Month: September 2020

Addiction Treatment Services: What are Your Options?

Post author By Addictions Learning Centre
Post date September 25, 2020
No Comments on Addiction Treatment Services: What are Your Options?

Many people struggle with drug and substance abuse or addiction. For these people, recovering from addiction can be difficult. However, the first step to achieving that is acknowledging their struggle and seeking treatment. There are many options for addiction treatment available today.

These treatment options depend on a number of factors. One factor is the type of addiction a person suffers from. Other factors include the length and severity of the addiction as well as the effect it has on the person.

Despite the high number of treatment options, it is crucial that you choose one which will help you achieve sobriety. In this article, you will know the addiction treatment services you can choose for a successful recovery. In the end, you will also know where you can go for your addiction treatment.

Types of Addiction Treatment Services

As earlier stated, there are many options for addiction treatment. However, you must know how to choose an addiction treatment option tailored to your needs. This is because treatment services are different for every person. They are also based on the needs and situations of each person.

The hallmark of a good treatment program is that it ensures the active involvement of individuals in recovery. Hence, when you seek addiction treatment, ensure you choose one where you are actively involved in every step of the way. The different addiction treatment programs include the following:

Detoxification

After addicts realize they are struggling and need help, the first step in recovery is usually detoxification. This treatment helps addicts safely withdraw from alcohol or drugs until it leaves their system. In most cases, detoxification involves medications that help you minimize withdrawal symptoms. These medications will reduce once you become independent of drugs or alcohol.

Behavioural Therapies and Counselling

After detoxification, addiction treatment programs that follow are usually counselling and behavioural therapies. These therapies depend on your needs. In the beginning, they are high in intensity. However, they gradually reduce as your symptoms improve. Some of the therapies for addiction treatment are:

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

This therapy helps uncover thoughts or feelings capable of hindering a recovery patient. Hence, it reduces your risk of relapsing or compromising your sobriety.

Biofeedback Therapy

It is a type of drug-free therapy that helps recovery patients understand the involuntary processes in their bodies. A therapist will place electronic sensors on your skin and monitors your brain’s activity. Based on the results and analysis, the therapist will recommend psychological techniques beneficial in overcoming addiction.

Holistic Therapy

It is one of the therapeutic addiction treatment programs that focuses on your overall wellbeing. It also treats physical withdrawal symptoms. Examples of holistic therapies include guided meditation, art therapy, yoga, and acupuncture.

Dialectical Behavior Therapy

This addiction treatment option helps you accept difficult thoughts, behaviours, and emotions. It also enables you to focus on validation, find a balance between change and acceptance.

When you do so, you tend to cut down on unhealthy behaviours. This therapy also boosts your motivation to change, focuses on your strengths, and helps you live right.

Experiential Therapy

This treatment uses non-traditional methods of treatment to aid recovery patients to get over repressed feelings and emotions. This treatment usually involves patients engaging in outdoor recreational activities.

Psychodynamic Therapy

This addiction treatment program will help you explore your emotions. It aims to help you uncover subconscious thoughts related to your addiction. When you do so, you can identify the underlying reason for your addiction. It also helps you avoid situations that can lead you back to drug or substance abuse during recovery.

Motivational Enhancement Therapy

This therapy helps you learn how to change certain behaviours or negative thoughts related to your addiction. Most times, these types of addiction treatment services are used in treating recovery patients with co-occurring conditions. Examples of these conditions include post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and bipolar disorder.

The overall aim of counselling during addiction treatment programs is to help patients change their behaviour or attitude towards substance abuse. It also helps them boost their self-esteem, strengthen life skills, and support other addictive treatments.

Rehabilitation Programs For Addiction Treatment

These are programs tailored for addictive treatments that last longer. These types of addiction treatment services are very effective. They help you remain free of addiction and resume your normal lifestyle. Licensed addiction treatment services usually offer rehabilitation programs to their patients.

These programs mostly go on in a facility with patients having complete daily access to medical staff. Examples of rehabilitation programs include:

Inpatient Rehab

This is one of the options for addiction treatment that addresses all areas of a recovery patient’s addiction. It consists of structured treatment programs tailored to the needs of every patient. In this type of rehab program, recovery patients live in a substance-free facility.

While there, they receive therapeutic support and medical care daily. Inpatient addiction rehab is best for people struggling with chronic addiction. Patients with co-occurring behavioural and mental disorders also benefit from it.

Sober Living Homes

This acts as a connection between inpatient rehab and a patients’ return to their normal lifestyles. If you are in recovery and you need more time to reinforce the things learned in rehab, this facility is good for you. A sober living home will help you strengthen healthy habits while you remain within its structures.

Outpatient Rehabs

It is one of the flexible options for addiction treatment. In this program, patients receive the same type of treatments and therapies in inpatient rehabs. However, they do so while living at home during the recovery process. That way, they remain in contact with their families and normal lifestyle while attending their scheduled treatment sessions weekly.

The risk of this addiction treatment program is that patients are exposed to the real world. Hence, they are at a greater risk of experiencing triggers that can cause them to relapse. Therefore, it is only recommended for patients with mild forms of addiction. Those patients must also remain committed and disciplined in their approach to recovery.

Support Groups

When addiction recovery patients finish with their addiction treatment programs, it is good for them to join support groups. These groups play important roles in helping them remain on the right path after treatment.

If you join a support group, you will meet individuals in similar situations. These individuals encourage you throughout your recovery process, ensuring you stay on the recovery path.

The following are examples of support groups:

12-Step programs like Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) and Narcotics Anonymous (NA)
SMART Recovery
Al-Anon and Nar-Anon

Addiction counsellors also play important roles in addiction recovery. They provide recovery patients with unbiased support during treatment. Counsellors will create a treatment plan and aftercare program that suits their patients. They also schedule and conduct individual or group therapy sessions.

Addiction Treatment Medications

Medications are one of the important options for addiction treatment. While you undergo detoxification and even throughout your addiction treatment, you may have medications prescribed for you.

These medications work in several ways to help you manage your withdrawal symptoms. They also work to help you reduce your cravings and treat the disorders you have.

Medications are effective especially when combined with addiction treatment programs. Some medications taken for alcohol addiction include:

Naltrexene
Disulfiram or Antabuse
Acamprosate or Campral

There are also medications for depression, anxiety, mental health conditions, etc., which can cause substance-related disorders.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some questions people ask pertaining to options for addiction treatment:

My addiction treatment program is not effective. What can I do?

Speak with your doctor or an addiction treatment professional. There are several approaches to addiction treatment. Explore other treatment programs. If possible, use medication in conjunction with your treatment to aid healing. If you believe the problem lies with your addiction treatment service, then you should consider changing to a new one

What addiction treatment option should I choose?

Your choice of addiction treatment programs depends on a number of factors. These include the severity of your addiction, how long you have been an addict, and the state of your health. Your addiction treatment service will choose a treatment program that will benefit you.

Is Inpatient Rehab Only for Celebrities?

This is a very false notion. Inpatient rehab is for anyone struggling with severe symptoms of addiction. Such persons recognize they need professional help in overcoming their addiction. Hence, they enrol for inpatient rehabilitation.

Where Can I Find Treatment?

Selecting the best addiction treatment program can be difficult. This is especially as you have a long list of options for addiction treatment. There are a number of addiction treatment services to choose from. However, ensure you choose the best one suited for your needs.

Here at 1000 Islands Addiction Rehab & Treatment Centre, our treatment service stands out among many others in the country. We offer all treatment programs and have a world-class inpatient facility. We don’t just treat your addiction but also live a long-lasting positive impact in your life. Contact us today to learn more.

Tags Addiction Treatment Services

Drug Addiction

The Relationship between Loneliness and Drug Addiction

Post author By Addictions Learning Centre
Post date September 25, 2020
No Comments on The Relationship between Loneliness and Drug Addiction

The relationship between loneliness and drug addiction is one you may quickly notice. If you or a loved one suffers from an addiction, loneliness can worsen the situation.

We at Addictions CA know this. In this article, we will inform you of the connection between substance abuse and loneliness. We will also provide practical tips to help the situation.

How Loneliness Creeps In

Humans are generally social. For most of your daily activities, you are interacting with one person or the other. Because of this, you get a significant level of happiness from your interactions with other people.

Loneliness is a world apart from being alone. With being alone, it may be a personal decision. You may want to take a break from people. It may also be that there just aren’t many people around you at a particular time. This generally doesn’t affect health negatively. Interestingly, it may be healthy if you have alone time frequently.

However, loneliness occurs when you fail to connect with people. It is possible to be in relationships and have family around but still feel lonely. Loneliness often comes with the feeling of a void needing to be filled.

Feelings common in lonely people are anxiety, depression, rejection, invalidation and exclusion. Therefore, it comes as little surprise if you are lonely, and your level of happiness tanks.

Sadly, a lot of people are lonely. Recent surveys reveal a high percentage of people experience feelings of loneliness. Another report, by Forbes, indicates the number of lonely people has quadrupled in the last 40 years.

The Vicious Cycle

Loneliness is such an unpleasant feeling. Very likely, you feel like you need something to take the sensation away. Why this is scary is because loneliness can drive you to drugs and alcohol.

The drugs actually do take unpleasant feelings away. You may be in better spirits and generally feel good. Unfortunately, these feelings are only temporary. When they wear off, you are left feeling even worse.

