Tag Archives: addiction and recovery

addiction

Keeping addiction behind you objectively

February 23, 2017
Keeping addiction behind

Keeping addiction behind you objectively with constant practicing of healthy living

Keeping addiction behind you objectively: Build a meaningful drug free life

You can support your drug treatment and protect yourself from relapse by having activities and interests that provide meaning to your life. It’s important to be involved in things that you enjoy and make you feel needed. When your life is filled with rewarding activities and a sense of purpose, your addiction will lose its appeal.

Pick up a new hobby. Do things that challenge your creativity and spark your imagination, something you’ve always wanted to try.

Adopt a pet. Yes, pets are a responsibility, but caring for an animal makes you feel loved and needed. Pets can also get you out of the house for exercise.

Get involved in your community. Replace your addiction with drug-free groups and activities. Volunteer, become active in your church or faith community, or join a local club or neighborhood group.

Set meaningful goals. Having goals to work toward and something to look forward to can be powerful antidotes to drug addiction. It doesn’t matter what the goals are whether they involve your career, your personal life, or your health, just ensure that they are important to you.

Look after your health. Regular exercise, adequate sleep, and healthy eating habits help you keep your energy levels up and your stress levels down. When you feel good, drugs are much less of a temptation. The more you can do to stay healthy, the easier it will be to stay sober.

Keeping addiction behind you objectively: Don’t let relapse keep you down

Relapse is a common part of the recovery process from drug addiction. While relapse is understandably frustrating and discouraging, it can also be an opportunity to learn from your mistakes and correct your treatment course.

What causes relapse?

Various “triggers” can put people at risk of relapsing into old patterns of substance use. Causes of relapse can differ for each person. Some common ones include:

  • negative emotional states (such as anger, sadness, trauma or stress)
  • physical discomfort (such as withdrawal symptoms or physical pain)
  • positive emotional states (wanting to feel even better)
  • testing personal control (“I can have just one drink”)
  • strong temptations or urges (cravings to use)
  • conflict with others (such as an argument with a spouse or partner)
  • social pressures to use (situations where it seems as though everyone else is drinking or using other drugs)
  • good times with others (such as having fun with friends or family)

The important thing to remember is that relapse doesn’t mean treatment failure. Rather than giving up, get back on the wagon as quickly as you can. Call your sponsor, talk to your therapist, go to a meeting, or schedule an appointment with your doctor. When you’re sober again and out of danger, look at what triggered the relapse, what went wrong, and what you could have done differently. You can choose to get back on the path to recovery and use the experience to strengthen your commitment.

Keeping addiction behind you objectively: Build a meaningful drug free life

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Addressing craving challenges in dealing with addiction

October 6, 2015

Addressing craving challenges in dealing with addiction: Coping with cocaine addiction

addressing craving challenges

Cocaine can only be described as the crystal of death and therefore Identifying and addressing craving challenges is very fundamental in finding lasting treatment solution.

In dealing with drug addiction it is important that we first deal with the element of ignorance which can pose a great hindrance towards realizing the success of the objective which is total eradication of addiction from our lives and societies. It is no wonder in the holy book, it is recorded that “our people suffer because of lack of knowledge” meaning that if we are enlighten of the facts around addiction, then we will be comfortable addressing craving challenges and dealing with addiction of cocaine  professionally for the betterment of our health. Doctor Akoury acknowledges that it is only after identifying the problem, and then can you start on the modalities of dealing with it. In other words you may not succeed in effectively dealing with addiction if you haven’t identified the kind of addiction you are struggling with. That is why we want to focus this discussion on the identification then we can react to what we now know. Our drug of exploration in this article is going to be cocaine and how users often crave for it even when they are in the treatment process. In our previous articles we did mentioned a lot of negativity of drugs cravings and strategies of coping as and when craving knocks on our appetite. We want to progress on that by focusing on two elements including recalling negative consequences and using self-talk.

