Category: Treatment

Abusing Drugs – What is Drug Abuse?

It is often difficult to understand why or how someone becomes addicted to drugs. You may be shocked to know that many addicts do not look like those portrayed on television. But like every day people you see walking down the sidewalk. Some may mistakenly think that those who become addicted lack morals, principles, or even willpower. But this is not true. In fact, many addicts may wish to stop and cannot. In reality, addiction is a complex disease that takes much more than good intentions or a strong enough will to stop. This is because drugs change the way the brain functions. The good news is that research has taught us more about abusing drugs in recent years than ever before. Including how the brain recovers. This means that former addicts can go on to lead productive lives after ending the active addiction.

Substance Use Disorder

Technically, drug abuse is no longer a diagnosis. Instead it is now known as substance use disorder. This does not change the meaning, just the diagnosis name. It is still a chronic disease that is characterized by drug seeking and use that is compulsive in nature, as well as difficult to control, in spite of harmful or negative consequences. For the most part, choosing to use drugs for the first time is on purpose or voluntary, but with repeated use this can lead to brain changes that affect the person’s self-control and ability to resist urges to use again. These changes can be persistent and long lasting which is why this is classified as a relapsing disease. Those that stop using are at an increased risk to begin using again.

Though relapse is common, it does not mean treatment did not work, but as with other chronic health issues, it must be ongoing. Treatment should also be adjusted based on how each individual responds. This may mean it needs to be modified with each relapse or over time to meet changing needs.

Must Do Things

If you have a family member or loved one that is using and abusing drugs then it can be hard to know what to do or how to help. Perhaps you have tried some options, but without success. It can be a scary to think that your loved one is struggling and you may want to do all you can to help. But some find that their help pushed addiction further. This is because some forms of help are actually enabling. Some of the must do things for family members of an addict will be shared and then explained below.

There are five essential things to do if your loved one has an addiction. Whether it be to gambling, food, alcohol, or drugs, these are essential to better understanding and actually getting help for your loved one.

• Education
• Do not allow abuse
• Do not enable
• Seek help
• Self-care

Education

One of the best things you can do for yourself and your loved one is to be educated about addiction. The old saying is true, knowledge is power. You should not only be aware of the clinical definitions of addiction, but the signs and symptoms that may be occurring that you have not noticed. It is often much simpler to overlook signs than to acknowledge that a problem may exist. Along the same lines, some symptoms and signs may not seem odd until taken in context with other signs. A crumbled-up piece of tin foil may not send up red flags, but if there are burn marks or other signs, then a meth addiction may come to light. This is why being educated is so important.

Do Not Allow Yourself to Be Abused

It seems weird to be concerned about yourself when someone else has a drug issue, but it is quite common for family members and friends of drug addicts to be abused in a variety of ways. Emotional abuse is the most common form of abuse as irritability and mood swings are common for addicts. Additionally, addicts often steal from those closest to them to support their habit. In some circumstances, physical or sexual abuse may also occur in relation to the drug abuse. Just because a person is using drugs is not an excuse to accept abuse. If abuse occurs then seek help from a counselor or the authorities as needed.

No Enabling

It can be tempting to hide an addiction from those outside the family or not confront an addict about their behavior, but allowing them to do things that are wrong, illegal, or abusive is not helping you or the person with the drug use issue. It is okay to allow the user to suffer the consequences of their behavior. In some cases, these may be an extreme consequence such as jail or job loss, but this could be a wake-up call for the person abusing drugs. Learn to set boundaries and stick to them. If the family has chores, rules, a curfew, etc. then expect the addict to stick to it or deal with the consequences. If the person is continually given a free pass then they will take further advantage.

There are many support groups for those with loved ones who have addiction issues. Groups like Al-Anon or Nar-Anon can help you learn to set boundaries and deal with the stress of having an addict in the family. Individual therapy can also be helpful for those uncomfortable with group settings. Just know that if an addiction gets extreme steps may need to be taken to cut the addict out of your life. You must take care of yourself.

Seek Help

Much like avoiding enabling the person, you must take care of yourself if you are being brought down by someone in your life abusing drugs or alcohol. If your life, livelihood, housing, or finances are being affected, then seek professional help immediately. Private counseling is an excellent resource for this.

