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5 Surprising Ways You May be Enabling an Addict Without Meaning To

Enabling an addict means removing the natural consequences of an addict’s behavior. Most people equate this with unintentionally helping them stay addicted, actions like repeatedly bailing their loved ones out of jail or handing them cash. But if you’re helping your loved ones in other ways, you may be indirectly enabling them without realizing it. Here are some signs that your attempts to “help” are causing more harm than good and what you can do about it.

1. You Lie to Protect the Addict

It’s common for family and friends of addicts to lie for their loved ones because they believe they’re buying their loved one some time to get their act together. Family will call in sick on their loved one’s behalf, for example, reasoning that “he messed up, but he doesn’t deserve to lose his job over it.” This behavior, however well meaning, only enables the addict to continue using. Instead of getting written up or fired from his job for not showing up, the addict now has a reprieve from the natural consequences of his or her behavior. This prolongs the disease and delays the recovery process.

2. You make excuses for the addict’s behavior

This is a tricky enabling behavior because the symptoms and causes of addiction aren’t always cut and dry. It can be hard to say, in certain cases, that your loved one absolutely has an addiction. This can cause doubt and a gray area that can cause friends and family members to question their instincts. He’s just gong through a rough time, they’ll tell others and themselves. He’s been acting different but he swears he hasn’t relapsed. He says its just stress.

3. You avoid confronting the addict about their addiction

Confronting an addict isn’t easy. Those with a substance abuse disorder are often in denial about their addiction and will react defensively, lashing back at their accusers in angry and hurtful ways. But by avoiding potentially uncomfortable conversations, you’re ensuring the addict continues on the same destructive path. If you love or care for this person, speak up to him about it, no matter how difficult or painful having that conversation may be.

4. You think your loved one is “just going through a phase”

Addiction isn’t a phase; it’s a life-long disease that can only be managed through abstinence from drugs and alcohol. Once someone has made the transition from a “recreational” drinker/user to someone who is physically, mentally and emotionally dependent on the substance (or substances), there is no going back. There is no cure.

5. You think the addiction will go away on its own

Like most diseases, addiction does not go away without proper treatment. In fact, if it’s not addressed and interrupted, it’ll likely only worsen. Although confronting the problem head on and forcing your loved one to attend 12-step meetings or check into a drug or alcohol rehab can be emotionally, financially and logistically difficult, doing nothing and hoping the problem will resolve itself is wishful thinking.

5 Surprising Ways You May be Enabling an Addict Without Meaning To was originally published on Discovery Transitions

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How to See a Relapse From a Mile Away (And How to Prevent It)

When you are fresh out of rehab, you might feel so good that you are ready to take on anything the universe has planned for your new sober life but this is the time that you need to be on high alert for signs of a relapse. The danger of relapse is very real and though it is most common for it to happen in the first few months of recovery, it is important to recognize the signs that can arise at any time and also to bear in mind that it is preventable. These signs can help you spot a potential relapse before it’s too late.

Signs of a Potential Relapse

Avoiding Support From Family and Friends

A person who is about to relapse will avoid family and those who have hoped for their sobriety for so long. This is usually because of shame, embarrassment, and also because they may think that you are better off without them around.

Reconnecting with Old Friends

Another warning sign of relapse is if the person goes back to spending time with their drug-abusing friends and acquaintances. These are people who they will feel understand them and their addiction to alcohol or drugs a lot better than you or other loved one’s would. They want to be around people who, in their minds, don’t judge them for what they feel they need to do.

Quitting Meetings

A person about to relapse will also quit going to support group meetings and therapy sessions, all in an effort to hide what they are really thinking about doing.

Daydreaming About Drugs or Alcohol

Like a bad romantic relationship, it can be so easy for those that are recovering from alcohol abuse or drug abuse to only remember the good times during their addiction. The parties and the fun were good but at some point it stops being fun.

Believing You Can Use With No Problems

Often times when you are recovering from alcohol abuse or drug abuse, you may feel the urge to use recreationally. Those who are strong in their recovery, know that “just one drink” or “just one time” isn’t the way it works. As an addict, you are bound to return again and again until you are right back where you started.

If you suspect that you are heading down a path of drug or alcohol abuse again, you should try and get help right away. If you have relapsed and you are wondering what to do next, reach out by calling Discovery Transitions today at 866.916.3211 .

How to See a Relapse From a Mile Away (And How to Prevent It) was originally published on Discovery Transitions

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7 Warning Signs to Tell If Your Child Is Using Drugs

Teenagers are known for sometimes being surly, distant, and secretive. As a parent, do you know how to tell when your teen is just acting like… well, a teen, and when their behavior is a sign of a bigger problem?

Do you know how to tell if your child is using drugs? 

After all, 50 percent of high school students have tried marijuana, and 20 percent of high school seniors admit to having taken prescription medications without a prescription. It will surely shock you to know that that American Association of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends substance abuse screening beginning at the tender age of nine!

We don’t offer these statistics to scare you, but rather to get your attention. Now that we have it, stick with us. You’re about to learn the seven most common signs of teen drug abuse. 

How to Tell if Your Child is Using Drugs: Early Warning Signs

While you could confront your child, dig through their room looking for evidence, or insist that they take a drug test, these behaviors can actually cause more harm than good.

Before taking these drastic measures based on a hunch, you’ll want to make sure you have a solid reason to think your child has a drug issue. If you’re still concerned after reading these seven warning signs, you’ll want to explore treatment options and then carefully start a conversation with your teen. 

1. Behavioral Changes

As children make the shift from adolescence towards adulthood, they’re bound to display some behavioral changes. While many times this is perfectly natural, the following behaviors might indicate a need for concern:

Significant increase in arguments with siblings

Frequently lashing out in anger

Disappearing for hours or even days

Constantly asking for money

Driving recklessly

Stealing

Hanging out with a new group of friends

Locking doors, sneaking around and avoiding eye contact

Incessant sniffling, fidgeting, or erratic behavior

Very fast or significantly slow speech or slurring

Drastic changes in appetite

Lack of coordination, stumbling, balance problems

While some of these behaviors might just be a part of typical teenage defiance, most of them are a definite cause for further investigation.

