Predisposed – Avoiding Family Alcoholism

Recent studies have confirmed a link between genetics and alcoholism, ending a seasoned debate regarding the heightened risk of alcoholism in children with alcoholic parents. Avoiding the disease can be tricky. In this entry, we will discuss some tips to help avoid alcohol addiction for those that may be predisposed.

1 – Take early action. Avoiding an alcohol addiction can only be accomplished by recognizing the risks before they become a larger issue. Admitting that you have a problem with alcohol and taking action to avoid its grasp in the only means of breaking the addictive family cycle.

2 – Keep positive. If you are aware of a heightened alcoholism risk, you may choose to limit exposure to negative influences that may encourage it. Ditch the bar scene and try involving yourself in activities that revolve around something other than drinking. There a world of sober activities to experience. Don’t let the bar scene hinder your potential.

3 – Request help from friends and family member. Those who truly love you will hold back judgment. Use these individuals as a safety net for combating potential alcoholism. Turn to them when you’re looking to go out, and consider keeping them close throughout the holiday season. It can be easy to fall into bad habits when surrounded by bad influences. By throwing yourself into a crowd of positive behavior, you will feel more inclined to participate positively.

4 – Take pride in your sobriety. Though it is not necessary to shove your beliefs down other people’s throats, it’s important that you recognize your commitment to sobriety as a positive thing.

Need Help?

If you are struggling with an alcohol addiction, our Above It All treatment specialists are available to help. Pick up the phone today, and let our team help you back on track towards the happy, healthy and productive lifestyle you deserve. 

Communicating Concern For A Loved One’s Alcoholism

Communicating concern for a loved one’s alcoholism is an act that takes a great deal of strength, love, and courage. In most cases, it may appear easier to simply look the other way, though, in order for your relationship and your friend to continue, the issue must be addressed. Though the process can be emotionally draining, it is often far less complex than you might expect. In this entry, we will walk you though a few tips to help you express your concerns.

1 – Determine a location. Though it may seem natural to stage the conversation in a home setting, these areas often serve to create feelings of anxiety, defensiveness, and aggression. Opting for a quiet and neutral spot where you can both express yourselves will be ideal for subduing any harsh feelings and avoiding interruption.

2 – Choose your words wisely. Be compassionate, but focused. Beating around the bush will only increase defensive feelings, and will do little to serve your end goal.

Try using the word “I” more than the word “you.” “You are doing…” comes off much more aggressive than “I feel that…”

Plan out what you want to say beforehand to help ensure a smoother conversation. The better prepared you are, the easier this whole deal will be.

3 – Offer your support. Make sure to communicate your compassion and commitment to the relationship. The more positive you are, the better the chances your point will be well received. 

If you have a friend or family member struggling with an alcohol dependency, out Above It All treatment specialists are available to help. Give us a call today, and let us help your loved one back on track towards the happy, healthy, and fulfilling life they deserve. 

Drug Addiction – Know What To Look For

Addiction generally begins as a social activity before escalating to a point where the user is unable to cope without. Substance abuse can detrimentally affect both the addict and those surrounding them. When substance issues are suspected, friends and family members must watch for signs to determine whether help is required. Symptoms will vary according to the type of substance and use habits. In this entry, we will discuss some common signs to look for.

Prescription Drugs

The signs associated with a prescription drug addiction include odd sleep habits, drunken mannerisms, listlessness, and droopy eyes. Keep a close watch for slurred/incoherent speech patterns or an inability to walk or stand up straight.

Cocaine

Common signs associated with cocaine addiction include glossy eyes, unnaturally large pupils, needle marks, brittle or broken teeth, raw nose, and excessive weight loss. Additional signs may include extended periods without sleep followed by extreme periods of deep sleep, irritability, picking or scratching, aggression, loss in food interests and rambling.

Opiates

Opiate addiction symptoms can include needle marks on the user’s arms, excessive perspiration, pale skin pigmentation, routine scratching, nodding off, and pinpointed pupils.

Meth

Meth users will experience an elevated sense of contentment following use. Increased energy levels and depleted appetite are also common signs. The high associated with meth use typically lasts between 6 and 8 hours. When the high is over, users will generally appear agitated, with the potential for violence and extreme depression.

Need Help?

If you or someone you know is suffering from an addiction, our Above It All addiction specialists are available to help. Give us a call today, let us get you back on track towards the happy, healthy and fulfilling lifestyle you deserve.

Your Christmas Party Sobriety Guide for 2012

The holiday season is a time of celebration, family, giving and indulgence. From office parties and family gatherings to holiday stresses, it can be difficult for recovering addicts to maintain a positive and sober mindset. If you are struggling with the idea of sobriety during winter festivities, the entry below will provide you with a few tips and tricks to help you through.

1 – Place your attention towards the people surrounding you rather than the bar. Mingle, walk around, and enjoy the atmosphere. The more involved you make yourself in the surrounding celebration, the less inclined you will be to reach for the bottle. If you happen know in advance that you will not know many people at the function, inquire as to whether you can bring a friend to help you cope. 

2 – Grab yourself a non-alcoholic beverage as soon as you enter the party. Opt for a cola, cocoa, or a warm cider to keep that holiday spirit intact. Keep your drink on you at all times to avoid being tempted into a drink by other party-goers.

3 – Arrive to the party on a full stomach. Most people tend to feel less inclined to consume alcohol when their bellies are packed.

4 – Offer to be the designated driver for your friends! Not only will this keep you responsible throughout the evening, but will provide your comrades with a safe ride home.

Need Help?

