Utilized by those recovering from substance abuse and addiction, half way houses serve as a residential facility in which one can work on reintegrating themselves with society, while staying sober. Half way homes are are also referred to as sober homes or recovery homes, but expect more of an addict than just staying clean. Their main function is to provide shelter, monitoring, and support to those who are getting back on their feet after a substance abuse problem.
Residence of a half way house generally stay for a period between one and six months. Upon arrival, they are oriented to the house rules, which usually consist of remaining sober, adhering to curfew, signing in and out of the premises, completing a list of chores, and following through on assignments. Additionally, guests are not permitted at a half way house and residents are prohibited from working in bars, clubs, or places that sell alcohol.
Half way houses assist recovering addicts in establishing a sober network. They provide individual and group counseling and link residence to outside sources of support that aid in preventing relapse. Half way houses help residents find steady employment and permanent housing. Generally, they are staffed with a clinical team who provide staff coverage 24 hours a day, in efforts to rehabilitate those who have come from the streets or recently completed residential treatment.
Wednesday, March 17, 2010
Tuesday, March 2, 2010
Residential Drug Treatment
Drug rehab is a two-fold process by which both the physical and psychological aspects of addiction are treated. Residential treatment centers tackle these aspects of addiction while caring for patients in a live-in environment. Although the lengths of residential drug treatment programs vary, they all provide behavioral therapy to counteract the cycle of addiction, and medication therapies to fight the physical dependence on drugs. Overall, residential drug treatment is the most aggressive approach for addiction recovery.
Inside of a residential treatment center, detox is the first step to recovery. Withdrawal symptoms can be extremely unpleasant. However, residential treatment centers employ a medical professional who can prescribe drugs that will lesson the symptoms of withdrawal and sometimes the associated cravings for the illicit substance. Most importantly, residential treatment centers provide a safe environment, with a support staff who work around the clock to supervise recovering addicts and help them maintain sobriety.
In order to maintain safety in a residential treatment center, there are a number of rules that must be followed by the patients. Limitations apply to the number and types of items they are permitted to bring into the rehab facility. Plus, everything that comes through the door is subject to a search by the supervising staff. Any sharp objects or even over the counter medications are not permitted inside of a residential drug treatment center. Often, patients are restricted or severely limited to the amount of outside contact they are able to have with friends and family. Residential treatment centers strive to provide a safe environment with the main focus on recovery.
The second main component of a residential treatment center is behavioral therapy. Patients will work both one-on one with a counselor and in a group setting to discuss their addiction problems. The main goal of behavioral counseling is to heal and strengthen addicts in a way that helps them remain drug free. Patients who fully participate in these resources often find them very helpful as they strive to change their lives for the better. Following release from a residential treatment center, addicts are strongly encouraged to participate in an aftercare program to avoid relapse. Choosing a recovery support group can be imperative to maintaining a sober lifestyle.
Inside of a residential treatment center, detox is the first step to recovery. Withdrawal symptoms can be extremely unpleasant. However, residential treatment centers employ a medical professional who can prescribe drugs that will lesson the symptoms of withdrawal and sometimes the associated cravings for the illicit substance. Most importantly, residential treatment centers provide a safe environment, with a support staff who work around the clock to supervise recovering addicts and help them maintain sobriety.
In order to maintain safety in a residential treatment center, there are a number of rules that must be followed by the patients. Limitations apply to the number and types of items they are permitted to bring into the rehab facility. Plus, everything that comes through the door is subject to a search by the supervising staff. Any sharp objects or even over the counter medications are not permitted inside of a residential drug treatment center. Often, patients are restricted or severely limited to the amount of outside contact they are able to have with friends and family. Residential treatment centers strive to provide a safe environment with the main focus on recovery.
The second main component of a residential treatment center is behavioral therapy. Patients will work both one-on one with a counselor and in a group setting to discuss their addiction problems. The main goal of behavioral counseling is to heal and strengthen addicts in a way that helps them remain drug free. Patients who fully participate in these resources often find them very helpful as they strive to change their lives for the better. Following release from a residential treatment center, addicts are strongly encouraged to participate in an aftercare program to avoid relapse. Choosing a recovery support group can be imperative to maintaining a sober lifestyle.
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
Detox Centers
A detox center is designed to break the physical chemical dependence of an addictive substance. Alcohol, methamphetamines, prescription drugs, and opiates, are just a few of the drugs that alter the chemical balance in the body and may cause extremely unpleasant withdrawal symptoms. In addition, the powerful cravings that the body develops for abused substances are often strong enough to keep an addict using. However, detox centers function as facilities that specialize in supervising patients in withdrawal and treating the withdrawal symptoms of those who are attempting to recover from their drug or alcohol problems.
