Exercise and Addiction Recovery

Exercise and Addiction Recovery Together is Key

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If you are in early recovery for a drug or alcohol addiction chances are your body has seen better days. In active addiction, most people pay little attention to nutrition and exercise, leading to eventual vitamin deficiencies, a depleted immune system, and a paunchy physique as time and energy were diverted toward acquiring, using, and recovering from the drug of choice. Once the mind clears in sobriety and you begin to focus on the consequences of the addiction, you may be startled at the poor state of your physical health.

Thankfully, the body is resilient and, with some consistency and dedication to overall wellness, it can rebound. Making fitness a priority can provide a multitude of benefits for the individual in recovery. Exercise and addiction recovery is an excellent combination for renewing strength, confidence, and hope in achieving a fulfilling life.

Exercise and Addiction Recovery: The Protective Effects of Physical Activity

While it has been widely understood in the recovery field for years that exercise is beneficial to individuals in addiction recovery, there is actual research that helps indicate how and why that is. In an article by Mark A. Smith and Wendy J. Lynch published in Frontiers in Psychology entitled “Exercise as a Potential Treatment for Drug Abuse: Evidence from Preclinical Studies,” the authors explain how epidemiological studies, or how certain determinants can influence disease development or progression, demonstrate the protective effects of exercise for the recovering addict. The article states that “Collectively, these studies have provided convincing evidence to support the development of exercise-based interventions to reduce compulsive patterns of drug intake in clinical and at-risk populations.”

In their study featuring rats who had access to a running wheel in the home cage, they found that the effects of running lasted beyond the exercise period, reducing the rats drug-seeking behavior after a period of abstinence. This, they posit, demonstrates how exercise may be effective at preventing relapse. They conclude by stating that the neurobiological effects of exercise can serve as an alternative non-drug reinforcer of sobriety.

How Early in Recovery Should Exercise Begin?

Considering the multiple realms that exercise and addiction recovery seem to work in tandem for positive outcomes, there is no reason to delay integrating regular physical activity into the recovery process. Starting in rehab, where most programs provide recreational activities or a gym, the individual can begin the process of restoring physical health while enjoying the psychological benefits of exercise.

Cardio-based activities such as walking, jogging, cycling, dance fitness, running, and swimming are excellent options to include in the recovery routine. Cardio or aerobic, exercise involves the pumping of oxygenated blood by the heart, delivering it to the working muscles. This works the lungs, heart, and muscles simultaneously, providing many health benefits.

5 Benefits of Exercise in Recovery

When you set aside a certain amount of time each week for physical activity you are sending a subliminal message to yourself that you care about your health and wellbeing. As the results of regular exercise start to become apparent, it will inspire you to continue on this positive, healthy trajectory in recovery. The primary benefits of combining exercise and addiction recovery include:

  1. Decreases stress while increasing resilience to stress. Stress is the number one foe of someone in early recovery, having the potential to induce a relapse. Regular physical activity will improve circulation and release brain chemicals leading to stress reduction. Over time, pushing oneself physically can create stronger mental stamina over stressful situations.
  2. Improves overall mood. It will take time to correct brain chemistry so that it will begin producing dopamine naturally again. Meanwhile, exercise is known to cause a release of endorphins and serotonin, boosting mood naturally.
  3. Boosts confidence. The sense of accomplishment that you get from completing a task, even a round of golf or a brisk walk, can help boost confidence in yourself. As you get stronger and begin to feel better, you slowly build up a renewed sense of self-worth.
  4. Promotes physical health. Just getting outside and moving your body can begin the process of restoring health. Regular exercise has enormous positive effects on all bodily systems, improving heart health, stamina, energy level, muscle strength, joint mobility, and increased immune response.
  5. Improves sleep quality. Regular physical activity helps to regulate body temperature, reduce stress, and promote relaxation, all beneficial to getting quality sleep. The energy expended in exercise can translate to getting more hours of sleep as well.

