Category: Malaysia

Adrenaline Addiction and Risk-Taking Behavior.

Have you ever gone to an amusement park and ridden a roller coaster? Perhaps you have been driving and had a near accident and were filled with adrenaline in the moment after? That rush of emotion, excitement, and relief is caused by a release of adrenaline into the body. For some, this release is something they enjoy so much it becomes an adrenaline addiction. These people are sometimes called adrenaline junkies.

Adrenaline Junkie

An adrenaline junkie is defined as someone who has a compulsive desire for excitement and adventure. This does not mean that you occasional like to push the limits and enjoy a roller coaster ride. Or even try your hand at bungee jumping or horseback riding. It is a compulsive need to continually chase the adrenaline-fueled feeling that some activity once produced. The problem is, even adrenaline junkies plateau. At some point the first activity that produced the feeling no longer works. The more risks taken is when the problem truly takes hold.

Are you Addicted to Adrenaline

Just as with every addiction, adrenaline and risk taking addicts come in all shapes and forms. While most people think of an adrenaline junkie as one who takes part in extreme measures, there are also more subtle ways that people show this addiction. Think of it this way. Stress produces adrenaline so some people thrive on the stress created by an overbooked schedule. Such as the rush of shoplifting. Even something like waiting until the last minute to meet a deadline for example. The adrenaline level may not be as instant or extreme as jumping out of a plane, but the feeling for that person is the same. Some people even create the rush by creating drama and crises in their own lives. This may be intentional or unintentional. They are the people that not only survive under pressure, but work their best under those conditions.

Warning Signs

If you think you or someone you know may have an addiction to adrenaline then look for these signs. Someone who always has a crisis in their life, either real or overblown, or tend to surround themselves with troubled souls who always need help, may have a problem. Students or workers who wait until the last minute to get a project done or are always rushing, may have an issue. For those who are always rushing, if they do have a break in their schedule, they may take on more just to stay extremely busy. Finally, people who seem to create drama by exploding in anger or causing scenes, may also have an issue.

There are several others that could be added to this list. However it is likely you are already seeing yourself or someone else in the shared examples. This does not mean that this person just happens to fall into these situations, but that they continually happen over many years.

Dealing with an Adrenaline Addiction

If you have identified yourself as an adrenaline junkie or addict then there are ways to help yourself. While extreme cases may require psychotherapy to understand why this feeling is so important to you. There are also some home techniques that can be beneficial.

The first step is to take the ‘crisis’ edge off of your daily life. Pair down on stressful activities and learn the difference in a real crisis and something you are trying to create a crisis in. Some situations are slightly stressful. However, allowing them to become or appear overblown means you are searching for the feeling. Next, learn and practice relaxation techniques. This will not only help combat the effects on the body and mind of chronic stress, but help you function without the adrenaline. Some people find meditation or yoga helps. While others may find light exercise, nothing extreme, is better.

If you need help learning these skills then DARA can help. There are healthier options to create a fun and entertaining life than overly stressing activities. Get the help to find balance that you need. You are worth it.

CLICK HERE to get a Free Confidential Addiction Rehabilitation Assessment.

Ultra-High Net Worth: Addiction and Risk to Reputation

What Defines Addiction

Addiction is one of those terms that we hear almost on the daily basis. In current times addiction can be applied to everything. Anything from technology to drugs and alcohol. While this may seem almost too encompassing, it is true. However, not all addictions are recognized by the American Psychological Association (APA). But those that are and several that are not can still be treated.

Addiction is defined by the APA as a complex condition. A brain disease, that is manifested by compulsive use despite the harmful consequences. While APA focuses on substances, the definition is expanding to include compulsive behaviors and things. Though this is not yet official. There are many signs and symptoms of addiction. The most prevalent is knowing that there is an issue. A compulsion, or a need for something that is causing pain or problems, but being unable to stop. When an addiction is present, it affects all areas of life. All while using and often for a long time after the addiction has ceased. While this is not meant to be disheartening to the user. It is a reality check that many require.

Risking Your Reputation

Addiction is no respecter of person. No matter your health, social class, or how much money you have in the bank. Addiction can affect your life and reputation. This is not an often discussed area of addiction. But one that should be included when overcoming an addiction of any type. Below are a few of the possible ways that addiction can alter your reputation.

Health

Addiction hurts you physically. This is true of substance abuse, alcohol, and several other forms of addiction. Drug and alcohol abuse can lead to risky behaviors. Such behaviors lead to diseases. Some incurable, and even overdose or death. Imagine having to explain to friends, family members, and employers that your health issues are drug related. This may get worse. Some health problems could lead to loss of employment due to days missed in relation to the addiction.

