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Can Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Help People Overcome Addiction?

February 24, 2011 by Leave a Comment

Cognitive behavioral therapy sometimes attracts controversy, possibly due to the fact that it is not grounded in basic medicine. It involves using our thought processes to change negative behaviors. Thoughts and ideas have to be vocalized to fully realize its benefits. It can be used to deal with a wide range of issues, most notably addiction to drugs and alcohol.

Cognitive behavioral therapy is not on the fringe of psychology, rather it is a sound approach. For some people struggling with addiction it offers the best hope for altering their way of thinking and hope of recovery. This is despite the fact that it is more popular as a treatment for depression and other mood related conditions.

How the Therapy Works

Due to the focus on exploring thoughts and feelings, this therapy helps addicts to understand what drives their addiction. They will also be able to identify situations, both personal and professional, that prompts their cravings. Some people will drink or use drugs because of pressure they experience in social situations. Others abuse drugs and alcohol to black out painful memories and as a coping mechanism.

Oddly enough, many addicts will admit to being addicted without realizing the root cause. There is ample evidence that the therapy can be successfully used as it leads to addicts them acting differently. They can be in the same situations yet respond differently to the same influences after exposure to cognitive behavioral therapy.

One of the best things about this therapy in dealing with addiction is that it can be modified for each patient. Cognitive behavioral therapy takes into consideration the fact that every individual’s experience is different. Each case is handled on its own merit, and behavioral adjustments are made accordingly.

The process is handled in stages with the first being the analysis aspect. This is where problems and sources are identified. The next stage involves developing the skills to overcome these issues. Due to its tailor-made nature, the time involved and level of success varies greatly from person to person.

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Things to Take to Drug Rehabilitation Centers

February 24, 2011 by Leave a Comment

When someone dealing with an addiction decides to seek treatment, this calls for some adjustment on their part and for their family members as well. Anyone with a family member entering rehab for the first time may immediately think about making preparations. Many basics are not provided by drug treatment centers. There are also a few notable items that rehab centers prevent their patients from taking with them.

What to Pack

This may vary depending on the center, as some offer slightly more relaxed rules. Some arrange day trips and other outside activities for patients. A few may even allow supervised trips to the store to get a few needed items. A list of things to pack for a loved one entering rehab might include:

  • Prescribed medication
  • A pillow if one will not be provided
  • Personal items like hair care products, toothbrush, sunscreen (they must be alcohol free)
  • Sneakers for exercise
  • Some centers require that some form of ID be taken in
  • Comfortable clothing
  • An alarm clock

These centers try to make the life of the patient as comfortable as possible while they are undergoing treatment. There are many other things which can be added to this list depending on the treatment center chosen.

Drug treatment centers will generally provide a list of the Items that are not allowed. Some prohibited items have to do with privacy concerns. These include cameras and cell phones. Energy drinks and any product that contains alcohol such as perfumes are also prohibited.

Leaving some things behind can be difficult, but this is sometime necessary so as to help the person focus on the therapies available to them. After successful treatment, they can go back to their lives, albeit with some level of modification.

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The Very Real Challenges of Rehab

February 21, 2011 by Leave a Comment

Before any addict even considers entering rehab they must first face the fact that they have a problem. Forcing someone with addiction issues into a rehab facility is unlikely to produce successful results otherwise. What they will encounter while undergoing treatment will vary depending on the facility and their treatment program.

Regardless of facility is chosen, there are conditions that are constant like abiding by rules outlined by administrators. These may cover visiting hours, and there are often restrictions on who can visit. Patients are required to take part in all activities unless they are excused from doing so. In most centers relationships between patients are actively discouraged.

Battling addiction to drugs or alcohol sometimes requires therapy sessions, which can be emotionally taxing. This often forces individuals to confront personal issues that may have played a contributory role in their addiction. For this reason there is a confidentiality agreement between the facility and each patient.

Family Contact

This can be a big challenge, as while visits are usually allowed, contact with family members is generally limited to visiting hours. Most facilities do not allow the use of cell phones, which may lead to a feeling of isolation. This is a necessary aspect of the treatment, however, as all attempt is made to minimize external negative influences.

The Possibility of Relapse

This is a very real concern for anyone who has ever battled addiction, whether it is to alcohol or drugs. Some drug rehab centers offer follow-up programs for just this reason, but this is not always possible. For some addicts, beating the problem will be only the beginning. It is easy to fall back into old habits or behaviors leading t lead to drinking or drug use.

Some centers have whole programs devoted to dealing with the issue of relapse. This usually focuses on identifying the triggers which may lead to drug or alcohol use. Once former patients are educated on the risks of relapse, and follow provided guidelines, they can successfully avoid reverting to their destructive habits.

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Understanding the Lure of Alcohol

February 14, 2011 by Leave a Comment

Many people can never understand what it is about alcohol that pulls people in. In many cases, the lure of alcohol is hard to understand unless you or a loved one has had to deal with alcoholism or any other form of substance abuse. It is not easy to grasp why anyone would drink until it takes over their lives.