2. Mood Shifts

As hormones change, most teenagers deal with a wide range of emotions that they sometimes struggle to reign in. However, when paired with drug or alcohol abuse, these peaks and valleys are very magnified.

A child who’s frequently depressed could be struggling with a mental illness or abusing drugs. On the other end of the spectrum, frequent excitability and restlessness could also indicate a problem.

Moods shifts are to be expected and aren’t always cause for concern. However, you’ll want to pay close attention if they’re extreme and occur in addition to several of the other warning signs listed.

3. Changes in Personal Appearance

When drugs take hold, addicts often neglect their personal appearance and hygiene. If your child has suddenly stopped showering and started neglecting to do basic things like combing their hair and brushing their teeth, you might want to take a closer look at what’s going on with them.

Your teen might also start showing up with unexplained bumps, scrapes, and bruises that happened while under the influence. He or she might have bloodshot eyes, a red, flushed face, and wear long-sleeved shirts even when it’s hot outside. On the other hand, if your teen starts chewing gum, using mouthwash, and wearing a lot of perfume or body spray, it might be an attempt to cover up the smell of alcohol or marijuana.  

4. Problems at School or Work

Teens on drugs often start to slack on their school work. You’re likely to start getting calls from teachers or the principal and might see a significant decrease in grades.

Arguments with other students, physical confrontations, and skipping school are all warning signs that something is going on. Calling in sick to work, not showing up, or getting fired are also red flags. Whether the issue is drugs or something else, these are behaviors that you’ll definitely want to address right away.

5. Health Issues

Drug use creates an array of health issues in both teens and adults. Some issues you might recognize include:

Frequent bloody noses

Runny nose not caused by a cold

Lethargy

Headaches

Vomiting

Sweatiness

Shaking or tremors

Constant lip-licking

If your child is displaying any of these physical symptoms, insist on a doctor visit. You might mention your concerns to the doctor before the appointment and then let him or her assess whether there’s cause for worry.

6. Secretive Acts

All teens crave privacy, but there’s a fine line between wanting to be independent and blatant secrecy. If your child is taking mysterious calls, constantly hiding behind closed doors, and refusing to tell you where they’re going and what they’re doing, these could all indicate a more serious issue.

7. Evidence Around the Home

Take a close look around your home for items of concern. This could include paraphernalia, wrappers, foil, and rolling papers.

You’ll also want to look around your home to make sure nothing is missing. Check your medicine cabinets and liquor cabinets to confirm that nothing is missing. If you’re concerned that there might be an issue, consider locking up alcohol and prescription medications or just taking them out of your home.

Remember that drug and alcohol addiction is a disease, and a child who’s suffering needs help. If you have a family history of substance abuse, your child is also more vulnerable. This means you’ll need to keep your eyes and ears open and avoid the trap of denial.

Are You Concerned About Your Child? Take Action Today!

Now that you understand how to tell if your child is using drugs, it’s time to take action. Start by learning more about the family’s role in addiction recovery then give us a call at 866.916.3211 to talk to one of our addiction specialists.

Addiction is a serious problem, but you don’t have to confront it alone. Don’t wait any longer, reach out to us today.

7 Warning Signs to Tell If Your Child Is Using Drugs was originally published on Discovery Transitions

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Physical and Behavioral: Types of Addiction

When you think of addiction, the first thing that comes to mind is physical addiction, or the destructive habit of using drugs and other illicit substances. However, addiction goes far beyond the physical aspect of the term.

In fact, addiction is just as individual as the person and can be associated with almost anything on earth. From common habits to strange compulsions, this mental disorder can take the form of many things that you wouldn’t expect.

The one thing that is common for all types of addiction is an underlying compulsiveness that drives the addiction and can easily grow out of control. It’s important to recognize both types of addiction in order to know what to look out for.

What Causes Addiction?

Addiction is a complicated condition characterized by the compulsive use of harmful substances or repeatedly engaging in harmful patterns of behavior, despite full knowledge that the substance or behavior is yielding negative results. Since people should inherently be doing things in the best interests of their health and life, such detrimental compulsions are counter-intuitive, to say the least.

Addiction can be defined as a disease of the brain, caused by a compulsion that causes the person to be irresistibly drawn to that particular substance of choice or behavioral pattern. This intense focus causes the person to repeat the same patterns over and over, even though they know it is causing harm. There are multiple different types of addiction, as well as varying levels of severity in these compulsions.

Types of Addiction

There are two main types of addiction that are recognized in psychology today: substance addictions and behavioral addictions. Both involve the same compulsive mental patterns; what varies is the object of the addiction.

Within these two main types of addiction, there are almost endless varieties and objects that make them up. They involve different levels of severity under the same basic mental patterns. In fact, it’s possible for a person to be addicted to just about anything you can think of. 

Physical/Substance Addictions

The most common associations with addiction involve the use of illegal drugs and other harmful or illicit substances. This is classified as a “physical” addiction, as it involves using substances that create physical effects on the user. These types of addiction involve a person compulsively using a substance out of habit, even though many of them are incredibly dangerous and possibly fatal.

Oftentimes, the addiction begins innocently enough. The user is curious about the effects of a drug or illicit substance, as it often has pleasurable effects. The substances create a “high” feeling, a euphoric effect often caused by a rush of dopamine to the brain.

However, as they begin to use the substance more frequently, the user begins to develop a dependency on the drug. They also develop a tolerance to it that means they need more and more in order to achieve the same pleasurable results. Soon, they lose themselves in the habit and it grows into a harmful addiction that becomes worse every day.