Additionally, any addiction affects your mental health. It is common for addicts to suffer from depression, anxiety, delusions, insomnia, and many more side effects. While having mental health issues no longer carries the stigma that it once did. Such issues alone could affect your reputation. All due to how you change in interacting with others.

Home

Another area in which your reputation may be damaged is at home. Drug and substance abuse are costly. This can lead to financial issues. Also inability to pay basic bills. All because the addiction is winning. Your financial future could easily be ruined by an addiction. The addiction may also make it difficult to get or keep a job. This may lead to illegal acts to support the habit. This can easily lead to jail. This will certainly negatively affect reputation very quickly as arrests are made public.

Furthermore, the reputation you once held with family and friends can be negatively impacted by addiction. This is in part due to lying about the addiction. Spending time away to take part in the addiction, and in many cases stealing to support a habit.

Seeking Help

The list of possible damages to your reputation or the reputation of those around you due to addiction is endless. If you find yourself suffering from an addiction, do yourself and your loved ones a favor and get help. Your reputation can be repaired over time. But you cannot if you do not receive help. When you are ready, give DARA or another facility a call to get the help you richly deserve. A simple phone call can save your life.

CLICK HERE to get a Free Confidential Addiction Rehabilitation Assessment.

Alcoholism Among Older Adults: What is Alcoholism

Alcoholism is a severe form of alcohol abuse. Meaning the person is unable to control drinking behaviors. If left untreated, the alcoholic can spiral out of control. This includes all areas of life are negatively affected. While drinking when of legal age is often a part of people’s lives, when drinking begins affecting things such as family, friends, finances, and personal health than it is likely a problem exists. For some this may come on slowly over time. While for others it may happen quickly.

When you think of an alcoholic you may have a certain image in your head. But the truth is anyone at any age can be an alcoholic. This article will focus on those older adults who are suffering from alcoholism.

Harsh Reality

Alcoholism among older adults has increased in past years in America. Drinking problems for those entering into their golden years are often misdiagnosed. Even overlooked simply because of age. Misdiagnosis is common because the symptoms of an alcohol addiction in older adults can mimic other issues. Such as depression with insomnia, anxiety, and mood swings.

So why do older adults who have never drank much in the past, suddenly turn to alcohol? The reasons behind alcoholism are varied. One specific cause may not ever be found, but for older adults some of the following reasons may come into play. Empty nest syndrome, when children grow up and move away, may lead to drinking for the parent. At about the same time, many people retire and stop socializing as much which can lead to drinking from boredom.

As adults age, deteriorating health and traumatic events can be triggers. Such as losing a loved one or friends due to health and moves can lead to drinking excessively. Finally, simple sadness over the life changes that occur in the aging population could lead to drinking. While none of these reasons are good cause to become an alcoholic or drink in excess, they may be premeditating causes to a problem.

Risk Factors for the Elderly

Though alcoholism does not discriminate, there are some factors that can increase the risk of alcohol abuse in seniors. Things such as being a chronic drinker. This can lead to alcohol abuse as drinking behaviors increase with the addition of time after retirement. Surprisingly, gender can also play a role. Reason being older women are more likely to develop dangerous drinking habits later in life. Unfortunately, frequent drinking for women can worsen common health problems like liver disease, cardiovascular issues, and high blood pressure. For both genders, chronic health conditions that are often diagnosed in old age can increase the chances of alcohol dependence.

Signs of Alcohol Abuse in the Aging

If you suspect an aging loved one is suffering from alcohol abuse, look for the following signs: Drinking as a way to deal with depression, mixing alcohol with prescription medications, becoming agitated when sober, and exhibiting typical signs of drunkenness. Additional signs may include lying about how much they drink, hiding liquor bottles, or putting themselves in danger due to drinking. If these sound familiar then seek help for your loved one. No matter the age, addiction is worth defeating. DARA can help, pick up the phone and get the information you need today.

CLICK HERE to get a Free Confidential Addiction Rehabilitation Assessment.

The Basics of Writing an Intervention Letter

If you have decided to have an intervention for a loved one or have been invited to take part in an intervention, you will quickly discover that interventions are highly rehearsed. This is important as emotions can run high during an intervention. In essence, family dynamics can actually work against the addict asking for help. If you are going to be part of an intervention, you will be asked to write a letter to the addict. This article is focused on what should be included in that letter for the best chances of success.

