Should You Tell Your Parents About Your Addiction?
Addiction is increasingly common among teenagers and young adults, who often feel like they have no one to turn to for help. Unfortunately, almost anyone caught in the grip of addiction will come to a point where they’ll have to conceded to some higher level of authority -whether it be medical, spiritual, or familial -in order to reclaim control over their lives.
Those facing an addiction may be hesitant to discuss it with their parents, for fear of lectures, consequences, or punishment. Some might believe that their addiction is no one else’s business. While it might seem cliché, Treatment Alternatives Boca Raton drug rehab agrees it is true that the first step to treating the problem is first admitting there is a problem.
Talking to your parents about such a serious issue can seem like a loaded conversation, but your parents are the most likely to help you when you need them.
Why should you tell your parents about your addiction?
Support: First, being open about your struggle opens the doorway for others to help you. When it comes to an addiction, it is seemingly impossible to beat it entirely on your own. Knowing you are not alone in your addiction can make all the difference in your path to recovery. Asking your parents for help invites them to comfort you, and find you the proper resources you need to get sober.
Accountability: Allowing your parents in on your recovery plan can help them to hold you accountable for your actions. Knowing that your loved ones are involved, concerned, and care about your recovery can help you keep fighting each day to reclaim your life. They can help you set your goals, and together you can help to work toward a new positive and sober life.
How Should You Tell Your Parents?
Our treatment professionals recommend clear and concise language. Ask to speak to your family in a private setting, and open with a request; you need help, patience, and compassion, and judgements and lectures will not be helpful. Be open with the facts of the situation. Make it clear to them that you are struggling with an addiction, you are reaching out for help, and would like to join a drug treatment program.
Keeping this in mind, the addiction treatment professionals at Treatment Alternatives Boca Raton Drug rehab can help you learn how to effectively communicate with your loved ones about your addiction. Contact us today for help.
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Treatment Center Must Haves
Commonly Abused Drugs in Florida
Top Things You Neglect Until You Choose Recovery
History of Methamphetamine Addiction
Are ADHD Children at Higher Risk for Addiction?
Is Your Teen at High Risk to Become a Drug Addict?
Why You Should Choose Outpatient Treatment
Everything You Need to Know about Marijuana Rehab
How to Tell If a Loved One Needs Help from a Boca Raton Drug Rehab
Open Communication Tips for Drug Treatment
For someone dealing with an addiction to drugs or alcohol, being able to communicate with friends, family, and counselors is an important part of recovery. In fact, talking through some of the things that may be affecting a person is a good way to prevent substance abuse before it gets to the point of addiction. No one uses with the intention of being strung out and alienated from everything and everyone they love. People often resort to drug and alcohol usage to escape the troubles that come up in their lives. Drugs provide them with what they believe to be is a way out. Unfortunately, the behavior that they exhibit and the resulting consequences of those actions is what leads them to the doors of the Treatment Alternatives Boca Raton rehab center.
Why is Communication So Effective in Drug Treatment?
Think about this for a moment: Have you ever had a bad day and just needed to vent to someone? Did it help? Although substance abuse is a bit more complicated than that, it’s important to understand that drug addicts have had many bad days and their outlet is the very thing that’s fueling their problem. At the Treatment Alternatives Boca Raton rehab center, we believe in open communication throughout drug treatment. As an institution that doesn’t discriminate against or condemn its residents for their mistakes, we pride ourselves on the trust that our patients have built with the staff.
For someone living with the burden of bottled up emotions and regrets, being able to express their daily struggles is a relief. Sober living is a goal that is difficult to obtain for someone battling serious addiction. It requires a willingness and desire to be free of any form of substance abuse and an ability to persevere through the stress of withdraw. Open communication allows the addict to remain mentally focused and much more receptive to treatment. We encourage communication with counselors and family members throughout the process.
What Open Communication Methods Can Be Used Before Drug Treatment?
Developing communication doesn’t necessarily have to begin at the Treatment Alternatives drug rehab center. Friends and loved ones of an addict can start at home with the following open communication tips for drug treatment:
- Begin a dialogue by sharing stories of regrets that they themselves have made and how it not only affects them personally, but people around them as well.