If you or someone you know is struggling with maintaining their holiday sobriety, out Above It All addiction specialists are available to help! Give us a call today, and let us help you back on track towards the healthy, happy, and festive holiday season you deserve.  

Addicted – Where Should You go

There are many reasons why people begin to abuse and become dependent upon alcohol or drugs. For those who will not or cannot stop, we only wish there was a way of preventing it from happening in the first place. But now you've come to the point where you find yourself seeking a solution. You're here because you need to find a drug treatment center or an alcohol rehab program that will make a difference that will help you and your loved one regain the lives you once had. Right Step can make that difference. We have treatment programs and solutions that can work for you.

People often hear words like detox, rehab, treatment, relapse and read or see things on TV about people trying and failing to get control of their drug and alcohol addiction. Maybe this is something you've already gone through or are dealing with right now. The question is, how do you find a residential inpatient program or an intensive outpatient program that can truly help? How can you find a Drug and Alcohol Rehab Program In California that can do more? How do you find a drug and alcohol addiction recovery program that can provide you the support you need and expect from a drug treatment center? We believe that Right Step is the answer to these questions and more.

The answer is simple.  At Above It All Recovery and Treatment Center, we stand ready to help you with any problem you may have.  We will design a recovery program for you that will meet your needs and provide a path for you to follow that leads to a life of sobriety.

Am I An Alcoholic?

Human beings are not designed to go through life alone.
No one has to bear the burden of tough times all by themselves

Alcohol addiction is a devastating disease. Though not everyone who drinks should be classified an alcoholic, those posing the question above may find the clarification they seek in the entry below. If you suspect yourself or someone you know of an alcohol addiction, the following entry may serve in alleviating your suspicions.

1 – One of the main symptoms associated with alcoholism is when an individual continues drinking even after their intake has resulted in negative and reoccurring issues in the person’s life. Missed work, neglected responsibilities, legal issues, or relationship problems garnered as a direct result of drinking may indicate dependency.

2 – Because alcoholism is progressive, the effects of excessive drinking will ultimately result in the continued deterioration of the drinkers emotional, social, and physical life. If you continue to drink in spite of issues cause by your drinking, you may very well be an alcoholic.

3 – If you are wondering whether you have an alcohol problem, them you probably do. If family members, friends, and co-workers have mentioned something about your alcohol intake, your drinking habits likely require further inspection.

4 – If you recognize that alcohol is causing issues in your life, make commitments to quit drinking, but continue drinking anyway; you probably have an alcohol problem. Drinkers who choose to change the type of alcohol they drink to something “a little lighter”, or who designate specific times where by they will allow themselves to drink are likely dealing with some form of alcohol addiction.

Need Help?

If you or someone you know are struggling with an alcohol addiction, our Above It All alcohol drug detox facility is the place to call. With a team of seasoned drug and alcohol addiction specialists available to address your individual needs, you can count on Above it All to have you in and on the road to recovery in no time. Call today!

How Long Does Alcohol Detox Take?

Alcohol drug detox is a process best attempted under the supervision of a seasoned alcohol specialist. Alcoholics who have made the decision to undergo detoxification should be commended before being escorted directly to a specialized treatment center for continued care. A proper detox should include medical monitoring and personalized care to help ensure a comfortable, safe, and healthy transition into sobriety. In this entry, we will outline the basics of an alcohol detox to help our readers know what to expect from the process.

“Peace begins with a smile..” 
― Mother Teresa

This is the Beginning

Detoxification begins by removing all alcohol toxins from the subject’s system. While the body works to remove the alcohol, addicts will begin experiencing withdrawal symptoms. These symptoms will typically begin roughly 6 – 48 hours after an alcoholic’s last drink, and fluctuate during the days that follow.

Emotional Support

Once the withdrawal symptoms have calmed, alcoholics will require emotional support and counseling to help address their body’s alcohol cravings. Medical doctors and psychologists work side-by-side in an effort to monitor the psychological and physical well-being of the patient. Alcoholics typically succeed more during this stage when enrolled in our California alcohol rehab center due to the constant support they provided by our addiction specialists. This stage typically lasts between 2 days to a week.

The Final Countdown

The third and final stage of the detoxification process involves release of the subject by the acting physician. The amount of time between admission and release typically depends on the progress made by the patient alongside the severity of the addiction. When it comes to recovery, there is no black and white; patients are treated individually according to their individual needs and situation. In most instances the detoxification process does not take more than two weeks… though there are always exceptions. 

Reclaim Your Life

Overcoming addiction is about reclaiming your life and making it better. Above It All Alcohol Recovery and Treatment Center’s alcohol & drug abuse rehab program in California provides the opportunity to achieve a level of wellness that few people experience.  We will be concerned about your physical and mental health, offering program options for those with chronic pain, PTSD or trauma.  We help you learn ways to better manage your life, while addressing co-occurring conditions such as anxiety, depression, or abuse. A Christian rehab center, we will support your spiritual development -- without imposing specific beliefs --to help you re-discover a sense of purpose.  Developing the skills that will help you manage stress, reduce conflict, and have happier relationships, is also part of our addiction treatment program.

Alcohol is the most commonly used and widely abused psychoactive drug in the world. It is a legal drug, while its consumption is regulated by the U.S. Government, you can buy and obtain alcohol at bars, restaurants, grocery stores, liquor stores, and even gas stations. Alcohol causes more harm to people than any drug of abuse, legal or illegal. Because it impairs judgment, alcohol is to blame for a multitude of car accidents, many of them fatal.

