The Impact of Technology on Addiction and Mental Health

Technology has become an inherent part of our everyday life. Everyone uses the internet day and night for different purposes. It’s common for people to be constantly plugged into social media and the internet for fear of missing important updates. Many jobs have also gone digital, increasing how we use technology. While technology has expedited and enhanced work processes, it has also raised questions over its negative influence on mental health. Since its emergence, research has shown a rapid increase in the number of people with technology/internet addiction. The National Institute on Drug Abuse report reveals excessive screen time affects brain structure and development

We constantly use technology daily without knowing that this habit has metamorphosed into an addiction, which is one reason for the rise of mental disorders among individuals globally. Technology addiction is a psychological dependence that has impaired many activities and reduced efficiency at school and work.

Grace Recovery is a top-rated drug and alcohol rehab in Los Angeles. Contact us today to learn more about how our treatment programs are designed with your recovery in mind.

Technological Influence on Mental Health

Technology has found its way into modern existence. Whether smartphones, laptops, or home gadgets, our lives revolve around screens and digital communications. The relationship between technology and mental health is quite deep, having its advantages and disadvantages.

The convenience of connecting with a loved one at any time, accessing information, and engaging in pleasurable activities, such as gaming and shopping, at a simple touch of the screen summarizes the profound benefit of technology. However, when these gadgets are used excessively to an extent, they begin to lower our performance, leaving us at risk of addiction and eventually a mental health disorder.

 Constant consumption of digital content can be detrimental to our mental health. Social media addiction, for example, can lead to compulsive checking and unrealistic comparisons, which fosters anxiety and depression. That’s not all! Excessive screen time can reduce sleep quality, concentration, and vision. The addictive nature of technology can impact psychological health.  

Technology addiction isn’t different from other forms of addiction, as it negatively impacts the prefrontal part of the brain, making it difficult to remember details, concentrate, or prioritize tasks. The addictive behavior will increase dopamine secretion, enabling you to crave more technology to achieve a certain level of pleasure. So, if you’ve been playing games, shopping, or chatting for hours, the increase in dopamine levels will force you to indulge in those above-mentioned activities more.

Signs You’re Suffering from Technological Addiction

Technology addiction is an obsessive behavior associated with the use of technology. As you know, almost everyone is always busy with their phones. So, how can you ascertain if one has a technology addiction? If you or someone else experiences the following signs, it indicates they may have an addiction:

  • Constant use of technology, spending an enormous amount of time on it
  • Experience withdrawal symptoms in the absence of it
  • Requests more time to use technology
  • Creates excuses to spend time on social media, gaming, or doing technology-related things
  • Compulsive use, despite the negative consequences on physical and mental health
  • Reduced work or school performance
  • Inability to focus or prioritize tasks
  • Difficulty to keep track of time
  • Isolation. This happens if the person has few or no friends in real life but has a dozen on social media. This becomes a haven for them – a safe place to interact and obtain the pleasure they cannot get in real life.
  • Blurred eyes and other vision problems caused by excessive screen time
  • Bored of doing everyday tasks
  • Poor personal hygiene
  • Body pains, such as headaches and neck pain

Treating Technology Addiction

Proper treatment begins with acknowledging that you have a problem. Once you understand your condition, you can implement ways to break free from this addiction. Here are ways to overcome this addiction:

  • Balance technology use: Set boundaries, restrict screen time, and recognize when technology use is becoming an addiction. Use some software to limit access to specific websites.
  • Meditative exercises: You can also indulge in meditative activities, such as yoga, to help you stay focused. Yoga helps the body stay calm and removes terrible energies hindering your performance.  
  • Seek professional help: Certified therapists or counselors will recommend the right therapy to help you improve. Currently, clients don’t need to see therapists physically, as online therapy platforms have risen significantly. These platforms are a more convenient, affordable, and accessible way to address addiction and mental health issues by connecting with a therapist via digital channels.

