Mild Alcohol Withdrawal

Severe vs. Mild Alcohol Withdrawal Symptoms

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It is widely understood that people with an alcohol dependency who want to enter recovery should undergo a supervised detox. There is good reason for this guidance, as alcohol detox and withdrawal can produce highly unpredictable, even dangerous, symptoms. A detox is monitored by trained detox specialists who are prepared to intervene should such symptoms arise and cause an emergency. At the very least, a detox program is able to help reduce unpleasant symptoms and safely guide the individual to the other side and into treatment.

Not all withdrawal symptoms, however, are so severe. The severity of the withdrawal symptoms is correlated to the acuity of the alcohol dependency. Someone with a fairly recent alcohol use disorder or who hasn’t consistently consumed large amounts of alcohol will likely experience mild alcohol withdrawal symptoms. A detox is still the best route to starting the recovery journey, but expectations of horrendous withdrawals would be overblown in the case of a mild alcohol use disorder.

symptoms of mild alcohol withdrawal

What Causes Alcohol Withdrawal Symptoms?

Withdrawing from alcohol can result in physical discomfort and pain, as the body tries to adjust to the cessation of alcohol consumption. This is caused by the impact of consistent alcohol consumption on the central nervous system and how that impacts neuropathways. When the alcohol intake suddenly stops, the decreased responsiveness of GABA receptors in the brain will incite symptoms of alcohol withdrawal.

Only so much alcohol can be metabolized by the body, and broken down by enzymes in the liver. The brain or other bodily tissues will absorb any excess alcohol. Over time, the increasing levels of toxins stored in the brain, as a result of excessive alcohol consumption, can cause the brain to suppress certain neurotransmitters, so when alcohol intake ceases, the hyperexcitability of these brain chemicals results.

Factors that Influence the Severity of Alcohol Withdrawals

Certain factors dictate the level of the withdrawal symptoms, which can range from mild alcohol withdrawal symptoms to severe. These factors include:

  • How long the individual has had the alcohol use disorder
  • The level of alcohol consumed
  • History of alcohol withdrawal syndrome
  • Age of individual
  • General health status of individual

Co-occurring mental health disorders can also exacerbate some of the psychological symptoms experienced during withdrawal, such as anxiety and depression.

What is Alcohol Withdrawal Syndrome (AWS)?

The above factors are taken into consideration during the intake process to help gauge the level of alcohol withdrawal syndrome (AWS) that might occur. Acute AWS features severe withdrawal symptoms when alcohol use is abruptly stopped. Approximately 10% of individuals withdrawing from alcohol will experience alcohol withdrawal syndrome featuring acute symptoms. These acute withdrawal symptoms emerge approximately 2 to 4 days into the detox process and might include:

  • High blood pressure
  • Increased heart rate
  • Hallucinations
  • High fever
  • Excessive sweating
  • Insomnia
  • Seizures
  • Delirium Tremens

What is Considered Mild Alcohol Withdrawal Symptoms?

Not everyone who stops drinking will experience acute withdrawal symptoms. Some individuals might only experience sweating, hand tremors, nausea, sleep disturbance, and anxiety. Someone with a mild or recent alcohol use disorder should not avoid detox for fear of withdrawal symptoms, as these mild alcohol withdrawal symptoms are easily managed by the detox team. A sedative, such as Ativan, can help with both insomnia and anxiety, and simple over-the-counter interventions can help with fever, stomach distress, or headache.

Withdrawal symptoms begin to emerge about six hours after the last alcoholic drink. Symptoms peak on days 2 and 3 and then begin to subside. In most instances, alcohol detox and withdrawal are completed in less than one week, again, depending on the factors that determine the severity of the detox process.

Treatment for Alcohol Use Disorder

When deciding to enter treatment for an alcohol use disorder, it is common to feel apprehensive about the detox process. Unfortunately, too many people who are in need of treatment shy away from it due to the fear of experiencing withdrawal symptoms. It is important to overcome this concern, knowing that a quality detox program will have in place all necessary interventions to make the detox as comfortable as possible. In addition to providing physical comfort and relief from symptoms, the detox professionals also provide psychological support to help each client successfully complete the detox stage of recovery.

