Regaining Your Strength
Addiction can tear apart even the strongest of people, constantly testing one’s willpower and sense of control. It not only affects the individual who is suffering from addiction, but their loved ones, career, sense of self and overall life. Research and education are important tools to help get a better understanding of addiction and to learn about symptoms, treatment options and support networks.
Rehabilitation is one of the most popular and effective treatment options available as it is often seen as a whole health care approach, including therapy and identifying possible triggers. Sharing a setting with other people who are wrestling with the same issues can help one to draw strength, consolation and a new sense of freedom from their old way of life. Accepting that one has an addiction is the first step in going for help and getting the right form of treatment.
There are many different classes and families of drugs, all of which have a different effect on the central nervous system (CNS). Alcohol is a depressant; like other depressants it has a dampening effect on the CNS. The dampening effect results in reduced cognitive ability, motor coordination, and increased reaction time. In contrast to depressants, stimulants work to increase CNS activity[…]
Therapy is an essential tool for fighting an addiction. Therapy can help an individual suffering from substance dependence to pinpoint the psychological, emotional, and behavioral factors that may have contributed to the progression of the disease. When a substance abuser detoxifies and the drug or substance is no longer in their system, therapy is an essential part of the process of preventing relapse[…]
There are a number of different treatment options for individuals suffering from drug and alcohol addictions. The type of treatment will depend on the severity of the addiction, the patient’s situation, and his or her personal characteristics. Detoxification is a crucial first step in the process of overcoming addiction. Detoxification involves removing all traces of the substance, whether alcohol or drugs, from the body[…]
Rehabilitation or “rehab” for short refers to residential programs that offer short- and long-term treatment programs for individuals suffering from drug and alcohol addiction. Most programs involve a detoxification period, followed by therapy. All are abstinence-based; however, some may use drug-treatment methods to help patients with symptoms of withdrawal. A significant number of rehabilitation facilities operate based on the Twelve Step philosophy[…]
The process of finding recovery following addiction is not an easy one. Indeed, relapse is a very real and likely possibility for the majority of addicts of undergo detoxification. Research is beginning to emerge, however, on what can be done to promote recovery and prevent relapse. Once the substance is metabolized and out of the patient’s system, there is a lot of work to be done. One of the first steps is therapy, which should be continued for at least one year[…]
Maintaining Sobriety
Commitment to one’s sobriety and overall health can be challenging but the rewards are beyond worth it. There are many things that addiction can take away from a person without them even noticing it. The decline can be slow or rapid, but the results are almost always the same. A life the individual never thought that they would be living because their relationships, finances, career, and sense of self are all being taken from them due to an unhealthy addiction.
Treatment from addiction is not a cure, but an ongoing lifelong process, and that is why commitment is key. Falling back into the same old routines with the same people can lead to trouble, often triggering a relapse. Once sobriety has been achieved the right surroundings, support systems, and continuing education are crucial in maintaining sobriety. Ongoing communication with a person that one feels safe with is essential so that there will be support in place when are stresses that would normally cause them to use.