Archive for the ‘Alcohol Rehab’ category

The Damage Alcohol Can Create

December 25th, 2011



People are often shocked when they find out that alcohol is considered the most dangerous drug a person can ingest. That’s right, it is more dangerous than heroin, crystal meth, OxyContin and cocaine. Why is this? How can something that is so readily available to the public be so toxic to the body?

One of the main reasons behind alcohol being so dangerous is the way that it reduces the person’s ability to control their actions and their body. The more alcohol a person drinks the less control they have when they are talking, driving, operating any type of heavy machinery, watching their children, cooking or any other activities that people consider they can do while under the influence of alcohol. When a person has a large amount of alcohol in their system they are more susceptible to accidents, ranging from minor to fatal.

Another reason why alcohol is dangerous is because of its effects on the brain. Normally, one of the brain’s functions is to produce Gabba, which is a natural, anti-anxiety medicine. Once alcohol is consumed some of it turns into Gabba, tricking the brain into thinking that there is more of the chemical. What happens, is that the brain stops producing Gabba and just relies on the alcohol to handle that function. So, when alcoholics complain about anxiety, it is because they are severely lacking Gabba.

But here’s the twist, none of the above mentioned manifestations of alcohol are the worst part. No, the most dangerous thing about being an alcoholic are the withdrawals. Alcohol is one of the few drugs that can actually kill you. Between the seizures, shakes, and elevated pressure an alcoholic is at great risk when they cease drinking all together. This certainly does not mean that someone should avoid quitting drinking, however it is highly recommended that they enroll in an alcohol rehab where they can detox safely.

Alternative Alcohol Rehab

December 24th, 2011



Over the years, hundreds of cures and potential answers to the problem of alcohol addiction have arisen. Not all have worked, while other methods have offered a degree of hope, the results are apparent. Non-traditional methods of treating alcoholism are rife nowadays. Predictably, institutions endorsing alternate therapy get mixed reviews.

Still, it can be debated that as long a recovery is in process, the non-traditional methods are deemed effective. These methods include acupuncture, amino acid treatments, homeopathic therapies, wilderness-survival training and body cleansing.

Eleusis is s centre that deals with alcoholics by using non traditional methods. The centre is devoted to alternative treatment of alcohol addiction using the novel Ketamine psychedelic psychotherapy. The Wellness Enhancement and Longevity Learning (WELL) program amalgamates this powerful technique with other pioneering therapies in the Eleusis alcohol addiction treatment program. Eleusis promotes the physical health, psychological well-being and spiritual health of the recovering alcoholic, with the goal of making a full recovery.

The primary objectives of the WELL program is to optimize lifestyle through prevention and psychological growth.

To a tremendous extent, postive lifestyle changes can help an alcoholic stay sober, live healthier and longer. Clients in the WELL program given tools to find positive changes that strengthen their recovery from alcoholism and boost their overall health and well-being.

Eleusis endorses addiction recovery through prevention. In the WELL program, clients educated about lifestyle strategies to conquer alcohol abuse and the diseases associated with it.

The program’s truly alternative alcohol treatment approach is Ketamine psychedelic psychotherapy. This is pivotal to the course of recovery. The formidable technique expands the mind; increases psychospiritual growth and helps in promoting self-healing from alcohol and other forms of substance abuse.

Eleusis is devoted to helping their clients take charge of their recovery from alcohol and addiction and to live healthier.

Physical Exercise For Drug and Alcohol Rehab

December 23rd, 2011



Physical exercise for drug and alcohol rehab is a kind of detoxification program. The physical exercises are unequivocally one of the most important constituents which aim at deriving optimal health benefits. The recovery programs focus on regular exercises when it comes to attaining long term sobriety and preventing relapses. The addiction programs motivate addicts to integrate benefits associated with exercising. Regular and repeated exercises constitute one of the best forms of “health insurance” you can ask for. You get to release stress which gets accumulated in the body; additionally you get to dramatically improve on the cardiovascular endurance.