Law enforcement has cracked down on Driving Under the Influence with harsher penalties and laws enacted. Organizations have sprung up in response to the increase in drunk driving, the largest being Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD). It is estimated that 75-80% of those incarcerated are in prison for committing a crime while under the influence.

A critical aspect of the recovery process is preparing for the next step -- living a better life that is drug and alcohol free.  Together we will develop a plan for the future, coordinating the support necessary to help you stay clean and sober.  In the months and years ahead we will be here to help, offer advice, support and encouragement as you journey forward. Above It All Treatment Center, we are here for you.

Teenage Binge Drinking – The Facts

Teenagers who regularly consume 5+ alcoholic beverages in one sitting fall under the binge drinker label. Teen binge drinking prevention can aid in the fight against future health issues and alcohol dependency. Educating children on the facts surrounding this issue is vital to ensuring a happy, safe, and sober lifestyle down the road.

Judgment

Alcohol works to impair judgment, while potentially leading teens to engage in poor decision-making in regard to sexual activity, education, finances, relationships, etc. In some cases, alcohol intake can also result in violent behaviors.

Brain Damage

The teenage brain is still in development. Binge drinking may serve to hinder development, and potentially cause long-term issues in adulthood. Studies reveal that teen binge drinkers often achieve much lower GPAs than students who choose to abstain. In addition, binge drinking has also been seen to negatively impact teen memory function.

Addiction

Additional studies show that adults who are over 21 years of age who have taken their first drink prior to turning 21 are at a higher risk for alcohol dependency or abuse. Alcohol dependence is a lifelong issue for many people throughout the world, and is something from which teenagers should be protected.

Underage Drinking

Regardless of your stance on underage drinking, the fact remains: It is illegal. Teens who are convicted of alcohol-related offenses may experience difficulty getting into college or gaining employment down the road. While many perceive teenage drinking as a “rite of passage”, the consequences associated with it appear only to hinder rather than encourage future successes. 

Reversing The Effects Of Alcohol

Long term heavy drinking can cause severe damage to the brain and liver while creating additional health risks. The amount of damage inflicted on the body is typically in direct proportion to the number of years the individual drinks alongside the amount they’ve consumed. Fortunately for drinkers under 40, some  of these negative effects can be reversed. In this entry, we will outline some tips and tricks to help get your body back on track.

1 – Stop drinking! This is step #1. According to recent studies, alcoholics who give up drinking completely were able to regain their mental abilities and cognitive skills. The initial results were detected following 13 months of complete sobriety and escalated over time. Alcohol abstinence will also encourage proper liver function.

2 – Start eating right. Make a point to include plenty of veggies and fruits into your diet. Swap your red meat for white and sub out your flour carbohydrates for their whole grain brethren.

3 – Consider taking stem enhancers. These remedies serve to encourage new cell growth in areas of excessive alcohol damage. Some people can rebuild as much as 25% of their liver cells by using these enhancers. Though, as with any vitamin, supplement, or medication, it’s important to consult your physician prior to beginning a stem enhancer regimen.

4 – Get to the gym! Commit yourself to daily exercise as part of your new, happy, healthy lifestyle transition. Not only will exercise help remove built up toxins; it will add to your self-esteem, confidence, and just maybe your physique. 

Am I An Alcoholic?

Alcohol addiction or alcoholism is a chronic disorder defined by excessive, persistent, and uncontrollable alcohol intake, resulting in physical and mental dependency. Many addicts who suffer from alcohol addiction are often unaware of the issue; as a fun, social activity gradually becomes a habit and ultimately full-blown addiction.

Checklist:

1 – How often do you drink alone? Social drinking with friends and family during special occasions does is not typically indicative of an issue. However, if you find yourself drinking regularly, by yourself, it may be a sign of alcoholism.

2 – Pay attention to your alcohol tolerance. Heightened alcohol tolerance is yet another indication of an addiction. With enough time and drink, the body begins to respond differently to moderate alcohol intake. As such, alcoholics will often increase the dosage to experience the same feeling.

3 – What part does alcohol play in your daily routine? Alcoholics will often cater their schedules to alcohol intake. For example, if you visit the liquor store or bar on a daily basis following work, this may be a sign that alcoholism is taking hold.

4 – How is your mood affected when drinking is inhibited? Alcoholics generally develop an intense desire to drink that is beyond their control. The urge to drink becomes just as, if not more intense as their desire to eat. Disrupted drinking schedules will often result in irritability and anxiety until the craving is appeased.

5 – Trust your gut. Though it can be easy to jump to conclusions; if you find yourself questioning alcoholic tendencies, they likely require a closer look. Ask yourself whether you would feel comfortable without alcohol for an extended period of time, and be honest. If you feel yourself becoming anxious or irritated by the mere thought of alcohol abstinence, then it may be time to consider professional help.  

Making The Most Of Your Rehab Experience

Following rehab, patients often find themselves with an assortment of hardships and obstacles to overcome. Whether the addiction lies in alcohol, drugs, sex, or gambling, patients must utilize the lessons learned in recovery to ensure a happy abstinence in the real world. In this entry, we will offer up a few basic tips to help patients employ their rehabilitation knowledge in a real world setting.

1 – Keep in touch with your rehabilitation counselors. Communicate your post-rehab progress with friends and family members, and request their support. Talking about your recovery triumphs and struggles will help place them into a tangible real-world perspective.

2 – Read up on various materials pertaining to your particular situation. Make a commitment to read, reflect, and write on a daily basis to help your mind reflect on the current state of your recovery.

3 – Become an expert on your condition. Get in touch with other alcoholics who have dealt or are currently dealing with the same situation and discuss your issues to help normalize your current state.

