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Difference between Inpatient And Outpatient Program For Addiction Treatment In Alabama

There are two main types of programs for addiction treatment in Alabama. The inpatient treatment program and the outpatient treatment program are the two options, which an addict can select to get treatment for his or her addiction. The addicts and their families get really very confused when it comes to selecting the correct options out of these two. There are few differences in the way both the forms of addiction treatment in Alabama are carried out.

Before seeing the differences between the inpatient and outpatient treatment program in Alabama, it will better to see what similarities between these two are. Both these treatment program give proper counseling to the addicts and their family to guide them about the various aspects of the addiction. Both these programs also educate the addict and their families through individual and group therapies.

The major difference between inpatient and outpatient treatment program in Alabama is about the location where the treatment program gets carried out. The addicts who choose an inpatient treatment program have to stay in the treatment center in Alabama and he or she will have to stay there till they come out of their addiction. In outpatient treatment program the addict will have to attend the treatment center whenever they will be called. Once the inpatient treatment program gets over (it may last three to six weeks) the patient will be also asked to take an outpatient treatment program.

The patients will be allowed to stay at their home if they choose to take an outpatient treatment program. It is helpful for those patients who cannot take leave from work and has to attend work while taking the treatment. This is the reason more than 80% of the people go for outpatient treatment program in Alabama. There are other several advantages of taking outpatient treatment program.

1. The patient can do their work without taking a break from work.

2. The patient can take treatment by paying less money, as the inpatient treatment programs are quite expensive.

3. The patients can see their family and hence feels comfortable while undergoing the treatment.

4. The family of the patient can also be helpful by seeing that the patient attends the treatment programs whenever called by the treatment center.

There are some people who think that the addiction can be control only if the addict stays in the center. That is why the number of people going for inpatient addiction treatment in Alabama is also quite a lot. There are some advantages of taking the treatment from an inpatient treatment program.

1. The patient gets immediate medical facilities in case he or she faces any minor or major health troubles.

2. The patient gets professional care and guidance, as there are qualified people in the treatment center to look after him or her.

3. The severe addiction problems will not be treated by outpatient treatment program. Hence all such addicts who are deeply into addiction take treatment in inpatient treatment program.

The outpatient treatment program in Alabama is a best option for those who are in mild forms of addiction. The outpatient addiction treatment in Alabama is a mild kind of treatment. There will be no need for the addict to stay away from the family and friends while taking the treatment. The patients of outpatient treatment program will need to visit the treatment center in Alabama about three to four times in a week.

The outpatient treatment program focuses on counseling treatment and while for those who are into severe addiction urgent medical treatment is needed. Hence for all those who are into major kind of addiction, inpatient treatment program is the only option. Also all those who have some physical and mental conditions cannot do well with outpatient treatment program. It is better all such addicts choose inpatient treatment program and takes proper medical help without any further delay.

In any case taking a treatment for the addiction is a must. If the addict and his or her family will keep on denying the addiction then they will have to see major consequences in latter life. It is very important to take proper counseling before choosing the right kind of treatment program. If the addict is not agreeing to take a treatment program then the family can take help of the intervention program given by the treatment center in Alabama. Intervention program will also help you in deciding the proper kind of treatment option and will also help you to get admission to the desired treatment program.

Find More Addiction Treatment Articles

by joanneteh_32(I still try to drop by the flickr com

How Does Residential Addiction Treatment In Massachusetts Work

Out of the various programs for addiction treatment in Massachusetts, the residential treatment program is indubitably the most elaborate treatment program. This program is mainly targeted at people who are in severe conditions of addiction; those that are not expected to ever be treated from their condition. But the program tries its sincere best to make these people come out of the addiction in the most effective way possible. Here we see some points that indicate why the residential treatment program in Massachusetts is called as one of the most comprehensive forms of treatment in the state.

Who does Residential Addiction Treatment in Massachusetts target?

As already mentioned, residential treatment is for people who are in seemingly irretrievable conditions of substance abuse and addiction. The following is a list of the people whom this form of treatment helps:-

1. People who have used the substance for several years will find this program very effective because the rigid methods used here will help them overcome what seems to be a point of no return in their addiction.

2. People who have some health complication or a psychiatric condition that is making their addiction treatment difficult will also find the benefits of such a program. Residential addiction treatment in Massachusetts also incorporates a detox program and a dual diagnosis treatment program, both of which can help these people to come out of their addiction quite effectively and also find a solution to their coexisting ailments.

3. People who have been apprehended of some drug or alcohol related offense will be ordered by drug courts in Massachusetts to complete an addiction treatment program, which will mostly be required to be completed in a residential treatment center. This is where they will be trained in giving up the addiction for their own good and for the good of the society they live in. It must be noted that these people would not have accepted any treatment if they were not forced by the drug court. In this manner, the drug courts are collaborating with the residential treatment centers to fight the addiction problem.