This drives you further into the drugs. You feel you need another fix, this time stronger. Before you know it, you have developed an addiction.

Herein lies the danger. Addiction is known to cause relationships to break, making you disconnect with people. Furthermore, you may isolate yourself to hide a drug habit from your loved ones.

The resultant effect of this is even more loneliness. Loneliness then worsens the addiction, which then causes loneliness. A vicious cycle ensues. Loneliness causes addiction, and addiction results in loneliness and the problem becomes more difficult.

Your Treatment May Be At Risk Too

If you already checked into an addiction treatment service, loneliness can still mess up your recovery. It is normal to feel lonely during an addiction program. When you newly check into a rehab, you also newly check out from your old relationships. Fellow substance users or loved ones who enable your substance use are suddenly away from you.

Essentially, all your previous support systems are withdrawn from you. This leads to new feelings of loneliness and abandonment. There are drugs therapists may give to help with withdrawal symptoms. But there are no drugs for such a subjective feeling as loneliness.

With such stronger feelings of loneliness, you are at a higher risk of relapsing during recovery. Addiction treatment services are available in Canada if you or a loved one is in such straits.

Loneliness and Addiction: How to Cope

You now know the relationship between loneliness and addiction. It is crucial to take steps to break out of such a cycle. Fighting loneliness helps you fight addiction in the process. One essential step in the journey to recovery is willingness. You must be willing to put a lot of effort into combatting this problem.

Here are tips you can take when dealing with loneliness and addiction.

Create a support system

The general hallmark of loneliness is not having people around you or not connecting with them. The first step in solving this is to get people close.

This step involves being open and vulnerable to close friends and beloved family members. They will be unable to provide the needed companionship if they don’t know what is going on.

Also, if you’re in addiction treatment therapy, you must make the best use of group therapy. Having people who face similar issues may make it easier to develop communal feelings. But if you continue to isolate yourself, you will not get the best from it.

Restore damaged relationships

Holding on to hurt from your relationships is also a straight ticket to loneliness. The presence of a chasm between you and those you hold dear will disturb your healing.

With the relationship between loneliness and addiction, chances are you’ve pushed your loved ones away. With the path of recovery, you’re on, you can fix this.

Restart those relationships. Give them a new life with new levels of openness and understanding. This significantly helps to strengthen the feelings of being part of a community. Do this, and you will stave those lonely feelings away.

End the unhealthy ones

It will be a grave mistake to assume all relationships are right for you. As much as you’re looking for a connection with people, those connections must be healthy for you.

Believe it or not, some might not support your addiction recovery journey. Some others might have contributed to the addiction and loneliness one way or the other. All these make up negative influences. If they aren’t going to become favourable for your sake, it’s best to end them.

Distract yourself

The peculiar relationship between loneliness and addiction may leave you lethargic and disinterested in activities. Now, to help recovery, this will be a great time to start things up again.

Sign up for those music lessons you’ve been eyeing. Go on that trip. Learn to dance. Essentially, it is much helpful to do things that expose you to other parts of life.

Also, such activities help you meet people with similar interests. They can form the basis for future friendships and relationships. These new activities have immense benefits to your mood and wellbeing. This, together with the appropriate recovery programs, improve your healing. You will enjoy being in your skin more.

Frequently Asked Questions About Loneliness and Addiction

In this section, we will answer pointed questions you have about loneliness.

I feel lonely many times. What can I do?

Loneliness is not entirely unusual. It only means you desire human contact. It is certainly nothing to blame yourself for.

If you have this feeling for a long time, it may become a problem. The first thing to do is to think about the situation. If you can identify why you feel lonely, you will be able to stop it.

Another thing you can do is look after yourself. By taking care of your mind and body, you are in a higher state of wellbeing. Hence, you will feel better and more confident. Besides this, you can also share your time by volunteering in local organizations. Participating in community and neighbourhood programs will also help stave off the lonely feelings.

Will I ever stop feeling so alone?

Yes, you can. You just have to be intentional about it. Once you figure out the cause, you can begin to address it.

You may need to institute a few changes in your life. First is to not dwell on negatives for too long. This frees your mind to be able to accept change.

What is the relationship between loneliness and addiction?

Addiction is a compulsive behaviour. You seek out to do things with minimal control. Many times, you also don’t want anyone else to know of it. This makes you crave alone time. You are willing to cut your friends and family off. All you can think of is the next fix.

This is the relationship between loneliness and addiction. Your addiction creates and then feeds the resulting loneliness. What’s worse? The loneliness also drives you to drugs, fueling your addiction. It makes it harder to get out.

What can I do to help my recovery?

Addiction recovery hinges on four things: motivation, humility, restoration and perseverance. Motivation perhaps is the most important. Without it, the others may not come to play.

Think about why you want to get better. It may be you not feeling great physically and mentally. It may be the bad decisions your addiction has caused you to make. As long as you’re motivated to change, you’ll be willing to do what it takes.

Once you’re motivated, you have to be humble. Humility means subjecting yourself to all you are to do in therapy. It also means actively participating in whatever your caregivers deem necessary.

Restoration involves mending your broken relationships. You need people to be on your side for recovery. You should repair frayed relationships with friends and family.

Perseverance is a sustained effort. There will come a time where you feel you may be better off with the addiction. This can come because of the pain and discomfort of addiction treatment.

Here, you need to stay tough mentally. You must push yourself to continue with the program. It will help if you also believe your actions will pay off at the end of the day. Do this, and your recovery will come much faster.

Conclusion

Understanding the relationship between loneliness and addiction is helpful. You know what can worsen your addiction. You will also be able to take the right steps to prevent it.

At 1000 Islands Addiction Rehab & Treatment Centre, we offer addiction treatment services that cut across Canada and the USA. We are versatile and have solid knowledge in treating addiction to different substances. Contact us today, let’s come up with a custom treatment plan for you.

Tags Loneliness and Drug Addiction

Alcohol Addiction

Can I Drink Alcohol While on Birth Control?

Post author By Addictions Learning Centre
Post date September 25, 2020
No Comments on Can I Drink Alcohol While on Birth Control?

It can be a late-night drink and a sofa snuggle or a romantic dinner with liquor. Alcohol and sex always end up together, whether intentional or not. Thankfully, if you drink alcohol while on birth control, it doesn’t spell doom.

However, this is a different case if your birth control method is memory or behaviour based. You may be swallowing a pill or using a condom at a time. You will need to be cautious when taking alcohol in this case.

Most people in the United States drink alcohol at least once in their lives. According to recent research, over 60% of all U.S. adults report consuming alcohol. Therefore, a lot of women worry about the effects of alcohol on birth control.

We have established that alcohol has no significant impact on the efficacy of birth control. However, alcohol intake can increase the birth control failure rate, but why and how? This article will address how alcohol affects birth control.

Types of Birth controls

Birth controls are great for preventing unwanted pregnancies. However, they aren’t all 100% perfect. They work effectively but vary in usage. Below is a list of popular birth control methods.

As far as safety goes, you can drink alcohol while on birth control, provided you use this kind of contraceptive correctly:

Implants
Vaginal rings
Shots of Depo-Provera
Birth control pills
IUDs
Patches
Emergency pills (“morning after”)
Condoms

We will go into detail on each preventive method and its efficiency. This information will prove useful in deciding how alcohol affects birth control.

Related article: How Long Does Alcohol Withdrawal Take?

The Birth Control Implant

It is a small thin pipe about the same size as a matchstick. The implant is inserted in the arm by a doctor or nurse. It can reside there for up to 3 years. It’s more than 99 percent reliable in its execution. It is great for women who don’t want to think about taking birth control regularly. For those that drink alcohol while on birth control and often forget, this method suits them.

Vaginal Rings

With regular use, the vaginal ring is 91% successful. It’s a little plastic ring that is inside the vagina. It needs to be cleaned once a month, which you can do at home. It is 99 percent effective when done the right way and changed on time.

Shots of Depo-Provera

The Depo-Provera shot, known by the popular brand name, needs to take place every 3 months. It has normal usage effectiveness of 94 percent. It is secure and easy but has to be used to be fully successful on time. If administered on time, 99% is successful.

Birth Control Pills

It is a popular method among people who drink alcohol while on birth control. With regular use, it is approximately 91% successful. It is 99 percent effective with perfect application. The pill is taken daily and can drastically reduce the risks of drinking alcohol while on birth control.

IUDs

Intrauterine devices are lightweight compact plastic instruments that a doctor or nurse positions in the uterus. It is a long-term form of birth control which, depending on the IUD. They can prevent pregnancy for 3-12 years. They are more than 99% successful.

Patches

The patch is also 91% efficient for normal use and 99% for optimal use. It slowly causes hormonal fluctuations that prevent pregnancy. It has to be substituted every 3 weeks.

Emergency Pills

They are also known as morning-after pills. They are commonly used to correct uncertainty among people that drink alcohol while on birth control. You take them after sexual intercourse has occurred. It helps to flush away the potential sperm cells and eggs.

Condoms

They are the only method of defending against both pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections. However, they can be a drastic effect of alcohol on birth control if you forget to wear them. Male condoms are 98 percent effective for the prevention of conception with perfect use.

Effects of Alcohol On Birth Control

Alcohol does not explicitly affect how birth control functions. Yet alcohol can interact in various ways with birth control. Alcohol use can greatly influence the efficacy of birth control in women.