After detox is behind them, the client will then begin the actual addiction treatment program. Alcohol use disorders are best treated using a variety of interventions that work in tandem together. These treatment elements often include:

  • Psychotherapy. Cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavior therapy, and contingency management are evidence-based therapies that have demonstrated success in treating addiction
  • Group therapy. Participating in small group counseling sessions can be a source of peer support and encouragement, as fellow clients in recovery share their own experiences and struggles
  • Medication-assisted treatment. Naltrexone has been shown to help someone in the early months of alcohol addiction recovery by reducing alcohol cravings
  • Addiction education and relapse prevention planning. Gaining an understanding of how alcohol impacts the brain and leads to chemical dependency is essential in helping to deter relapse. Making a thorough relapse prevention plan is critical in identifying potential triggers and making a plan to manage them
  • 12-step or other recovery meetings. Social support is an intrinsic component in recovery, so active participation in a recovery community is a useful element in the treatment
  • Other therapies that complement psychotherapy. These might include experiential activities such as yoga classes, meditation, journaling, art therapy, massage therapy, and acupuncture.

Golf Drug Rehab Will Guide You Through Alcohol Detox and Withdrawal

Golf Drug Rehab is an elite alcohol and drug rehabilitation program in Southern California. Situated in a spectacular coastal community, this luxury rehab offers the highest caliber detox team and treatment specialists for individuals with an alcohol use disorder. The rehab program begins with detox and is followed by multi-layered therapeutic interventions featuring the most up-to-date addiction treatment methods. As part of the rehab programming, our clients will enjoy some recreational therapy with access to three outstanding local golf courses. For more information about this premier treatment program, please contact Golf Drug Rehab today at (877) 958-5320

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luxury drug rehab facilities

Luxury Substance Abuse Treatment Facilities

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Addiction knows no boundaries, afflicting the wealthy just as profoundly as the poor.  At any recovery group meeting there you will witness the wide swath of humanity that addiction has impacted.  No matter one’s financial resources, the bottom line of addiction is that it does not discriminate.

For someone at the high end of the wealth spectrum, it is unsettling to consider removing themself from the comforts of their world to enter an addiction treatment program.  They may conjure up images of sterile institutional facilities packed with clients where they will be uncomfortable for the duration. On the contrary, those who are blessed with high incomes have the option of residing in luxury while undergoing addiction treatment.  Luxury substance abuse treatment facilities will provide the same comforts and upscale accommodations that the wealthy are accustomed to in their daily life.

Realizing You Need Addiction Treatment

It doesn’t matter whether one’s substance abuse ratcheted up quickly or had a long history the bottom line is that eventually addiction sets in.  Some people manage to be high-functioning in their addiction, surprising even themselves as they manage to carry on conducting business as usual. Others may witness their lives implode with one dire consequence piling onto the other like the proverbial snowball rolling downhill.

There are certain signs that drug or alcohol abuse is becoming problematic.  Addiction follows a very predictable path, so these are common red flags. Some of the warning signs that addiction has developed include:

  • Continuing to use the substance despite the detrimental effects on relationships, health, career, or other areas of life
  • Frequent cravings for the substance
  • Using more of the substance or using it for a longer period than originally intended
  • The decline in work or academic performance
  • Neglecting family responsibilities or work obligations
  • Engaging in high-risk behaviors, such as driving under the influence, using the substance at work or while with children, or practicing unsafe sex
  • Unable to quit using substances even when trying to do so
  • Spending increasing amounts of time obtaining the substance, using the substance, and recovering from the effects of the substance
  • Developing tolerance to the drug, requiring higher and more frequent doses or quantities to experience same effect
  • Experiencing withdrawal symptoms when a substance is withheld

What Are Luxury Substance Abuse Treatment Facilities?

