Category: United Kingdom

overseas rehab

Don’t Overlook Overseas Rehab

Articles, Australia, International, Treatment, United Kingdom, United States

Huge numbers of men and women currently dependent on prescription or illegal drugs, and those with alcoholic problems are desperate for solutions to kick their habit.

Professional rehab services:

Professional rehabilitation services are quite rightly seen as a major step in the right direction. Top of the list in this category is an initial stay as an inpatient at a respected rehabilitation establishment.

Unfortunately, acquiring such a stay in your own country presents hurdles that prevent many from taking advantage of this highly effective first healing step.

In-country hurdles preventing this treatment:

Two major hurdles stand out in terms of securing a stay as an inpatient in the western world. Individually they are sufficient to prevent a person from getting much needed addiction treatment.

Waiting lists:

It takes courage and determination for someone whose life is dominated by substance abuse to stand up, end denial and seek professional help.

Having taken such a brave step, near-immediate attention is required. For an addict to be told by an inpatient rehab establishment that “yes, they do treat the substance in question”, but “no, admission cannot be provided now. However, there is a waiting list which we can place you on” is akin to a kick in the teeth for an addict.

It sends out a message that is literally saying “Sorry, you will have to wait your turn, please mark time and we will be in touch with you in xx months”.

This disappointment will generally mean one thing to an addict. They will continue abusing their substance of choice and slide deeper into dependence.

Cost:

In the vast majority of cases the cost of an inpatient stay at a residential establishment in your own country is prohibitive for many. It must be understood that dependent on the depth of treatment required stays generally range from 28 to 90 days.

If there is no personal health insurance policy with a clause covering such treatment then a person with an addiction will often struggle to meet such expenses.

Overseas rehabilitation establishments:

The 2 hurdles stated above are far easier to overcome if an addict looks at overseas rehabilitation establishments.

South-east Asia is a point in case with Thailand being a shining example. Here are just some of the reason why:

  • Location: Whether a remote mountain setting or idyllic beach location is your preference both are available with differing locations in between.
  • Accommodation: Extremely comfortable accommodation with luxurious facilities are available.
  • Fully qualified staff: The staff at such establishments are fully qualified with internationally approved and recognized certification.
  • Treatment: Treatment methods all comply to international standards. This means the treatment you will receive is certainly on par with that of your home country.
  • Waiting lists: In general, there will be no waiting lists. The pressures of attendance are far less than in your own country.
  • Costs: This has surely got to be the icing on the cake. Not only are major health insurance policies accepted, the actual cost of such a stay can be up to 2/3rds lower than the same stay in your own country.

A consideration not to be ignored:

There are a whole host of other reasons as to why overseas rehab is a most valid option for treatment. If the details above have whetted your appetite, further investigation will be most worthwhile.

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!