Posts Tagged ‘counseling’

Alcohol Addicts And Alcohol Treatment

June 14th, 2010

Drinking is such a common everyday activity that you may not notice when you cross the line that defines you as an alcohol addict who is in need of alcohol treatment.  When you realise that you rely on alcohol to function both physically and mentally, then you have become an alcohol addict.  Alcohol treatment therefore aims to eliminate your dependency on alcohol.

Alcohol addiction exposes you to health, social and drug problems.  You may develop liver, kidney and heart complications which may be fatal.  You become socially challenged as your personal relationships, performance at work and school suffer; and you even run into problems with the law.  As an alcohol addict, you are also in danger of developing drug addiction.

The following reasons may drive you to become an alcohol addict:

1. Genetic predisposition

If you have a history of alcoholism in your family line, then you are genetically predisposed to developing an addiction to alcohol; this is also dependent on your upbringing, social environment and emotional health.

2. Painful memories

You may consume alcohol excessively to supress painful events you may have experienced.

3. State of mind

If you are suffering from mental illness such as depression and panic attacks; and you are using alcohol to self medicate, you are at a risk of developing alcoholism.

4. Peer pressure

If the company you keep indulges in excessive drinking, you may develop an addiction.

The length of an alcohol treatment program will depend on the severity of your alcohol addiction.  You will go through the following basic steps in most alcohol treatment prorams, that will put you on the track to sobriety:

  1. Detoxification
  2. Counselling
  3. Aftercare

Physical dependence on alcohol is addressed by detoxification which aims to cleanse your body off the toxins that have build up due to alcohol consumption.  This process results in extremely uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms and is therefore carried out by medical professionals and cousellors to make it safe and bearable.

Psychological dependence is addressed by counselling.For this to be effective you must be completely open and honest during therapy sessions.  This is the only way that the cousellor will determine the root cause of your alcohol addiction, and help you deal with it.  Individual counselling will help you confront your past issues and develop better coping skills.  Group sessions are also offered, where you will meet recovering addicts like yourself.  This is a great forum to share experiences and develop a support network.

Aftercare will help you keep on the right track, to avoid relapse.  You need to surround yourself with people who understand what you are going through as a recovering addict.  It is therefore important that you continue therapy, attend your weekly support group meetings and strictly follow the relapse prevention program that you were taken through by your counsellors.

The most crucial time after completing your alcohol treatment program are the first few months.  But, remember, the battle against alcohol addiction is a life long commitment and you will always need your support system to ensure that you remain sober.

If you or someone you know needs help with alcohol addiction or finding an alcohol treatment center, please call our toll free confidential hotline at (888) 842-3167 .  We’re here to help, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

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What Works for Alcoholism

January 9th, 2010

Treatment for an alcohol addiction typically involves several different types of techniques. Each one can be effective or not. Finding a treatment that works is more about finding out about a person’s alcoholism than it is about the treatment.

Most people who seek out help and counseling for alcoholism will stay sober for over a year. Surprisingly not all of these people use intensive treatment either. The most important thing to remember is to find out what treatment works for you. Can you function from day to day? Is the alcoholism just about the alcohol or is it about more, maybe depression or anxiety?

Every individual with an alcohol addiction needs help; but, not every person needs the same type of help. Alcohol treatments vary as much as each person does. Sometimes it can take several times to find out the right treatment that works for a person. The important thing is to keep trying until you find the one that fits for you.

Alcohol Treatment Helpline (888) 842-3167

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Xanax Addiction and Dependency Help

October 2nd, 2009

Xanax and other benzodiazepines can become addicting if the medications are abused or prescribed for a long period of time. Addiction occurs when an individual takes over the prescribed dosage and use other methods, such as inhaling or “snorting” the crushed pills or even using syringes to inject the drug, into a vein in the body, once melted down.  Patients who adhere to their correct dosages but receive prescriptions over an extended amount of time can develop what is known as chemical dependency.

Whether an individual is addicted or dependent to Xanax, they will still both experience the same uncomfortable physical and emotional withdrawal symptoms if they do not have access to Xanax or other “Benzos” over a period of time. These symptoms can include nausea, headache, anxiety, irritability, and disturbance in sleeping patterns. Running out of your prescription too early to get it filled again is very good indication that you may be facing addiction. You will want to find a rehabilitation treatment center that includes the appropriate care for addiction to benzodiazepines.

You will find variations in the rehabilitation programs that are offered for addiction treatment when in comparison to the methods used for problems stemming from dependency. In-patient rehabilitation facilities are usually found to be more appropriate and beneficial to those suffering from an addiction to Xanax. Addiction is most often only one of multiple co-occurring disorders. Treatment will be tailored to fit each individual’s needs.  Out-patient counseling is used as form of follow-up treatment after the completion of an in-patient program. It also used for those who are suffering from dependency as their only disorder.

Of course the first obstacle will be admitting there is a problem and Xanax abuse or extended usage has now become an addiction to prescription drugs. There will be every reason in the world why it is alright to be taking the medication in the first place. If you know someone you care about that is addicted to Xanax and cannot reason with them then you may want to try a family intervention. Do not use accusing words or try bullying them into receiving treatment for their problem. First let them know that they are loved and you are concerned for their wellbeing. If you cannot gain their trust then it will be very hard to get them to listen to what you have to say or even furthermore, to confide in you. Be sure to assure this person that you will be there to support them through the process of ending their addiction to Xanax. If you succeed in getting through to them, you may just save their life.

Free confidential helpline for Xanax addiction and treatment / counseling:  (888) 842-3167

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Substance Abuse Counselors Treat Many Disorders

October 2nd, 2009

Substance abuse counselors diagnose and treat the emotional problems that are a result of a drug addiction. Drug addiction is usually accompanied by other co-occurring mental disorders that require dual diagnosis and treatment to be successful. Counselors are usually required to have at least a Master’s Degree to treat mental illnesses. They specialize in a variety of different methods and techniques used to combat substance abuse.

Substance abuse is often accompanied by depression, suicidal tendencies, and social dysfunction. Counselors will also encounter codependency issues with their patients, as they are often abusing more than just one drug. The multitude of symptoms from these combined mental health disorders makes treatment very difficult and must be dealt with on a professional level. All of the underlying problems must be identified and addressed in order to make a complete recovery. Substance abuse counselors will often work with other mental health specialists to ensure that all needs are met.

If you need help finding substance abuse counseling in your area, please call our toll free helpine at (888) 842-3167

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