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Introduction 

Rehabilitation/rehab is a method of treating drug/alcohol addiction. The program is usually carried out in a residential setting and is abstinence-based. Rehab is targeted towards people who face trouble becoming drug-free in their regular community. 

The traditional model of rehab involves the patient breaking away from their normal environment and moving to a new environment that is drug-free. Newer models of rehab include receiving treatment in stages and more intense psychotherapeutic treatments. 

What are the characteristics of a good rehab? 

Characteristics of Good Rehab

Every rehab center has an exclusive system/method of treatment. However, certain features should characterize every rehab program and they include,

1. Professional Conduct

In a good rehab program, it is expected of staff to conduct themselves professionally towards patients. 

Sexual advances from staff to residents of the centers must not be condoned. The staff should show compassion and be warm towards the patient.

Only professional staff can exhibit professional conduct. The center should have trained medical doctors, psychologists, trained nurses, and social workers.

• Treatment Programs

Rehab is a mental health program. The center has to ensure that residents receive actual therapy instead of only isolation from their trigger objects. 

Every patient will have a system they adapt best to. One of the features of a good rehab is the presence of a variety of treatment programs. For some, they will respond better to individual or group therapy sessions. Others may respond better to nutrition therapy or the 12-step program.

• Comfortable Environment 

This is a non-negotiable part of the rehab program. The program has to be situated in a center where patients are physically comfortable and can express themselves. 

The patient’s trigger objects and harmful substances should not be found anywhere near the center. The best locations for rehab centers are usually away from the city.    

• Aftercare Programs

A good rehab program should include plans for patients after they leave the center. They should be able to guide patients to help them stay drug-free even after leaving the center.  

Introduction

Have you been worried about your loved ones getting addicted? Do you fear an overexposure of your younger siblings to media that promote addiction? 

In the past, young ones were mostly influenced by what they learned at home, in school, or within their neighborhood. With the advent of the internet and the TV, there is increased influence from people we don’t see.  

While some people are influenced positively, there is also an addiction surge in the world due to influences from online media. 

How can you protect your loved ones from the addiction surge?

How to Look Out for your Loved Ones in the Addiction Surge

1. Reduce their Exposure to the Internet

During the height of the ISIS crisis in Syria in 2015 there was a high volume of children and teenagers from the UK and the US recruited to join the terrorist organization. It could be linked to the uncontrolled exposure of young people to the internet. 

Cutting off your loved ones totally from the internet will stop them from being able to learn important things from the internet.

However, you can restrict their usage of the internet by only allowing access to only websites with children-friendly content. You can do this by setting up privacy controls on your web browser, your home network, and the cable television. 

• Expose Them to Right Resources

Habits are formed off of what we are exposed to. One of the ways to reduce the influence of wrong resources on your loved ones is by exposing them to the right resources.

Instead of being exposed to materials that prompt addiction to drugs, expose them to resources that teach about the harmful effects of drug abuse. Instead of exposure to materials that prompt their sexual curiosity, expose them to materials that expose them to healthy sexual lifestyles.

Arming your loved ones with information is the best tool in helping them confront the addiction surge.   

Some of our loved ones are addicted, and we are not aware of this. Our loved ones are family and friends who mean so much to us, and we would do anything to make them happy.

However, it would be shocking to know that, some of them are addicted, and they find it difficult to open up to anybody for the fear of being mocked. Hence, they would rather keep to themselves.

It is normal for an addict to keep to himself or herself, so you should not expect less from your loved one.

They do not like being confronted with the fact that they have a problem, and this is one of the reasons why it is difficult in providing treatment for them.

If care is not taken, they will vehemently deny it, and become angry with you, and this could make them keep their distance from you.

However, this does not put aside the fact that, if you have a loved one who is addicted, you should not confront them.

• 

The best way to go about this, is to approach them with love. There are some tips you need to put in place to make sure it goes out well.

First off, it is important that you have a good knowledge on the addiction process. Before you start speaking with them, ensure you know how the entire addiction process works.

There are sources on the internet that you can easily refer to.

This will come in handy because, when you are discussing with them, there are likely questions that will come up, you need to be able to answer them.

Next, when discussing with your addicted loved one, do not expect him or her to do away with their addiction right time. You need to give them time to think about it.

You cannot really force them to change, the best you can do is to talk to them and knowledgably address the issue.

