Rehab for Professionals

Alcohol Rehab for Professionals and Executives

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When alcohol addiction affects someone who is in a leadership position at work it can present a difficult dilemma.  How does this executive, with all the many job responsibilities that cannot simply be ignored, manage to get treatment for the alcohol problem?  This quandary has led to the formation of specialized niche rehabs that have created certain adaptations in their programs to accommodate the busy executive.

In addition to providing technology and office equipment that allows the executive to remain engaged with the office while in rehab, an alcohol rehab for professionals often includes special recreational activities and holistic therapies.  These amenities provide opportunities for relaxation and make the time in rehab more enjoyable.

Why Does Alcoholism Only Impact Certain Professionals?

As someone who is surrounded each day by colleagues, it may cross your mind that only some who hold down high-stress jobs have acquired an alcohol abuse or addiction problem.  It is true that alcohol dependency does not attach itself to all people, even if some of these colleagues consume even more liquor.  Although over 15 million adults in the U.S. suffer from an alcohol use disorder, the assumption that alcohol will affect every individual the same is simply a myth.

The reality is that a certain minority of individuals will find themselves with an alcohol addiction due to factors that still remain a mystery.  There are certain underlying factors that can influence alcohol addiction, such as genetics, where a family history of alcoholism exists.  Other causes might include brain chemistry imbalance, a co-occurring mental health disorder, past traumas, or beginning to drink heavily in youth.

Working in a highly stressful environment can exacerbate the need for using alcohol at a higher consumption level than most.  Alcohol is a depressant, so some busy executives seek to relax and be relieved from stress through the use of alcoholic beverages.  If they are predisposed to alcoholism, as tolerance increases he or she will use increasingly higher amounts, which can lead to addiction.

What is Alcohol Rehab for Professionals Like?

The initial step in getting help for alcohol abuse or addiction is to undergo a supervised detox and withdrawal.  Detoxing from alcohol necessitates certain safety protocols because of the risk of seizures or delirium tremens, which can be fatal.  A detox team will guide the professional through the process and manage the withdrawal symptoms throughout.  In certain cases, naltrexone can be prescribed to help manage alcohol cravings and reduce the risk of relapse.

During the treatment phase of rehab, the executive will engage in a variety of therapeutic activities.  Addiction treatment is customized for the individual’s specific needs, so the therapy will be selected accordingly.  All individuals will participate in individual talk therapy, group therapy, and 12-step or similar non-12-step recovery meetings.  Rehab programs range from 2 weeks to 6 months or more, depending on need and resources.

How Do the Added Amenities Help in Alcohol Rehab for Professionals?

Executive rehab programs are unique because of the premium locations, high-end accommodations, private rooms, and work accommodations.  It is understood that the busy professional will need certain tools available to be able to continue to connect with colleagues and subordinates.  These programs will likely make every effort to accommodate the needs of the professional client who still needs to engage at work while in treatment.

In addition, executive rehabs will provide special holistic activities that may resemble a spa or resort.  Massage therapy, sauna, yoga classes, and acupuncture aid in stress relief and promote relaxation.  Recreational activities, such as golf, fishing, hiking, or boating may round out the program.

Golf Drug Rehab at Capo by The Sea Provides Luxury Alcohol Rehab for Professionals

Golf Drug Rehab at Capo by The Sea is a premier alcohol and drug treatment program located in picturesque Dana Point, California.  With expert addiction professionals at the helm, Golf Drug Rehab will provide detox and alcohol treatment, including a truncated two-week rehab program option.  As its name implies, Golf Drug Rehab features three stunning golf courses for the executive in rehab to enjoy throughout his or her stay.  For more information about the program, contact Golf Drug Rehab today at (877) 958-5320

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alcohol treatment programs

Executive Golf Two Week Alcohol Treatment Programs

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High-level executives encounter excessive levels of stress on a daily, hourly basis.  Chronic exposure to high stress can often result in the use of alcohol as a means of relieving the pressures of the job.  Eventually, this daily habit of self-medicating with alcohol can develop into addiction or dependence, becoming a threat to health, career, and family.  Addressing an alcohol use disorder at the earliest point offers the best chances of a sustained recovery, but treating alcoholism at any stage of the disease will offer hope of living a fulfilling life of sobriety.

The biggest challenge for a busy executive, however, is carving out the extended period of time needed to get the treatment needed.  For this reason, some programs now offer an inpatient two-week treatment program that can expedite the process while also providing the tools needed to remain engaged at the office.  Better yet, these two-week plans may design a treatment program that includes golf or other extracurricular activities to help pass the time.

About Alcohol Use Disorder

Alcoholism is a chronic relapsing disease that impacts brain chemistry and the nervous system.  It can sneak up on someone with little warning as tolerance to the substance increases and one begins to drink more heavily in order to achieve the relaxation response they enjoyed when first using alcohol.  Alcoholism should be taken seriously, as without detoxification and treatment, in addition to ongoing continuing care efforts, it could be deadly.

What may begin as a couple of drinks in the evening following a hectic day at the office can morph over time into a need to imbibe first thing in the morning and then throughout the day.  Once the body has become accustomed to the daily dosage of alcohol it will rebel when alcohol is withheld, initiating withdrawal symptoms that send you right back to the alcohol.  The symptoms of alcohol addiction or dependence might include the following:

  • Unable to stop drinking once started
  • Being able to drink more and more alcohol
  • Blacking out, having no memory of actions or conversations
  • Lying about your level of drinking
  • Hiding alcohol from loved ones
  • Neglecting responsibilities at home or work
  • Relationship troubles related to the excessive drinking
  • Trying to stop drinking but can’t
  • Withdrawal symptoms when attempting to stop, include tremors, profuse sweating, nausea, anxiety, irritability, insomnia, and more.

