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Six Things Addiction Robs Us Of

Addiction takes away the things we once held closest to us, makes us believe we deserve it, and tells us that nothing else matters. Recovery is essential in rebuilding a fulfilling, healthy life.

When you are trying to overcome addiction, it is common to feel an odd but powerful sense of loss, a feeling that you are giving up something. This can be experienced both physically, as your body goes through the struggles of withdrawal, but also mentally and emotionally as your mind begins to shift away from what may have become your sole method of coping with life’s challenges.

During this time, it is critical to remember the things that addiction has stolen from you. Addiction only masks itself as a way to cope; in reality it piles on more and more hardship while stripping away your natural resilience. Dependency is not adding something to your life, but rather systematically ripping things away that should fulfill you, define you, and give you strength. Here are six essential parts of our humanity that addiction takes from us.

Freedom

At some point in your addiction, you likely realised that you have lost control over your substance use. Though it’s very normal for people to be in denial over the extent of their dependency, for many there will come a moment where they understand just how powerful their addiction is.

Addiction threatens free will by fundamentally altering the way in which the reward center in the brain works. A significant part of the way we are motivated to pursue goals, opportunities, and pleasures relies on the natural functioning of this center. The neurotransmitter dopamine is an important cue in telling the brain to expect a reward – it begins flowing when we are in pursuit of something we want. Once we’ve accomplished what we’ve set out to do, dopamine returns to its nerve cells, and other parts of the brain get involved in enjoying the fruits of our labor.

In addiction, the flow of dopamine is artificially stimulated far beyond its normal release-and-return pattern, which throws the brain into a state of constant craving. It forces people to do things that they would not normally do of their own free will to satisfy the craving. This rewiring of the brain is a key reason why professional care is often essential in overcoming addiction – it takes time, and targeted therapy, for the mind to heal and rebalance.

Credibility

Addiction thrives in secrecy, depending on the lies we tell ourselves just as much as those we begin telling other people. As addiction becomes to consume more of your time, energy, and attention, you begin to craft excuses for why you had to spend so much time out, or the reason you were compelled to drink that much. When those close to you start to notice something is amiss, more lies come up to defend yourself, justify your choices, and protect your addiction – even though it’s slowly destroying you. Dependency compels people to double down on their denial at the expense of jobs, relationships, and once-solid credibility with those they love and care about.

Time

It can be difficult to recognize just how much time your addiction occupies until you start trying to nail it down. How much of a day is spent craving something, seeking it out, actually using it, recovering from it, and beginning the cycle again? How many hours are spent hiding it, defending it, or fighting with a loved one about it? How many are spent struggling with your own worries about it, concerns you are both unable to shake but trying desperately to suppress? The sheer amount of time that addiction demands of us strips those days, months and years away from the people and things we love and draw happiness and strength from.

Dignity

As addiction progresses, it attacks our feelings of self-worth and self-esteem. For some, these may have been lowered due to circumstances outside the dependency, and using substances or indulging in certain behaviors has been a method of masking the pain of not believing in or loving themselves. For others, the problems caused by addiction – the destruction of cherished relationships, the loss of goals or abandonment of pursuits, the things seen or experienced in the spiral of dependency – have eroded their sense of personal dignity. In either case, addiction serves to worsen self-esteem and further delay potential healing and growth.

Relationships

The nature of addiction propels it to the highest priority in the brain, superseding everything else in life. This often comes at a heavy cost to personal relationships, particularly as you try to downplay the reality of addiction’s place in your life. Addictions are poisonous to trust, a fundamental building block of any relationship, and so you will find that previously stable, dependable connections are beginning to slip away or have already slipped away.

Purpose

Our sense of purpose and addiction are related in some interesting ways. Some develop dependency in part because of a feeling of a lack of purpose – you have retired from your work for example, and no longer know what you are getting up in the morning for, or tough times have left you struggling with deep feelings of unworthiness or low self-esteem. Others become addicted in pursuit of their purpose, telling themselves that their addiction actually serves their goals somehow.

A sense of purpose, an understanding of our place in the world and what we have to offer those around us, is essential in building resilience, satisfaction, and a feeling of belonging. Addiction takes that away, obscuring it at a surface level with a cloud of craving and intoxication, but failing to fill the chasm left when we’re not connecting with why we’re here. Removing addiction from your life and discovering your purpose is transformative and powerful, and underscores the importance of treatment and recovery. You can start your journey towards freedom from addiction by enrolling in a recovery room in Murfreesboro.

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Tuning in to Recovery: Twelve Great Podcasts on Addiction

Looking to learn more about addiction, but having trouble finding the time to do it? Podcasts are a perfect solution for gaining information, support, and perspective even when you’ve got a busy schedule.

Knowledge is a powerful tool in overcoming addiction, and learning more about the nature of addiction as well as its causes and impacts is encouraged by addiction counselors to aid recovery. Podcasts are an incredible educational resource that cover a diverse range of topics and perspectives for people on the go who might not have time to dive into a book.

Whether you’re on your daily commute, cleaning house, or going for a walk you can tune in and learn more about any topic that piques your interest and relates to your specific situation or needs. For those moving past an addiction, or for friends or family playing a supportive role for someone in recovery, podcasts can provide a wealth of information and positivity. Also if you are looking for a treatment centers for you or your loved one, consider reaching out to the professionals working at the recovery room in Murfreesboro.

Here are a few podcasts to check out:

The Seltzer Squad

Hosted by two friends based in New York City, this podcast is an honest, funny and modern take on recovering from alcohol addiction and maintaining sobriety. Jes and Kate take on a range of topics, from being the only sober person in a friend group, to the relationship between shame and addiction, to the challenges of maintaining recovery during the pandemic. If you are looking for a podcast that’s like a witty chat with great perspective, this is the one for you.