4 – Always be on the lookout for relapse triggers, depression, and codependency following your rehabilitation stay. These life factors will likely show up at some point throughout your recovery. A person who is well informed on these topics will be much better equipped to handle them if and when they arise.

5 – Keep a journal or log of your recovery journey. This living document can be used as a reference if relapse happens to occur, or seems likely. By re-reading your struggles and triumphs, you will gain a better perspective on the progress you have made since your recovery began.

6 – Dive into a hobby, activity, or spiritual practice to help cope with the recovery process. Pick up an instrument, hit the gym, or practice meditation to push your energy in a positive and productive direction. Not only can these types of activities keep you focused; they will also do wonders for your self-esteem! 

Alcohol’s Effect On Homeostasis

Our body’s ability to maintain equilibrium, or homeostasis, is a wondrous trait, which allows us to survive an array of varying conditions while affronting our health against infection, poisons and harsh climates. It takes the cooperation of the entire body to achieve this effect. Hormones, for example, work to adjust the balance of the body’s electrolytes and fluids, while the nervous system helps to regulate the respiratory, digestive and urinary systems.

Our bodies ward off numerous challenges in its quest for equilibrium. Diets lacking in proper nutrients in the correct amounts will ultimately require out bodies to compensate. Depression and stress are additional factors, which have the ability to challenge the cardiovascular, endocrine and respiratory systems, thus weakening each system’s ability to maintain balance. Sleep deprivation, drugs, and exterior pressures all affect the body in similar forms.

When it comes to alcohol, the effect on the body’s equilibrium is both instantaneous and long-lasting. Even a casual drink or two requires our kidneys and liver to work overtime to properly process the toxins. And while most people’s systems are perfectly able to handle such a challenge, those engaged in abusive alcohol behaviors place their bodies at risk for more extreme issues.

One solitary night of excess places strain on the digestive, nervous and excretory systems. This is why a hangover is so often associated with fatigue, headache, digestive issues, etc.. Many people will experience a slight shaking sensation due to the disruption to the nervous system or sugar deprivation. In most cases, our bodies are able to address these issues, returning to homeostasis within a day or so.

Alcoholism, however, may work to seriously hinder the body’s ability to maintain balance. One of the more well-known issues associated with chronic alcohol abuse – cirrhosis of the liver – will eventually impair the liver’s functionality if left untreated. Without a properly functioning liver, equilibrium becomes impossible to sustain. As toxin levels escalate throughout the body, systems will eventually shut down, leading to an imminent death.

Well before our status escalates to life-threatening, these challenges to homeostasis incurred by excessive alcohol intake can inhibit our body’s ability to protect itself from additional exterior impacts to equilibrium; underscoring the importance of moderation, or seeking professional aid if you are unable to adhere.  

How To Approach An Alcoholic

In addition to its numerous health risks, alcoholism is a dangerous psychological disease. Not only does alcoholism pose a heightened risk for heart attack, liver disease and cancer, but increased feelings of depression, anxiety and inadequacy - symptoms that often spur the disease in the first place. Without treatment, alcoholics will often experience a diminished quality of life, in the form of strained relationships, finances, and a general lack of enthusiasm. In order to alter an alcoholic’s destructive path, the individual must be committed to a change. Helping an alcoholic towards this commitment takes a great deal of courage, patience and tact.

1 – Contact an intervention specialist regarding how best to approach the individual in question. In areas where an AA branch is far from reach, you may employ the aid of a public social worker. Obtaining professional help is especially crucial in cases where individuals have discussed or attempted suicide, is in denial, or has a history dealing with mental illness. Even in instances that do not involve these characteristics, getting in touch with a professional addiction specialist can be a wonderful step forward.

2 – Plan an intervention alongside a professional interventionist, while taking care to include close friends and relatives. When it comes to interventions, studies show a heightened rate of success when compared to 1-on-1 encounters.

3 – Prepare and research various facts pertaining to the individual’s behaviors, and how they have affected those surrounding them.  Some common examples may include missed family get-togethers, financial strain, or lost relationships.

4 – Gather your participants for a pre-intervention to discuss the process and goals of the upcoming meeting. Have each participant write out a letter to the alcoholic detailing their personal struggles in regard to the addiction. Discuss treatment plans and potential consequences to implement in case the individual refuses to accept the help being offered. Stress the importance of secrecy leading up to the actual intervention and designate a neutral and non-threatening area to hold it. 

5 – Intervention day. Provide participants with the opportunity to express their feelings. Once the rounds have been made, offer your treatment plan. Ask your loved one for a decision and communicate the consequences that will take place if help is refused. Be calm, firm, and loving throughout. Regardless of the outcome, your life is on the fast track to independence, happiness, and freedom.

Sleep & Alcohol – Facts & Effects

On average, adults tend to sleep between 7 ½ & 8 hours per evening. While the exact functionality of sleep is unknown, most evidence points towards the idea that a lack of it can result in a variety of consequences, including breathing impairments, depression, and heart disease. In addiction, daytime exhaustion due to lack of rest is often attributed to impaired occupational and social function, memory deficits, and automobile accidents.

The consumption of alcohol has been seen to cause sleep disorders by way of disrupting the duration and sequence of the various sleep states and altering the amount of total sleep time.

Non-Alcoholic

Following the initial stimulation post consumption, alcohol ingested around bedtime may work to decrease the amount of time necessary to fall asleep. Due to its sedating effects, many individuals suffering from insomnia use alcohol as a way to ensure a quick and easy transition into dreamland. Unfortunately, studies show that the alcohol consumed within the last hour before sleep may actually serve in disrupting the end half of the sleep cycle. As such, those who utilize alcohol as a sleep tool may often experience fits of daytime sleepiness and fatigue.

