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Tuesday, March 18, 2008

Alcohol Rehab

The effects of alcohol devastate the lives of many individuals and cause trauma to their families. Alcoholism can be treated both medically and psychologically. Drunk drivers kill many people each year in the United States. Based on historical experience, it?s evident that more than punishing the guilty is needed to solve the problem.

Alcohol rehab is a place where an individual with a drinking problem can receive help. Rehab helps the individual get over their addiction and provides them with the support necessary for a complete recovery. Alcohol rehab works for many people who have problems with alcohol abuse, but just like any other drug of abuse, the individual has to be committed to make a change for the better. Some people stop drinking and remain sober. Others have long periods of sobriety followed by bouts of relapse. With alcohol rehab, the longer a person abstains from alcohol, the more likely he or she is able to stay sober.

Alcohol rehabilitation is a multi-faceted, long-term process. There is a systematic approach to recovery from alcoholism. Alcoholism is treated in stages, and it is important to break the cycle of self-denial prior to treatment. Admittance of the problem is major step on the road to recovery.

Alcoholics must first undergo a detoxification program. This cleanses and systematically removes alcohol from the body. Nutrition and exercise during this stage helps the person get back into shape.

Alcohol abuse causes emotional damage that is not easily mended. Emotional reparation is vital in alcohol rehab. A series of one-on-one and group counseling sessions seek to address the person as whole, helping them on their road to recovery. Group sessions are important as patients get to know each other and share their experiences and thoughts. Alcohol rehab is carried out at a rehabilitation center that uses a combination of clinical and therapeutic treatments.

There are many organizations in the United States for alcohol rehab and treatment. An effective program takes three to five months to complete, though some take significantly longer. There is no miracle cure for addiction. Along with alcohol rehab, a person has to show sufficient determination to stay away from liquor.

Alcohol provides detailed information on Alcohol, Alcohol Rehab, Alcohol Treatments, Fetal Alcohol Syndrome and more. Alcohol is affiliated with Champagne Glasses

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Wednesday, March 5, 2008

Substance Addiction and Rehabilitation

Addiction is sad, really. The life of an addict is often times harsh in ways that are not always visible. Of course, a lot of times the effects of addiction are visible.

Addiction is something that can hurt a great deal. Whether you are the person addicted or the loved one of someone with an addiction it can be an item of major concern that can manifest in multiple problems. You should seek to overcome the addiction as quickly as possible.

If you are the loved one, I hope you have the strength to stand by the person recovering or more importantly the one that hasn't begun to recover yet. The first step is for the person to recognize the problem. This can be tough, very tough on you. Maybe the worst thing you could do is to abandon that person. You could be the one that keeps him or her from completely falling off the edge.

I'm not an expert on addiction, so you can take all of this with a grain of salt. I'm only approaching things from a level of common sense that is uniquely my own. So take all of this with some degree of skepticism and consult a professional for proper care.

My personal beliefs hinge around compassion. If the one I loved was seriously addicted, I'm not sure I'd be able to get over my guilt if I abandoned that person. If they took a turn for the worse I would always wonder, "what if?".

No doubt about it, addiction brings great pain upon the afflicted and those closest to him or her. Consider that, think about it and mull over what that may mean to you personally and the people you love.

If you are the person with the addiction, or you are not sure if you really are addicted, think about it carefully. Is your substance use causing pain to the people you are closest too? Even if you are causing them only a little pain, you need to recognize that you may be addicted and need help.

Drug treatment and alcohol treatment rehab centers exist everywhere. Consider staying at one for a while. You've got to take a sober and serious look at your situation. Do you value your life and your loved ones more than your addiction? I hope the answer is that you cherish your family most. This is not your typical surface level question where you can get away with saying what you know people want to hear. You have to seriously take a look at yourself and come up with an honest answer.