Grace Recovery Can Help You Deal with Technology Addiction

The negative relationship between technology and mental health is extensive. Technology addiction can significantly affect productivity and mental health. With the right help, you can resolve this issue and preserve your mental health. Grace Recovery Center is a well-equipped center to help you fight technology addiction. Our experienced therapists assess a patient’s addiction level and develop a comprehensive approach to foster lasting recovery. Contact us at (877) 554-7223 and learn how our inpatient drug rehab center in Los Angeles can help.

Rebuilding Trust and Boundaries after Codependency in Addiction

Rebuilding Trust and Boundaries after Codependency in Addiction

Codependency and addiction form an unhealthy, vicious relationship that traps the parties involved. Codependency, on its part, rids the codependent of their independence because all they do is fix the other partner. Substance addiction, which affects nearly 22% of the American population, according to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, impairs the addict’s judgment, making them unable to see the consequences of substance abuse and are less likely to acknowledge they have a problem. 

A codependent relationship involving addiction can strain the relationship and destroy trust. Loved ones, who may be caretakers, may be harmed in one way or the other by the addict’s manipulative behaviors and deceptions. The addict may promise to quit, but the caretaker is almost always disappointed. It is essential to rebuild trust to navigate recovery. Both parties must identify the root of their codependency and set healthy boundaries. 

Grace Recovery is a top-rated drug and alcohol rehab in Los Angeles. Contact us today to find comprehensive dual diagnosis treatment in LA.

What is Codependency in Addiction?

Codependency in addiction is a dysfunctional relationship involving an addicted person and the codependent, the caretaker. In a typical codependent relationship, one party relies heavily on the other for care and love. The caretaker tries to please the other partner in whatever way, often at their expense. This unhealthy relationship takes a toll on the caretaker, forcing them to give up their life to satisfy their partners.

Examples of codependent behaviors in addiction include:

  • Defending the addicted partner’s behavior, even if wrong.
  • Feeling responsible for their addicted partner’s well-being
  • Enabling their partner’s addiction to make them happy
  • Sacrificing their own needs and happiness to take care of their codependent partner
  • Becoming overly controlling and always getting involved in the lives of their codependent partner
  • Feeling guilty about their partner’s behavior if they didn’t satisfy their needs

The codependent partner may not necessarily be a spouse. They could be a sibling or a friend who share similar addiction problems or benefit from each other. In the case of the caretaker, they derive joy and happiness from caring for their addicted partner. They feel a sense of purpose for making their partner happy. They have the “people-pleasing” attitude, where other’s opinions and validations are more valuable, and they use them to gauge their self-worth.

How Trust is Lost in a Codependent Relationship Involving Addiction

Addiction can lead to lies and betrayal, as the individual’s focus is to obtain and use, often at the expense of the codependent. They indulge in manipulative behaviors to get what they want, even sacrificing the relationship. When the codependent realizes these falsehoods and deceptions, they feel a sense of betrayal, making it difficult for them to trust the words of their partners.

How to Rebuild Trust and Boundaries in a Codependent Addiction Relationship

Codependency is a two-way thing. The addict isn’t to be blamed for everything, as they are not always in the right frame of mind before making any decision. Meanwhile, the caretaker might not be honest with the partner on why they assumed the codependent role. All these issues must be ironed out going forward to ensure a smooth recovery.

As you navigate recovery, rebuilding trust and making amends with those offended by your behavior is necessary to complete the recovery process. Below are steps to rebuilding trust and boundaries after codependency in addiction:

  1. Reflect: The codependent and the addict should pinpoint their roles in the dynamic relationship and ascertain if they harmed themselves emotionally or otherwise.
  2. Engage in Communication: As a person in recovery, have honest communication with your codependent. Express your feelings, fears, and expectations without judging.
  3. Join Support Groups: While undergoing therapy, support groups are crucial during recovery. They help you navigate recovery and reconcile your past. Additionally, they provide resources and insights for recovery. You and your codependent should endeavor to join support groups to rebuild trust and smoothen out any issue.
  4. Prioritize Self-Care: Codependents must focus on themselves more and set healthy boundaries that protect their well-being. They must learn to say “no” to enable behaviors and prioritize their needs. Self-care isn’t selfishness.
  5. Be Patient: Rebuilding trust is a long process. Take it one step at a time and avoid rushing. Small milestones build confidence.
  6. Forgive: Both parties should forgive themselves for past errors. Remember, it was a difficult period. Forgiveness can be fundamental to recovery and restoring trust in a relationship.

