benefits of sobriety

8 Benefits of Sobriety

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Sobriety is a gift. Sure, it may not seem like it when you are going through detox and the treatment process. But rest assured, once you begin enjoying the benefits of sobriety, you will never regret your decision.

When you were considering going in for treatment, you may have pictured life in sobriety as one big boring slog. It was hard to imagine a life without drugs or alcohol dulling the peaks and valleys of daily life. Lo and behold, what a joy it is to learn your vision of a dull sober lifestyle was completely wrong.

8 Awesome Benefits of Sobriety

  1. Improved health. In sobriety, you will notice a big change in your general health and appearance. You are no longer ingesting toxins (alcohol), which allows your liver and all organs a chance to regenerate. When you integrate exercise and a healthy diet into recovery, you’ll feel stronger and have more energy, too.
  2. Mental wellness. After sustaining sobriety for a while you’ll notice improved mental health. You will enjoy better memory function, better focus, mental clarity, and more stable moods. Residual feelings of depression or anxiety may persist for a few months but usually resolve before the one-year mark.
  3. Increased productivity. Substance use disorder probably made you feel less ambitious or motivated. You probably were less productive at work and neglected duties around the house. In recovery, you look forward to being productive again. You may even carve out some new career goals or start tackling home improvement projects.
  4. Healthy friendships. In early recovery, it is critical to remove people from your life that are not supportive of your recovery efforts. This includes friends you had that are still active in substance use. As you replace them with new friends, you gradually build up a supportive network of quality people in your life.
  5. Possibilities and purpose. In recovery, you’ll discover a fresh new purpose for your life. Suddenly, the world looks full of possibility and renewed purpose. Sobriety reignites the passion to live a purposeful life.
  6. Self-confidence. Each day that you progress in recovery strengthens your self-confidence. You feel empowered in sobriety as if you’ve discovered an inner strength you never knew you had. With increased self-confidence comes a bump in self-esteem, and all this positivity keeps you encouraged.
  7. Better financial health. It is quite common for someone to lose their job while in active addiction. This can have a domino effect on all aspects of your financial life. One of the benefits of sobriety is enjoying improved finances. You save money by not using drugs or alcohol and can focus on paying off debt and saving.
  8. New hope. In sobriety, you discover a new lease on life, which gives you renewed hope. Suddenly, you can look into your future and start to make some plans and set new goals. Each passing day makes you feel stronger, more confident, and much more hopeful about the future that lies ahead.

Sustain Sobriety With Aftercare Actions

Sobriety is only sustainable if you make the effort needed to strengthen and support it. Add as many of these aftercare actions as possible to improve recovery success:

  • Sober living. Sober Living provides substance-free housing that can help you transition from rehab to home safely. Sober living is especially helpful if your home environment is not supportive of your recovery goals.
  • Outpatient. An outpatient program is an excellent step down from residential treatment. In outpatient treatment, you will continue with your therapy sessions and classes, which are supportive in early recovery.
  • Life skills classes. To start rebuilding your life in early recovery you may need to locate a new job. Take some classes to brush up on interviewing techniques and resume writing, or to learn some new job skills.
  • Recovery meetings. Locate a local A.A. or SMART Recovery community for ongoing peer support. Include a few meetings a week into your weekly routine during the first few months of recovery. There you will find social support, fellowship, and accountability, which reinforce sobriety.
  • Alumni activities.  Alumni support enables you to reconnect with peers in recovery and enjoy social events, speakers, chat forums, and volunteer opportunities.

Remember to Practice Self-Care

  • Get regular exercise. The many benefits of exercise are well known. When you add regular exercise to your routine you’ll improve strength, joints, and heart health, and reduce blood pressure. Exercise also offers many mental health benefits. Exercise causes a release of endorphins, which improve your mood.
  • Eat healthy. To restore health in recovery, create a diet that is rich in lean proteins, and foods with high omega-3 content. Also include fresh veggies and fruits, nuts and seeds, low-fat dairy, whole grains, and plenty of water. Avoid processed and sugary snacks, and limit caffeinated beverages.
  • Get quality sleep. Getting enough sound sleep is essential to a positive mindset and attitude in recovery. Improve sleep quality by sticking to a regular bedtime schedule. You can also enhance sleep by shutting down your smartphone one hour before bed and reading a book instead.
  • Manage stress. Stress and worry are major culprits in recovery. Learning how to reduce stress and achieve a calm mood state is crucial. Add some stress reducers into your routine. These might be yoga classes, practicing mindfulness, and using guided meditation apps. For a fast way to de-stress, try some deep breathing techniques.
  • Practice gratitude. Cultivate your own attitude of gratitude and enjoy the many benefits of sobriety. Keeping a positive outlook and a heart filled with gratitude will improve your overall sense of wellbeing. Keep a gratitude journal and get into the habit of acknowledging your blessings every day.

Golf Drug Rehab Offers Premium Rehab Services … With Golf

Golf Drug Rehab is a luxury addiction treatment program that combines proven therapies with golf. Yes, playing golf can be quite therapeutic, and enhances the treatment experience. If you are ready to change your life for the better and enjoy the many benefits of sobriety, reach out! Call us today at (877) 958-5320.

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always feeling hungover

Why Am I Always Feeling Hungover?

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Why Do I Feel Like I’ve Got A Constant Hangover?

You wake up to yet another day of feeling yucky and tired. Maybe you feel nauseous, or maybe you have a splitting headache. If you find yourself moaning, “Why am I always feeling hungover?” then it’s time to review your drinking habits.

When you are socializing it is easy to lose track of how much alcohol you are consuming. In fact, you may not even be aware that your friend keeps topping off your wine glass. But there is a limit as to how much alcohol the liver can metabolize. When we exceed that limit we pay the price the next day.

What Is a Hangover?

A hangover is a physical and mental evidence of drinking more than your body can safely handle. Hangovers are really just mild withdrawal symptoms. As the body is going through the steps to process the alcohol, it lets you know it isn’t happy.

Hangover symptoms might include:

  • Nausea and vomiting.
  • Fatigue
  • Headache
  • Excessive thirst and dry mouth.
  • Sensitivity to light and sounds.
  • Shakiness
  • Dizziness or a sensation that the room is spinning.
  • Muscle aches
  • Irritability
  • Mental confusion.
  • Decreased concentration.
  • Sleep disturbance.
  • Feelings of anxiety, called “hangxiety.”

To help soothe the symptoms and not always feeling hungover, you should drink plenty of water. Gatorade can also help, as it will replace electrolytes. Over-the-counter meds, like Tylenol for a headache, and Pepto-Bismol can relieve stomach distress.

How Does the Body Process Alcohol?