Within the addiction treatment industry exists a wide variety of rehab options, from bare-bones basic to premium luxury programs.  For a person of means, the luxury rehab will offer many posh features that can enhance the treatment experience. Especially for the individual in need of a lengthy stay, such as a 3-6 month rehab period, an upscale rehab can make the extended stay comfortable.

These high-end rehabs are almost always situated in a secluded, geographically beautiful location.  These types of settings provide enhanced privacy as well as a more tranquil experience. In many ways, the luxury addiction rehab is similar to a spa retreat, offering many of the same amenities but with the addition of core therapeutic treatment elements.

Treatment at Luxury Substance Abuse Treatment Facilities

A big price tag, however, is no guarantee that the program is effective.  There are certain features of a high quality treatment program that should be sought while seeking out a luxury rehab.  Without these core therapeutic features it may not provide the recovery result desired:

  • Detox.  A monitored detox will provide the necessary oversight of the withdrawal symptoms that occur during detoxification.  Having personnel available to manage the symptoms and offer emotional support can help avoid emergencies as well as help ensure the individual progresses to active treatment.
  • Evidence-based therapy.  These are the psychotherapy modalities that have been clinically studied with scientifically quantified results.  Some of these therapies include cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), contingency management, and motivational enhancement therapy (MET).  Therapy will be provided in both individual and group formats.
  • Managing co-occurring disorders.  Many who have a substance use disorder also have a coexisting mental health disorder, such as anxiety or depression.  The rehab should be equipped to manage both disorders simultaneously.

Luxury Amenities and Services Offered at High-End Rehab

What sets a luxury rehab apart is the robust menu of services and amenities offered.  In addition to upscale private rooms, these rehabs may also provide:

  • Massage therapy
  • Yoga classes
  • Art therapy
  • Mindfulness training
  • Acupuncture
  • Nutritionist in house
  • Meditation
  • Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR)
  • Recreational activities such as tennis, golf, surfing, hiking, etc.

Golf Drug Rehab Offers Luxury Substance Abuse Treatment Facilities

Golf Drug Rehab is situated in the tranquil surroundings of Dana Point, California, offering spectacular beach living while in rehab.  With expert treatment specialists using evidence-based therapies and a wide array of activity based therapies—including the use of three upscale golf courses—Golf Drug Rehab will provide the posh environment and creature comforts the client is accustomed to.  Why not blend life-changing therapy with luxury appointments? Call Golf Drug Rehab today at (877) 958-5320.

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Naltrexone Implant

Naltrexone for Alcohol Detox and Withdrawal

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For some in recovery for alcoholism the effort to stay sober is akin to swimming upstream, using every fiber of your being to work against the strong current that threatens to pull you right back downstream into drinking.  Someone with a long history of heavy alcohol consumption, who has become chemically dependent on it, may struggle, and fail over and over again to remain abstinent.

The drug, naltrexone, under the brand names Revia or Vivitrol, is the most promising development in alcohol addiction treatment in recent years.  Although first developed in the 1960s, naltrexone was eventually FDA cleared to treat alcoholism in 1995.  Clinical trials demonstrated that this drug was well-tolerated with few, if any, adverse side effects, and has been successful in helping motivated individuals remain sober.

Naltrexone Alcohol Detox Uses

Naltrexone is a non-narcotic medication that can be used in conjunction with therapy and other sources of support to achieve a life of sobriety.  Clients who have repeatedly relapsed and who have a moderate to severe alcohol dependency are the ideal candidates for naltrexone therapy.  Clinical studies have repeatedly shown that naltrexone can be highly effective in recovery from alcoholism.  Raymond F. Anton, M.D., in a published article entitled Naltrexone for the Management of Alcohol Dependence in the July 2008 edition of the New England Journal of Medicine states, “Typically, the studies have shown that oral naltrexone was superior to placebo in preventing relapse to heavy drinking after an initial abstinence period and in increasing the percentage of abstinence days.” Naltrexone works by attaching to the opiate receptors in the brain, blocking them from receiving any effect from alcohol.  With the opiate receptors blocked, the client experiences fewer cravings for alcohol, making it easier to avoid relapse in recovery.