- Approach them from a place of love, forgiveness and acceptance. Addicts, especially those who have committed crimes, are judged enough. They don’t need anyone to contribute to the disdain and malice they are shown from everyone else.
- Address the elephant in the room. As much as it is important to not throw their addiction in their face with a judgmental disposition, it’s especially important to not patronize them and skate around the fact that they are using drugs.
- Talk to them with the intent to do just that. Don’t attempt to force them into a Boca Raton rehab center right away. While it’s obviously important that they seek help with their substance abuse, they may not be in a state of mind where rehab will be successful.
Everything You Need to Know about Marijuana Rehab
Did you know that marijuana causes a psychological addiction in about 11% of users?
Despite the common notion that marijuana is a “safe” drug and not easy to get addicted to, plenty of users end up needing the help of a Boca Raton drug rehab. In fact, marijuana addiction causes a number of problems, some of which include relationship, health, financial, work, legal, and family issues.
If you find yourself craving weed on a regular basis, neglecting important areas of your life, and continuing to use despite the negative impact it has on your life, then you are a candidate for a Boca Raton drug rehab. In order to better understand what to expect throughout an addiction program, check out this guide from Treatment Alternatives of everything you need to know about marijuana rehab.
Initial Assessment
When you first check into a Boca Raton drug rehab, the first thing they do is an initial assessment; the main things they are looking for are the causes of addiction, the severity of the drug abuse, and any underlying emotional or mental illnesses. Based upon the findings, a custom treatment plan will be created for each person.
Medical Detox
The initial assessment will be able to determine if a medical detox is necessary or not; if it is, then addiction physicians will be able to help you navigate through the marijuana withdrawal symptoms such as agitation, anxiety, cravings, headaches, insomnia, mood changes, nausea, and sleeplessness. If an underlying emotional or mental illness is diagnosed, then medications such as antidepressants may be prescribed as part of the marijuana rehab treatment plan.
Psychological Treatment
When it comes to marijuana rehab, science has proven that behavioral therapies are the most effective treatment for an addiction. Treatment Alternatives has a long list of therapies designed to put you on the path to recovery; some of our treatment methods include individual and group counseling, as well as alternatives and holistic therapies. Your Boca Raton drug rehab will help you address unhealthy behaviors, and in turn teach you how to manifest positive coping skills.
Marijuana Education
For those checking into marijuana rehab, understanding the addiction is one of the most important components to a successful recovery. Educational sessions will help users understand how marijuana affects their central nervous system, their mental health, and their decision making; by providing education on the effects of abusing marijuana, your Boca Raton drug rehab will help you make more informed decisions in the future.
If you have any additional questions regarding marijuana rehab, don’t hesitate to call Treatment Alternatives today for more information.
How to Tell If a Loved One Needs Help?
Addiction is a disease that can strike someone you love without you ever being cognizant of it. Whether the cause is a genetic disposition, a negative life event, or any combination of the two, the onset of a drug habit may become present in your household without you knowing it. If you are concerned that a loved one in your family may be suffering from addiction, then you should review these following signs that your loved one needs help from a Boca Raton drug rehab.
Secretive behavior. It is common for an addict to go to great lengths to hide their addictive tendencies from the family. Sometimes this is because the person does not want to worry the family, or the person is fearful that a member may intervene. Often, an addict is in denial that he or she truly has an issue and needs
Tendencies to lie. Someone hooked on a substance is consumed with the desire to continue the drug habit he or she has sustained. Therefore, lying becomes an easy task. If your loved one is lying frequently, then this should be a red flag that something is wrong. Pay close attention to the kind of lies you are told. If you notice that the person feels the need to lie about small details that are inconsequential, then that should tell you that the person is willing to lie about more prominent issues as well.
Personality changes. If your family member is a reserved person, and suddenly he or she is acting boisterous and rather aggressive, then this is cause for suspicion. On the other hand, if the person is outgoing and has transitioned into an introvert, this too should strike you as odd. Often, a person takes up a drug habit that counteracts his or her predominant personality qualities as a means of balancing out an overpowering trait.
Stealing. A person with a serious drug habit will go to any lengths to get his or her fix. Therefore, the person’s morals go out the window in exchange for values of using an addictive substance. If you notice this starting to happen, then this is a clear sign that the help of a Boca Raton drug rehab is needed.