Each person will process alcohol differently. Things like body-mass index, sex, alcohol, and tolerance impact the rate that the alcohol is metabolized. To provide guidance for safe drinking rates, the CDC has established guidelines. These include:

  • Safe drinking: One drink per day for women; two drinks per day for men.
  • Excessive drinking: Eight or more drinks in a week for women; 15 or more drinks in a week for men.
  • Binge drinking: Four or more drinks in a single session for women; 5 or more drinks in a single session for men.

A drink equates to a 12-ounce beer, 8 ounces of malt liquor, 5 ounces of wine, or 1½ ounces of liquor. The legal blood alcohol limit in the U.S. is .08.

The reason for these safety guidelines is that excessive alcohol consumption impairs motor coordination, reflex response time, judgment, and self-control. It takes the human body about an hour to process a half-ounce of alcohol. When the intake exceeds that level, the liver becomes overwhelmed, which could even result in alcohol poisoning.

What Your Body Is Telling You

Alcohol overuse can trigger a variety of physiological responses. These include the inflammatory response, dehydration, irritation of the stomach lining, expansion of blood vessels, and a drop in blood sugar levels. These responses are what lead to the physical symptoms experienced in a hangover.

You may also be experiencing the effects of alcohol intolerance. This is a genetic condition caused by a missing enzyme called ALDH2. Signs of alcohol intolerance include:

  • Headache
  • Diarrhea
  • Low blood pressure.
  • Fatigue
  • Coughing
  • Chest pain.
  • Hives
  • Nasal congestion.

So, the two main reasons that could explain why you’re always feeling hungover are alcohol abuse or alcohol intolerance. To remedy both these conditions, you need to stop drinking.

What Are the Signs of Alcoholism?

The term “alcohol use disorder” (AUD) pertains to a wide span of disordered drinking patterns. Therefore, an AUD is staged from mild to severe based on the number of signs and symptoms that are present.

These are the criteria used to diagnose AUD:

  • You notice it takes more alcohol to get the desired effects.
  • You are obsessed with drinking, always thinking about getting alcohol and seeking excuses to drink.
  • You drink in response to stress or negative emotions.
  • You experience blackouts.
  • You neglect responsibilities.
  • You lie about how much you drink and hide alcohol around the house.
  • You isolate yourself from friends and family so you can drink.
  • You have problems at work, diminished work performance, and loss of a job.
  • You are having legal problems, such as getting a DUI.
  • Your drinking is negatively impacting relationships.
  • You have alcohol cravings.
  • You want to stop drinking but cannot.
  • You have withdrawal symptoms when the alcohol wears off.

Get Help for Alcoholism

If you wonder why you always feel hungover, you may be struggling with an alcohol problem. If so, why not first visit your doctor to make sure the symptoms are not related to a health issue. If they are not, then it’s time to schedule an appointment with a treatment center.

The clinical staff can guide you through an interview and assessment in order to discern whether you have AUD. During the interview, you’ll be asked questions about your health, your mental health history, and your drinking habits. The more open you are with the clinician, the more accurate the diagnosis will be.

If it is decided that you do have AUD, then they will recommend a treatment plan. If they believe you should first complete alcohol detox, then they will explain that to you. They will also recommend the correct level of care to treat your AUD.

There are basically two treatment settings to be considered. These are:

Outpatient treatment. There are two levels of outpatient care: intensive outpatient program and partial hospitalization program. Outpatient treatment offers more flexibility in terms of being able to live at home and still work to some degree. These programs are also less costly. However, outpatient treatment is a better option for someone with an emerging or mild AUD.

Residential treatment. The residential program allows you to reside at the rehab for the duration of your treatment plan. This is a better option for someone with a more advanced AUD because it provides 24-hour support and monitoring. Residential treatment features a structured environment and a full daily schedule of therapeutic activities. In this setting, you won’t have exposure to substances or to people in your life that could undermine your efforts.

If you are sick of feeling terrible every day, then go ahead and reach out for help today.

Golf Drug Rehab Provides Comprehensive Treatment for Alcohol Use Disorder

Golf Drug Rehab is a luxury rehab that features golf in its menu of treatment elements. Golf therapy is an excellent way to practice new recovery skills while also getting some sunshine and exercise during treatment. If you ask, “Why am I always feeling hungover?” then let us help. Call us today at (877) 958-5320.

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alcohol recovery timeline

Walking Through the Alcohol Recovery Timeline

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Kudos are definitely in order for anyone who makes the life-changing decision to get sober. When you first embark on the recovery journey, though, it may feel a bit overwhelming. There is planning to do and plenty of decisions to make before you can even enter rehab. With this in mind, it helps to have a general understanding of what to expect in the alcohol recovery timeline.

Alcohol Detox and Withdrawal Timeline

Recovery is launched by alcohol cessation, or the decision to stop drinking. It may be tempting to handle this all on your own, but going it alone is never recommended. This is one time when you must rely on the expertise of detox experts that can provide needed support. Alcohol detox can sometimes be unpredictable, so it should always be monitored.

During alcohol detox, the withdrawal symptoms are signs of the body’s attempt to adjust to the absence of alcohol. The process follows a predictable pattern and usually takes about one week for the primary symptoms to cycle through. The detox timeline is as follows:

Days 1-2: The withdrawal symptoms begin to emerge about 6-12 hours after the last drink. The symptoms during this stage include shaking, nausea and vomiting, sweating, headache, agitation, and increased heart rate.

Days 3-4: This is the stage when symptoms peak. They may include fever, irritability, confusion, anxiety, insomnia, increase in blood pressure, and intense shaking. For a small number of people, this is the period that you may have acute symptoms, called the DTs. The DTs are considered a health emergency and involve seizures, high fever, high blood pressure, psychosis, and severe confusion.

Days 5-7: During this final stage, the symptoms gradually become less severe and many will resolve completely. However, there are often some lingering symptoms that may persist for weeks after detox is complete.

Alcohol Rehab Timeline

After finishing the detox, you will transition to the rehab stage of the alcohol recovery timeline. It is in rehab that you learn how to live your life without alcohol. This is a process that can take from one to six months or longer, depending on how severe the alcoholism is. For the best recovery results, a minimum of three months of rehab is advised.

Therapy. During rehab, you are introduced to many types of therapy. Some of these are formal types of therapy, such as psychotherapy sessions. These are meetings either with a therapist alone or group sessions with peers and an addiction counselor leading the group. Evidence-based therapies used in these sessions include CBT, DBT, CM, and MET.

Holistic. There are also holistic therapies. Some are experiential, such as art therapy or psychodrama. Others are activities that promote relaxation and help you manage stress in recovery.

12-step program. Besides these therapies, you will also learn about the 12-step program, and may even attend 12-step meetings. This is a program developed by Alcoholics Anonymous, and has been shown to help people overcome their alcohol addiction.