Alcoholic

Sleep disturbances that are attributed to alcoholism include frequent awakenings, a decrease in sleep quality, and a prolonged pre-sleep period. Hasty consumption reductions in alcoholics may result in alcohol withdrawal syndrome, including insomnia and fragmented sleeping patterns.

Recovery

Aside from minor improvements following the initial withdrawal period, sleep patterns in recovering alcoholics run the risk of never returning to normal. Studies show even abstinent alcoholics to suffer from poor sleep quality, with increased sleep fragmentation and decreased SWS. Ipso facto; relapse in severe alcoholics may result in increased SWS and decrease sleep fragmentation. Though this improvement may work to promote relapse to a small extent; in time, sleep disruption will once again rear its ugly little head.

Living With An Alcoholic

Alcoholism is referred to as a “family disease” due to the fact that it affects both the alcoholic and everyone surrounding them. As such, it’s no wonder that living with an alcoholic can be both tiring and tumultuous. Family members will commonly find themselves as, it not more, involved with the disease as the alcoholic themselves. In this entry, we will discuss a few methods to help ease your alcoholism living situation.

1 – Above all… it’s important to fend for yourself. Make a commitment to yourself to do what is needed to keep your life in check. The better you are able to compose yourself, the better able you will be to help compose your loved one.

2 – Come to terms with the fact that your loved one’s alcoholism is of no fault of your own. Just as you would find it silly blaming others for your own behaviors, so is it to blame yourself of the actions of others. If there is any personal responsibility worth grasping, it is for your own well-being.

3 – Educate yourself regarding the specifics of alcoholism. Understanding the nature of the disease will help you to better deal with the affects associated with your loved one’s issues. Search and absorb literature to better understand the role you should be playing in the recovery process.

4 – Seek out professional help. Support services are always available to those who seek them. Get in touch with your local Alanon and Alateen organizations, and communicate your feelings, concerns and worry to them. When it comes to recovery, there’s no need to go it alone.

5 – Let go! Though it may be difficult, it’s imperative that you allow the disease to take its course. Make a commitment to stop picking up after the individual, and avoid reprimanding the individual for their behaviors. Taking a firm but nonjudgmental stance will serve in helping the alcoholic hit the bottom they need in order to change.

6 – Patience is a virtue. Though watching your loved one destroy themselves is no easy task, it’s important to avoid the temptation to intervene. Offer the individual aid, if and when they are ready to pursue a recovery. Otherwise, it’s time to focus on you. 

Moderation Over Abstinence

According to the many independent researchers, there are four times as many problem drinkers as alcoholics in this country. Yet there are very few programs that specifically address the needs of beginning stage problem drinkers, while there are literally thousands of programs for the smaller population who are seriously alcohol dependent.

By the time people reach serious stages of alcohol dependency, changing drinking becomes more difficult, and treatment is usually costly. We believe that this situation needs to be remedied in the interest of public health and human kindness with early intervention and harm reduction programs. Moderation programs are less costly, shorter in duration, less intensive, and have higher success rates than traditional abstinence-only approaches.

Nine out of ten problem drinkers today actively and purposefully avoid traditional treatment approaches. This is because they know that most traditional programs will label them as "alcoholic", probably force attendance at 12 step and abstinence based meetings, and prescribe lifetime abstinence as the only acceptable change in drinking.

They may also have real concerns about how their participation in these programs will affect their jobs and ability to attain future medical and life insurance. Moderation is seen as a less threatening first step, and one that problem drinkers are more likely to attempt before their problems become nearly intractable.

Not surprisingly, approximately 30% of those who undergo moderation treatment, go on to abstinence-based programs.  This is consistent with research findings from professional moderation training programs. Traditional approaches that are based on the disease model of alcohol dependence and its reliance on the concept of powerlessness can be particularly counterproductive for women and minorities, who often already feel like victims and powerless.

Outcome studies indicate that professional programs which offer both moderation and abstinence have higher success rates than those that offer abstinence only.  Clients tend to self-select the behavior change options which will work best for them.

At Above It All Treatment and Recovery Center we design a treatment program specifically with your needs in mind.  From moderation to abstinence, we are here to start you on the road to recovery.  Contact us today to see how we can help you.

Does Alcohol Lead To Domestic Violence

Statistics seem to indicate a connection between alcohol and drug abuse and domestic violence, but some researchers question the cause-and-effect relationship.

Studies of domestic violence frequently document high rates of alcohol and other drug (AOD) involvement, and AOD use is known to impair judgment, reduce inhibition, and increase aggression. Alcoholism and child abuse, including incest, seem connected also.

On the surface it seems hard to argue with the numbers. Ninety-two percent of the domestic abuse assailants reported use of alcohol or other drugs on the day of the assault, according to a recent JAMA report.

Another study shows that the percentage of batterers who are under the influence of alcohol when they assault their partners ranges from 48 percent to 87 percent, with most research indicating a 60 to 70 percent rate of alcohol abuse and a 13 to 20 percent rate of drug abuse.

Battering is a socially learned behavior, and is not the result of substance abuse or mental illness, advocacy groups claim. "Men who batter frequently use alcohol abuse as an excuse for their violence. They attempt to rid themselves of responsibility for the problem by blaming it on the effects of alcohol," they say.