Positive Sobriety

Certified professional addiction/recovery coach David Hampton and author and speaker Nate Larkin co-host this inspirational podcast designed to shed light on all forms of addiction. With multiple episodes focusing on food and sex addiction, trauma, and co-dependency, listeners can better understand the nature of addiction and ways to make positive, sustainable changes towards recovery.

Recovery Elevator

Not sure if you have a problem with alcohol? This is the podcast for you. Led by author and speaker Paul Churchill, Recovery Elevator is all about helping people recognize when they have a problem and take practical steps towards recovery. Filled with stories and interviews with others who are living alcohol-free lifestyles, this podcast will make you feel seen, understood, and not alone in your journey towards sobriety.

Love Over Addiction

Specifically geared towards women who love someone struggling with addiction, Love Over Addiction focuses on helping women to heal themselves. It is common to become completely swept up in a partners’ addiction, and lose touch with one’s own happiness and sense of peace. This podcast helps women focus on recovery from their own issues and rediscovering joy, to the benefit of themselves and their loved ones.

You Are Remarkable

Certified success coach Jocellyn Harvey hosts this insightful, important podcast focusing on women recognizing and embracing their own greatness. With some episodes specifically discussing sobriety, and others speaking on issues of personal development, discovery, and celebration, You Are Remarkable offers words of encouragement and a place for reflection for those in recovery.

That Sober Guy

Creator and host Shane Ramer’s recovery from a years-long drug and alcohol dependency inspired him to create his own popular podcast on addiction, That Sober Guy. Focused on promoting a healthy, sober lifestyle, this unfiltered, candid and often humorous podcast includes interviews from a wide variety of special guests including doctors, athletes, and celebrities on addiction and recovery.

My Child and Addiction: A Parent to Parent Podcast

This podcast is hosted by three fathers, all of whom have children battling addiction. Developed to provide support, encouragement and information to parents of addicts, topics include everything from exploring treatment options, to managing expectations, to dealing with challenges and trying different approaches. Listeners will also hear stories from a compassionate, understanding community of people going through similar struggles.

All In: The Addicted Gambler’s Podcast

This podcast starts with one man sharing his story of gambling addiction, and expands to look at problem gambling on a larger scale. The co-hosts bring in a range of guests, from academics, writers, doctors, judges, advocates and problem gamblers to better understand the root causes of problem gambling, harm caused by gambling addiction, and resources available for treatment. This is an important podcast for those questioning their relationship with gambling, or a concerned friend or loved one.

Sober Families

The Sober Families work both to instill hope and build skills to help a loved one with addiction, and to heal families affected by drug or alcohol dependency. Podcasts focus on the development of critical tools like communication and motivation, as well as understanding the broad impacts of addiction on the person with a dependency and the rest of the family unit.

Sex, Love, and Addiction: Healing Conversations for Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Men

Licensed psychotherapist and sexologist Dr. David Fawcett hosts this podcast which focuses on a range of current concerns related to addiction and co-occurring disorders for gay, bisexual, and transgender men. Dr. Fawcett’s work includes treatment of “chemsex,” or the pairing of substance use with sexual behaviour. Guest experts on the podcast are also featured to talk about key issues such as gay marriage and relationships, HIV/AIDS, and stigma, with a focus on healing and recovery.

Breaking Free: Your Recovery. Your Way.

This wide-ranging podcast explores every nuance of recovery, from what it means to be in the process of addiction recovery, to the things that hinder recovery like stigma, disempowering language, unhealthy relationships and boundaries, diet culture, and trauma. Focusing on moving past shame and limitations and embracing one’s own identity and goals, Breaking Free is an excellent choice for those looking to take ownership of their recovery.

Opiate Recovery Podcast

This unique podcast allows the listener to tune in to a support group facilitated by an addiction counselor for people with addictions to heroin or pain pills. The podcast helps highlight the ways in which opiate addiction is similar to and different from other dependencies, and features the stories of those in recovery. Opiate Recovery Podcasts are useful for those interested in learning more about opiate addiction, as well as those in recovery interested in listening to shared experiences.

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Is It Painful To Die From Liver Failure Due To Alcoholism?

As one of the top-ranking leading preventable deaths, thousands of people lose their lives annually to alcoholism. End-stage alcoholism commonly includes liver failure which can lead to death.

Treating end-stage alcoholism is complicated and difficult. There are many different symptoms and changes that occur across all four stages of alcoholism, including liver failure. Dying as a result of alcoholism is painful and agonizing.

According to data from 2018, nearly half of the 83,517 deaths due to liver disease involved alcohol. About 48 percent of cirrhosis deaths were alcohol-related in 2013. One in three liver transplants was the result of liver disease due to alcohol.

Addiction treatment and the medications available to those struggling with addiction have been improving exponentially. It is important to seek treatment as soon as addiction is acknowledged by the person struggling with addiction, alcoholism included.

The Four Stages of Alcoholism

The stages of alcoholism are broken down into experimental, social, instrumental and compulsive stages. They have specific markers and each stage progresses into the next.

Stage One: Experimental Phase

Initially, people are simply experimenting with different types of alcohol and exploring their limitations. Most often, young adults are in this phase as they are experimenting with multiple facets of adulthood.

A person in this stage may drink occasionally, but it is not a daily occurrence. It is not on a regular basis, and they are not drinking in every situation that it may seem appropriate to drink.

Binge drinking is likely to occur in this stage. Binge drinking involves drinking several alcoholic beverages in a short amount of time. For women, four drinks in two hours, and men drinking five alcoholic beverages in two hours.

What many young people do not understand is that binge drinking can significantly harm organs in the body, more than drinking the same amount over a longer period of time.

Stage Two: Social Drinking

When a person starts drinking more frequently, they have moved into the second stage, Social Drinking.

Someone in this phase may choose to drink every weekend. They also may use drinking to reduce stress, something to do, push out negative feelings, or an excuse to hang out with friends.

Using alcohol regularly puts a person at risk for developing an alcohol use disorder. A regular drinker is not the same as a moderate drinker. A person who uses alcohol regularly uses alcohol to increase positive feelings and to avoid feeling negative.

