Substance Abuse Stages: How Addicted Are You?

No two addiction story is the same; how one started it all can be the same with one hundred others, but the life thereafter is unique to each one.  

However,  all go through the same stages although not in the same intensity. The importance of learning about these stages is for the concerned people and the professional rehab personnel most importantly to know which stage a drug user falls into. The identification of the specific stage will immediately become the basis of choosing and planning for the program and activities that are the most suitable for the patient.

The Curious Experimentation Is The First Stage

Many individuals get into drugs and alcohol use because of curiosity, which starts during teenage years in most cases. Experimentation with drugs and alcoholic beverages are also prevalent in children of parents who are into substance abuse or alcohol dependency.

This stage is different from all other stages because of the user has still full control over the alcohol or drug intake.  The individual still has the ability to stop drinking or taking in drugs because he still has a strong hold over his emotions and reactions and most importantly, he is not experiencing withdrawal symptoms yet.

Consistent Regular Use Is The Second Stage

Alcohol and drugs have been used on a regular basis in this stage. The consistency and the dosage that gets into the body is now attributed to the brain’s response in getting rewards and pleasurable feelings.

The user will turn to alcohol or drug when feeling down or in agonizing pain. At times, the person will use alcohol to inhibit sleep and relaxation also. There are also individuals who use uppers to relieve stress and achieve the feeling of being “high” after a tiring day at work. During this stage, the person has already established his own rationalizations for the habit.

However, the user still has some control over the intake. They may still choose to stop; however, some degree of discomfort will already be experienced when the desire comes up.

“Risk-Taking” Is The Third Stage

At this stage, the “wild and free” status has become pretty obvious. The user starts to have less control over his drug and alcohol use and it is already starting to affect his personal and social life. Relationship problems in families and friends start to set in and employment dilemmas begin to take place.

During this stage, the individual into substance abuse now takes on risky activities. The person is not in his right state of mind already and acts recklessly, which may include driving under the influence of alcohol and picking up a fight with strangers, to name a few.

Dependency & Addiction Is The Fourth Stage

The stage is characterized by  agitation and even violence when the substance or alcohol beverage is taken away. Severe withdrawal symptoms could also take place, including seizures, hallucinations, and even heart failure.

People who are dealing with abuse go through these stages. When you or any of your loved ones are into the habit, awareness of these phases can help in distinguishing the best treatment option.

source http://www.rehabnear.me/substance-abuse-stages-how-addicted-are-you/

How To Get Through To That Family Member Who Refuses To Admit They Have An Addiction

The rising number of alcoholics is alarming. And the most horrifying news is that most alcohol dependents deny it and reject the thought of getting professional intervention.

Drinking alcoholic beverages is a common activity. For generations, it has been a “rite of passage” into adulthood. Our society (and countless others around the world) considers it normal, especially during social events and special occasions either with family or friends. With so many gatherings and occasions, the constant increase of alcohol dependent population has also become a norm.

The Alcoholism Statistics revealed that:

• Approximately 6.6 million of those who are below 18 years old with at least one alcoholic parent has alcohol dependency.
• An estimate of 43% of adults (76 million individuals) in the United States have a family member suffering from alcoholism, may be a parent, sibling, spouse, or child.
• Almost 14 million American adult citizens are alcoholic dependents.

A person addicted to alcohol may ultimately destroy his physical well-being, emotional health, family relationships, and career. They may reach the point where they are already unable to function well; so, they start losing friends, but gain a lot of temporary companions. Denial of their addiction, more than anything else, keeps them away from reaching out for help.

It is very heartbreaking and frustrating to watch someone dear to you struggle with alcoholism. You end up hopeless also because of their refusal for professional help.

You can find lots of options to help an alcohol dependent who refuses to seek for assistance. If you have a loved one who is not willing to accept the situation, this article will help you deal with him or her.

Educating Yourself

The first step in dealing with an alcoholic who frequently rejects your help is to understand alcoholism. There is available information on the internet regarding alcoholism, its effects, and the most appropriate interventions. Knowing all about these can help you understand their feelings and being well-versed about alcoholism will make your loved one feel that you take his or her struggles seriously.

Being Compassionate & Honest

Alcoholics are very sensitive because of their situation. Be compassionate and conscientious at all times. Despite their situation, most of them can distinguish genuine help from getting rid of a burden. Also, open up about what you have learned about addiction and its treatment options in the calmest way possible. Use words that carry a positive message of concern. You have to help them realize that alcoholism is the problem and not them.