How Does Naltrexone Work for Alcohol Addiction Recovery

No one but an alcohol dependent person can even attempt to explain the persistent drive to consume alcohol that plagues them on a daily basis.  Once the brain has been remapped to accommodate the constant infusion of alcohol into the system, it etches a reward pathway that is very difficult to overcome.  Even when alcohol becomes merely a medicinal substance that prevents them from experiencing the highly uncomfortable withdrawals that will ensue, they still desire it.

Naltrexone helps to break that connection between the substance (alcohol) and the desire to imbibe.  Overcoming this compulsion to drink can be accomplished over a period of months of naltrexone use, as the brain’s opioid receptors are blocked resulting in decreased cravings.  If the individual does drink while on naltrexone, they will not experience the high they remember, leading to a reduced desire to drink at all.

Alcoholism Treatment and Aftercare

Professional treatment for alcohol dependence should be a multi-disciplinary program that integrates therapy, 12-step participation, and naltrexone for qualified candidates.  This three-part approach to treating alcoholism, combined with a highly motivated individual, can be very effective in breaking free from the addiction.  Here is how the treatment elements work together:

  • This mainstay component of addiction treatment functions in several ways.  As the term indicates, psychotherapy is the interaction between a therapist or counselor and the client that addresses psychological concerns that may be related to the addictive behaviors.  Resolving these issues, including life traumas, a mental health condition, a suppressed emotional pain revolving around a relationship, death of a loved one, loss of a job, divorce, or any such difficulty, is imperative during addiction treatment.  The psychological damage that these events may have caused can be contributing to the compulsive alcohol abuse.

Psychotherapy can take many forms, including private meetings with the therapist and group therapy.  An evidence-based therapy that has been proven to be effective in addiction treatment is cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT).  CBT addresses the knee-jerk behavioral response the client may experience to a stressful event or trigger that resulted in drinking and helps them to find new healthy solutions and responses.  New coping skills are taught in therapy, as well as stress reducing techniques.

  • Non 12 or 12-step support groups. Peer recovery groups have been shown to be an important resource for clients, especially in the first year or two of recovery.  The meetings provide a safe and supportive venue for sharing, learning, and gaining resolve when it is fading.  A sponsor can help the client by providing a backstop resource at times of weakness.  Both the sponsor and the peer group provide a sense of accountability, where the client feels beholden to practice (work) the steps and become stronger over time.
  • Naltrexone therapy. Cravings are reduced or eliminated, and if the client slips up they will not experience the pleasurable high they had anticipated.  Over time, the client will lose the desire to drink.
  • Treatment does not end when the discharge papers are handed to the client.  Recovery from alcohol addiction is an ongoing process, therefore aftercare planning is important to the overall outcome.  Aftercare measures can include living in sober housing for several months while the newfound sober lifestyle takes root, continuing to participate in 12-step recovery meetings, and attending weekly therapy sessions.

Golf Drug Rehab Utilizes Naltrexone Implant Alcohol Method

Golf Drug Rehab is a luxury alcohol and drug addiction treatment rehab situated in the seaside community of Dana Point, California.  Golf drug Rehab utilizes the naltrexone pellet as part of its alcohol treatment program, combining it with detox, addiction therapy, and recovery group meetings.  Golf Drug Rehab features recreational therapy in the form of three stellar local golf courses for our clients to enjoy.  For more information, please contact Golf Drug Rehab at (877) 958-5320

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orange county detox

Drug and Alcohol Detox Orange County California

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You hear about hitting bottom.  In fact, you might even believe that your bottom is now, that this is the time to get some help.  Maybe your job is in jeopardy or your marriage.  Maybe your finances have taken a beating due to drug use.  Or maybe you recognize signs of deteriorating health.  Each person who reaches the point when they can no longer deny the addiction problem arrives at it in his or her own way and on their own unique timetable.

Reaching out for help is a difficult step for many to take.  How much easier it is to continue to deny that you have a problem with a substance, anything but having to face down the detox and withdrawal process, right?  But the reality is that detox is nothing compared to the extensive damage to your career, family, and even your life if you take no action.  Detox, and then subsequent treatment, is a small sacrifice to make for the greater good of your life, and those in your sphere.

