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.