4. People who have tried other methods of addiction treatment and failed can try residential addiction treatment in Massachusetts as the last option. It is also the treatment option that will really work for their condition.

What does Residential Addiction Treatment in Massachusetts entail?

It is necessary to know now how the residential treatment program works. Basically, there are three main phases of the program.

1. Intervention – This is the part of the program where the patient is helped to understand the extent of the problem they are facing and that they require treatment. Most people who are into an addiction will not want to accept any method of treatment. But a suitable intervention program helps them to understand what the situation is really like. The first part of the residential addiction treatment program in Massachusetts is about this. During this phase, the treatment center might take the help of the family and friends of the patient in order to better convince them to get into the treatment.

2. Detoxification – Detoxification becomes necessary since the patients coming into these programs are into the addiction since a long period of time. Detox treatment in a residential treatment center in Massachusetts will also go longer than the normal detox treatment for this reason. It will require special care and counseling even as it is going on because people who are into severe forms of addictions need more support during the difficult detox period. There can be no residential addiction treatment in Massachusetts that does not include the detox program because without removing the addictive substance from the body of the person, it is impossible to remove the cravings of the substance that the person has. In other words, the treatment of the addiction becomes impossible.

3. Aftercare – The aftercare treatment is the most prolonged phase of addiction treatment in a residential center. The basic purpose of the aftercare is to counsel and educate the patient on the addiction and to make them know methods in which they can stay away from the cravings. This can take a long time because patients won’t be spontaneously ready to give up their dependencies. During this part of the treatment, patients are taught methods such as Yoga, breathing exercises, relaxation methods and various other therapies that can help them curb the temptation for the substance whenever it occurs. In some treatment centers, families are also counseled on how they can cope with the condition.

This program is mainly targeted at people who are in severe conditions of addiction; those that are not expected to ever be treated from their condition. But the program tries its sincere best to make these people come out of the addiction in the most effective way possible. Here we see some points that indicate why the residential treatment program in Massachusetts is called as one of the most comprehensive forms of treatment in the state.

Who does Residential Addiction Treatment in Massachusetts target?

As already mentioned, residential treatment is for people who are in seemingly irretrievable conditions of substance abuse and addiction. The following is a list of the people whom this form of treatment helps:-

1. People who have used the substance for several years will find this program very effective because the rigid methods used here will help them overcome what seems to be a point of no return in their addiction.

2. People who have some health complication or a psychiatric condition that is making their addiction treatment difficult will also find the benefits of such a program. Residential addiction treatment in Massachusetts also incorporates a detox program and a dual diagnosis treatment program, both of which can help these people to come out of their addiction quite effectively and also find a solution to their coexisting ailments.

3. People who have been apprehended of some drug or alcohol related offense will be ordered by drug courts in Massachusetts to complete an addiction treatment program, which will mostly be required to be completed in a residential treatment center. This is where they will be trained in giving up the addiction for their own good and for the good of the society they live in. It must be noted that these people would not have accepted any treatment if they were not forced by the drug court. In this manner, the drug courts are collaborating with the residential treatment centers to fight the addiction problem.

4. People who have tried other methods of addiction treatment and failed can try residential addiction treatment in Massachusetts as the last option. It is also the treatment option that will really work for their condition.

What does Residential Addiction Treatment in Massachusetts entail?

It is necessary to know now how the residential treatment program works. Basically, there are three main phases of the program.

1. Intervention – This is the part of the program where the patient is helped to understand the extent of the problem they are facing and that they require treatment. Most people who are into an addiction will not want to accept any method of treatment. But a suitable intervention program helps them to understand what the situation is really like. The first part of the residential addiction treatment program in Massachusetts is about this. During this phase, the treatment center might take the help of the family and friends of the patient in order to better convince them to get into the treatment.

2. Detoxification – Detoxification becomes necessary since the patients coming into these programs are into the addiction since a long period of time. Detox treatment in a residential treatment center in Massachusetts will also go longer than the normal detox treatment for this reason. It will require special care and counseling even as it is going on because people who are into severe forms of addictions need more support during the difficult detox period. There can be no residential addiction treatment in Massachusetts that does not include the detox program because without removing the addictive substance from the body of the person, it is impossible to remove the cravings of the substance that the person has. In other words, the treatment of the addiction becomes impossible.