Take Care of Yourself

Above all else, take care of your own health and well-being. It may feel selfish, but if your mental or physical health decline, then you are not useful for anyone else. This can be tough, but when you need a break, a day or a week or whatever, take it to relax, unwind, and renew yourself.

Getting Help

If you or a loved one are abusing drugs or have an addiction, then seek help. DARA offers an in-patient rehab with a luxurious setting in several countries that can help get life back on track, addiction free. DARA uses a holistic approach to getting into recovery. You and your loved one are worth the effort.

CLICK HERE to get a Free Confidential Addiction Rehabilitation Assessment. Alternatively, you can click on the live chat icon to chat with someone right now.

How to Get an Alcoholic into Treatment

The decision to send a family member or friend who is an alcoholic into rehab for alcohol addiction is never an easy one to make. There may be fears related to rehab. Such as how will the person respond to being asked to go and to treatment, and how to find a rehab that will work for the person?

There are many resources that can help you or your loved one. Knowing and understanding the process a bit better can help you make an informed decision. Ultimately, the challenges that present themselves are offset by the hope that rehab will change the life of the person you love and allow your family to heal.

When it is Time for an Alcoholic into Rehab

It can be difficult to know when it is time to send a family member to rehab. However this is the first step to making that choice. You must recognize and admit there is a real problem. It can be a challenge to recognize when a loved one is drinking too much. Not just over drinking on occasion. According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, there are a few signs to look out for to make this determination. They include:

• Missing work or school because of drinking or being hungover
• Spending lots of time drinking
• Regularly getting into dangerous situations while drinking (like driving)
• Continuing to drink even when it causes problems with family or friends
• Feeling physically sick when drinking is stopped (withdrawal symptoms)

Any alteration in behavior that causes concern or happens with regularity can point to a problem with alcohol.

Choosing a Treatment Option

When the time comes there are many options for treatment for alcohol issues. It may seem counterproductive to choose a facility or type of treatment before confronting your loved one, it is important to do the research ahead of time. For those with a mild drinking problem an out-patient facility may work well. This is a facility that is will see your loved one for group and individual sessions, often weekly, but sometimes more often.

In-patient facilities are the best for moderate to severe alcoholics. These facilities typically have a set time in which you are in a given program. Some are four or six weeks, while others last up to 12 weeks. Choosing the right in-patient facility means doing your research. Look for one that is affordable, that will meet all your loved one’s needs, and one that is out of the general area of the addiction if possible. Many times, leaving the area for just a short time can help your loved one get control over addiction.

How to Get the Alcoholic to Agree

Now that you have identified the problem and found solution options, you must convince your loved one to enter some form of rehab. Many times the alcoholic will not even realize their own problem or will actively deny it because that would be admitting a problem exists. There are a couple ways in which the subject of rehab can be addressed. These will be discussed below.

The first is to sit down and speak calmly with your loved one. If you start by asking how they are feeling and if any physical issues are occurring, then they may open up about some issues. Slowly introduce the idea that this may be linked to drinking. Your loved one may admit there is cause for concern and you can mention that rehab facilities are available. If they deny it, then it is best to leave the topic for the time being because a fight can push them into further denial.

The next step or possibly the first step if the opportunity presents itself is to discuss concerns after a big life incident such as a DUI or alcohol poisoning. This incident can open up the lines of communication and help your loved one to seek help. This can also come at a time when legal charges are filed as your loved one may be looking for a way out. Rehab can go a long way to reducing a sentence or charges. Though this is not the ideal situation, with addiction you take the opportunities as they come.

There is a chance your loved one will admit the need for help and you can support this by offering rehab options and supporting them in their decision. This is not likely for many, but is always possible.

Interventions

Another option that may take one try or many is that of an intervention. Interventions should have the help of a professional and include only those who love and care about the individual. Those who cannot be supportive should not be included as they may be detrimental to the process. Review other articles to learn how to properly handle an intervention. If the intervention is successful it is best to send an Alcoholic into treatment at a rehab immediately.

