Will Long Term Rehab Facilities Help Me Find Permanent Housing When I’m Ready to Go?

Statistics show that homelessness and substance abuse often go hand in hand. As such, one of the primary goals of long term rehab is helping people establish self-sufficiency and stability. While permanent housing is not always a guarantee when completing these programs, there is a constant and concerted effort to align patients with the right tools and resources for getting housed post-treatment. Best of all, there are a number of long-term sober living homes that work with treatment centers to help patients remain successful in their quests for lifelong sobriety as they transition from inpatient care to the challenges of the real world.

The level of support that people receive for housing is largely dependent upon the specific treatment programs that they choose. One very important thing to note is that your state of mind, your capabilities, and your overall circumstances will be far different on the day that you check out from treatment than what they were on the day that you checked in. Armed with the right resources and support, and equipped with carefully laid short and long-term plans, most patients are poised for success in all life areas following successful drug treatment.

How Long Term Rehab Can Help You Find Permanent Housing

People who have suffered from drug or alcohol addiction for any extended period of time often face a number of common barriers to housing. These include:

Drug-related criminal charges
Criminal charges that are indirectly related to their drug or alcohol abuse
Insufficient work history
Insufficient income
Poor credit
Limited or no high-quality personal and professional references
Limited rental history
Past rental evictions

Understanding the challenges that recovering people face when attempting to find housing, and recognizing that homelessness places patients at high-risk for relapse, nearly all long term rehab facilities have special programs in place for ensuring that people are able to transition into stable and supportive living environments. Moreover, treatment programs also know that the recovery process is an ongoing one. As such, rather than pushing traditional forms of housing, which are often riddled with the very same obstacles and barriers that most recovering addicts naturally face, their goal is to help people find the best sober living facilities and transitional housing available. The next step from these locations, after sufficient time in managed recovery has been completed, is helping people obtain suitable options in independent living such as home, studio, or apartment rentals.

How Housing Plans Fit Into A Person’s Recovery Program

The rehab and recovery process is frequently broken down into small and manageable phases. During the formative stages of these efforts, looking too far ahead can actually cause patients undue stress. As such, most people are encouraged to spend their first one to two months of treatment simply focusing on their physical and mental health. Once the detox and withdraw processes have been successfully completed, patients can move on to group and individual counseling, and they can being the process of building essential life skills and setting life goals.

To avoid becoming overwhelmed, it is important for people to set personal goals that are both feasible and manageable. One way in which this is accomplished is by aligning patients with local resources that offer the help and support that’s necessary for successfully managing the transition process. Workshop and meetings are frequently held that give people the opportunity to learn strategies for resolving past legal issues, tips for improving their fiscal responsibility and financial stability, and job and career planning. Rehab programs work hard to ensure that all patients can enjoy the benefits of becoming functional and contributing members of society. Before patients are released, plans must be made for transitional housing and sober living, and people must have plans for receiving continuing recovery support.

Aligning Patients With The Right Social Services Programs

In certain instances, barriers to housing could be lifelong. This could be due to disabilities or other problems that prevent patients from maintaining traditional forms of employment, or it may be due to a person’s advanced age. In these instances and many others, counselors can help patients find the right social services programs and resources for bolstering and supporting their living arrangements post-treatment. There are times when those who are qualified are able to obtain permanent options in supportive residential housing on the basis of need. Rehab counselors can also provide the necessary referrals for obtaining admittance into local or out-of-state sober living facilities or transitional housing.

Homelessness can be both the cause and the result of drug or alcohol addiction. As such, helping patients find stable housing solutions is often a key part of the rehabilitative process. If you’re ready to achieve stability and a sustainable, comfortable lifestyle, we are able to help. Contact our office today to learn more about your options in long term rehab by calling 800-737-0933.

Who Can Enroll in Florida Drug Rehab Facilities?

Even when you realize you may have a substance abuse problem, getting the help you need may seem like a challenge in itself. It can take a considerable amount of time to face up with the fact that you do suffer from addiction and, even then, you may not know exactly where to turn. While it will take some research into the various facilities in your part of Florida, you can find rehab treatment centers that are ideally suited to provide the help you need.