Drug and alcohol detox centers are the first step to an addiction recovery. The word detox is short for detoxify, which means to remove all harmful toxins and their byproducts from the body. There are both inpatient and outpatient detox centers. Plus, ultra rapid detox programs exist. However, in patient or residential detox centers have been proven the most effective for success. They are usually overseen by a medical doctor who can prescribe medication that will lesson the symptoms of withdrawal. Plus, a medical support staff serves the patient to encourage their recovery and assist them with accomplishing their goal of completing the detox process.
In an outpatient rehab center, patients are not required to have constant supervision. Often they will stay for approximately 5 hours a day, then return home in the evenings. Some outpatient detox centers are also able to prescribe medication to help with the detox process. Buprenorphine and methadone are two common prescriptions used to treat the addiction of opioid based drugs, which may present withdrawal symptoms such as severe nausea, vomiting, seizures, or convulsions. However, if a patient is unable to receive residential treatment, these medication may still be available through a local outpatient detox center.
Rapid detox centers exist to place an addict under anesthesia for periods of their detox process. However, these programs are not covered by insurance. Plus, they can cause serious pulmonary, psychiatric, and metabolic problems. Also, research suggests that heroin addicts who undergo rapid detox will still suffer many of the same symptoms of those who use a traditional detox center.
Drug and alcohol detox centers are the first step to an addiction recovery. The word detox is short for detoxify, which means to remove all harmful toxins and their byproducts from the body. There are both inpatient and outpatient detox centers. Plus, ultra rapid detox programs exist. However, in patient or residential detox centers have been proven the most effective for success. They are usually overseen by a medical doctor who can prescribe medication that will lesson the symptoms of withdrawal. Plus, a medical support staff serves the patient to encourage their recovery and assist them with accomplishing their goal of completing the detox process.
In an outpatient rehab center, patients are not required to have constant supervision. Often they will stay for approximately 5 hours a day, then return home in the evenings. Some outpatient detox centers are also able to prescribe medication to help with the detox process. Buprenorphine and methadone are two common prescriptions used to treat the addiction of opioid based drugs, which may present withdrawal symptoms such as severe nausea, vomiting, seizures, or convulsions. However, if a patient is unable to receive residential treatment, these medication may still be available through a local outpatient detox center.
Rapid detox centers exist to place an addict under anesthesia for periods of their detox process. However, these programs are not covered by insurance. Plus, they can cause serious pulmonary, psychiatric, and metabolic problems. Also, research suggests that heroin addicts who undergo rapid detox will still suffer many of the same symptoms of those who use a traditional detox center.
Thursday, February 18, 2010
Alcohol Rehab
If you or someone you know is suffering from alcohol abuse or addiction, treatment centers are the most effective way to resolve the problem and succeed in a full recovery. There are two main types of alcohol rehab, residential programs and outpatient programs. The basis of any treatment consists of three parts, the detox, the counseling, and the aftercare. Alcohol rehab works to help individuals overcome the physical and mental aspects of addiction, while offering support and promoting healthier living.
The first step to rehab is alcohol withdrawal. This is the process of recovering from the body's physical dependence on alcohol. It can last up to several weeks and usually involves some unpleasant symptoms that may include depression, agitation, anxiety, mood swings, nausea, excessive sweating, and seizures or blackouts. After detox, rehab patients will undergo extensive behavioral therapy during regular sessions. These usually occur one-on-one with a qualified addiction counselor. In addition, group therapy can be a useful tool in alcohol addiction recovery. It helps to break the pattern of isolation and provides support from others. Upon graduating an alcohol rehab program, a structured aftercare program of continual meeting is highly recommended to prevent relapse.
In-patient or residential rehab centers provide a safe place for recovery, allowing detox to occur under the care of a physician and 24 hour a day professional support. Recovery is often easier while in a residential treatment center. However, they can be very expensive, require a significant amount of time, and upon graduation, many find it difficult to return to the “real world” without relapsing. On the other hand, out-patient rehab programs can also be effective. Plus, they are less expensive and accommodate work and school schedules. However, outpatient services tend to be better suited for those whose alcohol problems are not life threatening. Regardless of where treatment occurs, it is important to get help. Alcohol addiction is a serious illness, but with rehab treatment, an addict can have a chance at a better life.
The first step to rehab is alcohol withdrawal. This is the process of recovering from the body's physical dependence on alcohol. It can last up to several weeks and usually involves some unpleasant symptoms that may include depression, agitation, anxiety, mood swings, nausea, excessive sweating, and seizures or blackouts. After detox, rehab patients will undergo extensive behavioral therapy during regular sessions. These usually occur one-on-one with a qualified addiction counselor. In addition, group therapy can be a useful tool in alcohol addiction recovery. It helps to break the pattern of isolation and provides support from others. Upon graduating an alcohol rehab program, a structured aftercare program of continual meeting is highly recommended to prevent relapse.