Wellness. To assist you in rebuilding your health and strength, you will receive nutritional counseling to learn about a healthy diet. You will also engage in physical exercise, including playing golf.

How Your Life Will Change for the Better in Alcohol Recovery

It may be hard to imagine when you are just preparing to enter rehab, but life in recovery is pretty awesome. You may dread the idea of living a sober lifestyle, thinking how boring it will be. While this is common, you will soon see that it is the opposite of reality. Living a sober life is anything but boring.

Consider the ways your life will improve:

  • You’ll look good. Alcohol is very aging to the skin. When you quit drinking you will notice an improvement in the overall appearance of your skin. As collagen is restored, your skin will become tauter and less ruddy.
  • You’ll lose some pounds. Alcoholism can lead to weight gain and bloating. An unhealthy diet coupled with calorie-rich high alcohol consumption can lead to extra fat, liver distention, and water retention. In recovery, you will lose weight and look trimmer.
  • You’ll feel good. Once your system is free from the toxins in alcohol your organs will begin the repair process. As you restore health and wellness, you will feel more energetic and focused.
  • You’ll get better sleep. Because alcohol disrupts the third and fourth phases of the sleep cycle, it causes sleep disturbance. In sobriety, you will notice you are sleeping more soundly.
  • You’ll be happier. The impact of alcohol on the brain creates emotional instability, and the consequences of alcoholism enhance feelings of shame, guilt, and anxiety. In recovery, you’ll notice you have a more positive outlook on life, along with a renewed sense of purpose.

What You Won’t Miss About Drinking

Coupled with the benefits of being sober are all the things you no longer have to deal with. These might include:

  1. Feeling terrible every day. You’ll no longer wake up feeling nauseous, and the tremors will be gone.
  2. Feeling hopeless. Alcoholism can rob you of everything you value. This makes you feel hopeless and full of despair.
  3. Feeling depressed and anxious. The more you drank to numb the symptoms of depression or anxiety, the worse the symptoms got.
  4. Having low self-esteem. Alcoholism is debilitating. It impairs you to the point you no longer are able to contribute to work or home life like before.
  5. Looking bad. The alcohol abuse caused physical changes, such as a bloated belly and face, and red, glassy eyes.
  6. Letting down your loved ones. One of the worst things about alcoholism is how you end up repeatedly letting down your family and friends.
  7. Being dishonest. In active addiction, you could not be trusted. No one could take you at your word because of all the times you deceived your loved ones.

It is a great day when you decide to change your life for the better. Embrace your new life in recovery.

Golf Drug Rehab Treatment for Alcohol Use Disorder

Golf Drug Rehab is a leading treatment program for those struggling with alcoholism that features golf therapy. Let us put you on a realistic alcohol recovery timeline and guide you through the recovery process. Call our team today at (877) 958-5320.

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morphine high

What Is the Morphine High?

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Morphine is a potent narcotic in the opioid family of drugs. Morphine is used to control acute and chronic pain, and for terminal patients in palliative care or hospice. Some people, though, use this opioid in order to experience the morphine high. Let’s explore what a morphine high looks like.

What is Morphine?

Unlike synthetic opioids, morphine is a naturally occurring opiate that is derived from the seeds of the opium poppy plant. Heroin is a synthesized form of morphine. In the U.S., morphine is a Schedule II controlled substance. This means the drug has medicinal value but also a high risk for abuse and addiction.

The effects of morphine include the absence of pain, deep relaxation, and a dreamlike state of euphoria. The drug is often used as an anesthesia associated with surgery, or for pain management in terminal cancer patients. Some doctors may also prescribe this drug for short-term pain relief following an injury. The drug is administered via IV, injection, or pill form.

high on morphine

What Does a Morphine High Feel Like?

When morphine enters the bloodstream, there is a burst of dopamine production. Dopamine is the “feel good” chemical that interacts with the brain’s reward center.

Morphine binds with the opioid receptors in the brain and blocks the pain signals from the central nervous system. The effects of the drug include the absence of pain, euphoria, deep relaxation, and a calm, dreamlike state. Some say this opiate makes them feel warm and safe.

The effects of morphine are felt within thirty minutes unless injected, whereas the effects are felt within minutes. These effects with normal release morphine last 3-4 hours, and with extended release they may last up to eight hours.

Dangers of Misusing The Drug

Morphine is not without side effects. Some of the adverse effects of taking morphine include:

  • Severe constipation.
  • Nausea
  • Drowsiness
  • Dry mouth.
  • Chest pain.
  • Nervousness
  • Itchy skin.
  • Slowed breathing.
  • Dizziness
  • Difficulty concentrating.
  • Confusion
  • Hallucinations
  • Loss of libido.
  • Feelings of depression.
  • Increased heart rate.
  • Coma

In addition to these side effects, morphine abuse can result in addiction or even an overdose. Drug supplies, including this drug, sold on the street are often tainted with fentanyl. Someone who ingests the drug may die because the product they bought contained fentanyl, unbeknownst to them.

What Is Morphine Addiction?

Abusing morphine for recreational use, such as smoking, inhaling, or injecting the drug, increases the risk of addiction and overdose. This is the price paid for seeking a morphine high. The longer you use this drug, the higher your chances of becoming addicted to it. This happens because ongoing use of the drug increases tolerance to the drug, which leads to more frequent dosing.

Signs of morphine addiction include:

  • Unable to control the drug.
  • Taking higher doses than prescribed.
  • Trying to stop taking the drug but cannot.
  • Become obsessed with having and taking morphine.
  • Cravings.
  • Loss of interest in daily life activities.
  • Symptoms of anxiety or depression emerge.
  • Keep taking morphine in spite of the negative consequences.
  • Having money problems or legal trouble due to morphine use.
  • Having painful withdrawal symptoms.

What to Expect During Morphine Withdrawal?

People who become addicted to this opioid, experience withdrawal symptoms when they attempt to stop taking it. The same is true for someone who has become physically dependent on the drug after long-term use.

Either way, the withdrawal process is much safer when you enroll in a detox program. These are licensed inpatient detox centers or rehabs that will oversee the entire detox and withdrawal timeline.

To reduce the impact of withdrawal, a detox will include a gradual tapering off of the opiate over a scheduled period. Still, here are the symptoms you are likely to have during the detox process:

  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Stomach cramps.
  • Chills
  • Excessive yawning.
  • Excessive tearing of the eyes.
  • Dizziness
  • Sweating
  • Hot flashes.
  • Loss of appetite.
  • Muscle aches.
  • Irritability
  • Restlessness
  • Insomnia
  • Depression
  • Anxiety
  • Rapid breathing.
  • Brain fog.

Detox allows the body to clear the drug from the system, which prepares you for getting the most out of rehab.

