugs or alcohol for an extended period of time may develop specific phobias.

Adding to the problem is the fact that medication is often prescribed to those who suffer from phobias. Prescription medications, such as benzodiazepines, are especially addictive, lending themselves to drug abuse by the user. This is why it is especially important for doctors to know the full history of a patient, including whether or not there is a history of prior substance abuse before medication is prescribed [source].

[photo by Ian.Kobylanski on flickr]

Case studies that look at the relationship of phobias vs. addiction

According to an article published by Ping Wu, et al. for the National Institues of Health (NIH),

…studies of adults have found that anxiety disorders in general tend to be positively related to abuse of, and dependence on, both alcohol and illicit drugs.

Also, in a 2001 publication in the American Journal of Psychiatry, Crum and Pratt studied the relationship between heavy alcohol use versus social phobia. They concluded that the relationship of alcohol disorders and alcohol abuse in individuals with anxiety disorders varied, citing that some past studies have produced evidence that social phobias predate the alcohol disorder in certain individuals while in others, the relationship is reciprocal. Additionally, there is evidence to suggest that despite what the abuser may think, consuming alcohol does not necessarily relieve the symptoms associated with the phobia. [source]

Managing your fears; managing your addiction

Whether you are afraid of the dark or have suffered a lifelong phobia associated with flying, it is important to know the difference between fears and phobias as well as recognizing when you need to seek professional help.

It is important to recognize that alcohol and drug abuse or any other form of substance abuse is NEVER the answer to help you resolve issues faced when dealing with phobias. In the long run, this kind of substance abuse will do more damage than it will good, harming you as well as the relationships that you have with other people in your life.

Be smart. Be present.

Focus on positive, healthy ways of coping with as well as managing your fears. Learn to recognize when things are starting to spiral out of control and when you need to seek help for a phobia. Listen to others around you and accept help when it is coming from a healthy source. Learning to manage your fears and phobias is not something that will happen overnight. Rather, it will consist of a series of difficult but necessary steps in order to help you learn how to confront your fears and better deal with your anxiety in the future.

You CAN move past your fears and phobias; and you can do it without abusing drugs or alcohol.

Bath salts: A dangerously new drug addiction

Benchmark Recovery Center — Tue, 15 May 2012 23:52:09 +0000

Bath salts aren’t just for taking a relaxing soak in the tub anymore. Instead, it is one of many new and dangerous fads to hit the shelves, adding to the list of items that young people can easily obtain in order to get high.

photo by sburke2478 on flickr

Sold legally online as well as in numerous drug stores around the United States, the synthetic powder used in many bath salts goes by a wide variety of street names for addicts, such as:

Ivory wave
Purple wave
Red Dove
Blue silk
Zoom
Bloom
Cloud Nine
Ocean Snow
Lunar Wave
Vanilla Sky
White Lightning
Scarface
Hurricane Charlie
and more…

Because it is relatively new to the drug abuse scene, our knowledge about the precise chemical composition as well as the short and long-term effects of abuse is limited. However, the information that IS available is worrisome and warrants a proactive stance in order to better understand as well as minimize any potential dangers to the health of the public [source].

How bath salts are being abused

According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), bath salts products often contain amphetamine-like chemicals which are typically administered in one of four ways:

orally
inhalation and/or snorting
injection
intravenous

The amphetamine-like chemicals contained within “bath salts” may be any of the following:

methylenedioxypyrovalerone (MPDV)
mephedrone
pyrovalerone

Of these drugs, mephedrone is said to present a high risk of overdose. Outside of this, all of the above-listed drugs have a similar effect on the brain as cocaine or meth, in that they act as a stimulant. Perhaps most concerning is the fact that because the ingredients and effects of bath salts are still widely unknown, abusing it becomes even more dangerous for addicts.

Possible risks and side effects of bath salts abuse

As previously stated, the effects of bath salts as well as the risks are still, for the most part, unknown at this time. However, take the following into account, as quoted from the NIDA for Teens Blog:

According to the head of the Louisiana Poison Center, at least 84 people in that state have been hospitalized after getting high from bath salts. Nationwide, more than 4,000 calls about bath salts have come in to poison centers during the first 7 months of 2011—up from 303 calls in all of 2010 [source].

Other effects of bath salts abuse can include:

extreme paranoia
hallucinations
suicidal thoughts
chest pains
soaring blood pressure
rapid heartbeat

In an article published in September of 2011, Bangor Daily News (BDN) staff member, Nok-Noi Ricker reported about the new and increased use of bath salts abuse as well as the devastating effect it had been having in the state of Maine:

Maine legislators, led by Gov. Paul LePage, are looking to stiffen bath salts penalties and the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration and Congress are both working to make the main components of the hallucinogenic stimulant illegal.