Appearance and lifestyle changes. The change in one’s appearance may include an involuntary alteration, such as fluctuations in weight. However, the person may engage in some intentional changes also, such as style of dress, demeanor, and general attitude. The person’s frame of mind is likely being tampered with by a substance, and in turn it may cause the person’s perspectives about life to shift with it.
Memory loss. If a group is reminiscing about a past event that your loved one is part of, and he/she is not participating in the conversation, pay close attention to this fact. Memory loss is a common phenomenon with drug users. The substance is affecting the inner workings of one’s mind, and you can notice it when one’s memory becomes foggy. If you notice that this starts to happen with your loved one, then Treatment Alternatives is here to help.Loss of interest in other activities. Drug use is a consuming activity, and it takes up a large portion of one’s time. If you notice that a loved one has lost interest in activities he or she used to love, then this may mean the person is spending time elsewhere, forming negative habits. If this is the case, then help them get the treatment
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How to Deny A Drink?
Former addicts understand that undergoing treatment for an alcohol addiction is a process that requires hard work and persistence. However, this is not to say the effort stops once the treatment is over. For former addicts, sobriety is a choice that must be consciously made every day. Those who are now living outside of a halfway house or treatment facility must understand that it is very possible and very likely to be put into a situation where they are offered a drink, and it’s important to know how to properly navigate these types of scenarios.
If you are newly sober and participating in social situations, it is likely this will happen more often than you imagined. People will probably offer you drinks at dinners, bars, parties, concerts, events, and even at brunch. They may be offering you a drink to treat you to something, or to get you invested into a conversation with them. While their intentions are probably friendly, you might instantly feel all kinds of pressure that can overwhelm you: the pressure to accept, the pressure of explaining your situation, the pressure of politely refusing the offer, the pressure of hurting the person’s feelings, and even the pressure of discomfort or embarrassment.
The unfortunate truth is that sometimes being open about not drinking can feel harder than not drinking in the first place. Some people are uncomfortable with talking about their former addiction, or don’t want it to hinder their social life. Not to worry – Treatment Alternatives, an inpatient rehab in Boca can share simple tips on how to deny a drink.
Understand your options. The very first tip we recommend is to recognize that you have various options in this situation. You don’t necessarily have to deny the drink, get upset, leave, or even get into a conversation about the fact that you don’t drink. You can simply accept the drink and just not drink it – it’s as easy as that. If, however, you don’t feel this would be the best option for you, Treatment Alternatives inpatient rehab in Boca suggests simple solutions like “re-gifting” the drink to a friend, or gracefully declining.
Keep It simple. A lot of times, people feel the need to justify why they are saying no to something, but consider this: we don’t typically question people on why they’re having their third drink of the night, so why do we harp on someone who won’t even have one? Always remember that you do not need to justify your denial at any time. A simple “no thank you” is just fine. If they persist, repeat yourself, or just say “I don’t drink.” – this should do the trick. If, however, you would like to provide an explanation, go for it.
Practice ahead of time. Getting the right response down ahead of time can make the situation much easier to control. To get yourself comfortable with handling the scenario of someone unexpectedly buying you a drink, try practicing simple excuses that require little to no explanation:
Say thank you and offer it to a friend
“No thank you, I’m the designated driver”
“Thank you, but I’m pacing myself”
“Thank you, but I’d rather not drink”
“No thank you, I’m not drinking this evening.”
“Thank you, but I’m not feeling well tonight.”
Don’t take other people’s reactions personally. After kindly denying a drink offer from someone, it’s important to know that they may have a reaction that isn’t exactly what you hoped for. The professionals at Treatment Alternatives inpatient rehab in Boca remind you not to take it personally. It is likely they are not familiar with your circumstances. Remind yourself why you’re staying strong in your sobriety, and brush it off.
Above all else, never put pressure on yourself to drink. The first few times you are offered a drink you may feel embarrassed and wind up accepting the drink to avoid an awkward situation or making someone feel bad. But remember, there is a fine line between being considerate of another person’s feelings and defending your own boundaries.