The researches conducted by the drug and alcohol rehab centers focus on the importance of routine physical exercises for promoting sobriety on long term basis. These physical training sessions help to prevent incidences of relapses. On the basis of a Canadian study, it was found that about 70% of the addicts, who received daily regimen of exercises, remained clean and sober after the completion of the treatment program. Along side another group consisting of 60% addicts, received treatment devoid of the exercise components and it turned out that they experienced relapses. They took up drugs and alcohol by the time the follow up period was over.

According the advice of the experts at the drug and alcohol rehab you need to enjoy the exercising sessions and follow a full fledged routine of exercise. This must not sound as a major commitment entailing a lot of time and energy. The addicts must keep in their mind that the time and energy they are investing in the physical training sessions are for their physical, psychological well being, as well as for maintenance of long term sobriety. Those who are in their early phase of recovery can effectively edge off stresses with physical exercises. Again for those who are in the later phases of recovery, physical training or the detoxification processes can help them to embrace sobriety.

Individual characteristics such as alertness, self esteem, vitality can be regained with brisk walking and running. The health-conducive activities which constitute a part of the drug and alcohol rehab programs, meet the specifications of “positive addiction”. According to the health experts of the training centers, production of endorphins triggers the pleasure section of the brain which precipitates the “runner’s high.” The compulsive running activity can be stated as a specific condition when the recovering addict gets literally addicted to” runner’s high” and can cover several miles every day.

Dependence on drug and alcohol can reduce the recovery capabilities, strength, endurance, metabolic rates and growth of the muscles. Apart from this, regular exercises can help to reduce the havoc which regular consumption of alcohol and drug wrecks on the brain and nervous system. Inflammation of muscle cells can lead to degeneration of muscles and in course of time, you tend to become weaker and slower. Regular exercises can help to combat the negative effects of drugs and alcohol in the body. With the detoxification procedures you can thus keep all sorts of health and digestive problems at bay.

The Neurological Implications of Alcohol Consumption

December 23rd, 2011



Many individuals do not realize that there are many neurological implications associated with alcohol consumption. It is not at all unusual for a person who is experiencing the complications associated with alcohol intoxication to suffer from issues with their vision, speech that is slurred, challenges when walking, memory impairments, and even issues with delays in reaction times.

It is very obvious that alcohol has a negative impact on the neurological health of an individual. In most situations, the effects become noticeable shortly after an individual starts to drink and then ceases once alcohol consumptions is ceased. For the individual that drinks on a regular basis, the neurological implications of alcohol consumption are long term and may be noticed even when the person has not consumed any amount of alcohol.

The most common neurological implications of alcohol consumption include experiencing lapses in the memory and even periods known as “Blackouts”. Many individuals believe that blackouts are the same as passing out, but this is not factual.

A blackout is a specific amount of time in which the individual who has been consuming alcohol is unable to recall the details or events which happened within that time period. Typically, the person is conscious. Individuals that experience this type of neurological implication have often consumed a large amount of alcohol in a short period of time. As a result the blood alcohol increases at an excessive rate.

When it comes to neurological implications associated with alcohol consumption, many medical professionals observe the issue of a deficiency that is directly related to the level of thiamine in the body. Individuals who consume alcohol on a regular basis do not follow a healthy diet and instead of eating, they often replace meals with alcohol instead.

As a result, they do not acquire the proper amount of thiamine, which is an essential B1 vitamin that is required for all the tissues that are in the body – especially the brain. A deficiency of this essential vitamin may develop into serious brain related neurological conditions, such as that which is identified as “Wernicke-Korsakoff Syndrome”.

This particular neurological condition is quite serious and the implications have a devastating effect on the health of an individual that suffers from it. Common symptoms include mental confusion, complications associated with the coordination of the muscles of the body, and even a complete paralysis involving the nerves that are responsible for eye movements.