Remember if your loved one refuses rehab then not all hope is lost, keep trying. Forcing someone into rehab is not usually beneficial as the person must desire help for it to be long lasting. Never use guilt to try to convince your loved one that rehab is best as ultimatums, lecturing and guilt are very ineffective and put the person on the defensive. Remain positive and analyze where you are and what the next steps are in the process. If needed, set boundaries and take some time for yourself to relax and regroup before trying again.

DARA Rehab

If your loved one is ready to attend rehab then consider DARA. DARA has locations around the world with programs ranging from four to twelve weeks in length. DARA has been created for those seeking a comprehensive, yet discreet program that cannot be matched. The program is evidence based with a team of skilled individuals that will tailor the program to fit each individual client. All clients are expected to willingly participate in both group and individual therapeutic activities where clients will be encouraged to look at the causes and roots of their alcohol dependence. Together with staff, they will address problematic behaviors and behavioral patterns that have led to alcoholism. Through this process DARA can help to build enduring recoveries.  

CLICK HERE to get a Free Confidential Addiction Rehabilitation Assessment. Alternatively, you can click on the live chat icon to chat with someone right now.

What is Alcoholism?

Alcohol abuse or alcoholism is any harmful use of alcohol. This is pretty straightforward. However, alcohol abuse or alcoholism are now known by the clinical name alcohol use disorder. The terms alcohol abuse and alcohol dependence are often used interchangeably by those who are not familiar with the clinical terms. But they are not the same. While an alcohol abuser is prone to binge drinking, someone who is dependent on alcohol may exhibit a wide variety of other symptoms. These differences will be explained as part of this article.

Alcohol Abuse

The DSM IV is a manual used to differentiate between mental and psychological disorders. It describes alcohol abusers as those who continue to drink in spite of recurrent interpersonal, legal, and social problems that have resulted from drinking. The word harmful used above refers to the drinking that causes either physical or mental damage or both. Most often, you can help those who are alcohol abusers with intervention. Especially with education on the dangers of binge drinking and alcohol poisoning.

Alcohol Dependence

If you or someone you know struggles with alcohol dependence, all the above criteria is also met, but further signs and symptoms exist. These can include:

• Narrowing of the drinking repertoire
• Drink seeking behaviors
• Alcohol tolerance
• Withdrawal symptoms
• Drinking to relieve symptoms
• Subjective awareness
• Inability to quit drinking

Each of these will be briefly explained, starting with the narrowing of the drinking repertoire. This may come as a surprise to most, but this is a relatively big sign as the person may move from drinking whatever is available to a specific type of liquor or drink. This could include beer, wine, or a specific type of hard liquor. Many times, brand is also important to the drinker.

Drink seeking behaviors is relatively straight forward as the person will only want to attend events in which alcohol will be present and available. The drinker may also only want to hang out with others who drink so that they are not drinking alone or drinking behaviors will not be noticed.

The next three, alcohol tolerance, withdrawal symptoms, and drinking to relieve symptoms often go hand in hand. Tolerance is needing more of the same drug or substance to attain the same feelings as when someone first started using. For the alcoholic it may mean that when first drinking a single beer could help them to relax and unwind, but now it takes a full bottle of vodka to do the same.

Alcohol Tolerance

As tolerance builds up it will take more and more alcohol to achieve the feeling. This can have the unexpected consequence of alcohol poisoning as the person continues to drink. As tolerance is built and the person continues to drink, if they stop then withdrawal symptoms can start as soon as there is no alcohol in their system. This often leaves the person drinking more to relieve symptoms. Some may say this is to treat a hangover or drink to stop the ‘shakes’.

Many also have subjective awareness about their drinking. There may be a compulsion or craving for alcohol that is notable even if the user does not acknowledge that it is happening. This tends to related to the return to drinking after a period of abstaining. The person may try to quit on their own, but fail due to the cravings.

Alcohol Withdrawal

Those with alcohol dependence typically require outside help in order to stop drinking. This may include detox, medical treatment, and professional rehabilitation. If you are alcohol dependent and decide to quit drinking then expect withdrawal symptoms to peak around 24 to 72 hours after the last drink and potentially continue for weeks. Those with mild issues may be able to enter recovery using only medical updates and out-patient therapy, but those with moderate to severe drinking issues will likely require inpatient treatment. This could involve fluids, sedation, and close monitoring of vital signs.