Understanding what detox is can help allay many of the misconceptions and fears regarding the process of detoxification.  At a drug and alcohol detox in Orange County, California, you will be aided every step of the way, from beginning to end.  Trained detox nurses and addiction specialists team up to monitor the withdrawal symptoms, ushering you safely to the other side.

Signs of Drug or Alcohol Addiction

Many people rely on the assistance of pills or alcohol to buffer the effects of stress or emotional distress in their life.  Americans routinely access medication for reducing anxiety or assisting with sleep disorders.  Alcohol is commonly used to promote relaxation and provide an escape, at least temporarily, from feelings of depression, PTSD, or any other mental health issues.  Adults can safely use these substances for helping them cope with the small bumps in the road of life.  Substances used judiciously for a limited period of time don’t typically become problematic.  But when the substance becomes central in someone’s life, using excessive quantities for prolonged periods, that trouble with addiction can ensue.

Here are some common signs of addiction that should not be ignored:

  • Obsessing over obtaining the substance, having enough on hand
  • Neglecting obligations, such as family or work responsibilities
  • The decline in work or academic performance
  • Losing interest in activities once enjoyed
  • Changes in eating and sleeping habits
  • Secretive behavior, hiding the substance and the substance abuse from loved ones
  • Change of appearance, losing interest in grooming and hygiene
  • Loss of control, using increasingly higher quantities of the substance as tolerance builds
  • Mood swings
  • Problems in relationships, such as becoming distant, uncommunicative, argumentative, angry and irritable, and neglecting the partner
  • Experiencing withdrawal symptoms when trying to cut back or stop
  • Continuing to use substances despite the increasingly negative consequences

Addiction is a highly prevalent behavioral health disorder that impacted over 21 million Americans in 2014, according to statistics provided by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Alliance.  Of the 21.5 million, which represents about 8% of the US population aged 12 and older, who are impacted by a substance use disorder, 17 million have an alcohol use disorder.

What to Expect in a Drug or Alcohol Detox Orange County California?

Once the initial assessment process is completed, during which the severity of the substance use disorder is determined, the individual begins the detox phase of addiction recovery.  Detox is the first, not the last, step in recovery.  Detoxification is the process by which the body expels the toxins and chemicals that have built up in body tissues over time.  Detox and withdrawal is necessary in order for the individual to be fully present and focused for the active treatment phase that follows.

During the days that the body is ridding itself of the substance, the individual will experience physical and psychological discomforts.  In fact, anticipating these discomforts creates a significant barrier to entering treatment in the first place.  But detox should be kept in perspective.  It is unpleasant, there is no arguing that.  However, those few short days of experiencing the effects of withdrawal are the gateway to a whole new life in recovery, and well worth the suffering.

During the detox, there will be trained professionals monitoring your progress and symptoms for up to a week.  This provides the necessary oversight in the event withdrawal symptoms escalates into an emergency.  The role of the detox team is to alleviate the withdrawal symptoms as much as possible using medications and to also offer emotional support through the process.

Why is a Detox Better than Detoxing On Your Own?

The detox and withdrawal process can present some health risks, depending on the substance of abuse.  An alcohol detox in Orange County, California is especially important, as unforeseen complications can emerge, such as seizures or delirium tremens (DTS), a potentially life-threatening condition.  Other substances, such as Xanax, Ativan, Klonopin, and Valium, of the benzodiazepine family of sedatives, can also present serious health concerns during detox and should only be detoxed under supervision.

Aside from the physical health risks that can emerge in detox, psychological withdrawal symptoms can be so severe that the individual simply gives up altogether, returning to drug or alcohol use.  These psychological symptoms can include:

  • Depression
  • Anxiety
  • Insomnia
  • Severe mood swings
  • Hallucinations
  • Delusions
  • Psychosis
  • Powerful cravings

Psychiatric professionals can provide medication and counseling to assist with these symptoms.