3. Aftercare – The aftercare treatment is the most prolonged phase of addiction treatment in a residential center. The basic purpose of the aftercare is to counsel and educate the patient on the addiction and to make them know methods in which they can stay away from the cravings. This can take a long time because patients won’t be spontaneously ready to give up their dependencies. During this part of the treatment, patients are taught methods such as Yoga, breathing exercises, relaxation methods and various other therapies that can help them curb the temptation for the substance whenever it occurs. In some treatment centers, families are also counseled on how they can cope with the condition.

by Ame Otoko

How Can Addiction Treatment Centers Help?

Choosing from the Many Addiction Treatment Centers

It is a well-known fact that not only the mental part of the addiction needs to be taken care of but the physical part does as well.

If you have to decide whether or not to enroll in an addiction treatment center, it is one of the hardest decisions you will ever have to make. There are many places to find an addiction treatment center and it can be as simple as turning on the television. There are ads, radio advertisements, websites, and even the local phone book has some full page ads for these companies that all claim to be the best. No wonder the decision is so difficult to make.

While each center tells you they are the best, how do you know where to go? If you’re looking for an addiction treatment center for yourself or a loved one, there is some information to keep in mind. First of all the most important thing to keep in mind is that the long term addiction treatment centers are the ones that show the highest rate of success.

Your addiction or your loved one’s addiction deserves the best care because this is an addiction that can not only ruin your relationships, it can kill you if you let it go too far. Your family will suffer and so will all of your friends and co-workers if you don’t get the help you need. It was never said that it will be easy, but it is possible and you will be glad you did it.

The first step to recovering is knowing that you have a problem and you are willing to find help. The next step is actually getting into a center that can help you deal with your addiction. While the first two steps were tough, there is one more step that may be the toughest on your physical body and that is getting detoxified. It will be tough but once you make t through you will finally be rid of that physical addiction that kept you going back for more drugs or alcohol even when you didn’t want them. Now the rest is all mental and trying to learn once again how to care for yourself in the mental capacity.

Addiction treatment centers are there to provide people with addiction with all of the tools that they need to succeed in their recovery. You will learn how to take better care of yourself physically as well as mentally and with some hard work you will be successful.

Addiction Treatment Centers

More Addiction Treatment Articles

Addiction Treatment Centers

The numbers of addiction treatment centers reflect the growing number of individuals who need addiction treatments. However, it is still important to be wary of these treatment centers. Choosing the treatment center that would best fit the requirements of the individual who needs addiction treatment comes with an initial research on which treatment centers have a good program. If the programs of a treatment center seem good, the next thing to do is to try to discover if that treatment center has a reputable name. If so, then the person who is addicted to drugs or alcohol should be encouraged to start the program.

Choosing Addiction Treatment Centers

If you think that choosing the suitable center is hard enough, think again. This is only the beginning; there is more to come when the addicted person decides not to undergo treatment. In addition, another problem could set in when the addicted person starts to have recovery lapses and he or she begins to wonder if addiction recovery is attainable.

Our advice is to talk to the addicted person when he or she is sober and make him or her understand the consequences that lies ahead should he or she avoids treatment. Offering help and support should also do the trick. Once these difficulties are set aside, the treatment can begin.

When it comes to treatment centers, the treatment programs may be diverse. The treatment options offered by one center may not be similar to the programs offered by another center. At the end of the day, the best way to go about this is to go of a treatment center that offers a holistic approach in addiction treatment. This means that the treatment center that should be selected must cover all aspects of addiction, from physical aspects to the emotional and psychological aspects. This way, there is an assurance that the addicted person receives ample treatment in different paradigms.

Since addiction treatment centers are increasing in numbers, it should be fairly easy to get in touch with a reputable center that offers a balanced approach in the different aspects of addiction treatment. Some centers may be costly but there are also some that have reasonable prices. At the end of the day, what is important is that the treatment from addiction has obtained a satisfactory outcome.

Addiction-Treatment

www.encognitive.com Alexander G. Schauss, PhD, FACN, is the Senior Director of Natural and Medicinal Products Research, AIBMR Life Sciences, in Puyallup, Washington. A former Clinical Professor of Natural Products Research and Adjunct Research Professor of Botanical Medicine at the National College of Naturopathic Medicine in Portland, Oregon, he has held academic appointments at other institutions, including: Senior Director of the Southwest College Research Institute in Scottsdale, Arizona; Associate Professor of Research at the Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine and Health Sciences, in Tempe, Arizona; Director of the Institute for Biosocial Research, City University, Seattle; and, Lecturer in Biostatistics and Epidemiology at Bastyr University in Seattle. Dr. Schauss has been a member of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) Office of Alternative Medicine (OAM) Advisory Council (AMPAC); a member of the Ad Hoc Developmental Planning Committee of the NIH Office of Dietary Supplements (ODS), a reviewer of botanical standards and information monographs for the US Pharmacopoeia Convention (USP), and reviewer for the International Bibliographic Information on Dietary Supplements (IBIDS) database, maintained through an interagency partnership with the Food and Nutrition Information Center, National Agricultural Library, and US Department of Agriculture (USDA), which provides access to bibliographic citations and abstracts from published, international, scientific …

by Mike Monteiro

New “Elixir” Claims Success in Treating Cocaine Addiction

NIDA Director Dr. Nora Volkaw said, “The results of this study represent a promising step toward an effective medical treatment for cocaine addiction.”