What to Expect at an Inpatient Two Week Alcohol Treatment Program?

The individual who has reached the high ranks in their profession is someone who is driven and very busy.  These executives may be aware of their alcohol problem but can’t fathom how they could go into a month long (or longer) rehab program with so many responsibilities that need to be addressed on a daily basis.

An inpatient two week alcohol treatment program condenses the usual 30-day program down to 14 days, accommodating the busy life of an executive while still providing high quality treatment for alcoholism.  Treatment will begin with detox and withdrawal and then segue into psychotherapy, both individual and group sessions, alcohol addiction education, relapse prevention planning and techniques, and participation in a recovery support group.  Most executive rehabs also provide other holistic or adjunct therapies that augment the program.

Golf Drug Rehab Offers Executive Golf Two Week Alcohol Treatment Programs

Golf Drug Rehab is a premier two week alcohol treatment program in coastal California that cater to executives who happen to love golf.  This truncated program allows the busy executive to receive the needed help for an alcohol use disorder over a two-week period while enjoying golf as a recreational diversion with three beautiful local courses to choose from.

Golf Drug Rehab provides the necessary technological tools at the executive’s disposal so they can remain in communication with staff during their stay in rehab.  Golf Drug Rehab features high-end accommodations and amenities as well as highly trained clinical staff who will guide the individual toward lifelong recovery.  For more information about the program, please contact Golf Drug Rehab today at (877) 958-5320.

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short term alcohol rehab

Short Term Alcohol Detox Luxury Rehab

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Most executives understand the benefits of expediency.  Time is money, as they say, so completing tasks or projects in a timely manner is beneficial to the bottom line.  Well, a similar case can be made for rehab.  Busy professionals may find it difficult to commit to a long term rehab when treatment is needed for a problem with alcohol, so without any alternatives, many would not get help for an alcohol use disorder. Thankfully, now there are short-term alcohol detox and rehab programs that blend expediency with effective results.

What is a Short Term Alcohol Detox and Rehab?

When seeking treatment for an alcohol addiction there are several rehab options available.  These range in treatment intensity, from an outpatient program to a long term residential program.  Somewhere in the middle exists the short-term inpatient addiction treatment programs that basically condense the therapeutic process into a shorter time commitment.

The short-term rehab uses the same basic treatment elements as a longer term program, just for fewer days. By condensing the treatment plan to two weeks, the client is able to more easily fit this important therapy into their busy schedule.  During treatment the executive will engage in the following therapeutic activities:

  • Monitored detox and withdrawal
  • Participation in individual therapy sessions
  • Participation in group therapy sessions
  • Participation in a 12-step recovery program
  • Attending classes that instruct clients on how to avoid relapse

Benefits of a Short Term Alcohol Detox Luxury Rehab

A luxury short term rehab has all the bells and whistles that a high-powered professional is accustomed to.  Luxury rehab programs are usually located in geographically desirable settings that are attractive to someone with discerning tastes.  These might include beach or coastal communities, mountain resorts, lakeside settings, or desert resort areas.  Beautiful surroundings enhance the rehab experience, especially when outdoor activities are offered in the program.

A short term rehab stint can achieve detoxification goals and still provide important psychotherapy sessions that guide the client toward acquiring new healthy habits and coping skills.  This provides the client with the tools to respond to stress or triggers to drink with appropriate responses.  Short term programs are not for everyone.  Someone with a long history of high alcohol consumption would be better served in a longer term rehab program.

Continued Care Following a Short Term Alcohol Detox and Rehab Program

Once the two week rehab has been completed, a continuing care plan will be needed. In order to solidify recovery moving forward, the client should make plans for continued care options following the two-week program.  These would entail outpatient sessions that offer important support in early recovery, and many offer evening or video therapy sessions to accommodate the busy executive.

Another aspect of continued care is ongoing involvement in a 12-step or non 12 step rehab.  These recovery programs offer important social support and are available in every metropolitan area multiple times a day.  This peer support can help someone new in recovery by providing a sense of accountability to the group, as well as a sponsor who can help them in times when relapse threatens to undermine recovery.

Golf Drug Rehab Offers High Quality Short Term Alcohol Treatment

Golf Drug Rehab offers a superb rehab program in a coastal community in California.  Golf Drug Rehab has a two-week accelerated alcohol rehab program that provides busy professionals a faster recovery timeline.  In addition to the exquisite accommodations and amenities, Golf Drug Rehab boasts highly skilled experts in the field of addiction recovery, as well as access to three amazing golf courses to help pass the time in treatment.  For more information about the program, please contact Golf Drug Rehab today at (877) 958-5320.

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workaholic and alcoholic

The Connection Between the Workaholic and Alcoholic

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Are Workaholics Alcoholic?

The fast-paced life of a busy executive can clearly seem out of control when viewed by the casual observer. These driven professionals aim for the top with an über-focused fervor, fueled by the passion to succeed at their chosen career. What many do not see, however, is the coping method used to quiet their sky-high stress level: alcohol.

Workaholic and alcoholic—these two terms conjure up a harried, compulsive, type-A individual with a bottle of booze hidden in the desk drawer. Relying on a nip here or there throughout the day can morph into a much more serious problem as tolerance to alcohol’s effects increase, demanding more than a nip to reach the calm state desired. Therein lies the problem; the use of alcohol to induce relaxation due to job stress and anxiety can end up backfiring in a big way.

