Inpatient Rehab

Inpatient Rehab – What And Why?

Articles, Education, International, Treatment, United Kingdom, United States

The vast majority of those currently dependent upon drugs or alcohol will eventually come to the point where they want to quit. If you or someone close to you is now in that position, inpatient rehabilitation must be a consideration.

We will look at why shortly, but first let’s understand one thing:

Quitting without help is a tall order indeed:

The thought of quitting drugs on your own is an admirable one. Sadly, it rarely works. This is not because a person is weak, it is because the need for their substance(s) of choice is far stronger.

A person will start with the strongest intentions to stop use, but it needs to be clearly understood that the substance you are dependent upon has changed how the brain works and reacts. The over-riding messages received will be a pressing need for the substance and that it is needed NOW!

To reinforce the message, it will be hammered home by extremely uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms that accompany longer periods than normal without the substance. As these feelings develop and worsen there will be an overwhelming urge to ‘get back on it’.

Once this happens then dependence will continue unabated and an addict will be very reluctant to try such an approach again.

Inpatient addiction rehabilitation:

A stand-out characteristic of inpatient rehab is that the person concerned leaves their current environment and resides in a facility which is exclusively centered around recovery.

Most of this residential treatment will last for between 28 and 90 days. The length of time spent as an inpatient depends on the specific needs and priorities of each individual.

Accommodation will be comfortable and private, there will be grounds to roam and reflect in, healthy food served at set meal times and fitness facilities to take full advantage of.

Individuality is key:

This point must not be overlooked. A well-respected inpatient rehab establishment bases their treatment and healing programs around each and every individual.

Everyone is different and thus has different needs. Such individualism will be searched for and found during the early stages of a stay. This will happen through discussions with a fully qualified and committed counsellor.

Once the root causes of dependence, a person’s current situation, their physical and mental strength and any specific needs are understood a tailormade recovery program will be formed, discussed and agreed.

From here the real healing will begin.

Routine is key:

Many addicts have lost sight of a normal day-to-day routine. Their lives are centered around scoring and taking drugs or where their next drink will come from.

A stay at an inpatient rehab will give routine a renewed meaning. There will be 3 set meal times a day, activities and facilities to use and appreciate and crucial counselling sessions. These will be on a one-to-one basis as well as group sessions.

This routine will be interspersed with fun group activities, socialising time, periods of self-reflection and something all look forward to; weekly outdoor excursions.

A positive springboard:

We have not delved too deeply on what this type of treatment offers, but hopefully the above gives very positive feelings about a very positive way to overcome dependence and continue the healing process.

Friends at beach

The Company You Keep Affects Recovery

Articles, Education, International, Treatment, Understanding Addiction, United Kingdom, United States

The Company You Keep Affects Recovery

If you have been dependent on an illegal substance or alcohol it is probably safe to say that the company you were keeping, and those you met along the way helped to fuel the fire of addiction.

Those who have taken the brave step of rehabilitation and are now ready to continue their life in an alcohol or drug-free manner need to make changes in the company they keep.

Company kept:

It is human-nature to be sociable, some are far more sociable than others. The company we keep is an important identifier to who a person feels they are and where they belong.

Close relationships, friendships and acquaintances all have a place in our lives, as do people we either do not get along with or dislike.

Company kept while dependence deepens:

As a person’s dependence upon drugs or alcohol deepens they will find that their normal social friendships shrink, but time spent with those who share the same substance interests deepen.

These deepening ‘friendships’ are a large factor for many in their continuing slide into addiction. It must be realised that if a person in recovery is to avoid relapse and a rapid return to their old way’s this company must be avoided.

Future relationships:

There are 3 strands to future relationships for a person in recovery. We will leave the one closest to home for last.

Voluntary recovery groups:

Organisations such as Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous can be a vital recovery resource.

They help a person understand such problems are not theirs alone, encouragement to regain self-respect is majored on and new friendships are formed. These factors and more help the recovering addict feel far less stigmatized.