Stage Three: Instrumental Stage

Problem drinking occurs when a person drinks alcohol frequently and uncontrollably. Up to this point, the person may not have experienced consequences of their alcohol consumption habits.

However, at this stage, the person starts feeling the negative effects of their drinking, such as:

increased depression

more anxiety than normal

problems sleeping

having hangovers more frequently

legal issues

erratic behaviors

relationship problems

different friends (ones who drink more often than the old ones)

less social activity (due to behaviors while drinking)

It is also during this stage that tolerance and dependence are noticeable. The person will need to drink more to achieve the desired results.

A person will typically only willingly engage in situations that involve alcohol consumption. They also drink to manage day to day stressors or to stop feeling emotions they would like to avoid.

Stage 4: The Compulsive Stage

This stage is when a person is completely addicted to alcohol. The person thinks about and uses alcohol obsessively. The person may hide their drinking because they are ashamed of it, but are unable to stop. Alcohol consumption becomes a compulsion and is no longer a choice.

The person also starts losing people and things that were previously valued, such as relationships, jobs, freedom, belongings, or even their home.

It is at this point that the health of the person becomes noticeably degraded. In addition, a person in this stage of alcoholism is either hungover, drunk, or in withdrawal.

Alcohol Withdrawal

For a person in end-stage alcoholism, going into alcohol withdrawal can be fatal. Some people experience seizures in the first few days of detox, which is why it is important to seek professional help when attempting to detox from alcohol.

Many treatment facilities offer a medically supervised detox program, and these programs are designed to make the person as comfortable as possible while detoxing, while medical staff is nearby.

Alcoholic Liver Disease

There are three types of alcoholic liver disease, alcoholic fatty liver disease (or steatosis), alcoholic hepatitis, and cirrhosis. These diseases are indicative of a person who heavily abuses alcohol.

Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease This is an early form of liver disease where fat begins to accumulate inside the liver cells, which make it difficult for the liver to function. There are not many symptoms of this disease, although if the liver becomes enlarged, pain will radiate from the right side of the abdomen. Alcoholic fatty liver disease will correct if the person stops drinking.

Alcoholic Hepatitis Symptoms of alcoholic hepatitis include inflammation, swelling and cell death in the liver. The cell death causes scarring (fibrosis). Alcoholic Hepatitis can develop over time, but binge drinking can result in immediate symptoms. These symptoms include abdominal pain and tenderness, jaundice, vomiting, nausea, and fever.

Over 30 percent of “heavy” drinkers develop alcoholic hepatitis, ranging from mild to severe. The mild cases are reversible if alcohol consumption stops.

Cirrhosis is the most serious form of alcoholic liver disease, cirrhosis occurs when the whole liver is completely scarred. The result is a shrunken, hardened liver that cannot function properly. Eventually it leads to liver failure and is irreversible in most cases. A person who drinks heavily is at nearly a 20 percent chance of developing cirrhosis after about ten years.

Additional Risk Factors for Alcoholic Liver Disease

When a person is a long term heavy or binge drinker, there are other contributing factors that put them at risk for developing alcoholic liver disease, such as:

genetics

demographics

malnutrition

being overweight

previously diagnosed with hepatitis

It is important to know these additional risk factors, as they can increase the possibility of developing alcoholic liver disease.

Painful Symptoms Of Alcoholic Liver Disease

There are many symptoms of alcoholic liver disease, and as the disease progresses it becomes painful.

These symptoms progress and include:

jaundice

blood in the digestive tract

high blood pressure

confusion

swelling in lower extremities

fluid accumulating in the abdomen (ascites)

severe abdominal pain

variceal hemorrhage

hepatic encephalopathy

enlarged spleen

kidney failure

liver failure

death

As alcoholic liver disease progresses, the liver becomes unable to function properly and blood flow is compromised. Ascites may occur at this stage. The accumulation of fluid makes it difficult to breath, is incredibly painful and uncomfortable. Kidney failure occurs and eventually death due to system organ failure.

Liver failure due to alcoholism is extremely painful, as the body shuts down slowly, and the complications from alcohol liver disease take over.

Treatment For Long-Term Alcoholism

It is important that a person struggling with long term alcoholism understands that seeking substance abuse treatment can help them to stop drinking. While some of the effects of long term alcohol abuse are irreversible, there is a chance that becoming sober may help heal some of the damage.

If you or a loved one has been struggling with alcohol abuse, reach out to the staff present at the recovery room in Nashville and get help today.

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How Many People Die Annually From Alcohol Abuse In The U.S.?

Alcohol ranks third in “preventable cause of death” in the United States, underneath smoking and poor diet/physical inactivity. The number of alcohol-related deaths may be surprising.

Nearly everyone knows someone who abuses alcohol. Alcohol knows no boundaries, alcohol does not care where you live, what you do, who you are.

Alcohol is the most socially accepted substance of abuse. Alcohol is available at bars, most stores, sporting events, and concerts. People “pre-game” by drinking alcohol before going out to drink more alcohol.

The statistics surrounding alcohol abuse are incredibly alarming and almost completely preventable.

Terms Related to Alcohol Abuse

Alcohol use disorder (AUD) is a brain disease that is characterized by the inability to stop consuming alcohol, even when drinking negatively impacts nearly all aspects of life. When a person receives an AUD diagnosis, they will also receive a subclassification of mild, moderate, or severe.

Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) is the amount of alcohol in your blood due to alcohol consumption. BAC can be determined by a breathalyzer or blood test.

Binge Drinking A person is binge drinking if five drinks are consumed for men, and four are consumed for women, in a short amount of time, at least once per month. This type of alcohol consumption usually brings a BAC to about 0.08 g/dL.

Heavy Drinking binge drinking that occurs more than five days in a month.