In-patient or residential rehab centers provide a safe place for recovery, allowing detox to occur under the care of a physician and 24 hour a day professional support. Recovery is often easier while in a residential treatment center. However, they can be very expensive, require a significant amount of time, and upon graduation, many find it difficult to return to the “real world” without relapsing. On the other hand, out-patient rehab programs can also be effective. Plus, they are less expensive and accommodate work and school schedules. However, outpatient services tend to be better suited for those whose alcohol problems are not life threatening. Regardless of where treatment occurs, it is important to get help. Alcohol addiction is a serious illness, but with rehab treatment, an addict can have a chance at a better life.
Thursday, February 11, 2010
Alcohol Detox
Detoxification is the first step on the road to any kind of addiction recovery. Alcohol detox can be extremely unpleasant and may last up to 6 weeks. However, in the first 3, the symptoms are the most severe. Whether it occurs at home or in a treatment center, detox is the recovery from the physical dependence of alcohol. However, it comes with serious side effects, some of which will linger, causing mental and emotional anguish. Plus, even though detox is the first step and a major milestone in overcoming the addiction, there is still a long road to recovery ahead.
The withdrawal symptoms of alcohol detox usually begin within 6 to 24 hours after taking the the last drink. They range greatly depending on the person, the amount of alcohol they are used to consuming, and the length of time they have had the problem. However, common symptoms may include headaches, cold sweats, anxiety, agitation, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, restlessness, a rapid pulse, and auditory hallucinations. More severe symptoms that are less common include tremors, delirium, autonomic hyperactivity, and even grand mal seizures.
Within a alcohol detox facility, under the care of professionals, there are some medications that can be administered to treat alcohol withdrawal symptoms, such as benzidiazephines and anti-convulsants. However, many addicts will give up and drop out of detox before the process has been completed. Therefore, the main function of a professional facility is to monitor those who are undergoing the unpleasant withdrawal symptoms, offering support and encouragement, but most importantly, supervision. Other addicts may choose to detox from home, sometimes enlisting the help of friends or family for support. Even after detox has occurred, the addict will continue to have strong cravings for alcohol and must follow up with continual treatment.
The withdrawal symptoms of alcohol detox usually begin within 6 to 24 hours after taking the the last drink. They range greatly depending on the person, the amount of alcohol they are used to consuming, and the length of time they have had the problem. However, common symptoms may include headaches, cold sweats, anxiety, agitation, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, restlessness, a rapid pulse, and auditory hallucinations. More severe symptoms that are less common include tremors, delirium, autonomic hyperactivity, and even grand mal seizures.
Within a alcohol detox facility, under the care of professionals, there are some medications that can be administered to treat alcohol withdrawal symptoms, such as benzidiazephines and anti-convulsants. However, many addicts will give up and drop out of detox before the process has been completed. Therefore, the main function of a professional facility is to monitor those who are undergoing the unpleasant withdrawal symptoms, offering support and encouragement, but most importantly, supervision. Other addicts may choose to detox from home, sometimes enlisting the help of friends or family for support. Even after detox has occurred, the addict will continue to have strong cravings for alcohol and must follow up with continual treatment.
Thursday, February 4, 2010
Alcohol Intervention
It can be unnerving and uncomfortable to confront a friend or loved one about a drinking problem. Basically it comes down to approaching the alcoholic and telling them how their drinking has affected everyone around them. The main purpose of an intervention is to get the individual to go into a treatment program. However, alcoholics have a tendency to deny their problems and get angry when others are critical of their drinking. Therefore, the intervention should be carefully planned before it is initiated.
An important aspect of planning is the element of surprise. An alcoholic should not be alerted about what will take place. If they find out in advance, they will likely already have their defense planned upon arrival. Prior to the intervention, you should bring 3-8 people together who are willing to learn how to help. Have a preparatory meeting to discuss important factors of the intervention. Everyone should bring a letter that is addressed to the alcoholic explaining the negative consequences caused by their drinking, the way their drinking has affected them, and the attempts they have made in the past to help. In the meeting, everyone can discuss these letters and edit anything that conveys anger, blame, or judgment.
It is imperative that you research and have information to present on a chosen treatment center. Plus, it's highly recommended to plan for a professional intervention counselor to be present. Often they can be provided by the treatment center and are able to answer any questions the alcoholic might have regarding his/her recovery. Next, identify any objections your friend or family member may have with the intervention and rehearse your responses. The chairman of the meeting should create a script for the opening and closing statements. Plus, every detail from where to discreetly park cars to the order in which the letters are read, should be predetermined.