Identifying and dealing with hidden craving challenges: Recalling negative consequences

Craving for drugs often make very many users of drugs to lose hope and give up on ever recovering from their addiction. This is so because many at times when one is receiving treatment for any kind of addiction, the urge to continue with the habit never dies and this is further complicated with the abundance of triggers around the users on treatment. Doctor Dalal Akoury (MD) and founder of AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource Center is a veteran addiction expert having been in consistent practice for over two decades says that many at times when people are experiencing craving, they often have a tendency of only remembering the positive effects of cocaine or any other drug they have been craving for or using before; this is often the norm and it is regrettable that users in that state of mind often forget the negative consequences which has far reaching effects on their lives. But on the contrary, doctor Akoury says that it is very important that when experiencing craving, it is often effective for them (users) to remind themselves not just the benefits of abstinence but also the negative consequences of continuing indulgence in cocaine addiction. When this perfectly done, it therefore become much easier for patients to remind themselves that there is actually nothing good in using drugs let alone cocaine.

Because of the difference in feelings, doctor Akoury advices that it is necessary that users document in writing on a piece of paper all the reasons why they want to be abstinent and alongside that all the negative consequences of use. This list will act as their point of reference and therefore must be kept safely and be made available as and when it is needed. Remember that a glimpse of the document when confronted by intense craving for cocaine or a high-risk situation can remind the user of the negative consequences of cocaine use at a time when they are likely to recall only the euphoria. This may sound useless to many but it will impact to you very positively and by being reminded of the bitter consequences of using the drug, you are likely to engage in activities that will help in addressing craving challenges by distract you from causing more harm to yourself by avoiding further usage.

Addressing craving challenges in dealing with addiction: Using self-talk

For many patients, a variety of automatic thoughts accompany craving but are so deeply established that patients are not aware of them. Automatic thoughts associated with craving often have a sense of urgency and exaggerated dire consequences. Some of those automatic thoughts may include the following:

  • I have to use now
  • I’ll die if I don’t use or
  • I can’t do anything else until I use.

Doctor Akoury is of the opinion that in coping with craving, it is important that both the patient and the therapist should collectively recognize the automatic thoughts and take measures of encountering them effectively. To help patients recognize their automatic thoughts, therapists can point out cognitive distortions that occur during your sessions with the client. Like for instances your therapist could point out that a few times today you’ve said you feel like you have to use the drug and then the question would follow that, while you were having that feelings were you really aware of those thoughts when you mentioned them?. That is just one strategy and the other strategy could be when you are using a tape recorder, you could help your patients by slowing down the tape to recognize cognitions.

The good thing about recording the session is because it can be replayed over and over. Like for instance the patient may have said something and so you could play it again saying “when you decided to go out last night, you said that you really weren’t aware of thinking about using cocaine.” That is when he/she said but in your own professional evaluation you think otherwise, in situations like that you could play the tape again and help the user to try to remember what the night was like, sort of play it back like a movie in slow motion, we could find a couple of examples of things you said to yourself, maybe without even realizing it, that led to cocaine use.

Finally once automatic thoughts are identified, it then becomes much easier to counter or confront them using positive rather than negative self-talk which may include cognitions such as challenging the thought like “I won’t really die if I don’t have cocaine” and normalizing craving which can be very uncomfortable if not handled professionally. Remember that if you are having any concerns about craving for any drug and you are wondering where to begin from, you can call on doctor Dalal Akoury today for the commencement of your treatment today.

Addressing craving challenges in dealing with addiction: Coping with cocaine addiction

 

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Understanding of Addiction and Low Self Esteem

June 3, 2015

Understanding of Addiction and Low Self Esteem: What is self-Esteem?

Understanding of Addiction and Low Self Esteem

Understanding of Addiction and Low Self Esteem. Young people who are suffering from rejection often seek for comfort and acceptance in the wrong company of alcoholics and drug addicts.