It’s important to realize that each facility is different, so it can take a while to determine which one is right for you. Unfortunately, some people enroll in the first facility they come across or look for the rehab center that offers the cheapest rates. This can put you at a higher risk of relapse, because these facilities may not have the resources you need to begin a sustainable recovery. So, while anyone can enroll in a Florida drug rehab facility, not every facility is ideal for any addict.

Can Anyone Enroll in Florida Drug Rehab Facilities?

If you’re concerned that your criminal history will keep you from entering a rehab program, you’re not alone. In fact, this is a concern many struggling addicts face, but it’s also a myth. Before seeking treatment, it’s common for addicts to resort to high-risk behavior, such as theft and buying drugs illegally. As a result, a large number of addicts who enter rehab are individuals with criminal records.

Another concern is finding a rehab center with other patients similar to you. In addition to offering a variety of treatment methods and resources, there are also rehab facilities that focus on treating specific types of people. For instance, some specialize in helping female drug addicts, while others focus on helping teens. In facilities that help just one type of person, that outside of that demographic won’t be allowed to enroll. This helps ensure every addict has the best possible chance for a sustained recovery.

Can Teens Voluntarily Enroll in Rehab?

Most of the time, the news media focuses on stories of teens who were admitted into rehab on an involuntary basis. In these cases, the teen’s parents commit the child into a rehab facility, so they can get help with their addiction problem. While it may not be the teen’s choice to participate in a rehab program, they’re still able to benefit from the program and they often go on to live sober and healthy lifestyles.

What about teens who recognize that they have a substance abuse problem on their own? Can they voluntarily enroll in rehab? Since the teenager is a minor, they do still need their parent’s help in enrolling. Their first step should be to discuss their substance abuse problem with their parents and explain that they want help. This can benefit the teen, because the health insurance coverage they have under their parent’s policy may help them finance their treatment needs. Once the teen discusses their need for addiction treatment with their parents, he or she can begin looking for rehab centers best suited to help in his or her situation.

Where Can Women Get Addiction Treatment?

There are drug rehab facilities of all sizes and types in each Florida community. Larger facilities may treat teens, women, and men together, or they may separate recovering addicts based on age and gender. Each facility has a different way of doing things, which is why it’s important to ask questions about the issues that concern you. If you’re a woman with a drug addiction problem and you feel intimidated by the thought of sharing recovery time with male addicts, you should seek out facilities that will keep the male and female clients separate.

There are a number of rehab facilities that are designed to only treat teen girls and women. These are ideal environments because the female addicts can feel more at ease in sharing their thoughts and feelings with others in the recovery program. This is especially helpful in terms of participating in peer-group support meetings. Often, victims of abuse are better able to focus on their recovery when they don’t have to feel fear from men who may also be in recovery. An all-female facility can be the best way for women and teen girls to get the help they need.

If you are ready to begin treatment, call us at 800-737-0933. Our experienced and compassionate counselors are available to talk to you 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. They can answer any questions you may have and help you get into the recovery program best suited to your needs.

What Kind of Licensing Do Private West Palm Beach Rehab Centers Need?

The persistent nature of dependency on drugs means that relapse is often part of the treatment process. The addiction disease continues to become prevalent each passing year, declaring it a global disaster. Fortunately, comprehensive treatment programs address these issues giving hope to addicts.

The rate of success of addiction treatment highly depends on the quality of professionalism and treatment methods at the recovery center. It’s, therefore, essential to choose an addiction treatment center that provides care based on evidence. The growing concern among many people seeking treatment for addiction is the unregulated chaos in the private drug rehab industry. There are plenty of treatment centers that might not offer sound treatment. Licensure and accreditation should help you differentiate between reputable rehab facilities from the unregulated lot. Here’s what you need to know about licensing in the rehab industry.

What is licensure?

All rehab facilities, including their therapists and medical professionals, should be licensed by the state boards. In order to receive licensure to provide rehabilitation services, a facility must adhere to certain guidelines that ensure the validity of treatment methods and the safety of the facility.

Crucial staff members, primarily counselors, therapists, and health specialists at the facility must undergo background screenings. They also must be certified by the board to handle addicts professionally. Asides from holding bachelor’s and master’s degrees in their respective disciplines, they must hold state accreditation in their specialties. Licensed rehab facilities provide their certificates upon request. If a specific facility you are interested in hesitates to present its certifications, that could be a red flag.