Recovering from Codependency Addiction

Recovery from a codependent relationship involving addiction is challenging, but it can lead to healthier relationships that encompass trust and boundaries. However, the root of codependency must be understood and addressed to ensure complete recovery. If you or someone you know is in a codependent relationship involving addiction, seek professional help. At Grace Recovery, we aim to support you in overcoming codependency.

Tips for a Successful Drug Intervention

Tips for a Successful Drug Intervention

Substance use disorder (SUD) and addiction can be a tricky health challenge. Unlike other forms of health challenges, such as diseases and disabilities, the health impacts of addiction may be masked. Many persons who live with an addiction may deny the presence of unhealthy behavioral patterns and consequences. One of the most significant challenges of helping someone with an addiction is helping them see the need for professional help. This is because many of them often deny the presence of a health challenge. A jarring report from the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) in 2022 states that about 20.4 million people were diagnosed with SUD, but only 10.3% received treatment in the past year. In this article, we’ll explore what a drug intervention is, the role of a drug intervention specialist, and how to organize a successful one.

Grace Recovery is a top-rated drug and alcohol rehab in Los Angeles. Contact us today to learn how we can help your loved one overcome addiction.

What is a Drug Intervention Program?

A drug intervention program is a planned, specific program aimed at helping a loved one see the health consequences of their addiction behaviors and commit to seeking professional help. Drug intervention programs are different from therapy in that they are preliminary, and the end is that the person with addiction goes to therapy. Drug intervention programs may involve the professional help of a drug intervention specialist. These experts, also known as drug interventionists, are specially trained to plan and implement a drug intervention program. They are skilled at identifying and preventing potential pitfalls peculiar to each individual. Mental health professionals like doctors, nurses, and therapists may also serve as drug interventionists with the required credentials and training. Also, a drug intervention program is usually planned by relatives and loved ones and is exclusive.

Helpful Tips to Have a Successful Drug Intervention

A successful drug intervention requires a high amount of planning and specificity. A wrong decision or statement can impede its success. Here are some things you can do to ensure a successful drug intervention program.

Get advice from a specialist

It is easy to overlook this and try to convince a loved one without seeking professional help. However, a drug intervention should not be done haphazardly. A drug intervention specialist’s advice can refine your plan, how you want to communicate, and what you want to convey. So, you stand a better chance of having a successful intervention program if you involve a drug intervention specialist.

Decide who gets to be on the team

Choosing those who would make up the core team of a drug intervention program is crucial. Usually, friends and families who have the best interest of the person with addiction at heart should be the core members. You should avoid involving people who enable the addictive behaviors of your loved one or those who could upset them.

Gather relevant information

Before you attempt to hold a drug intervention program, it is also crucial you get the necessary information that could help you make a case and draw up a well-detailed plan. Information may include records of the health consequences of their addiction pattern, available treatment options, and rehabilitation service providers functional in your community.

Choose a convenient time and location

One may think that the location or time for the drug intervention is negligible, but they may go a long way in determining the outcomes of the intervention. It is vital that the person living with addiction feels safe in the chosen environment. The time of the drug intervention also matters; if the intervention holds when the person with addiction is not sober, it may be impossible to have a reasonable conversation with them on the health consequences of their addiction behavior.

Rehearse

Ensuring that everyone sticks to the agreed-upon conversational script is essential. Holding a drug intervention program where members speak spontaneously is risky and is not encouraged. Rehearsing can help identify words, languages, or conversations that could upset the subject, i.e., the person with addiction. It would help if you watched out for communication patterns that seem to shift blame or accuse the person living with addiction.

Offer a recovery plan

It is not enough for you to convince your loved one to seek professional help. A successful drug intervention should also present a recovery plan. A recovery plan may include the available treatment options and other forms of available support, such as support group systems.

Manage your expectations

The truth is that a drug intervention may not go just like you expect. Emotions are often high, and your loved one may even disagree and refuse the help you offer. You must be actively responsible for your feelings and not build castles in the air.