Statistics On Alcohol Abuse

Check out the facts below to learn the statistics on alcohol abuse and related deaths:

86.3 percent of all adults have consumed alcohol in their lifetime

25.1 percent of adults drank enough to meet the criteria for heavy drinking in the previous 12 months.

Over 10 percent of children live in a home that one or more parents have a drinking issue.

33.1 percent of those 18 and over stated they had engaged in heavy drinking or binge drinking in the last month

Over 14 million adults in the United States had alcohol use disorder (AUD)

Of that 14 million, just under eight percent received treatment

From 2011-2015 the average number of people who died due to excessive alcohol use was 93,000 per year.

Females And Alcohol Abuse

Females that abuse alcohol are at high risk for a multitude of problems. Alcohol consumption lowers inhibitions and a person may engage in behaviors and situations that are out of character for them, and with significant negative consequences.

Regular excessive drinking has resulted in a disruption in menstrual cycles in females and can lead to infertility.

Binge drinking has been linked to an increase in sexual assaults, most often in college students.

Males And Alcohol Abuse

Males engage in binge drinking twice as often as females, they drink more often and consume more alcohol as well.

The following list occurs more often in males than females:

Rates of suicide in men are higher than women

Males are involved in more drunk driving and fatal car accident incidents than women

Males are typically more violent than females while drunk

Males who abuse alcohol are at a higher risk for cancer

Teenage Alcohol Abuse

More than half of teens (twelve and over) admit to drinking alcohol. At these ages, alcohol consumption can be quite harmful. The brain is still developing important pathways that the child will need well into adulthood.

Drinking at a young age significantly increases the risk of developing an AUD. Young people often don’t have the self-control to manage their drinking, and they also may drink more due to peer pressure.

Teens tend to engage in dangerous behaviors while drinking. Having unprotected sex, problems with authority or law enforcement, and using other drugs are only a couple of the risk factors associated with teen drinking.

Signs Of Alcohol Abuse

Because alcohol is socially accepted and available almost anywhere, it may be hard to recognize when a person is crossing the threshold into developing an AUD.

Don't wait. Get help now.

According to the DSM-5 (Diagnostic Statisticians Manual-5th Edition), the following are some signs that a person may be struggling with an AUD:

Drinking so much alcohol that they don’t remember what they said or did- called blacking out.

Doing dangerous things while drunk, like driving a car or taking strangers home

Issues with authorities

Developing problems with responsibilities (work, school, relationships)

Continuing to drink in spite of developing health issues related to drinking

Immediate Health Risks Due To Alcohol Abuse

When a person engages in excessive drinking, especially binge drinking, they tend to make poor decisions.

This can lead to several short-term risks, such as:

Risky sexual activities, including sex with strangers, unprotected sex, or sex with more than one person at a time. Unintended pregnancies or STI’s can result.

Violent behaviors like sexual assault, domestic violence, intimate partner violence, homicide, and suicide

Accidents like car crashes, burns, drownings, and falls.

Birthing complications, miscarriage, stillbirths or birth defects if the person is pregnant

Long Term Risks From Alcohol Abuse

Drinking excessive amounts of alcohol over a period of time can lead to diseases, conditions and other problems, including:

Developing an AUD

Cancer

Memory issues

Depression

Anxiety

Relationship issues

Immune system impairment

Treatment for AUD

The best way to manage an alcohol use disorder is to seek the help of an addiction specialist or program. These individuals are experienced in treating substance abuse and addiction and can help you find your way to a clean and sober life.

Reach out to the professionals present at the recovery room in Nashville today and let them help you find a solution that works for you or your loved one.

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The Importance of Alumni Groups

To achieve freedom from addiction is the ultimate goal of the rehabilitation program. Addiction can continue to affect various areas of life even after rehab. Therefore alumni groups are offered to the individuals who have completed the treatment. With these groups, alumni can stay connected to the rehab center and gain the support and encouragement they need to continue on the road to recovery. There are many benefits of joining an alumni group. You can stay in touch with your favourite people, assist others, learn from them and get continued support. If you want to be a part of such group then visit recovery room in Murfreesboro.  

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Breaking the Coffee-to-Wine Cycle

From Coffee to Wine

A variety of people rely on coffee to fuel their day, and then turn to alcohol at night to unwind.

Unfortunately, however, this pattern can come at a price. Coffee, a stimulant, triggers hormones like cortisol, which increase blood pressure and blood sugar, says Berzin, yet ultimately doesn’t sustain a person’s energy. Instead, the caffeine can cause that person to feel dehydrated, drained or on edge by the end of the day.  

“To compensate, many people turn to alcohol in the evenings, which stimulate neurotransmitters in the brain and is a natural depressant,” . This can help calm your nerves, but it can also disrupt your sleep – leading to next-day exhaustion and more caffeine consumption.

If you find yourself in a co-dependent relationship with coffee and wine, I suggests the following tips:

Get Enough Sleep

Though this could be easier said than done if you’re a new mom, getting quality sleep each night is crucial for breaking free from the coffee-to-wine cycle.  I suggest incorporating magnesium tablets in order to achieve deeper sleep, avoiding processed and spicy foods at night, and sleeping in the next morning if you’ve had a late night.

Eat a Sustainable Diet

In order to maintain energy throughout the day, I advise to avoid simple carbs and sugar in the mornings, as well as at lunch. By eating a balanced diet – a mix of protein, simple carbs, veggies and little processed sugar, you will find yourself with sustained energy and a reduced need for a pick-me-up through caffeine.

Find New Ways to Unwind at Night

Instead of helping yourself to another glass of Cabernet, learn new ways to find some relief. Alternatives include taking a walk, soaking in a bath, meditating, reading a book or taking a yoga class – all which can help curb cravings. 

Alcohol addiction is a serious situation and you should not neglect it. Consult the staff of rehab centers in Clarksville if you are addicted to alcohol.

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Abstinence and Harm Reduction in Addiction Recovery

It’s an age-old question: which is better – harm reduction or abstinence-based recovery? Each have their own set of benefits, yet have completely different approaches to recovery. Let’s explore both below.