The first thing is to realize is that alcoholism is not just about having a drinking problem. It is in fact a disease that can wreak havoc on one’s physical health, as well as their emotional and social wellbeing. This addiction, like so many others, has destroyed families in many ways.

For many recovering alcoholic, just the smell or taste of alcohol can undo all their progress. For many, one drink is never enough, they must have just one more which in itself is not enough. Alcoholics have no control over liquor, it controls them. As such they drink because they have to and usually in excess.

Many people drink because they need a means of escaping from something, whether a past experience or difficult existing situations. Sadly, over time the alcoholic will find that they need to drink just to function on a day to day basis. Interestingly, not all alcoholics become so drunk that it is obvious. In fact, many are able to avoid detection for years.

Once someone becomes addicted to alcohol, it is advisable that if they enter rehab and come out successful, they must avoid alcohol like the plague. Only by not drinking can an alcoholic be assured not only of being cured, but also of being able to resist the lure of this seductive mistress.

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Child and Teen Addiction to Alcohol

February 9, 2011 by Leave a Comment

As much as we would rather that it was not the case, children sometimes become addicted to drugs and alcohol. While the problem is often discussed regarding teens, even younger children can struggle with addiction. Advertising of alcoholic beverages is sometimes blamed for the rise in teen drinking. Peer pressure and the desire to be cool may also drive some kids and teens to drink.

Many parents may be surprised to learn that their children are drinking. Kids generally find it easy to access alcohol since it’s in many homes. Unlike drugs, which parents generally teach their children about, not many parents have had discussions about the ill-effects of alcohol and alcoholism.

Effects of Alcohol on Children and Teens

While drinking excessive amounts of alcohol can negatively affect adults, it takes far less to affect a child or young teen. The effects of alcohol on children include:

Impaired cognitive and learning abilities. In fact it is believed that alcohol will adversely affect how the brain of children develops.Poor liver functionImpaired judgment and inappropriate emotional responses to situations

Parents should therefore talk to their children about alcohol. It’s really never too early to start talking, especially if there are drinkers in the child’s inner circle. This is even more important as there is belief in some areas that there is a genetic link to alcoholism. Children of parents who abuse alcohol are more likely to become alcoholics.

Helping the Child Who Drinks

Parents need to be firm and seek professional help early. Both parents have to come together to face the fact that their child or teenager has a drinking problem. There are rehab facilities available for teenagers. Parents and caregivers can get someone to come to the home, or consider an ‘outpatient’ type facility for help. They will also need counseling and assistance from addiction rehabilitation specialists for younger kids.

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Regulating Alcohol Advertisements

February 7, 2011 by Leave a Comment

While alcohol is a legally produced product, the issue of promotion has sometimes raised controversy. Some argue for regulation of alcohol and tobacco products due to their addictive nature. Many also point to advertising which they say pushes people to smoke and drink at a young age. Many industries are quick to deny the claims that their promotions are aimed at young people. However, there has been a rise in recent years of cases of addiction among teens.

It is difficult to lay the blame for this trend solely at the feet makers of alcohol and tobacco products. Many children are subject to enormous pressure from friends to drink or smoke. That said, it is difficult to deny the power of a strategically placed billboard on a young, impressionable mind. Many advertisements for alcohol depict young people having fun while drinking and or smoking.

This is worrying when it is noted that many smokers start the habit before turning 18. Statistics also indicate that roughly 70 percent of teens have tried alcohol by the time they leave high school. Adding the hereditary factor of drug and alcohol addiction, it is likely that a large number of them will enter rehab later in life.

Currently alcohol producers are restricted from posting ads near to schools. They are also prevented from airing ads during the hours when children are most likely to be awake. These restrictions apply to makers of tobacco products as well.

Not surprisingly, some groups feel that these restrictions don’t go far enough. Some have pointed out that alcohol producers have been able to work around existing rules. Many use the fact statistics on teens entering rehab to strengthen their case for tighter restrictions.

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Using Alternative Treatments for Drug Rehabilitation

February 1, 2011 by Leave a Comment

Drug addiction is an ongoing issue. Over the years various methods of rehabilitation have been tried to help addicts overcome this problem. It is therefore not surprising that with the growing interest in alternative medicine, this is increasingly being used in drug rehabilitation efforts.

Some alternative methods being used to help people overcome addiction include nutrition, acupuncture, meditation, cognitive and motivational therapies. These methods may be combined depending on the response of addicts. Some treatment centers also go with a combination of alternative and standard medicinal programs.

Nutrition is now being used as a means of detoxification. In fact, ensuring a certain level of nutrition serves more than one purpose. It helps to improve the overall health of the addicted person since they are normally malnourished. Plus, certain minerals and vitamins are known to have properties that aid in removing toxins from the body.