The drug is banned in 31 states but is sold legally at convenience stores, head shops and online in the remaining unregulated states.

Hospital officials from The Aroostook Medical Center in Presque Isle to Maine Medical Center in Portland have seen agitated patients on bath salts acting erratically, with increased blood pressure, heart rates and body temperatures…[source]

For now, the most important thing that we can do is become more educated about the dangers associated with bath salts and the devastating effects it can have when it is abused. If you or someone you know is experiencing a problem with a drug addiction, help them find the support and assistance that they need in order to achiever permanent sobriety as well as reclaim their lives. Contact BRC today at 1.866.905.4550.идея за подарък

You CAN prevent drug and alcohol relapse

Benchmark Recovery Center — Thu, 10 May 2012 15:07:14 +0000

At BRC, we are continually striving to provide the highest quality of care and services to residents who are trying to recover from drug and/or alcohol addiction. And part of this includes placing an emphasis on relapse prevention.

While drug and alcohol treatment centers focus on detoxifying the body, BRC provides yet another critical step towards achieving permanent sobriety: the exercise of self discipline through the application of specific, learned behaviors and techniques.

Freeing yourself from your addiction

Truly living a life free of addiction is often a difficult process and one that requires personal discipline as well as the support of non judgmental people who are committed to helping you succeed. It often times may mean changing your previous behavior and friends in order to reach a point where your addiction no longer dictates your life.

Removing the physical toxins from your body is one thing. Removing external toxins from your life is quite another. As part of your relapse prevention plan, you must make the choice to remove all of the toxic relationships and behaviors that once supported your addictive behavior.

Seeing clearly to reclaim your life from drug and alcohol addiction

Going through the BRC drug and alcohol rehabilitation program, you will be able to see clearly around you for the first time. You will be able to identify the various warning signs- the negative thoughts and emotions that were once associated with your addiction. And while going through this process may seem difficult at times, take comfort in the fact that this is simply one part of your relapse prevention plan and one huge step in the direction of finally reclaiming your life.

If Winter comes, can Spring be far behind? – Percy Bysshe Shelley

[image by Maxxer_ on flickr]

BRC attends PDAP Breakfast as featured ‘Gold Sponsor’

Benchmark Recovery Center — Mon, 07 May 2012 16:20:02 +0000

On Friday, May 4, 2012, Benchmark Recovery Center (BRC) attended the 12th Annual Palmer Drug Abuse Program (PDAP) Campaign Breakfast, held at the Omni Hotel at the Colonnade in San Antonio, TX.

The annual event is a fundraising breakfast highlighting how the Palmer Drug Abuse Program continues to help teenagers and young adults recover from substance abuse.

This year’s guest speaker was successful mountain climber, Ian Woodall, who recounted his challenges and experiences of reaching the summit of Mt. Everest. Among the points of interest discussed by Woodall were some of the following:

3 Key insights to leadership
Why trust in leadership is necessary
How integrity forms the foundation of all leadership
Perseverance to overcome setbacks

For it’s generous contribution to PDAP in support of helping young people recover from substance abuse and addiction, BRC was featured as a ‘Gold Sponsor’.

About PDAP: Since 1971, the Palmer Drug Abuse Program has been changing teenagers, young adults, and families lives at NO charge, while assisting the community through partnerships in education and prevention. For more information about the PDAP, click here.

BRC purchases additional housing for continued drug and alcohol recovery

Benchmark Recovery Center — Thu, 03 May 2012 21:33:30 +0000

Benchmark Recovery Center (BRC) is pleased to announce the purchase of two apartment complexes in central Austin, TX. These apartment complexes will serve to provide safe, recovery-supportive and gender specific housing for recent graduates of the BRC recovery program.

Apartment complexes in Austin, TX were selected due to all that the beautiful, thriving city has to offer as well as their close proximity to the BRC residential center, which is located just outside of the city.

Safety. Balance. Recovery.

Austin is often referred to as the ‘crown jewel of Texas’, providing a great balance of scenery as well as economic opportunity for recovering BRC residents. Central Austin sits on a fault line along the edge of the Texas hill country and contains numerous caves, underground rivers, natural springs and wildlife. It is also an emerging hub for those in the technology industry.

Keeping in line with this thinking, several studies have shown that the longer an individual is in a treatment and recovery environment, the better their recovery outcome will be.

Regarding the acquisition of the apartment complexes, Benchmark Recovery Center CEO, Marsha Stone had the following to say:

At Benchmark, we understand the importance of peer-based support to long-term recovery, and the apartments will be a powerful way of extending our continuum of recovery support to our alumni.

