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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Residential-Drug-Rehab-for-Men

Residential Drug Rehab for Men

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Getting treatment for a drug or alcohol addiction is serious stuff. The programs demand a high level of commitment and motivation to be effective. Distractions while in treatment can reduce the effects of therapy, even sabotaging one’s efforts completely, so this makes a good case for seeking a residential drug rehab for men only. In a gender-specific program, individuals find they have fewer distractions and may even be more comfortable in the rehab setting.

Residential drug rehab for men is designed to acknowledge the specific needs and preferences of males, better targeting the therapies that might resonate better overall. These programs tend to incorporate recreational therapy into the rehab, as outdoor activities have been shown to enhance the commitment level as well as improve physical and emotional wellbeing.

When is it Time to Get Treatment For Drug Addiction?

In what seems like the blink of an eye, someone may find themselves suddenly dependent on prescription medication, such as OxyContin, Vicodin, Xanax, Ativan, or Klonapin. The body adapts quickly to the introduction of such medications, increasing its tolerance to the drug’s effects. As tolerance ratchets up, so does the dosing. The individual notices that they no longer get the same results they had enjoyed earlier and will begin to take the medication more frequently.

Once the body has adapted to the increased dosing, it begins to rely on the drug to produce certain chemicals that once were produced by the brain. If the individual attempts to discontinue using the drug they will soon experience highly unpleasant withdrawal symptoms. The reflexive response to this is to revert back to using the drug in order to avoid these painful withdrawal symptoms, continuing the cycle of drug abuse and addiction.

How to Prepare for Rehab

When deciding to get professional help for a drug dependency or addiction, it is important to prepare mentally for the treatment process. Men are, by nature, not as introspective or connected to their emotions as females, but in order to get the most out of therapy, it is important to be open. Therapists will work with the male client to explore areas in their lives that may have fueled the extended use or abuse of a substance, so it helps to enter rehab with a certain openness to the process.

Prior to entering a residential program, it helps reduce stress if the client takes care of any loose ends at work or home. Rallying a strong support system is also helpful, as rehab is just the launching pad for long-term recovery. Another important consideration is to plan for continuing care options following rehab, such as planning for a period in sober living and understanding the need for ongoing outpatient therapy.

Detox and Withdrawal

Some people make the mistake of believing they can safely detox off of a powerful opioid or benzo on their own. This will not only fail as soon as the withdrawals begin to emerge but can also be dangerous. Unforeseen withdrawal symptoms can present serious health risks during detoxification.

For these reasons it is important for the client to enter a detox program, often provided at the residential rehab itself. A detox can provide:

  • Ongoing monitoring of vital signs and withdrawal symptoms
  • Trained detox specialists who can intervene promptly in an emergency
  • Medications to help ease withdrawal symptoms and increase comfort
  • Psychological support to guide the client safely through the detox process

Treatment at a Residential Drug Rehab for Men

After the detox and withdrawal is completed, the individual will be in a much better frame of mind to enter the active phase of treatment. Addiction treatment should be individualized to the specific needs of each client, ensuring the best rehab experience and outcome. Therapies are selected based on the individual client’s intake interview and assessment, designed to meet their unique treatment needs.

The therapies a client will engage in a rehab will include the following:

  • Individual talk therapy sessions
  • Group therapy sessions
  • Family therapy or couples therapy if applicable
  • Classes that teach about addiction and relapse prevention
  • Inspiring guest speakers
  • Recovery group meetings
  • Medication-assisted therapy if applicable
  • Experiential therapies, such as yoga and mindfulness meditation
  • Recreational therapies

Residential rehab programs can vary in duration, from one month up to six months or more depending on the acuity of the addiction or drug dependence. When rehab is approached with a positive, committed mindset it can result in enduring, life-changing effects.

Golf Drug Rehab is a Residential Drug Rehab for Men with Golf Therapy

Golf Drug Rehab is an elite men’s drug and alcohol rehab situated in South Orange County, California. The exquisite coastal setting provides the perfect backdrop for making life-changing commitments to recovery, providing a serene and health-restoring environment. Golf Drug Rehab blends evidence-based therapies, such as cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical therapy, solution-focused therapy, and medication-assisted therapy with golf therapy. Offering three spectacular local golf courses to enjoy while in rehab gives clients a much-deserved respite from the hard work of rehab that doubles as a key recovery tool. For more information about the program, contact Golf Drug Rehab today at (877) 958-5320

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Stress Leading to Drug Abuse

Stress Leading to Drug Abuse and Addiction

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Chronic stress is far too common a condition in the U.S. Stress caused by excessive demands on your time, heavy academic workloads, or job overload can lead to several psychological and physical symptoms that undermine overall wellness. As a maladaptive response to the unrelenting stress, some individuals turn to using drugs or alcohol as a way of self-medicating the uncomfortable symptoms that have resulted.