Many experienced drug rehab professionals are not so enthused about the prospect of a new wonder drug that will treat cocaine addiction with any success.  “It is just history repeating itself in regard to drug addiction,” said Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor for the Narconon Arrowhead residential drug rehabilitation program, Rebecca Pool, C.A.D.C..  “In the 1800’s heroin was invented and promoted to treat morphine and opium addiction.  Morphine addicts became heroin addicts.  Methadone, developed by the Nazi’s during World War II, was promoted as a cure to treat heroin addiction in the early 1970’s. Subsequently heroin addicts became methadone addicts.  Then came suboxone to treat methadone addiction leading to methadone users getting hooked on suboxone and so the story goes. Developing new drugs to treat drug addiction has not worked, history tells us that.”

It is well known that a large portion of the addiction treatment industry has settled on substitute medications as a means to prevent addicts from falling back into their unhealthy lifestyle.  According to Narconon’s Pool, “The problem with this approach is that it does not help the individual discover and deal with the initial problems that lead them in the direction of drug addiction in the first place.  Here at Narconon we have found that the solution to solving addiction is to help the person rehabilitate themselves as opposed to ‘treating’the symptoms of drug addiction for an indefinite and ongoing period of time.”  

The Narconon Arrowhead rehabilitation program uses a thorough detoxification program followed by counseling and life skills training to bring about recovery from addiction. One drug is not replaced by another so when a person completes the program they are completely drug-free.  The length of the program varies from person to person but on average takes three to five months. Seventy percent of Narconon program graduates go on to live drug-free lives.

If someone you know is struggling with an addiction to drugs or alcohol and you want to help them achieve lasting recovery, call Narconon Arrowhead today. Call Narconon at 1-800-468-6933 for free addiction counseling, referral and free assessment of visit us at our website www.stopaddiction.com

by premasagar

Alcohol Addiction Help – Stop Drinking Alcohol in 60 Days

Alcohol addiction is a term with multiple and sometimes conflicting definitions. While the ingestion of alcohol is necessary to develop alcoholism, the use of alcohol does not necessarily result in addiction. The quantity, frequency and regularity of alcohol consumption combined with the ramifications of financial loss, family disruption, loss of employment and health problems all contribute to the definition.

Contrary to what you may have heard alcohol addiction is not an incurable brain disease. In fact, it is not a disease at all! But, for decades people have believed that alcohol addiction is a disease. Most psychologists, counselors and specialists today still believe that alcohol addiction is an incurable disease that must be “managed” for a lifetime, and that “there is no cure”
However, it’s not a genetically predisposed disease that is handed down through faulty genes.

The current biopsychosocial disease model of alcoholism is as follow:
The biological theory – Suggests that habitual users of drugs or alcohol have a biological abnormality that causes them to become addicted. The theory suggests that certain individuals are genetically predisposed to addiction by a faulty gene or perhaps a chemical imbalance in the brain, which renders addiction an incurable disease!

The psychological theory – Views drug or alcohol addiction as problematic behavior. In other words the individual uses alcohol or drugs to enjoy the effects that these substances have on the mind and body.

The sociological theory – Suggests that societies which produce higher levels of inner tensions such as guilt, stress, suppressed aggression and conflict have higher rates of addiction. Furthermore, the model suggests that societies that are permissive of and encourage such behavior have higher rates of addiction.

You see, millions of people in the United States have parents who were addicted to alcohol, while they are not addicted to substances of any kind, and never have been.

In my opinion, the sociological aspect determines what type of addiction someone chooses, largely due to nothing more than exposure. Therefore, it is important to make a lifestyle change. This may include adopting a new circle of friends and activities that are not conducive to drinking!

Now, of course these are common sense philosophies, and while they all can be helpful, none of them will mean a darn thing if you don’t get to the root of what is causing your emotional distress!

It is also no big secret that people enjoy the effects of alcohol! But, why can some enjoy it occasionally while others need it daily? The stark difference here is that the occasional drinker is using it just for that; enjoying the experience while the habitual drinker is using it deaden the pain of their emotional trauma. In many ways, this is a solution for people addicted to alcohol! It gets rid of the need to see the truth and deal with their emotional pain. But, I assure you there is a better way to deal with the emotional pain. One that you can work through in the privacy of your home!