You would have played your little part which would certainly be beneficial to their addiction recovery, and when they complete their treatment eventually, they will definitely be grateful to you.  

One of the reasons why people are skeptical about going to a rehab is because, they do not know what to expect.

They have heard different stories about a rehab, and they would rather not risk going there.

It is normal to expect this because, taking into form, a new lifestyle, which is regulated by various processes, could be unsettling for some people.

Another reason is based on trust. Not everyone trusts that a rehab would provide the help they need, so they would rather not opt for any.

However, it would interest you to know that, there are some top-notch rehab available in all parts of the world, and all you need do is spot them by checking some necessary features.

To start with, a top-notch rehab would include Assessment in its treatment plan. This is a phase of addiction and mental health illness treatment that cannot be skipped.

Taking a thorough assessment of a patient is important because, it helps you to know how to create a personalized addiction treatment for the individual.

A good number of times, a counselor is in charge of the Assessment phase. The results received from the Assessment determines to a large extent, how the entire addiction treatment phase would go.

The next phase is the detoxification phase, and this comes in handy for people who are addicted to drugs and alcohol.

People who are addicted to various forms of addiction like sex, gaming and the likes would not necessarily need detoxification. Also, people who have mental health problems do not need detoxification.

Also, what should follow after this, is psychotherapy and behavioral treatment. This is considered to comprise the bulk of the entire treatment plan.

During this phase, the counselors and therapists work with you, to aid you in getting used to a new sober lifestyle.

Sequel to the completion of the rehabilitation program, the next and very essential phase, is the aftercare program.

It is not enough to recover from addiction, having an effective follow-up plan is important to silence cravings which could lead to relapse.

What if it takes you months or even years to get sober? It will still be worth it.

The new, healthy, happy lifestyle you will obtain through recovery will be worth much more than the hours, days, weeks, months, or even years it takes you to achieve sobriety.

Just like you don’t gain weight overnight, you can’t lose it overnight either.

The same holds true for sobriety…

Chances are that you did not become an addict overnight, so you cannot expect to get sober that quickly either.

For most, the road to sobriety is a long-term process, so you are not alone. For many, a short-term rehab just leaves them clean for the duration of the program, only to find themselves back in the midst of addiction later.

So, why long-term rehabilitation?

Why You Should Consider Long-Term Rehab

A long-term rehab program allows you a great deal of time to focus on getting clean and sober. It is not a one-week program, or an occasional thing, it is a long and dedicated path to recovery. Furthermore, long-term rehab facilities are often inpatient programs which also require you to stay onsite only making sobriety even easier as you are taken away from the temptations of the outside world.

What Will Happen During Long-Term Rehab

Just because it is long-term does not mean the basic treatment method goes away. You will still go through an assessment, detox (if necessary), behavioral processes, and consistent medical reviews and counseling.

What to Expect Regarding Visits

All rehabilitation programs will have various rules regarding times of visitation and who can visit. Most facilities will allow close loved ones and family to visit from time to time, but keep in mind that the reason you are there is to better yourself.

By separating yourself from everyone for the most part, it will be much easier to stay focused on the task at hand which is sobriety. The road to sobriety can be a long and grueling one which can really take a toll on your physically, mentally, and emotionally. There might even be times where you would rather not have visitors.

What to Expect AFTER Rehab

Finally, the long road through rehab will reach an end. However, sobriety is a lifelong process.

You will most likely be required to attend some sort of aftercare whether it be going to an outpatient treatment program, seeking transitional housing, or another option that your program recommends. This offers you continued support and accountability partners to aid you in your continued road to sobriety.

Some people fear going to rehab because it is the fear of the unknown…

It is a setting they might have never been in and they are unsure of what to expect…

And, rightfully so. A new process and a new setting can be a scary experience – especially when it involves giving up an addiction, which most often is people’s crutch and helps with social anxiety.

However, most rehab programs have a basic process that they follow to ensure successful completion of the program.

And, while it might be scary, it will ultimately be well worth the journey.

Plus, it might end up not being quite as scary as you think.

Check out what a general process looks like in the journey to rehabilitation:

 

1. Assessment

   Your program will start by you being assessed – they need to know how bad your addiction is, what your current state of health is, and what your personal needs are both mentally and physically. Based on your assessment, they are able to accurately create an individualized treatment program that will fit your needs and one that you are much more likely to succeed in.