Self-esteem is a psychological term used to describe how humans evaluate themselves overall in relation to self-worth. Psychologically this can be described as the self-confidence and satisfaction that people have in their own life. On the other hand the terms self-esteem and self-worth tend to be used interchangeably even though feelings of self-esteem tend to be more fluid than self-worth. Ideally the issues surrounding self-esteem can be very complicated depending on the intensity or the nature of the effects. What is it that causes the individual to have a low self-esteem? Experts at AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource Center have reported that the way people view themselves will have a great impact on how they experience or passive their own lives. Those who have low self-esteem will struggle to find success and happiness, mostly because they do not feel within themselves worthy of enjoying such things. Their lack of self-worth will affect every area of their life, and more so, their relationships with other people. It is regrettable that many of those who are struggling with low self-esteem often turn to substance abuse because it offers a temporary solution to their problems. While the truth is that using alcohol and drugs to escape with their feelings of low self-worth will only leads to further misery and addiction. That is why this article is going to be interrogating our understanding of addiction and low self-esteem so that we can put this to perspective.

Understanding of Addiction and Low Self Esteem: The Causes of Low Self-Esteem

Low self-esteem can be very traumatizing and if combined with substance abuse life can be very unbearable. It is therefore very important that we are not starved with the information about the causes of low self-esteem which may include the following:

  • Under normal circumstances when one in his or her childhood suffered some form of child abuse, the scar will remain with them for life even if treatment were done. This constant reminder of the yester year’s events can severely affect the way they view themselves. Children lack the knowledge and insight to understand the situation, and because of this they will keep blaming themselves for the abuse. This feeling of somehow being wrong stays with them into adulthood. And remember that physical, mental, or sexual abuse can all have lasting consequences on a child’s sense of self-worth due to the permanent scars that come with them.
  • In the event that parents fail to give all the necessary support to make their children feel valued and important, then this can later lead to poor self-esteem. It is important for parents to note that when it comes to children the value is in what the parent fails to say or do and not what they have done or said. Children are highly sensitive to their environment; therefore they need to be nurtured all the way. If young people feel that they have failed to live up to their parent’s standards, this may translate negatively on then to the point that they may find it difficult to value themselves.
  • Too much criticism when growing up is a very bad indicator and this when not corrected can leave behind mental scars. People who are always being told that they are a failure or stupid are likely to believe the negative impression implied on them.
  • The way people are treated by their peers is also important for self-esteem. One of the most compelling functions of a peer group is feedback on behavior. Consistent negative feedback can have a profound effect on a person.
  • Being the victim of racism or prejudice will usually change the way people view themselves and that is a key factor in understanding of addiction and low self-esteem.
  • Those individuals who have issues around their physical appearance can easily develop feelings of low self-worth. In the modern world, there is too much emphasis placed on physical beauty. The media is largely responsible for this obsession. Feelings of being unattractive will lead to low self-esteem.
  • When people feel that they do not really fit in anywhere it will change the way they view themselves. This lack of connectedness with other people is common among people who are dealing with esteem issues.

Understanding of Addiction and Low Self Esteem: The Effects of Low Self-Esteem

Those who are dealing with low self-esteem may experience many of the following problems:

  • Failure to value one-self leads to a failure to take care of oneself. The person may not see the point of putting much effort into their bodies and minds. This means that they will be far more likely to suffer from poor physical and mental health. Low self-esteem can lead to premature death as well.
  • Not believing in oneself will limit one’s potential. A person may not be willing to put in the necessary effort to achieve their dreams, because they not believe it will bring results. Such people may be convinced that mediocrity is all they deserve.
  • Individuals with low self-esteem are far more likely to turn to alcohol or drugs as a means of escaping their problems.
  • People with low self-esteem often end up in abusive relationships. This is because they can inwardly feel like such relationships are all they deserve.
  • When people do not value themselves highly they are more likely to bow to peer pressure. Many individuals who end up in dangerous cults suffer from low self-esteem.
  • It can be hard for such individuals to trust other people. They may believe that anyone who is trying to help them has a hidden agenda. They can also go to the other extreme where they trust unworthy individuals too much.
  • These individuals will be highly insecure in relationships. If they do not value themselves, then they will find it hard to believe that other people can value them.