Remaining Patient

Being calm and patient with the person is the toughest part in dealing with an active alcoholic. For a fact, he or she will be in denial and you will be avoided through a lot of excuses, and could even violent responses. There will be times where you will also lose temper and hope. However, making them feel like a disappointment cannot help them. Blaming or shaming them will make them turn to alcohol even more.

Staging an intervention may be the best way to help someone with an alcohol dependence problem. You will need the help of professionals because no phase in the healing process is easy.

source http://www.rehabnear.me/how-to-get-through-to-that-family-member-who-refuses-to-admit-they-have-an-addiction/

Alcohol Dependency: My Story Will Teach You Life’s Most Important Lessons

This is a contributor post from someone who wishes to remain anonymous:

It has always amused me how one choice provided total clearness. My life-changing experience happened on one intoxicated evening, 8 years ago. While texting on my phone, I collapsed right into another vehicle waiting at a traffic light, wounding 2 of its passengers.

In the blink of an eye, my life as well as the lives of those I injured transformed permanently. The 2 injured innocent individuals and I suffered from the toll of my alcohol dependency. The incident changed my life from that moment on, but sadly, it has also changed others’ lives as well.

That eventful evening has taught me lessons that I will forever treasure. And these lessons have kept me alive and prosperous in my years behind bars. If there is anything that I wanted people to realize what I have been through, it is the fact that despite it all, I was victorious in my realizations.

I’m Fortunate To Be Alive

Prior to my vehicular accident, I would constantly take my life for granted. I was unappreciative of all the wonderful things in my life and constantly wanted those that I did not have. Animosity, as well as self-pity, were my friends. Now more than anything else, I have realized the magnitude of fortune given to me, I am alive. Taking one day at a time, I have also been practicing a healthy lifestyle.

I Discovered Who My Real Pals Are

The feeling of getting sentenced in jail is incomparable. Several of those that I considered my closest friends immediately disappeared especially during my prison years. However, a few others from my past appeared to help me. The circumstance has paved way for me to see who were my real buddies.

Generosity Is The Way To Give Back

Before that night hit me, my whole life focused only on me; I did not consider others. All the while, I thought I was living a free life. Currently, I make an initiative to help others just as how my real friends reached out when I needed help the most. Seeing others getting happy and relieved makes me feel like a brand new person, wealthier than anybody else.

I Gave Up Self-Pity

Previously, every little thing that involved myself made me sympathize with myself. I kept telling myself that my share is always so hard and that I cannot manage everything thrown at me. Self-pity constantly caged me. It paved way for the unlimited cycle of alcohol consumption to numb the sensations.

I Rely On A Greater Power

I turned myself to God. With Him in my life, nothing makes me unpleasant. A life-altering experience transformed me because I surrendered my troubles to him. I feel internal tranquility in the thought that someone larger than anybody else is watching over.

The lessons do not mean that I am fully healed. I believe that I still need to watch out for circumstances that may invite me to alcohol dependency once again. More than anything else, I have realized that the essence of true healing is enduring a lengthy and bumpy trip just to reach a peaceful destination.

source http://www.rehabnear.me/alcohol-dependency-my-story-will-teach-you-lifes-most-important-lessons/

What Kind of Medications Are Used in Detox?

According to an estimate by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in 2012, more than 9% of people over the age of 12 abused drugs in the previous month, but only 2.3 million of 21.6 million people who needed treatment actually received it. For many people struggling with drug addiction, detox is the […]

The above article is courtesy of www.detoxofsouthflorida.com

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The Most Famous Celebrities That Have Died From Drugs

Celebrities are notorious for “living on the edge”. Unfortunately, the pressure to live a wild and crazy lifestyle often means the end of the road for celebrities. From celebs that died from alcohol or drugs, we have lost many greatly talented people. And while many young, bright flames burn out because of drugs, just as […]

was first published to DetoxofSouthFlorida

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Is It Safe To Detox At Home?

Can You Detox At Home? And Should You? Hint… The Answer is Possibly and (No)  Drugs and alcohol cause tragic consequences for people who become addicted to them. They take a toll on family relationships, promising careers, and self-esteem. Alcoholics and addicts are often to surprise to find that when they want to quit, they […]

Find more on: www.detoxofsouthflorida.com

source https://detoxofsouthflorida.com/is-it-safe-to-go-through-detox-at-home/

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How To Perform An Intervention For Drug Addicts

Nobody wants to stand by and just watch someone destroy their own life through drug addiction. Unfortunately, too many find themselves in this very scenario when they discover a loved one is dependent on a life-altering substance. Only an addict can decide when the time is right for detox treatment, but family members can help […]

is courtesy of Detox of South Florida

source https://detoxofsouthflorida.com/how-to-perform-an-intervention-for-drug-addicts/

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