This is also known as “Oculomotor Disturbances”. Learning complications are also a direct effect of consistent alcohol consumption. As you can see, there are many neurological implications associated with alcohol consumption.

How Drug Alcohol Rehab Centers Help You Help Yourself

December 19th, 2011



There are centers that offer effective drug alcohol rehab treatment for people with addictions. These centers today offer positive ways of dealing with substance abuse in all forms. You can find the help you need to kick your own drug and alcohol addiction at one of these facilities. There are no cookie cutter treatment plans. Individualized plans are created that address each person and their needs. This allows your addiction issues to be handled in a personal and positive manner.

People who have problems with addictions often are in denial. They continue to deny their substance abuse even when their world is crumbling around them. It is very difficult for most people to admit that they need help and even harder to reach out for the help that they need. Drug alcohol rehab treatment offers you a fresh start. These centers help you detox your body and clear your mind. They will help you identify the source of the problem and take steps to handle these issues. Curing drug addiction means making the person whole and healthy in mind, body, and spirit.

The staff deals with the truth about substance abuse and will tell you honestly what you need to do to kick the habit and get clean. They all understand that detox is a difficult period for any person to get through. This is why you need the support of a dedicated treatment team. The staff members and counselors do realize that addiction is a disease. They are committed to helping you and your family get back to normal and drug free living once again.

When you enter a drug alcohol rehab program, they are not concerned with whether you have been abusing illegal or legal substances. They just care about helping you overcome your addiction and getting you clean and back to normal. They are not going to judge you; these centers are offering you a way out of drug dependency. When people are addicted to drugs, they have lost control and it is the drugs that are now controlling their lives.

Substance abusers become numb to the outside world when they are caught up in the moment of getting high. The highs diminish over time and the lows get more intense and happen more frequently. This is actually your body and your brain sending out warning signals. When your body is full of toxins and drugs it is very confused and weak. Detox at a dedicated drug treatment facility is necessary to allow your body and mind to work normally.

You need to kick your addiction habit before you lose everything of importance in your life, including yourself. Today the drug alcohol rehab centers use holistic approaches to help substance abusers. Their methods are effective, practical, and not punishing. You will find yourself in a nurturing and caring environment that will help you deal with your addictions.

Substance abusers will deny their addictions to their family, friends and to themselves for as long as possible. It is one of the most difficult steps to make that first cry for help. The drug alcohol rehab programs out there today work with you to help you identify and overcome the reasons for your addiction. It is at this point that you can take the necessary steps to free yourself from yourself imposed prison of addiction. You can find the help you need today and break the hold that your addictions have on the real person inside.

The Evolution of Rehab Counseling

December 18th, 2011



Sadly, the story of rehab counseling is a very short one. Substance abuse has most likely been with us for most of human history, but it claimed its victims and there was little help available.

There are indications that substance abuse dates back to the earliest days of the human race. Certainly, alcoholism existed in ancient civilization and various drugs were known in religious ceremonies. It was very likely these ancient drugs were misused as well. There was little help available for either condition. Very little was known about mental illness and the science and understanding that make rehab counseling possible today did not exist. So, the story of rehab counseling really only began in the last century.

Two men who were dealing with alcoholism had a conversation one day in the year 1935. The men’s names were Bill Wilson and Dr. Bob Smith. They were strongly influenced by the writings of Swiss psychiatrist, Carl Jung, and the Oxford Group which was a Christian Evangelical organization. The result of the conversation was Alcoholics Anonymous.

By 1937, the group that was known as AA had grown to include 40 members. They all were recovering alcoholics. A year later, the 12 step program was introduced. AA used the idea that the alcoholic was not able to control himself without help. This help had to come from an undefined higher power, but also from the support and counseling of other fellow alcoholics. This support and counseling was the effective beginning of rehab counseling. It was a recognition that rehabilitation was the key to treating both alcohol and drug addictions.