Another important asset that should be taken full advantage of is the ‘Sponsor’ allocated to help during recovery.

These men and women have experience, they have been in those dark places you may very well find yourself in. Advice and direction will be offered along with constant comment and encouragement. They can be particularly important during early-stage recovery.

New relationships:

Bonding with others who are in recovery is important, but it will also benefit a person to establish new relationships. This can be achieved by joining a variety of groups in the local area that share interests, pastimes or hobbies you have enjoyed or feel you would enjoy.

Meeting new people in new surroundings can be refreshing and extremely encouraging in terms of keeping relapse at bay. After all, they do not need to know your history, and you do not need to reveal this until you are good and ready, if at all.

Friends you have distanced from:

Those friends who were close before dependence got the better of you may be open in terms of renewing relationships. It is important to understand that amends could well be in order and that such actions are not simply an apology.

Time needs to be taken over how you will approach each individual, and how thoughts and feelings are conveyed relating to your actions towards them during your addiction-fuelled days.

If some refuse this offer of renewed friendship do not let it cloud your judgement or have any serious effects on your recovery. Respect everyone’s personal feelings and hopefully the majority will respect yours.

Children drinking

Educating Your Kids On Alcohol

Articles, Education, Understanding Addiction, United Kingdom, United States

It is absolutely vital that as a parent you educate your children about the dangers of alcohol. Many parents assume their offspring would never dream of drinking alcohol while out with friends. Sadly, this is not the case. 

Peer pressure:

Because alcohol is legal children very often grow up witnessing adults drinking alcohol as part of everyday life.

They are inquisitive and notice far more going on around them than they are often given credit for. While it is extremely unlikely they would openly try alcohol in front of their parents this is not the case with their friends.

Growing up is full of challenges and peer pressure from others in their chosen group of friends can be very strong.

If one of the group manages to acquire alcohol and invites others to join them in having a drink a child is often torn between not wanting to, but also not wanting to be the odd one out by refusing.

Discuss and keep discussing:

Parents know full well the damage alcohol can do to a person. This makes it their duty to educate children in an informative, non-confrontational manner.

These talks should be classed as a ‘moving target’ in terms of regular, sensible discussions on the subject.

Here are 5 reasons that need explaining in terms of the damage alcohol can do.

  • Poor decision making: Alcohol negatively affects a person’s ability to make correct decisions. Children have far less experience in terms of decision making so alcohol is particularly dangerous for them in this respect.
  • Getting into risky situations: Drinking gives many people a ‘devil may care’ attitude. This in turn leads to doing things they would not normally consider. If a child is under the influence of alcohol they are far more at risk of becoming involved in silly pranks that can turn sour, trouble in terms of fighting, or being far less resistive in terms of sexual experimentation.
  • Emotions: Going through puberty is tough, hormones are playing havoc and tempers often flare for little reason. Drinking alcohol will only add to the turmoil. If a teenager is feeling depressed then alcohol will make matters worse.
  • Nausea and vomiting: It is in everyone’s nature to try something new, but with age also comes caution. This is not always the case for the younger generation. If they are given a neat shot, or a drink laced with alcohol the chances are nauseous feelings will immediately be theirs with vomiting not far behind.
  • Hangovers: Any adult who has suffered from a particularly bad hangover should be able to relay exactly why drinking to excess is a most unwise thing to do.

Increase the chances to say “NO”:

Discussions and education on alcohol with your children do not have to be a battle. Informative advice as to why they should say “No” to alcohol regardless of when and where they are offered it should be explained with patience and concern.

This continued teaching should be effective and help to reduce the chances of them accepting alcohol far before they are legally ready to do so.

Alcohol facts

Alcohol Fiction – Don’t Listen To The Barstool Doctors!

Articles, Australia, Education, United Kingdom

There are so many myths about alcohol and how to avoid a hangover that it would be very difficult to list them all, but let’s try a few that most will have heard, some will be convinced of and others will quite rightly dismiss!

Have a nightcap before sleep:

It is thought by many that after drinking over their normal limit a nightcap will help them get to sleep quickly and offers a good night’s sleep.