How to Beat a Morphine Addiction

When a morphine addiction has taken hold, the best rehab setting for breaking free is an inpatient treatment program. These programs provide detox on-site, which makes the transition to treatment seamless.

Once you have stabilized after detox, you will shift to a whole different focus. The treatment phase of recovery helps you gain important insights through therapy, as well as learn new coping tools. The goal is to equip you with the skills and tools needed to maintain abstinence from morphine.

Treatment for Addiction

Learning how to live your life without the drug is a process that takes weeks, even months, to accomplish. The treatment process includes the following:

  • Individual counseling sessions. You will meet once or twice a week with a therapist. They use methods like CBT to show you new ways to respond to triggers that might otherwise cause a relapse.
  • Group therapy sessions. Group sessions are helpful daily. In these sessions, you meet with peers in recovery and share thoughts and experiences.
  • Education. Classes teach you how opioids impact the brain and how to avoid a relapse.
  • 12-step. The 12-step process is a useful framework to help you meet recovery benchmarks.

Aftercare Follows Treatment

Although you have completed both detox and treatment, recovery efforts will continue for months to come. This is due to the power of opioid addiction on the brain, and how long it takes to overcome that.

Aftercare involves the actions you take to protect sobriety once you have finished the treatment program. These help you continue the progress you made in rehab and help you stay engaged in the recovery process. They include:

  • Sober living. Sometimes it is helpful to live in a safe environment that is free of substances. Sober living is a good stepping-stone after treatment.
  • Outpatient program. After rehab, it is good to step down to an outpatient program. These provide counseling services, support groups, and life skills, classes.
  • Recovery community. Join a local 12-step group or SMART Recovery group for added support after treatment.

If you are misusing this drug to experience a morphine high, please reach out for help today.

Golf Drug Rehab Treatment for Morphine Addiction

Golf Drug Rehab offers premium detox and addiction treatment services for those with morphine addiction that also like to golf. For more information about our program, please call us today at (877) 958-5320.

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first step in an alcohol recovery

What Is the First Step in an Alcoholic’s Recovery?

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If you (or a loved one) are finally ready to confront an alcohol use disorder, you might wonder what is the first step in an alcoholic’s recovery. Read on to learn all about the detox and withdrawal process.

What is Alcohol Use Disorder?

Alcohol use disorder (AUD) refers to the long-term effects of continued heavy drinking. AUD is diagnosed on a continuum that ranges from mild to severe disease.

To determine if someone has an AUD, the NCADD has created an online questionnaire. It includes a list of common signs of AUD that you may recognize in yourself. The more symptoms that are present, the more severe the AUD:

  1. You avoid friends and family while drinking, preferring to drink alone.
  2. You consume higher quantities of alcohol as time goes on.
  3. You drink in response to stress, sadness, anger, or disappointment.
  4. You have hand tremors in the morning or have other withdrawal symptoms.
  5. You cannot remember things you said or did the night before.
  6. You are experiencing financial, legal, career, or family problems due to drinking.
  7. Your doctor advised you to cut down on alcohol.
  8. You lie about how much alcohol you drink.
  9. You are preoccupied during the day with drinking or crave alcohol.
  10. You get drunk several days in a row.

What Are the Signs Alcohol is Causing Harm in Your Life

There is no debate about the destructive nature of alcohol abuse. Some of the most common signs that your drinking habits are causing you to harm include:

  • Health problems. Alcohol is very toxic to the human body. Symptoms of health issues may emerge that are a direct result of heavy drinking. These include weight gain, heart problems, cognitive problems, liver disease, gastritis, and cancer.
  • Loss of job. You may lose your job, due to a decline in job performance, excessive absences, or drinking on the job. This can have far-reaching effects on your family finances.
  • Relationship problems. Alcoholism begins to demand all of your attention. As the AUD worsens, you spend more time drinking alone, and less time with your spouse and friends. This causes strain on the relationships, even leading to divorce.

first step to recovery

Preparing for the Recovery Journey

Now that you have addressed the AUD and are getting ready to begin the recovery journey, there are some items to take care of prior to the first step in alcohol recovery. These include:

  • Take an extended leave of absence. Sit down with your employer to make a plan to take a leave of absence. Your job is protected by law.
  • Look up insurance coverage. Call your health plan provider to gather the details about what your plan covers. Most health plans now have at least some coverage for addiction treatment services.
  • Select a treatment program. Begin the process of choosing a rehab program. Your doctor can help guide you in terms of what level of care you will need.
  • Arrange for childcare, pet care, and bills to be paid. Get all your ducks in a row prior to leaving for detox and rehab. This helps your spouse manage things during your absence.

The First Step in Alcohol Recovery: Alcohol Detox and Withdrawal

When starting out on the recovery journey, the first order of business is to rid the body of the toxins associated with alcohol. Detox lasts from a few days to a couple of weeks, depending on the severity and history of your AUD.

Alcohol detox involves three distinct stages. These stages include:

  • Stage 1: Emerging Symptoms. The early phase of withdrawal begins within 6-8 hours of the last drink. This stage lasts one day and includes the symptoms: stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, tremors, fatigue, anxiety, foggy thinking, and insomnia.
  • Stage 2: Peak Symptoms. The second phase of withdrawal involves symptoms peaking and lasts 2-4 days. Symptoms include increased heart rate, increased blood pressure, body temperature, and respiratory rate, mental confusion, sweating, mood swings, and irritability. Also, it is during this stage that delirium tremens (DTs) can develop, causing hallucinations, severe mental confusion, fever, and seizures.
  • Stage 3: Subsiding Symptoms. The final stage begins after day four and can persist for a couple of days to weeks. This stage is marked by depression, anxiety, confusion, insomnia, and cravings.

Keep in mind that throughout the detox process, your symptoms will be closely monitored and medications provided to minimize discomfort.

After Detox, What Comes Next?

Once you have completed the detox process, you are ready to enroll in the rehab portion of the recovery. Treatment is multi-pronged, with each activity building on the other to effect real change. Here is what you can expect in the rehab program:

  • Psychotherapy. Therapy is the main treatment element for alcohol recovery. Through therapy, you will examine any unhealthy behavior patterns that only perpetuate the alcohol addiction. Using CBT, the therapist guides you to reshape those thoughts and behaviors.
  • Family therapy. Family groups help the whole family unit heal and move forward together as their loved one enters recovery.
  • Education. Learning about the impact of alcohol on brain chemistry can be a deterrent to relapse. You will also be learning new coping tools and making a relapse prevention plan.
  • 12-step or similar. Peer support is a key element in recovery, and these meetings provide the opportunity to share experiences, challenges, fears, and goals with others in recovery.
  • Holistic. Rounding out rehabilitation are several activities that augment psychotherapy, including mindfulness training, yoga, art therapy, acupuncture, recreational therapy, equine therapy, and other activities that teach individuals relaxation techniques
  • Recreational therapy. Golf can be a very therapeutic addition to the rehab process. Spending time outdoors and getting exercise helps improve your mood and mindset.