If you think you are experiencing withdrawal symptoms seek medical attention right away. If you are unsure what to expect, look for the following signs of withdrawal:

• Fever
• Hallucinations
• Seizures
• Severe confusion

Still Uncertain

If you have read and understood the signs and symptoms, but still question whether you or a loved one has a drinking problem then ask yourself two simple questions: Are the drinking habits safe, risky, or harmful? And Are you abusing alcohol or alcohol dependent? If either of the answers is yes, it is best to seek professional help.

Help at DARA

If you think you have an alcohol dependence or abuse problem then seek the best help available. That help can be found at the affordable, in-patient facilities at any of the DARA locations around the world. Whether you want to spend your rehab in Thailand, Wellington, or Sydney, a spot is available. Simply call to book a stay at any of the resort style rehabs that will help you work your way back into the every day life that you lost to drinking.

DARA has been created for those seeking a comprehensive, yet discreet program that cannot be matched by other rehab facilities. The program is evidence based with a team of skilled, yet flexible individuals that will tailor the program to fit each individual client. All clients are expected to willingly participate in both group and individual therapeutic activities where clients will be encouraged to look at the causes and roots of their alcohol dependence. Together with staff they will address problematic behaviors and behavioral patterns that have fed into the addiction. Through this process DARA can help to build enduring recoveries for those in attendance.

DARA offers different program lengths at four, six, and eight weeks using a range of approaches, but a focus on cognitive behavioral therapy. Cognitive behavioral therapy helps you to change the way you think which to change the way you behave. This is useful in helping with behaviors related to alcoholism like anxiety, depression, phobias, OCD, and many others.

Are You Ready?

If you are ready to seek the treatment you deserve then give one of DARA’s centers a call. You are the only one that can choose to change your life, but you have to take the first step of admitting a problem and then making that call. Someone is available 24/7 to take your call and help you get started.

CLICK HERE to get a Free Confidential Addiction Rehabilitation Assessment. Alternatively, you can click on the live chat icon to chat with someone right now.

Alcoholism

Over 6 percent of American adults battled alcohol use disorder as of 2015. Sadly, less than 10% of those received professional treatment for the disease. There are a few theories as to why this discrepancy exists. One issue is that those who drink, even problematically, do not see the need for help. This is especially true of those who do not fit the stereotypical alcoholic role. Friends and family members may be more willing to overlook excessive drinking and related issues if the drinker has their life together with a job, stable home life, or no history of alcoholism. This is in part because people are not well versed in the types of alcoholics.

There are five types of alcoholics. All of which will be explained below. These include several types of alcoholics that may be overlooked in society. 

• Young adult subtype
• Young antisocial subtype
• Functional subtype
• Intermediate familial subtype
• Chronic severe subtype

By understanding each of these subgroups a person can gain a better understanding of themselves or their loved ones. This can also help identify the best treatment plan for each type of alcoholic.

Young Adult Alcoholic

This is the largest group and subtype of alcoholics with as many as 31.5% of all alcoholics in this subtype in the United States. The members of this group are usually in their late teens or early twenties. They are either just at legal drinking age or under. Many of these young adults are college students enjoying the freedom away from home for the first time. Involved in a culture that often promotes excessive drinking.

These underage drinkers are often binge drinkers. They often drink more in a single setting than most older drinkers drink in the same amount of time. People who fall into the young alcoholic subtype rarely have a family history of alcoholism. Even though alcoholism is considered a heritable disease. However, the environmental factors make up a large risk for this group. Excessive drinking on a regular basis, living in a pro-drinking environment, and drinking before the brain is fully formed can contribute to the onset of alcoholism. Nearly one-third of all alcoholics fit into this category.

Young Antisocial Alcoholic

This is a subgroup of alcoholics that is generally in their mid-twenties. Yet started drinking young. As alcohol impacts the brain chemistry and regular exposure to these types of substances can change how the brain’s circuitry works. An individual may suffer from cravings and withdrawal symptoms when alcohol is not present in the blood stream. Which encourages further drinking. At such a young age the brain has not fully developed in the prefrontal cortex which results in a difficulty in controlling emotions and impulses. This makes them more likely to take bigger risks without the fear of consequences.

