Jan 21, 2022 | Alcoholism
Picking a rehab facility can seem overwhelming at first. There are many things to consider. However, finding a facility that is a good fit is very important for your recovery. No matter what kind of addiction you struggle with, finding a place where you are comfortable is a key factor in your success. Decide what you want before you begin looking at places. Research different therapies and consider what might work well for you. Of course, you should consider the price as well. Don’t forget about the logistical details either, things like location. And finally, compare amenities and decide which facility will allow you to be the most successful. Hopefully, you’ll find a rehabilitation facility that suits your needs and you will be successful with your recovery.
Picking a Rehab Facility: Finding the Best Fit for Your Recovery
Decide What You Want
Before you begin picking a rehab facility, do a little research on what types of therapy are involved in rehab. You can find different approaches from group therapy, individual therapy, religious influence, etc. Go and look at a few different facilities to get an idea of what each offers. There are in-patient and out-patient rehabs. With in-patient rehab you’ll stay there, with out-patient, you’ll go home at night.
Consider Price
Of course, when picking a rehab facility, you’ll want to consider the price. Recovery can be very expensive. Look into some financial options with the facilities that you like. Sometimes, your insurance coverage might include treatment. You can call the facility and your insurance company and see if there is a way to get the stay covered. In addition, you can ask the facility about payment plans. Some even choose to take out a loan to afford it.
Consider Logistics
Don’t forget about the logistics when picking a rehab facility. You’ll need to decide if you’d like to go to someplace local or a place that is further away. Some rehabs are more remote and secluded. If you have family nearby, they might want to visit. At some centers, guests are part of the recovery plan. If this is the case for the type of treatment you want, you might want to stay closer to your loved ones.
Amenities
Finally, when picking a rehab facility, consider the overall fit. You want to find someplace where you feel comfortable. If you aren’t able to relax and trust the people around you, you’ll have more trouble with recovery. Also, consider the amenities. Some places have pools or sports that you can join in. If this is something that you think will help you, make sure they’re included.
Picking a rehab facility is important for your success at sobriety. Research places in your area and what kinds of programs they offer. Figure out what type of therapy you think will help you reach your goals. Take into account the price and see if it’ll be covered by your insurance provider. Also consider if you’d like to be in-patient or out-patient, and how far you want to travel. And finally, consider the amenities that the facility offers and the overall fit. Hopefully, you’ll be able to find the right treatment center for you and will reach your goal of getting sober.
Dec 10, 2021 | Alcoholism, Drugs
It can be difficult to know when it’s time for rehab. However, the most important thing is that you make sure that you’re ready for it. Deciding to go to rehab is a deeply personal decision. You need to feel motivated to make the rehab successful. So if your heart isn’t really in it, it’s probably not going to work as well. When alcoholism starts affecting your relationships it might be a time when you decide enough is enough. Or if it’s affecting your work and making it difficult to keep a job. Others choose rehab when they start suffering from health issues. However, the choice must come from you and you must put your whole heart into it. Hopefully, you will be able to find a rehab facility that works well for you and you’ll get the help you need to start living a sober life.
How to Know When It’s Time for Rehab: Get the Help You Need
When Alcoholism Is Affecting Your Relationships
Some alcoholics know that it’s time for rehab when they start seeing effects on their relationships. Alcoholism affects every part of your life. It can result in a short temper and mood swings. Not to mention the shame and guilt involved with heavy drinking. All of these things can have a very negative effect on your relationships with your spouse, your friends, and your family.
When You Can’t Keep a Job
Another warning sign that lets some know it’s time for rehab is when drinking starts affecting their job. Many people find that their alcoholism gets in the way of work because they have a hard time concentrating. Or getting to the office on time in the morning is difficult with a hangover. If you are beginning to see problems at work, it’s a good time to assess your drinking and decide if it’s time for help.
When You’re Suffering Health Effects
Another obvious warning sign that it might be time for rehab is if you’re suffering from health effects. Alcoholism causes a whole host of health issues in the body. It can cause insomnia, headaches, irritability, and nausea in the short term. It can also put a strain on your organs like your liver and heart. In addition, blackout drinking can cause you to stumble or fall and get injuries that you might not even remember. Alcoholism has even been linked to cancer. If you’re seeing health issues from your drinking, it’s probably time to get some help.
When You’re Ready
Finally, the most important thing to remember is that it’s only time for rehab when you’re ready. If others are pressuring you to go to rehab, you won’t be successful unless you also are wanting to get clean. Rehabilitation from alcohol or substance abuse takes a lot of dedication and work. If your heart isn’t really in it, then you’ll have less success. Make sure that the time is right for you and that you can put all your energy into learning how to live cleanly.