In 1966, another rehab movement called Narcanon was begun and embraced by Ron Hubbard, the head of the Church of Scientology. This group put a strong emphasis on the idea of individual responsibility for rehab. They were criticized for not even dealing with the withdrawal symptoms that were viewed as a physical manifestation of the addiction. The trend was moving toward a more liberal idea that saw addiction as a disease. This tended to take the responsibility off the individual and put it more on things such as genetic disposition and chemical imbalance in the brain.

In the past few decades, the idea of integrative therapy has become the mainstream method of rehab. This brings both sides of the equation into some balance. The individual has to take responsibility and want to be helped, but medications are available also to counter chemical imbalance and ease the withdrawal symptoms. Despite its short history, rehab counseling is a growing area that represents a giant step forward in civilization. No longer does society give up on or cast away those who fall into the clutches of addiction.

Alcohol Rehab Center: Your Alcohol Detox Haven

December 14th, 2011



It’s that time of an alcoholic’s life where the person has seen the damage that his or her addiction has done. The damage that can be seen in the person’s family and friends or the relationships he or she have or had. Aside from the there is also the irreparable damage that has been done to the person’s career that will permanently be seen on his or her resume. But no matter what this person has done, that second chance must always be given to him by society.

This second chance can be found in alcohol detoxification or alcohol detoxification. Now there are ways to go into alcohol detox or detoxification. First is that you can stay at home for your treatment but studies point out that there are more people that succeed in rehabilitation centers. Now regarding detox, this is achieved by completely removing the alcohol from an alcoholic’s body and the intake of alcohol. That can be very uncomfortable for the former alcoholic. During the detox the patient will undergo behavioral and physical changes due to withdrawal. Part of the alcohol detox is to make this transition bearable as it can be very challenging and taxing depending on how long the person has been an alcoholic and how often he or she drinks and what he or she drinks. During the alcohol detox a person, depending on the case, is given drugs to help them cope with the withdrawal and/or is given group therapy or psychological therapy. And it is on the latter kind of treatment that the support of family and friends become invaluable.

Now there’s no use sugar coating alcohol detox, because it will be hard. Almost all rehabilitation centers enforce strict rules and regulations to ensure the steady recovery of their patients. But these rehabilitation centers enforce these things because they are supposed to focus on self-control and discipline. Aside from this doctor, nurses, and the staff in general, of a rehabilitation center would usually be people that are experienced in dealing with addiction cases.

Most people with these problems usually have relapses and the flaw in some of the detoxification programs are that they don’t incorporate ways how to avoid the circumstances that led to a person becoming an alcoholic. A good detox program would teach their patients ways to avoid instances that led them to becoming alcoholics.

But one of the best thing to remember when going through detox is to be determined by this change and be convinced that this will be for the better. Better for your family, your career, your friends and you.

Perspective of Alcohol Abuse

December 14th, 2011



Though the Florida rehab facility does turn around things and makes people have better lives, it has voiced fears that there are some people who are not fortunate enough to join a rehab soon enough due to ignorance or some people close to these unfortunate victims are not prompt enough. Some people tend to think that a round of drinks may just get them into the sleepy mood to retire for the night. An addict needs to seek help at an alcohol treatment center in order to dispel this type of mood and concept.

Alcohol has toxins that macerate the liver and cause liver inflammation and liver cirrhosis. This is destructive and both the long-term effects of drinking and the short-term effects are dangerous. It is recommended to seek help from a Florida rehab treatment center as quickly as possible. People take to solving their problem of ‘loneliness’ by drinking or associating themselves with other individuals who drink. A prominent alcohol treatment center in Florida has cited that many people who check into their rehab are on the verge of developing serious health problems. Alcohol in large quantities can cause a lot of harm and damage to the internal organs of the body like the liver and the stomach. There is not more needed to be stated about the innumerable cases of drunken driving cases that happen around the world. The addict drinks before sleeping and there is a problem with that. It becomes a pattern and they find it hard to quit.