Stress leading to drug abuse is a serious problem in today’s culture. People today are accustomed to reaching for a pill or a substance of abuse to cure whatever ails them. It is no surprise that drug abuse related to high stress and anxiety symptoms is so prevalent today. Multiple sources of stress can become a heavy burden to bear, and finding relief through drugs, unfortunately, is an all too common remedy.

About Stress and Anxiety

Stress is rampant in our everyday lives. Some experience occasional stressful situations that resolve in a timely manner, while others are exposed to a constant influx of stress through their jobs, family life, or a combination of several sources of stress. Some of the effects of stress on the mind and body include:

  • Headaches
  • Insomnia
  • Rapid heartbeat
  • Loss of interest in sex
  • Stomach conditions, such as ulcers, GERD, irritable bowel syndrome, or diarrhea
  • Shortness of breath
  • Excessive worry
  • Mood swings
  • Frequent colds due to the compromised immune system
  • Irritability and impatience
  • Difficulty concentrating
  • Depression

Some of these individuals may develop an anxiety disorder. Anxiety disorder is the most common mental health disorder, with an estimated 40 million adults affected by it according to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America. Within the anxiety spectrum, there are several ways anxiety is manifested. These include:

  • Generalized anxiety disorder
  • Panic disorder
  • Post-traumatic stress disorder
  • Specific phobias
  • Obsessive-compulsive disorder
  • Social anxiety

When stress levels are perpetually high, it is wise to seek professional therapy to learn ways to reduce stress and promote relaxation. This may help the individual avoid using drugs or alcohol as a means of coping.

How is Stress Leading to Drug Abuse?

Each individual has his or her own genetic composition. Some people are naturally better equipped to keep stress from overwhelming them, finding the means to induce a measured response to stressors. They may utilize coping skills throughout the day to help moderate the effects of stress at work or home.

Some people, however, do not possess the same genetic make-up to cope well with the intense demands of life. This can be due to past traumas that have compromised their response to everyday stress, or just personality traits that may be learned or inherited. Whatever the reason, these individuals may begin to misuse drugs in response to chronic stress. They may lean on drugs to battle insomnia, or to induce relaxation, such as benzodiazepines or marijuana, when symptoms become too intense.

All drugs that impact the central nervous system and the opioid receptors in the brain will eventually lose their initial affect. When that happens, it means the body has built up a tolerance to the drug, which leads the individual to increase the dosage to get that original result. When this pattern continues over a period of time, drug addiction or dependency can develop.

When Drug Abuse Becomes Addiction

When stress leading to drug abuse culminates in drug addiction, the individual will notice that the substance no longer produces the desired effects. Addiction can initiate several negative consequences in the person’s life, only making the original problems with stress or anxiety that much worse. Depending on the drug of abuse the adverse effects will vary, but in general drug addiction causes the following:

  • Taking higher and/or more frequent doses of the drug
  • Obsessed about the next dose, getting the drug, having enough of the drug on hand
  • Losing interest in the things once enjoyed
  • Secretive or deceptive behaviors
  • Sleeping too much or too little
  • Impaired ability to complete basic tasks at work or home
  • Personal hygiene is ignored
  • Continuing to use the drug even with mounting negative consequences
  • Lying about the drug use
  • Trying to quit the drug but can’t
  • Craving the drug
  • Experiencing withdrawal symptoms when attempting to stop

Treatment for Drug Addiction

When addiction has resulted from attempts to self-medicate stress or anxiety, professional therapy and guidance can help change the addictive reflexive behaviors. After detox, treatment will involve cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) to help the individual identify the maladaptive responses to stressful situations and triggers, and replace those with healthy responses.

The rehab will also teach the individual how to better manage stress going forward. Teaching such techniques as mindfulness meditation, guided meditation, yoga, deep breathing exercises, and journaling as important tools in a successful recovery.