What kind of licenses should a rehab center have?

Certificate of need

Some states demand a Certificate of Need to operate a rehab facility. For instance, depending on the bed capacity in the facility, you might want to know if the rehab admits patients legally in accordance with the law. If the recovery center claims to offer some unique features and amenities at the center, ask them to provide the Certificate of Need to ensure that they have the permit to operate whatever special feature is on offer.

Insurance

Insurance is a crucial aspect of running any business. In the case of wrongful administering of medication, accidents, fires, and other accidents who becomes liable? If the facility is fully covered, compensations and rectification of the damages should not be a hurdle. Ensure that your preferred treatment center is insured to protect you from lengthy settlement cases in case of inflicted injuries or damages.

Business license and permits

Business licenses and permits confirm that the treatment center is operating legally. Apart from rehab centers being medical-assisted centers, most are business-oriented. Private rehab centers are particularly operated like businesses. If a rehab facility does not run on a valid business license and permit, its credibility becomes questionable.

Accreditation from rehabilitation control bodies

Certification from these authority boards confirms that the rehab center has fulfilled all base standards required to operate the facility. The organization ensures that all staff members are qualified to provide addiction treatment care. The staff members are also screened to ensure that they have the necessary licenses, certificates, and minimum qualifications. Accreditation from authority also confirms quality assurance. The body will review the quality of services and the utilization of resources at the rehab facility to guarantee the effectiveness of treatment.

An accredited rehab facility guarantees that it follows through state recommended practices that have been approved. This should increase your confidence in the treatment programs offered and improve your chances of a successful recovery.

Every license has an expiration date. Be sure to check if they are up to date. Updated and valid licenses ensure the treatment center is qualified to deliver quality services. You could verify these licenses through physical requests from the facility or through websites that outline licensed and legally operating facilities.

Lack of all these above-stated licenses drags the reputation of a treatment center through the mud. You might want to counter check all these licensure requirements before proceeding for treatment. Are you looking for a well-accredited and fully licensed operating addiction treatment center? Contact us today at 800-737-0933 to receive addiction treatment from qualified specialists at our recovery center. We are here to serve you.

How Long Does it Take to Detox From Suboxone?

Suboxone is a medication-assisted therapy used to assist in recovery from heroin and other opioid addictions. It is a combination of two medications: naproxen and buprenorphine. Buprenorphine is a low dose opioid that allows those detoxing from opioids to taper off the drug, rather than doing so abruptly, which can cause a wide range of physical symptoms and ailments, while naproxen binds to the opioid receptors in the brain blocking the high an individual would receive from the low dose of opioids in the buprenorphine.

Suboxone is typically taken for at least 90 days and, if needed, longer. Because Suboxone is an opioid itself, there can be withdrawal symptoms if the medication is stopped abruptly. If you or your loved one has taken the medication, you may be wondering, how long does it take to detox from Suboxone and what withdrawal symptoms to expect. Here is a quick guide.

What Are The Symptoms of Suboxone Withdrawal?

The symptoms of Suboxone withdrawal are very similar to those of heroin and other opioids. These symptoms can vary from person to person but typically include:

Difficulty concentrating
Headache
Fever/Chills
Depression
Anxiety
Muscle and body aches
Difficulty concentrating
Nausea and/or vomiting
Cravings

The severity of withdrawal typically depends on the method used to cease the medication. Abrupt cessation or “quitting cold turkey” is not encouraged as it does not give the body a chance to adjust to not having the medication. To increase the manageability of withdrawal symptoms, tapering is encouraged.

How Long Does It Take to Detox From Suboxone?

While each individual is different, it generally takes about 30 days for physical withdrawal symptoms to be alleviated. Physical withdrawal symptoms are typically at their worst during the first three days of stopping the medication and slowly start to subside after that. During the first week or two, you or your loved one may also experience insomnia or mood swings, but those too will start to dissipate with some time and should not be a problem once you hit week three or four.

It is very important to note that you or your loved one may experience intense cravings after the 30-day mark. It is especially important to remain vigilant and keep in contact with a counselor or other support system during this time due to the fact that the potential for relapse increases during this time.

How Can I or My Loved One Make Detox From Suboxone Easier?