Historically, addiction treatment has centered upon an abstinence-based model, one which asserts that abstinence is essential in order to recover from addiction. One of the most popular forms of “abstinence only” recovery treatment is Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), a step-based, peer recovery program that has more than 2 million members worldwide in over 100,000 locally supported groups. 

The program is spiritual in nature and calls on its members to turn their lives over to a higher power, as well as complete 12 guidelines – or steps – to help them overcome alcoholism.

For some people, the AA program has not resonated, mainly due to its spiritual component.  After all, not all people are comfortable with the idea of praying or focusing on spirituality. Others have found its framework too rigid, especially where the complete abstinence requirement is concerned.  

They feel the stigma of labelling oneself as an alcoholic or addict keeps many people from seeking treatment in the first place. As a result of these concerns, programs that aim to reduce the harm caused by addiction without encouraging abstinence have been developed.

Harm reduction is a set of practical strategies and ideas aimed at reducing negative consequences associated with drug use and addiction.  It incorporates a spectrum of strategies – from safer use, to managed use to abstinence – to meet drug users “where they’re at,” addressing conditions of use along with the use itself.  Because harm reduction requires that policies designed to serve drug users reflect specific individual and community needs, there is no universal formula for implementing it.

But while supporters of the harm reduction approach believe it promotes early self-recognition of risky drinking and drugging behavior – thus allowing users to moderate their use before becoming completely addicted – opponents believe it simply enables addicts to continue drinking. These naysayers also point to low success rates and an unwillingness for those individuals to seek treatment since they don’t want to completely cease using.

As you can see, both approaches to treatment have their perceived pros and cons; yet there is no “right” choice. After all, addiction is a personal disease, and recovery can be supported in a number of ways. Therefore, it is important to find what works for you, and then stick with it. Reaching out to the staff of rehab centers in Clarksville can help you overcome your drug or alcohol addiction.

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ADDICTION RECOVERY FOR WHITE COLLAR PROFESSIONALS

When most of us think about people with addiction problems, few people imagine a white collar professional such as a well-groomed family lawyer or high-brow bank manager. Although it may come as a surprise to you and many others, addiction is widespread among white-collar professionals.

These people make good money and tend to have surplus amounts of cash to spend on alcohol and drugs. They also have high positions of power and can easily acquire illegal drugs. Some even go to the extent of paying doctors willing to do them drug favors. All of these make addiction very possible and very easy to hide for white-collar workers.

The following white-collar individuals are the hardest hit by substance abuse problems:

Lawyers

Doctors

Bankers and managers

Airline pilots

Salespeople and sales managers

Programmers

Public servants

FACTORS INFLUENCING ADDICTION AMONG PROFESSIONALS

Middle to upper class white-collar workers deal with a significant amount of stress, regardless of their profession. While many find healthy ways to deal with the pressure, others turn to drugs and alcohol. There are many reasons behind white-collar addiction, including:

The work culture: Certain jobs encourage people to use alcohol and drugs. Jordan Belfort in his memoir The Wolf of Wall Street described the partying lifestyle of most white-collar workers on Wall Street. Binge drinking was part of the work culture and a form of socialization.

Desire to boost performance: White-collar workers may use drugs to boost their energy levels the same way athletes use drugs to enhance performance. Most professionals and executives claim that it helps improve their memory and performance at work.

High stress: Some jobs are very stressful, leading workers to use drugs to cope with white-collar problems. A good example of someone at risk is a doctor who must manage high-pressure situations and has very little time to relax and bond with family.

Easy access: In certain professions such as medicine, drugs are readily available. Most doctors, for instance, can easily access prescription drugs and might get addicted as they try to self-medicate issues with pain or frustrations in their daily lives.

Mental health problems: Some drugs, such as opiates and stimulants, carry a high risk of addiction. People may begin using these drugs to try and treat their mental health issues and may end up becoming addicted when they use more than the prescribed amounts.

COMMON SUBSTANCE ADDICTIONS AMONG WHITE-COLLAR WORKERS

The most commonly abused substances among white-collar professionals include:

Alcohol: While alcohol statistics tend to vary between industries, alcohol is still the most commonly abused substance by white-collar workers.

Pills: Opioids such as Vicodin, Xanax, OxyContin, and Fentanyl, along with sleeping pills such as Ambien, have been used extensively by white-collar workers. Their ease of availability makes many people resort to them for relaxation, stress relief and to induce sleep at night.

Illicit drugs: Though less common, illegal drugs like cocaine and heroin have slowly made their way into white-collar professions. 

BARRIERS TO TREATMENT

One of the main reasons white-collar workers don’t get help for addiction is because of the stigma associated with alcohol and drug use. They may not accept that addiction can happen to them for fear of losing their jobs. Another reason is because they think that their addiction isn’t a problem because their work performance hasn’t declined. They may even believe that alcohol and drugs help them perform better at work.

GETTING HELP

It’s important to seek help if you see any signs of white-collar substance abuse, regardless of stereotypes about addiction. Getting assistance from a reputable treatment center can improve not only your work life but also your mental health and social life.

If you want to learn more about alcohol and drug treatment programs for white-collar professionals, consult the professionals at the drug rehab in Murfreesboro.

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It’s Never Too Late to Seek Help

If you’ve wanted to stop using drugs or alcohol but haven’t been able to, it’s never too late to seek help. Alcohol consumption among older adults in the U.S. has grown steadily over the past couple of decades.

By 2020, roughly 5.7 million American adults over the age of 50 are projected to suffer from substance use disorders, including alcoholism. This is almost double the number that encountered some form of substance use disorder between 2002 and 2006. Older adults may be more likely than people in other age groups to take prescription medication, which in some cases can lead to increased substance use and exacerbate the issue of drug or alcohol addiction.