If you treasure your relationships to others more, then it is time to give up the addiction. Life abounds with people who chose their addictions over their relationships. Their stories are all very sad. One thing is for sure: If you don't take action, the addiction will rule your destiny until you reclaim it.

Those around you may not be willing to wait around to see if you will change or not. Talk to them honestly, admit your addiction and then get help. There is no shame in that, instead it shows that you have some integrity and a strong enough will that may allow you to come back to the land of the living.

I don't intend to be harsh. If you read this far, there might be some question about your status in your own mind. This isn't being blunt but rather a gentle wake up call.

Take charge and take your life back.

This article simply reflects the author's opinions. It is not meant to constitute advice in any way, shape or form. If you have or think you might have an addiction or any other health problem, contact your doctor right away for proper diagnosis and treatment.

David Snape writes for To Be Informed. You can read more specifically about Drug Rehab and Alcohol Rehab there. To Be Informed is a site supportive of health, fitness and wellness

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Saturday, March 1, 2008

Drug Rehab, Recovery and the Pink Cloud

Is it a myth or reality, fact or fiction? The ?pink cloud? is an experience common to almost everyone that seeks recovery from drug addiction or alcoholism. Early stage recovery from drug addiction and alcoholism is a period of time that is comprised of a great many challenges and feelings which are difficult to manage. The individual recovering from drug addiction or alcoholism may still be experiencing cravings, symptoms associated with withdrawal or feelings for the first time in sobriety. Each day is a series of ?ups and downs, highs and lows, usually accompanied by depression, frustration, hopelessness, anger, resentment which the addict or alcoholic is accustomed to coping with through the use of drugs, alcohol or unhealthy behavioral choices. What is the ?pink cloud??

Then comes a day, followed by a series of days or weeks, where the addict or alcoholic experiences acceptance. He or she is excited at the prospect of what recovery from addiction and alcoholism has to offer and feel as if they have grasped what it takes to maintain quality recovery. All the work they have done in their addiction treatment center and self help group has paid off and they experience a reprieve from all the difficulties that have crossed their path. This reprieve, which is actually a feeling, lasts but for a period of time and as with any feeling, comes and goes. As this feeling of excitement and acceptance passes, the risk for relapse is great as the addict or alcoholic begin to doubt the quality of their recovery. They become scared and thoughts of their drug addiction or alcoholism reappear. Addicts and alcoholics will experience this ?pink cloud? phenomenon many times in recovery. As their ability to cope with feelings and situations increase and they become more committed to their relapse prevention program, the less likely relapse is to occur.

For additional information on relapse prevention, addiction treatment, drug addiction or alcoholism, please refer to RecoveryConnection.org ? a web site dedicated to helping people overcome alcohol and drug addiction.

Jonathan Huttner is one of the the principals at Lakeview Health Systems, an addiction treatment, alcohol and drug rehab facility.

Addiction treatment information and free live help 24/7 is being provided online at RecoveryConnection.org.

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Tuesday, January 29, 2008

Selecting The Right Alcohol & Drug Rehab Facility

When you are searching for an alcohol and drug rehab program, it is important that you select a facility that will best suit the needs of the person in need of treatment. Whether it's you, a family member or friend, the most important part of the selection process is ensuring that the facility will be able to offer not only a quality treatment program, but also a professional counseling and support system throughout the entire rehabilitation process.

One of the best ways to find a quality alcohol & drug rehab facility is through the referral of a physician, many of whom will offer a recommendation as to the best treatment options for an individual following a determination as to his/her level of alcohol and/or drug dependency. Without the recommendation of a physician, individuals will have to search for a treatment facility on their own. One way of doing this is by looking through the yellow pages of a local telephone book or searching the web for local treatment facilities.

While each alcohol & drug rehab treatment program is different, the basic fundamentals are the same. Most facilities have a strict list of guidelines that every patient must adhere to including which items can and cannot be brought onto the premises. This is especially true of an inpatient treatment facility, which offers housing to patients. Most programs begin with a detoxification process, often referred to simply as 'detox,' which is followed by a treatment program customized to the patient's needs. During this time, counseling sessions and various activities will be participated in by the patient in order to show them the benefits of living a drug and alcohol free life.