The main issue with alcohol combination is the effect alcohol has on your actions and judgment. This is particularly relevant for people who regularly drink alcohol while on birth control. You will need to be more cautious.

In most situations, light drinks will not mess with the decision to use birth control. However, people must pay particular attention to how they use birth control. Even medium drinking can raise rates of failure on how alcohol affects birth control.

Examples are forgetting to take a pill or adjusting a vaginal ring. A hangover makes you more likely that you forget your pill or patches while you are intoxicated. This could lead to an unwanted pregnancy.

Alcohol increases the risk of sexually transmitted (STI) illness due to incorrect use of condoms. Women may forget to use the right contraceptive usage due to drowsiness under the influence of alcohol.

There is also the risk of vomiting immediately after taking the pill. This will hinder the medicine’s absorption and reduce its efficacy. Vomiting within 2 hours of taking the pill can lead to expulsion of the pill from your system.

Furthermore, alcohol may not affect your birth control if you correctly administer it. However, missed doses or delayed replacement of the device increases your chances of becoming pregnant.

And if you start drinking once you get pregnant, your unborn child could be in danger. Most women are not aware of their pregnancy for 4 to 6 weeks. They may be intoxicated during this period, which unwittingly hurts the developing fetus.

Additionally, when you drink alcohol while on birth control, the alcohol stays longer in you. This is because; the body can’t effectively metabolize both birth control and alcohol together.

This leads to alcohol staying longer in your system and making you feel drunk for longer. This will affect your cognitive functions and may lead to errors in birth control usage.

Also, alcohol can affect the efficacy of birth control by reducing the inhibitions of an individual. Drinking will cause someone to do something they wouldn’t normally do while they are sober. Thereby, this increases the risks of drinking alcohol while on birth control.

Someone who drinks excessively may be careless with a sex partner and forget to use a condom. They might be so confused that they don’t recognize that they have unprotected intercourse.

How To Manage Birth Control Risk When Drunk

Ovulation may occur if one dosage of birth control is skipped or missed. If you skip a pill, ensure you use a different form of birth control for a while. You can also try alcohol addiction treatment to slowly wean yourself off the habit.

Birth control drugs are particularly successful in avoiding accidental conception when administered properly and regularly. Fortunately, women’s access to reliable contraceptives from creative health companies is getting simpler and more convenient. Do drink responsibly and use a back-up condom if you intend to drink while using birth control.

How To Ensure Birth Control Effectiveness While Intoxicated

In case you decide to go out to drink alcohol while on birth control, you can plan. Even, if it’s a random moment of drinks with friends. You can quickly set an alarm or discuss a backup plan with your partner.

Use reminder apps to track your pill inventory
Take the pill early in the morning rather than the evening when circumstances are unexpected.
Bring emergency protection including spermicides and condoms.
Pick a less demanding contraceptive option like IUD or implant where

FAQs About Drinking Alcohol While on Birth Control

Q: Are there any pills I can take after a drunken night where I am unsure of my use of birth control?

A: Yes, you can take emergency pills to flush out your system.

Q: What are the hormones in birth control?

A: Estrogen and Progesterone.

Q: Why do I need to wear condoms if I take the birth control pill, patch or ring?

A: We urge and advise you to use condoms to protect you from sexually transmitted diseases.

Conclusion

Women have several different birth control methods available, which are extremely successful if properly used. There are several options on how to drink alcohol while on birth control. The right decision can be made easy with the aid of a knowledgeable physician.

Alcohol usually has no significant effect on the effectiveness of birth control. The only question is how alcohol impacts your subconscious and the willingness to use your contraceptives. You may like the occasional alcoholic drink but are concerned about missed doses. You can therefore explore multiple options with your doctor.

Additionally, you may want to give up alcohol consumption as a whole. Fortunately, we got you covered on this. We offer a strong alcohol addiction treatment program. Here at 1000 Islands Addiction Rehab & Treatment Centre, we will provide you with the right steps to lead you to sobriety. Contact us today to start your giant leap to an alcohol-free world.

Tags Drink Alcohol While on Birth Control

Alcohol Addiction

How to Help a Loved One With a Drinking Problem

Post author By Addictions Learning Centre
Post date September 25, 2020
No Comments on How to Help a Loved One With a Drinking Problem

Having to help a loved one with a drinking problem can be very challenging. People whose loved ones struggle with drinking often complain of the emotional trauma that comes with it. While the alcoholic may not realize it, you are left to deal with the negative impact. Therefore, the need to know how to help with a drinking problem becomes essential.

Alcohol abuse, like any other substance abuse, harms the health of the alcoholic. Their families are laden with medical bills to pay. As a result of this, they put so much strain on their finances. Also, excessive drinking or alcoholism affects the jobs of the alcoholic. Although, there are some alcoholics who despite their problem perform extremely well at work. Notwithstanding, the families of the alcoholic still bear the brunt of their actions — whether financially or even physically.

Wondering how to help with a drinking problem? In this article, we give you tips for helping an alcoholic. Additionally, we discuss how to recognize your loved one has a drinking problem.

How to Recognize Your Loved One Has a Drinking Problem

Not everyone who drinks has a drinking problem. Drinking problems range from mild to severe. However, most alcoholics will deny they have a drinking problem. Recognizing the signs of alcoholism precedes knowing how to help with a drinking problem.

Your loved one may have a drinking problem if they,

Prioritize their drinking above you or their relationship with others.
Lie about their drinking habit or cover it up
Resort to drinking as a means of dealing with mental health issues e.g. mood disorders, paranoia, depression, etc.
Drink more than usual or than they plan to

When you notice some or all of these signs of drinking, take the necessary actions. You may want to get them to seek alcohol addiction treatment.

Steps To Help a Loved One With a Drinking Problem

For alcoholics, dealing with a drinking problem isn’t always an easy ride in the park. Many struggle to get sober on their own but end up failing. Some even seek alcohol addiction treatment services but stop mid-way. With your constant support, you can get them to conquer drinking.

Also, when helping with a drinking problem, consider talking to the alcoholic while they’re sober. This ensures that they’re in the right frame of mind to have the conversation. Additionally, involving people they love and respect can help.

Getting them to the phase of recovery requires some effort on your part. Here are steps on how to help with a drinking problem.

Be informed

Informing yourself is the first step in helping someone with a drinking problem. By this, we mean getting to know all you can about alcoholism. With proper knowledge, helping the alcoholic becomes easier. Also, it helps you to understand their moods, attitudes, and behaviour better.

However, knowing all about alcoholism should not excuse the alcoholic’s bad behaviour. They still should be responsible for their actions and their consequences. Rather, this knowledge should allow you to see alcoholism as what it truly is, a disease. Just like every other disease, alcoholism has symptoms. Also, it has something responsible for kick-starting it. By acquiring knowledge, you understand that alcoholics suffer too and are in need of help.

Additionally, when you get knowledge, you know how to help with a drinking problem. You know things to do and not to do. You are aware of the things you do that aren’t helping your loved one. Finally, you’ll know how to react and deal with their moods.

Talk to them

Another effective way to help with a drinking problem is to talk to your loved one about it. They may not be aware of the effect their heavy drinking has on you. While it’s not unusual for alcoholics to deny or reject help, still, talking helps.

Talking to them when they’re sober yields better results than when they’re drunk. While they are drunk, they may react violently or become defensive. Start calmly. The last thing they want is for you to raise your voice at them. Here are a few tips to help you talk to them.

Don’t in any way try to threaten them. It often doesn’t end well.
Use the sandwich method. Praise, correction, then praise. They already feel bad about their addiction. They don’t need you to make them feel worse.
Be patient when talking to them. Try to explain how their alcoholism is also affecting you.
Don’t bring up past events. Let the conversation be free of their past actions but the most recent ones.

Following these tips prevents outbursts of anger or violence from your loved one. More importantly, it gives you the calm necessary to pass your message along.

Don’t enable their behaviour

Enabling the behaviour of your loved one is the same as being codependent. This makes you lose yourself while worrying too much about your loved one. Your mental and emotional health is as important as theirs.

Other than forcing them to get treatment, focus on how you can help yourself during this phase. An alcoholic is the only person who can decide to get treatment. The earlier you realize this, the less emotional stress you go through.

In addition to this, codependency causes you to place your loved one’s happiness above yours. The recovery process is a long one. Your loved ones will need you to be healthy to help them through that process.

To help with a drinking problem, you can take a strict decision not to enable their behaviour. Worse issues tend to come up during alcohol addiction treatment. If you continue enabling their behaviour now, it’ll affect you later on. Sometimes, allowing a crisis to happen is the wakeup call your loved one needs. This helps them to admit they need addiction treatment. If you always rush to help them during crises, they may decide to forego treatment.

Involve others

Another way to help with a drinking problem is to involve others. Invite people they love over and be honest about your loved one’s drinking problem. Hiding the truth won’t do the alcoholic any good.

While involving others, discuss alcohol addiction treatment options available for your loved one. Discuss how to get your loved one into alcohol rehab. Also, talk about the consequences of your loved one’s drinking problem.

Some consequences can be as bad as getting a divorce or getting a restraining order. The consequence should be able to get your loved one to agree to seek treatment. Coupled with the tips above, you can decide to get a therapist to help you talk to your loved one. They’ll be able to tell your addicted loved one what they need to hear!