Those who fall into the antisocial personality disorder commonly have a comorbid mental disorder. Including that of antisocial personality disorder, bipolar disorder, anxiety disorders, and depression. As many as three-fourths of those that fall into this category also smoke marijuana and cigarettes. Furthermore, many struggle with opioid or cocaine addictions. Multiple drug abuse and co-occurring disorders when combined with alcohol abuse can increase the risk of addiction and cause problems with treatment. Only around a third of these individuals will seek treatment willingly.

Functional Alcoholics

Functional alcoholics are most typically middle aged, well educated, and may appear to have it all together when viewed by others. It is likely that those in this category of alcoholics will have a steady job and behave normally. But be compartmentalizing their life. These individuals may drink in private and behave like fully functional adults in public. Unlike many alcoholics, a functional alcoholic will likely fulfill the majority of their regular obligations consistently. Family members may enable this drinking by making excuses when an alcoholism issue occurs.

A functional alcoholic may not ever hit ‘rock bottom’ as they tend to be successful in most parts of life. Therefore, they tend to deny having a problem or seek professional help. While the functional alcoholic may be great at covering up emotional distress and alcohol issues, they are also more likely to smoke cigarettes and hold a family history of alcoholism. About one quarter will also have at least one major depressive episode in life.

Intermediate Familial Alcoholics

Intermediate familial alcoholics make up about 19 percent of all American alcoholics. This category of alcoholics typically comes from a family with multi-generational alcoholism and is middle-aged. They tend to smoke cigarettes and about one-fifth also struggle with marijuana and cocaine abuse. Many also suffer from depression, bipolar disorder, and mood swings then use alcohol as a form of treatment.

Chronic Severe Alcoholics

This is the category that most people picture when the term alcoholic is utilized. This only accounts for about 9 percent of the United States alcoholic population. Chronic severe alcoholics are likely to have started drinking at a young age. Though they are probably now middle aged. This group tends to struggle with a high rate of antisocial personality disorder. Furthermore have a regular issue with the law. So legal or criminal struggles as well. This is because aggression can be caused by the alcohol.

Chronic severe alcoholics tend to experience severe life issues related to the drinking or related drug dependence. They may experience job loss, relationship issues, homelessness, and health issues among other problems. This subgroup is heavily represented in alcohol treatment programs as the problem is often obvious.

Getting Help at DARA

If you or a loved one appears to fall into any of these subgroups or has a problem with alcohol and other drugs, then seek help as soon as possible. While it is best to seek treatment early, treatment at any point can be beneficial. DARA offers affordable, high-end resort style facilities in various countries around the world.

DARA seeks to work with each individual to improve the mind, body, and spirit while educating the addict in addictive properties and the tools necessary to reenter the real world. As soon as you or your loved one is ready, give DARA a call to book a spot. You are worth getting your life together to enjoy the best you that you can be.

CLICK HERE to get a Free Confidential Addiction Rehabilitation Assessment. Alternatively, you can click on the live chat icon to chat with someone right now.

Substance Abuse Terminology

Knowing or being someone with a substance abuse disorder can be scary. A doctor may diagnose an actual disorder or may say you are showing warning signs or symptoms that could easily lead to addiction. This can be confusing and concerning. Some of the most common terms used are addiction, physical dependence, and tolerance. Each of these terms will be described below so a better understanding can be gained.

Tolerance

Tolerance is a term you will hear often in conjunction with addiction, but tolerance can occur for those who are simply taking medications over long periods of time. It occurs when a person no longer responds to a drug in the way they did at first. This means it will take a higher dose of the drug to achieve the same effect. This can happen when the drug is legal or illegal and no matter what purpose the drug first served. Tolerance is why people with substance abuse issues need more and more of a drug to get the ‘high’ they want.

Physical Dependence (Physical and Emotional)

Dependence is also a term that is often related to substance use disorder. It means that when a person stops using a drug or medication the body goes through a withdrawal period. Withdrawal is a group of physical or mental symptoms that can range from mild to life threatening. This can occur with anything from caffeine to opioids or alcohol. Many people who take prescription medications over a long period of time will become dependent so that when they go off the medication, they may experience withdrawal. To avoid withdrawal symptoms many medications can be removed over time, a weaning of sorts. People who are dependent are not necessarily addicted, but dependence can lead to addiction.