Golf Drug Rehab Incorporates Golf and Fitness Into Addiction Recovery Program

Golf Drug Rehab is a luxury rehabilitation center located in Orange County, California. As implied in the name of the program, Golf Drug Rehab places an emphasis on the fitness component of recovery, offering access to three deluxe golf courses in the local vicinity for its clients. Golf Drug Rehab combines outdoor activity with a powerful arsenal of proven evidence-based therapies for excellent recovery results. For more information about how the program meshes exercise and addiction recovery, please contact Golf Drug Rehab today at (877) 958-5320

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detox centers

Luxury and Private Detox Center in California

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As wonderful as it may seem to spend a week relaxing at a luxury detox center, especially one that is located in a gorgeous, tranquil setting, the hard reality is that detox serves a serious, and potentially life-saving, purpose.  The high-end trappings do indeed make the detox mission more comfortable, for sure.

Private rooms, a variety of amenities, and plenty of oversight and personal attention can make the detoxification process at least palatable.  But most important, the upscale detox center will provide the supervision and care that will safely guide you through the detox and withdrawal stage of early addiction recovery and into an effective treatment program.

The Benefits of a Luxury Detox Centers

A luxury detox center integrates the same level of premium features that you would expect to find at a high-end spa or retreat.  Offering uncompromising luxury to its clients, these premier detoxification programs can truly make the detox experience go more smoothly.  Just knowing that your needs will be met and that you will be staying in luxurious quarters can be very comforting to prospective clients.

Some of the benefits of a luxury detox center include:

  • A more intimate setting.  Fewer clients mean they will receive a higher level of attention while progressing through the detox process.  With few clients, there is less crowding in common areas, making the experience more relaxing and less stressful, as well as offering more personalized care.
  • Location.  In most cases, private luxury detox programs are situated in highly desirable geographical settings, such as coastal communities, desert resort locales, or mountain retreats, offering a sense of serenity.
  • Amenities.  Luxury detox and treatment centers pay close attention to creature comforts, offering deluxe accommodations and plenty of spa-like services.  They may have a gourmet chef on staff or offer organic, locally-sourced cuisine.
  • Holistic therapies.  Many luxury detox centers feature relaxation-promoting experiential therapies, such as acupuncture, mindfulness meditation, and art therapy.

How Your Privacy is Protected in Detox

Stigma continues to be an unwelcome reality when it comes to someone getting professional help for a drug or alcohol addiction.  Many professionals in high-profile positions put off getting treatment due to the concern that their rehab stint might become known, which they fear could jeopardize their career.  Private luxury detox and addiction treatment programs are very committed to protecting the privacy and confidentiality of their clients.

In addition, there are laws that prohibit a rehab or detox center from releasing any patient records without the client’s written consent.  Reputable rehab programs vigilantly protect clients’ privacy and their dignity, prioritizing discretion at all times.

What to Expect in Detox

Detox provides additional safety measures that may not be offered at other types of detox facilities, and certainly not at home if the individual attempts to self-detox.  There is good reason for personnel to be available during drug or alcohol detoxification, as emergency events can suddenly emerge. A supervised detox offers the most supportive environment for the client as they process through detox and withdrawal, seeing to their needs throughout the phases of detox.

The degree of discomfort while going through detox will depend on the client’s addiction severity, age, their general state of physical health, whether they have a mental health disorder, and how long the addiction has been in place.  Different substances of abuse have different withdrawal symptoms, but in most cases, detox tends to progress through three stages:

Stage 1:  The first signs of withdrawal symptoms will commence between 6-12 hours after the last alcoholic drink or drug dosing.  Emerging symptoms will be unpleasant but not severe.

Stage 2:  Withdrawal symptoms tend to reach their peak at about days 2-3 of the process, during which the symptoms can be immensely uncomfortable or painful.  In addition, psychological symptoms, such as anxiety, depression, hallucinations, and psychosis can exacerbate this difficult stage of detox.