According to their level of dependency, patients may be required to attend an inpatient program. As mentioned previously, this entails the patient actually residing on the property during the treatment process. During this time, there is 24-hour supervision with inpatient care. Outpatient treatment, on the other hand, is for individuals who are able to continue living their life, attending school or work and everyday functions without the concern of substance abuse. An outpatient treatment program allows for an individual to live at home and attend regular counseling meetings, such as AA (Alcoholics Anonymous) or other treatment program. The decision between an inpatient or outpatient treatment program will depend heavily on the level of addiction and the patient's ability to resist alcohol and drugs without constant supervision.

This article is to be used for informational purposes only. The information contained herein should not be used as, in place of or in conjunction with professional medical advice regarding the treatment for alcohol and drug abuse. Prior to selecting a quality alcohol & drug rehab facility, individuals should consult a licensed medical doctor for a proper diagnosis and recommendation for treatment.

The author is a regular contributor to A&D Rehab where more information about alcohol and drug rehab programs and options is available.

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Rehabilitation Therapy Schools

Seeking a professional and personally rewarding career? Perhaps becoming a qualified rehabilitation therapist might be an option for you. Rehabilitation therapy schools offer educational programs that prepare students in becoming licensed occupational, rehabilitation and physical therapists; and applicable fields of work.

Prior to enrolling in a rehabilitation therapy school, (term is commonly interchanged with physical therapy and occupational therapy schools) individuals should take high school courses in art, biology, chemistry, health, physics and social sciences; as these are often prerequisites for rehabilitation therapy school entry.

Accredited rehabilitation therapy learning institutions provide comprehensive curriculums that cover behavioral and social sciences; biology; computer science; human anatomy; medical terminology; physics; relevant electives; and other related continuing education coursework.

According to the US Department of Labor '...122 master's degree programs offered entry-level education...' with '...65 programs offering a combined bachelor's and master's degree, and 5 offering an entry-level doctoral degree.' [1] Based on this information, rehabilitation therapy school students will have to attain a minimum of a bachelor's degree in an accredited occupational or rehabilitation therapy school program in order to become a practicing therapist. In addition to successfully completing and graduating from an accredited rehabilitation therapy institution, candidates must pass a national certification examination to attain professional license.

Because the professional field of rehabilitation, occupational and physical therapy is expected to rapidly increase, students who wish to attain an education for this particular career can anticipate long term and stable employment opportunities.

Ref.

  1. US Department of Labor

C. Bailey-Lloyd in association with Media Positive Communications, Inc. for SchoolsGalore.com

C. Bailey-Lloyd is the Public Relations' Director for Media Positive Communications, Inc. in association with SchoolsGalore.com. Find Rehabilitation Therapy Schools at SchoolsGalore.com; meeting your needs as your educational resource to locate schools.

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Friday, January 18, 2008

Drug Rehab Treatment Centers as an Experience, not a Punishment

Choosing a drug rehab treatment center is a decision that calls for both negative and positive emotions. Nobody wants addiction to overtake their life to the point that rehab is the necessary step. However, the decision to go to one is something to look forward to, as it is the decision to rebuild a healthy life. It is the conscious realization of a problem, and it is the first conscious step towards healing. Understanding what drug addiction entails and how it affects the user is important for healing substance abuse. As well as understanding addiction, knowing what rehabilitation is will help the patient understand what he is going through and the purpose of the treatment. Lastly, the type of rehabilitation program is of vital importance for the patient. Understanding that a rehabilitation program is as personal as the patient's problem will certainly help to ascertain the treatment needed for the specific patient. Rehabilitation must be a positive program motivating the patient by his successes and discouraging him from relapses. To reach the stage of being in a rehab center that positively works to heal addiction, the patient and all concerned must understand three things: what addiction is, what rehabilitation is, and what treatment can and should be like.