Wrong! This approach may help you doze off more quickly but additional alcohol will only disturb and shorten that much needed REM cycle of sleep. The result is that many wake up far sooner than wanted.

Waking in the early hours can cause unease and the severity of the hangover can also make it very difficult to get back to sleep again.

Hair of the dog:

This term is short for the colloquial English saying, “Hair of the dog that bit you” and means the best cure for something that ails you is to have some more of it.

Wrong! All this will do is postpone the hangover. The height of a hangover is when blood-alcohol levels hit zero, so by continuing to ‘top-up’ is just delaying the inevitable.

Strong coffee will do the trick:

Sorry, wrong again! Excess caffeine can work to narrow a person’s blood vessels and the result is quite possibly an even worse hangover.

The best beverages to consume after a night on the tiles are water and high-energy sports drinks. These will help replace lost electrolytes and counter dehydration which is a major cause of a hangover.

Over-the-counter painkillers:

Many people believe that taking OTC painkillers before going to bed will alleviate the headache and generally ‘rough’ feeling when they awake after a night on the booze.

Wrong! These readily available medicines peak in around 4 hours, so by the time you wake up they will be of no help. Also, do not take Tylenol (Acetaminophen) after a night of drinking. This combination could do more harm than good to your liver.

If you do feel the need to take such painkillers then the best time to do so is immediately upon waking.

What can help reduce the effects:

We all know and understand that a hangover is not something to look forward to, yet this self-inflicted hurt is encountered all too regularly.

Here are a couple of things you can do to reduce those feelings:

  • Eat beforehand: Have a good, solid meal before commencing a drinking session and this should be loaded with fats. Steak is a good example. Any food will slow down the rate at which your body absorbs alcohol, but fatty foods do it best.
  • Water: As mentioned the main cause of a hangover is dehydration so it is vital you take ample amounts of water on board. This should not only be before bed, but during your drinking session. Try and have a glass of water between each alcoholic drink.

The ultimate solution to avoid a hangover:

Apart from limiting the amount you drink the only real solution is time!

Give your body time to recover and your hangover will disappear, and while feeling sorry for yourself during recovery please make a promise that you won’t hit the bottle so hard next time!

Dara Thailand

Top Rehab Locations in Thailand

Articles, Australia, International, Treatment, United States

This site is dedicated to giving comprehensive information relating to all things Thailand has to offer in terms of addiction rehabilitation.

There are compelling reasons why more people with dependency issues than ever before are choosing the luxurious rehabilitation establishments here to begin their journey towards successful recovery.

The information, advice and comparisons given will be clear, unbiased and informative. Our aim is to help those with addiction issues and their loved ones understand what services and treatment are available.

Armed with this knowledge it will allow sensible, informed decisions relating to which establishment and methods of treatment best fit your own personal needs.

Brief country overview:

The beautiful Kingdom of Thailand has long been a quality holiday destination for those in the know. Whether you are seeking tranquil, palm-fringed beaches, jungle and rain forest adventures, stunning mountain trails or lively seaside destinations with entertainment to suit all tastes you will find it here.

The capital, Bangkok is arguably the most vibrant city in Southeast Asia, the nation’s road and air routes are of a high standard, and accommodation options range from basic backpack facilities to some of the most luxurious island resorts in the world.

It is known as “The Land of Smiles” for a very good reason. The local population are friendly and helpful, those looking for a calm, spiritual experience have countless stunning temples to choose from.

It goes without saying that Thai food is renowned the world over, but you will not find flavours, taste and variety better than in its place of origin.

Wrap all of this and much, much more up with prices to suit every pocket and it is easy to understand the country’s appeal.

Medical Tourism

Thailand has long been a preferred country in terms of medical tourism. The accommodation, facilities and treatment are first class with prices that are far lower than their western equivalents.

One independent arm of these services is the well-established and respected rehabilitation sector.

The reason inpatient rehab establishments are commonly referred to as Luxury Rehab Resorts will become patently clear through the comparisons and detailed information explained below.