Golf Drug Rehab is a Leading Southern California Recovery Program for Drug Addiction

Golf Drug Rehab provides a comprehensive approach to treating drug addiction related to stress. Stress leading to drug abuse and addiction can be effectively treated through cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), recreational therapy, and relaxation tools. At Golf Drug Rehab our program combines these treatment elements with access to three outstanding local golf courses, introducing a unique multi-layered treatment approach that is both effective and enjoyable. For more information about the program, please contact Golf Drug Rehab today at (877) 958-5320

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How to Beat Prescription Drug Addiction

How to Beat Prescription Drug Addiction

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In the past, most people were under the assumption that if a doctor prescribed medication it was not only good for them but that it surely wouldn’t harm them. In the harsh awakening of the recent decade or so, that belief has been decimated. It is now abundantly evident that the drugs being dispensed at the local pharmacy have the potential to result in addiction, dependency, and even death. In fact, between 1999-2016, over 200,000 people died from prescription opioid overdoses, according to the Centers for Disease Control.

There now exists in the U.S. a sense of urgency to rein in the overprescribing of these powerful drugs, close down “pill mills” or irresponsible pain management clinics that have been found to be defrauding Medicare, and shut down the enticements and spiffs that were motivating doctors to prescribe these deadly drugs. For the individuals already on these opioids, knowing how to beat prescription drug addiction is the first step to seeking recovery.

Overcoming an addiction to pain medications is difficult. The process of breaking free of addiction or dependency is no different than if the drug was heroin. It takes abundant patience and time to maintain abstinence. Some may find that medication-assisted treatment can help as a step-down from prescription opioid addiction, so in those cases, Suboxone or naltrexone has been useful in early recovery. These drugs can reduce cravings and block the euphoric effects of the prescription drug, reducing the desire to use them over time.

About Prescription Drug Addiction

Prescription drug addiction includes not only opioids, but also stimulants such as Adderall and benzodiazepines, such as Xanax, Ativan, or Valium. All of these prescription drugs have the potential to cause serious harm to someone’s physical and mental health, their career, their family, their financial health, and their relationships. All prescription drugs mentioned here will lose their effectiveness over time.

Once the brain has imprinted a positive reward connection, the individual will seek to continue experiencing the beneficial effects of the drug but will have to take more of it to get the same effect. As the dosing is increased, the brain becomes overwhelmed by the flood of dopamine, in the case of prescription opioids, and will stop producing natural dopamine, relying on the continued drug use. With benzodiazepines, the GABA neurotransmitters are impacted. With Adderall, a stimulant, the brain’s serotonin is impacted. With continued overuse of any of these drug classes, brain chemistry is impaired as addiction takes root.

How to Beat Prescription Drug Addiction

When asking how to beat prescription drug addiction, the first step to take is to seek professional treatment. It is next to impossible to safely get off these drugs without a supervised detox and a structured treatment program. During the intake process, a complete assessment will be conducted to determine the best course of treatment for the particular prescription drug of abuse, as it varies accordingly.

Detoxification is the first step in recovery. Detox and withdrawal is unpleasant and many individuals attempt to go through it alone on their own. This is never recommended, as the withdrawal symptoms can be so uncomfortable or painful that the individual will discontinue their efforts and return to the drug. For a successful and safe detox, the individual should be in supervised detox.

Following detox, how to beat prescription drug addiction involves a multidimensional treatment plan designed specifically for the client’s needs. It is through psychotherapy and other treatment activities that the individual will learn how to actually break the addictive reflex and learn new responses and behaviors when encountering stressors or triggers. Psychotherapy also helps clients work through any underlying emotional pain or past traumas that could be factored in the addiction.

Medication-Assisted Treatment

Some clients benefit from medication-assisted treatment (MAT) to help them during detox and in the early months of recovery. The use of the drugs has the potential for abuse, so MAT patients should be monitored and the drug should not be prescribed indefinitely. These MAT drugs include Suboxone, which is composed of buprenorphine and naloxone, and naltrexone. These drugs can help reduce cravings as a result of the impact they have on the brain’s opioid receptors.

Prescription drug addiction can indeed be overcome with a commitment to recovery and a solid aftercare program that includes sober living and outpatient therapy following the inpatient program.

Golf Drug Rehab Provides Effective Treatment for Prescription Drug Addiction

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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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