Drug addiction is much more complex than merely 'too much drug use'. Drug and substance dependence is beyond the control of the user - he is no longer in control and does not have much choice in the matter of continuing use. In the short term, drug use affects the brain's reward system, flooding the brain with dopamine, otherwise termed 'a high'. While the high is a short term effect, long term effects are to follow, which cause the addiction. When our brain's reward system is working, proteins activate which teach us to pursue the behavior which causes us to feel so good. Naturally, this reaction is in response to food, exercise, and sex. Due to the larger amount of dopamine released due to drugs, the protein reaction is stronger than normal. As a result, drug use is quite addictive, and once the moment is reached that a person cannot control his use of drugs, this is termed addiction, or substance dependence. While willpower is important to controlling anything in one's life, in drug addiction a lack of willpower is not to blame. Willpower is at play at the first stages of drug experimentation, but at a certain point in addiction, it loses its function. Drug addiction is an illness, and rehabilitative treatment is the only means of curing this behavior.

Rehabilitation, then, is the path that leads to an effective treatment of drug use. Research has shown that addiction is treatable. Research has not shown, and will not show, that treatment is easy. Rehabilitation is the recovery of diminished capacities due to injury or illness. The word itself comes from the latin prefix re meaning 'again', and root habilitar meaning 'to inhabit'. Thus 'rehabilitate' literally means to inhabit yourself again - and that is the aim of rehabilitation: to return former capacities to the inflicted person. This is especially true in drug addiction. Freeing oneself from addiction is a type of homecoming to a life of control.

Rehabilitation aims at more than ending drug use. As previously mentioned, rehabilitation cannot be a punishment for drug use. It must be the gradual process of ending dependence while also rehabilitating the patient into society. This is often the most difficult aspect of rehabilitation. It is important that the patient realistically understand that the future will consist of effort to reintegrate and rejoin society. The patient is assisted by counselors throughout the treatment, but the patient himself is the main catalyst in rehabilitation. The family and friends of the patient must also go through aspects of rehabilitation, for life after rehab will not be a continual sunny day. The forecast predicts many rain clouds at first, with occasional storms down the road. The family must know how to be supportive and helpful throughout the stormy weather.

The rehab treatment center can be considered the umbrella in the stormy weathers. It cannot control the weather, but does shield and help the patient and family on their way through the tempest. While there is no one correct rehabilitation treatment, as each treatment must be tailored to the particular needs of the patient, there are means of ensuring that the rehab center chosen is one that will provide a positive environment to optimize the long term results of rehabilitation. The personal treatment for the patient must be continually checked and improved, as different steps throughout the treatment call for different measures, and each patient needs a different length of time for treatment. The personal treatment must also take into account the various problems beyond drugs which the patient faces. Drug addiction is often the result, and not the core of the problem - this core must be dug up through various therapies, counselors, and activities, which all should be readily available through the treatment center. A forced treatment is not necessarily a bad thing - again, depending on the treatment center. With a good treatment center, a person who initially will not admit to his problem or the need for a solution can be fully rehabilitated. Extremely beneficial are experiential therapies, which, through their communion with nature help the patient gradually reintegrate into life, which will eventually ease reintegration into society. A rehab treatment center must be rigid in its aims to help the patient, but cannot be rigid in its process.

Understanding what addiction is and why it happens is vital for the patient and the chosen treatment center. Once this is established, there can be a mutual respect, in lieu of distrust and judgment. The next step is to understand what rehabilitation is. It is a dedication, again, on the part of both the patient and treatment center, to heal a drug problem and, more importantly, rebuild a life - to bring the patient home in the spiritual sense. With these two concepts well understood and looked after, the patient has great chances of succeeding to overcome the addiction. The treatment center that fully understands addiction and rehabilitation will be the center that offers a full and varied program that will be created and recreated for the particular needs of its patient, and that will guide the patient not only through his addiction, but through his reintegration into life and society.

