Category: Alcoholism

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Staying Healthy in Recovery: Are there Alternatives to Drugs and Alcohol?

After entering recovery, one of the hardest things to do is fill the leftover space in your mind and in your daily life. Spending so much of your time using drugs or alcohol can leave you feeling bored and unsatisfied throughout recovery, and it can often lead to relapses and addictive behavior. This is why many people search for healthy alternatives, whether that’s adrenaline-inducing activities, exercise, meditation, or any number of other activities.

The alternatives to drugs and alcohol vary widely and ultimately depend on your interests and what you want to pursue. Finding a healthy alternative can be an excellent way to fill that void, but it’s also imperative that you keep a healthy mindset about whatever activity you choose. Here are some healthy activities you can use to fill the new space in your life.

Meditation

Meditation is an excellent way to calm your mind, reflect on your life, and set goals for yourself. Even five to ten minutes in the morning spent focusing on your breathing, setting your daily intentions, and deciding what you want to accomplish can make a huge impact on the whole day.

Recovery is often accompanied by stress and anxiety. Taking time out of your day to focus only on yourself will help you tremendously. Meditation can give you new perspectives on stressful situations, help you cope, increase your patience, and calm your mind and body down. Another benefit of meditation as an alternative to drugs and alcohol is that it’s very difficult to overdo. However, if you find yourself meditating for hours a day or find that it’s interfering with your daily life in a negative way, talk to someone you trust, recognize the issue, and slowly cut back.

Adrenaline-Inducing Activities

Picking up a new, thrilling, and safe sport can be a great way to keep you occupied and excited about what you’re doing and help keep your body active. Here are some sports you could try to occupy your time.

  • Skiing
  • Whitewater rafting
  • Skydiving
  • Mountain Climbing

Seeking thrills through sports is a great way to stay on your feet and mix up your daily routine. Of course, there are a lot of extreme sports that are incredibly dangerous. Make sure you know your limits, always use the proper equipment, and learn the correct techniques from qualified instructors before trying anything new.

Working Out

Similar to meditation and sports, exercise allows you to fuel your body and calm your mind. It’s a great way to pass the time, increase your endorphins, and focus on your body and how much it does for you. The mental health benefits of regular exercise are incredible, and can include:

  • A reduction in depression
  • A reduction in anxiety
  • A reduction in stress
  • Increased focus

Of course, like anything, exercise can become problematic if you overdo it. Make sure you’re eating enough to sustain your workouts and talk to someone if you feel like you may be overexerting your body.

These three alternatives are great ways to fill any voids you may be experiencing in recovery, but, as with most things, too much is a bad thing. If you feel as though these activities, or any other activities, are taking up too much of your time or are having a negative impact on your life, talk to someone and get the help you need.

If you or a loved one are struggling with addiction, reach out to us today. We offer a wide variety of residential and outpatient treatment programs to help aid you throughout your recovery journey.

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How to Talk to Your Teen About the Dangers of Drugs and Alcohol

Alcohol and substance abuse are touchy topics to begin with, but having a conversation with a teenager about them can be downright unnerving. How will they react? Will they argue? Will they take you seriously? Will they shut you out?

Despite these concerns, the bottom line is the conversation is too important not to have. Understanding how best to approach the subject of drug and/or alcohol abuse with your teenager is the first step. Doing it the right way can help you have a more healthy and productive dialogue.

Timing is Everything!

The night before finals or right after your child’s been jilted by their best friend is not the time for a serious talk. Pick a time when you and your teen are relaxed, not stressed.

Go out to a favorite restaurant or ease into the conversation after you’ve watched a show together or discussed the latest teenage TV sensation. Most likely, the shows your teens are watching have already highlighted tough-to-tackle topics like sex, drugs and alcohol abuse.

Be Prepared

Practice your poker face because you may not like what you hear when you start talking. The CDC reports 33 percent of high school students admitted to drinking alcohol. Your child may say they’ve been exposed to drugs or alcohol or even experimented with them. They may blow you off or tell you they’ve never taken a drink, but it’s no big deal if they decide to. Maybe they’ll reveal that one of their friends (the one you think so highly of) is smoking pot.

If they confide in you, even the stuff you don’t want to hear, it’s a good thing! It means they trust you. That’s the first step in reaching them and influencing them to make good, safe choices. It’s okay to take in what they say and digest the information before you respond. It beats flying off the handle right away.

Ask Questions

Asking innocent questions is a great way to ease into a conversation with your teen. You may start by saying, “I’ve seen some stuff on TV recently about [insert dangerous drug here], and was wondering if you’ve heard about it,” or “What do you think about underage drinking?” Try not to sound like your fishing for information but are instead genuinely interested in their what’s happening in their lives.