As the need for higher levels of alcohol consumption incrementally increases, the brain, in turn, is busy altering neurotransmitters and neural pathways in response. This invisible process can creep up on a person, when suddenly, one morning, the first signs of a problem are evident. Maybe it is hand tremors. Maybe it is nausea or profuse sweating. Whichever the withdrawal symptom that initially emerges, this is the warning sign that alcoholism is taking root.

Shared Traits of the Workaholic and Alcoholic

The workaholic and alcoholic tend to exist side by side. The same traits that might cause a person to become addicted to their work parallel similar traits observed in the alcoholic.

Signs of a workaholic might include:

  • Obsessive thoughts about work
  • Feeling compulsively driven to work more and more hours
  • Allowing work to interfere with interpersonal relationships
  • Neglecting family obligations
  • Withdrawing socially as work envelops all waking hours
  • Stress-related health problems develop

Signs of an alcoholic might include:

  • Obsessing about the next drink, having alcohol available, obtaining alcohol
  • Compulsive drinking, unable to control the consumption of alcohol
  • Drinking negatively impacts relationships
  • Neglecting family obligations
  • Withdrawing socially, drinking alone, the world revolves around drinking
  • Alcohol-related health problems develop
  • Want to quit drinking but cannot
  • Experience withdrawal symptoms when alcohol is absent

How Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Helps Workaholics and Alcoholics

The reflexive mechanism that drives compulsive behaviors involves both the mind (cognitive) and actions (behavioral). Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a mode of psychotherapy that helps individuals who struggle with compulsions, whether they be work or alcohol consumption, learn how to shift the thought-behavior patterns away from self-destructive actions toward productive, healthy actions.

CBT guides the individual to identify the distorted self-messaging that is acted on through subsequent alcohol abuse or the compulsive working. For example, a workaholic may tell him or herself that “unless I put in 18-hour days I will never be promoted,” which results in compulsive work actions. An alcoholic may tell him or herself that “No way can I deal with the pressure of this day on my own,” which results in compulsive alcohol misuse.

By reframing the internal dialogue, CBT can help individuals make fundamental shifts in their thought-behavior patterns. It teaches the person to be mindful of the moment, to pause, and shift the thought toward a positive message. For example, the workaholic may feel a rush of anxiety around career advancement. This feeling is acknowledged, then followed with “I will continue to deliver my best work while remaining cognizant of my own wellness,” which results in self-regulation of work hours. The alcoholic might feel overwhelmed by anxiety in a given situation, and pauses to acknowledge this mental state, followed by the thought “I need to do some deep breathing right now and rein in my thoughts to this present moment.” This results in active efforts to calm the mind using both mindfulness and deep breathing, which will result in decreased cortisol and adrenaline and a calmer state of being without resorting to alcohol.

CBT is a highly effective therapeutic strategy that produces significant results in a short-term format. CBT can be used in both individual and group settings and is a core treatment element in addiction recovery.

Getting Help For Alcoholism

It isn’t easy to accept that one may have developed a problem with alcohol. When those first withdrawal symptoms appear, it can come as a shock. But the fact is that the earlier someone seeks treatment for an alcohol use disorder, the better their recovery outcome. Alcohol addiction will only escalate toward alcohol dependency, which is a chronic, relapsing, and usually fatal disease.

Detox. When approaching treatment for alcoholism it is important to understand that the first step in recovery, detoxification, must be completed under the supervision of a trained detox team. Attempting to detox on one’s own can present serious, even fatal, health risks, including the seizures and coma associated with the delirium tremens (DTs). Alcohol withdrawal symptoms will vary in severity depending on such factors as the length of time abusing alcohol, the level of alcohol consumption, presence of a coexisting mental health disorder like depression or anxiety, a polydrug addiction, and the general health status of the individual.

Withdrawal symptoms for a workaholic and alcoholic might include:

  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Sweating
  • Hand tremors, shaking
  • Racing heart
  • Elevated blood pressure
  • Headache
  • Irritability
  • Agitation
  • Insomnia
  • Anxiety
  • Mental confusion
  • Psychosis
  • Seizures
  • DTs

Treatment. Alcohol treatment can be obtained in either an outpatient or residential setting and will involve a number of coordinated therapies. Rehab usually includes individual therapy, group therapy, family-focused therapy, medication management when applicable, addiction education, relapse prevention planning, adjunctive therapies, recreational therapy, nutritional counseling, and holistic activities.

Aftercare. Following completion of the rehab program, the individual should access continuing care services to help reinforce sobriety. These include ongoing outpatient therapy, sober living housing, and 12-step or non 12-step meetings.

Golf Drug Rehab Luxury Alcohol Recovery Center in Orange County

Golf Drug Rehab provides the most effective evidence-based therapies for treating alcohol use disorders, as well as naltrexone therapy, in some cases, to further reinforce recovery. Learn how to free yourself from life as a workaholic and alcoholic while also enjoying three spectacular golf courses while in treatment. For more information, please contact Golf Drug Rehab today at (877) 958-5320.

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high stress jobs

High Stress Jobs and Addiction

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Work Stress Could Lead to Addiction

There is a reason for the popularity of happy hour, that post-workday stop at a local watering hole for an alcoholic beverage. When the balance between work and life is seriously out of whack there is a higher probability that those who suffer from workplace stress will gravitate toward drugs or alcohol to help modulate the effects of that stress.

It is true that each person has his or her own unique ability to manage stress. Some are hardwired to overreact to stressors on the job, while others let it roll right off their back. Individual temperaments, or personality traits, are those characteristics about ourselves that we can’t really “fix” but rather must learn how to work with or workaround.