WHY IT’S NOT TOO LATE FOR ADDICTION TREATMENT

No matter your age, living with a substance use disorder can decrease your quality of life. Older adults are the least likely demographic to ask for help because, in most cases, they believe it’s too late. Whether you are a teenager, adult or senior, it’s never too late to seek treatment for a substance use disorder and start the journey to recovery.

Here are three reasons why it’s never too late to seek help:

Seeking treatment is always worth it for your family and friends. Asking for help and seeking support can help you repair or re-establish connections to people who care about you the most and want you to recover, including close family members and friends.

Seeking help is always worth it for your sake. No matter your age, you deserve a shot at sobriety. No matter how many times you may relapse or get caught up in the cycle of addiction, recovery is possible.

Once you get help for your addiction, you’ll be better able to help others. Once you or a loved one seeks help and overcomes addiction, you’ll likely want to help others that were once in your position. Often, it’s the people who have been suffering from addiction for years or even decades that offer the best advice in recovery meetings or other rehabilitation groups. Many times, these people have the most amazing stories of recovery and words of wisdom.

THERE IS HOPE — YOU ARE NEVER TOO OLD FOR RECOVERY

Hope is always possible, no matter how old you are or how long you’ve had your addiction. At drug rehab in Murfreesboro, the staff believe everyone deserves a chance at living a new, exciting and sober life. Their team of professionals has assisted people of all ages in their journey to recovery.

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Nutrition to Help Your Body Heal in  Addiction Recovery

Nutrition are important for the body to function properly. They are crucial for those recovering from drug or alcohol addiction. Achieving nutritional balance is important for repairing the harm addiction have done to the body. Substance overuse can result in loss of appetite, organ damage, poor eating choices, and gastrointestinal disorders. Alcohol addiction can result in the deficiency of Folic acid, Vitamin B6, and Thiamine, or B1. Therefore one should eat balanced food so that the overall health can be improved. Murfreesboro recovery center provides its residents with nutritional food based on their needs.

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7 MOVIES I RECOMMEND FOR THOSE IN RECOVERY

During recovery, people usually have some free time to watch movies about addiction. Some of my movie recommendations for those in recovery may move you to tears, while others will get you excited. It’s important to note that guidance and support may be needed to prevent relapse triggers. These addiction movies are not supposed to promote substance or alcohol use — they’re meant to remind everyone that we must take precautions to stay on the path to full recovery. That said, here are my top seven recommendations.

1. CLEAN AND SOBER

Daryl Poynter is a successful real estate professional who’s also a cocaine addict. He steals from his company through an escrow account and loses money in the stock market. After an unsuccessful attempt to flee the country fails, he finds a drug rehab program that offers anonymity.

2. MY NAME IS BILL W

This movie is based on the true-life story of Bill W, one of the founders of Alcoholics Anonymous. This award-winning movie shows how Bill W had to deal with depression and alcoholism. He eventually formed the renowned Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), which has helped thousands work with others to overcome addiction.

3. FLIGHT

An airline captain who’s heavily into drugs and alcohol wakes up after a night of drinking, drug use, sex and little sleep. He gets onto a flight going from Orlando to Atlanta. After the initial turbulent takeoff, his copilot takes over while he sleeps. He eventually wakes up as the plane takes a steep dive.

4. 28 DAYS

Gwen, the main character in the movie, is an alcoholic who ruins her sister’s wedding and crashes the limo while driving under the influence of alcohol. She has the option to go to jail or spend 28 days in a rehab center. She opts for rehab but refuses to participate in the programs initially. Eventually, she decides to face the truth about her alcohol addiction.

5. WHEN A MAN LOVES A WOMAN

Alice, a school counselor who has a drinking problem, is married to Michael, an airline pilot. Her alcoholism makes her reckless, and she neglects her kids when her husband is not at home. Eventually, she admits that she needs help, and her husband helps her on her path to recovery.

6. EVERYTHING MUST GO

Salesman Nick Halsey gets fired because of his drinking problem. After drinking for a while in the parking garage, he stabs his supervisor’s tire with his Swiss knife as a farewell gift. He drives home and finds that his wife has left, the locks have been replaced and all his belongings are on the ground.

7. GIA

This is a sobering movie about how a life with great potential can be ruined by drugs. Gia, the main character, moves to New York and becomes a fashion model. She meets an agent who helps her rise quickly in the modeling industry. Unfortunately, due to loneliness and depression after her husband’s death, she starts using cocaine. Eventually, she breaks her drug habit, but before then, she contracts HIV through an infected needle, and she dies at the age of 26.

DISCOVER HOW ADDICTION TREATMENT CAN TRANSFORM YOUR LIFE

If you need help with drug or alcohol abuse, contact drug rehab in Clarksville, their caring and friendly staff offers high-quality service with evidence-based treatment that works. They provide continuous care, and  stay with you even after you’ve achieved abstinence and sobriety.

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BEST GIFTS FOR SOMEONE IN RECOVERY

Deciding on the best gifts for recovering alcoholics or drug addicts isn’t always an easy task. You can’t simply ask what they want because their choice may not be beneficial to their recovery. First, give gifts other than alcohol or cash, as giving money or anything related to drugs won’t be in their best interest. The following gift ideas can help a person with substance use disorder continue on the path to becoming clean and sober.

1. SELF-HELP RESOURCES FOR RECOVERY

You can help your loved one strengthen their resolve to quit drug or alcohol use by giving them an inspirational book. Doing so may encourage them to achieve their goals of staying clean.

A good example of a book you can buy and give to your loved one who needs to quit drinking is “Controlling Your Drinking” by William Miller and his co-author Ricardo Munoz. For someone who needs to stop using drugs, you can give them “How to Get High Without Drugs” by Douglas Rushkoff and his co-author Patrick Wells.

Bear in mind that the book you offer your loved one should help them achieve goals they’ve already set for themselves. That way, you’ll be giving them a genuine gift and not something that appears judgmental.