Deciding when it’s time for rehab can be difficult to pinpoint. However, if you have significant issues in your life from your drinking habits, it can be a signal. For example, if you are suffering from problems with your relationships because of your drinking. In addition, if you’re having trouble at work or keeping a job, it might be time to research rehab. Or if you’re suffering from injuries or health issues from drinking. However, the most important thing to remember is that the time must be right for you. If you aren’t fully committed to the program, you won’t be as successful. So wherever you end up for your rehab, make sure that you are ready and dedicated to learning how to get clean and sober.
Oct 8, 2021 | Alcoholism, drinking
If you are wondering if your partner is abusing alcohol, you can look for signs and clues from how they live their lives and interact with others. If you do think they are drinking too much, hopefully, you can get them the help that they need. One clue that they might be an alcoholic is if their social life revolves around alcohol. Another sign to look for is if they are cranky and irritable when they don’t drink. Another warning sign is people who don’t show outward signs of drunkenness even when they’ve had enough drinks to be intoxicated. And finally, if drinking is causing problems in their life it’s a clear red flag. All of these can be clues that your partner is drinking too heavily. Hopefully, you can provide a support system for them to get the help they need to get sober.
Signs That Your Partner is Abusing Alcohol: Signs and Symptoms of a Problem
Their Social Life Revolves Around Alcohol
One indication that your partner is abusing alcohol is that their entire social life revolves around it. If every date involves drinking and your weekends are filled with barhopping, it could be a red flag. Additionally, if they wind up drinking even when they don’t plan on it, it can be worrisome. For example, if your partner says they won’t drink but then give in and order something when they see others drinking, it could mean that they have a problem with resisting alcohol. While it’s fine to meet friends for drinks or order a fancy wine while out to dinner, if you’re entire social calendar revolves around alcohol, it’s a problem.
They Are Irritable When They Don’t Drink
Another sign that your partner is abusing alcohol is if they are irritable when they don’t drink. Excessive drinking can change the way your brain functions. It makes it so that your brain can no longer function normally without the alcohol. When you take that alcohol away, it can cause crankiness and irritability as your brain and body adjust to the absence of alcohol. This is one minor symptom of withdrawal. If your partner suffers from this or any other withdrawal symptom, it’s an indication that their body is too dependent on alcohol.
They Hold Their Liquor Too Well
It might be a sign that your partner is abusing alcohol if they hold their liquor too well. People who don’t show outward signs of drunkenness when they are intoxicated have a higher tolerance. But you can only get a higher tolerance for alcohol by drinking larger and larger quantities over time. While some people take pride in how much alcohol they’re able to handle, it can be a warning sign of an alcohol dependency problem.
Drinking Is Causing Problems in Their Life
One final sign that your partner is abusing alcohol is if drinking is causing problems in their life. Excessive drinking can lead to issues with family members and friends, partners, and even work. If they’re having trouble keeping up with personal relationships it can be a warning sign. Additionally, if they’re having issues with coming in late or hungover to work, it’s a definite red flag. Their family might be aware of any past drinking issues and be quick to get concerned if they’re drinking again. Take your cues from family members and long-time friends of your partner. If they seem concerned about the drinking, you should start analyzing your partner’s behavior for signs of alcoholism.
Unfortunately, many people are adept at hiding intense alcohol problems. However, there are signs that your partner is abusing alcohol if you look closely. Recognize if their entire social calendar revolves around drinking. Also, take note if they seem irritable when they abstain from alcohol because this might mean they are dependent. Furthermore, if they hold their liquor well and it’s difficult to tell when they are drunk even after many drinks, it can be a sign that they are drinking too much. And finally, if they’re having issues with family, friends, or their work it’s time to take a closer look. Hopefully, if you see these signs you can get your partner the help they need to get sober.
May 16, 2021 | Alcoholism, drinking
You have worked so hard to get clean, but staying clean can be a challenge in itself. In the short-term and long-term future, you will come across different triggers, events, or emotions that may make you want to pick up bad habits again. While it may be a struggle, it is possible to make it through while staying clean. There are different steps you can take to help keep yourself from relapsing.
How-to Keep Yourself From Relapsing: Prevention Steps
Be Aware of Triggers
Everyone will have different things that trigger them, but there are some triggers that are more common than others. It is important to know these in order to help keep yourself from relapsing. First, being around old friends who are still using drugs or alcohol and have no interest in getting sober can be a relapse trigger. It is difficult to keep all of your old life the same without falling into the same bad patterns too. Certain locations that you used to engage in substance abuse can also be a trigger.