For example, someone who is prone to an exaggerated stress response would not be a good fit as a first responder. The daily exposure to stress-inducing situations would just exacerbate that tendency and may set the person up for a future substance use disorder as a quick and easy coping mechanism. Eventually, this stress response, using drugs or alcohol to quell job-related stress, can become habitual and lead to addiction.

What Are the High Stress Jobs?

While a job that one person considers to be too stressful might be perceived as exciting and stimulating to another, there are certain professions that do produce higher levels of stress across the board. Deadline driven jobs, trauma-related jobs, and overly demanding jobs are renowned culprits.

According to CareerCast, a website that specializes in job search and career advice, the most stressful careers include:

  1. Enlisted military personnel
  2. Firefighter
  3. Airline pilots
  4. Police officers
  5. Event coordinators
  6. Public relations executive
  7. Senior corporate executive
  8. Broadcaster
  9. Newspaper reporter
  10. Taxi driver

High stress jobs and addiction often go hand in hand. Individuals who feel overwhelmed by the demands of their chosen occupation may reach for the bottle or a sedative, such as benzo, to relieve the tension held in their bodies after a day’s work. Over time these kinds of high stress jobs will take their toll on both physical and mental health.

Signs That Your Job is Leading You Into Addiction

What may have begun as a harmless beer after work can surprisingly result in full-blown alcoholism for some people. Genetic predisposition to alcoholism, brain chemistry, a co-occurring mood disorder, or a series of other stressful life events may cause some to incrementally increase their alcohol consumption. For individuals who lean on alcohol as a coping tool for work-related stress, alcoholism can stealthily creep in.

The same could be said for the individual who struggles with an anxiety disorder and sought help for it. He or she may have been given a prescription for Xanax or Valium, both benzodiazepines that has a sedative, or depressant effect on the central nervous system. These medications happen to be very psychologically addicting, causing the individual to begin to rely on them any time they feel the slightest bit stressed out. If these folks are in high stress jobs, the medication may be abused to the point that addiction develops.

Signs of drug or alcohol addiction include:

  • Increased tolerance to the effects of the substance, leading to higher consumption
  • Planning one’s day around using drugs or alcohol, prioritizing substance abuse
  • Declining job performance
  • Sleep disturbance
  • Interpersonal problems
  • Mood swings
  • Obsessed with obtaining the substance
  • Secretive behaviors, such as hiding booze
  • Doctor shopping for pills
  • Weight gain or loss
  • Withdrawing socially
  • Attempts to discontinue or stock using drugs or alcohol fail
  • Experience withdrawal symptoms when the substance is unavailable

Treatment for Drug or Alcohol Addiction

When high stress jobs have resulted in addiction it is time to take a pause and address your mental health needs. Recovery will entail detox and withdrawal, psychotherapy, 12-step programming, medication management, and learning some recovery skills to help ensure sustained sobriety.

In addition to the treatment program benefits, it is helpful to reconsider your career path if returning to it will only trigger the addiction reflex again. Sometimes the rehab experience can lead to a shift in priorities and profound life changes that will greatly benefit the individual in the long run.

Golf Drug Rehab Luxury Addiction Recovery in Orange County

Golf Drug Rehab is an upscale treatment center situated in a beautiful coastal community in South Orange County, California. High stress jobs can take a heavy toll, leading to drug or alcohol dependency and depleted physical health. At Golf Drug Rehab our clinical team is dedicated to partnering with you every step of the way. Our unique rehab features the best in evidence-based treatments in addition to recreational golf therapy, with three spectacular local golf courses to access while in treatment. For more details about the program, connect with Golf Drug Rehab today at (877) 958-5320.

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effects of quitting drinking timeline

The Effects of Quitting Drinking Timeline

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Examining the Stages of Alcohol Detox and Withdrawal

When considering treatment for an alcohol addiction one of the biggest deterrents to following through is the fear of going through the detox process. Alcohol detoxification involves a period of about 5-7 days following cessation of drinking when the toxins related to alcohol are purged from the body. During this timeframe, the body and brain will attempt to recalibrate and stabilize as it adjusts to the absence of alcohol. Alcohol detox is an unpleasant phase of recovery, but a necessary first step on the journey to living a satisfying sober life.

Understanding the effects of quitting drinking timeline can help prepare someone for what to expect, as well as assure them that a detox program will make medications available to ease the withdrawal symptoms throughout the process. Knowing that they will be closely monitored and will receive interventions as needed goes a long way toward easing anxiety related to the detox experience.

What Happens During Alcohol Detox?

When an individual has a long history of excessive alcohol consumption their brain chemistry is altered as a result. By the time the person is addicted to alcohol, the brain has turned over the job of dopamine production to the alcohol and ceases to produce it naturally anymore. Alcoholism alters many other bodily systems over time as well. Because of these adaptations, when alcohol intake is interrupted by the decision to get sober the body scrambles to adjust. This period of adjustment and stabilization is the detoxification phase of recovery.

Alcohol withdrawal symptoms start off feeling like a bad hangover, but quickly escalate in severity. In fact, alcohol detox does carry risks and should always be supervised by trained detox professionals who can quickly manage any urgent health event that might arise. These providers will ensure that the detox process goes as smoothly as possible by administering needed medications as the withdrawal symptoms dictate. Benzodiazepines are offered to minimize the risk of seizures, aid in managing anxiety, and also help promote sleep. Other medications will manage gastrointestinal distress, headache, and fever.

What Are the Stages of Alcohol Detox?