Addiction

In contrast to tolerance and dependence, addiction is a disease. However, like tolerance and dependence, addiction can result from repeatedly taking drugs or drinking alcohol. To clarify, if a person keeps taking drugs, unable to stop in spite of negative consequences, this is addiction or substance use disorder, but a person can be dependent or tolerance can be present without addiction.

Signs of Addiction

If you are concerned that you or a loved one may have an addiction then there are several signs that may point you in the right direction. Signs of addiction typically include behavioral and physical signs. These will be shared below.

Behavioral Signs

Behavioral signs are those that involve a person’s outward relations with the world. These can include, but are not limited to:

• Obsessive thoughts and actions – Getting and taking more of the drug becomes a priority.
• Disregard of harm – In spite of causing mental and physical distress to themselves and others, the addiction continues.
• Loss of control – Even when the person wants to stop, they cannot.
• Denial or hiding of drug use – When confronted the person will deny or downplay their addiction.

Physical Dependence Signs

Physical dependence signs are those that manifest as side effects of drug abuse, during an overdose, or even as a result of withdrawal. It can be difficult to identify physical dependence signs, but those that are severe will require immediate medical treatment. Even in withdrawal, the body is adjusting, but it can be physically dangerous. General physical dependence signs can include:

• Enlarged or small pupils
• Weight changes – loss or gain
• Bloodshot eyes
• Insomnia
• Poor physical coordination
• Looking unkempt or having an unusual body odor
• Slurred speech

These signs may not be present with all addicts or with all drugs, but they are very common among users. Different signs may occur if the person is overdosing and if these signs and symptoms appear, call for immediate medical help.

• Drowsiness or trouble walking
• Loss of consciousness
• Agitation
• Aggression or violent behavior
• Delusions or hallucinations
• Difficulty breathing
• Nausea and vomiting

If the person does not have an addiction, but is having withdrawal symptoms due to dependence there will still be side effects. These may include:

• Shakiness, jumpiness, and trembling
• Loss of appetite with nausea and vomiting
• Depression, insomnia, and fatigue
• Headaches and fever
• Confusion and hallucinations
• Seizures

When someone is in the grips of addiction, they may not recognize the symptoms and signs. However, this does not mean they are not being affected. Some of the psychological signs may include:

• Sudden mood swings and anxiousness
• Inattentiveness and lack of motivation
• Irritability
• Withdrawing mentally and emotionally
• Changes in personality
• Unexplained paranoia

Noticing Symptoms and Signs

An addict or even someone with a dependence on medication may not notice the signs and symptoms that are obvious to others. Friends and family members are often those who become the key players in getting the person to seek help. If you or a loved one has an addiction problem or just a dependence, then seek the best help available.

DARA Rehab

There are always options when it comes to treatment. Out-patient counseling is one option, but when withdrawal is a concern then medical treatment should also be sought. Following the withdrawal period, out-patient counseling is something that should be utilized to maintain recovery whether it be through group or individual settings. Getting clean on your own is also possible, but rarely works and medical concerns are still high priority. The best option is an in-patient facility that is well staffed and well versed in addiction.

One such facility is DARA. DARA offers locations in several countries around the world with affordable prices and spectacular views from luxury facilities that will meet your recovery needs. DARA does not simply focus on addiction, but on the overall wellbeing of the person. This is accomplished through education, therapy, groups, and even physical fitness and nutritional balance.

Addiction can affect the whole body and this should be addressed through rehab. Each person will be given the tools and training necessary to reenter the real world ready to face daily challenges that come with recovery. This means that the person will have a personal trainer to help improve the body physically, nutritious meals for the same reason, and individual and group therapy to help the person learn about their addiction or dependence and how to handle related issues. DARA is waiting to find a spot for you, but you must make the call to get started.

CLICK HERE to get a Free Confidential Addiction Rehabilitation Assessment. Alternatively, you can click on the live chat icon to chat with someone right now.