Encourage and support your loved one

Encouraging your loved one is a good way to help with a loved one’s drinking problem. By encouraging them we are not saying you should enable their behaviour. During this phase of their lives, they need to know they aren’t alone. You can encourage them by acknowledging their efforts to become sober.

Also, by encouraging them, you’re showing support. You can show support by doing the following:

Taking them to the therapist for their appointments.
If they are in a rehab centre, visit them often. Doing this makes them know that you care.
Work out with them.
Attend support groups with them

FAQs About Alcohol Addiction and Abuse

Here are answers to some common questions. These answers will help you guide your loved one to making the right choice.

To reduce drinking or quit totally?

If your loved ones can control how they drink, then they may not need to quit. It’s possible to drink and not affect your health. However, when it becomes unhealthy, they may need to quit.

Does setting drinking goals help?

Yes, if they plan on cutting down on drinking, you can help by setting goals. Set realistic goals. Also, don’t try to rush the process.

How can I take care of myself during this process?

You can start by attending to your own needs. Also, talk to a therapist. Dealing with a loved one’s alcohol addiction on your own may lead to a major breakdown.

How do I know I’m enabling their behaviour?

You know you’re enabling their behaviour when

You cover up for them.
You make excuses for them.
You always come to their rescue.
You continue accepting their bad behaviour.
You always conform to their wishes

To Sum It Up

The addiction recovery process isn’t always easy. Knowing how to help with a drinking problem can make the process less tasking. After recognizing signs of alcoholism, it’s important to ensure your loved ones get treatment. However, the decision to seek professional help is solely theirs to make.

In this article, we discuss steps to help your loved one with a drinking problem. Also, we give you tips on how to talk to them about their alcoholism. Essentially, this article is your best guide on how to help with a drinking problem.

Still wondering where to get the best alcohol addiction treatment services in Canada the USA? 1000 Islands Addiction Rehab & Treatment Centre offers experienced therapists and custom treatments to help guide your loved one back to sobriety. Contact us today!

Tags Drinking Problem

Alcohol Addiction

Why You Should Not Attempt Alcohol Withdrawal At Home

Post author By Addictions Learning Centre
Post date September 25, 2020
No Comments on Why You Should Not Attempt Alcohol Withdrawal At Home

Alcohol addiction is one of the most troublesome substance use disorders. This is largely because drinking is such a mainstream social activity. One of the dangers is that people who consume large quantities of alcohol on a regular basis can be in real danger if they attempt alcohol withdrawal at home.

Why Are Societal Attitudes So Harmful?

The pressure to consume alcohol starts almost as soon as we reach the legal drinking age. And, it doesn’t ease up. Alcohol has become normalized in most communities. Here’s how:

On your “legal drinking age” birthday, friends and family make a point of giving you alcoholic beverages, because “now you’re allowed to drink”
At social gatherings, people who become intoxicated are regarded as “the life of the party”
People who refuse alcoholic beverages are ridiculed and called insulting names
Recent years have given rise to a “mom wine” culture that normalizes wine as a solution to parental stress
Most of our celebrations are centred around alcohol. If you can’t get drunk, it’s not a real party
People are encouraged to treat hangovers with “a hair of the dog”. This is an expression for an alcoholic drink

In a society where alcohol consumption is expected, it can be difficult to assess when someone has an alcohol use disorder. We have come to regard excessive drinking as “normal”, which means people often don’t get alcohol addiction treatment as soon as they should.

And by the time a person with an alcohol addiction recognizes that they need help, they may have reached the point where safe alcohol withdrawal at home is not possible.

What Is Alcohol Withdrawal?

It’s possible that you may be attempting alcohol withdrawal at home. Here’s what the withdrawal process looks like. Alcohol is a central nervous system depressant that slows down the functioning of the brain.

If you consume large quantities of alcohol on a regular basis, the brain tries to compensate for the constant sedating effects. It does this by producing larger quantities of serotonin and other stimulant chemicals. If you then suddenly stop drinking, these chemicals flood the brain, resulting in withdrawal symptoms like insomnia, anxiety, the jitters and more.

Because this also affects the functioning of the vital organs, including the heart and lungs, alcohol withdrawal that is not effectively managed can have devastating consequences. Delirium tremens, commonly known as the DTs, is the most serious form of alcohol withdrawal and occurs in about five percent of alcohol withdrawals.

What Are The Symptoms Of Alcohol Withdrawal?

Like most aspects of addiction, alcohol withdrawal symptoms and their severity can vary widely from one person to the next. Factors that affect this include:

The age and biological sex of the individual
Their state of physical and mental health
Whether medications or other substances are being used
The frequency and amount of alcohol consumption
How long the individual has been using alcohol
How long it has been since the last alcoholic drink

The first few hours

Five to ten hours after the last drink has been consumed, the first withdrawal symptoms appear. They peak after one or two days. For those attempting alcohol withdrawal at home, with no support, this is when the individual is most likely to start drinking again. Symptoms include:

Tremors and jittering
A racing pulse
High blood pressure
Fast, shallow breathing
Nausea and vomiting
Sweating and clammy skin
Anxiety, irritability and paranoia
Sleep issues including insomnia, nightmares and vivid dreams

The first day

12-24 hours after the last drink, new symptoms start to appear alongside the existing symptoms. These can last for up to two days, and include:

Confusion
Escalation of tremors
Visual and/or tactile hallucinations. This often takes the form of perceiving crawling insects

The first week

Alcohol withdrawal seizures can start up to two days after the last drink, and they tend to occur on and off over a period of a few hours.

Delirium Tremens

Of all the risks of doing alcohol withdrawal at home, the possibility of delirium tremens is the greatest. It happens in about five percent of alcohol withdrawal cases. Primarily, it affects those who have been routinely drinking large quantities of alcohol over a long period of time. What makes it dangerous is that it results in dangerous fluctuations in respiratory and cardiac activity, dangerously high blood pressure, and interruption of blood flow to the brain.

Symptoms of delirium tremens include:

Confusion and disorientation
Loss of consciousness
Dehydration
Rapid or erratic heart rate
Irrational anger
Nervousness and/or anxiety
Soaking sweats
Paranoia and/or irrational beliefs
Sleep disturbances
Hallucinations

Who is most at risk of experiencing delirium tremens?

People who meet any of the following characteristics are at higher risk of delirium tremens:

Prior history of alcohol withdrawal seizures or DTs
Co-occurring physical or mental illness
Prolonged heavy use of alcohol on a daily basis
Severe initial alcohol withdrawal symptoms
Prior history of alcohol abuse
Older
Presence of brain lesions and other anomalies

What Are The Risks Of Trying Alcohol Withdrawal At Home?

The possibility of delirium tremens presents the biggest threat to safe alcohol withdrawal. Even if you are not at high risk of DTs, you should be aware of the following possibilities:

The kindling phenomenon: Each time you relapse and then attempt to quit, the withdrawal symptoms are worse than the previous attempt.
Addiction to multiple substances: Many people who abuse alcohol also use other substances. If you attempt home withdrawal from both substances, the effects can be dangerous and unpredictable.
A common alcohol withdrawal symptom is seizures. If you are unsupervised you could hurt yourself.
Delirium tremens can lead to unconsciousness and loss of life.
Hallucinations and paranoia can result in the individual acting in potentially self-destructive ways without regard for the danger.

What Should I Do Instead?

The best way to accomplish safe alcohol withdrawal is through medical detox. This is a process whereby medical professionals supervise the withdrawal process, treat symptoms as they arise, and ensure your safety and comfort.

Steps that are taking during your medical detox may include the following:

Regular monitoring of your heart rate, blood pressure, temperature, and other vital signs
Use of intravenous fluids in cases of dehydration
Use of medication to manage panic, anxiety and seizure – medication includes long-acting benzodiazepines, gabapentin, and barbiturates
Use of medication to reduce alcohol dependence – examples include disulfiram and naltrexone
A controlled nutritious eating plan to help your body recover from the ravages of alcohol abuse
Physical and mental health assessments in preparation for rehab

Many alcohol addiction treatment centres have onsite medical detox clinics. This will enable you to go from detox straight into rehab, thus reducing your risk of relapse.

What if alcohol withdrawal at home is my only option?

While medical detox is recommended for safe alcohol withdrawal, this is not possible for everyone. If you have no choice but to withdraw from alcohol at home, there are some steps you can take to maximize your safety.

See your doctor before you start. They may prescribe medication to help you manage symptoms, although they may require someone else to keep the medication and dispense it as needed. Your doctor may also refer you to an outpatient detox program or schedule you for regular visits.
Make sure you are not alone. Someone should be with you at all times during the withdrawal process to keep you safe and to call for emergency medical help if needed.
Stock up on nutritious food before you start. If you can, prepare meals into portions that you can grab and eat at mealtimes.
Clear your schedule. Make sure nobody expects anything from you while you are going through withdrawal. The smallest amount of pressure can amplify your anxiety and put you at risk of a relapse.
Have plenty of water at hand. Dehydration is common during alcohol withdrawal, and if you are not careful, it can reach dangerous levels.
Ensure that your communication devices are fully charged so that you can call for help at any time.
Plan for a possible emergency. A car and a licensed driver should be on hand to take you to the hospital if needed. Ensure that the car has gas in it and that there is no possibility of being parked in.

How Do I Get Into Medical Alcohol Detox?

