Why Do People Start Using Drugs or Alcohol?
One thing that many families and friends of those struggling with addiction find themselves asking often is why? Why did their loved one begin using these drugs or drinking so heavily in the first place? Why didn’t they just reach out if they were struggling? Unfortunately, in some cases, there’s no one set answer to these questions, and that can [...]
Is Art Therapy Useful Outside of Treatment?
For many people struggling with addiction, it can be difficult to find the words when it’s time to talk in therapy. It can feel exhaustive and stressful to have to find a way to describe how we feel, and it can be one of the reasons someone isn’t comfortable trying to get help for an addiction. The use of art [...]
Talking To Your Sponsor
A sponsor is used in AA as a person to talk to about your progress in recovery. The sponsor is an alcoholic who is trying to maintain sobriety, agrees to listen to your experiences, and talks with you on a regular basis. Essentially, you help each other by being there to listen, encourage, and share your accomplishments and challenges with [...]
Are There Dangers in Detoxing at Home?
Detoxing from drugs and alcohol is not an easy process. In fact, it could be deadly. Do not detox at home; there are too many health risks. The best way to detox is with supervision by medical professionals or in a treatment facility. When detoxing, the body rids itself of all the toxins from drugs and alcohol. Depending on the [...]
Your Length of Stay in Residential Treatment
Depending on your needs, options, and severity of drug and alcohol use, you can stay short-term or long-term in a residential treatment facility. Every treatment is unique to each person's situation. Addiction to drugs and alcohol affects all areas of a person's life. Treatment is part of the recovery process that rehabilitates and prepares the individual for a transition into [...]
Does a Treatment Center Make or Break Recovery?
The treatment center, also known as rehab, is a healthcare facility that helps people with drug or alcohol problems adjust to a healthy and sober lifestyle. It provides therapy for substance abuse and other behavioral difficulties. There are many treatment centers with a variety of programs all designed to help people with recovery. A treatment center is valuable for recovery, [...]
How a Cocaine Addiction Develops
Cocaine is a drug that is smoked, injected, or inhaled and affects the brain almost immediately. The brain rapidly releases dopamine, which causes pleasurable effects. When levels of dopamine drop, withdrawal symptoms start. The unpleasant withdrawal symptoms cause a person to use again. Cocaine is a highly addictive drug. A person can become addicted after one use, but as with [...]
How Do You Choose the Right Treatment Program?
Recovery takes a lot of hard work, an optimistic attitude, and encouragement from sober loved ones. A good support system with positive reinforcement will help in very difficult times. There are various treatment programs with many options available for every situation. The programs are different because the same things do not cause addiction with everyone and drugs and alcohol affect [...]
Activities You Can Expect in Treatment
Before you go to rehab for drug and alcohol addiction, knowing what activities to expect can prevent added stress and anxiety. Recovery is hard work and a life-changing process. Each facility can have different daily activities, but most are organized and provide structure in a comfortable environment. A specialist will evaluate your physical and mental health and determine a therapy [...]
Telling Your Family You’re Addicted
Admitting you are an addict is the first step to long-term recovery. Telling your family that you are an addict and need help can be very difficult. Addiction has a stigma in our society and admitting you are addicted to drugs or alcohol can bring on shame and embarrassment. Explain to your family that you will need encouragement, positive reinforcement, [...]