Substance addictions are the more fatal of the two types of addiction. This is because many of these substances can lead to fatal overdoses as addicts increase their levels to chase a more intense high. In fact, drug overdoses are responsible for roughly 70 million deaths per year, all stemming from the same initial patterns of addiction. 

Here are some of the most common substances found in substance addictions:

Alcohol

Amphetamines

Benzodiazepine

Cannabis

Cocaine

Hallucinogens

Inhalants (like “whip-it’s” and industrial chemicals)

Opioids (heroin)

PCP (Acid)

Prescription drugs

Prescription painkillers (codeine)

Tobacco

Other illicit substances (lab-produced drugs, etc.)

Just like other diseases, some individuals may be more prone to addictive habits than others. Genetics can sometimes play a role too, especially in cases of alcohol addiction. 

Behavioral Addictions

Although these types of addiction aren’t talked about as much, behavioral addictions can be just as intense as physical or “substance” addictions. The mental pattern is essentially the same, however, the addict replaces the use of a drug or illicit substance with a compulsive pattern of behavior. In many cases, this behavior has very harmful effects on the addict’s life, but they are unable or unwilling to stop.

Unlike physical types of addiction, behavioral addictions are more open-ended. While there are some common ones, such as gambling or nail-biting, they can involve nearly any strange pattern of behavior you can think of.

Here are some of the most common behavioral addictions:

Cutting/Self-Harm

Exercise

Eating disorders

Gambling

Hand-washing

Nail-biting

Pornography

Sex

Video Games/Computer Activity

Working

While these are some of the more common examples, people can become addicted to almost any behavior. Some of the oddest ones, such as eating rocks and collecting inflatable toys, have even been televised in pop culture.

However, despite how strange some of them may seem, behavioral addictions should be taken seriously and require treatment in many cases. Despite what some may think, these behavioral patterns are caused by more than just negative personality traits.

Aside from eating disorders, behavioral types of addiction generally aren’t as harmful on the person’s physical health. However, they can be damaging in their own way and should not be ignored or dismissed.

Find Your Recovery Path

Despite the varying components of physical and behavioral addictions, both of these types of addiction can negatively affect your quality of life. Although they involve different objects, they both stem from the same self-destructive compulsions that can be difficult to overcome alone.

If you or someone you know is struggling with addiction, help is out there. By seeking treatment, you can finally let go and regain control over your life.

Contact us today to get set up with a rehab program that really works.

Physical and Behavioral: Types of Addiction was originally published on Discovery Transitions

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5 Everyday Things to Help Your Recovery from Alcohol Addiction

A common misconception that a lot of people have in regards to recovery from alcohol addiction, is that you go to rehab, you get better, and then you move on with your life. In a majority of cases, however, in order to maintain your sobriety you have to work at it every day, even after you’ve completed alcohol addiction treatment. The simplest way to do this is to have an aftercare relapse prevention plan in place. It is also vital to your recovery to work the steps or do things every day that will help keep you on your path of recovery and ensure long-term sobriety. Here are five things you can do to elevate your recovery.

What to do to Aid Your Recovery from Alcohol Addiction

1. Start Your Day with Something That Inspires You Wake yourself up in the morning by doing something that makes you feel like your best self. Yoga, meditation, or even sipping a cup of coffee while you catch up on the news gives you a little time to yourself to be mindful and will fill you up with positive intention to last all day long.

2. Fuel Your Body with Wholesome Foods Especially in early recovery, your odd food cravings are going to be off the charts. Alcohol addiction, and more specifically addiction withdrawal, has adverse effects on your mind, spirit, as well as your body. Throughout your entire alcohol addiction recovery, it is so important to fuel your body with wholesome and healthy foods in order to help your physical body recover as close to its original state as you can.

3. Get High in Other Ways Just because you are sober doesn’t mean there aren’t other ways to “get high.” The feelings that you get from using drugs or drinking alcohol have long been associated with feelings of happiness, bliss, euphoria BUT participating in addictive behaviors is not the only way to feel these awesome feelings. Things like running, yoga, meditation, or being creative can give similar feelings and are much healthier positive alternatives.

4. Build a Strong Addiction Support System Befriending people who also have the disease of addiction/alcoholism has to become a priority in sobriety. After all, we need a sponsor to work us through the steps. We need to be around other addicts and alcoholics who understand us – people who can help us maneuver this beautiful experience called life. By connecting with people who operate in a dimension of life that doesn’t include drugs and alcohol, you can stay sober.

5. Live Your Purpose We’ve all pondered the meaning of life and finding your purpose or mission is possibly one of the most gratifying things you can do. Doing all of the above can help you figure out what exactly it is but if you are still not sure what your purpose is, don’t worry. Work toward it each day and keep on going.

5 Everyday Things to Help Your Recovery from Alcohol Addiction was originally published on Discovery Transitions

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How to Speak to Your Family About Your Addiction Recovery

It can make a difference for your addiction recovery when you speak to your family first. Your family can support you. They will be informed about your health and learn about addiction recovery. They can benefit from attending family programs if provided by your recovery center. Or they can join Al-Anon and learn from other members whose situations closely resemble theirs. “Family and friends can play critical roles … Involvement of a family member or significant other in an individual’s treatment program can strengthen and extend treatment benefits.”

Don’t be surprised if they tell you they have been concerned about you for some time. Your family will be relieved and grateful you are ready to seek treatment. It’s important for them to know that attending meetings daily can save your life. Your nearest and dearest have been missing your company for some time and now that you are clean, they may expect you home every night.

Suggest that they read The Family Afterward chapter in the Big Book of Alcoholics Anonymous for examples of family support and understanding in different situations. Point out p.137: “The family must realize that dad, though marvelously improved, is still convalescing. They should be thankful he is sober and able to be of this world once more. Let them praise his progress. Let them remember that his drinking wrought all kinds of damage that may take long to repair. If they sense these things, they will not take so seriously his periods of crankiness, depression, or apathy, which will disappear when there is tolerance, love, and spiritual understanding.”