Golf Drug Rehab Helps You Overcome Alcoholism

Golf Drug Rehab is a full-spectrum addiction treatment program that blends golf into the mix. If you are ready to that the first step in alcoholism recovery, give our team a call at (877) 958-5320.

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cocaine drip

What is Cocaine Drip?

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Cocaine drip is the presence of a constantly runny nose after using the drug. Cocaine drip can also occur in the back of the throat. To learn more about the adverse effects of cocaine use, read on.

Facts About Cocaine

Cocaine is a stimulant drug that is derived from the coca plant. It remains a popular drug due to its powerful euphoric effects. Cocaine causes the nerve activity in the central nervous system to speed up. This leads to a short-lived high that increases energy heightens focus, suppresses appetite, and enhances confidence.

As a DEA Schedule II substance, cocaine has a high potential for abuse and addiction. In fact, addiction can develop quickly. The drug is used in various ways, including snorting the powder through the nose. Cocaine can damage the delicate nasal tissues, as well as lead to a condition referred to as cocaine drip.

What is Cocaine Drip?

Because cocaine acts as a vasoconstrictor it has the effect of shrinking the blood vessels in the nose on contact. This causes the tissues to swell and mucous production to increase. The result is something called rhinitis, or a constant nasal drip. This is referred to as cocaine drip, coke drip, or simply the drip.

The other way that cocaine drip manifests itself is as a post-nasal drip. Once the drug has been snorted into the nasal cavity it will drip into the sinuses and the throat. This is experienced as a dripping sensation at the back of the throat and even onto the vocal cords.

Can Cocaine Drip be Treated?

There is only one way to cure drug-induced rhinitis and that is by stopping cocaine use. Once the mucous membranes that line the nose have had a chance to heal, the drip will cease. Meanwhile, there are some nasal saline sprays, as well as antihistamines or corticosteroids that may help with symptoms.

Other Ways Cocaine Affects Nasal Tissues

The phrase, cocaine nose (coke nose), pertains to the damaged condition of nasal tissues caused by cocaine use. The damage to the nose can be profound. When cocaine is used for an extended period it keeps the blood vessels in the nose constricted. The decreased circulation reduces the blood supply to the nose, causing damage.

As prolonged cocaine use takes a toll on the nose, the following damage can occur. These effects include:

  • The lining of the nose is more fragile, which can result in injuries and nosebleeds.
  • Severe sinus infections.
  • Septum damage.
  • The collapse of cartilage at the bridge of the nose.
  • Hard palate damage.

Long-term cocaine use can result in damage to the nose that is so severe a complete reconstruction or prosthetic nose is required.

coke drip

Signs of Cocaine Addiction

As cocaine addiction sets in, there will be some clear signals. These signs and symptoms involve all areas of functioning, such as:

  1. Personality changes. Someone with a cocaine problem may begin to display paranoid behavior, stress and anxiety attacks, depression, erratic behavior, and anger. When they are not high on coke, their mood may be flat or unresponsive. Stealing money to support the cocaine habit is also common among addicts.
  2. Intense mood swings. In the early phases of cocaine use, it is common for the person to be in a state of euphoria. They may be full of energy and very productive, and able to put in long hours. As tolerance increases and more of the drug is needed to maintain this energy, their mood becomes dark.
  3. The decline in work performance. In the early days of cocaine use, the person may be highly productive and have boundless energy. Later on, work performance begins to suffer. They miss work often or arrive late. They may struggle to concentrate or focus on the work, and they lose interest in the job.
  4. Physical symptoms. Coke addiction shows up with sudden weight loss, bloodshot eyes, dilated pupils, cocaine drip, muscle tics, and nose bleeds.  Cocaine addicts also commonly suffer from insomnia.
  • Money problems. Cocaine is a pricey drug that can quickly destroy personal finances. Bills go unpaid, credit cards are maxed out, savings accounts are depleted, and jobs are lost due to coke addiction.

Getting Help for a Cocaine Addiction

While the best way to stop the damage caused by cocaine is to discontinue using the drug, it is not always so easy. Cocaine has a powerful grip on the brain’s reward system. The best way to break that connection is to enroll in an evidence-based treatment program.

Treatment for cocaine addiction includes these elements:

  • Detox. The detox and withdrawal process must be completed prior to treatment. Withdrawal symptoms will range from mild to severe, depending on the scope of the cocaine addiction.
  • Talk therapy. A licensed therapist can help the person confront issues that may be providing fuel for the cocaine addiction. CBT and DBT are the most common evidence-based therapies to help break compulsive behaviors.
  • Group therapy. Small groups composed of peers in recovery will meet and discuss topics that pertain to recovery.
  • 12-step program. N.A. or A.A. themes are often woven into the treatment program.
  • Life skills training. Classes teach new coping skills that can help support recovery efforts. One of these is making a relapse prevention plan that is tailored to your specific needs.
  • Holistic. During rehab, you will learn to control stress by engaging in holistic activities. These include yoga classes, art therapy, mindfulness, and massage.
  • Recreation. Spending some time outdoors and being active is very good for your mood state during treatment. Golf can provide a respite from the work of recovery.

If you are tired of a constant cocaine drip, reach out for treatment today.

Golf Drug Rehab Offers Upscale Cocaine Addiction Treatment

Golf Drug Rehab is a luxury addiction treatment center that offers golf alongside rehab. If you are struggling with a cocaine problem, our team is here to help. Give us a call today at (877) 958-5320.

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addictive medications

What are Addictive Medications?

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Over the last decade, people have become much more aware of the dangers of addictive medications. Learn about these drugs and the signs of addiction to prescription pills.

As grateful as we are for relief from what ails us, the truth is that some medications are very addictive. While drugs can provide pain relief, or help to manage anxiety or other issues, for some people, they are dangerous.

Each person has a unique metabolism and genetic make-up. Medications can lead to addiction in some of us, and therefore must be used with care. But some people abuse these prescription drugs in search of a high. This can be especially risky, and even result in an overdose or death.

By being aware of the dangers of pills, you can provide yourself with information that helps you avoid these risks. Read on to learn more about addictive meds.

How Medications Lead to Addiction

When a doctor prescribes pain medication after surgery or an injury, you would not think it could become a problem. For most people, taking pain meds for a short period isn’t an issue. For others, though, it can impact the brain’s reward system. When the reward center of the brain records a sensation as pleasurable, it sets up the desire to repeat it. That is the basis for an addiction to slowly take hold.