You know, some people think that to overcome alcoholism it’s just a matter of having the will to stop drinking, but it is not a matter of willpower at all. For many people, suffering from this addiction it is a temporary solution for deadening the pain of underlying emotional issues. Therefore, most do not crave alcohol because of a chemical dependency, but rather because of the happiness it brings them in removing their emotional pain.

Addiction is not a disease because it is actually a symptom that arises due to the need to deaden the pain of underlying emotional trauma caused by family dysfunction.

Once this emotional pain and trauma is removed and self-esteem is restored, the symptoms disappear, and alcohol will become repulsive to you.

The following is a brief outline of the 5 steps to addiction freedom. Prior to following these steps or any addiction recovery program, take the necessary time to ascertain whether you require the additional support of an addiction counselor or medical attention regrading withdrawal.

1. Step One: Unearth the Square Root

Family dysfunction is the common denominator, or square root of all addictive behavior, and until it is brought to the forefront and confronted nothing will change! This is by far the most important and critical step of the entire process. There are two parts to step one, and they are as follows:

A. Uncovering your family dysfunction

Physical abuse
Sexual abuse
Verbal abuse
Alcoholic parent
Controlling parent
Inadequate parenting

B. Confront the parent or parents responsible for the dysfunction

The thought of confronting the person that is responsible for your emotional trauma is one the most frightening situations you will face. However, it is also the most liberating and empowering thing you’ll ever do! Why do you need to confront your parent or parents? Well, first let me clarify the meaning of the word confront and in what context we are using this term. Confronting the person does not at all mean that you should verbally attack them for your misfortunes. On the contrary, you are not doing this for them. You are doing it for you! The confrontation is not meant to be an attack, but it is rather a chance for you to set the record straight and drop the emotional baggage that you’ve been toting around.

2. Step Two: Remove your Emotional Baggage

You have completed step one and have confronted your parent or parents. This in and of itself will have removed much of the pain and emotional trauma. However, to fully free yourself from their emotional stronghold, it will be necessary to find forgiveness in your heart for a family member that has committed an atrocity against you. Forgive! How can I forgive someone that committed these atrocities against me? Many people have a misconception about forgiveness. Forgiveness is not reconciliation! There is a drastic difference between the two. Reconciliation would mean that you have accepted and submit to their behavior and have agreed to try and continue the relationship under those circumstances. Forgiveness means that you merely give up or cease the resentment of the offender.

3. Step Three: Cure Wounditis

Without question, partaking in habitual behavior not only causes you pain but, it inflicts pain on the people around you as well. However, do not allow what you have done in the past or what others have done to you, to cause you to live in fear of what the future holds. The past is the past, it is over, and living in it does not serve anyone well. Live in the present moment, be kind to yourself, and learn to love yourself. How can you love someone else if you don’t love yourself? The answer is you can’t!!! It isn’t a big secret that you’re feeling shame and guilt for what you’ve done. In fact, you’re probably questioning right now as to whether you should be punished for your past actions. Well guess what, its ok! God doesn’t punish people, we punish ourselves. God is a loving and forgiving being. So if you thought that you would continue to punish yourself with shame and guilt before God gets a hold of you, you can stop right now! We do not have defects of character, are not full of shortcomings, and we certainly are not powerless! On the Contrary, we are all the same, we are all connected, and we all have the same power to change!

4. Step Four: Awaken the Power within

Whether you want to admit it or not, all of the pain you have been through concerning your habitual behavior is a spiritual lesson. And until you view it as such, it will continue to cause you suffering and unhappiness. Every dark cloud does have a silver lining, and if you look hard enough you’ll find one in this habitual situation too. However, to find that silver lining you must ask the right questions;

1. What can I learn from my addiction?

2. How can I grow from it?

The answers to these questions can be found in a place that is uncharted by most, and it is just waiting to be explored! It’s called your true self! To embark on a journey of Self -reflection requires the practice of Mediation.

For more information on mediation you can visit my website below.

5. Step five: Practice Acts of Random Kindness

Happiness is a state of mind. Individuals that are suffering from addictive behavior are not happy! Ironically, in an attempt to find happiness, they chose a vehicle to mask their emotional pain through the use of alcohol, illicit drugs, and various other compulsions. However, happiness is never found on the outside in material possessions or in the abuse of substances and compulsions! True life happiness can only be found in one place, and that place is within! Happiness is not found in the practice of outward ideals or in other people. To the contrary, it is actually the small acts of random kindness that opens the heart and fuels the principle of unconditional love!