Alcohol detox and withdrawal can vary dramatically from one individual to another. The factors that influence how severe the withdrawal symptoms might include the length of time the person engaged in heavy drinking, how much they would typically drink in a day, their age, whether there are conditions, and if there is a co-occurring mental health disorder. For this reason, the effects of quitting drinking timeline described here are just a general template, as each person will experience variations of it.

Mild Stage: Once an individual has stopped drinking they can expect withdrawal symptoms to emerge at about the 8-hour mark. The withdrawal symptoms in the first stage of detox include:

  • Sweating
  • Fuzzy thinking
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Hand tremors
  • Headache
  • Anxiety
  • Restlessness
  • Clammy skin
  • Fatigue
  • Irritability
  • Depression
  • Mood swings
  • Loss of appetite

Moderate Stage: Within 12-48 hours withdrawal symptoms begin to become intensified. It is important that vital signs are constantly monitored at this point as symptoms can suddenly become problematic. The withdrawal symptoms in this middle stage include:

  • Elevated blood pressure
  • Irregular heartbeat
  • Profuse sweating
  • Fever
  • Mental confusion
  • Irritability
  • Changes in respiratory rate

Severe Stage: Days two and three are the time during alcohol detox when symptoms can suddenly become dangerous. Most will not experience these severe symptoms, but individuals with a long history of heavy alcohol consumption and co-occurring health issues are at the highest risk of the most severe withdrawals called delirium tremens (DTs). The withdrawal symptoms during the late stage of detox include:

  • Fever
  • Hallucinations
  • Delirium
  • Trembling
  • Agitation
  • Confusion
  • Seizures

Comprehensive Treatment For Alcohol Addiction

It is an error to believe that all that is needed to enjoy a long-lasting recovery is to go through detox and withdrawal. This is not the case! After successfully completing the effects of quitting drinking timeline there is some additional work to be done. Until the alcoholic learns how to change their addictive behaviors, and this is done through extensive individual and group therapy, they will simply return to drinking once the cravings return.

Addiction treatment covers a range of therapies and classes that equip the recovering alcoholic with coping tools, conflict resolution skills, stress-reduction techniques, relapse prevention planning, and a recovery community. These integrated treatment elements prepare the individual for managing life without alcohol, giving them the best shot at sustained, life-affirming recovery.

Golf Drug Rehab Provides Detox for Alcohol Addiction Recovery

Golf Drug Rehab is an upscale addiction treatment program serving Orange County, California. Understanding the effects of quitting drinking timeline, and how to mitigate withdrawal symptoms, the expert detox staff will safely guide clients through the detox phase of treatment. Following detox, a comprehensive addiction treatment program will provide the client with the means to remain sober, including psychotherapy, coping skills, stress reduction techniques, holistic tools, and relapse prevention strategizing. Golf Drug Rehab is unique in its blending of evidence-based treatment methods with recreational golf to round out the program. For more information about the program, please contact Golf Drug Rehab today at (877) 958-5320.

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private rooms rehab centers

Luxury Private Rooms Rehab Centers

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You may have reached the point where a substance use disorder is causing major disruption and destruction in your career, home life, relationships, and finances, rehab may be on the horizon. If you are considering getting treatment for a drug or alcohol addiction there are many options to be aware of. Treatment programs usually operate under a stated philosophy, carving out their own identity and niche in a very crowded industry. One of these niches is the luxury rehab center.

The luxury rehab segment of the treatment landscape tends to attract individuals who are accustomed to the finer things in life. They have reached a certain level of success in their professional life and tend to gravitate toward upscale accommodations and services in their private lives. For these affluent individuals, it is unthinkable to reside in a rehab environment that does not reach certain standards. Seeking luxury private rooms rehab centers that will cater to their expectations of excellence is a given.

About Luxury Rehabs

It is important to understand that, while it is wonderful to enjoy the posh surroundings of an upscale treatment center, the priority of the rehab should be squarely centered on the serious work of addiction treatment. A high quality luxury rehab will utilize research-based therapeutic interventions that have been shown to be effective in helping individuals overcome a drug or alcohol addiction. Going a step further, these high-end programs should emphasize individualized programming that aligns with the unique needs of each client.

Secondary to the evidence-based therapies are the premier amenities and accommodations offered at the rehab. Clients seeking luxury private rooms rehab centers are accustomed to deluxe accommodations and all that goes with them. Plush creature comforts, a scenic and tranquil setting, spa-like amenities, an executive chef, and housekeeping services are common in these premium rehab programs. The programs tend to be small and intimate, feeling a bit like a retreat from the busy lives the clients have stepped away from.

What to Expect at Luxury Private Rooms Rehab Centers

The treatment plan designed for each client will be unique and tailored specifically for the client based on the intake evaluation, history of addiction, type of substance of abuse, general health status, and whether there is a co-occurring mental health condition. For this reason, each client’s journey through the rehab experience will be unique to his treatment needs and recovery goals.

During a given day at a residential luxury rehab, the client can expect to see a full schedule of various therapies and activities that work in sync to bring about sustained change. For the better part of the day, the client will participate in meetings and therapy sessions, as well as adjunctive therapies and recreational activities.