This article was written by Marina Petroni, sponsored by http://www.cirquelodge.com/. Cirque Lodge, located in Sundance, Utah, is a world-class residential drug rehab facility providing a private, effective and serene pathway to sobriety. Reproductions of this article are encouraged but must include a link pointing back to http://www.cirquelodge.com/

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Drug Rehab: Do You Need It?

Do you have an addiction? The question shouldn't be hard to answer. There are fairly clear lines between an addiction and a casual behavior.

According to substance abuse experts Chris and Pax Prentiss, founders of Passages Malibu, a drug program with residential treatment, addiction is caused by underlying problems in a person's life that they are unable to cope with. When someone is unable to cope with their circumstances they sometimes turn towards drugs and alcohol for relief. In essence it is not the drugs that are the problem it is rather the underlying problems that need to be addressed and healed in order to cure the addiction. When the underlying problems are no longer present the person will no longer need the drug.

People who don't have the individual therapy it takes to become healed will most likely continue taking the drugs.

Tolerance. When you take a habit-forming substance regularly, your body eventually accommodates the substance. You don't get the same feeling you originally got, or at least not the same strength of feeling. This does not mean that you are getting stronger and can handle the drug. Instead, your body is becoming dependent on the drug. Some people addicted to certain drugs may even die if they stop taking the drug suddenly. Withdrawal symptoms. Different addictions have different withdrawal symptoms. The list of possible withdrawal symptoms is very long, stretching from watery eyes to delirium and even death, depending on the substance, the length of the addiction, and the user.

In short, if you're not sure if you're addicted your best bet may be to ask yourself these three questions:

-Do I get the same experience from the substance I got when I first started on it? -When I stop taking the substance on a regular basis, do I feel worse, emotionally or physically? -Is there anything in my life that is causing me pain that I might be self medicating? -If you can answer yes to any of those questions, you are probably addicted.

So, you're addicted. Now what?

Abstention and the Risk of Relapse According to Chris and Pax Prentiss, one of the biggest misconceptions about addictions is that they're a disease. Through years of research they have figured out that addiction is definitely caused by underlying problems in a person's life that they are self-medicating. The addiction will usually continue if the underlying problems are still present. In order to get sober and stay sober it is of utmost importance that the underlying problems be treated.

Every day, addicts everywhere decide to stop. That is, they abstain. But unfortunately, most of those people will relapse. Why is relapse so common? The Prentisses have a few insights:

Habit. Without realizing, you worked your addiction into the everyday rituals of life. Dependence. The physical and emotional withdrawal symptoms can be brutal. In some cases of addiction, simply abstaining from a substance suddenly, without medical supervision, may cause the individual serious harm, even death. Yet many addicts who abstain are able to get past the withdrawal symptoms--and still end up relapsing. Why? Underlying causes. Addictions usually have an underlying cause. There was a reason you took the substance in the first place. Once you are done fighting withdrawal symptoms, you will be back fighting whatever problem led you to addiction in the first place. Finding the underlying cause of your addiction will be the most important step in ending it forever. Ultimately, then, the hardest part of overcoming an addiction may not be stopping, but not starting again. To do that, you need to find and resolve the underlying problems in your life.

Residential Rehab: Do You Need It? According to the Prentisses, some people can get over an addiction without a drug program with residential treatment. But given the challenges of overcoming an addiction, the support of a residential rehab program is invaluable. Have you tried to end your addiction without residential rehab? It might be what makes the difference this time.

Why Do So Many People Fail after Residential Rehab? You've heard of all the people who went to residential rehab and then relapsed--even went and relapsed several times. According to Chris and Pax Prentiss, there are some common causes of residential rehab failure, causes you can avoid.