Other common triggers include isolation, relationship issues, uncomfortable emotions like feeling hungry, lonely, or tired. Some people are overconfident in themselves, thinking that they do not have a problem, or that the issues are all behind them. This overconfidence can actually create the perfect scenario for relapse.
Stages of Relapse
One of the best ways to keep yourself from relapsing is to understand the stages of relapse. This way you can already know what to be mindful of. Relapse is usually a gradual process, and can even start months before the actual relapse event occurs. The different stages of relapse are emotional, mental, and physical.
Emotional Relapse
With emotional relapse, you’re not actually thinking about using. However, your emotions and behaviors can set you up for a potential relapse. Some of the signs include anxiety, mood swings, not asking for help or going to meetings, anger, and isolation. Change your behavior and practice self-care. With emotional relapse, it is the easiest to get back on the right path and stop yourself from actually relapsing.
Mental Relapse
Mental relapse is when part of you wants to start using again, and the other part does not. You are being pulled two different ways. Some signs of this include lying, hanging out with your old friends and thinking about people and places in your past. It also includes glamorizing your past use and even fantasizing about using again.
If you are struggling with mental relapse, talk to someone and tell them what you are going through and thinking about relapsing. This could be a friend or even a support group. Urges won’t last for too long, but just make sure to distract yourself by going on a walk, or calling someone to chat. Remember to take each day at a time so that the process does not feel so overwhelming.
Physical Relapse
Lastly, the best thing is to try and catch yourself from relapsing before you get to the physical relapse point. Once you start thinking about relapse, it does not take long to get to physical relapse. This is when you actually physically relapse again. So, pay attention and react to the warning signs so that you do not make it to this point. Get help before it is too late.
May 9, 2021 | Alcoholism, Driver Safety
Alcoholics Anonymous and other 12 Step type programs have become world-renown for help with alcoholism. If you’re considering going to your first meeting for AA or another type of 12 step program, you might not know what to expect. You’ll have an initial meet and greet time period, and then an introduction for the meeting. Next, you’ll probably have some time where you all learn a bit about a certain step of the program. Next, there will be time for people to share their experiences. And finally, you’ll wrap up and have time to socialize. Remember that you won’t ever be forced to participate if you are uncomfortable. Everybody there has gone through similar experiences as you and just wants to help you on your journey to sobriety.
What to Expect at Your First Meeting for AA or 12 Step Program
Arrival
When you arrive at your first meeting for AA, you’ll probably be in a church or meeting hall. Often there are light refreshments provided and chairs set in a semi-circle. There might be people socializing and saying hello when you arrive. Feel free to introduce yourself or sit quietly if that makes you more comfortable. Once the meeting begins, everybody will find a chair around the leader of the meeting. The leader will usually begin with an opening statement followed by a short prayer. You do not have to participate in the prayer if you do not want to.
Learning
The next part of your first meeting consists of learning a bit about the program. The leader might ask if there are any first-time joiners, at which point you can choose whether or not you’d like to respond. Some meetings are Step Meetings, that focus on one particular step of the healing process. If this is the case, the leader will probably read some literature about that step to help you better understand it.
Sharing
After the leader has explained which step will be focused on in your first meeting, they’ll invite members to share. This is the point in the meeting where members will most likely discuss their own journeys. You can feel free to introduce yourself at this point. If you’re comfortable, share a bit about why you’re at the meeting. Members will tell stories or share triumphs or hardships. This is meant to be a time where members can encourage each other and learn from others’ experiences.
Wrap-Up
At the end of your first meeting, they’ll probably wrap up with another short prayer or statement. Again, you do not need to participate in the prayer if you are uncomfortable with that. After the meeting is finished, there will be a time where members can mingle and get to know each other more. Feel free to socialize if you’d like. It’s also perfectly fine to leave at this point. Remember that you can take this at your own pace.
Your first meeting for AA or another 12 step program might have you feeling anxious. However, remember that everybody there has the same goal as you. To live a sober life without struggling with addiction. You’ll never be forced to participate or share anything that you’d rather keep private. Most meetings will follow the same plan of a welcome portion, followed by a short lesson. Then sharing sessions followed by a short wrap-up is very typical. These have proven to be helpful for recovery. Learning from others who are going through a similar journey can be so helpful. They can be a great source of help when you’re struggling. They’ll also share with you in your triumphs when you reach goals. Hopefully, your journey to sobriety starts with that very first meeting.