Understanding of Addiction and Low Self Esteem: Addiction and Low Self-Esteem

Low self-esteem is one of the characteristics of the addictive personality. When people first begin using alcohol or drugs it will increase their self-confidence. They become less concerned with what other people think of them. The individual begins to rely on these substances in order to cope with life. Addiction means that the person’s life begins to all apart as their self-esteem hits an all-time low. In AA, they describe the situation as, alcohol gave me wings but then it took away the sky. Lack of self-worth can then keep people trapped in addiction.

Understanding of Addiction and Low Self Esteem: Underage Substance Abuse and Low Self-Esteem

Finally it has been established from various studies that children with low self-esteem are more likely to abuse alcohol or drugs as they grow up. Because of this they will not want to be left out more so when they are associating with mates who are already into drugs and alcohol. The peer pressure and sense of belonging will certainly carry them away all in the name of experimenting. And because of the temporary relief when under the influence of drugs and alcohol, the idea of escaping reality will be more appealing even if it is only for a little time. Doctor Dalal Akoury warns that unless something is done timely, those individuals who use alcohol or drugs at a younger age will have a greater risk of developing an addiction in the future. It is therefore very important that you start early by scheduling for an appointment with doctor Akoury for a more professional treatment approach.

Understanding of Addiction and Low Self Esteem: What is self-Esteem?

 

 

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Initiating the discussion about substance abuse with the victim

June 2, 2015

Initiating the discussion about substance abuse with the victim: Why it is necessary to help drug addicts

Initiating the discussion about substance abuse with the victim

Initiating the discussion about substance abuse with the victim may appear very difficult but it must be done for the safety of all victims

Knowing that majority of addicts will always be in denial and may take offence when this topic is introduced to them; it can be quite a challenge to initiate the discussion. It is because of these challenges that we often meet clients who visit this facility (AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource Center) specifically to get the best approach applicable. I remember one client asking “how can i bring up the subject with the substance user? Will the discussion make the situation worse?” from this concern you realize that the approach is a big problem and that is what doctor Akoury wants to addressed in this section. People often worry that initiating the discussion about substance abuse with the victim may cause them to pull a grudge with them and that this will lead him or her (the addict) to take drastic steps. They might make a scene in front of other family members, move out of the house, and drop out of school, secretly drink or use other drugs even more and hide it from everyone or retaliate against them or other family members.

These are actually very genuine concerns however, even though these concerns may be genuine, you will not know unless you try and for your information, you might find out that the reception may not be as bad as you thought. It may turn out that the conversation will be a wonderfully productive experience. It is perhaps possible that the person may have not noticed behavior changes, or doesn’t realize that his or her substance use was a problem or was causing problems to other members of the family. It is therefore necessary that you make effort and try because you will not know the outcome unless you try. Remember that when solutions are not realized, the problems may become so severe that the same drastic outcomes could result.

Initiating the discussion about substance abuse with the victim: Guidelines for a healthy approach

The following guidelines could be helpful for you in the initiation of the discussion:

  • Don’t bring up the subject when the person is under the influence of alcohol or other drugs. When people are high, they are less able to understand logic and are more likely to be impatient, dismissive, angry and blaming. Some people have poor impulse control and may act irrationally or violently if the subject is brought up while he or she is under the influence.
  • Don’t be under the influence of substances yourself when initiating the talk.
  • Ensure that you chose the best time to talk preferably when the two of you can have more than a few minutes alone. Remember that your objective is to have a dialogue and a healthy two-way conversation in which you can state your concerns and understand the person’s perception of the situation. Ask if you can set a time to speak in the next few days to discuss something on your mind. If the person responds by saying, “Now is fine,” tell them you’d prefer to set time aside and not be interrupted.
  • When you meet, tell your family member that you care for him or her. Emphasize that it’s this concern for their well-being that has led you to have this conversation.
  • List the behaviors you’ve observed, state that you are worried about the effect drinking or drug use is having and express concern about continued use.
  • Create a two-way dialogue so the person doesn’t feel lectured or badgered. Use open-ended questions.
  • If the person states that there is definitely not a problem, ask to talk again at some point in the future. Your goal is not to convince the person that there is a problem, but to let them know that you believe there is one and that your belief is based on observable behaviors.
  • Don’t try to speculate, explore motives or judge. It can sidetrack you from the main point.
  • Don’t expect a dramatic shift in thinking or behavior right away; this conversation may be the first time the person has thought about this problem.
  • Keep in mind that there is no quick fix and prepare yourself for the long haul and you will appreciate that initiating the discussion about substance abuse with the victim was well worth it.
  • If the problem has only occurred over a short period of time, or has not reached a severe stage, it is possible that the victim you care about could successfully cut back on the use of alcohol or other drugs. If the person has not tried cutting back, you could suggest this strategy as a first step. Some people in the risky or abuse stages of substance use, or even in the early stage of addiction, are able to cut back and consistently use only minimal amounts in the future.