Alcohol does not and cannot make a man abuse a woman, but it is frequently used as an excuse. Many men drink and do not abuse anyone as a result. On the other hand many men abuse women when they are sober. It can be easier for some men and for some women to believe that the violence would not have happened if a drink had not been taken.

It's part of the denial process. Alcoholism and battering do share some similar characteristics -- both may be passed from generation to generation, both involve denial or minimization of the problem; both involve isolation of the family.

While Alcohol abuse may not be the cause for domestic violence, it does usually lead to the destruction of the family unit.  That in its self should be enough to get help in stopping the alcohol abuse.

If you find that you want to stop your alcohol abuse, contact us at Above It All Treatment and Recovery Center and we will design a personal program with you in mind.  This will start you on the road to an alcohol free life and assist in the rebuilding of your family unit.

Beer For Breakfast

Step One is the only step we have to do perfectly 100% of the time. The Big Book says we have to “concede to our inner most selves that we are an alcoholic”. Until we can concede we have to make a case for powerlessness out of attempts to control our drinking, the preoccupation, and the terrors we feel after a spree are all ways to present the case.

Alcoholism can lead to many other problems.  Eroding personal relationships, divorce and legal problems just to name a few. The twelve step program is a good, long tested approach to confronting an alcoholism problem.  The participants are guided by the “Twelve Steps,” outlining the course of action for recovery from addiction. The steps were first published in a 1939 book, which people inside the meeting call “The Big Book.”

Other 12-step programs, patterned on AA, now address addictions to other substances and to various types of destructive behavior. But AA remains best-known because alcohol addiction is such a big problem. It affects millions of people in the United States alone.

The tradition made sure there was a safe place where members could focus on recovery, you can talk about your personal experience using your real name, but you cannot talk about other members.  At meetings, participants share their stories using their first names. Bob C, a regular participant, shared his. “I am an alcoholic. I have been drinking for 32 years,” he said.  I used to get up every morning and have a nice cold beer for breakfast.

If you find yourself having a beer for breakfast, that is probably a sign that you could use a little help.  At Above It All Treatment and Recovery Center, we have a twelve step program for you.  Contact us today a begin the path to a stone cold sober recovery that will improve the quality of your life.

Beer Does Not Affect Me

Beer doesn’t affect me.  How often have you heard someone say this?  The truth is if someone is saying beer does not affect them then they probably have a problem with alcohol abuse.  Any type of alcohol will affect anyone who drinks it.  Alcohol consumption slows your reflexes to the point that if you are driving, by the time you realize you need to hit the brake, it may be too late.  This could have disastrous consequences.  Your reaction time is slowed with the consumption of just one beer.

If you find yourself saying that beer does not affect you, then you should consider that you may have a problem with alcohol abuse and need to look for some treatment.  Alcohol related deaths account for a large section of deaths in this country and  alcohol abuse can affect not only the person doing the consuming but also family workers, fellow workers, and those in the other car during an accident.

Alcohol abuse can also be very costly, when you consider attorney fees, court costs and probation fees associated with an arrest.  If a car is involved, you may also see a drastic rise in insurance costs.

At Above It All Treatment and Recovery Center, we have programs that are designed with you in mind.  Our goal is to help you recover from alcohol abuse.  We have inpatient and outpatient programs that will allow you to walk the road to recovery while meeting any and all family and work obligations.  Contact us today to see what we can do to help you.

What Is Alcohol Abuse ?

Alcohol abuse is any use of alcohol that harmful in any way.  Experts describe alcohol abusers as those who drink despite recurrent social, interpersonal, and legal problems as a result of alcohol use. Harmful use implies alcohol use that causes either physical or mental damage.

Alcohol abuse is different from alcoholism. While alcoholism is when you have signs of a physical addiction to alcohol and continue to drink despite physical health or mental health and social, family or job responsibilities.  Alcoholism can also control your life or relationships.

Alcohol abuse is when your drinking leads to problems, but not physical addiction.  Such problems could be drunk driving, public intoxication or leading to altercations with others who may or may not have been drinking.

Alcohol abuse could lead to a great financial drain as any arrest caused by drinking could lead to attorney fees, increased insurance costs, court fees and court ordered rehab costs.

If you are suffering from alcohol abuse and find yourself increasing your drinking and taking more chances, it may be time to seek some addiction help.  Take the time to talk to one of our counselors and see how we can design a program that is created with you in mind.  We will design a program that will give you the greatest chance of a relapse free recovery.  At Above It All Treatment Center, our purpose is to assist you in beating alcohol abuse and returning you to a stress and alcohol free life. Contact us today to find out what we can do for you.

Is Cancer In Your Future

Alcohol consumption has been linked to an increased risk for various types of cancer. A combined analysis of more than 200 studies assessing the link between alcohol and various types of cancer sought to investigate this association in more detail. This study found that alcohol most strongly increased the risks for cancers of the oral cavity, pharynx, esophagus, and larynx. Statistically significant increases in risk also existed for cancers of the stomach, colon, rectum, liver, female breast, and ovaries. Several mechanisms have been postulated through which alcohol may contribute to an increased risk of cancer. Concurrent tobacco use, which is common among drinkers, enhances alcohol's effects on the risk for cancers of the upper digestive and respiratory tract

Regular alcohol consumption can have numerous consequences, beneficial or detrimental, on the health of the drinker. For example, light-to-moderate alcohol consumption  may protect against certain types of heart disease and stroke. Conversely, heavy drinking has been associated with liver disease; cardiovascular disease; disorders of the digestive tract; and illness or death from alcohol-related injuries, motor vehicle crashes, and violence. Another group of disorders that has been linked to drinking is cancer, particularly cancers of the upper airway and digestive tract

 Alcohol consumption also is associated with primary liver cancer. This relationship is difficult to investigate in epidemiological studies, however, because it is more indirect. Thus, alcohol causes cirrhosis of the liver in a substantial proportion of heavy drinkers, which then can lead to liver cancer. In addition, heavy alcohol consumption can increase the drinker's risk for infection with the hepatitis C virus (HCV), which in turn can also result in liver cancer.