What does the Letter do

It may seem odd to some to write a letter to someone who will be sitting right in front of them. But for an intervention that is both a surprise and addressing a tough issue. It is important to remain focused, because letters help accomplish this. This letter is written ahead of time, which can be cathartic for the writer. This allows some emotions to be felt before the actual intervention. However, the letter can also serve many other purposes.

The letter can be a road map to keep the intervention on track, as the words are written right in front of you. Intervention letters may help you keep your emotions in check. This is to help avoid becoming excited or frozen. Perhaps unsure of what to say. Since the letters will be rehearsed ahead of time, the group can help perfect it to have the most effect. Plus, the letters can be sent with the addict to rehab to serve as a reminder of why they need to get better.

Writing the Letter

As mentioned, emotions run high during interventions. Sticking to a well written letter can help you keep from exploding in anger or forgetting your own words when they are needed most. When writing, you must remember that even a hint of anger or blame toward the addict can be fatal to the intervention. An addict will listen intently to see if this is the case. You can expect an addict to jump on the chance to argue and escape. The letters become scripts that must be closely guarded and read. Therefore, each letter should have several parts which will be described below.

Every letter should begin with a simple statement that shows love and concern. This should be straight from the heart. The next step is to share a specific instance in which you have been grateful for the addict. This can be in a situation or at a time they were helpful. It will likely catch the addict off guard to hear gratitude, and will help them to calm down and listen. Next, add a small section on what you have learned about addiction as a disease and how treatment can help. However, this may not be appropriate for every intervention letter. It depends on each case.

Moving forward, you should add a section about how the addict’s negative behavior has caused problems. This should not be written in a blaming way. You should add factual evidence that you saw firsthand. Furthermore, the letter should end with repeated love and concern. This way the format will be repeated by every member of the group.

Final thoughts

In writing a letter in this way you are showing the addict that you care and want what is best for them. However, at the end of the day only they will accept help. The letters can be sent to rehab with the patient as a reminder of why they are working toward sobriety. If you are part of an intervention, follow these guidelines to offer the best results for your loved one.

CLICK HERE to get a Free Confidential Addiction Rehabilitation Assessment.

How to Stage an Intervention

An intervention can be a stepping stone into getting your loved one into inpatient treatment. It is supposed to be a structured conversation between the addict, specialist, and loved ones. This conversation has a singular goal, though several steps are necessary to reach that goal. If you are planning an intervention for a friend or loved one make sure to properly stage it for the best possible results. However, you must remember that though an effective intervention may lead your loved one to rehab. It does not increase the efficacy of treatment, that is solely up to the addict.

When to Intervene

It can be a difficult decision to approach someone concerning their addiction and need for intensive help. Though many people mean well, they may not have the right words to express their feelings. The addicted person may also deny an addiction in every manner. However, there are signs that point to a strong addiction and a possible need for intervention. These outward signs may include borrowing or stealing money, aggressiveness, and being secretive. Other signs may include health issues and a lack of good physical appearance. Other signs include lack of energy at home, school, and/or work. You may also note other mental health issues like depression or eating disorders.

Staging an Intervention

If you are to the point that a loved one needs an intervention, then plan it correctly to allow for the most effectiveness. The first step is to call an intervention specialist. These individuals are trained professionals that will help you each step of the way. They keep the communication open and moving in the right direction. It is not recommended that friends and family even plan an intervention without a specialist.

Next, form the intervention group carefully. While loved ones should be involved, they should be able to handle intense moments and address specific needs. This may mean that the elderly or the very young should be excluded. After the group is formed, learn and rehearse. An intervention specialist will educate those members of the group on what may happen and how to handle the situation. The group members should then rehearse what they are saying to the addict. It’s important to do it with love, compassion, and concern. Avoid blaming and focusing on the past. Finally, choose an intervention meeting place and time that is familiar, yet non-threatening.

Moving forward with an Intervention

If the intervention is set and everyone prepared, then move forward. Plan for about 90 minutes for the process and be prepared for anything. Your loved one may react with submission or could become violent. If the intervention party feels threatened or in danger, call 911. The best you can do is be prepared having done your homework before attempting an intervention.

Hopefully your loved one will see the damages of addiction and seek help. Just remember, though interventions have been somewhat glamorized by reality television, they are real, raw, emotionally charged experiences that may or may not lead to rehab. If rehab is chosen, know that the person still has to be willing to admit a problem and stay clean and sober. An intervention is simply a step. Not a solution.

Looking to stage an intervention? Seek professional help and be clear about your goals. The future for your loved one may depend on it.

CLICK HERE to get a Free Confidential Addiction Rehabilitation Assessment.