[photo by StuSeeger on flickr]

Fear, Mad Men and Cowboy Boots: Leading a Sober Life

Vickie Bing — Mon, 02 Apr 2012 12:50:08 +0000

Cowboy boots are empowering. At the very least, they are somewhat symbolic of my acceptance into the realm of sobriety. It wasn’t until I was surrounded by a group of strong, happy women in Texas that I began to change my concept of what long-term sobriety could look like. Until that point, my resistance and fear could be attributed to an image I had of sitting in a 12-step meeting while the rest of the world had fun.

The very idea that I was having fun toward the end of my drinking is ridiculous enough, but even conceding that, the alternative didn’t have much pull either, at least at first. It took many tries of setting aside my old conceptions of self, sobriety and success until I could reframe that picture. It required not only a new experience with the twelve steps but also being simultaneously deconstructed by a group of women in treatment I wasn’t even sure I liked. Add to that a living demonstration of recovered men and women all around me who seemed to take life’s ups and down with grace and humor. This had moxy. This I could go for.

Recently I was able to enjoy a boozy episode of Mad Men without lingering thoughts of nostalgia. Perhaps not a giant accomplishment, but it meant something to me. I was able to look from the outside in and want to stay exactly where I was: in a state of contentment, not chaos. Addicts and alcoholics may be the only people so attached to their own pain and misery, but so it was with me. I was afraid if I got too deep into recovery, I’d look into the recycling bin one day and see my personality in there ready to be hauled away forever.

When the solution to an internal condition comes from a bottle, the prospect of permanent sobriety is scary. Fear of the unknown, self-doubt and disappointments are suddenly exposed. To treat them with something as ephemeral as spirituality seemed, at best, a risk to me. Perhaps that is why I walked so cautiously down this road. No doubt I would have not continued my path, indirect as it may be, were it not for those who went before me as testimony to the journey. Cowboy boots and all.

-Nina James

Nina James is a recent alumna of Benchmark Recovery. Previously an amateur blogger from Washington, D.C., Nina now lives in a sober house in Austin, TX and currently works part-time as a fundraiser for Benchmark Recovery Center.

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BRC Alumni Story: Genius on the Edge

Vickie Bing — Wed, 29 Feb 2012 18:19:17 +0000

I recently read the story of Dr. William Halsted, an early 20th century pioneer in the arena of modern surgery. He arguably possessed one of the greatest minds of the last century. He performed many surgical experiments on lab animals that eventually gave way to countless routine procedures that remain in place in modern medicine; however, despite his substantial contributions to the field of medicine, Dr. Halsted had a secret…he was a morphine addict of “the hopeless variety.” It is widely suspected that a narcotic overdose eventually cost him his life…in spite of his intellectual capacities.

Very early into this journey, I was taught about a disease that “centers in the mind.” This directly contradicted my long held beliefs related to the importance of developing one’s intellectual acumen, and frankly, the self-purported superiority of my own mind. Since I can remember, I have relied solely upon my intellect, and for many years, this was conducive to a certain amount of success, both academically and personally. When I was told I had exhausted my resources, and that my level of intelligence (fancied or real) was completely irrelevant in this endeavor, I found myself quite incredulous.

Apparently, my knowledge that Dr. Halsted developed a technique that involved incorporating fine silk sutures into the submucosal layer in intestinal anastomosis would be useless. Though it proved to be a struggle, when I was finally able to accept this fact, and concede that I was ultimately the problem, remarkable things began to happen. When I started to straighten out spiritually, I found that, as promised, my mental and physical states began to improve as well.

I still engage in a daily battle, and fight a tendency to rely upon my mind, but I also continue following the directions I was given at the very beginning, and focus on “perfecting and enlarging my spiritual life.” While I still enjoy my intellectual endeavors, my primary focus has become feeding my spirit, and through that, I have found a purpose much greater than my “mind” could have ever dreamed of.

About Libby:

Libby Arnold is a Recovery Advocate at Addiction Directions. She studied Biological Sciences and Chemistry at the University of North Texas. She is a former Math and Science tutor.

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Nature calls; Benchmark Recovery Center delivers

Vickie Bing — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 17:17:36 +0000

Benchmark Recovery Center is proud to announce that on March 3rd, our residents will participate in a city-wide environmental event organized by the Austin Parks Foundation, “It’s My Park” Day. Residents will be helping with park reclamation, tree planting and trail improvements.

Becoming environmentally conscious is a quality that folds in perfectly with our spiritual program of community and becoming others-focused. Participating in this event is just one way our residents can demonstrate our commitment to the larger picture and the world around us. As volunteers, we practice the spiritual principles of gratitude and humility – all in the name of beautifying the city we live in.

Benchmark Recovery Center has begun additional environmental initiatives at home, including greater recycling practices in our residential facilities and moving toward paperless communications in our offices. As we reclaim our lives in sobriety, becoming environmentally responsible is just one way we can exhibit our newfound integrity and awareness. As we grow in this program, doing the right thing becomes second nature–and when the environment beckons, we are pleased to answer.

