Monday, May 21, 2012

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.

Wednesday, May 16, 2012

Success Tips For Alcohol Rehab



Though thousands of people attend alcohol drug detox and rehabilitation programs each year, only a small number are actually able to maintain their sobriety long-term. While rehab is certainly a momentous step forward in combating drug and alcohol addiction addicts must utilize the skills, knowledge and habits attained within rehab to realize the true benefits of sobriety.

Instructions

1     Participate in activities that heighten your self-esteem. While it can easy to simply kill time through movies and video games, these activities will do little to build a sense of self-worth. By making a commitment to a group, sport or volunteer work, recovering addicts are able to develop their self-esteem while promoting positive and healthy social interaction.

2     Let your creativity shine through art. Whether painting, photography or music, art can provide an outlet and even income to those willing to make the commitment. Art can also serve as a stress relief and boredom killer... boredom being one of the more common relapse triggers.

3     Find new friends. If you return to your old drinking buddies, chances are you’ll be back at the bar in no time. Avoid placing yourself in situations that may compromise your sobriety. A real friend will understand your commitment and support your decision. Remember… it often only takes one drink to trigger a full-blown relapse. Don’t kid yourself.

4     Read! Turn off the television and finish that book you’ve been eyeing. Reading regularly will keep your mind active and strengthen your thinking. It may take some time to make the transition, but with a little self-discipline, you’ll be an avid page-turner in no time. 

5     Think positive. Surround yourself with positive people, activities and goals. It can be easy to dwell on the negative side of recovery… especially during the initial stages. By making a point to focus your attention on the bright side, you’ll find yourself happier, fulfilled and better able to deal with the ups and downs of daily life.

6     Keep in touch with your California alcohol rehab addiction counselors following rehab. Having solid support is vital during the initial recovery process. When doubts and issues arise, you can always contact your counselors for a swift kick in the right direction. 

Friday, May 11, 2012

“Forcing” A Loved One Into Alcohol Rehab



In truth, there is no way to legally force someone into rehab without the aid of a court order. However, there are means within the legal system that friends and family members can use to get the ball rolling. The methods are not always the easiest, but when used properly, can be effective in helping your loved one obtain the help and treatment they deserve. In this entry, we will offer up a few tips to help you help them.

Step 1 – Arrange a doctor appointment for the individual in question. This will allow the physician to determine whether your loved one is able to care for themselves and make healthy choices. If the alcoholic is unwilling or unable to travel to the doctor’s office, you may have to arrange for a house call.

Step 2 – Contact your local court and file a petition on behalf of your loved one. The judge will likely require a complete psychiatric evaluation, which may ultimately result in a court order to enter and stay in a rehabilitation facility for a designated period of time.

Step 3 – Determine whether there are any unsettled cases facing your loved one. Many alcoholics have unpaid fines and tickets due to parking and DUI infractions. Many addicts will attempt to hide the details of these infractions from loved ones, often allowing them to become delinquent. These bits of information can help you gain support from the judge in getting your loved one into a rehabilitation facility.

Step 4 – Get the best intervention help Los Angeles, California has you offer. Interventions must be organized in a discreet and professional manner, and as such, it’s important to locate a knowledgeable and experienced intervention specialist to help ensure the best possible results. Most rehabilitation facilities offer these types of services. When in doubt, you can always facility website FAQs about rehab and recovery CA.

Not only will an intervention serve in communicating your love and concern to the individual, but will afford them a grand opportunity to consider help on their own terms.

Step 5 – If the individual is unwilling to seek help for their issues, it’s time to cut off any help you provide them. This can include anything from groceries and financial support to housing. Once the individual is faced with these losses, they will likely have no choice but to seek out the help being offered.





Wednesday, May 9, 2012

Putting An End To Alcohol Abuse



Alcohol dependency and abuse is responsible for over 100,000 deaths each year in the U.S. Driving under the influence is attributed to roughly 30% of all traffic fatalities. With so much on the line, it’s important to know your options when seeking ways to combat alcoholism. In this entry, we will discuss a few available treatment options.


“At risk drinking” is defined by most physicians as:

Males – More than 4 drinks/occasion or 14 drinks per week
Females – More than 3 drinks/occasion or 7 drinks per week

In order for an alcoholic to obtain help for their addiction, they must first possess the desire to overcome it. Alcoholics with no reason or drive to combat their dependency will find little help within the confines of 90 or 30 day rehab programs. If you suspect a loved of a drinking problem, the first step is communicating your concern to the individual. This can be accomplished in a private or group setting; the latter of which is more commonly known as an intervention.

Once an alcoholic has made the decision to seek help, the next step lies in choosing the appropriate means to combat the addiction. Treatment option information can be found via recovery blogs and facility websites. Simplified, your treatment options can be broken down into two distinct categories:

Residential and Outpatient

Residential inpatient therapy is best suited for individual with severe withdrawal symptoms, lack of social support, or a psychiatric illness. These facilities provide alcoholics with the attention and support they require without the distractions of a day-to-day living environment. Treatments include medical detox, group therapy and addiction counseling.

Outpatient therapy is typically only deemed appropriate for individual with moderate/mild withdrawal symptoms. Patients are afforded the opportunity to attend outpatient programs whilst still maintaining a job and residence away from the treatment facility.

AA is yet another means for the recovering alcoholic to combat their cravings. The program works by keeping members accountable through regular meetings, sponsors and the infamous 12 steps. Members are afforded the opportunity to share their experiences in relation to recovery and drinking while gaining support in their fight to maintain sobriety. AA is often introduced during rehabilitation with continued attendance encouraged post rehab program completion.

The road towards recovery is never an easy one. Those choosing this path must be prepared to sacrifice and strive for the greater good. Though it may take some time to realize the benefits of a successful recovery, the rewards and lifestyle associated with it are well worth the effort. 

Monday, May 7, 2012

Alcoholism vs Alcohol Abuse


Do you know the difference between Alcoholism and Alcohol Abuse












Alcoholism (alcohol dependence) and alcohol abuse are two different forms of problem drinking.
  • Alcoholism is when you have signs of physical addiction to alcohol and continues to drink, despite problems with physical health, mental health, and social, family, or job responsibilities. Alcohol may control your life and relationships.
  • Alcohol abuse is when your drinking leads to problems, but not physical addiction.