Explain what you need to your loved ones and they won’t have to wonder or be afraid to upset you and cause you to relapse. You can assure them that you will have new friends looking out for you, giving you rides home from meetings and staying out late with you to talk or share a late-night snack. Miracles happen every day in addiction recovery.

To learn more about Discovery Transitions drug treatment programs and treatment center, contacts us today or call 844.241.8276.

How to Speak to Your Family About Your Addiction Recovery was originally published on Discovery Transitions

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4 Ways to Find Support in Recovery (When Your Family is MIA)

One of the most important factors in staying sober is support in addiction recovery.  Support helps to cement the ideas and values that we hold and acts as a safety net, helping to ensure that addicts don’t fall back into old patterns. Unfortunately, some people in recovery don’t get the support they need from an important source – their families.  Even after they’ve explained why it’s important that they stay sober, and need their support, some families may not grasp the importance of encouraging a recovering addict not to stray from their new lifestyle.  We shouldn’t dwell on the support we’re not receiving but instead, we should focus more on the positive energy and support we are receiving from other groups or individuals in our lives.

1. Find Support from Your Friends

The next logical step of support outside of our families is our friends who may even be closer to us than our own families.  We can use the support of our friends to discuss more personal problems we’ve been having.  Getting these thoughts off of our minds can make recovery as a whole much easier.  Our friends can offer a more relaxed, less stressful support  because they know more about us than anyone else.  Just being in the company of friends may be enough support to help an addict from destroying all they’ve worked for.

2. Find Support from Your Sponsor

If you don’t have a sponsor, that’s okay.  Some people find sponsors more useful than others.  In this situation, when you are looking outward for other means of support, we’d recommend looking into getting a sponsor.  How do you get a sponsor?  Just ask.  Many ex-addicts who have been sober for a long period of time after completing recovery are very receptive to being a sponsor.  A sponsor can aid in giving suggestions that worked for them while they were finishing their recovery and a sponsor’s tales of recovery may provide us with the support we need.

3. Find Support in Addiction Recovery Support Groups

An obvious choice for alternate support for your sobriety is a sober support group.  With 23.5 million people in the United States who need treatment for addiction of some sort, you best believe there are lots of support groups all over the country.  There are even online support groups  so you can always be connected to other individuals who are also struggling with the same problems as you.  Support groups are great for getting a narrative started, and sharing ideas and thoughts that benefit the entire group.  Having the support of multiple people really can assist in staying sober as you are able to rely on these people as you are racing towards a shared goal as a team.

4. Find Support from Other Recovering Addicts

Sometimes the best people to talk to are the people who understand exactly what you’ve been going through.  One on one conversations with other addicts in recovery can be a great resource because they understand why staying sober is so important, and can be a great outlet for stress.  In addition, you may be able to help and support them in their efforts to stay sober and reach long-term recovery.  The sharing of knowledge is an important variable in staying sober.  Sharing accomplishments between each other is another great way of maintaining a sober lifestyle.

In the end, you may find that these support channels are in fact better than those that weren’t backing up your lifestyle.  Remember, no matter what, here at Discovery Transitions, we can help you in staying sober. If you or your loved one need additional tips or information on resources available to build a strong support system, call Discovery Transitions today at 844.241.8276.

4 Ways to Find Support in Recovery (When Your Family is MIA) was originally published on Discovery Transitions

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What You Should Know About Sober Coaches vs. Sponsors

Do you know the difference between sober coaches and sponsors? You survived detox and then spent a couple of months in residential rehab, went through transitional living and lived in a sober house for a while before moving into your own home. You have a sponsor, a therapist and go to 12-step meetings. So, why do you need a sober coach or sponsor to keep you drug-free?

The early days of addiction recovery, especially for those experiencing the process for the first time, can be both physically and mentally painful. It is one of the greatest challenges you will have to overcome in life. A sober companion or sober coach provides one-on-one assistance to those new to recovery to help the client maintain total abstinence from alcohol and drugs and to establish healthy routines outside of a residential rehab treatment facility.

In short, the primary duty of a sober coach is to ensure the recovering addict does not relapse. That’s a tall order for anyone, but sober coaches and companions are usually long-term recovered alcoholics and addicts whose recovery is characterized by a healthy, sober lifestyle and who are often actively participating in 12-step based recovery programs. They are men and women who have been where you are, felt what you feel and have found relief and strength in overcoming addiction.

What is the Difference Between Sober Coaches and Sober Companions?

A sober coach is not the same as a 12-step sponsor. In fact, some sober living coaches do not support the twelve step process and use alternative methods. A coach will be on call 24/7 for counseling as well as be available for daily or weekly coaching calls or face-to-face meetings. They will help build your self-esteem, empower you, help you to set goals, work with you and your support team on their plan of recovery and connect you with resources that will aid in your recovery process.

In addition, sober coaches help their clients build life skills that can change the way they handle stress, sadness, and disappointment. Dealing with emotions and negative thoughts can be hard for so many in recovery, but sober coaches work to build upon the strength you gained in detox. Once the path to sobriety has begun, the sober coach will keep you steadily moving towards lifelong sobriety.

A Sober Companion stays by the client’s side for an allotted period of time, such as flying with them from their recovery facility to their home state in what is often referred to as “safe passage” or it may entail accompanying the client to a function. Some recovering addicts have a sober companion live with them and attend to them on a daily basis. Every situation and every recovery path is different; together the client and service provider decide on the best course of action.

In addition to accompanying you, the companion will assure that you are always in a drug- or alcohol-free environment. They might act as your driver and will often act as a sober coach.