Antioxidant rich foods that are high in nutrients such as beta-carotene, vitamin c, selenium and zinc are excellent at helping to fight free radicals. Malnourished people, especially those who abuse drugs and alcohol tend to have high levels of free-radicals. Increasing antioxidant intake improves the health of tissues.

Acupuncture is also being used to help people beat addiction. The area of focus is the ear. Acupuncture needles are placed in specific areas of the ear to control withdrawal cravings. Based on the pressure points stimulated, endorphins are released which help to improve the mood of drug addicted people. This helps to control the urge and discomfort generally associated with withdrawal from drugs or alcohol.

Whatever methods are used to help people overcome addiction to drugs and alcohol, it will always be challenging. Some persons will be successful the first time they try to beat their addiction. Unfortunately, this is not true for everyone as they will need to try different methods to help them overcome this problem for life.

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Family Support is Important for Recovery

January 6, 2011 by Leave a Comment

Your family cares for you, and they all want to help you get better. If you’re having trouble with addiction and you need to get into a good program for recovery, don’t underestimate the power that your family has. They can help you succeed, if you let them. There may be family members who don’t take your problem as serious, and who don’t seem as concerned about it as other members do. If that’s the case, they are the members that you should be avoiding. You want to talk only to the people who are convinced that you can get better, and who encourage you to do so. That way, you’re getting the strong support that’s so important to you.

Don’t assume that you can’t get help or get better if you don’t have a good, supportive family, though. You’ll be able to get what you need from a great treatment program, regardless. If you have family, and they want to help and encourage you, that can help boost your confidence. Don’t turn them away, because they can help play a role in your recovery. Even when you can do something yourself, having help and support generally makes it easier. If you have that option, you should certainly take it and appreciate how much your family cares for you.

It doesn’t matter whether you go to an inpatient program or an outpatient program, you can still stay close to family. Talk to them frequently, and get that encouragement that you’re looking for. They’ll help you get through the hard times when things seem dark and you’re wondering if you can do it. They’ll help to keep you accountable if you get to the point that you might slip up. Take their support and value it, so you can continue to get better.

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Quit Smoking the Easy Way

January 5, 2011 by Leave a Comment

If quitting smoking is on your agenda, you have likely tried gum, hypnosis, or a myriad of other quit-smoking-quick methods. Trying to quit smoking cold turkey is very difficult to do and typically leads a smoker back to the bad habit. A relatively new invention, electronic cigarettes, is a method that may finally get you to quit smoking the easy way.

How it Works

Electronic cigarettes work in a similar fashion to a regular cigarette. The primary difference is that the electronic version does not emit the harmful chemicals and toxins that a traditional cigarette does. The e-cigarette does emit pure liquid nicotine, which fills the addiction that most cigarette smokers crave.

In short, an electronic cigarette fills the oral fixation that smokers have with the intake of nicotine that they need. Similar to a nicotine patch, an electronic cigarette allows you to slowly quit by weaning yourself and your body off the nicotine.

Advantages

Even as you continue to smoke electronic cigarettes, you are creating a healthier environment for your body and the people around you. The electronic cigarette infuses a set amount of pure liquid nicotine into your body as a vapor, but you do not intake the tar and other harmful chemicals that real cigarettes possess. This also eliminates the distribution of the harmful effects of second smoke, which can make people around you at your home or in public places prone to sickness, illness, disease (such as cancer), and other problems associated with smoking.

Since you can still smoke while you are trying to quit, it makes quitting a lot easier when you use electronic cigarettes to do so. Unlike the nicotine gum or patch, the electronic cigarettes allow you to go through the act of smoking without taking on all of the unhealthy side effects.

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Getting Better is Possible, With Good Treatment

January 4, 2011 by Leave a Comment

In treatment, you can get the help that you really need to improve. Addiction to any kind of substance isn’t easy to handle, and it’s not always easy to get away from, but it can be done. Don’t allow anyone to tell you that it’s too late, you’re in too deep, or it’s not possible for you to break your addiction. None of those things are true, and you can get clean and stay that way if you really have the desire to. You have to want it, and you have to seek out treatment that can help you and that really works well for you.

When you’re looking for a treatment program, think about what works for you when you need to do something or you need to learn something. If you can find a program that fits the style you need, you’ll be more likely to complete that program and succeed in it. If you can’t find a program in your area that’s right for you, you may need to travel a little farther away to get the help you need. Don’t be afraid to do that, or think that it’s too much trouble. Nothing is too much trouble when it comes to getting better.

In short, your success will be largely up to you – but the right treatment program will also play a large role. Whether you choose inpatient or outpatient treatment, you can get the help and support that you need to conquer your addiction if you work on it and stay dedicated to improving, instead of just going to rehab with the idea that you won’t get much out of it or that you’re a lost cause. The right attitude and the right program are both very important, so make sure to keep that in mind when you’re seeking treatment.

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