Following this guide on how to deny a drink from our inpatient rehab in Boca can ensure you navigat
Cocaine Withdrawal: What You Should Know
Friends, family, and spouses of addicts may be hesitant to urge their loved one to join a drug rehabilitation program for their cocaine addiction. It is natural to be concerned about the detox process, withdrawal symptoms, and the treatment phase itself. At Treatment Alternatives, we know everyone is more comfortable when they understand how the process will work, so we want to make sure you are prepared when it comes to what you should expect when sending the person you care about to Treatment Alternatives.
Even though cocaine only provides a short-lived high, an intense depression follows it. It alters brain chemicals, so long term users become physically dependent on it, requiring higher doses to achieve the same high. An individual that is looking to receive treatment for a cocaine addiction will first have to go through the detoxification phase, which is the process of removing the drug from your system entirely. Detoxing from cocaine is different than other drugs, since it is water soluble and travels through the body quickly.
During the beginning stages of receiving treatment for cocaine addiction, the individual may experience the cocaine withdrawal symptoms that are both physical and psychological.
Psychological symptoms from cocaine withdrawal include:
Cocaine cravings
Depressed mood
Fatigue
Increased appetite
Restless behavior
Slow activity
Vivid or unpleasant dreams
While the cocaine withdrawal symptoms only last for about one to two weeks, the help of our Boca Raton rehab center will help make sure you are safely guided through the process.
Along with psychological symptoms from cocaine withdrawal, there are also physical side effects to take into consideration.
Physical symptoms from cocaine withdrawal include:
Body aches
Excessive sweating
Exhaustion
Pain
Tremors and shakiness
Withdrawing from any drug means the body is going into shock, so medical management of cocaine addiction treatment is highly recommended to avoid complications and discomfort. Without medical management, the cravings can become too strong and lead to a relapse. Cocaine can be difficult to withdrawal from, which is why our facility creates an individualized plan for you based on your needs and length of drug use. The licensed, medical professionals at Treatment Alternatives can help you learn how to handle the associated side effects from cocaine withdrawal.
Aside from assisting you through a detox and withdrawal process, our medical professionals at Treatment Alternatives will provide the necessary tools and proper guidance for navigating the world sober. The risk of relapse is much higher when the former addict is simply put back into their old life with no coping mechanisms or support system. With the professional care from our Boca Raton rehab center, you or your loved one will have all the guidance and support to create a structured life, find a job, and replace old habits with healthier ones.
If you or someone you know is struggling to overcome a cocaine addiction, call our rehab facility
Why We Should Choose Treatment Over Incarceration?
There is much speculation over society’s natural tendency to demonize someone who has the courage to say, “I’m an addict”. For those who admit to alcoholism and ask for help, there tends to be a greater feeling of support and sympathy from others. Outside of recovery circles, however, the public tends to want to treat those addicted to drugs in courts of law, not detoxification and rehab centers.
Is it because alcohol is legal, while drugs are not? Is it because our country is battling a “War on drugs” that make it seem so criminal? Could it be the government mandated increase in the number of judges, prosecutors, and law enforcement officials to take a stronger stance against drugs?
If you love an addict or you’re struggling with an addiction yourself, chances are you understand the grip an addiction has on you: it causes irrational behavior that a sober-you would never validate. Millions of Americans are suffering from drug addictions, but this does not mean they are inherently bad people. In a 2015 interview with CNN, President Bill Clinton acknowledged the mass incarceration that has taken place due to drug abuse in the United States, even stating “Our prisons and our jails are now mental health institutions.” – meaning the incarceration approach has failed our nation.
A drug addiction requires treatment and support, two things that a jail cell does not provide. Incarceration in the confines of a tiny cell invites fear, anger, isolation, and confusion – all driving factors for continued drug use. It forces people who are struggling with a disease to spend time with others who have committed considerably worse crimes – encouraging them to develop violent criminal tendencies. Once an inmate is removed from society for so long, then reintegrated, they are likely to use drugs again as a means of coping. Incarceration simply does not address the root of the addiction the same way rehabilitation does.
Rehab, on the other hand, offers a supportive environment for those fighting substance abuse issues. It provides an individualized plan for each new client to best meet their immediate needs. Clients can meet with therapists, doctors, nurses, and life coaches that will assist them through each step of the process. When everyone agrees that the rehabilitation stage is complete, rehabs then work with the client to teach them proper life skills to stay sober and avoid relapse.