In social settings, drinks flow freely and to feel acceptable by the society and friends, a person tends to drink. Some will want to take breaks to drink. If you are taking time off from your work and utilizing your breaks for drinks, it means that you are getting addicted If you drink and fight with people: If you find that your friends and family are distancing themselves from you because of your drinking habits and the fact that you tend to become violent after drinking, it means your addiction is on the rise. It can also cause varicose type veins in the lining of the stomach that may rupture any time. In spite of knowing that alcohol ruins health; there are many people who are enslaved for the bottle for various reasons. Florida rehab treatment programs offer the addict a way to get their lives back in order, but the person needs to relinquish control to the professionals that know best.

In treatment, the addict has to first understand that he or she has reached a point where alcohol is something that they can live without. Headache, nausea, slurred speech, lack of concentration, lack of clarity while understanding or communicating are some of the common symptoms of their past behavior. Once internal bleeding occurs, it is a cause for grave concern. Here are some signs that will tell if you are just a social drinker or you are addicted big time to alcohol, enough to join an alcohol rehab center: Turning to alcohol for problems every now and then, some people frequent pubs and socialize in clubs only to feel accepted.

Alternatives to Drinking Alcohol At Parties and Events

December 13th, 2011



It has unfortunately become the case that most events and/or parties are centered around the consumption of alcohol. It seems one cannot travel to any fair, barbecue or art gallery event without seeing wine, mixed drinks or beer completely available. In this, it is often difficult for alcoholics to attend these very events without feeling the urge to join in the consumption.

Fortunately, there are several other alternatives to drinking that can assist an individual in attending the events, but having an ‘out’ to alcohol consumption. Avoiding alcohol at a party or event can be a tricky situation, but it is possible to find alternatives.

Alternative #1: Dance: Most all events have some sort of music, either playing in the background, or on a dance floor. Some parties may have DJ’s while others have live bands for the attendees to enjoy.

It’s a well-known fact that it is quite a difficult task to dance while also holding a beverage of any sort. When you feel the urge, get out and dance a few steps. Don’t be afraid to even take a dance partner with you onto the dance floor, and have fun!

Dancing is a great form of exercise, but also something that most everybody can do. No matter what your age, or which type of music is being played – cut loose and enjoy the positive energy.

Alternative #2: Make New Friends: Socializing via good and healthy conversations is an amazing way in which to meet and make new friends. Chances are, you are not the only individual who will not be drinking at any given event. Feel confident in seeking these people out, and introducing yourself.

Interject into a conversation, and make it known that you wish to be a part of it. Speaking about the event itself, is another great icebreaker to start up a conversation. Have you been to this art gallery before? What type of music do you prefer? How do you know the host/hostess?

Alternative #3: Submerse Yourself Into The Event Itself: One tends to forget that besides the fact that there is alcohol present, most individuals did come to enjoy the event or party itself. If it is an art gallery, take the time to view all of the artwork, and gather your own opinion about the collection(s). If you are at a friends house for a birthday party, see if you can help the host/hostess with preparing food for the guests.

There are several ways in which to enjoy a party or event, and have a fulfilling time, without consuming alcohol. Although, if you or someone you know is in need of professional assistance, it is best to contact a drug and alcohol rehabilitation center. Although we can learn to adapt to society after our recovery; recovery in itself is an important step down the path of a healthier lifestyle.

Chronic Alcohol Abuse

December 9th, 2011



Chronic alcohol abuse can show early signs of real potential health problems such as loss of muscle tissue, loss of memory, and loss of testosterone, just to name a few. Alcohol also affects every cell within your body, and if this condition stays chronic, it will start to kill cells, and once a cell is dead, it stays dead. Alcohol is a toxin and will travel through your bloodstream into every organ and cell in your body Liquid vitamins and minerals, because of their superior absorption into our systems can be a very strong asset to someone that consumes too much alcohol. Alcohol is the most abused drug by the world as a whole, but other drugs such as marijuana, cocaine, and methamphetamine can affect the desired results of vitamins, but by far and way alcohol is the largest nutritional threat to the majority of people.