Initiating the discussion about substance abuse with the victim: Defeating the powers of denial

You may find, though as many do that people who can cut back are the exception, not the rule. Many people try to cut down and discover that they can’t. Or, they can only cut back for a few days or a few weeks before resuming heavy or excessive use. Trying to cut down and failing may help the person realize that the problem is more extensive than once thought. In the process of helping, you may also find that the person is able to stop completely. But many addicts have tried this strategy and couldn’t stop or remain abstinent for any significant amount of time. Ideally, the person should be assessed by a professional who can determine the best course of action depending on the severity of the problem and the person’s medical, psychological and social history. If you sense the person is willing to consider that there is a problem, suggest that an evaluation or a consultation with a trusted medical or mental health professional. (This suggestion may be too threatening for some people during a first conversation of this kind.)

Although you probably want the substance use to stop as soon as possible, immediate abstinence from certain drugs has risks, including withdrawal symptoms with serious medical consequences. Many people need to be admitted to a detoxification center to help them physically withdraw.

It is important to note that even if detoxification is not necessary, a formal, structured treatment program is vital for sustained abstinence. This is where a health care professional or substance use counselor would be very essential to help you and the person in need assess your options.

Initiating the discussion about substance abuse with the victim: Why it is necessary to help drug addicts

 

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Addiction Recovery, Painless Drugless Addiction Recovery is Possible!

February 23, 2014

Addiction recovery-It’s possible?

Recovery

people suffering from addiction are struggling with the decision to make the first step to recovery.

When you’re struggling with drug addiction, sobriety can seem like an impossible goal. But recovery is never out of reach, no matter how hopeless your situation seems. Change is possible with the right treatment and support, and by addressing the root cause of your addiction. Don’t give up—even if you’ve tried and failed before. The road to recovery often involves bumps, pitfalls, and setbacks. But by examining the problem and thinking about change, you’re already on your way.

Addiction recovery-Decide to make a change

For many people struggling with addiction, the biggest and toughest step toward recovery is the very first one: deciding to make a change. It’s normal to feel conflicted about giving up your drug of choice, even when you realize it’s causing problems in your life. Change is never easy and committing to sobriety involves changing many things, including:

  • the way you deal with stress
  • who you allow in your life
  • what you do in your free time
  • how you think about yourself

You may wonder if you’re really ready for all that change or if you have what it takes to quit. It’s okay if you’re torn. Recovering from addiction is a long process, one that requires time, commitment, motivation, and support. As you contemplate your situation, the following tips can help you make the decision.

Thinking about change

  • Keep track of your drug use, including when and how much you use. This will give you a better sense of the role the addiction is playing in your life.
  • List the pros and cons of quitting, as well as the costs and benefits of continuing your drug abuse.
  • Consider the things that are important to you, such as your spouse, children, career and health. How does your drug use affect those things?
  • Talk it over with someone you trust. Ask the person how he or she feels about your drug use.
  • Ask yourself if there’s anything preventing you from changing. What are some things that could help you make the change?