Present the Facts

Generalizations like “drinking is bad” or “drugs rot your brain” may be true, but they don’t hit home with kids. While you don’t want to flood them with boring statistics, a few solid facts about the dangers of drug and alcohol abuse can resonate. Ask what they’ve learned about drugs and alcohol in school, then share what you know.

Enlist Help

Often kids are more receptive to someone other than mom or dad. As frustrating as that may be, the important thing is to get the message across. Connect with a trusted friend or family member who’s willing to have an open conversation about drinking and drug abuse. Your child may be positively influenced by an older cousin or an influential friend. The more people they have to turn to, the better!

Keep Talking

The dreaded once-and-done “talk” parents used to give their kids is long gone. What works is an ongoing dialogue, with an emphasis on keeping the lines of communication open.

Your 13-year-old who’s never seen kids drink will soon be a 15-year-old who tells you they have no interest in partying. Fast forward another year or two and things can change dramatically. The conversation will change along with their age, their friends, and the choices they’re making. It’s up to you to keep talking to steer them in the right direction.

Talking to your child about drug and alcohol abuse may not be easy, but if done correctly, it can create an open an ongoing dialogue that will encourage your son or daughter to turn to you when things get tough—instead of something else.

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Choosing the Best Treatment Center For Addiction

You or a loved one have taken the first, most important step toward recovering from drug or alcohol dependence—recognizing the need for professional help. The next step is choosing the best treatment center for addiction—one that can help with the dependence issues and map out a road to recovery.

This handy checklist should help you learn what to look for in a facility and how to make the best choice for a successful recovery.

Ask Questions!

You’re looking for the best treatment facility for you or your loved one. Any legitimate treatment center will welcome potential clients, patiently answer questions and make sure you feel comfortable with the facility, its staff, and its treatment plans.

Accreditation

Look for a facility that is accredited by the state. Treatment facilities may hold additional accreditidations, such as the Commission on Accreditation of Rehab Facilities (CARF).

Certified Professionals

To ensure quality care, choose a facility that staffs licensed, accredited professionals, which may include drug and alcohol counselors, social workers and other certified staff.

Types of Treatments

What types of treatment does the facility use? The best, most effective treatments for addiction are evidence-based, meaning research has proven these techniques are time-tested and effective. Be wary of facilities that use experimental or other suspect techniques. Ask to see literature explaining treatment plans.

Inpatient or Outpatient Treatment

Are you looking for intensive inpatient treatment or do you need to continue to work or care for family while you go through the recovery process? What options does the facility offer that meet your specific needs? Check if an ongoing recovery residency program is an option while you work toward living functionally. Some treatment centers end after three months but support and recovery may take longer.

Dual Diagnoses

Many suffering from addiction have dual diagnoses (also known as co-existing conditions) such as depression and anxiety, as well as physical illnesses. It’s important to address the underlying causes of addiction and contributing factors in order to successfully treat addiction. Look for a facility that takes a holistic approach and treats the whole person.

Family Support

Addiction affects everyone involved—spouses, children, parents and friends. In recovery, the love and support of family and friends is vital. They can use tools to help their loved one during the recovery process, as well as learn how to be helpful in a positive way rather than enabling addiction. Look for a treatment center that offers family counseling and education on addiction and recovery.

Cost

How much is cost a factor in your decision? Ask what health insurance plans are accepted and what financial services are available.

Follow-Up Care

The support you receive after finishing a treatment plan is vital in staying sober. What, if any, follow-up care is provided? Is ongoing case management offered? Case managers help in many ways. Some centers offer alumni associations and aftercare groups, so you always have someone to connect with.

Resources After Recovery

Recovering from an addiction involves many layers. It’s important someone recovering from addiction is equipped with skills to be successful after program completion. Resources may include education, life skills training, housing, mental and physical health resources and employment opportunities. These all contribute to successfully reintegrating into the community.

As you make the important decision to seek help, use these guidelines to find the right treatment center. Once you have peace of mind you’ve found the right place, you’ll be on the path to recovery and wellness!

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Impact of Addiction on Families: Addiction and Financial Problems

Addiction and the financial problems it causes can ruin lives.

When someone in your home is struggling with an addiction to drugs or alcohol, it can add stress to the entire household not only emotionally but financially, as well.

Behavior Associated with Addiction and Financial Problems

Addiction and withdrawal can put your loved one in a frenzied state of mind—a state in which they’ll do anything to get their next fix. This severely damages relationships, whether it’s your significant other, son, or daughter, often causing an inability to trust your loved one. This damage is often compounded by financial loss.

Lying and Manipulation

An addicted person may use lying and manipulation tactics to convince you that they’re in a financial pinch when they’re really after money to obtain more drugs or alcohol. Excuses include but may not be limited to:

  • Vehicle expenses (gas money, necessary repairs, late payments)
  • Rent or mortgage payments
  • Doctor visits (seeing multiple doctors to try and obtain prescriptions for various medications)

Stealing

When addiction takes over a person’s mind, it takes control of their lifestyle. It’s not uncommon for an addicted person to steal valuables from the homes of family and friends to pawn for drugs or alcohol. They’ll often go for valuables that aren’t used often or on display so owners don’t notice their absence right away. An addicted person may also steal prescription drugs or even money from friends and family.