2. GADGETS THAT KEEP THE HANDS BUSY

Using drugs usually involves the hands. When a person is going through the process of withdrawal, they feel uncomfortable if their hands are idle. You can help your loved one replace the glass of alcohol or the syringe by giving them a little gadget to fiddle with. Examples include:

Rubik’s cubes that can keep the mind active

Musical instruments like the guitar

Handheld fidget spinners

Stress balls

Most of these gifts won’t cost you a lot of money, and you’ll still offer something that’s deeply appreciated.

3. MONEY THAT CAN’T BE USED FOR ALCOHOL OR DRUGS

Your loved one will need financial help, especially if they’re not employed full-time during the early stages of recovery. Giving cash could be counterproductive because it may be used for drugs, but there are other forms of financial help you can offer, including:

Gift certificates or vouchers for online shopping

Health insurance

Magazine subscriptions

Educational programs or courses

4. MEDIA THAT AIDS RECOVERY

People who are recovering from alcohol or drug use disorder tend to become fascinated by the lives of those who are in the same situation, particularly if the person used the same drug. Stay away from media that portrays the excitement or high feeling that comes with drug use.

Look for movies and books that illustrate the process of recovery and show how people achieved abstinence and sobriety. Examples include:

Book: Autobiography of Boy George

Movie: It’s All Gone by Pete Tong

Album: Recovery by Eminem

GET LIFE-SAVING ADDICTION TREATMENT FOR YOURSELF OR A LOVED ONE

Take the next step and contact drug rehab in Clarksville. They can provide you with a full continuum of warm, friendly and compassionate care. They’re non-judgmental, and stay with you for life.

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Why Owning a Pet is Helpful in Recovery

Pets can help in numerous ways during your recovery period. A pet can provide you companionship throughout your recovery and never let you feel alone. Animals, like humans, don't judge you. They love you unconditionally. All they need is your time and affection. Having a pet can keep you busy like taking them for a walk, feeding them and, cleaning them. This also lets you meet other pet owners and socialize with them. Having a pet helps you to focus on something outside of your recovery and learn about commitment and care again. If you or your loved one is suffering from addiction visit Rehab Centers in Clarksville .

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DO’S AND DON’TS FOR WHEN A LOVED ONE COMES HOME FROM TREATMENT

Friends and family members play a vital role in helping a loved one in recovery. It’s critical to offer love and support to the person in recovery and plan ways to help them stay on track.

As the spouse, friend or family member of a person in recovery, you may feel excited to start a new life with your loved one. Still, helping someone in recovery can feel challenging at times. You may be coping with difficult emotions and stressors of your own. You might also have a lot to learn about addiction and recovery so you can help your loved one effectively. All these factors, plus keeping up with your own responsibilities and self-care, can feel like a lot.

In this post, I’ll provide some guidance and share important do’s and don’ts for helping a person in recovery. Consider enrolling at a recovery house in Nashville if your loved one is suffering from addiction.

DO’S WHEN A LOVED ONE RETURNS HOME AFTER TREATMENT

Before your loved one comes home from their treatment program, it helps to prepare for their arrival. Try to create a clean and comfortable home and be ready to help them establish a daily routine. Here are more do’s to help them adjust to life after rehab:

1. Do Encourage New Interests

Before your friend or family member entered treatment, they may have tailored their schedule around substance use. Now that they’re sober, they need to fill their time with meaningful activities to keep them from focusing on cravings or negative emotions.

Hobbies are rewarding activities that can keep a person in recovery busy and help them relieve stress. Encourage your loved one to try something new that interests them, like studying a foreign language or learning how to paint. You might consider picking up a new hobby with them, so you can reconnect and build positive memories together.

2. Do Learn About Recovery

Try to learn as much as you can about recovery so you can set realistic expectations. The more you understand about addiction and recovery, the better you’ll be able to help your loved one stay sober. Start by researching and reading about addiction and any co-occurring disorders your loved one may have. Also, learn about common relapse triggers so you can help your loved one avoid them or cope with them in a healthy way.

3. Do Create a Sober Environment

If a loved one is returning home after rehab, you need to prepare by removing alcohol and other intoxicating substances from the house. If you need to keep medications in the home, make sure they are kept out of sight and locked away. Replace alcohol or drugs with positive and soothing items, like plants or inspiring books. Ultimately, you want the environment to feel comfortable, safe and as stress-free as possible.

4. Do Be Optimistic

Recovery can be challenging at times, but it’s important not to lose hope. Let your loved one know you believe in them, and that they can live a fulfilling and stimulating life without drugs or alcohol.

According to a 2017 study published in Drug and Alcohol Dependence, 9.1% of the adult population in the United States resolved a significant substance use problem. Remind your loved one that millions of people have successfully recovered from addiction and went on to live their dreams.

5. Do Show That You Care

Show the person in recovery you care by letting them know you’re available and inviting them to talk to about their fears, concerns and plans for overcoming challenges. Share positive words whenever you can to help your loved one feel valued.

DON’TS WHEN A LOVED ONE RETURNS HOME

Although your loved one may face some ups and downs throughout their journey, you’ll want to stay positive. Everyone has good days and bad days, including individuals in recovery and yourself. Here are a few don’ts to keep in mind as you navigate recovery together:

1. Don’t Use Substances Around the Person

It’s important not to drink or use substances around a person in recovery. Instead, find activities you can enjoy with your loved one that do not involve substance use. If you struggle with a substance use disorder yourself, consider reaching out to a treatment center for help.

2. Don’t Enable the Person

Be careful not to engage in enabling behavior, and let your loved one take responsibility for their actions. For example, if a person loses their job due to drinking, enabling behavior would be to offer financial assistance. You’ll help your loved one more by holding them accountable for their actions and letting them learn from their mistakes.

3. Don’t Exclude Them

Try to include your loved one in social activities to help them adjust to their new lifestyle. This may involve spending time with them surrounded by a new group of sober friends or inviting them to tag along on a day trip. Overall, you don’t want to make your loved one feel different because they are in recovery. Reassure them that they are loved and appreciated.