Chronic abuse prevents the absorption of vitamins and is often associated with a poor, and in some cases, a very poor diet. Your body needs vitamins and minerals to function normally, and they must be in the correct balance to do so. Dehydration that is often caused by alcohol abuse will interfere with the narrow limits of each ion in our body, such as calcium, sodium, and potassium. A reduction in these ions by abuse can and often does lead to excess thirst which may lead to muscle cramps, as well as the potential for sudden dizziness or fainting spells. If you are prone to getting cramps, especially in the middle of the night, you might want to revisit your alcohol intake.

Although the loss of vitamin B12 is the deficiency most associated with this condition, there are several other critical vitamins and minerals that are affected by abuse of this drug. Folic acid is a nutrient that helps your body to make new cells, including red blood cells, which are critical for carrying oxygen in your body. Vitamin B12 helps to maintain the red blood cells as well as the nerve cells, but folic acid is also a major contributor. Also at risk with a loss of this nutrient is folic acid deficiency anemia, a condition where you don’t have enough red blood cells. Most people will be affected by this condition simply because they don’t eat enough of the proper foods that contain folic acid, or you have a hard time in absorbing it. Pregnancy also puts you at a risk of this deficiency, and abuse of alcohol during pregnancy can place the fetus at risk of birth defects.

Thiamin or Vitamin B1 is also a nutrient that is threatened by alcohol abuse. This nutrient is especially important in the metabolism of fats, proteins, carbohydrates, as well as the formation of hemoglobin. Hemoglobin is especially important to our bodies as it is a protein that is carried by red blood cells and delivers oxygen from the lungs and delivers it to peripheral tissues. This delivery system by your body allows for the maintenance of cell viability. Alcohol abuse destroys this process, thus the killing of your cells.

Zinc is yet another nutrient severely affected by abuse of alcohol. Although your body does not require a lot of zinc, next to iron, it is the most plentiful of all the trace elements in your body. It has been utilized throughout history for wound healing but also plays critical roles in the immune and reproduction systems, and is important to growth, taste, vision, smell, and blood clotting. However, perhaps the most important function of zinc in our bodies is its role in the metabolic process that produces energy. A loss of this nutrient reduces endurance, and in chronic situations, muscle mass as well. This is one of the major reasons people that have drank too much feel so tired the next day. But the damages to your body do not just end there with. Alcohol in your body also reduces testosterone which is critical for development and recovery of muscle.

This toxic drug also slows your body’s ability to heal itself. Alcohol holds very little nutritional value, but it works very effectively in reducing the nutrients in your body, especially if abused. In fact, because of its high calorie content, the body treats it as fat, and as a result it breaks down the sugars in alcohol into fatty acids. However, alcohol abuse does more than just destroy nutrients in your body; it affects your appearance as well. Alcohol can affect your skin; (loss of vitamin A) especially if you are prone to acne or blemishes, it can age you prematurely, dries up your hair, cracks your lips, and will also give your skin a puffy appearance.

It also affects your brain, as it deprives your brain of water cells and glucose, the brain’s food supply. It can also lead to blackouts, diminished memory, stupors, and in severe cases, comas. Chronic alcohol abuse also causes increased stomach acid production which may lead to heartburn or even ulcers. However, because of the livers role in breaking down alcohol, it is the most effected organ in the body. Chronic conditions will destroy liver cells which normally are in the state of constant rebuilding, can cause fat accumulation around the liver, and may eventually cause cirrhosis of the liver, which is fatal. The list of damages to you body by chronic alcoholism could go on and on, but maintaining the supply of vitamins and minerals in your body effectively is extremely important if you choose to drink alcohol regularly and to excess.

Drug and Alcohol Rehabilitation