To practice spirituality is to be of service to your fellow man and make no mistake about it that is why we are all here. Begin with small acts of kindness such as opening a door for someone, letting someone go before you in the checkout line or just taking the time to offer a kind word to an older person or a child. You get the picture! The first thing I do upon waking in the morning is think of how I can be of service, and throughout the day I am always mindful of opportunities that present themselves for me to do just that. You know, the paradox of the whole thing is that the more kind and generous you are the more love, kindness and abundance you’ll receive back. Don’t believe me! Just try it and watch what begins to happen to you.

Finally, good luck in your quest for addiction freedom. Visit my website below to subscribe to my Free E-guide ;

overcoming addiction

how to stop drinking

stop drinking alcohol

Best wishes,

David Roppo

Addiction Coach

Alcohol Addiction – Here’s a testimony from our friends at Biblica. For more, please visit: www.allaboutlifechallenges.org Alcohol Addiction – What is alcoholism? Alcohol addiction is simply defined as a compulsive need for an intoxicating liquid that is obtained from fermented grain or fruit. These liquids include beer, wine, and other hard liquors. Alcoholism is present when a person craves alcohol and cannot limit or contain his or her drinking. If someone experiences withdrawal symptoms such as nausea, sweating, shakiness, or anxiety when alcohol consumption has ceased, or if there is a need to drink greater amounts of alcohol in order to feel a high, that person is most likely alcoholic. Some may think that its just a matter of having the will to stop drinking, but alcoholism is more complicated than that. An alcoholics craving for alcohol is so great that it suppresses their ability to stop drinking. The majority of alcoholics need assistance to stop drinking. With treatment and support from family and friends, many have been able to stop drinking and rebuild their lives. It is a sad fact however that there are still some who are unable to stop in spite of these aids. Alcohol Addiction – What are the causes and effects of alcoholism? Scientists say that someone who has alcoholic addiction in his/her family is more likely to develop alcoholism if they choose to drink. Alcoholism can also develop or worsen based on a persons environment and traumatic experiences in …

by Lel4nd (be back soon in Dec)

Drug Addiction, Alcohol Addiction and How Christian Rehab Recovery Programs Can Help

People who do not have the knowledge or experiences of drug or alcohol abuse, understanding the components of drug or alcohol addiction are very difficult. Drug or alcohol abuse changes the person’s human body and mind. The disease of addiction is one that is all-encompassing and very complex. As soon as dependency sets in to drugs or alcohol the cravings and drug seeking behavior develops very fast. People who are addicted to drugs or alcohol will do whatever it takes to use again or get that drink. They will spend countless hours thinking of ways to accomplish their goal to get their substance of choice. Many Christian drug rehab programs understand all the complexities that come along with drug or alcohol abuse and work together with the people in addiction to help facilitate sobriety and healing.

Today, whether or not a particular person will become addicted to drugs or alcohol no single determining factor will be the cause of their addiction. Some people can use drugs several times and alcohol for years before addiction will set in while other people who are more vulnerable can be hooked the very first time they use drugs or take that first alcoholic drink and that is why drug addiction is so unpredictable and extremely dangerous. Genetics, social environment, socioeconomic status, gender and life experiences are some of the factors experts believe influence addiction. There are many Christian drug rehab programs that have licensed staff, skilled professionals who are aware of the triggers and temptations that cause drug addiction and alcohol addiction. These drug rehab programs work with patients in addiction to effectively handle the underlying reasons for their addictions. These drug and alcohol programs break their bad behavior patterns that most addicts have been struggling with in their lives.

The environment is a place where people live which can contain many different influences that can drive them to use drugs or alcohol and develop their addictions and delve further into their addictive behaviors.  For many people environmental circumstances have been responsible for their addiction of choice.

Christian rehab programs know environmental factors that trigger drug or alcohol use and have ways to break the cycle. A person needs to relearn better life and coping skills.  For a person to achieve a positive outcome Christian inpatient treatment programs are a way to accomplish that goal.

A person’s life has critical development stages and environmental factors plus genetics often overlap and will have effects in their growth years. High risk locations would be in low-income housing areas that are drug addled neighborhoods with high crimes rates. Children at some point in their life who grow up in this environment are at a higher risk for developing drug and alcohol abuse problems.

That is why Christian drug rehab treatment programs are working because they see people from all walks of life, rich or poor who are dealing with drug and alcohol addiction problems. Christian drug rehab treatment programs never turn anyone away for any reason.