Alcohol consumption also has been linked to cancers of the large bowel in both men and women and to breast cancer in women, although these associations have not yet been proven unequivocally. Nevertheless, because these are the two most common types of cancer in developed countries after lung cancer, even a moderate increase in risk may result in a relatively large number of additional cases and therefore have important public health implications. The increased risk of cancer among heavy drinkers is primarily attributed to the alcohol in alcoholic beverages. Thus, the risk tends to increase with the overall amount of alcohol consumed.

If you are facing the possibility of a cancer in your future and have decided that now is the time to quit your alcohol addiction. Contact us at Above It All Treatment Center for a personalized evaluation and consultation to set up a program designed just for you.  Working together, we can set you on the road to an alcohol free life and lessen the possibility of cancer in your future.

What Are 12 Step Programs

Alcoholics Anonymous, Narcotics Anonymous, Smokers Anonymous, Over-eaters Anonymous, are all variations of the 12 Step Program, billed as a "non-denominational rehabilitation program" for people with substance abuse and other psychological, social and physical issues.

The pain, turmoil, and devastation caused by addiction needs to come to an end. Help is needed. Help is available. Today can be that day, to put an end to the vicious cycle of despair and confusion.

A TWELVE-STEP program is a guiding set of principles that, when practiced, leads to recovery from addictive behavior. The steps were originally developed by the fellowship of Alcoholics Anonymous ("AA") to guide recovery from alcoholism. AA's purpose is to provide the recovering alcoholic (addict) with the tools to stay sober and help others achieve sobriety. Participants benefit from the shared camaraderie among group members.

The basis of the 12 step programs can be used in a variety of different situations, but is widely used in programs that treat addictions. The 12 step program has traditionally been based on Christian ideology but can be changed to meet each individual's recovery needs. According to www.12step.org, the steps are as follows: 1) powerlessness, 2) hope, 3) faith, 4) inventory, 5) honesty, 6) preparation, 7) letting go, 8) humility, 9) forgiveness, 10) continuous inventory, 11) conscious contact, and 12) carrying the message. Those people who are in recovery need to focus on each step individually and not move on to the next until the previous step has been completed. These steps or a variation thereof are used in most 12 step programs, and challenge the person in recovery to stay on task and address the issues that are destroying them.

If you would like to try a 12 step program that is delivered by certified professionals who will work out a plan that fits your needs and desires, then contact us at Above It All Treatment Center.  We are here to make sure that you get on the road to a successful relapse free recovery.

Signs, Symptoms, and Help for Drinking Problems

Americans have a complicated history with alcohol. At the end of the 19th century, politicians, women's groups, and churches banded together to convince lawmakers to outlaw alcohol. In 1919, the U.S. Congress passed the 18th Amendment, making the sale and distribution of alcohol illegal. Alcohol consumption declined but did not stop. In 1933, Prohibition ended and since then, millions of Americans have made alcohol a part of their social life.  In the 1960s, E. M. Jellinek pioneered the idea that excessive and harmful use of alcohol was a disease. Within a decade, public campaigns were launched in the United States to educate people about alcoholism as an illness
It’s not always easy to see when your drinking has crossed the line from moderate or social use to problem drinking. But if you consume alcohol to cope with difficulties or to avoid feeling bad, you’re in potentially dangerous territory. Alcoholism and alcohol abuse can sneak up on you, so it’s important to be aware of the warning signs and take steps to cut back if you recognize them. Understanding the problem is the first step to overcoming it.
Alcoholism, also known as alcohol dependence, is a chronic, progressive, and potentially fatal disease. Characteristics of alcoholism include the following:

• Drinking excessive amounts frequently

• Inability to curb drinking despite medical, psychological, or social complications

• Increased tolerance to alcohol

• Occurrence of withdrawal symptoms when the person stops drinking

Substance abuse experts make a distinction between alcohol abuse and alcoholism (also called alcohol dependence). Unlike alcoholics, alcohol abusers have some ability to set limits on their drinking. However, their alcohol use is still self-destructive and dangerous to themselves or others.
Common signs and symptoms of alcohol abuse include:

• Repeatedly neglecting your responsibilities at home, work, or school because of your drinking

• Using alcohol in situations where it’s physically dangerous

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• Experiencing repeated legal problems on account of your drinking

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• Continuing to drink even though your alcohol use is causing problems in your relationships

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• Drinking as a way to relax or de-stress

If you are having issues with alcohol, whether it be alcoholism or alcohol abuse, we can help.  At Above It All Treatment Centers, our professional staff will work with you to design a path to recovery that will lead you to a better life.

What is Your Underlying Issue?

Most treatment centers fail in their approach to alcohol abuse recovery because they treat addiction as if it is the problem, instead of looking for the deeper underlying issues. Their solution is a one-size-fits-all "group" approach, where you are placed with strangers in group meetings, then told that you have a disease that you are powerless over, and the best you can hope to do is manage it with a lifelong commit to 12 Step meetings and daily calls to your sponsor. Anything short of that and they say you will relapse. This archaic model is out of date and is used by almost all 12 Step based rehab centers in the nation.