Stage 3:  From days 4-7 the majority of the withdrawal symptoms will begin to subside dramatically, as the body expels the toxins from the body.  Some symptoms will linger for weeks but are usually managed by medications.

During the duration of the detox, interventions will be introduced by the detox team that can dramatically reduce the discomfort of the withdrawal symptoms.  The goal of the detox professionals is to provide the maximum level of comfort possible in order to guide the client through the detox phase and into active treatment immediately following.

Golf Drug Rehab Offers Luxury Detox and a Private Setting

Golf Drug Rehab is a premier executive drug and alcohol treatment program in California that caters to the discerning individual who is accustomed to premium services.  An expert detox team will carefully monitor vital signs and withdrawal symptoms throughout the detox procedure. Our detox professionals will provide maximum comfort and emotional support during the detox and withdrawal process.  Following detox, Golf Drug Rehab offers a unique addiction treatment program that melds the most effective therapies and treatment modalities with high-end golf, providing access to three stellar golf courses to add some recreational therapy into the mix.  For more information about our program, please contact Golf Drug Rehab today at (877) 958-5320.

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executive rehab

Luxury Rehab for Executive Addicts with a Passion for Golf

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When offered that corner office with the placard on the door it didn’t come with an instruction manual on how to manage the stress that the job would involve.  When daily pressures mount due to the increasing demands of an executive level position, it is common for alcohol or drugs to become the panacea for stress release. Unfortunately, people in high-powered jobs might find that, over time, their attempts to alleviate stress with alcohol or drugs can result in a substance use disorder.

Thankfully, there are now many treatment options available that cater to the busy professional, including luxury rehab for executive addicts.  These premier rehabs not only offer the finest amenities, gorgeous locations, and top-of-the-line accommodations, but some now also cater to a favorite pastime of executives—golf.  Golf provides not only a diversion from the challenges that newfound sobriety often involves, but can be therapeutic in the rehab process.

What are the Signs of Addiction?

In the craziness of life and with a career that has unceasing demands it is very common to reach for some kind of relief in the form of a drug or alcohol.  Some may use stimulants to increase their focus, energy level, and stamina, while others may use benzodiazepines or alcohol (sedatives) to take the edge off the stress load.  At some point, this can get away from you and certain signs of addiction may appear.  These might include:

  • Looking forward to the next pill, hit, or drink to get through the day
  • Lying about how much you are relying on the substance of abuse
  • Beginning to let responsibilities and family obligations slide
  • Reduced job performance
  • Continuing to use the substance regardless of the harm it is doing
  • Unable to stop the drugs or excessive alcohol consumption
  • Beginning to isolate socially

What is Luxury Rehab for Executive Addicts?

What sets apart the rehab for executives are the amenities offered that enable the client to continue to engage in their business or job capacity to some degree.  By accommodating the professional’s need for certain tools of technology for work-related activities, as well as providing top-notch luxury services, the luxury rehab for executive addicts satisfies these important requirements.

Luxury rehab is typically a smaller, more intimate venue with the finest appointments, including organic gourmet meals, holistic spa-type services, and special recreational perks such as fishing trips, golf, surfing, or even day trips.  Some luxury rehabs are even pet friendly rehab or provide drug rehab for couples. This is all in addition to providing the highest standard of addiction treatment and care.  Treatment includes drug and alcohol detox, individual psychotherapy sessions, group counseling, addiction education and relapse prevention planning, 12-step programs and meetings, and other adjunct therapies.

Aftercare in Early Recovery

After completing the program for substance abuse or addiction, it is advisable to receive continuing care on an outpatient basis for a minimum of 3 months.  Living a sober lifestyle takes time to adjust to, and new habits take time to form.  This is why ongoing group counseling or one-on-one talk therapy is so important in the early days of recovery.  This ongoing support helps reinforce the new coping techniques and fine-tune all the things learned in rehab.