This disease is entirely preventable and that is the good news in the battle of drug and alcohol abuse and addiction. The positive messages that drugs and alcohol are always bad and should always be avoided is possible with drug education in schools and promoting drug and alcohol prevention programs, and many people will learn and benefit from this education. To break the cycle of drug or alcohol addiction and live a drug-free life, people have to be reinforced about the deadliness and dangers of drug and alcohol addiction.

Staggering and sobering are two words that come to mind every year when statistics are published surrounding drug and/or alcohol addiction and substance abuse problems. People seeking a unique approach to drug rehabilitation the need for Christian drug rehab and recovery programs are apparent. A very important part for many people in the fight against drug and alcohol addiction is a faith based drug treatment answer which can help when other forms of treatment have failed.
Many drug and alcohol abusers leave the world of addiction behind and achieve lifelong sobriety by having the power of God in their life with strong faith and a network of supportive individuals that have proven to be a HUGE help in their lives.

Help can be found in the battle with addiction at “Freedom’s Door”, Kelowna.

“Freedom’s Door” is funded primarily by private donations. They need your support to help free men from their addictions. If you would like to support their program through a financial contribution you can donate now by mailing your cheque payable to “Freedom’s Door” at “Freedom’s Door”, “1279 Centennial Cres.”, Kelowna, BC V1Y 6K3. Or Visit their Website at http://www.freedomsdoorkelowna.com/support.htm

 

by thetawarrior

How Does Alcoholism and Drug Addiction Affect a Person?

There is another school of thought that the addiction is due to a mental disorder and causes physical dependency. The mental disorder must be treated first in order for any treatment plan to work properly.

One more argument is that the alcoholism and drug addiction is due to chemical imbalance. With this belief, it is thought that the addiction must be treated with some sort of medication after detox has been completed.

Scientific studies support each concept but there are no full answers and the fact remains there are millions of alcoholics and drug addicts still out there. When someone goes through the treatment process, his chances of staying clean can range between 16% and 20%. If we want recovery rates to rise, we have to come up with some sort of treatment that will make this happen.

The last thought on addiction is that the alcoholism and drug addiction problem probably has something to do with the life cycle of addiction, which means there is some trauma suffered at one time or another or a painful experience an addict can’t seem to get through without the use of some sort of chemical.

An example of this reason for addiction would be the person who can’t seem to fit in with others, a painful condition either physical or mental, or a person who may be dealing with another real or imagined problem. The alcoholic or addict may feel there is no other way out of the situation and the addiction begins. The first drink loosens him up and then the numbness sets in and the addict begins the downward spiral.

The relief that an addict may feel is only temporary but it is enough to get the addict over the pain. The feelings that are suppressed by the drink or the drug are something that the addict would rather feel so the continued drinking is never about pleasure; it is always a form of self medication that leads him down a road where returning is that hardest step ever taken.

Effects of Alcoholism and Drug Addiction

The quality of life for this individual will gradually begin to decrease and the addiction will start to be a way to hide from the facts. Each and every moment an addict feels the pain of life, he will choose to take a drink or get high so he can avoid the pain. Alcoholism and drug addiction becomes a vicious cycle from which there seems no return. There are usually only three outcomes: sobriety, prison, and the worst case scenario — death.

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by City of Edmonton

Drug and Alcohol Addiction Counselling – What is Abuse and What is Addiction?

Alcohol and drug addiction counselling is widely used for treating drug and alcohol addiction. Popular belief views a drug addict in an extremely negative light. The terms ‘drug addict’ and ‘alcoholic’ conjure up images of a hopeless junkie who steals to support their habit, or a middle aged alcoholic who starts drinking at six in the morning to stop their limbs from shaking.

However, now that more is known about the nature of substance abuse and other addictions, many people are diagnosed as being drug addicts who would previously never have believed they had a problem. When does drug and alcohol use become distinguishable as addiction?

Drug and alcohol abuse is the term used to describe the behavior of individuals who take drugs and drink too much alcohol. If one considers their own past, or the habits of those around them, many people fall into this category of over indulgence. Most students spend their weekends drinking too much, often consuming drugs as well. However, is this merely a phase or a sign that there is a problem?

What is addiction?
Addictive behaviours are based on an obsessive and compulsive need to consume mind altering substances. The using may have begun as a ‘bit of fun’ or experimentation, but the problem becomes clear when the person in question carries on using these substances when their peers have stopped. The difference between these individuals is something known as the disease of addiction. An individual with the disease of addiction will require alcohol addiction and drug addiction counselling to help arrest the problem.

The disease of addiction
The disease of addiction is not a proven fact, but nevertheless it is widely considered as an explanation for the reason people become drug addicts and alcoholics. Many believe that addicts are born addicts and are thus born with the disease. Many addicts and alcoholics describe feeling like an outsider from a very young age, as well as other feelings of unease and hatred of reality.