At 1000 Islands Addiction Rehab & Treatment Centre, we do not only provide comprehensive alcohol addiction treatment and rehab. We also have our own medical detox centre. Upon admission, you will be taken to the detox centre, where you will be kept as safe and comfortable as possible during the withdrawal process. While your body is getting stronger, we will help you prepare for rehab.

By the time you start the rehab phase of your treatment, the alcohol will be out of your system, Also, your body and mind will be better prepared for your alcohol addiction recovery. To get started, call us at 855-601-0555.

Related article: How Long Does Alcohol Withdrawal Take?

Tags Alcohol Withdrawal

Addiction Relapse

8 Signs Of Addiction Relapse

Post author By Addictions Learning Centre
Post date September 14, 2020
No Comments on 8 Signs Of Addiction Relapse

One of the realities of substance abuse and addiction recovery is the need to look out for signs of addiction relapse. In medical terms, a relapse is defined as a recurrence of a past medical condition.

Although we tend to associate relapse with addiction, it can happen with many illnesses and conditions. Examples include asthma, malaria, multiple sclerosis among others. And like other conditions, the way to deal with addiction relapse is to resume a prior treatment or tweak a current treatment.

Most people regard relapse as an event during which the recovering addict uses drugs or alcohol after a period of abstinence. In order to understand how to prevent addiction relapse, it is important to know that relapse is not a single event or a single moment in time. Rather, it is a process that culminates in the actual use of the substance.

The Stages Of Addiction Relapse

By knowing about the different phases of relapse, you can equip yourself with the knowledge and tools to recognize the signs of each stage so that you can get the support you need as early as possible.

Emotional Relapse

During this first stage of relapse, you are usually not even thinking about using drugs or alcohol. You may be feeling a little overwhelmed, though. You start to experience unexpected moments of anger or irritability, or you may be feeling some anxiety.

These emotions create an environment of vulnerability and a sense that you cannot cope with the stresses of life. If you are in the process of making the transition from rehab back to real life, you may be susceptible to emotional relapse.

This is when you are figuring out your routines, working on your relationships, and possibly looking for a job. There is a lot going on, and the collective stress can seem too much. During this time, you may be at risk of giving in to addiction relapse triggers.

Mental Relapse

This is a time of immense conflict: for the first time, you are thinking about using drugs or alcohol, but you really don’t want to. You feel torn between wanting to maintain sobriety and needing a release for the way you feel.

At some point, you may resign yourself to the fact that sooner or later, you will use the substance again. You may have a sense that trying to fight it is futile. Mental relapse is usually short-lived. Either the addict immediately seeks intensive treatment such as additional time in rehab, or they move on to the next and final stage of relapse.

Physical Relapse

This stage – what most people regard as the relapse – is when you break down and actually use the substance. Sometimes the substance use is a one-time event; other times, it leads to a new phase of active addiction.

Top Signs Of Addiction Relapse

The following signs of relapse may appear at different stages. If you are new to sobriety, it is useful for you and your loved ones to be familiar with the warning signs of a possible relapse. This makes it easier to ensure that you get the help you need, as soon as you need it.

Sign #1: Anxiety And Depression

You know that you should be feeling excited about your new post-rehab life. You are working hard to settle into some new routines. You are embarking on a job search or reintegrating into an existing job.

You are enjoying spending time with your loved ones again. And yet you feel somehow empty. You find yourself snapping at the people around you for no reason. You experience surges in anxiety and depression. Minor disagreements seem overwhelming.

Sign #2: You Start Letting Your Recovery Efforts Slide

You may not be actively thinking of using drugs or alcohol. However, you may be in danger of relapse if you stop being diligent about your recovery efforts. You may skip the occasional AA meeting. You call your therapist to say you are too ill to attend your session. You lose track of your routines.

In the beginning, you may feel that missing the odd thing here and there is no big deal, but the gaps between meetings, therapy sessions and workouts may get bigger and bigger.

Sign #3: Social Awkwardness

You may start to withdraw into yourself even before you have reached the stage of physical relapse. This happens simply because you feel uncomfortable being around people.

You may be feeling guilty about feeling the way you do, and you may be fearful of the world around you. And so you make social commitments and then back out of them. You stop visiting relatives. You retreat to your room and close the door as soon as dinner is over.

Sign #4: Denial

Many people who are approaching physical relapse do not actually realize the danger they are in. And those who do are unwilling to admit it. You may be trying to squelch your feelings of anxiety.

You may be trying to force yourself to behave in a “normal” way, just to hide from the possibility that you are experiencing difficulty.

Sign #5: Decline In Good Judgment

As you become more anxious and overwhelmed, you may start to lose the ability to make sound decisions. The simplest tasks can make you feel confused and overwhelmed. You may find yourself flitting from one uncompleted task to another because you feel incapable of settling down.

Sign #6: You Start To Think You Can Use Again

Thoughts of using drugs or alcohol start to cross your mind. You do not want to go down the path of addiction, but you may feel that you can have the occasional drink. You feel that you need the help of substances to cope with stress. Once you start to think along these lines, your efforts to avoid addiction relapse triggers may fall apart.

Sign #7: Some Withdrawal Symptoms Reappear

Addiction withdrawal symptoms usually peak a few days after the last substance use and fade away within a couple of weeks. Some people experience post-acute withdrawal syndrome (PAWS).

This is characterized by insomnia, memory loss, confusion, and depression that can persist for a long period of time. Without addiction treatment help from professionals, you may be tempted to medicate these symptoms with alcohol or drugs.

Sign #8: You Actively Seek Out Drugs Or Alcohol

Sometimes this takes the form of actually going out and obtaining your substance of choice. And sometimes it simply means you accept an invitation to go to a pub with friends.

This is the last curtain to drop before you physically use substances again. Short of a miraculous last-minute intervention, relapse of almost inevitable at this point.

How To Prevent Addiction Relapse

There are steps you can take to reduce your chances of relapse at various points during your recovery journey.

Continue Rehab Activities After Rehab Is Over

Continuity can make all the difference. Many addiction treatment programs include AA or NA meetings. These should be continued when rehab is over. You can also continue with some of the other work that you did during rehabs, such as therapy, regular exercise, yoga, art classes and nutrition counselling.

Avoid Substances At All Costs

This is especially important early on. While you are trying to transition back to real life, you don’t need the pressure of having to say no to something. Stay away from bars and other venues that feature alcohol. Make sure your living space is free from alcohol, cigarettes and other substances. Avoid accepting invitations to visit friends who you know will be drinking or using drugs.

Have Someone You Can Call

Whether it is a sponsor or a trusted friend, everyone needs someone they can call on in times of need. If you are feeling overwhelmed, or you feel you are in immediate danger of relapse, there should be someone you can rely on to come to your rescue. In some cases, this could be the emergency support line of the rehab facility you attended.

Don’t Be Afraid To Return To Rehab

You don’t have to wait until you suffer a relapse – can go back to rehab anytime you feel that you are at risk. If you are experiencing strong cravings and you are doubting your ability to abstain, you may just need some reinforcement of your treatment. It is far better to take this step now before you use drugs or alcohol.

Relapse Is Just A Temporary Setback

Many people feel that if you give in to addiction relapse triggers, your addiction treatment has failed. This is not the case: it simply means you need to adjust something about the way you are living. Maybe you need to temporarily increase your therapy sessions or go to more AA meetings.

Maybe you are missing the benefits of yoga classes you had during rehab. Or perhaps you need a bit of extra help coping with stress or relationship difficulties.

The number one thing you should do if you suffer a relapse is to keep going. You will learn something from the relapse experience. What was the trigger? How did you feel leading up to it? What can you glean from the experience that will help you avoid future relapses?

Help Is Always Available

No matter where you are in your recovery journey, 1000 Islands Addiction Rehab & Treatment Centre can help you through these difficult times. We offer customized addiction treatment programs that are based on your needs and circumstances.

We will provide you with a safe place to be as you work through the challenges of relapse, whether you actually used the substance or not. To find out more, call us at 855-601-0555.

Related article: How To Prevent Addiction Relapse

Tags Addiction Relapse

Methamphetamine Addiction

How to Stop Methamphetamine Addiction

Post author By Addictions Learning Centre
Post date September 14, 2020
No Comments on How to Stop Methamphetamine Addiction

Knowing how to stop methamphetamine addiction is a critical piece of information. In no time meth can take over a person’s life. The rate at which it works is higher when you compare it with other substances. This higher reaction rate makes addiction to the substance very easy. Upon addiction, it becomes tough to stop the habit that ensues from its use.

Beyond the rate at which it takes effect, meth also lasts longer in the body. It creates a feeling of euphoria that stays with the patient for long periods. This surreal effect it puts the brain’s pleasure center through can be detrimental. In no time, the brain begins to depend on it for the release of dopamine.

However bad your addiction condition may be, you can overcome it. Though it takes hard work on your part, meth addiction treatment is possible. In this in-depth guide, we explore the various steps to meth addiction recovery. We also take a deep dive into every other thing you need to know about achieving long term sobriety from meth addiction.

What is Meth Addiction and its Symptom?

It seems untrue, but a single use of Meth can result in addiction. That’s how powerful the substance is. Hence, to prevent addiction, the best way is to avoid its use. Meth is an addictive stimulant, and it produces a rush of dopamine in the user. This induced substance results in a feeling of pleasure, motivation, rush for learning, etc.