-Quality of the program. If your rehab program wasn't great to begin with, you won't be in good stead to avoid relapse. Before signing up, find out the success rates of past participants. -Group rather than individualized therapy. Post-rehab relapse is so common largely because most rehabs don't have offer any individual counseling. When someone sits in group meetings all day they don't get the therapy they need in order to get better. When they check out of a rehab like that they usually still have the underlying problems that they checked in with. -Lack of aftercare services. When you leave residential rehab, the whole web of support that kept you out of addiction suddenly falls away. Only choose a residential rehab that provides aftercare support to make the transition easier. -Need to change everything. Without realizing it, you wove your addiction into the fabric of your life. You need to pluck the threads of addiction out of your life, or reweave the fabric completely. If you can't transform your everyday life, you will likely relapse.

Regardless of the difficulties present in the rehab process, the experience can absolutely be a success unlike any other. Please consider the rehab option if you think you or your loved one may be in need. There is always someone there to help.

Abhilash Patel wrote this article with Chris and Pax Prentiss, founders of Passages Malibu, a drug rehab, which also has an alcohol and drug rehab program offering.

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Thursday, December 13, 2007

Objective Of Alcohol Rehabilitation Program

The main objective of alcohol rehabilitation programs is to free you from the bondage of alcoholism. These programs help you to discover newer ways to live without alcohol.

Different alcohol rehabilitation centers are offering various types of alcohol rehabilitation programs to treat alcoholism. Here is some information that may help you for selecting the right alcohol rehabilitation program.

Consult a good alcohol rehabilitation center for finding a suitable alcohol rehabilitation program. Doctors and alcohol rehabilitation specialists will study your case and conduct certain tests on you to find out a suitable program for you.

Every individual has a unique history to alcoholism. Hence, the rehabilitation program must be tailor-made to suit your case.

Generally, the alcohol rehabilitation programs include services such as hospitalization, medication, diet, exercise, counseling, sauna, spiritual therapy, hypnosis, amino acids and community activity.

Depending upon your case, doctors will recommend the services that need to be included in the rehabilitation programs designed for you.

The doctors would advice you to join either the "outpatient treatment program" or the "residential inpatient treatment program" depending on your intensity of alcohol dependency. Here are some details about both the options.

Outpatient Alcohol Rehabilitation Program

If you do not have a long history of alcoholism, an outpatient rehabilitation/ treatment program might be the correct option. You might need counseling and guidance as a part of your treatment.

Outpatient alcohol rehab program is a suitable option treatment of alcoholism at its early stage. This program is recommended for those individuals, whose occupational and family environments are intact and for those who demonstrate a high degree of commitment to quit alcohol.

This program provides adequate support service for your day-to-day life.

Residential/ Inpatient Alcohol Rehabilitation Program

If you have experienced a long period of alcoholism, doctors might recommend you for a residential or inpatient alcohol rehabilitation program. The inpatient treatment program provides 24-hour support and it is highly effective.

This treatment is not just confined to amelioration of symptoms. Rather this variant of alcohol rehab focuses on addressing and resolving the factors that contribute to alcoholism. Under the inpatient alcohol rehabilitation program besides medication, you will participate in educational lectures.

Counseling based treatment will be given to you on personal basis as well as in small group settings. Some of the inpatient alcohol rehabilitation programs also include additional activities such as yoga and spiritual methods of recovery.

The alcohol rehabilitation program also includes several support services even after abstinence is achieved. This ensures a perfect recovery and prevents a possible relapse. This includes promoting religious involvement, imbibing good health practices, proper diet, exercise, sleep therapy, and self-enhancement projects. Discover valuable advice and information about alcohol rehab - its effectiveness, and where to get treatment Website contains valuable articles and information about the widespread alcohol addiction problem.http://www.alcohol-rehab-success.com/alcohol-rehab-program.html

** Attn Ezine editors / Site Owners ** Feel free to reprint this article in its entirety in your ezine or on your site so long as you leave all links in place, do not modify the content and include my resource box as listed above.

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