Golf Drug Rehab Offers Luxury Rehab for Executive Addicts

Golf Drug Rehab provides premium luxury accommodations for the busy executive in the stunning coastal community in a private and exclusive area in Southern California. Our clients come to treatment from all over the United States and international. Ask us about assistance with providing pick ups from the airport when coming from out of town to rehab.  Understanding the passion that many high-level professionals have for golf, Golf Drug Rehab has designed a drug and alcohol treatment program that features three golf courses as a wonderful source of exercise, fresh air, and emotional replenishment—an excellent diversion while going through treatment.  Golf Drug Rehab provides luxury amenities and expert therapists that will guide you toward a fulfilling new life in recovery.  For more information about the program, please contact Golf Drug Rehab today at (888) 529-2114.

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7 Day Drug Detox program

7 Day Drug Detox

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A common trait among successful executives is their ability to quantify actionable steps towards achieving a business goal.  In that same way, looking at getting help for an alcohol or drug problem a busy professional can best process it in chunks. A defined time commitment, such as completing the detoxification phase of recovery in the 7 day drug detox time period, is something an executive can get their arms around.

When someone who is accustomed to a certain amount of control of their busy worlds suddenly realizes they need help with an addiction, they may choose to avoid rehab at all costs.  To be in a vulnerable state without a sense of control is not a familiar emotional condition for these successful people. When seeking out the 7 day drug detox program they will be looking for expediency and expertise in equal amounts.

What is the 7-Day Drug Detox?

When it is time to tackle a drug addiction or dependency, the first step to accomplish is the detoxification phase of treatment.  Detox is the process of cleansing the body of all the toxins and chemicals produced by the drug of abuse. While an uncomfortable process, the detox phase is necessary.  Addiction treatment requires that the individual is clear-headed and no longer under the influence of drugs or alcohol in order to fully participate in the various treatment elements.

The 7 day drug detox is exactly that. Using a 7 day timeline, the detox will begin by first evaluating and then stabilizing the individual in preparation for the detox and withdrawal process.  In most cases, withdrawal symptoms emerge within 8 hours of the last dosing of the drug and will vary in intensity depending on the severity of the addiction and other factors.  Usually, withdrawal symptoms peak during days 2 and 3 and then begin to slowly subside through day 7.

What Makes an Executive Detox Different?

One of the biggest hurdles for beginning treatment for a drug or alcohol problem is the time needed to devote to it.  An executive program understands how time is of premium importance, so the treatment schedule is tight and well-orchestrated.  No one understands the importance of time management better than a successful professional, so an executive rehab program is expected to be well-managed, safe, and effective.

Another deterrent to getting addiction treatment is the fear of indiscretion.  An executive program should offer extreme measures to assure total confidentiality and privacy at all times.  In addition, an executive program will build in certain technological provisions so the executive has the means to communicate with staff as needed.

How Are Withdrawal Symptoms Managed?

A detox is the safest form of undergoing the detoxification process.  Sometimes, depending on the drug of abuse, the withdrawal symptoms can become unpredictable—even dangerous.  A monitored executive detox program will provide trained detox personnel to oversee the process and monitor all changes.

As the detox proceeds, the detox nursing staff will provide the necessary medications to minimize the discomfort of withdrawal symptoms.  In most cases, the bulk of the withdrawal symptoms can be successfully managed as the body rids itself of all residual signs of the drug. Depending on the drug of abuse, certain medications, such as naltrexone or buprenorphine, can assist in reducing cravings, which is one of the most difficult withdrawal symptoms to endure.

Golf Drug Rehab Offers the 7 Day Drug Detox for Executives

Golf Drug Rehab is a top-tier addiction treatment program located in the gorgeous coastal setting of Dana Point, California.  With a state-of-the-art 7-day drug detox program designed for the busy professional, Golf Drug Rehab provides the highest level of detox available.  For the active treatment phase of recovery, Golf Drug Rehab offers a trio of award winning golf courses as a recreational diversion that actually aids in the recovery process when combined with expert clinical therapy and a custom tailored treatment plan.  For more information about the executive detox and treatment programs, please contact 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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