This advent of dopamine is way more than the brain naturally produces. As a result of this, people find it very difficult to stop using the substance. For most users, the use of the drug persists for days. This translates to the user being ‘high’ all through this time. This results to intolerance, as the person then requires higher doses, in search of satisfaction.

Thanks to the drug being very affordable, addiction comes very quickly. At this point, the individual finds it hard to stay happy without using the substance. Beyond this quest for happiness, other symptoms point out that you are addicted to methamphetamine.

Hyperactivity
Paranoia
Skin sores
Twitching
Rapid eye movement
Agitation
Erratic sleeping patterns
Extreme weight loss
Outbursts or mood swings
Dilated pupils
Weight loss
Rotting teeth
Burns

There is no particular order to which you may experience any of these. However, identifying the condition is the first important step to meth addiction treatment in Canada.

What are the Triggers of Meth Addiction?

Your will is also an essential factor in how to stop methamphetamine addiction. Using the drug, just like any other, can result from triggers. Hence, you need to have a will to avoid these triggers. These triggers can be people around you, conditions, environments, or emotional issues. More often than not, it is impossible to avoid these triggers. This is because, most times, daily life factors can be a trigger.

Just about anything can be a trigger for a meth relapse. However, the following are the most common and identified triggers:

Stress from the job
Mental health issues
Problems in relationships
Isolation
Paraphernalia
School issues
Peer pressure
Stress from everyday life

These triggers most times, interfere with meth addiction treatment. Hence, as much as possible, during recovery, ensure that you avoid these triggers.

Related article: What Is Methamphetamine Addiction?

Damaging Effects of Using Meth

While researching how to stop methamphetamine addiction, note that its resultant energy surge is false. It gives you a temporary feeling of well-being, causing you to overexert your body. However, the continued use of this drug can result in a sudden crash or breakdown.

The continuous use of methamphetamine reduces the feeling of hunger. This ultimately results in a drastic weight loss. Also, meth can result in the sleep patterns of the individual. Other short-term effects that may result from the use of meth include;

hyperactivity
nausea
irritations
delusions of power
aggression
confusion
hallucinations
anxiety
paranoia

There are also some long-term irreversible effects that meth use can cause. Before getting to this stage, you should figure out how to stop using meth. At these irreversible stages, death can occur if you don’t take care. The long-term effects are;

Damage to your liver, lung, and kidney
Damage to the brain, which is similar to Alzheimer’s disease
Total and irreversible damage to the blood vessels of the brain and heart. This ultimately results in high blood pressure that leads to heart attack and death.
Destruction of tissues in the nose
The advent of infectious diseases
Damage to the respiratory system
The decay of the tooth
Confusion
Depression
Malnutrition
Psychosis

As scary as these effects sound, they are imminent for meth addicts. However, just like any other drug out there, there is a recovery process. As stated earlier, the tips for quitting methamphetamine addiction only works with your will. Hence, it would help if you were resolute on your decision to quit.

How to Stop Using Meth

Stopping the use of meth is known as withdrawal. It starts once you decide not to indulge in the substance again. There is no unique way to stop using the substance than to stop. However, it is a very uncomfortable process.

In most cases, addicts find themselves relapsing even when they don’t want to. That’s because of the nature of the drug. In this section, we explore everything to know on how to stop methamphetamine addiction.

The timespan of Meth withdrawal

According to experts, there are two significant phases of meth withdrawal. The very first of these stages takes about 24 hours from the moment of withdrawal. This stage is usually between the early 24 hours after using the meth. Once you get through this stage, it becomes less severe with time.

Different factors influence how severe meth withdrawal is. For instance, how long have you been using the substance? How much of it have you used over time? How dependent are you on the substance? The age of the individual also determines how adverse the symptoms will be.

The second stage of withdrawal symptoms lasts for about two to three weeks. In some cases, it can last for months. Withdrawal symptoms that last this long are known as post-acute withdrawal syndrome (PWAS).

Signs and symptoms of Meth withdrawal

Just like any other drug, the body reacts when you withdrawal the substance. These reactions differ in different people. However, some reactions are known to be common to meth withdrawals

Anxiety: This is the most common reaction from persons going through meth withdrawal. The rates are very high in individuals. This is because of the dependence the body now has on the substance.

Fatigue: The use of meth will cause you to feel surges of energy. Upon withdrawal, going back to the average energy level makes you very weak. You feel intense fatigue, and you feel like sleeping.

Depression: Depression is also common for people trying to get off meth. All things being equal, you should stop feeling this after the third week.

Psychosis: This is also possible, causing you to start seeing, hearing, or feeling things. It also occurs even when using the substance.

Meth cravings: During withdrawal, you are prone to longing so much for the substance. This craving can seem uncontrollable. This causes most people to relapse.

Increase in appetite for food: The use of meth always causes anorexia – loss of appetite – in persons. Hence, when you stop using the substance, you start to want more food. This improved appetite may last for up to three weeks.

All these may seem too much, leaving you to wonder how you’ll cope with meth withdrawal.

How to cope with meth removal symptoms

Coping is an essential factor in how to stop methamphetamine addiction. When you get your coping skills right, you can avoid (incessant) relapse. Here are some things you can do to cope

Exercising: When you exercise, it helps you cope with your anxiety.
Distract yourself: When you notice that your craving is getting intense, it is best that you find something doing that takes your time and effort.
Stay clear of triggers: Though this is near impossible, as much as you can, avoid situations that trigger your craving. You may need to change friends or the environment.
Eat Healthily: Healthy eating is perfect for you at this stage. Withdrawal restores your appetite, so eat well, moderately.

What are the Steps to Meth Addiction Recovery?

The journey on how to stop methamphetamine addiction is not an easy one. It’s a flurry of stages that requires different approaches and individuals. With the help of excellent medical personnel, you’ll be able to scale through.

Acceptance: This is the most crucial stage for any addiction. You need first to accept that you are addicted.

Intervention: This is a sensitive stage, and it requires a careful approach from friends and family. This stage is when friends and family try to get you into rehab.

The Program: There are two types of rehab programs you can take — either the inpatient or the outpatient. But the inpatient option is the best. Here, health professionals can easily control the conditions you are exposed to as you recover.

Detox: This is the stage where the substance is eradicated from the body.

Counselling and therapy: Once the removal symptoms are doused, counselling, and therapy sessions help you rest. These sessions focus on coping and how to deal with different trigger situations.

Support: This is a crucial step in how to stop methamphetamine addiction. This is because it aims to integrate you successfully back into everyday life. It can involve support groups or your friends and family.

FAQs on Meth Addiction

Here are answers to some questions you may have on meth addiction.

What is the effect of using meth and alcohol?

Using both substances separately comes with adverse effects. However, when you use both together, the results can be lethal.

How long does meth stay in the body?

After using meth, its effect can remain in the body for about 24 hours or more.

Can meth kill?

If you take meth at a very high dose, it can lead to high blood pressure and stroke. These can lead to death.

Final Take

There are different types of how to stop methamphetamine addiction. However, the best of them is that you should see a specialist. Once you start with the realization that you need help, seek it. Seeking timely help can help you recover before it gets too late.

Here at 1000 Islands Addiction Rehab & Treatment Centre, we can provide you with the tools and knowledge you need to achieve long term sobriety from meth addiction. Contact us today!

Tags Methamphetamine Addiction

Addiction Recovery

The Advantages of a Growth Mindset for Addiction Recovery

Post author By Addictions Learning Centre
Post date September 9, 2020
No Comments on The Advantages of a Growth Mindset for Addiction Recovery

In addiction recovery, your mindset plays a huge role in the overall outcome. Changing your attitude to promote a growth mindset for addiction recovery will boost your recovery process. Generally, most people often start their treatment at the lowest point of their lives. In such cases, it’s often difficult to understand how to stay sober for the long term.

But with a growth mindset, it is possible to enhance the efficiency of the addiction recovery process. You can gain invaluable insights into your problem if you can cultivate a growth mindset. Also, this will help you discover secret solutions you may not be aware of.

Furthermore, having a growth mindset involves commitment from the beginning of your recovery process. You must pay close attention to your attitude and thoughts if you don’t want to fall behind. If you stay consistent without giving up, you’ll defeat addiction in no time. This article will explain to you in detail how a growth mindset can help you beat addiction.

How Can I Develop a Growth Mindset for Addiction Recovery?

Generally, most people tend towards a growth mindset from the start. However, anyone can change their attitude in the face of a difficult task. So, here is how to develop a growth mindset that lasts through the process of addiction recovery:

Think about the past

Think of a time when you felt like changing your lifestyle or learning a new skill. Learning how to take shots, spin, play musical games can be easy. However, the experience is not as significant as the technique used in achieving your goal.

So, did you give up after your first failure? Absolutely no way! That, right there, is the growth mindset you need to beat addiction. You must always work on being a better person. When you fail once, you rise again and again! Eventually, you’ll succeed and thereby achieve your goal of staying sober.

Set short-term targets

Another approach on how to develop a growth mindset for addiction recovery is to set short-term targets. A short-term target will support your goal of staying sober in the long-term. You can set a short-term target of completing a month in-house care scheme, take yoga classes, write newsletters and more.

Connecting your primary goal of staying sober in continuous steps enables you to celebrate your achievement. Also, it prevents you from being overwhelmed by the task you need to overcome.