Arrangements should be made for an alcoholic to enter an inpatient rehab immediately following the intervention. This means that a bag should be packed, travel arrangements made, and all loose ends taken care of. Make sure the treatment facility is expecting the new admission and let them know when the alcoholic has agreed to receive help. All letters from the intervention should go to the addiction counselor who will be overseeing the new patients treatment. Once your friend or loved one is in recovery, sign up for family programs like Al-Anon that will help you understand the disease and the recovery.
An important aspect of planning is the element of surprise. An alcoholic should not be alerted about what will take place. If they find out in advance, they will likely already have their defense planned upon arrival. Prior to the intervention, you should bring 3-8 people together who are willing to learn how to help. Have a preparatory meeting to discuss important factors of the intervention. Everyone should bring a letter that is addressed to the alcoholic explaining the negative consequences caused by their drinking, the way their drinking has affected them, and the attempts they have made in the past to help. In the meeting, everyone can discuss these letters and edit anything that conveys anger, blame, or judgment.
It is imperative that you research and have information to present on a chosen treatment center. Plus, it's highly recommended to plan for a professional intervention counselor to be present. Often they can be provided by the treatment center and are able to answer any questions the alcoholic might have regarding his/her recovery. Next, identify any objections your friend or family member may have with the intervention and rehearse your responses. The chairman of the meeting should create a script for the opening and closing statements. Plus, every detail from where to discreetly park cars to the order in which the letters are read, should be predetermined.
Arrangements should be made for an alcoholic to enter an inpatient rehab immediately following the intervention. This means that a bag should be packed, travel arrangements made, and all loose ends taken care of. Make sure the treatment facility is expecting the new admission and let them know when the alcoholic has agreed to receive help. All letters from the intervention should go to the addiction counselor who will be overseeing the new patients treatment. Once your friend or loved one is in recovery, sign up for family programs like Al-Anon that will help you understand the disease and the recovery.
Thursday, January 28, 2010
Alcohol Addiction
Nearly 14 million Americans meet the diagnostic criteria for alcohol use disorder. Alcohol addiction is a serious disease, affecting the lives of these 14 million and the people around them. More than 100,000 U.S deaths are caused by alcohol consumption each year. This statistic account for direct death by alcohol poisoning, as well as indirect causes including impaired driving, cirrhosis of the liver, cancer, falls, and strokes. Alcohol addiction is estimated to reduce ones life expectancy by 10-12 years. Awareness need to be raised about the dangers of alcohol addiction and how to avoid it.
About 90% of the U.S. population are drinkers. Although alcohol is necessary to develop alcoholism, there are other risk factors that help predict the development of addiction. The quantity, quality, and regularity of alcohol consumption all play a role in the likelihood of developing the disease. However, other risk factors include genetic predisposition, depression, mental health, social environment, ethnicity, age and gender. Alarmingly, about 40% of those who begin drinking before the age of 14, will have a problem with alcohol abuse.
Due to the nature of alcohol being a social drug, at times an addict can be hard to detect. However, there are a number of psychological signs that are highly indicative of a problem. Anti-social behavior, blaming others for one's problems, withdrawal from family and friends, anger, anxiety, depression, mood swings, loss of interest in regular activities, preoccupation with alcohol, changes in friends, and using alcohol to calm nerves or relieve a hangover, are all things that might be considered warning signs of alcoholism.
If you or someone you know is struggling with alcohol addiction, seek professional advice. Addicts are often defensive when confronted about their drinking and may need a formal intervention. Recovery centers and treatment groups exist all over the world to provide behavioral therapies and support to those who are fighting the disease. Although, alcohol addiction can be dangerous to the body and mind, with the right alcohol treatment, there can be a successful recovery.
About 90% of the U.S. population are drinkers. Although alcohol is necessary to develop alcoholism, there are other risk factors that help predict the development of addiction. The quantity, quality, and regularity of alcohol consumption all play a role in the likelihood of developing the disease. However, other risk factors include genetic predisposition, depression, mental health, social environment, ethnicity, age and gender. Alarmingly, about 40% of those who begin drinking before the age of 14, will have a problem with alcohol abuse.
Due to the nature of alcohol being a social drug, at times an addict can be hard to detect. However, there are a number of psychological signs that are highly indicative of a problem. Anti-social behavior, blaming others for one's problems, withdrawal from family and friends, anger, anxiety, depression, mood swings, loss of interest in regular activities, preoccupation with alcohol, changes in friends, and using alcohol to calm nerves or relieve a hangover, are all things that might be considered warning signs of alcoholism.
If you or someone you know is struggling with alcohol addiction, seek professional advice. Addicts are often defensive when confronted about their drinking and may need a formal intervention. Recovery centers and treatment groups exist all over the world to provide behavioral therapies and support to those who are fighting the disease. Although, alcohol addiction can be dangerous to the body and mind, with the right alcohol treatment, there can be a successful recovery.
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