The best thing you or your loved one can do to make detoxing from Suboxone a bit easier, both mentally and physically, is to gradually decrease the intake of the medication. Abruptly stopping Suboxone increases the risk for more severe symptoms throughout the detox. Also, making sure to be in contact with a treatment specialist and/or support group throughout the detox process will also make Suboxone detox more manageable and decrease the chance for relapse.

Detoxing from Suboxone can be difficult. The physical symptoms can wreak havoc on the body and the cravings carry the risk of relapse. Having a good detox plan in place prior to stopping Suboxone increases the likelihood of success for you or your loved one. Do you know someone who would like to quit Suboxone or would you like to quit yourself? We are here to help. Our caring and compassionate counselors are available 24/7. Give us a call at 800-737-0933.

Where Can I Find Reliable Rehab Reviews?

Before going into inpatient rehab, it’s important to have an idea of the kind of environment that exists in that rehab. Is the staff compassionate? Is the staff qualified and easy to talk to? Are there security measures taken at the rehab to make sure that everyone is safe and sound from threats both outside and within? Finding these answers is easier in today’s world than ever before thanks to the abundance of rehab reviews.

Any old rehab reviews won’t do, though. You need to make sure that the rehab being reviewed has no connection to the source reviewing it. You might want reviews from former clients, but you wouldn’t want reviews by a publication that the rehab paid to review it. Spotting reliable reviews are dependent on your knowledge of what they look like.

Online Sources

There are many terrific places that review rehabs and give you detailed information about the facility. They’ll sound unbiased and very specific (as much as confidentiality will allow). These publications can be trusted and will usually be something you’ve heard of just word of mouth. They’ll also look professional and be run by people who update the site often.

Search engines often have reviews as well, and this is where you can read about the rehab center from happy customers. They’ll often tell you about how the facility helped them and why they’d recommend it to a friend. In many cases, they can rate the rehab facility so that you have an idea of the overall quality of it (a four-star rating will be higher than a three-star rating, for example). This denotes quality in the rehab facility. Search engines are often a reliable source for finding out more about the rehab you’re considering.

Offline Sources

Word of mouth reviews is often the most helpful. If you know friends or family who has been an actual client at a rehab treatment center, then you might have an idea of whether the person telling you about it is reliable or not. If they wouldn’t steer you wrong on things like that, it’s likely they’re a reliable source of information about that treatment center. Magazines tend to be more of a national source of information, so if you are willing to travel to go to rehab, reading reliable reviews in a magazine might be a helpful venture.

Paper publications like magazines and newspaper often have reviews about rehab centers. Many magazines rank rehabs annually and give you quality information about the kind of treatment program they offer. Newspapers will sometimes take a local facility they’ve investigated and give potential clients more information. They may even have awards for local rehabs and let you know which ones are award-worthy. Newspapers are a time-tested media format that has helped people learn more about the world around them for years. They continue to serve the public with excellent reliable rehab reviews sometimes.

How Reviews Help

Before traveling to a place, it’s wise to know more about it. Certain rehabs cater to certain kinds of clients, while others will serve all. For example, you can find rehabs that have a spiritual approach to rehab, while others help clients who have a strong Christian faith and want to find a Christian rehab. Reading reviews can help you know if you will fit into the environment the rehab fosters. If you’re spiritual, you’ll want to find a rehab that has a natural, spiritual approach to recovery. If you have strong Christian faith, reviews can help you recognize when rehab is a Christian one.

Reading reviews can also curb some of the anxiety that might become with checking yourself into a rehab center. Many people are understandably nervous about the process and don’t want to be in the dark about it. By reading reviews, you increase your knowledge of the rehab center, learn a little from former clients, and begin to feel more at ease with the possibility of becoming a client of a certain facility. Thanks to reliable reviews, you can also cross out and avoid those rehabs that don’t have a less than stellar reputation with reviewers and/or clients. Sometimes ruling out rehab centers can make it easier to find the one that’s right for you. Reviews accomplish all of these many important things.

If you’re ready to learn more about spotting reliable rehab reviews or ready to get started on the treatment of your own, please call us today at 800-737-0933.

Are Rehab Reviews or Certifications More Important When Deciding What’s Best for Me?