Addiction recovery-Explore your treatment options

Once you’ve made the decision to challenge your drug addiction, it’s time to explore your treatment choices. As you consider the options, keep the following in mind:

  • There’s no magic bullet or single treatment that works for everyone. When considering a program, remember that everyone’s needs are different. Drug addiction treatment should be customized to your unique problems and situation. It’s important that you find a program that feels right.
  • Treatment should address more than just your drug abuse. Addiction affects your whole life, including relationships, career, health, and psychological well-being. Treatment success depends on developing a new way of living and addressing the reasons why you turned to drugs in the first place. It may have been because of an inability to manage stress, in which case you’ll need to find healthy ways to handle stressful situations.
  • Commitment and follow through. Drug addiction treatment is not a quick and easy process. In general, the longer and more intense the drug use, the longer and more intense the treatment you’ll need. But regardless of the treatment program’s length in weeks or months, long-term follow-up care is crucial to recovery.
  • There are many places to turn for help. Not everybody requires medically supervised detox or an extended stint in rehab. The level of care you need depends on your age, drug use history, and other medical or psychiatric conditions. In addition to doctors and psychologists, many clergy members, social workers, and counselors offer addiction treatment services.

As you seek help for drug addiction, it’s also important to get treatment for any other medical or psychological issues you’re experiencing. Your best chance of recovery is through integrated treatment for both the substance abuse problem and the mental health problem. This means getting combined mental health and addiction treatment from the same treatment provider or team.

Addiction recovery-Reach out for support

Don’t try to go it alone. Whatever treatment approach you choose, having a solid support system is essential. The more positive influences you have in your life, the better your chances for recovery. Recovering from drug addiction isn’t easy, but with people you can turn to for encouragement, guidance, and a listening ear, it’s a little less tough.

  • Lean on close friends and family – Having the support of friends and family members is an invaluable asset in recovery. If you’re reluctant to turn to your loved ones because you’ve let them down before, consider going to couples counseling or family therapy.
  • Build a sober social network – If your previous social life revolved around drugs, you may need to make some new connections. It’s important to have sober friends who will support your recovery. Try taking a class, joining a church or a civic group, volunteering, or attending events in your community.
  • Consider moving in to a sober living home – Sober living homes provide a safe, supportive place to live while you’re recovering from drug addiction. They are a good option if you don’t have a stable home or a drug-free living environment to go to.
  • Make meetings a priority – Join a recovery support group and attend meetings regularly. Spending time with people who understand exactly what you’re going through can be very healing. You can also benefit from the shared experiences of the group members and learn what others have done to stay sober.
Addiction recovery-Learn healthy ways to cope with stress

Even once you’ve recovered from drug addiction, you’ll still have to face the problems that led to your drug problems in the first place. Did you start using drugs to numb painful emotions, calm yourself down after an argument, unwind after a bad day, or forget about your problems? After you become sober, the negative feelings that you used to dampen with drugs will resurface. For treatment to be successful, and to remain sober in the long term, you’ll need to resolve these underlying issues as well.

Conditions such as stress, loneliness, frustration, anger, shame, anxiety, and hopelessness will remain in your life even when you’re no longer using drugs to cover them up. But you will be in a healthier position to finally address them and seek the help you need.

Addiction recovery-Build a meaningful drug free life

You can support your drug treatment and protect yourself from relapse by having activities and interests that provide meaning to your life. It’s important to be involved in things that you enjoy and make you feel needed. When your life is filled with rewarding activities and a sense of purpose, your addiction will lose its appeal.

  • Pick up a new hobby. Do things that challenge your creativity and spark your imagination, something you’ve always wanted to try.
  • Adopt a pet. Yes, pets are a responsibility, but caring for an animal makes you feel loved and needed. Pets can also get you out of the house for exercise.
  • Get involved in your community. Replace your addiction with drug-free groups and activities. Volunteer, become active in your church or faith community, or join a local club or neighborhood group.
  • Set meaningful goals. Having goals to work toward and something to look forward to can be powerful antidotes to drug addiction. It doesn’t matter what the goals are whether they involve your career, your personal life, or your health, just ensure that they are important to you.
  • Look after your health. Regular exercise, adequate sleep, and healthy eating habits help you keep your energy levels up and your stress levels down. When you feel good, drugs are much less of a temptation. The more you can do to stay healthy, the easier it will be to stay sober.

Addiction recovery-It’s possible?

 

 

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