Medication-assisted Treatment (MAT) is the use of certain drugs to help block the effects of the substance and reduce cravings and relapse.  These drugs can be useful in the early phase of recovery for certain individuals and may be initiated toward the end of the detox phase after the substance is out of the system.  These drugs include buprenorphine, naltrexone, or methadone, and may be prescribed for up to a year.

Golf Drug Rehab Provides Drug and Alcohol Detox Orange County California

Golf Drug Rehab is a luxury addiction treatment program located in the beach community of California.  With a top-notch clinical team of therapists and addiction specialists, Golf Drug Rehab specializes in executive detox and addiction treatment.  The busy professional benefits from this program where detox and treatment accommodate the executive who needs to address their substance use disorder while in the most upscale, comfortable surroundings available.  With three beautiful golf courses available to clients, rehab can include both treatment and recreational enjoyment.  For more information about our short-term executive treatment program, please call Golf Drug Rehab today at (877) 958-5320

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Treatment for Alcoholism

Most Effective Treatment for Alcoholism

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Alcoholism continues to be the dominant reason for rehab admissions in America.  While there has been a lot of attention focused in recent years on the opioid crisis, alcohol addiction represents 80% of the individuals suffering from a substance use disorder, according to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Alliance.  Because of the strong genetic component to the disease, with over half of U.S. adults having a family history of alcohol use disorders, alcoholism rates just keep moving up.

Continued alcohol abuse can contribute to multiple health conditions, cognitive impairment, relationship problems, and employment difficulties.  These serious consequences can include dementia, heart disease, serious mood disorders, increased cancer risk, liver disease, gastrointestinal problems, social problems like divorce, violence, loss of job, and crime.  When the problem of drinking escalates and, over time, becomes alcohol dependence, the disorder becomes life threatening.

Treatment for alcoholism continues to be tweaked and refined, as new medications are trialed and new psychotherapy methods tested.  The most effective treatment for alcoholism involves a mix of approaches that are tailored for the unique needs of the individual and features of their alcohol addiction.  By personalizing treatment to align with the specific needs of the individual, alcoholism treatment will become increasingly effective.

Signs of an Alcohol Use Disorder

Even though alcohol is such an intrinsic part of our culture, it has the potential to become a threat to wellbeing of some.  Some individuals have a high tolerance level for alcohol and can consume large quantities before feeling its effects. These individuals may be predisposed to alcoholism, as regular high consumption of alcohol can lead to addiction.

In many people, alcohol addiction sneaks up stealthily.  For the longest time drinking may have been manageable, then suddenly it isn’t.  Often, people just deny they have a problem, even if others can clearly detect their friend or loved one spiraling into addiction.

There are some general signs that drinking habits have evolved into an alcohol use disorder:

  • Drinking alone or in secrecy
  • Drinking much more than you originally intended
  • Mood swings
  • Losing interest in activities once considered enjoyable
  • Creating reasons to drink, such as to provide relief for a stressful day or to aid symptoms of depression or anxiety
  • Continue to drink even though it is causing negative consequences in life
  • Experiencing blackouts
  • Irritability
  • Feeling hungover when you don’t drink
  • Neglecting responsibilities and choosing to drink more
  • Isolating from family and friends
  • Engaging in high risk behaviors
  • The trouble with the law, such as a DUI
  • Cravings for alcohol

Considerations for Alcohol Addiction Treatment

When it is time to seek treatment for an alcohol problem there are several important things to consider.  With so many rehab options it is easy to feel overwhelmed by all the choices available.

Detox.  Alcohol detox can be tricky, as withdrawal symptoms are often unpredictable.  Because of the risk of a serious event during alcohol detox, it is always advisable to undertake the process in a monitored detox program.  The trained detox team will be vigilant in monitoring vital signs as a proactive measure as withdrawal symptoms emerge. Medications will help manage the uncomfortable symptoms and help the individual safely complete the process.

Treatment.  There are two basic rehab formats available, inpatient and outpatient programs.  From there, options to consider are couples programs, pet-friendly rehabs, luxury rehabs, faith-based rehabs, and more.