When you’re ready to seek help for your addiction, the next step in the process is to choose a rehab center that’s right for you. There are many factors that go into choosing an addiction treatment facility, including the certifications the institution holds and the past client reviews. You should also learn about the types of treatment each facility offers and the amenities that will be available to you while in rehab.

Which of these factors is most important to you? That may come down to a personal choice, but looking more deeply at a rehab facility’s certifications and client reviews can help you make a final determination. Even though it may still come down to your own gut instinct, this type of research into each facility will help you support your decision.

Why is a Rehab Center’s Certification Important?

The Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities, or CARF, is an international organization that ensures the quality and integrity of every rehab facility that it certifies. This isn’t just a one-time evaluation, but an ongoing system of measurement that ensures each facility is maintaining and improving upon their quality of care. Some of the requirements a rehab treatment facility must meet in order to obtain CARF certification are:

Adhering to internationally accepted care standards
Accountability and transparency to funding sources, referring agencies, and to the community at large
Providing treatments that are both cost-effective and efficient
Improving communication with clients or patients

A CARF membership is important to the addict for a number of reasons. First, it ensures that the treatments employed at the facility are productive and effective in helping addicts begin their recovery. This means the facility must show that their methods produce the expected results for their patients. The CARF certification is also important in that it ensures the facility is financially responsible in terms of managing its resources and in terms of justifying charges to its clients or patients. Since many treatment centers receive government funding, CARF also requires that those facilities report to the government agencies that do help fund them.

Are Client Reviews Trustworthy?

Another question that addicts struggle within choosing a rehab facility for the first time is how to interpret previous client reviews. As with any type of business, customer reviews are important to the business but should be taken with a grain of salt. Every rehab facility is going to have its share of bad reviews, but this doesn’t mean the facility is necessary to be avoided. There may be many reasons for a few bad reviews. Those particular addicts may have relapsed and blamed the facility for not helping them, or they might have had bad experiences that colored their perspectives.

So, when are negative reviews to be given more weight? As you look over the reviews left by previous clients, pay attention to the number of good reviews versus bad reviews. If there seems to be an overwhelmingly high number of negative reviews, this should raise a red flag. Similarly, if several negative reviews offer criticisms about the same aspects of treatment or of the facility, this lends confirmation. For instance, if three or four reviews of the same facility mention that a certain bathroom in the facility is never in working order, you can probably accept this as truth.

Is Certification More Important Than Client Reviews?

Now that you understand why each factor is important in choosing a rehab facility, you may be wondering which one is more important. While reviews should always be consulted, you may want to avoid facilities that are not CARF certified. Think of the certification as an insurance policy that protects your recovery and your finances from fraud. While there may be reputable facilities that are not certified, why take that chance? It’s much safer for you to limit your search to accredited rehab treatment centers.

This doesn’t mean reviews are useless, however. Imagine you have narrowed your choices down to three treatment centers, but they all offer the same amenities and they are all certified. Reading the reviews for each treatment center can help you further narrow down your choices. You can use client reviews to support your instincts about which facility is better for you, making it easier to make your final choice.

When you are ready to begin learning more about addiction recovery, contact our counselors at 800-737-0933. We’re available 24 hours a day, seven days a week to discuss our treatment programs with you. We’ll answer any questions you may have, so you will be able to begin your recovery as soon as possible.

Does a Florida Alcohol Rehab Reduce My Chances of Relapse?

Many individuals that are in the process of making the decision to go to a Florida Alcohol Rehab wonder about the effectiveness of the treatment. As clients of these treatment facilities, these individuals undergo customized programs to help them reach sobriety. While sobriety is a lifelong journey, these treatment facilities can play a significant role in preventing relapse.

Individuals that seek treatment from a Florida alcohol rehab will be equipped with the tools necessary to unlearn habits of alcohol addiction. Moreover, these individuals are provided with multiple support systems and resources to help them overcome temptation when faced with the threat of relapse.

Reducing the Chances of Relapse with Alcohol Rehab

While rehab won’t completely eliminate the chance of someone relapsing, it does help to reduce it. According to statistics, between 40 – 60% of those going through recovery will experience a relapse. This is because there are many physical and psychological factors that trigger cravings and the desire to use substances after becoming sober.