The disease of addiction is defined as being an allergic reaction to any type of mind or mood altering substance. This reaction causes the individual in question to lose all control over their drinking and using. From the first sip or hit, a person with the disease becomes “powerless”.

It is common knowledge that it is the first drink or drug that the alcoholic or addict consumes that leads them to their downfall – once they have the first taste, even after being abstinent for a time, they cannot control their using. There is a common saying to which recovering addicts and alcoholics refer – “one is too many and a thousand is never enough” which summarises perfectly this lack of control and constant need for more, no matter what the cost of these actions is.

Abuse or addiction?
The disease concept creates a noticeable distinction between abuse and addiction. Many professional counsellors and therapists will not diagnose a client as being an addict until they are over 20 years old as many teenagers experiment with drugs and alcohol. Puberty accompanied by peer pressure, finding one’s place in society and experiencing intense situations and feelings for the first time make adolescents ripe candidates for drug and alcohol abuse.

There are situations where parents find their teenager using drugs and send them to rehab immediately for alcohol addiction and drug addiction counselling when the adolescent does not have the disease of addiction – they are experimenting. Sending a person to rehab who is not an addict but merely an abuser can be extremely harmful.

Even habitual use of drugs does not necessarily mean that the person in question has a problem. Often when extreme emotions such as grief, stress or jubilation are experienced, many people turn to drugs and alcohol to numb painful emotions or celebrate good emotions. Those with the disease of addiction will begin their addiction as everyone else does – experimentation and having fun with friends. As the disease of addiction is a progressive and incurable illness, the drug use may not be particularly worrisome at first. However, as the disease progresses, so will the use of drugs and alcohol.

The disease is all encompassing; other compulsive behaviours such as sex addiction, eating disorders, gambling addiction, cutting and co-dependence are frequently acted out by the sufferer. The disease pushes the addict to escape their feelings and surroundings, and they will find themselves swapping different forms of addictive behaviours, interspersed with their drug and alcohol abuse.  

It must be made clear that an addict is not a ‘bad’ person or someone with a moral failing – they have an illness, however this illness is their responsibility to manage.

A Twelve Step Programme
A Twelve Step Programme is a successful way of arresting the disease of addiction. The Twelve Steps can be seen as the ‘medicine’, helping an addict stay clean one day at a time through providing a support system and tools for coping with life in a normal state, instead of the altered states which addiction prefers.

Abuse and addiction are two very different types of behaviour. Abuse defines drug and alcohol use on a social level and even though addiction often begins as such, the disease takes hold of the addict and progresses them to a level where they cannot stop using drugs and alcohol, even if they want to and stand to lose everything. An abuser will not engage in this type of behavior and when faced with great personal loss will be able to stop unlike an addict who will progress to a stage where alcohol addiction and drug addiction counselling is needed.

by saritarobinson

Understanding Alcohol Addiction

Alcohol addiction is not an overnight issue, it happens after prolonged periods of intoxication and ends up being used as an excuse to get through the stress of daily life. It is believed in some circles that the cause may be a chemical imbalance in the body of the alcoholic. People who don’t have the tools to deal with their stress in an effective manner may turn to alcohol to find the relief and get though their day. Peer pressure and depression along with a low self esteem boost the addiction and the alcoholic begins to drink more.

If you know someone who can’t stop drinking once he has started, that is a sure sign he may be addicted to alcohol. An addict usually chooses to drink alone and will frequently hide his alcohol addiction. He will begin to develop a physical alcohol addiction to the alcohol as well. An addict will only have one thing on his mind: how, where, and when he will find his next drink. It is no longer done for pleasure but a virtual physical need to keep him functioning properly through the day without withdrawal setting in.

Symptoms of Alcohol Addiction

Addicts will not only have the physical alcohol addiction anymore, they will show a mental attachment to the disease and frequently claim there is no problem at all. Physical symptoms of an alcohol addict include black outs, slurred speech, dizziness, and weight loss. They may become red in the face and frequently show signs of clumsyness. An addict may begin to feel numbness in his feet or hands and frequently complain of upset stomach. These latter symptoms usually occur when the withdrawal from the alcohol has begun to show its affect on the body.

The mental part of alcohol addiction has another set of symptoms that include irritability, emotional outbreaks, and inability to stop drinking. Once a person has been drinking over an extended period of time, it takes much more alcohol for him to get under control. Many addicts finally lose the ability to keep a job or even have time to be with friends or family

People with alcohol addiction tend to drink alone and many choose to drink in secret whenever the possibility arises so they can hide their addiction from others. You may find hidden stashes and their relationships will start to fall apart and they will have no control over it or even eventually begin to lose interest altogether.

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