Treatment elements may include:

  • Detox. A supervised detox by trained providers who will oversee and manage withdrawal symptoms using medications.
  • Individual psychotherapy. These one-on-one sessions allow the client to discuss past traumas, significant life events, and daily challenges with a licensed psychotherapist. Examining and healing from these issues is intrinsic to long-term recovery success.
  • Group therapy. Small groups gather to discuss personal stories, challenges, fears, and successes with a clinician leading the topics of discussion. These groups offer the peer support that is so beneficial during the treatment and recovery process.
  • Education. Classes that teach clients the bio-neurological mechanisms of addiction can help them understand how the addiction developed and deter them from returning to the substance. Relapse prevention strategizing is also part of the curriculum.
  • Adjunctive therapies. For clients with co-occurring trauma disorder, eye movement desensitization reprocessing (EMDR) is helpful in incrementally exposing the client to the discussion of the trauma, which can reduce the impact of the trauma. Other activities that complement the traditional therapies include:
  • Yoga classes
  • Mindfulness meditation
  • Art therapy
  • Recreational therapy
  • Medication management. Some clients may benefit from naltrexone, with is a drug therapy to help reduce cravings and relapse. Individuals with a co-occurring mental health disorder, such as depression or anxiety disorder, may benefit from antidepressants or other psychotropic medication.

Golf Drug Rehab is a Luxury Rehab Program in Southern California

Golf Drug Rehab is a high-end addiction rehabilitation program in coastal Orange County. Offering the finest accommodations, the most effective evidence-based treatment modalities, and recreational golf at three local golf courses, Golf Drug Rehab is perfectly suited for the well-heeled professional seeking a new life in recovery. Individuals who participate in the treatment program at Golf Drug Rehab find a well-managed, effective program that blends elements of luxury with the serious business of reshaping one’s behaviors and embracing a new sober lifestyle. For more information about luxury private rooms rehab centers, please contact Golf Drug Rehab today at (877) 958-5320.

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What is the Best Treatment for Alcoholism

What is the Best Treatment for Alcoholism?

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One glance at a Google search result for alcohol addiction treatment could make a person sit there cross-eyed in front of the computer, trying to decipher, out of the thousands listed, what is the best treatment for alcoholism. It is mind-boggling just how many different types of rehabs there are nowadays. They sport varying core philosophies and treatment methods, as well as a plethora of adjunctive therapies and complementary activities. We sit there staring at the computer and scratching our heads, unsure of which rehab will provide the best shot of actually working for you or your loved one’s alcohol addiction. So what is the best treatment for alcoholism anyway?

Heads Up: Not a One-Size-Fits-All

Any rehab that claims that their boilerplate program is the answer to someone’s alcohol addiction should be eliminated from consideration. These rehabs have a rigid, standardized approach to treatment that basically stuffs all variants and all drug and alcohol addictions into one crisp program. For them it is efficient and simplified, for the client it is a failure waiting to happen.

Addiction treatment must be tailored according to the many factors that make each individual’s struggle unique. This means that the 20-something person with an opioid addiction will require a different treatment approach than a 50-something alcoholic with co-occurring depression. By not acknowledging the specific needs of the client, by not creating a fully individualized treatment plan for their unique recovery needs, a rehab is setting the person up for an unsuccessful attempt at sobriety.

Any alcohol rehab worth its salt will provide a wide array of treatment elements and adjunctive therapies and activities that can be pulled from to design an integrated treatment plan for each individual client. This is a deal-breaker, so ask the pertinent question—How customized are your treatment plans?”—when seeking treatment.

The Amazing Role of Naltrexone

The dark horse in alcoholism treatment is the growing popularity of the medication-assisted treatment, which for alcohol addiction means naltrexone (Vivitrol, Revia). Naltrexone has the ability to significantly reduce alcohol cravings, one of the most common triggers for relapse—which for alcoholics is usually chronic relapsing.  Naltrexone works by attaching to the opioid receptors in the brain and somehow decreases the reinforcing effects of how alcohol impacts the neural pathways.

Naltrexone is introduced after detoxification is successfully completed in order to avoid serious withdrawal symptoms occurring. The drug is available in pill form, as a patch, or as an injectable and should be closely monitored by a professional. Someone who is using naltrexone as one part of a comprehensive approach to recovery, which includes ongoing psychotherapy, sober living housing, and participation in a recovery community, will greatly increase their chances of achieving sustained sobriety.

How Motivation Enhancement Works

Research has shown that individuals in treatment for alcoholism are responsive to a type of therapy called Motivational Enhancement Therapy (MET). This type of behavioral therapy uses a reward system to help reinforce sobriety. The short-term therapy begins with an initial assessment battery session with a clinician, the results of which are discussed with the individual seeking treatment. The discussion leads the client to create a plan of action, to make changes based on a self-motivated desire to change their behavior. Through the course of the sessions, the therapist offers coping strategies to assist the client in achieving the goals, while encouraging the client to continue forward.

Other Effective Treatments for Alcohol Addiction Treatment

Considering what is the best treatment for alcoholism, another excellent therapy that alcoholics are particularly responsive to is cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT). Because alcohol abuse may begin initially as a means of self-medication, CBT helps the client identify the distorted thought patterns (my life is worthless, no one loves me, I am a failure, etc.) that led to the maladaptive behavioral response to using alcohol to numb these disturbing thoughts. The therapist guides the client toward shifting these self-defeating thoughts toward positive, affirming thoughts that result in constructive behaviors.

Adjunctive therapies and complementary activities, such as acupuncture, biofeedback, yoga, and mindfulness training are also helpful in alcohol addiction treatment. These types of activities augment, or enhance the effects of the psychotherapy by adding another dimension to the treatment plan. A rehab that emphasizes nutrition and regular exercise is also helpful to the alcoholic who will need to restore health and vitality in recovery.

Golf Drug Rehab Offers Cutting Edge Alcoholism Treatment

Golf Drug Rehab is a premium addiction treatment program serving Southern California. At Golf Drug Rehab our clinical staff embraces the use of naltrexone for assisting clients in overcoming the grip of alcoholism. Combined with evidence-based therapies, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy and Motivation Enhancement, Golf Drug Rehab adds golf therapy to the menu for a well-rounded rehab experience. If you wonder what is the best treatment for alcoholism, you have found your rehab. For more information about the program, please call Golf Drug Rehab today at (877) 958-5320.