Though all individuals that overcome past substance abuse will have to work through these triggers, undergoing treatment at a rehab center will help to reduce the likelihood of relapse. When in a Florida treatment center, team members like doctors and therapists provide their clients with the tools to maintain their sobriety after they leave rehab.

During treatment, clients will undergo detox to target the physical triggers that tie them to substance abuse. As relapse also has behavioral and emotional triggers, these treatment centers also use specific treatments to target these triggers. Treatment like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy will help to reduce the chance of relapse. CBT helps an individual explore how their thoughts relate to their actions. Additionally, this therapy helps clients modify their negative thought patterns, which will positively affect their behavior overall.

Preventing Relapse

Though the potential for relapse exists for individuals in recovery, there are several ways to prevent relapse. Relapse often occurs when old memories trigger cravings for substance abuse. Similarly, during particularly stressful situations, others may believe turning to substance use will help relieve this stress.

The following strategies will help an individual prevent relapse

Move to a sober living environment
Take each day as it comes
Join support groups
Create a schedule and stay busy
Remain accountable to loved ones, mentors, and support group

Experts agree that one will be more likely to prevent relapse if they are able to develop effective coping behaviors, avoid risk factors, and create a strong support system. One will be at greater risk of relapse if they consistently miss support group meetings, believe their substance use is uncontrollable, or discontinue their coping behaviors.

To better prevent relapse, it’s also helpful to create relapse prevention plans. This plan should be referred to whenever an individual is tempted to go back to substance use. Relapse prevention plans should include the following information:

Someone to call
Safe places to go
A list of reasons to stay sober
Stress-relief strategies
Schedules for local AA meetings and similar support group meetings
Telephone numbers for crisis lines
Addresses for emergency services

Steps to Take If Relapse Occurs

When an individual relapses, this doesn’t mean that they’ve failed. This is an opportunity for one to become sober again and keep practicing sobriety.

The first few moments after a relapse are critical. After recognizing that they have relapsed, an individual needs to find safety. If it is likely that an overdose has occurred, 911 should be called immediately. In other situations, calling a sponsor loved one, or therapist is the right step to take after overdosing.

After the risk of overdose has passed, it’s essential to go to a safe environment without any access to substances, as this type of environment will be free of negative influences that will trigger one’s desire to use again. In the event of a substance abuse relapse, this individual needs to enter into recovery again, whether it is through inpatient treatment, outpatient therapy, or through the help of a support group.

After a severe relapse, it’s necessary to undergo a supervised detox to ensure that the individual overcomes dependence safely.

There is no clear-cut path to sobriety. If you have any questions regarding substance abuse and relapse, please contact us at 800-737-0933. Our counselors are available 24 hours a day to speak with you.

What Are Key Signs that You or a Loved One is Becoming Addicted to Drugs or Alcohol?

Substance abuse often starts through casual use, either as a means of controlling pain or for its own enjoyment. Some people never go beyond casual use, but substance use does become a problem for others. They begin using more and more of the substance just to obtain that same level of relief. In many cases, they need to take a certain amount of the drug or alcohol just to feel normal and to be able to function in their daily lives.

This cycle of addiction doesn’t come without a unique set of symptoms and signs. Depending on the type of substance being used, those signs can vary in severity and frequency. However, there are some indications of addiction that hold true regardless of the type of substance being used. While there will likely be symptoms caused that are specific types of drugs, the symptoms mentioned here can be commonly observed in most people who suffer from addiction.

Substance Abuse Patterns

The signs and symptoms of drug or alcohol addiction may be difficult to identify at first. In fact, your inability to see a substance abuse problem in a loved one can even be one of the signs that there is an addiction problem. People suffering from addiction will often go to great lengths to hide that they are using at all. They may hide liquor or pill bottles and only use at times when they know they will be undisturbed.

Hiding substance abuse becomes more common after someone has observed that the individual might have a problem. Rather than risk another confrontation, they will hide their use of alcohol or drugs altogether. They may even learn to control their withdrawal symptoms enough that they will seem normal most of the time. However, as the addiction becomes stronger, the addict usually becomes withdrawn. He or she may avoid social encounters and may limit the time they spend with family members. This type of isolation is done partly to avoid criticism of their substance use, but also to provide more opportunities to use drugs or alcohol.