At a glance comparisons of 4 major Thai luxury rehab resorts

The more comfortable an addict feels about their initial recovery environment the better the chance of successfully progressing towards full, long term recovery.

The comparison below will describe the location of these rehab establishments and then lead into details relating to accommodation, facilities, treatment and costs that should pleasantly surprise.

Dara Rehab

This first class operation offers choice galore in many ways:

Location:

Dara completely understand how vitally important it is for recovering clients to feel at one with their surroundings during initial rehabilitation. This is why they have invested in not one, but two first class establishments in different locations:

Flagship Establishment – Koh Chang – Idyllic Tropical Island Setting:

For many men and women preparing themselves for inpatient rehabilitation treatment a setting that offers relaxing palm-fringed beaches is their preferred choice.

Koh Chang is located in the Gulf of Thailand.  As well as beautiful beaches there is a whole lot more. It is Thailand’s 2nd largest island and is part of the stunning Mu Ko Chang National Park, 70 pct. of which is marine.

Calm, relaxed beaches, remote resorts and quality spa’s blend with busier tourist spots that provide restaurants, lively nightlife options and accommodation offerings ranging from basic backpacker huts to ultra-luxurious resorts.

The island’s interior is jungle and rain forest dotted with waterfalls. It is also home to a healthy wildlife population.

Activities abound both in water and on land. Think snorkeling and scuba diving in crystal clear water teeming with sea life and sparkling coral, or elephant rides and hikes along jungle trails to glorious waterfalls where a refreshing dip is mandatory! Rest assured, there is a lot more in between.

Rehab accommodation and facilities:

Luxurious comfort is a given at both locations. Koh Chang incorporates a luxury hotel with its intensive rehabilitation centre. Their quality villas sit in tropical gardens and clients have the choice of staying in Garden or Pool villas.

All offer air-conditioning, large en-suite bathrooms, verandahs, refrigerators and DVD players.

Dara allows clients to choose between deluxe, superior and suite rooms, all of which come with air-conditioning, en-suite bathrooms and DVD players.

Wi-Fi is available throughout both locations and sensible use of electronic equipment is allowed.

Both establishments have large swimming pools with loungers and relaxation areas, fully equipped gym’s, massage rooms, meditation centres, lounge facilities with a book and DVD library and relaxed communal dining areas. 

Rehab staff and treatment methods:

A very healthy ratio of internationally certified therapists are included in the 70 full time staff. There are 50 full time staff at their Koh Chang base.

Individually personalized 4, 8 and 12 week programs are offered at both establishments with an additional offering of a unique, no obligation 7 day ‘first steps program’ that has been specifically designed for those who are hesitant about their ability to commit to a complete program.

This shortened stay cuts no corners and clients will have the opportunity to fully experience the luxurious and relaxing environment, daily routines and treatment sessions.

The vast majority of those choosing this option have their fears and questions answered in such a positive manner that a full program of treatment is their next step towards full recovery.

Two trademark treatment methods are available. ‘Steps to Recovery’ is a 12-step program and the ‘Integrated Treatment Model’ method includes key aspects of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT).

Both treatment options combine physical, social, psychological and spiritual modules through a variety of individual and group based activities.

Weekly excursions are arranged for all clients and the wide choice of activities available in both locations are something clients will thoroughly enjoy. These day trips are rewarding and give additional encouragement to clients during their recovery.

Two other very important treatment options are available to all clients. Those suffering with multiple issues can take advantage of the first class Dual Diagnosis Treatment, and it is strongly advised that all clients choose continued aftercare treatment from an excellent choice offered by Dara.

Ongoing Complimentary stay:

Dara want clients to fully understand and appreciate that they are an integral part of the recovery process and will be there for them as long as required.

To this end they offer a very appealing one week complimentary stay each year. This ‘tune-up’ is available to every client that has successfully stayed sober for an agreed period of time.

Such a generous offer is another reason this top class establishment is the choice of many suffering from dependence issues.