For more information on “It’s My Park” Day, please contact the Austin Parks Foundation. (www.austinparks.org)
-Nina James

Nina James is a recent alumna of Benchmark Recovery. Previously an amateur blogger from Washington, D.C., Nina now lives in a sober house in Austin, TX and currently works part-time as a fundraiser for Benchmark Recovery Center.

Personal Stories: 5 Tips for Emotional Recovery from Addiction

Vickie Bing — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 22:06:29 +0000

I was told when I was new to sobriety that the time I started using drugs or alcohol my emotional maturity stopped. In other words, I was 13 emotionally. My first reaction was one of resentment toward the person sharing this with me. I soon discovered that in many ways the statement was accurate. Overly sensitive, and at times grandiose, I was prone to self-pity and self-centered fear. I was generally uncomfortable with myself and my environment, much like a 13 year old would be on the first day at a new school.

What I found from my personal experience is there are actions that promote emotional recovery. Certainly movement through the steps is the most beneficial, but there are other things that when practiced can instill emotional maturity and enable one to be better prepared for the challenges they will undoubtedly face. The following are some examples:

5 Tips towards emotional recovery:

Be as accurate and honest as possible in your communication with others. Remember – honesty without compassion can be abuse, so temper this with tact and common sense.
Tell people what you are going to do and then do what you told them you would do. This is especially important as a job skill but works very well whenever it’s followed.
Always consider how your actions will impact others. You are not an island – your actions can affect others in many ways that you may fail to consider. Avoid further harm.
Do something every day for the body, the mind, and the spirit. Exercising, reading, praying and meditating are things that should become second nature practices.
Develop a service ethic. Find ways to use your God-given talents in order to be of use to others. Service does not begin and end in the fellowships—get creative. It is especially true with us that to give is to receive. Constant thoughts of others and how you may meet their needs is essential for recovery.

When you come out of the smoke and fire of addiction you may want to grow up that day but this is something that can take years of hard work. The payoff will be greater than you can imagine.

About Chris:

Chris Schroeder is the Director of Media for C4 Recovery Solutions. In his role with C4, he has been tasked with hosting and developing the webcast show, The Afflicted and Affected, interviewing leaders in the addictive illness field and other interesting personalities revolving around the recovery world. Chris comes into contact with those who research and apply the latest methods of treatment and those who are a force in positive change in outcomes and funding both politically and in the media.

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A Lesson in Humanness

Vickie Bing — Mon, 16 Jan 2012 17:58:47 +0000

My insanity knows no limits. And I have taken a hostage this time—my co-worker.

I was having one of those days…where character defects were glowing and my mind winning. I needed a respite—a place where I could let the teardrops roll and no one see. Of course at that moment, my office was booming with activity. So I sought refuge in the first quiet, unattended office.

Unexpectedly, Tracie walked into her office and found me, along with my tears. Thus began an impromptu tenth step. I had no other choice other than to bare my soul.

As with any successful tenth step, truth was soon flowing freely from Tracie’s lips. She ended by asking: Is there some area you are not living in spiritual principle?

I sat with that for a moment. Abruptly, I blurted out: I wish I were Jesus!

After laughing hysterically and catching her breath, she asked, “where’d that come from?” I knew exactly where—deep within the recesses of my insanity. I have an incessant need for perfection and complete inability to accept anything less from myself. Jesus navigated His life and trials with perfection, walking every step of His journey in perfect accord with God’s will.

“Progress not spiritual perfection” is a tall order, especially for me. Although I desire to walk in perfect accord with God’s will, I fail. Selfishness, dishonesty, resentment, and fear do crop up, and I experience emotions, usually in the form of shame and guilt, for not living up to perfection.

The question struck the right spiritual vein—there was an area in my life I was making selfish decisions. I was seeking to placate my temporal needs rather than feed my spiritual soul. I was blocking my spiritual growth and causing harm to another individual along the way.

So it turns out I am human after all. But If I am awake to the unrest I feel internally on these days, they truly become growth opportunities. Living by spiritual principles 100 percent of the time is not only impossible, it is ultimately unproductive. Seeing my truth, forgiving my shortcomings, and setting myself right with God for the next day allows my human limitations to become assets, and as a result, I grow. Human tears and emotions are part of my journey, one that I am glad to be awake to today.

“Our next function is to grow in understanding and effectiveness. This is not an overnight matter. It should continue for our lifetime.”

Vickie Bing is the Alumni Coordinator for Benchmark Recovery Center. She received her B.A. in English from the University of Texas at Arlington. Vickie is a former high school teacher and an Air Force veteran. You can read other posts on her blog at The Benchmark Blog.