There are many risks involved in pill addiction. As the tolerance ramps up, the person will take ever-higher doses of the medication to chase that high. Meanwhile, the brain pathways are being altered in response to the dopamine that is produced. In as little as a few weeks of dosing, some people will acquire an addiction. By taking higher doses the person risks an overdose.

Addiction itself is very risky, with adverse impacts to all areas of someone’s life. But when the pills are no longer available, the person may switch to heroin, or buy the pills online. This can put the person at much higher risk of a fentanyl overdose. This is due to the many fake pills on the street that contain the deadly drug.

Pills that are Highly Addictive

It isn’t only opioids that are addictive. There are many types of meds that can cause someone to become addicted. This happens when the person comes to believe that they cannot function without the pills. They begin to be obsessed about getting and taking these meds.

Types of drugs that are highly addiction include:

  • Opioids. These include such drugs as Vicodin, Oxy, Dilaudid, Percocet, and Norco.
  • Benzos. These include Xanax, Ativan, Klonopin, Valium, and Librium.
  • Stimulants. These include Adderall, Ritalin, and Vyvanse.
  • Barbiturates. These include Nembutal, Seconal, and Mebaral.

Signs of a Pill Addiction

The signs of addiction are similar, no matter which drug is involved. The only noticeable difference are the withdrawal symptoms, as these vary depending on the substance.

Signs of addiction may include:

  • Become obsessed with obtaining and taking the pills.
  • Increased tolerance, leading to higher dosing.
  • Doctor shopping; buying pills on the street or online.
  • Having mood swings.
  • Changes in eating and/or sleeping habits.
  • Weight gain or loss.
  • Become irresponsible; engage in high-risk actions.
  • Irritability
  • Withdraw from friends and family.
  • Keep taking the meds despite the negative impact on life.
  • Stealing pills from friends or family members.
  • Having withdrawal symptoms when drug wears off

These are warning signs that you or someone you know has developed a problem with a prescription drug. The sooner the person seeks treatment, the better the outcome. The first step is to safely complete the detox process.

What to Expect in Detox

Once someone decides they are ready to break free from a pill addiction they must complete detox and withdrawal. This is not to be taken lightly, as certain drugs shouldn’t be stopped with a doctor’s guidance. To quit the drug abruptly will trigger very harsh and sometimes life threatening symptoms.

To avoid this outcome, a detox program is advised. A doctor creates a special tapering plan that slowly wears the person off the drug. By using this type of taper schedule, the system slowly adjusts to the lower doses. This can help reduce the discomfort and risks of the detox process.

The withdrawal symptoms will be different based on the drug group:

OPIOIDS:

  • Muscle pain
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Diarrhea
  • Sweating
  • Restlessness
  • Dilated pupils
  • Anxiety
  • Excessive yawning
  • Insomnia
  • Chills or goosebumps

BENZOS:

  • Anxiety
  • Hyperventilation
  • Insomnia
  • Sweating
  • Racing pulse
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Muscle spasms
  • Restlessness

STIMULANTS:

  • Depression
  • Irritability
  • Mood swings
  • Insomnia
  • Stomach cramping
  • Vomiting
  • Fatigue

Due to most drug detoxes causing mental health symptoms too, the detox team also provides counseling and support.

Treatment Options for Pill Addiction

After detox is done, the next is to embark on the next phase of recovery—rehab treatment. It is through treatment that the person learns how to change the entrenched addictive behaviors.

Depending on the type of pill addiction, the program also helps the person manage the issue without the need for the pills. For chronic pain, they will learn new holistic methods for pain control. If the problem is related to stress, they will learn natural ways to relax.

There are two main settings for addiction treatment, an outpatient program or a residential program. Both types of rehab settings use the same basic treatment interventions. These include:

  • One-on-one therapy sessions. Therapy helps teach new ways of thinking and reacting to stress or other triggers. This is done mainly through CBT and DBT techniques.
  • Group therapy sessions. These sessions have a licensed counselor leading the peer group in talks that revolve around recovery.
  • 12-step meetings. The 12- step program is often a part of the treatment program. This may also include 12-step meetings that the clients all join.
  • Education. Clients learn new coping skills and practice them.
  • Relapse prevention. Clients make their own plans to avoid relapsing after they leave rehab.
  • Stress reduction. Learning new ways to relax, such as yoga, meditation, and massage, are skills that will help in recovery.

With so many addictive medications on the market, it is not a surprise that we might find ourselves struggling with an addiction. With the guidance and support of an evidence-based treatment program, you can overcome a problem with an addictive medication.

Golf Drug Rehab Provides Luxury Addiction Treatment

Golf Drug Rehab is an upscale drug and alcohol treatment center for the golf lover. If you or someone you care about has developed a problem with pills, give our team a call today at (877) 958-5320.

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how does meth affect the body

How Does Meth Affect the Body?

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It may be shocking to learn the many ways that meth affects the body. This potent and destructive substance can wreak havoc on both physical and mental health. Read on to learn more about how meth affects the body.

What is Methamphetamine?

Methamphetamine (meth) is an illicit stimulant drug concocted with amphetamine and a variety of flammable household ingredients. These may include battery acid, drain cleaner, or paint thinner, all products that can cause an altered state of reality.

Meth is a potent and dangerous stimulant that can cause profound changes in the brain. Even after a single use, the brain’s reward pathways can be affected, leading the person to seek the drug again. After ongoing use, the brain begins to depend on the drug to stabilize the altered brain and provide dopamine.

The initial effects of meth include sensations of euphoria, alertness, energy, and a sense of wellbeing. However, there are also some adverse effects caused by meth use. These include:

  • Shortness of breath.
  • Hyperactivity, mania.
  • Tremors
  • Vomiting
  • Decreased appetite and weight loss.
  • Diarrhea
  • Insomnia

Meth is also referred to as crystal meth, speed, crystal, ice, and crank. The drug can be ingested in various ways, such as smoked, swallowed in pill form, snorted, or injected. The drug’s effects come on quickly and fade fairly fast, leading to continued abuse and eventually addiction.

Meth Addiction

Once someone becomes addicted to meth they will be unable to control their drug-seeking behaviors and meth use. This happens when the brain’s chemical makeup has been altered and natural dopamine production dwindles. Without the drug, the person no longer feels pleasure.

As addiction sets in, the person’s life will begin to unravel. Legal problems, job losses, stress, financial problems, child custody issues, and even homelessness are common among meth addicts.