Some of the most common underlying issues that cause people to use drugs and alcohol are low self-esteem, depression, anxiety, panic attacks, loss of loved ones, trauma, molestation, headaches, insomnia, physical pain, chemical imbalance, ADD, lack of purpose, and family turmoil.  Once you identify and heal the underlying issue that's driving your dependency on drugs and alcohol, you will have reached a major milestone, and be that much closer to your permanent sobriety.

While we offer standard 12 step recovery programs that is not always the best route for everyone.  At Above It All treatment facilities, we tailor a person plan that is suited to you and your needs.  Our team of professionals will follow you throughout your recovery and make adjustments to your program based on your needs.  We are here to assist you in making a lasting recovery that will be relapse free.

12 Step Recovery Programs

If you are looking for a 12 step addiction recovery program in Los Angeles, you are looking for the Above It All Treatment Center Twelve-step programs have long been an important part of the recovery process and the basis for many recovery programs. Developed over 65 years ago by a small group of alcoholics, the AA program provides simple tools for living based on a set of spiritual principles and a reliance on the fellowship of men and women who share their experience and offer support as part of a lifelong process of recovery.

A Twelve-Step Program is a set of guiding principles (accepted by members as 'spiritual principles,' based on the approved literature) outlining a course of action for recovery from addiction, compulsion, or other behavioral problems. Originally proposed by Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) as a method of recovery from alcoholism, the Twelve Steps were first published in the book Alcoholics Anonymous in 1939.  The method was then adapted and became the foundation of other twelve-step programs.

Twelve-step methods have been adopted to address a wide range of substance-abuse and dependency problems.  Step one involves releasing the denial, defensiveness and victim mentality that often accompanies an addiction. Step two focuses on optimism and belief in a solution and the possibility of successful recovery. Step three deals with relinquishing the obsession with control, another phenomenon that often accompanies addiction. It’s about turning self-will over to a higher power. Step four greatly increases the recovering addict’s self-awareness and moral center, helping to put life in a different perspective. Ideally, this step would continue to develop throughout the entire recovery process and for many years thereafter.

At Above It All Drug Rehab, We will personalize a treatment plan just for you.  We do this because we want you to have every advantage to recover, relapse free to have a long alcohol free life.

Alcohol Abuse and Rehab

How do you know if you need help with an alcohol problem?  How do you even know if you have an alcohol problem?  Most people are not aware that they even have an alcohol problem until it is too late.  They are arrested for driving under the influence or some other alcohol related charge.  So what are the early warning signs that you may need to seek out some additional help?

If you have developed a tolerance to alcohol and it takes more and more to get you buzzed, you need help. If drinking is affecting your performance at work or school, you should probably look for some help. If drinking has cost you a relationship, you should probably start looking for a rehab center.  If you have had a brush with the law related to drinking, you should be entering an alcohol rehab center.  If you drink throughout the course of the day under the “its 5:00 somewhere guise” you should be seeking help. If you drink to avoid unhappy situations, can’t stop drinking even though you know it is affecting your health or your family and friends are telling you that you have a drinking problem that is certainly a sign that you should be entering an alcohol rehab program.

Alcohol is so socially acceptable that it is sometimes difficult to know when you need help or have acquired a drinking problem.  Some people become binge drinkers and those are the easy ones to diagnose.  Others, however, use drinking as a crutch and will have a more difficult time realizing that they are in need of treatment for a disease that they cannot conquer by themselves.

Don't hesitate to call for alcohol addiction help 888.822.7633

Fighting the Addiction of Alcohol

Steve explains how alcohol addiction consumed his mind. 

via Above It All Treatment

Choosing The Best California Alcohol Rehab Center

When it comes to addiction treatment centers, California has a wide array of options to choose from. From holistic facilities to traditional clinics, addicts are afforded a number of choices to aid in their path to recovery. In this entry, we will provide you with information to help in determining the best option for your unique situation.

Step 1 – Educate yourself in regard to addiction and recovery. Addiction can refer to alcoholism, drug use, eating disorders, sex and more. Patients may be required to attend rehab via court order of a family physician, or encouraged to enter following a family intervention. Regardless of the reasoning behind a rehabilitation stay, the process is one that requires motivation, drive and perseverance in order to achieve a successful outcome.

Step 2 – Learn about inpatient programs. Residents within an inpatient program must reside at the facility under the supervision and care of addiction specialists, physicians and counselors until they have successfully completed treatment. Programs generally vary by rehab, but most include group and individual therapy, detox and after-care help.

Step 3 – Search online and find facilities that specialize in alcoholism treatment. Those interested in a more comprehensive, full-body treatment may benefit from a holistic alcohol treatment center.  Others may opt for a more traditional rehabilitation experience. Choosing the right rehab is crucial in ensuring a successful and long-lasting recovery. Once you’ve found a facility that peaks your interest, call them up to schedule a tour!

Step 4 – Contact a support group and ask for recommendations on area treatment facilities. Speak with individuals who have achieved a minimum 3 years of sobriety and inquire as to their rehab experience to obtain a better idea of what you might expect.

Step 5 – Get in touch with your insurance provider and ask for facilities that are covered under your current insurance plan. This will help alleviate the costs associated with treatment while narrowing the field in regard to potential recovery options.

Final Word

The most important aspect in locating an addiction treatment facility is comfort. If you find yourself anxious, for uncomfortable with a particular facility, chances are that your experience will suffer. Take the time to find a place that is not only able to address your individual needs and goals, but makes you feel relaxed and at home during the process. With the right support team and drive to succeed, there’s little you won’t be able to accomplish.