Ideally, a companion’s presence in the client’s life will decrease as the client’s ability to confront family, work, and legal issues without relapse is proven. Some providers stay with their clients for many months and some offer only transportation services (for instance, to and from treatment facilities or sober living homes). The sober companion’s duties can encompass a wide variety of drug recovery services, from simply ensuring the client remains abstinent to acting as a resource in the client’s home community.

Do you feel that having a sober coach or sober companion is a necessary step to long-term recovery? Do you or a loved one have experience with a sober coach or sober companion? Please share with us on Facebook or Twitter @TDHRehab #SoberCoach.

What You Should Know About Sober Coaches vs. Sponsors was originally published on Discovery Transitions

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How to Support a Loved One's Addiction Recovery

SAMHSA, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, defines addiction recovery as “a process of change through which individuals improve their health and wellness, live self-directed lives and strive to reach their full potential.”

Today, when individuals with substance use disorders seek help, they are met with the knowledge and confidence that anyone can recover successfully. According to SAMHSA, “Hope, the belief that the challenges and conditions of alcohol and drug dependency can be overcome, is the foundation of recovery. A person’s recovery,” they say, “is built on their strengths, talents, coping abilities, resources, and innate values. It is holistic, addresses the whole person and their community and is supported by peers, friends and family members.”

Peer support is available through sober organizations, such as Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous. Regular attendance at group meetings reinforces the recovering addict’s resolve to live a sober life. If the recovering individual has received addiction treatment through an outpatient or inpatient residential program they will greatly benefit from participation in the center’s alumni program for further peer support.

Some addicts find the type of support they can get in very specific 12-step groups is more beneficial whereas other addicts gain the help they need from more general groups. It is also valuable for family members and friends of alcoholics and drug addicts to join Al-Anon and Nar-Anon to find understanding and support for themselves.

Minimizing Temptation in Addiction Recovery

One of the most important things that a family needs to be aware of when living with a recovering addict or alcoholic is the importance of family members maintaining an alcohol- or drug-free and sober lifestyle. Any individual in recovery would find it difficult to remain sober and clean if family members keep drugs or alcohol around the home. For recovery to work, the entire family must be committed to it. Ideally, a home should be completely emptied of any substances that could be intoxicating. If the family has always kept alcohol or other substances on hand for social events or special occasions, it is important to keep in mind that it may be necessary for everyone to institute a lifestyle change to support a loved one during recovery.

NCADD, the National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence has developed a list of things one doesn’t want to do when a friend or family member is struggling to maintain their sobriety: • Don’t lecture, threaten, bribe, preach or moralize. • Avoid emotional appeals that may only increase feelings of guilt and the compulsion to drink or use other drugs. • Don’t cover up, lie or make excuses for them and their behavior. • Don’t assume their responsibilities. Taking over their responsibilities protects them from the consequences of their behavior. • Don’t feel guilty or responsible for their behavior.

NCADD also compiled a list of some positive suggestions for helping a loved one in their recovery: • Learn as much as possible about alcoholism and drug dependence. • Speak up and offer support. • Express love and concern. • Don’t expect the person to stop permanently without help. • Support recovery as an ongoing process. When a friend or family member is in recovery, their loved ones must remain involved and support their participation in continuing care, meetings, and recovery support groups.

When Relapse Happens in Addiction Recovery

Seeing a loved one return to drugs or alcohol during or after addiction treatment can be devastating to family and friends. Naturally, they want to help support the family member or friend with the addiction so they can regain their health and get back to life as it once was. Friends may feel like they would do anything to help their loved one get back on their feet, but experts say that’s not what’s best for addicts.

According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, drug addiction is, in many ways, like other chronic illnesses that often require more than one round of therapy. Just because addicts relapse and may need another course of treatment doesn’t mean that their treatment has been unsuccessful or that they won’t be able to stay clean in the long run.

Making the relapsed addict feel guilty is not helpful. It’s important to have a positive outlook, for both the family member’s sake and the sake of their loved one. Even though a relapse is not the outcome everyone was hoping for, a return to addiction treatment can be very helpful for the relapsed individual who could, eventually, live a drug-free life.

Do you agree that support is crucial to long-term recovery? Do you or a loved one have experience supporting a recovering drug addict or alcoholic? Please share with us on Facebook or Twitter #Addiction.

How to Support a Loved One’s Addiction Recovery was originally published on Discovery Transitions

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Are You Unknowingly Putting Your Sobriety at Risk?

You’ve been out of addiction treatment for a little while and feel pretty confident that you are going to be able to live a sober life from now on. You’ve listened to your counselors, therapists, and sponsors and have purged your life of the people that you had been doing drugs or drinking with. But, could there be other ways that you are unknowingly putting your sobriety at risk?

Your new friends are really nice and none of them do drugs, but they do go out to bars and clubs and have drinks. They are all really supportive and want you to stay healthy. They aren’t going to try to influence you to use or drink, but they aren’t totally teetotalers themselves. Even if these new people in your life have good intentions, seeing them having fun and partying may be an added temptation that could lead you down the wrong path.

Building a new life is not an easy thing. You will often have to deal with the leftover problems from your past and may suffer mood swings, up and downs or depression in the course of sobriety. But then so do non-alcoholic people. Like them, however, you cannot drink/use whatever the situation. By remaining sober, a new clean and rewarding life will gradually emerge. But that doesn’t mean it will be without problems and tragedies as well as great moments and good times.

Avoiding Relapse

Relapse is the return to alcohol or drug use after an individual acknowledges the presence of addictive disease, recognizes the need for total abstinence and makes a decision to maintain sobriety with the assistance of a recovery program. People who successfully complete a formal treatment program, such as an inpatient program or an intensive outpatient program at The Discovery House, have significantly higher recovery rates than those who do not.

Relapse is not uncommon in early recovery because individuals are learning what changes they must make to live a sober life. The relapse can be a learning experience in how to develop better coping skills and get through difficult experiences without the use of alcohol or drugs.