Inability to Keep a Job

Employers do not tolerate illegal drug use, alcoholism, or the behavior that often accompanies these habits, including:

  • Regularly missing work
  • Showing up late
  • Bloodshot or glassy eyes
  • Slurred speech
  • Slowed motor skills

Illegal drug use typically warrants immediate dismissal. With a tainted record, it’s much more difficult to obtain a job. If your friend or loved one is stuck in unemployment, they’ll be unable to contribute to household finances.

Financial Costs Associated with Addiction

The repercussions of substance abuse can take an even greater toll on personal finances, with expenses ranging from fines to funeral costs.

Fines, Bail, and Attorney Fees

People struggling with addiction often get wrapped up in illegal situations influenced by their addiction. Here are just a few common crimes associated with addiction:

  • Shoplifting
  • Driving under the influence
  • Forging signatures for prescriptions

Some instances require the need for an attorney, which can run thousands of dollars on top of other fees, depending on whether it’s a multiple offense. If your loved one is arrested, they may manipulate you into bailing them out of jail, swearing they’ll get help.

Funeral Costs

As difficult as it is to discuss the death of a loved one, the possibility of addiction stealing your loved one is real, and you may be forced to confront steep costs for their funeral. The cost of a traditional funeral can range anywhere from $8,000 to $10,000, which is often too massive a burden for family already dealing with addiction’s other costs.

Choose an organization that works to benefit you.

Don’t wait until you’re forced to claim bankruptcy to get help. If your loved one is battling addiction, reach out to an organization that has your best interests at heart. The GateHouse is a nonprofit organization based in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. Our licensed and certified counselors are here to make your life—and the life of your loved one—whole again.

Contact us today to speak with our amiable staff and see how we can join together to help you.

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Impact of Addiction on Families: Addiction and Abuse

Substance addiction and verbal, emotional, or physical abuse too often go hand-in-hand.

The connection between addiction and abuse is complex, no matter the relationship between you and the person you love, whether you’re a parent emotionally abused by an adult child or a partner physically assaulted by a significant other.

You deserve to live a life free from the stress and pain of abuse. And understanding the warning signs that indicate you’re being abused by an addicted person is the first step on the journey toward a healthier life.

Signs of Verbal Abuse

Unlike physical harm, verbal abuse leaves no apparent bruises, marks, or scars. In fact, the absence of visible signs sometimes leads abused people—and those around them—to believe that what they’re experiencing isn’t “real” or that they’re being “overly sensitive.”

An addicted person who verbally abuses you may:

  • Insult, taunt, or humiliate you
  • Call you names
  • Reject you for periods of time (aka “the silent treatment”)
  • Minimize your abilities, experiences, or achievements

Signs of Emotional Abuse

Like verbal abuse, the emotional type can be subtle enough that you may not even realize it’s happening. However, emotional abuse can batter your self-esteem and devastate your mental well-being, laying the foundation for potential depression, anxiety, and chronic stress.

An addicted person who emotionally abuses you may:

  • Blame you for their substance use
  • Blame you for any abuse they inflict on you
  • Neglect you
  • Threaten you or those you love
  • Intimidate you with weapons
  • Threaten to kill themselves
  • Hurt your pets or property
  • Stalk you (this may include checking your phone or social media accounts, too)
  • Gaslight you (that is, manipulate you to make you feel like you’re “crazy”)
  • Control your behavior (e.g., restricting access to money or preventing you from seeing family and friends)
  • Pressure you to use alcohol and/or other drugs

Signs of Physical Abuse

Substance abuse plays a role in 40 to 60 percent of intimate partner violence (IPV) incidents. While the connection between substance abuse and any behavior is complex, evidence suggests that the use of alcohol and other drugs may spark violent behavior—or make it worse. In addition to the serious physical risk, violence raises your own risk of substance abuse, as alcohol and other drugs can be used to self-medicate stress and pain.

An addicted person who physically abuses you may:

  • Push or shove you
  • Punch, slap, kick, or choke you
  • Prevent you from eating or sleeping
  • Drive dangerously when you’re in the car
  • Abuse you sexually
  • Prevent you from calling the police or getting medical attention
  • Force you to use alcohol and/or other drugs

Find the support you need.

Not everyone with addiction will abuse loved ones. But if you’re being abused by an addicted person, seek guidance from professionals who can assess the situation and point you toward help—and hope.

The GateHouse offers comprehensive treatment services in Lancaster, including residential treatment, outpatient and intensive outpatient programs, and transitional recovery residences. Our team also offers case management care to support long-term recovery.

Contact us for confidential guidance.

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