Look for a role model with an optimistic attitude

Having a role model who is sober and has experience overcoming triggers and resisting cravings can be a real boost for you. It gives you a continual reminder that soberness is attainable. Role models who are ready to share their success stories with you play a significant role in your recovery.

You get to stay optimistic that failing once doesn’t mean you can’t win again. Also, their experience can help set your mind on the right path, thereby helping you develop a growth mindset for addiction recovery. Having a role model is essential, but it is difficult to find one if you attempt addiction recovery alone.

This is why you need an addiction treatment centre in Canada. There, you can join group therapy sessions, undergo personalised treatments and even connect with a role model.

Benefits of a Growth Mindset for Addiction Recovery

Below everything else, addiction recovery is not just about avoiding alcohol and drugs. In addition, it’s about developing a better relationship with everyone around you.

Generally, we all worry about things too much. We have unrealistic views about others and many more. All of these have a way of meddling with our thoughts and mindset. However, a growth mindset can help you beat addiction and negative thoughts. Here are a few advantages of a growth mindset for addiction recovery:

It Helps Overcome Resistance to Change

When we talk about a growth mindset for addiction recovery, resistance to change, or treatment is a prevalent issue. Most people exhibit terminal uniqueness at some point, such as feeling different from others. Like you do not belong here or having the “I’m different from everyone here” feeling.

Usually, this originates from having the urge to shield your sense of identity from everyone. Like, everyone here is an addict while you’re someone who just hit a rocky patch. To change your mindset and participate fully, you need to admit that you’re ready for treatment.

However, this can be a significant problem, especially if you’re someone with a rigid mindset. This signifies that the type of foundation you’ve laid for yourself is faulty. Nevertheless, if you have a growth mindset, accepting the idea that you need help will be more acceptable.

It Helps You Discover New Possibilities

Another advantage of a growth mindset for addiction recovery is enhancing your thoughts to see new possibilities. Generally, imagining a better life can be difficult, especially when you’re considering your treatment options. Apparently, you’re at a low point. Else you wouldn’t be weighing a significant life change.

All of your future opportunities are as a result of your present concerns. This is often the truth, especially when you have a rigid mindset. Do you have questions like; How can I lead a better life when I can hardly get out of bed? How do I survive when I can’t go a day without alcohol or drugs? It’s an excellent question to ask, especially when you don’t consider the possibility of growth.

However, if you have a growth mindset, fantasizing about a better life is possible. Even when you’re not sure of it, you can easily hold on to the hope of a better post-recovery life.

Naturally, you may be conscious of the potential obstacles. Yet, you’ll have the courage to push further by reflecting on your past victories. Even if you cannot think of living a better life right now, you can always think of leading a better post-recovery life.

It Helps Turns Trials into Possibilities

Perhaps the key benefit of a growth mindset for addiction recovery is that it turns obstacles into possibilities. The complexities in addiction treatment are many. Indeed, each stage of detoxification, therapy, medication, or recovery plan possesses different challenges.

However, the concept of problems or challenges is entirely different if you have a growth attitude. You see them not as the rocks that sink your ships, but as a challenge that brings the best out of you. Generally, every challenge is a favourable circumstance to think about yourself. This is an opportunity to acquire new skills and increase your perseverance.

Every hurdle encountered during recovery is an opening for self-development. Also, it prepares you ahead for the challenges to come. Adopting a development approach is one of the easiest ways to make addiction treatment struggles more manageable. This reduces the fear of change, helps you to envision a better existence without drugs and alcohol, and makes each new challenge a chance to learn.

One of the benefits of a growth mindset for addiction recovery is being able to face challenges head-on. Also, it prepares you for the potential challenges you may encounter during your recovery. You become less fearful of change and more hopeful of a better life without alcohol and drugs. Finally, it makes each challenge another chance to learn more.

FAQs about Addiction Treatment and Recovery

Below are answers to some frequently asked questions about addiction treatment in Canada and the USA.

What is the quickest approach for drug detoxification?

Detoxification is the process of eliminating a substance from your body through solid waste and urine. Drinking plenty of water or sweating as a result of exercise is the quickest way of detoxification. Others include using a natural detox supplement, trying an infrared sauna remedy, and so on.

How long does the detox process take?

The detox process can extend up to three (3) months before attaining psychological balance. However, the utmost critical withdrawal signs occur between one (1) to three (3) days after quitting.

What is a suitable remedy for substance withdrawal?

Generally, anything that can eliminate the toxins in your body system is suitable for substance withdrawal. This includes exercise like yoga, sauna therapy, taking more water, and more.

What does substance withdrawal feel like?

The most prevalent addiction withdrawal symptoms are; sweating, headaches, depression, intense cravings, anxiety, and weight gain. However, quitting substance consumption is attainable.

Conclusion

Now that you have read about a growth mindset for addiction recovery, it’s time to put it into action. You need to apply what you’ve read above to your recovery plan to enhance it further.

Generally, a growth mindset says that everyone possesses the power to make a positive impact in life. So, someone with a positive attitude understands that they are capable of acquiring new skills.

Finally, the ticket to unlocking an excellent growth-oriented mindset is continually telling yourself that growth is achievable yet inevitable. That way, you can easily focus on your goal while paying attention to the process.

Here at 1000 Islands Addiction Rehab & Treatment Centre, we understand that being in the right state of mind can boost your recovery process. We see a growth mindset has a plausible way to sharpen your thoughts, discover your true self and passion. In addition to these, we offer first-class addiction treatment services for residents in Canada. To learn more about our services, contact us today!

Tags Addiction Recovery

Inhalants Addiction

What To Expect During Inhalant Withdrawal And Detox

Post author By Addictions Learning Centre
Post date September 9, 2020
No Comments on What To Expect During Inhalant Withdrawal And Detox

Inhalant withdrawal and detox is a complicated process. But it’s a crucial step in the path to recovery from inhalant addiction. If those at risk are not shown how to quit inhalant addiction, they are at a significant risk of becoming addicted to other, potentially more harmful substances at some point during their adulthood.

Substance abuse does not always start with an illegal street drug like cocaine or heroin, or with a prescription medication like an antidepressant or an opioid painkiller. Some substances of abuse are lurking in almost every home, masquerading as harmless everyday products.

Because these products are inexpensive, widely available, and can be purchased without restriction, they tend to be the number one choice for children and teens who are looking for an artificially induced escape from the stresses of their lives.

What Is An Inhalant?

Inhalants are substances often found in household products that vaporize at room temperature. When ingested, they generate effects similar to those produced by alcohol.

These effects are evident within a concise time of ingestion, and while they tend to be short-lived, they are intense enough for many users to seek more of the product immediately. Users can experience a variety of unpleasant and dangerous inhalant withdrawal symptoms, which makes it a difficult addiction to overcome.

What Substances Are Considered To Be Inhalants?

Almost all household cleaning products can be used as inhalants. The categories of inhalants are listed below, along with some examples.

Solvents: glue, nail polish and nail polish remover, felt-tip markers, lighter fluid, paint thinners, correction fluid
Gases: propane tanks, butane lighters, whipped cream dispensers, chloroform, freon
Aerosols: hair spray, aerosol deodorant, cooking spray, spray paint
Nitrites: room deodorizer, leather cleaner, liquid aroma, video head cleaner

What Are The Effects Of Inhalant Abuse?

For some people, the symptoms that come with inhalant withdrawal and detox can be a stumbling block to the process.

However, without inhalant addiction treatment, you are open to a host of side effects and unwanted health problems. These include:

Ingestion Dangers

Some of the dangerous effects of inhalants are related to the method of ingestion. These substances can be taken in a variety of ways.

Sniffing involves holding the substance near the nose and inhaling it. This can result in nasal damage resulting from chemical burns and inflammation.
Bagging is done by spraying an aerosol substance into a plastic bag and placing the bag over the mouth or the head. People who do this are at risk of oxygen deprivation and suffocation.
Huffing is when a rag is soaked in the substance and then placed over the nose or in the mouth. This method carries a high risk of suffocation and asphyxiation.

Substance Dangers

Like inhalant withdrawal symptoms, the effects of inhalants vary depending on what the substance is, as well as individual factors like age, existence of physical or mental health conditions, whether medications are being used, and how much of the substance is ingested and with what frequency.

Every use of inhalants can produce the following effects:

Impaired motor functioning, poor reflexes, and loss of coordination
Impaired judgment and a loss of self-control
Short-lived euphoria
A state of excitability
Slurred speech
Dizziness and lightheadedness
Hallucinations
Nausea and vomiting
Loss of consciousness
Heart failure that may lead to death

Regular long-term use of inhalants can result in damage to the liver and kidneys, sustained loss of coordination, neurological damage, behavioural problems, and brain damage.

What Is Inhalant Addiction Withdrawal?

Inhalant withdrawal symptoms are generally mild compared to withdrawal from other substances, but in some cases – mostly when the inhalants are used in conjunction with other substances like alcohol or marijuana – the person can be at risk of serious complications.

Inhalants produce effects of euphoria and confidence that, while being intense, are fairly short-lived. When these effects wear off, the user may feel the urge to use the substance again. The more they use it, the more they have to take to achieve the same effects. If at some point they decide to stop using inhalants, or if they are denied access to the substances, their body goes through withdrawal.