Over time, this lifestyle becomes a way of life and concerns about relapse fade. If you are successful in the eyes of the world, it is easy to become complacent. You may become less rigorous about applying all the coping skills you developed when you first learned how to live a sober life. Then, when stress levels increase or conflicts arise as they do even in normal lives, your altered brain remembers what takes away those feelings immediately and effectively. So you pick up the drink or the drugs, and everyone wonders how this could have happened.

Complacency can set in when life is going well. Individuals in recovery sometimes believe that they no longer need to focus on their recovery efforts; they are convinced they will never drink or use drugs again. When drinking is the furthest thing from someone’s mind, then not drinking is no longer a conscious thought, either. It can be dangerous to lose sight of the principles of recovery when everything is going well.

Pay Attention to the Warning Signs

Warning signs of relapse change with more recovery. Some of the typical warning signs of a looming relapse in early recovery may be having a denial of your addiction or physical and emotional craving and euphoric recall (remembering only the positive experiences of previous alcohol and/or drug use). There is also the tendency to focus on the negative aspects of life without alcohol or drugs and failing to see the improvements that have come with abstinence.

Frequent AA or NA meetings must remain an important part of your life. This is where you made the friends who helped you through the difficult times in your recovery. It continues to be the place you can turn to when the going gets rough or when you simply need to talk to someone who will really understand. Without recovering people in your life with whom you can share your struggles and successes, it can become too easy to forget the addiction that once was active and the recovery that makes it possible to live a happy and successful life.

What lifestyle changes do you think are crucial to long-term recovery? Do you or a loved one have experience with the demands of sobriety? Please share with us on Facebook or Twitter  #SoberLiving.

Are You Unknowingly Putting Your Sobriety at Risk? was originally published on Discovery Transitions

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Battling Addiction: Outpatient vs Inpatient Treatment

Addiction treatment centers offer various types of drug recovery therapies that include outpatient vs inpatient treatment services. The nature of an individual’s drug dependence and circumstances helps addiction specialists determine what type of treatment is best for them. Inpatient drug rehab requires that patients remain within the facility’s care around the clock. Addiction sufferers who undertake outpatient addiction treatments visit the rehabilitation center during the day for therapy and return home in the evenings.

Discovery Transitions, located in Los Angeles’ San Fernando Valley, offers outpatient treatment programs for men and women seeking either to initiate or to continue recovery from alcoholism or drug addiction. As a transitional program, the facility is ideal for anyone who has just completed an inpatient program and is ready to step down to a less intensive but highly structured continuation of treatment. Discovery Transitions is equally effective and available for those whose substance abuse problems are severe enough to require help but do not approach the level of requiring residential treatment.

Inpatient Drug Rehabilitation Center

Someone experiencing a powerful reliance on alcohol or drugs often needs a more supervised and controlled inpatient alcohol or drug treatment. Residential substance abuse services include medical detox, which is needed in order to combat the addict’s physical addiction to drugs or alcohol. It is never recommended for addiction sufferers to detox at home as withdrawal symptoms can be extremely intense and may even lead to complications such as seizures. If detox is recommended for your addicted loved one, an inpatient stay is a must.

Aside from supervised medical detox, individual and group therapies are also cornerstones of inpatient residential addiction treatment. Once an addict has been successfully weaned from the addictive substance, they can begin to sever the psychological and behavioral dependencies they have developed for alcohol or drugs. Patients learn to unravel the reasons behind their drug or alcohol use and also learn new strategies for managing triggers as well as negative emotions and problems. If a patient requires drug treatments for reducing the cravings for their substance of choice or to treat a co-existing disorder, like anxiety or depression, the inpatient drug treatment facility staff can administer the prescribed medications.

One of the key features of inpatient treatment is that patients are continuously monitored and the atmosphere is conducive to recovery. During an inpatient stay, many addiction sufferers can experience a wide array of therapies designed to enhance recovery, like restorative yoga or life skills training. Patients can then apply these freshly learned activities and skills to their newly sober life.

Outpatient Drug Rehabilitation Center

Some recovering addicts prefer outpatient drug rehab or outpatient alcohol rehab treatments. Once they have been through medical detox, they may be more comfortable returning home as they recover from their addiction. Outpatient addiction treatments focus on cognitive behavioral therapies that help recovering addicts overcome their psychological dependence on the addictive substance. Addiction specialists may employ motivational interviewing, incentives and individual and group therapy sessions to support the recovering addict during the long recovery process.

By obtaining outpatient therapies, recovering addicts are still able to attend school, work and live at home. For people with a supportive family, this option can be very effective. Living in a sober home surrounded by loved ones can enhance the recovery process, and many recovering addicts simply prefer to remain surrounded by the comforts of home. Sometimes, patients who return home in the evenings may face temptations that they are not yet ready to cope with, such as friends or family members who drink or use drugs. Someone who continues to struggle with drug or alcohol use or suffers a relapse may require inpatient treatments.

What’s Better: Outpatient vs Inpatient Treatment?

Many addiction sufferers and their families are unsure about what type of addiction therapy to choose. When you visit an addiction rehab center, addiction specialists can assess the person in question, their health and the nature of their addiction to recommend a course of action. It’s important to note that many recovering addicts begin their recovery with inpatient services and later transition to outpatient services. The key is to choose a therapy type that enhances recovery and can help the patient on their road to a clean and sober life.

Discovery Transitions in Los Angeles, California, offers outpatient treatment programs for men and women seeking either to initiate or to continue recovery from alcoholism and/or drug addiction. Discovery Transitions utilizes a variety of treatment programs that allow each client to receive the individualized care they deserve.

The Southern California rehab center offers a range of outpatient drug treatment programs to help drug addicts and alcoholics achieve and maintain sobriety. Each client at the San Fernando Valley’s Discovery Transitions receives customized care to end their dependence on prescription drugs, cocaine, heroin and other opiates and/or alcohol to live a sober life.