Inpatient rehab

An inpatient program, where one will reside, is always recommended for those with a long history of heavy alcohol use, and the program may need to be 3-6 months in duration for the best recovery outcomes. This is because it takes that long for the brain to heal, for the brain chemistry to normalize, and for other lingering withdrawal symptoms to fade.  Leaving rehab too soon can result in a higher risk of relapse.

Outpatient rehab

An outpatient program is less structured and allows for the individual to reside at home during the treatment period, outside of therapy hours.  Outpatient programs are best suited for mild or recent alcohol use disorders. Therapy requirements vary based on the individual’s particular treatment needs.

The Most Effective Treatment for Alcoholism

Although each person’s treatment needs will vary, there are certain evidence-based approaches that have been clinically proven to help with alcohol use disorders.  These include:

  • Cognitive behavioral therapy
  • Contingency management
  • Motivational enhancement therapy
  • Dialectical behavior therapy

What these all have in common is that they are about changing behaviors.  Clients learn new ways to frame their thoughts and responses in a more productive manner, and this can be achieved through the various means available in the different modalities.

Using naltrexone for 6-12 months following detox can help reduce alcohol cravings and in turn lead to fewer relapse events.

Therapeutic activities that promote relaxation are important in fortifying recovery.  These healthy habits and holistic activities can enhance the effects of talk therapy. These might include daily exercise, yoga, meditation, mindfulness exercises, journaling, and deep breathing techniques.

The Importance of a Support System

Another important component of effective treatment for alcoholism is social support.  Engaging immediate family members and close friends in the commitment to living a sober lifestyle can be powerful.  These individuals care and want you to succeed in recovery. In addition, regular weekly group therapy sessions are another effective source of peer support, where a therapist can lead the group in various topics of discussion, and ideas and experiences can be exchanged.  Some people enjoy 12-step or some alternative recovery group meetings for fellowship and being held accountable to others. All these sources of support can help the individual shore up their recovery.

Golf Drug Rehab Provides the Most Effective Treatment for Alcoholism

Golf Drug Rehab is a leading alcohol treatment program that offers an upscale recovery environment.  Situated in the tranquil community of Dana Point, California, Golf Drug Rehab combines expert addiction treatment with high-end amenities, including access to three superb golf courses for recreational therapy.

Golf Drug Rehab offers the most effective treatment for alcoholism available.  Detox, evidence-based behavioral therapies, naltrexone pellet therapy, a two-week rehab program up to several months in length, and a large selection of luxurious amenities make Golf Drug Rehab a first-class addiction program.  For more details about the program, please contact Golf Drug Rehab today at (877) 958-5320.

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Rehab for Professionals

Alcohol Rehab for Professionals and Executives

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

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

Why Does Alcoholism Only Impact Certain Professionals?

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

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

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

What is Alcohol Rehab for Professionals Like?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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alcohol treatment programs

Executive Golf Two Week Alcohol Treatment Programs

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

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

About Alcohol Use Disorder

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

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

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

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

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

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

Golf Drug Rehab Offers Executive Golf Two Week Alcohol Treatment Programs

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

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

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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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workaholic and alcoholic

The Connection Between the Workaholic and Alcoholic

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Are Workaholics Alcoholic?

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

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

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

Shared Traits of the Workaholic and Alcoholic

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

Signs of a workaholic might include:

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

Signs of an alcoholic might include:

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

How Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Helps Workaholics and Alcoholics

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

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

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

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

Getting Help For Alcoholism

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

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

Withdrawal symptoms for a workaholic and alcoholic might include:

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

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

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

Golf Drug Rehab Luxury Alcohol Recovery Center in Orange County

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

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high stress jobs

High Stress Jobs and Addiction

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Work Stress Could Lead to Addiction

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

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

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

What Are the High Stress Jobs?

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

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

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

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

Signs That Your Job is Leading You Into Addiction

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

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

Signs of drug or alcohol addiction include:

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

Treatment for Drug or Alcohol Addiction

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

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

Golf Drug Rehab Luxury Addiction Recovery in Orange County

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

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