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Health Signs of Alcoholism

Deteriorating Health Signs of Alcoholism

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How does it happen? How did something as innocuous as a drink or two after a long day at work morph into a full-blown health hazard? Alcohol is not, however, some inert, innocent substance. Instead, it has the potential, over time, to become a highly toxic danger to all aspects of one’s life, including physical health.

So how does someone know when they have crossed the line into a serious alcohol use disorder? There are several signs of growing alcohol dependency, and among them are the declining health signs of alcoholism, which can act as an important wake-up call that it is time to get some help.

About Alcohol’s Effect on the Body

When most people think of the negative health signs of alcoholism they usually think of liver disease, especially cirrhosis of the liver. While cirrhosis is indeed an effect of late stage alcoholism, there are a plethora of other health risks associated with alcohol abuse and addiction. Some of these include:

  • Cardiovascular disease. Alcohol abuse over the long term can lead to heart attack, stroke, or blood clots.
  • Cancer. Heavy drinking can lead to certain types of cancer, namely cancer of the esophagus, liver, colorectal region, mouth, throat, and larynx.
  • Dementia. Alcohol addiction can speed the shrinkage of some regions of the brain leading to memory loss and dementia. It also impacts the executive functions, such as decision-making and judgment.
  • Anemia. Alcoholism can reduce the number of red blood cells, leading to anemia and resulting in lightheadedness, fatigue, and shortness of breath.
  • Cirrhosis. As mentioned above, alcohol addiction is toxic to the liver, leaving scars that impede its ability to function.
  • Depression. Depression can be a result of the alcoholism or the driving factor for becoming addicted to alcohol, but depression and alcoholism are a common dual diagnosis. Suicide rates are very high among alcoholics.
  • Pancreatitis. Alcohol is very hard on the entire gastrointestinal tract, often causing gastritis and pancreatitis.

What Are the Deteriorating Health Signs of Alcoholism?

The signs of declining health often show up long before late stage alcoholism and the onset of the serious conditions listed above. There are early warning signs that point to toxicity and nutritional deficiency that usually appear first. These might include weight gain or loss, a distended abdomen, facial bloating, red eyes, sexual dysfunction, and gastric distress.

Nutritional deficiencies, such as B-vitamins, thiamine deficiency, vitamin A and vitamin D deficiencies, are common among individuals who abuse alcohol for an extended period of time. These are caused because alcohol can impede the absorption of nutrients in the gut. Thiamine deficiency can lead to a degenerative brain disease called Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome. Other nutritional deficiencies among heavy drinkers include zinc, iron, potassium, and magnesium deficiencies.

How to Get Help For Alcoholism

When health issues begin to crop up, as well as hand tremors and withdrawal symptoms, the need for help becomes apparent. These are signs that the body is deteriorating and alcohol addiction is becoming a serious health threat. Taking steps to get professional treatment for the disease is imperative at this juncture. When it is time to seek help for alcoholism, the following tips can help you or your loved one take those first steps toward recovery.

  1. Have an examination. A physical exam can lead to the doctor identifying overall health status through lab results that can offer information about liver function. The doctor can offer support and guide the individual toward seeking out an addiction treatment program.
  2. Check your health insurance benefits for treatment-related coverage so you can plan ahead, knowing what you are covered for and approximately what your out-of-pocket expenses might be.
  3. If employed, make preparations for taking a leave. Legally, you cannot lose your job due to the need for detoxification and addiction treatment.
  4. Make plans for work and family obligations. Make arrangements for someone to take care of a child, pets, or other tasks while you are in treatment.
  5. Family members should become educated on alcoholism and recovery, to prepare to be supportive once the treatment program is completed.

What Does Alcohol Addiction Treatment Look Like?

Alcohol recovery begins with the detox and withdrawal stage. The body must purge the toxins of alcohol from the body in order to clear the mind and stabilize physically and emotionally before entering treatment. Alcohol detox should only be undergone in a monitored environment where sometimes dangerous withdrawal symptoms can be adequately managed.

The alcohol addiction treatment stage of recovery can last a month to a year, depending on the severity of the addiction. Most individuals spend 30-90 days in treatment, and the longer the better the outcome. Treatment consists of a variety of therapies and activities that work in tandem to help the individual change the addictive behaviors, as well as equip them with important recovery tools.

Following completion of alcohol rehab, ongoing outpatient therapy, and participation in a recovery community helps to solidify recovery and stave off relapse. Having a strong support system at home is also key to achieving a successful long-term recovery.

Golf Drug Rehab Treats Alcohol Abuse and Addiction

Golf Drug Rehab is an elite alcohol treatment program based in Orange County, California. The most important focus in treatment and recovery is restoring overall health while learning how not to reflexively revert back to drinking behaviors. At Golf Drug Rehab, our mission is to create an individualized treatment strategy for each client, built upon the important information collected during the intake process. From this background data, our clinical staff can build a tailored plan for detoxification and addiction treatment, helping clients rebuild their lives.

Our clients also enjoy the golf theme we have incorporated into the rehab program, providing golf rounds at local courses that help the client reconnect with the activities that bring them joy. Being outdoors and getting some exercise does wonders for one’s mood and outlook, which can aid in recovery efforts. If you would like more information on the health signs of alcoholism or more information about Golf Drug Rehab, please contact us today at (877) 958-5320.