Have you or a loved one experienced treatment in an inpatient or outpatient drug rehab? What was the outcome of your treatment? Please share with us on Facebook or Twitter @DiscoveryOP #AddictionTreatment.

Battling Addiction: Outpatient vs Inpatient Treatment was originally published on Discovery Transitions

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Addiction Recovery and Good Health: A Better Kind of Buzz

Once a person with a substance use disorder is successfully able to manage the disease of addiction, they often discover that feeling healthy in body and mind is an incredible buzz unlike any other. People may gravitate to alcohol and drugs for a wide array of reasons, but these substances invariably detract from one’s health, psychological well-being and other important aspects of life, such as school, jobs, and family. Comprehensive drug treatment promotes a path to recovery that addicts can follow in order to maintain long-term health and a life free from substance abuse.

Trust in Addiction Recovery: A Great Natural High

When people trust you, it’s a great feeling, but believing that you can trust yourself is a high that becomes a cornerstone of life in recovery. It is not uncommon for people that are addicted to feel as if they’ve lost the trust of their loved ones and friends. They may even feel as if they can’t trust themselves to refrain from using alcohol or drugs. Yet once they begin drug or alcohol treatment and learn about the physical and psychological dependencies associated with addiction, their newfound understanding of the disease and the recovery process can help them recover the trust that was depleted by their substance abuse problems.

The Full Wallet High

No matter how modest your means are, you’ll probably find that you have more money now that you aren’t spending it all on drugs or alcohol. Moreover, when you aren’t preoccupied with obtaining and using a substance, you can focus on finding a job or spending your money more wisely on education, both of which can enhance your well-being and the long-term recovery process.

The Happiness Mirror

You’ve probably heard the saying that the mirror doesn’t lie; when it comes to recovery from drugs or alcohol use, you’ll see a noticeable, positive change in your reflection. The fact is, drugs and alcohol age you and speed up the deterioration of your looks along with your health. When you maintain your recovery, you’ll discover that you feel better and will doubtlessly look better, too. Don’t believe it? Take a selfie before you enter treatment and then another three months, six months after. There’s happiness for you!

New Friends in Addiction Recovery: A Better Buzz

Friends who abuse drugs and alcohol may be people you care about, but you must remove yourself from their negative influence. Your life depends on it. If you are a recovering addict (and many experts will tell you that recovery is ongoing; addiction cannot really be “cured”), your recovery and well-being are delicate and you are incredibly vulnerable to triggers. Spending time in settings where drinking and drug use occur is off limits for the sober addict. However, new friends are waiting for you in sober living communities, at your drug treatment center and in programs like Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous. Be open to building new relationships that will enhance your life and respect your goal of long-term recovery.

When you trade in those momentary substance highs for the long-term pleasures of addiction recovery, you’ll feel the benefits of this trade-off in your bones, in your circumstances and in your smile. Don’t wait any longer to discover the pleasure that sober living can offer. No life, even a substance-free life, is perfect, but recovery will foster good health, an improved mental outlook and the opportunity to attain real happiness.

Discovery Transitions is Here to Help

If you or someone you care about could benefit from outpatient addiction treatment, contact Discovery Transitions today at 1 (866) 916-3211 to speak with an addiction counselor. We can provide information about the treatment programs at our intensive outpatient addiction treatment center and answer any questions you might have about your addiction and recovery.

Addiction Recovery and Good Health: A Better Kind of Buzz was originally published on Discovery Transitions

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The Top 5 Ways to Find a Job After Drug Rehab

As kids are heading back to school you might be feeling ready to head back to work after your time in drug rehab. But with your history of addiction, how can you take advantage of the expanding job market when you have those awkward gaps in your resume?

Work After Drug Rehab: Where to Start

Thankfully, there are resources available to help you find that job which will support you while you continue on your path to lifelong sobriety.

America in Recovery

A free service, America in Recovery is a non-profit organization that encourages employers to hire recovering drug addicts and alcoholics. The group puts together those in recovery with employers who understand that recovering substance abusers work harder and have a better attitude because they are grateful for the opportunity to support themselves and their families. For more information, visit www.americainrecovery.org.

The National H.I.R.E. Network

The National H.I.R.E. Network is a training and technical assistance provider to and organizer of agencies working to improve the employment prospects of people with criminal records. Although set up to assist those with criminal records, they offer a comprehensive state-by-state directory of local employment programs that may also be helpful to those in recovery. They specialize in providing job-related assistance and offering referrals to other useful organizations. To find out more about how The National H.I.R.E. Network can help you find work, visit www.hirenetwork.org.

Career One Stop/American Job Centers

American Job Centers (or AJCs) provide free help to job seekers for a variety of career and employment-related needs. Career One Stop’s website offers information, tips, and resources to help people with criminal convictions overcome barriers they might face in their job search.

The Department of Labor urges those in recovery and looking for work to get into contact with their nationwide network of career centers by visiting www.servicelocator.org.

Create your own opportunities

If you aren’t qualified for the job you want, then get qualified by upgrading your education or looking for job training programs offered at your local employment center. Register with your local temp agency and try just about anything they offer you. Employers seeking temporary labor may not care as much about the background of prospective workers.

Consider a paid internship or apprenticeship. The Department of Labor runs an apprenticeship program that matches people looking to train for a trade with over 25 000 employers ready to offer training and labor to those willing to apprentice.

 If no one else will give you a job then hire yourself by creating your own small business. You don’t necessarily need thousands of dollars to get started either… think dog walker, handyman, babysitter, lawn mower, etc. Or if you can write, design, program, have fine art or photographic or video skills, you can find work online. Since you’ll be working in a freelance capacity, your personal history will mean nothing to a prospective client.

Network through your support groups

Most job seekers these days find that many of their leads come to them through networking. Consider that anyone you meet may have a positive job lead or know someone who can help you. Communicate your desire to find a job to friends and family and by all means, network with the recovering members of the support groups and counselors at your rehab facility or attendees at Alcoholics Anonymous meetings and Narcotics Anonymous meetings.