4. Don’t Dwell on the Past

When your loved one comes home from a treatment program, they must enter a welcoming, positive environment. It’s best to avoid bringing up pain from the past as your loved one heals. Instead, focus on rebuilding your relationship and sharing a substance-free future.

5. Don’t Blame Yourself

Remember that you are not the cause of your loved one’s addiction, and release any guilt you may feel. By recognizing that their substance use disorder is not your fault, you can avoid enabling behaviors and let them take responsibility for their actions.

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GOING TO TREATMENT FOR THE FIRST TIME

When it comes to committing to treatment for drugs or alcohol, the first obstacle you have to overcome is yourself. If your life is in shambles, your closest relationships are begging you to consider help or you feel like everything you cherish is slipping through your fingers, addiction treatment offers you a way out. It’s the life preserver in a turbulent ocean.

If you’re considering treatment for the first time, you may be scared. You probably have lots of questions about what to expect. Below are some straight, simple answers about addiction treatment so you can walk your next steps with confidence and focus on your recovery.

ENTERING REHAB: WHAT HAPPENS FIRST?

It’s natural to be apprehensive or even afraid of the unknown. Yet, sometimes all you need to lay your worries to rest is a little information. Here are the different parts of most addiction treatment programs.

Intake Assessment

Personalization is important when it comes to addiction treatment. An individualized plan ensures that you get the help you need for your unique situation. A confidential intake assessment, either over the phone or in-person, usually consists of a simple conversation, including a physical and psychological screen. 

The intake assessment helps the staff understand the extent of your use history, social and emotional factors that will influence your recovery process, and whether you have any underlying mental health and medical conditions.

Detoxification

A major fear for most people entering treatment is detox. Whether medically assisted or not, detoxification involves ridding your body of the substances that you’re physically dependent on. Many treatment centers have their own detox program where they provide you with the support and medical care you need to ensure this stage goes as smoothly as possible. Based on your frequency of use, amount and type of substance, medical support is crucial as detoxing on your own can be very dangerous.

Treatment

Once the drugs are out of your system, the real work begins. Whether you choose to stay full-time in an inpatient facility or you opt for outpatient care or virtual care, addiction treatment is the cornerstone of recovery. It usually involves multiple therapies and treatment services designed to set you up for success after you leave. Classes, group counseling and individual therapy arm you with:

Tools to manage stress and unavoidable triggers

Relapse prevention techniques

The ability to replace unhealthy thought patterns with new, healthy ones

Expert therapy to address underlying causes of your use

Ongoing Care

Rehabilitation is not the end of your recovery journey. Many treatment centers offer aftercare services as well. You can receive ongoing encouragement even after returning home through group therapy and alumni support or events.

THE ADDICTION TREATMENT EXPERIENCE

At the center of your recovery is your experience in treatment. Whether it’s residential or outpatient, treatment has the potential to transform your life. While programs and services vary from facility to facility, your experience will involve:

Learning how to better take care of yourself — mentally, physically and emotionally

Lots of meetings, research-based therapies and group sessions customized around your needs

Specially tailored homework assignments

Lots of breaks and time for reflection and relaxation

New friendships and peer support

FIND EFFECTIVE, COMPASSIONATE ADDICTION TREATMENT

Don’t let your hesitation or fear about what addiction treatment may be like prevent you from changing your life for the better. Learn more about this positive, life-changing experience. Contact Nashville recovery center today.

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Finding Happiness in Recovery

We all want to be happy, but happiness doesn’t always come easy – especially when we’ve relied on drugs and alcohol for that perceived “happiness” in the past. Leaving behind a life we’re familiar with can be scary and challenging at first, but it doesn’t mean we can’t be satisfied and fulfilled with a new, sober lifestyle. 

Meditate

Upon becoming sober, we’re faced with dozens of thoughts and emotions that we don’t know how to handle, especially since we’ve resorted to numbing them with drugs and alcohol in the past. Meditation is an excellent practice to clear the mind and focus.

 After a few minutes of practice each day, you’ll have a clearer idea of what you want to achieve, without feeling like your mind is muddled. Plus, you’ll feel like you have more control over your thoughts and actions, which is great for someone new to recovery.

Have an Attitude of Gratitude

Research shows that gratitude is consistently associated with greater happiness. This is because it helps people feel more positive emotions, build strong relationships and relish good experiences. Focusing on all the positive things in your life, rather than the negative, helps you keep everything in perspective when you’re hit with a setback or obstacle.

Sweat it Out

When you exercise, your body releases endorphins which create a natural high. Doing so regularly gives you more energy and enhanced feelings of well-being all which make life much more enjoyable and manageable. As you reach certain exercise milestones, you’ll feel more accomplished, which will empower you to believe that long-term sobriety, too, is attainable.

Forgive

This one’s a big one, and one that can be very difficult for some people to do. But the truth is, holding onto grudges only hurts yourself. Letting go of pain and resentment towards yourself and others lifts a weight off your shoulders and makes way for happiness to settle into your heart.

Talk it Through

Bottling your emotions can have negative effects on your emotional and physical health, but unfortunately, some people don’t have a close, impartial person they can confide in. A therapist is a great way to talk things through, release buried emotions, bounce ideas off of and learn some tips geared at self-improvement.

I know – change is hard. But personal change happens one day at a time, so if you’re looking to get happier enroll yourself in recovery house in, Nashville . It’s all about progress, not perfection.

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Re-Entering the Workforce After Recovery

Re-entering the working environment is the next step after completing your rehabilitation. Everybody has a different skill set but while searching for a job you should look for jobs that have stable hours, a healthy environment, and provide opportunities to grow. You also have to disclose the reason for the employment gap in your resume. Also being in rehab may have left you with no references. So, do something like volunteering to get references. If you want to start working then the drug rehabs at Nashville can assist you.