Posts Tagged ‘recovery’

How Do I Know if I Am Using Too Many Painkillers?

October 20th, 2011

If you’re wondering seriously about knowing if you are using too many painkillers, chances are you probably are. You are also very likely addicted or getting very close. Being worried that you’re taking too many painkillers is a clear warning sign that it’s time to take charge of your situation and reverse the habit of taking them. Here are a few warning signs of addiction which may tell you if you are taking too many painkillers:

Do you think about taking painkillers often?

If you constantly think about taking your painkillers, you may be addicted. If you find yourself trying to figure out when you will get the next refill or about taking your next dose, it means that the drug has started to take over certain parts of your thought process. Continuing this thought pattern is very dangerous.

Do you need increased amounts of the painkillers?

Many addicts of painkillers go through the same pattern. In the beginning, the pills make them feel great – it kills their pain and makes them feel euphoric for a few hours. In just a few short weeks of regular use, that effect becomes less and less so the person finds that they need to take increased amounts to feel the way they did in the beginning. If this is the case for you and you are taking more than the recommended dosage, you definitely need to stop taking them.

Are you defensive when asked about the use of your painkillers?

If anyone ever brings up your use of painkillers, how do you react? Do you feel a need to defend yourself? If this is the case, you should know that the painkillers have power over you. This could signal a more serious addiction in the near future. If you think logically about it, you know this is not the greatest position to be in, and you should get seek treatment.

Are you secretive about taking your painkillers?

Secretive behavior, as it pertains to drug use, demonstrates that you know what you’re doing is wrong. In your mind, you reason and find ways to justify your habit. If you are feeling like you have to hide what you are doing from the people you love and take your pills in private, this is definitely an indicator that you have a problem with addiction.

In short, if your life has been affected by the use of your painkillers and if you are taking more than the recommended dosage, you know you are using too many and it is time to stop and seek treatment.

We Can Help! Call Us Today at (888) 842-3167 for your Free Confidential Assessment for Drug and Alcohol Treatment

What Is Dual Diagnosis Treatment?

October 12th, 2011

A person that has a substance abuse problem coupled with a mental health disorder has a dual diagnosis. It may be anxiety, depression or some other disorder but the bottom like is that if you treat one, you have to treat the other as well for the treatment to be effective. Of course, dealing with a drug or alcohol addiction is not an easy thing to do, but it becomes even more complicated and difficult when you also struggle with mental health problems. Dual diagnosis treatment is when both problems are treated simultaneously for the best possible outcome. It is a personalized treatment plan that with the right method and support, can be extremely successful.

Disorders that co-occur will each have their own unique symptoms that need to be addressed. Each will complicate the ability to function in its own unique way. When the two problems interact and go untreated, the problem with substance abuse tends to worsen. As abuse with alcohol or drugs worsen, the mental health problems continue to increase as well. As you can see, it is a vicious cycle to be in.

Successful recovery can only happen if both the addiction and the mental health problem is treated together in one program. It doesn’t matter which problem happened first, and one should not be given priority over the other. Fortunately, the majority of people who suffer from a dual diagnosis are able to recover and lead normal lives with the right treatment and ongoing support. It will take time so don’t get discouraged and give up if things don’t start to improve right away. Your courage and commitment will play a huge role in the long term success of the treatment.

Relapse may happen – and for those with a dual diagnosis – it is often a normal part of the recovery process. Try not to get too down on yourself. Pick yourself back up and get back to work on your recovery. Use your resources and peer support. Leaning on others who know what you are going through can be very helpful.

Dual diagnosis is not an uncommon problem and you are not alone. It just takes getting through the first step of entering recovery to put your life on a positive path – the path to recovery and regaining a sense of normalcy. It may be difficult, but it will be worth it in the end to fight for yourself.

We Can Help! Call Us Today at (888) 842-3167 for your Free Confidential Assessment for Drug and Alcohol Treatment

Tiger Woods Sex Addiction Treatment ?

January 14th, 2010

Yes, Sex Addiction is real.  And now according to the LA Times, Tiger Woods enters in to sex addiction treatment.