Some of the signs of active meth addiction include:

  • Severe dental disease.
  • Skin sores from picking at invisible bugs.
  • Weight loss.
  • Droopy skin.
  • Insomnia
  • Angry or violent outbursts
  • Cognitive problems.
  • Aggressive behavior; angry outbursts.
  • Mental confusion.
  • Mood swings.
  • Depression
  • Anxiety
  • Paranoia
  • Psychosis

How Meth Affects the Body

Because meth is such a toxic substance, serious health conditions can develop as a result of addiction. The drug inflicts heavy damage to the body. Some of the effects of long-term meth abuse include:

  • Meth mouth.
  • Memory loss.
  • Increased risk of stroke
  • Hypertension.
  • Coronary artery disease
  • Cardiac arrest
  • Aortic dissection
  • Parkinson’s disease
  • Liver damage; increased risk of hep B and hep C
  • Increased risk of HIV/AIDS

Although some of the damage done to the brain and the body can be reversed, many will suffer long-term health effects even in recovery. Other long-term effects of recovery include feeling chronically tired and depressed.

What is Meth Mouth?

One of the most extreme effects of meth is a dental condition called “meth mouth.” The level of damage to the teeth will depend upon the duration and extent of the meth addiction. Meth mouth is often seen in heavy meth users, not those who use it on occasion. Meth mouth is more severe in women versus men.

Meth mouse is caused by dry mouth, a direct result of the meth addiction. Meth users may also grind their teeth, causing teeth to loosen or crack. It is also common for meth addicts to lose interest in taking care of their dental hygiene.

Signs and symptoms of meth mouth may include:

  • Poor overall dental health.
  • Loose teeth.
  • Sensitive teeth.
  • Inflamed gums.
  • Dry mouth and tongue.
  • Broken or fractured teeth.
  • Severe tooth decay.
  • Loss of teeth.

In many cases, the person waits too long before seeking the help of a dentist. By the time they reach out for help the damage is too extensive and the teeth can’t be saved. This often results in full mouth extractions and dentures.

Meth Detox and Withdrawal

Before you can break a meth habit, you will need to first complete the detox and withdrawal process. This is best done under the care of a detox team who will be able to assist you as symptoms arise. They have various meds they can use to help reduce discomfort.

Because meth is a synthetic drug, the withdrawal effects are more intense and ragged. The human body is not equipped to metabolize the dangerous and toxic ingredients contained in meth.

The withdrawal symptoms emerge within 12 hours of the last dosing. This is called the “meth comedown,” which refers to the period when the drug is wearing off. The person may experience the following symptoms:

  • Lethargy
  • Increased appetite.
  • Paranoia
  • Mental confusion.
  • Anxiety
  • Sleep disturbance.
  • Irritability
  • Agitation
  • Mood swings.
  • Intense depression.
  • Drug cravings.
  • Memory problems.
  • Thoughts of self-harm or suicide.

During meth withdrawal, the psychological symptoms are often worse than the physical symptoms. This is an added reason to only attempt meth detox under supervision, as there is a heightened risk of suicide.

Turn Your Life Around with Treatment and Recovery

Making the decision to get clean and sober after a meth addiction should come with the knowledge that you will need ongoing support. Starting with a structured treatment program, you will be guided toward learning ways to deflect compulsive drug seeking behaviors. Using one-on-one therapy, group therapy, 12-step groups, and addiction education, these programs can help you turn your life around.

Life is too short and too precious to waste it with a meth problem. Seeing how meth can affect the body may be a wake-up call for many. These are the long-term effects that people are largely unaware of when they take that first hit of meth. But now that you know meth’s affect on the body and you are ready to break free from its grip, reach out for help today.

Golf Drug Rehab Provides Luxury Meth Addiction Recovery Services

Golf Drug Rehab is an upscale addiction treatment center that offers help for those who struggle with meth. Our program features an evidence-based treatment approach combined with recreational golf. By mixing in some pleasure with the work of rehab, there is a greater chance you will complete the program. For more details, call us today at (877) 958-5320.

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sober golf

Addiction Rehab with Sober Golf

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Rehabilitation from drug or alcohol addiction is serious business. The process of detoxing the body from the presence of chemicals and toxins is not for the faint of heart. The active treatment portion of addiction recovery involves layers of multi-modal therapies that require focus, effort, and commitment for a sustained period of weeks or months. This is why sprinkling in a dose of recreational therapy in the form of sober golf is so welcome to those facing down the rehab process.

You remember in the movie, The Shining, Jack Nicholson’s character typed over and over “All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy.” Well, there is truth to his maniacal rant—hard work should indeed be balanced with some play. It is important to mix in some recreation during the time spent restoring mental and physical health, and addiction rehab with sober golf is a perfect pairing.

Sober golf is exactly what it says, playing golf without drinking or using drugs. It means enjoying the game in the purest, most natural way possible, fully alert and focused while getting sunshine and exercise in the process. Being outdoors on the course instantly lifts one’s mood, and the camaraderie at the heart of the game adds a positive dose of peer support in recovery.

How Addiction Rehab With Sober Golf Elevates the Rehab Experience

Let’s face it—no one looks forward to entering a drug or alcohol treatment program. That is plain fact. The experience is anxiety-provoking and difficult under even the best conditions. There is no bullet train to achieving sobriety; recovery is a long slog that will try your patience for years to come. But, as they say, the best things in life are worth fighting for, and when it comes to breaking free from the grip of addiction, it is life itself that is the ultimate prize.

So, that said, how can playing golf elevate the grind of the rehab experience? There is a multitude of ways that adding golf to the rehab menu will make the whole process more palatable. These include:

  • Recreational activities provide an opportunity to decompress from the serious work of therapy
  • Golf gives the client something enjoyable to look forward to during the rehab experience
  • Golf gets you outdoors, moving, smiling, chatting, and is a nice distraction from therapy
  • Golf provides an opportunity to build new friendships built on a mutual desire for sobriety

The Importance of Organized Recreation in Rehab

Recreational therapies such as golf can provide both physical and psychological benefits. In fact, the National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification defines recreational therapy as a systematic process that utilizes recreation and other activity-based interventions as a means to psychological and physical recovery and well-being. Therapeutic recreation can enhance mood, build confidence, and provide important opportunities to socialize. In addition, organized recreational activities, such as golf, are known to reduce stress and enhance relaxation, both important to addiction recovery.

Physical activity in rehab can help the brain as its chemistry rebalances and neurotransmitter production is normalized. This can have a protective effect against relapse, acting as a natural mood stabilizer. During rehab, clients can be still unstable as brain chemistry is rebounding to normal levels, so adding in recreational activities can help the process along.

How Addiction Rehab with Sober Golf Benefits the Newly Sober

Going to rehab can be depressing and may create a lot of stress for the client. Knowing that they will have to be away from work and their family for an extended period of time causes anxiety, as does the unknown of the rehab experience itself. Anticipating a lengthy period away from what is familiar to them, as well as preparing to give up their substance of choice, is indeed stressful.