   A typical assessment might include a physical exam, mental health assessment, and drug testing.

2. A detox process

   Depending on your substance of choice, this may or may not be necessary. Some drugs are easier for the body to come off of without a serious detoxification process than others are. However, if necessary, you might be placed under medical supervision while you come off of your substance of choice due to the strength of the withdrawal symptoms and other medical issues that could occur.

3. Behavioral treatment and psychotherapy

   Considered to be “the meat” of the program, this phase is when you become established with your counselors and you work together to develop the plan for your future sobriety.

   During this stage, any underlying issues will also be addressed – some which might stem from underlying mental and emotional conditions from health issues or previous experiences.

   This part of the process is incredibly important because in order to overcome a problem you first need to understand where it is actually coming from. During this stage, your counselors and therapists will also work with you to help you adapt new thoughts, behaviors, and patterns in order to make the necessary positive changes in your life.

4. Aftercare

   Once you have successfully finished the rehabilitation program, the next – and very important – step is aftercare. Recovery is a lifelong process and just because you are clean does not mean old feelings, cravings, and temptations will never arise again.

   There are several different aspects of aftercare such as sober living facilities, support groups you can attend, or other organized programs that will help you continue your sober life.

 

 

When you think of addiction recovery, you probably mainly think of the recovery process itself…

The process of getting clean, detoxing, attending support groups, and graduating from your recovery program.

But, what about after that? Have you considered the aftercare that will need to be continued following your addiction recovery program completion?

Relapse is a very real thing and poses a major threat to all recovering addicts. Triggers such as people, places, and things can cause an addict to slip right back into the same harmful situations they were in before.

But, by finding other ways to occupy your mind, you can help decrease your chances of relapse.

So, a great idea following your addiction recovery treatment is to find a hobby. Here is why:

 

1. A hobby keeps you from getting bored.

   Oftentimes, relapse can be brought on by triggers – but, it can also be brought on by boredom. It is something to do and the drugs or alcohol might make even the simplest of tasks or most boring days more fun.

   However, if you have something else you enjoy doing in your spare time, you can do that instead to keep your mind busy, therefore helping you avoid a relapse.

2. A hobby helps you meet new people.

   Part of addiction recovery is ridding yourself of those negative influences in your life. As a result, you might lose quite a few of your friends. However, it is good for you to begin associating with healthy influences. A hobby is a great way to meet new people and people who still share a common interest with you. They will encourage you to participate in positive activities and help you replace the friends you might have lost on your road to recovery.

3. A hobby helps encourage new positive paths in your brain.

   During an addiction, your brain paves new pathways for the responses it receives from the drug. It actually develops a pleasure response to the drug which is what makes you enjoy it.

   However, you can also reverse these and start creating new pathways based on a hobby. After some time, the hobby will begin to generate a positive response in your body and can help you overcome the sad feeling of needing the drug or alcohol that you were previously abusing.

 

When it comes to addiction recovery, you have to continuously focus on how to make better choices and how to keep yourself away from temptation. Developing a new hobby is a great way to make a positive step toward your recovery!

Wouldn’t it be nice if you could just drop everything and completely change your life at the drop of a hat?

Unfortunately, it is not that simple…

But, you still can make a change with hard work, dedication, and a strong support system. You do not have to stay stuck in your rut of addiction, struggling to get by. There is hope. There is help.

But, first know that during addiction recovery you will undergo some changes:

 

1. First, there is pre-contemplation.In this stage, you are aware that the negative things happening in your life are a direct consequence of your addiction, however, you continue to choose to minimize or justify your choices. You continue to come up with excuses as to why and how it could be other things and it is not necessarily just your addiction.

   This stage does not entail a great desire for change and you might feel as though you are just sleepwalking through life – ignoring the things around you.

   This might also be the stage where people start encouraging you to get help.

2. Second, you reach the stage of contemplation.In this stage, you have a much greater awareness of the great impact that your addictive behaviors have on your life. You begin to accept that those negative occurrences might actually be a consequence of your addiction.

   You are beginning to become open to change, however, it might still be a “when ___ happens, then I will stop drinking or doing drugs.”

3. Then, you reach the stage of preparation.At this point, you will finally begin to see that you are responsible for your choices and that you have the power to change your life. You can make the decision to get clean and improve your quality of life.

   During stage three, you also might make a verbal or written commitment and begin to decide that you are ready to commit to treatment.

