No one in their right mind goes to rehab unless they are in some form of pain, suffering or legal trouble. Drug alcohol rehab programs can be seen as some sort of punishment or it can be viewed as a place to start a brand new way of life. By the time someone needs to go to a 30 day rehab treatment center, they have suffered some heavy loses of some form or another. So, at that point it is either rehab or more pain and ultimately death, jail or the loony bin. Compared to the alternatives, all of a sudden, rehab doesn’t look too bad.
Archive for September, 2009
Rehab is The Lesser of Two Evils
Monday, September 28th, 2009Non 12 Step Rehab Programs Fill an Important Need
Wednesday, September 23rd, 2009Very few people would argue the 12 steps work. However, like anything else, it does not work for everyone. For some addicts and alcoholics have tried the 12 steps one or more times, unsuccessfully. Others simply refuse to conform to the idea of admitting powerless and incorporating God into their recovery. For these people, non 12 step programs offer a viable alternative. Non 12 step treatment centers and aftercare groups, such as SMART recovery, fill a very important need for people who want another way to stay clean and sober.
Alcohol and Drug Abuse is a Family Problem
Tuesday, September 22nd, 2009We are not talking about the genetic aspect of alcoholism or drug addiction. Alcohol and drug abuse is a family problem because and addict or alcoholic has a deep and profound effect on every member of their family. All families has a unique dynamic, based on the individual characteristics of each member. when one member is an active alcoholic or drug addict the whole structural balance is upset. The health and continuity is under pressure. Some of the family members do not want to confront the problem for fear of the consequences. Others are angered by the injustice of it all. The only way to put the family back in balance is to get the person to agree to get help.
Addicted or Not Addicted
Monday, September 21st, 2009At what point does someone cross the line between casual, recreational drug use and being addicted? The answer isn’t as difficult to determine as some people might think. Addiction is generally defined by the obsession for the particular drug of choice. What that means is if someone can take the drug or leave it alone, chances are you are not addicted to it. If a person can go for long periods of time, let’s say months rather than weeks, and not think or crave using it, you are probably not addicted. Addiction is a form of domination and priority. When using any drug becomes a priority and it predominates and permeates the core and fabric of the person’s activities, you have crossed the line and should seek help.
Why Most Do Not Make It In Addiction Recovery
Saturday, September 19th, 2009The statistics are grim. Something like 95% of all drug addicts are unsuccessful in addiction recovery. With the stakes so high why in the world is it so hard to stop and stay stopped from drug abuse? I mean let us face facts. Michael Jackson is certainly a high profile example of what happens to someone who choices to keep using. The primary reason so many poor souls never make it in recovery is it is not easy. Someone has to change everything in their life. Addiction recovery demands a 110% commitment to completely rebuilding your life. New friends, new things to do and cleaning up your history. It really boils down to how badly do you want to live. Start on the road to recovery in drug treatment rehab
Treatment for Drug Alcohol Abuse Does Work
Friday, September 18th, 2009Contrary to popular notions, drug and alcohol treatment works. Drug and or alcohol abuse is a form of self medication for underlying psychological issues. In some cases, these psychological concerns have been correctly diagnosed. Most times they are not. Treatment, whether it is done on an outpatient or inpatient basis, can be very effective, depending on a variety of factors. What we are really dealing with here is a form of mental illness. And coping with mental illness requires proper diagnosis, therapy and changes in thoughts and behaviors. Treatment for drug and alcohol abuse does work. It is a continuing process which takes time, effort and a willingness to accept its imperfections.