By offering regular access to golf, the rehab entices the client into a more positive frame of mind that can enhance the effectiveness of the treatment. Clients who are positive and forward-thinking tend to have better recovery outcomes. They don’t look at rehab in a negative light, but as a means to an end—a healthy, sober lifestyle. For many people, golf is a passion. These folks thrive on the golf course, enjoying the challenges that a course throws at them and enjoying the company of friends while trying to successfully navigate the course. Sober golf only amplifies that positive experience by removing the inebriation and replacing it with the clear-headed engagement in the activity itself.

What to Expect in Addiction Treatment

While golf can compliment a rehab program and add some fun to the program, the foundational function of the rehab is to teach people how to not reach for the substance they have programmed their brains to crave. This is the serious part of the recovery process, the re-training of the mind and resulting behavioral responses. This brain reprogramming will take time, effort, and lots of patience.

In addiction treatment, you can expect to live a very structured existence for the duration of the program. There is a reason for this, and that is to help stabilize the client in early recovery, offering predictability, normal healthy routines, and constant engagement during each day. Generally, a treatment program will offer several different but complementary treatment elements. These typically include:

  • Psychotherapy sessions
  • Group therapy sessions
  • Classes that teach about how addiction develops
  • Relapse prevention planning
  • Motivational or informative guest speakers
  • Medication management
  • Experiential therapies, including recreational activities, yoga, meditation, mindfulness training, art therapy, acupuncture, journaling, and massage therapy

Golf Drug Rehab Offers Addiction Rehab With Sober Golf

Golf Drug Rehab is an upscale drug and alcohol addiction treatment program serving Orange County, California. Situated in a beautiful and serene coastal setting, Golf Drug Rehab provides an exclusive treatment experience that includes access to three premium golf courses in the local vicinity. The perfect combination of supervised detox, highly effective therapies, sober golf and other spa-like amenities allows clients to heal and regain their sense of self-worth. For more information about the program, please contact Golf Drug Rehab today at (877) 958-5320

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Am I an Alcoholic

Am I An Alcoholic?

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Alcohol abuse, alcohol addiction, alcohol dependency—with so many terms referencing an alcohol use disorder it may make the actual definition of alcoholism seem murky and confusing.  In reality, alcoholism is a complex substance use disorder with various features that help define the severity of the problem, or whether the alcohol use, although excessive, even reaches the clinical definition of the disease.

According to the definition of alcoholism by the Merriam-Webster dictionary, alcoholism is:

  1. Continued excessive or compulsive use of alcoholic drinks
  2. a.  Chronic, progressive, potentially fatal disorder marked by excessive and usually compulsive drinking leading to psychological and physical dependence or addiction
  3.  Acute alcohol poisoning resulting from the usually rapid consumption of excessive alcoholic beverages

Well, this serves as a starting point in understanding the nuances of alcoholism, but still allows for different interpretations of what exactly constitutes alcoholism.  If you are asking yourself “Am I an alcoholic” or “Do I need addiction treatment” then this blog may offer some helpful information.

What Exactly is Alcoholism?

It is difficult to know whether someone is an alcoholic or just

a problem drinker.  Some people can abuse alcohol for years without developing alcohol dependence. Others may be high-functioning alcoholics, able to be successful at a career and fulfilling family obligations even though they consume high amounts of alcohol.  Eventually, however, abusing alcohol for an extended time period will take a toll one way or another. Health will be impacted, cognitive decline occurs, or there might be a DUI arrest that creates legal headaches—even if the individual never became alcoholic in the classical sense.

Risk Factors For Alcoholism

So why is it that some heavy drinkers become alcoholics and others do not?  There are some risk factors for alcoholism that can predispose an individual to become an alcoholic.  The genetic component is one such factor. If someone has a strong family history of alcoholism there is a much higher probability that they could also become an alcoholic.  A co-occurring mental health disorder, such as depression, bipolar disorder, or generalized anxiety can also result in alcohol dependence, as the individual seeks to numb emotional pain or symptoms of anxiety.

A series of difficult life events, such as losing a loved one, divorce, losing a job, or experiencing or witnessing trauma can all contribute to depending on alcohol to soothe the emotional symptoms that are experienced as a result of the negative events.  

So, Am I an Alcoholic?

There are behavioral symptoms that an addiction is forming that can serve as warning signs.  These might include:

  • Obsessing over when you can drink next or how to obtain the alcohol
  • Trying to quit drinking and cannot
  • Withdrawing from friends and family
  • Loss of interest in the activities once enjoyed
  • Drinking more and more alcohol as tolerance increases
  • Mood swings
  • Losing interest in maintaining personal appearance and hygiene
  • Irritability
  • Concentration problems
  • Sleep disturbances
  • Alcohol cravings
  • When an attempt to quit drinking withdrawal symptoms emerge

10 Signs that Help Answer the Question, “Am I an Alcoholic?”

There are some universal signs that someone has crossed into alcoholism.  The National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence (NCADD) has an online questionnaire that can help you determine if you have a problem with alcohol.  Among the points the NCADD includes are:

  1. You avoid friends and family while drinking
  2. You consume higher quantities of alcohol as time goes on
  3. You drink in response to stress, sadness, anger, or disappointment
  4. You have hand tremors in the morning
  5. You cannot remember things you said or did the night before
  6. You are experiencing financial, legal, career, or family problems due to drinking
  7. Your doctor advised you to cut down on alcohol
  8. You lie about how much alcohol you drink
  9. You are preoccupied during the day with drinking or crave alcohol
  10. You get drunk several days in a row

Treatment for Alcoholism

Getting treatment for an alcohol use disorder is life changing.  After completing detox, you will enter into an extended period of active treatment during which you will immerse yourself in a variety of therapeutic activities that all work together to help you overcome the alcoholism.  This will include individual talk therapy with a clinical psychotherapist who will guide you in examining any past traumas or emotional pain that might be driving the need to drink. Group therapy sessions allow a peer support system to develop where clients can help each other and share experiences.  Medications, such as naltrexone, can be used for the early phase of recovery to help reduce alcohol cravings. Recreational therapies, such as yoga, hiking, exercise sessions, golf, tennis, or surfing can take some pressure off and infuse some social activities during treatment.

Golf Drug Rehab Provides Superior Alcohol Use Disorder Treatment in Southern California

Golf Drug Rehab is a luxury drug and alcohol addiction treatment program in California.  The expert and compassionate clinical staff at Golf Drug Rehab is highly trained in detox and addiction treatment for individuals in need of help for an alcohol use disorder.  Offering the very latest treatment modalities and three amazing golf courses to help clients enjoy some recreational therapy, Golf Drug Rehab provides the perfect blend of therapy and golf.  If you are wondering “Am I an alcoholic?” or have questions about our program, call Golf Drug Rehab today at (877) 958-5320.

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