4. Finally, you reach the stage of action.You finally decide to follow through with your commitment – you decide you are worth it and that it is time to make a change.

When you decide you are ready, we will be here for you to help you make that change. Give us a call, today. The choice is yours to make.

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GGsyoUG9PMc

It is probably pretty obvious to you that drugs and alcohol have been wrecking your life…

 

Ruining relationships, maybe costing you your job, costing you money, leaving you feeling depressed and alone – the negative consequences of addiction can easily be seen throughout several aspects of your life.

 

So, maybe you have finally come to a point where you are contemplating if addiction recovery might be the best option for you.

 

 

Let us help you in that decision – it is. A proven addiction recovery program is exactly what you need to help you get your normal life back. With a little help and dedication from you, you can be on the road to a much better and healthier life – possibly even better than the one you had before.

 

But, if for some reason you still cannot commit, here are some of the top benefits of choosing to enroll in an addiction recovery program:

 

1. It will help you deal with some of the withdrawal symptoms.

   Withdrawal symptoms are very real and can be a huge reason why some people don’t succeed in getting clean…

   The sickness and sadness felt when abandoning the drug that once ruled your life can wreak havoc on you physically and emotionally. And, to overcome that it takes help.

   Medical supervision can play a huge role in easing the symptoms of withdrawal, therefore making the entire process much easier.

2. It helps identify underlying issues.

   Oftentimes, addiction is not only a result of poor personal decisions but a result of other underlying issues such as mental illness. The professional staff at an addiction recovery program can help identify and treat these issues which helps ease the recovery process.

3. They offer therapy and family support.

   A good addiction recovery facility will help you incorporate your family and therapy into your recovery program. This step offers you additional support and can help mend those broken relationships. Therapy is also a huge part of addiction recovery because it helps you truly understand why you have a problem and how it is effecting those around you.

4. It helps you make new – and healthy – friends.

   One negative part of addiction recovery is that you likely have to give up your old friends and hang outs because often they are triggers and can lead you back into your old ways…

   

   However this is actually a blessing in disguise because while you might lose old friends, they were never healthy for you in the first place and addiction recovery treatment will lead you to new friends who will support your new healthy lifestyle.

   Especially those in addiction recovery, they can understand what you are going through and truly help you overcome some of the feelings of addiction recovery as they are right there with you.

 

Contact us today and let us get you on the right path.

Relapse could be a one-time occurrence…

But, it could also occur several times. It does not just pose a one-time threat to a recovering, or even a fully sober, addict.

Relapse is very common, in fact, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services said, “nearly two-thirds of all relapses occur during the first six months of recovery.”

So, the struggle to avoid the temptation to relapse is a reoccurring thing. It is a constant struggle to avoid triggers and people who might have previously fed your addiction or ones that potentially could cause you to relapse.

Remember, addiction is a chronic disease and some – if not most – people will struggle with the possibility of relapse for the rest of their life. It can easily be caused by stress, sights and smells, relationship issues, or a number of outside factors.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zV6zKmt7S5E&t=5s

Since it is such a major struggle and can happen to anyone, potentially destroying the sobriety they have worked so hard for, it is important that a recovering addict has a relapse prevention plan that includes the following key components:

1. Leave time for reflection and self-assessment.Remind yourself of why you started using the drugs or alcohol in the first place. Analyze what the start of the issue was and make a list of things that could cause you to resort back to that substance. Understanding where the addiction starts is a vital part of avoiding it in the first place.
2. Recognize warning signs and triggers.A “trigger” is something that could cause you to stray from sobriety – it could be a person or a situation. This step goes hand-in-hand with understanding where the addiction began. First, you must understand where it began. Next, you can understand what fosters it or encourages it. Make a list of your triggers to help yourself avoid them on a daily basis.
3. Plan for the worst.That doesn’t sound very beneficial as it sounds incredibly pessimistic. However, there is still a chance you will relapse even with a detailed plan. Therefore, you always need to be prepared for the worst-case scenario.
4. Involve others.It is much easier to stay on track when you have an accountability partner, or even multiple accountability partners. They can help remind you of the triggers you should avoid and keep you focused on continued sobriety.
5. Set goals.You should always be working toward a healthier and better life. Set goals for where you want to be in the next few weeks, months, and even years. This gives you something to look forward to and consistently reminds you why sobriety is best.