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Drugs and Alcohol at Work

Secretly Using Drugs and Alcohol at Work

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Drugs and Alcohol in The Workplace

Fans of the Mad Men series recall the depiction of the 1960s smoke-filled workplace as one where booze in the desk drawer was a given. Full on liquor cabinets were a staple in many office settings, and triple martini lunches were the norm. In the 80s, cocaine was part and parcel of the toolbox for high producing executives, as a quick sniff of the white stuff was just part of the dessert at lunchtime. People may assume that all that bad behavior was reined in long ago, with zero tolerance policies and drug testing becoming a workplace norm in recent years.

Not so, according to the National Council of Alcoholism and Drug Dependence (NCADD), which studied the use of drugs and alcohol at work. Apparently, 24% of workers surveyed admit having used alcohol during the workday at least once in the past year, and breathalyzer tests detected alcohol in 16% of patients injured at work. In addition, marijuana and cocaine were the most commonly used drugs by employees.

It appears that American workplaces are still rife with substance use. The use of drugs and alcohol at work is still a substantial problem, impacting productivity, employee health, and workplace safety. In fact, it has to be an ongoing issue since, according to the NCADD, 70% of the nearly 15 million adults in the U.S. who use illegal drugs are, indeed, employed.

drinking at work

In Which Industries Are Employees Using Drugs and Alcohol at Work?

When discussing which careers might contribute most to on the job substance abuse it might be assumed that high stress executive positions might top the list, but others, while represented in the data, surpass these careers for substance abuse. Also notable is the fact that careers such as first responders, emergency personnel, police, and fire are associated with high job stress and subsequent high rates of substance abuse, zero tolerance policies and random testing act as a deterrent for these individuals to use a substance while working.

On the contrary, according to the data provided by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), the following industries have the highest levels of substance abuse among those employed full-time:

Illicit drug use by individuals employed full-time

  • Accommodations (hotel) and food services (19%)
  • Arts, entertainment, and recreation (13.7%)
  • Management of companies and enterprises (12.1%)
  • Information (11.7%)
  • Construction (11.6%)
  • Service industries, excluding public administration (11.2%)
  • Real estate (10.9%)
  • Retail (10.3%)
  • Professional, scientific, and technical services (9%)

Alcohol use by individuals employed full-time

  • Mining (17.5%)
  • Construction (16.5%)
  • Accommodations and food industry (11.8%)
  • Arts, entertainment, and recreation (11.5%)
  • Utilities (10.3%)
  • Wholesale trade (10.2%)
  • Management of companies and enterprises (9.9%)
  • Manufacturing (9.7%)
  • Agriculture, forestry, fishing, and hunting (9.4%)

Overall, employees in the accommodations and food industries had the highest rates of substance abuse, at nearly 17%.

What are the Signs of Substance Abuse in The Workplace?

When a coworker is struggling with a drug or alcohol use disorder there will usually be some signs of it on the job. It is very difficult to hide the telltale signs of a drug or alcohol problem from people you work alongside day in and day out. Eventually, certain red flags will be exhibited. These may include:

  • Declining job performance
  • Missing important meetings
  • Being consistently late to work
  • Becoming less social at work
  • Hand tremors
  • Decline in appearance and hygiene
  • Avoiding work related functions
  • Excessive absenteeism
  • Discussing financial problems at work
  • Facial bloating
  • Rapid weight gain or loss
  • Mood swings or moodiness
  • Manic spells of hyper-productivity (associated with stimulant abuse)

Coworkers who exhibit a cluster of these signs or symptoms of substance abuse are in need of help. An employee who enters treatment for a behavioral health disorder cannot be terminated for going to rehab and should be encouraged to get the help they need.

Effects of Using Drugs and Alcohol at Work

For the employee, the effects of using drugs and alcohol at work are fairly obvious. At some point, their behaviors that are the result of the substance abuse will lead to their termination from the position. For the company itself, workplace substance abuse can have substantial negative effects.

The impact of drug and alcohol abuse at work includes:

  • Potential injury at work due to decreased motor coordination, alertness, or judgment, leading to expensive worker’s compensation claims and increases in premiums
  • Aggravated assault
  • Sexual harassment, abuse, or assault
  • Distribution or sales of illicit drugs or alcohol at work
  • Reduced productivity
  • Psychological effects of substance abuse impacting coworkers
  • Theft or embezzlement to finance a drug or alcohol habit
  • Reduced morale among staff
  • Cost of having to train a replacement employee if termination results

The cost to the employer and the overall work environment is high when a coworker is engaging in substance abuse either secretly while at work, or arriving to work high, drunk, or hungover.

Treatment for Substance Abuse and Addiction

Employees who are struggling with a substance use disorder need help. Often the human resources department will have an in-house response to employees with a drug or alcohol problem, guiding them toward receiving the treatment they need and/or issuing them leave to go to an inpatient program.

Once in outpatient or inpatient rehab, the individual will receive a comprehensive treatment protocol that includes detoxification, if necessary, individual therapy sessions, group therapy sessions, addiction education classes, medication assisted treatment, if warranted, and relapse prevention planning. In addition, many rehabs include a 12-step or similar recovery group for additional peer support.

Golf Drug Rehab Leading Orange County Addiction Treatment Provider

Golf Drug Rehab is an upscale addiction recovery center located in South Orange County, California. The program assists individuals who have been unable to curb substance use within the workplace and who seek recovery from drug or alcohol abuse. Utilizing the most current evidence-based treatment elements, combined with recreational golf therapy, Golf Drug Rehab blends therapy with outdoor activity for the best treatment outcomes. For more information about the program, please contact Golf Drug Rehab today at (877) 958-5320

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