In 2016, Deputy Attorney General Sally Yates pointed out a steady decline in federal prison population thanks to revised drug sentencing guidelines and revised policies for low-level nonviolent drug offenders. Her point was clear: too many prisons are locking people up for the wrong kind of behavior.
Warm Water and Lemon
What you do first thing in the morning is very important. If you make time for at least one morning ritual you can improve your health. Warm water and lemon is part of Chiropractic Health’s practitioner routine as it helps to:
Improve your immune system: Lemons are high in vitamin C which is essential for fighting colds.
Balance pH: Lemons are alkalising for the body. With many processed foods consumed in modern society our bodies turn into an acidic state.
Aid digestion: Warm water stimulates the gastrointestinal tract and lemons are high in vitamins and minerals which help to detoxify the body.
Act as a gentle diuretic: Lemon juice helps to flush unwanted toxins by increasing rate of urination – less stagnation of unwanted materials within the body.
Hydrate: Water is extremely important for body processes. Being dehydrated may lead to body fatigue, constipation, stress and so much more.
Why Exercise
Exercise helps to promote an overall feeling of “wellness“. It helps to develop and maintain lean muscle mass which leads to increased fat burning. It increases your basal metabolic rate (BMR), and therefore, your fat burning capacity.
Exercise improves:
- Circulation
- Bone density
- Endorphin production (regulates pain response and relaxation)
- Blood pressure
- Sleep quality
- Ability to manage stress
- Blood sugar levels
- Flexibility/mobility
- Strength
- Muscle tone
- Energy levels
Here are some exercise tips:
- Aim for half an hour each day
- Generally for fat loss, exercise is most effective first thing in the morning, before breakfast. Eat within 1 hour after exercise.
- Vary your routine – try walking, swimming or cycling.
- Ease into your exercise program – don’t do too much, too soon.
- Remember – “No gain when in pain!” Avoid exercise that becomes painful.
- Don’t forget to warm up before exercising and cool down afterwards.
- Use stairs where you can – avoid escalators/lifts.
- Walk the long way home and utilize hills where possible.
- Invest in a set of 1-2kg dumbbells or resistance bands – you can do a full-body workout with just these simple pieces of equipment.
- Stretching the body will increase flexibility and reduce your risk of injury.
What is stopping you?
- Is your energy low? You may need vitamin or mineral support.
- Are pains and aches getting in the way? You may need a musculoskeletal assessment.
- Do you need help with motivation? Talk to us about diet and lifestyle.
- Do you have trouble finding out which exercise is fitting into the day? We can talk to you about ways to fit it in.
Tummy Time
In 1994, the Back to Sleep campaign was established and recommended that parents place their infants on their back while sleeping. Since then there has been a positive reduction in Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). However, chiropractors are now noting a rise in Plagiocephaly which is flattening of the cranial bones from prolonged back lying.
Unfortunately, it is not an aesthetic issue, chiropractors are seeing the effects of Plagiocephaly such as developmental delays and poor tone in infants.
Parents should note the importance that Tummy Time plays on a child’s development. This ensures they are lifting and turning their head. Chiropactors suggest at every nappy change, Tummy Time should occur for atleast 30 seconds. The lifiting of the infants head aims to stimulate the nerve pathways at the back of their neck improving the messages which travel to and from a part in the brain involved in cognitive (attention and language processing) and motor (muscle strength) development.
Boost Your Immunity
Now that winter is upon us we need to prepare our immune systems for the cold, flu and cough season. Naturopath’s suggest warming foods, hot drinks, supplementation along with plenty of rest.
If your immune system needs a boost, a naturopath will recommend dietary, nutritional and herbal support.
- Fruits for boosting immunity
- Immune system boosting vegetables
- Herbs and other natural supplements
- In addition, a naturopath may recommend specific vitamins and minerals as immune system boosters.
As well as recommending healthy foods, herbs and supplements, a naturopath will also give advice about substances to avoid. These foods often contain high levels of unhealthy sugars and fats and low levels of nutrients.
Stress also have ruinous effects on the immune system. Stress reductions strategies to boost immunity may include regular exercise, meditation, breathing exercises or just time away from a stressful environment.