Most of all, don’t get discouraged. Finding work takes time, commitment and patience for everyone. If there are difficulties, discuss the situation with members of your recovery team. Many corporate executives have discovered that giving recovering addicts a second chance at success is more than charitable outreach to a disadvantaged group; it’s just good business.

The Top 5 Ways to Find a Job After Drug Rehab was originally published on Discovery Transitions

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Intensive Outpatient Program: What You Need to Know

An intensive outpatient program, commonly called IOP, are typically recommended for those who are not in need of a medically-supervised detox treatment.  This will be determined by an assessment counselor when you seek addiction treatment.  If detox is recommended, an intensive outpatient program may be the next step.

There are many benefits of an intensive outpatient program:

The freedom to remain in your current environment surrounded by family

The ability to continue working or going to school

Being able to apply recovery skills as you learn them instead of waiting until returning from a rehab facility

Establishing long-term recovery support in your home and community early on in the process

Services Offered at Intensive Outpatient Program

Typically IOP services are given through small group counseling and therapy sessions. However, individual and family counseling is available as well. Family involvement in the recovery process is highly recommended and may be mandatory.

The American Society of Addiction Medicine suggests attending therapy at least 9 hours per week. Typical intensive outpatient programs consist of three meetings per week lasting three hours each for four weeks. Meeting days/evenings, times, and duration varies with program location. Depending on the treatment center and your needs, meeting topics may also vary and may include:

Orientation and intake admission

Custom treatment plans and review

Vocational training or employment search assistance

Introduction to the 12-step program

Substance use monitoring

Transition management and individual discharge plan

Relapse prevention skills

Introduction to community based support groups

Psychiatric exam and psychotherapy

Adult education

Transportation to and from meetings

Licensed child care during meetings

Smoking cessation classes and/or treatment

Parenting skills classes

Social activities

Healthy lifestyle skills

Problem solving skills

Stress management

The Cost of an Intensive Outpatient Program

The American Medical Association recognizes substance abuse and addiction as a disease; as a result most major health insurance providers cover intensive outpatient program costs, including Medicare (Part B).  Intake counselors will be able to assist with determining cost and coverage.

Take that first step toward recovery. Contact a treatment center for an assessment to see if an intensive outpatient program is right for you.

Intensive Outpatient Program: What You Need to Know was originally published on Discovery Transitions

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What Makes IOP Different than Inpatient Treatment?

Now that you’ve made the life-changing decision to get help in overcoming your drug addiction, where are you going to get that help? Should you go to an inpatient drug rehab or will an intensive outpatient program (IOP) be effective for your problem?

There are ways in which both approaches to treatment are alike and ways in which they differ. There are advantages to each approach just as there are certain drawbacks on both sides. Understanding how the two approaches compare can be helpful in deciding which is best suited to you and your situation.

Apart from their shared goal of helping patients achieve a drug-free life, there are a few things inpatient and outpatient drug rehab programs have in common. Both approaches to drug rehab rely on group, individual and family therapy programs. Both will work with you to learn how to handle the daily challenges life presents with new perspective, awareness of inner strength, effective communication tools and successful problem-solving skills.

What are the Differences between IOP and Inpatient Treatment?

The main difference between the two treatment methods has to do with where the patient resides. Outpatient drug rehab allows the patient to remain in their present home situation and continue working at their job. However, you are not under constant supervision and need to be more vigilant about the temptation of drugs and alcohol, especially in the early stages of treatment.

The number of hours/days required for outpatient treatment varies according to treatment guidelines and the individual’s needs. Inpatient drug rehab requires the patient to live 24 hours/day at the treatment facility for three to six weeks or more. The length of treatment depends upon the facility’s policies. Outpatient treatment is more open-ended, depending on your individual needs.

The outpatient program at Discovery Transitions in the San Fernando Valley area of Los Angeles combines the best in individualized care with various group therapies that work to help clients establish a sober support system. While enrolled in outpatient, you will receive one weekly customized one-on-one session with your counselor and will be expected to participate in support groups a minimum of nine hours per week.

Outpatient treatment is desired by many people because of its flexibility. For adults with children or other family obligations, those who cannot afford to attend treatment for months at a time or people who do not have the insurance to cover their stay, outpatient treatment can be a very helpful means of recovery. On the other hand, inpatient care may be more effective than IOP because it offers a very structured and defined atmosphere. This type of a setting helps a person to forget about the distractions of life and allows them to focus on physical and psychological healing.

One important difference in inpatient treatment when compared to outpatient treatment is the amount of medical attention received by a patient. In inpatient treatment, constant medical supervision is placed over each resident. Also, detoxification is provided in many inpatient drug treatment centers.

The Importance of Commitment

Whichever drug rehab environment is decided upon, nothing will produce success unless the person is 100 percent invested in the recovery process. Inpatient or outpatient is not as important as the commitment to beat addiction and live sober.

Discovery Transitions offers outpatient treatment programs for men and women seeking either to initiate or to continue recovery from alcoholism and/or drug addiction. Discovery Transitions utilizes a variety of treatment programs that allow each client to receive the individualized care they deserve.

The Southern California rehab center offers a range of outpatient drug treatment programs to help drug addicts and alcoholics achieve and maintain sobriety. Each client at Discovery Transitions receives customized care to end their dependence on prescription drugs, cocaine, heroin and other opiates and/or alcohol to live a sober life.

To learn more about Discovery Transitions, visit DiscoveryTransitions.com or call (866) 916-3211. Do you or a loved one have experience in an Intensive Outpatient Program? Please share with us on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/DiscoveryOP or Twitter http://twitter.com/DiscoveryOP #OutpatientRehab.

What Makes IOP Different than Inpatient Treatment? was originally published on Discovery Transitions

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