Physical Symptoms of Drug and Alcohol Addiction

Addiction causes chemical changes in the brain and, over a longer period of time, the brain relies on the drug or alcohol to maintain that altered state. This is why many addicts fail when they try to quit on their own. The brain and central nervous system rely on the substance to operate normally by this stage in the addiction, so a sudden absence of the drug or alcohol causes intense cravings. The cravings often become so strong that, when the addict does relapse, he or she uses larger and more frequent doses to compensate.

While you may not notice cravings, there are other common symptoms of withdrawal that you can observe. In people suffering from a stronger addiction, these symptoms may be observable even in a short time between doses.

Frequent nausea and vomiting
Red or watery eyes
Insomnia (lack of sleep) or hypersomnia (too much sleep)
Fatigue

Behavioral Changes Caused By Drug and Alcohol Addiction

You may also notice behavioral changes, which can be caused by substance abuse or by a desire to continue using. For instance, tardiness to school or work is common among struggling addicts. They may also miss days entirely, either because they overused the substance the night before, or because they’re going through withdrawal as a result of being out of the drug or alcohol. These attendance problems often worsen over time, until they are either suspended from school or fired from their job.

A strong indication that a loved one is suffering from addiction is that their overall appearance has changed. Since they have withdrawn from most social activities, they may no longer care about their appearance. It’s common for an addict to stop bathing, brush their teeth infrequently, and stop conducting other personal hygiene rituals. They may also wear the same clothes for days or weeks at a time. In itself, this may not be the result of drug addiction, but, when coupled with other signs, it could indicate a substance abuse problem.

If you do suspect a loved one may be struggling with addiction, consulting experienced counselors may help you. When you call 800-737-0933, our counselors can provide you with guidance and resources that will help you talk with your loved one about their addiction. This is the first step in getting your loved one the addiction treatment they need to recover and begin a healthier way of life.

What Can I Do if I Think My Teen Is Becoming Addicted to Drugs or Alcohol?

Your teenager has been acting strangely lately and you’ve seen some things that caused you concern. You conclude that your son or daughter may deal with an addiction. But, you’re at a loss and want to know what you can do if you think your teen is addicted to drugs or alcohol.

If it turns out to be an addiction problem, there are ways that you can handle it. First, however, it’s important to know if they really are having a drug or alcohol problem. Here, we’ll look at the signs of addiction in teens, when you should intervene with a rehab program, and how to handle their reactions to treatment.

Signs your teen may be addicted to drugs or alcohol

Teens, nowadays, can act different and be perfectly normal. It’s common to rebel in certain situations and dress in a way that makes them happy, even if you’re not too impressed with their taste. However, when addiction is added to the mix, there are a few signs that could you look for to alert you that there’s more going on with your teenager than just normal teenage attitude. Some things that could cause concern are:

Persistent bloodshot eyes
Withdrawn Behavior
Increased trouble at school that wasn’t there before

Addictions can cause physical signs, like bloodshot eyes. There are many reasons eyes get bloodshot, but if it combines with some other signs, drugs may just be the number one cause. Teens tend to withdraw to themselves, skip school or instigate fights with other kids if they’re using drugs or alcohol. Drastic changes in the appearance or their overall behavior point to some kind of problem that needs checking into.

When should you intervene with treatment for drugs or alcohol?

Sometimes their drug or alcohol use is minor, and it hasn’t taken hold of them yet. If you find that this is where your teen is at, you can help stop it by talking with them to understand whatever is going on. Figure out what problem they’re facing that sent them to the drug or alcohol for relief and find out how you can redirect them to something more healthy.

More often than not, however, their usage is more severe and a simple talk with you won’t help much, it may just make matters worse for them. If they have anger issues, anxiety problems, or are only a shell of what they used to be, then consider intervening and getting them into a rehab program to overcome their addiction. These centers specialize in helping those with customized treatments prescribed for their situations to deal with whatever problem they’re facing.

How to handle your teen’s reaction

Addictions usually have a tight grip on the person dealing with it. Don’t get surprised if they lash out in anger. If you decide to talk to them about getting into rehab, check with a center first, for advice on how to best accomplish that. Depending on the situation, they may ask you to have other people along for moral support or just to ensure safety, should something go wrong. It’s also important that you don’t blame them for what’s happened. Addictions occur because the person felt that drugs or alcohol were a better comfort to them than anything else. Blaming them will only make them feel worse and drive them to the object of their addiction.