Some of the more common symptoms of inhalant withdrawal include the following:

Nausea and vomiting
Headaches and dizziness
Anxiety and depression
Symptoms of psychosis, such as delusions, paranoia and hallucinations
Insomnia
Rapid or irregular heartbeat
Irritability, agitation, outburst of anger, and rapid mood swings
Impaired memory and concentration
Hand tremors
Sweating significantly more than usual
In severe cases, seizures may occur

Inhalant Withdrawal Timeline: How Long is It?

In general, inhalant withdrawal symptoms appear within two days of the last use, and they last for up to one week. However, some individuals experience a phenomenon known as post-acute withdrawal syndrome, or PAWS. This is characterized by cravings, depression, and other psychological symptoms, and which can last for up to two years.

Inhalant withdrawal follows a timeline. Hence, symptoms appear at different points in time while the substance is working its way out of the system. The timetable differs slightly for everyone, based on factors like their age and physical sex, their medical history, what substances were used and in what quantities, and their body weight.

For most people, the inhalant withdrawal timeline looks something like this:

The first two days: Physical symptoms such as tremors, vomiting, sweating, and headaches occur. While psychological symptoms such as anxiety and cravings may also be present, this initial phase is dominated by the physical symptoms.
The first week: After about two days, the physical withdrawal symptoms start to fade, and psychological symptoms become prevalent. These include depression, anxiety and mood swings.
Second week and beyond: For several weeks, what symptoms remain will gradually fade until they are gone. For most individuals, this will take no more than about one month, but PAWS is a possibility that should be monitored for.

What Is Inhalant Detox?

Medical detox is a process whereby inhalant addicts are placed under the supervision of one or more medical professionals during withdrawal. The primary focus is to ensure that the individual is safe and as comfortable as possible while the substance is making its way out of the system, and to treat withdrawal symptoms if and when they arise. Medical detox serves several purposes:

Proper medical care, including nutrition, helps the individual’s body recover from the ravages of substance abuse
It gets the individual into a recovery frame of mind, allowing for a smooth transition into rehab
It protects the individual during a time when their risk of relapse is at its highest

Many inpatient addiction rehab centres have an on-site inhalant detox centre, which makes it easy for addiction rehab to begin as soon as the detox phase is over.

Inhalant Addiction Treatment

One of the tragedies about inhalant addiction is that it strikes people who are very young. In many cases, children and teenagers are driven to substance abuse by stressful circumstances in their lives, such as bullying, peer pressure, family difficulties and more. Unfortunately, not all young people have access to trusted adults who can help them through their troubles and guide them toward healthy coping mechanisms.

If children and teens are not shown how to quit inhalant addiction during their youth, they are susceptible to long-term addiction problems throughout their adult lives.

At 1000 Islands Addiction Rehab & Treatment Centre, we provide inpatient inhalant addiction treatment to people of all ages. Our treatment programs are customized to the individual, based on their unique needs and circumstances. We do not believe in treating the addiction: we treat the individual as a whole. We help them explore difficult areas of their lives. We help them discover new, healthier ways of coping with stress, and we set our clients up for a lifetime of happiness, success, and sobriety.

For more information about our addiction treatment services and how they can help you or your loved one overcome an addiction to inhalants, call us today at 855-601-0555.

Tags Inhalant Withdrawal And Detox

Sobriety

Top Sober Activities For The Weekend

Post author By Addictions Learning Centre
Post date September 9, 2020
No Comments on Top Sober Activities For The Weekend

Sobriety can be a lonely experience, especially if you are new to addiction recovery. Weekend guides do not include sections listing the top sober activities. On the contrary, we are encouraged to buy alcohol and seek our entertainment in places that place a strong focus on adult beverages.

Much of our social life centres around substance use. Not only is alcohol use socially acceptable, but it’s also expected in many circumstances. People who become intoxicated are seen as funny, confident and friendly. Those who turn down a drink are frequently ridiculed. With so much pressure to drink or have a puff of a joint in social settings, it may seem challenging to figure out how to have fun without alcohol and drugs.

What makes it even more difficult is that for people who are fresh out of rehab, unused expanses of time can be terrifying. Inpatient rehab is highly structured: every moment of the day is accounted for. Even your recreational time is carefully planned to harmonize with your time spent in therapeutic activities.

Now that you are home and in charge of your own timetable, weekends and evenings can seem overwhelming. And if one of your old friends knocks on your door and invites you to go out for “just one drink,” the temptation may seem overwhelming. By filling your time with activities that promote long-term sobriety, you can make it a lot easier on yourself.

What Are The Best Sober Activities For Me To Pursue?

Now that you are in recovery, your life is not going to look the same as it did when you were using drugs or alcohol. Like other elements of recovery, it will take a bit of time and effort for you to become accustomed to doing different things. But you could well find that before long, your new activities will be an essential part of your life.

Support Groups

Attending an Alcoholics Anonymous meeting may not, at first glance, sound like anyone’s idea of a good time. But some of the people at your support group meetings will become an essential part of your social life. This is why it’s one of our top sober activities for residents in Canada and the USA.

This is a setting where you can feel free to be yourself without fear of judgment from other people. Instead of mocking you, your support group friends will congratulate you for not drinking or using drugs.

Not only are support groups a necessary regular activity for many recovering addicts, but they can also be a great fall-back for those days when you need to do something with your time. Instead of accepting that invitation for a drink, why not go down to your nearest meeting where you will be safe while the craving passes?

Sports Teams

Physical exercise is one of the top sober activities for many recovering addicts. By joining a sports team, you can stay healthy and enjoy other benefits including the following:

You will meet a new group of people who have an interest in common with you
Team sports provide opportunities to build collaborative skills that can benefit you in other areas of your life
Team sports are goal-oriented: setting a goal and then attaining it are good for self-esteem
Your team will not win every game, and you will be able to learn from the losses and move on surrounded by supportive teammates
People who belong to sports teams generally follow a healthy lifestyle, and they are unlikely to pressure you into using alcohol or other substances

Classes

Have you always wanted to learn how to paint, sew or dance? Have you been meaning to brush up on your cooking skills or learn how to change a tire? Many community centres and adult learning institutes offer very good evening and weekend classes in a variety of skills.

Like sports teams, these classes offer the added benefit of putting you in contact with people who are interested in similar things to you. What makes this one of the top sober activities is that having regularly scheduled classes gives you a reason not to use drugs or alcohol. Making a commitment to show up for class is a great way to develop accountability – and you get to learn something new in the process.

Take A Drive With Loved Ones

If you are looking for worthwhile activities that promote long-term sobriety, time with loved ones is at the top of the list. There are many ways to do this: a picnic in the park with your children, a weekend in a country bed-and-breakfast with your spouse or partner, or simply a drive in the country. This is an option that works for everyone.

For those who like to plan, one of the top recommended sober activities is to book a party area in a park and organize a gathering for extended family and friends. Those who prefer to wing it can simply get into the car with their family, grab food at a drive-thru, and find a scenic place to eat.

Attend A College Sports Game

If you are a sports fan but you want to avoid mainstream arenas that sell beer, see what sporting events are happening at your local college.

The level of college gameplay is very high. Remember that the major sporting leagues get their new talent from colleges. But many college sports venues do not serve alcohol, so you can get the quality sporting event without the temptation.

Volunteer

Several studies conducted all over the world have shown that generosity is a predictor of happiness. This includes generosity of time. Those who volunteer for a good cause are more likely to have higher levels of self-esteem and contentment than those who don’t.

This is a great way for you to give back to your community. Working at a food bank or volunteering at a community fundraising event can go a long way to contributing to your healing. You can fill up your time, make the world a better place, and connect with some great people.

Enjoy Your Own Company

Being with people can make it easier for you to enjoy sober activities at night and over the weekend. However, you must learn how to value the time spent by yourself. Typically, time spent at an addiction treatment centre can equip you with the skills to enjoy time on your own. But, there’s more you can do.

Take up some hobbies you can do alone, such as writing, art, or playing the guitar. This builds peace within yourself, and it gives you a refuge in times of stress.

Other Tips For Making Weekends And Evenings Easier

Knowing how to have fun without alcohol and drugs is important. By following these tips, you can enhance your enjoyment and improve your chances of sobriety.

Avoid places that are centred around alcohol, such as bars, some restaurants, and casinos.
Where possible, avoid contact with people who are primarily a negative force in your life.
Have someone you can call who will “rescue” you from uncomfortable situations if needed.
If you are at a party, immediately get a non-alcoholic beverage. If people see you already holding a glass, they will not be inclined to offer you alcohol.
If someone at a gathering does press a drink on you, simply set it down and walk away.
Ask your loved ones to role play potentially awkward situations with you. Practice refusing a drink, arriving at a dinner party, and so on.
Set boundaries with your friends and family members. Let them know what you need – and what you don’t need – as you continue your recovery.

What To Do In The Event Of A Relapse

Every recovering addict is one incident of substance use away from a relapse. If it happens to you, simply pick yourself up and carry on with your recovery. Relapse does not mean you have failed. It does not mean your addiction treatment did not work. It is only a temporary setback, one that you can learn from.

Not everybody achieves lasting sobriety on their first try. There is no shame in returning to rehab if that is what you need. At 1000 Islands Addiction Rehab & Treatment Centre, we welcome anyone who needs help, whether it is their first, second or tenth time in rehab. Our customized addiction treatment program will help you get back on track. When you leave us, you will be stronger, and ready to enjoy some top sober activities without needing drugs or alcohol. To get started or learn more, call us at 855-601-0555.

Tags Sober Activities For The Weekend