Explain to them why treatment is necessary for their situation. Make sure they know that you’re worried and care about them no matter what. Point out what evidence you’ve seen that shows they have an addiction and what could happen if they don’t get help for the problem. Walk them through what will go on in the rehab program and what they can expect. Prepare them ahead of time so they’re not thrown into a situation they’re weren’t expecting. The more information they have before going in, the better. That way they won’t be tempted to try and leave soon after they got there.

It’s bad enough when an adult is facing an addiction. It’s even harder when your teenager is dealing with a drug or alcohol problem. Look for the signs to see if your teen may be addicted and figure out if their situation warrants a treatment program. If rehab turns out the be the best answer then talk to them about what to expect in rehab so they’re plenty prepared. For more information or advice on how to talk to your teen about addiction, call us at 800-737-0933. We’ll be glad to help you out.

Will a Long Term Rehab Help Me Find Housing if My Current Home Isn’t Healthy?

If you’re struggling with the disease of addiction, you may realize that your living situation is one of the primary reasons you can’t stay sober. This is quite common for those who have an addiction to drugs or alcohol, but there are plenty of options available. A long-term rehab facility will not only help you get sober, but they can help you find housing if your current home situation isn’t healthy. This is one of the main benefits of working with a caring staff who wants to help you stay sober long after you leave treatment.

In treatment, you may not even realize that your living situation isn’t healthy until you begin working in group therapy and individual sessions. Many people begin to have clarity in treatment and realize if they hope to stay sober, they need to replace some people and places in their life. It’s also important to learn how to stay sober despite any external circumstances, which can include your family, spouse, children or parents. By the time you discharge from treatment, you’ll have living options as well as a sense of confidence that you can stay clean and sober.

Understanding Toxic Living Environments

There is a wide range of reasons why people begin drinking or using drugs, and you’ll be able to get down to the root of your problems while you’re in treatment. Although there are reasons you may have started to abuse substances, you also need to realize what factors in your life are keeping you in your sickness. Although you may have an extremely loving family or spouse, they may be contributing to your addiction. Some of the most common ways that your living situation can affect your addiction include the following as well as more:

People in your house abuse alcohol or drugs
Loved ones enable your addiction
Co-dependent relationships
Communication issues
Verbal, physical or emotional abuse

One of the best options after treatment is sober living, and this is a place where you’ll be with others who are trying to overcome their addiction as well. If you realize it’s a bad idea to move back home because it might lead to a relapse, sober living maybe your best option. In sober living, not only will you be able to go back to work or school, but you will also have the support that you need. Early recovery can be difficult, but it can be extremely beneficial to have others who live with you that are there to talk whenever you need someone to listen.

You should also realize that finding alternative housing in early sobriety may not be a permanent thing. For some people, they have a loving family, but you might be someone who needs to have some space to continue strengthening your recovery. The disease of addiction hurts everyone involved, so you and your loved ones may not yet be in a position to live together right after treatment. When you go into a sober living home, you and your loved ones will have additional time to heal, and then you can return to your old living situation with a strong foundation of recovery and begin rebuilding your relationships.

Overcoming Your Addiction

When you’re in treatment, you’re going to receive therapy that’s going to help you get to the root causes of your addiction. Overcoming addiction involves taking responsibility for your recovery and understanding that others may not change just because you’re getting sober. You’re going to work with a professional therapist who is going to help you begin to understand that the drugs and alcohol are only a symptom of the problem. Some of the primary challenges you face maybe not knowing how to manage the stresses of life without using healthy coping skills.

Support in Treatment

In treatment, you’re going to be with your peers who are also trying to overcome their addiction, and you’ll see that you’re not alone. Those who are also in treatment will be there to support you and lend a listening ear if you’re struggling with your home life. Sometimes it’s more beneficial to get suggestions from others in early recovery who understand exactly what you’re going through. Those you meet in treatment will also be there to help support you in your recovery after you leave treatment to help you on your recovery journey.

If you’re looking for a treatment center that can help you get sober and find housing after treatment, allow us to assist you. Give us a call today to find out more at 800-737-0933.