Decide the consequences of their choice

Should your loved one decide not to accept the help you offer, your response must also be clear. It is crucial that the decisions you make help them break free from the behaviors and benefits that could foster their addiction behaviors.

Follow-up

After a drug intervention program, you should also follow up on the matters raised during the program. Some may not respond positively at first. However, your consistent follow-up may persuade them to seek help eventually.

Addiction Treatment Services in Los Angeles

 A successful joint intervention should lead to the uptake of rehabilitation services. We offer addiction treatment services at Grace Recovery, including detoxification programs, inpatient service, and dual diagnosis. We also provide a community for persons seeking to achieve recovery and wholeness. To explore our inpatient drug rehab in Los Angeles, contact us today to help your loved one begin their healing journey.

What is Rapid Detox?

What is Rapid Detox?

Detox is the first step in addiction recovery. While it’s necessary for opioid and other substance treatment, it can become ineffective when rushed. According to the Health and Human Services Department, about 75% of drug abuse deaths in 2020 were related to opioids. The health institute recommends at least 90 days treatment program for individuals battling opioid addiction due to the intense nature of the withdrawal. Yet, most individuals prefer not to enter long-term treatment and seek short-term solutions. As a result, rapid detoxification emerged.

What is rapid detoxification, and are there any risks and side effects to this short-term process? 

Grace Recovery is a top-rated drug and alcohol rehab center that can help. Contact us today to learn more about Los Angeles addiction treatment.

What is Rapid Detox?

Rapid detox is a quick fix process that rapidly flushes out opioids, heroin, or other prescription drugs from a person’s system while under general anesthesia. During rapid detox, the individual is sedated for about six hours. They are administered naltrexone to neutralize opioids and push the drugs out of the system. 

The goal is to remove the drugs from the body while minimizing withdrawal symptoms. When the person awakens, they will no longer feel the pain of the process. Rapid detox aims to bypass the pain associated with opioid withdrawal. This is why some patients prefer it to the long-term treatment plan. Rapid detox is performed in a hospital or rehab setting. 

Is Rapid Detox Treatment Safe?

Now that you know what is rapid detox, how safe is it? Rapid detox may seem like a shortcut to recovery at first, but the risks involved may make you consider your options. Of course, it’s fast. You can be out in a day or two. However, the faster may not be better.

Rushing through any procedure, much less a medical treatment can be ineffective and dangerous. Those with opioid addiction undergoing rapid detox are at high risk of relapse, renal failure, or even death. According to CDC, five patients out of 75 that underwent rapid detox had severe reactions that demanded hospitalization, with two dying. It shows how risky this process is. The American Society of Addiction Medicine strongly advises against rapid detox because the risks outweigh the benefits. The CDC has reported many fatalities associated with this opiate detox process. As a result, rapid detox should be avoided.

According to the Journal of the American Medical Association, possible side effects of rapid detox include; 

  • Respiratory problems
  • Pulmonary failure
  • Psychosis
  • Thyroid hormone problems
  • Withdrawal symptoms
  • Death

Yes! You can still experience withdrawal symptoms even after the completion of rapid detox. Opioid is a highly addictive and potent drug that causes the overproduction of dopamine, which affects the brain’s processing and response to emotions, movement, and memory. This happens over time. Therefore, it’s never recommended to stop cold turkey, especially if you have been dependent on it. The withdrawal symptoms that begin after cessation are often intense and deadly. 

Withdrawal symptoms you could experience include;

  • Elevated body temperatures or fever
  • Diarrhea
  • Headaches
  • Watery eyes
  • Depression
  • Dizziness
  • Yawning
  • Concentration problems
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting

Rapid detox could also complicate mental health disorders. Remember, the process increases the risks of relapse. The patient may start using drugs again, which could worsen mental health disorder symptoms. Drug abuse and mental disorders are intertwined, as more than 15% of those with drug addiction also have a mental illness. 

Medical Detox is More Appropriate

Medical detoxification is the long-term process of removing harmful substances from the body. This process is performed under the supervision of medical experts. Medical detox is usually performed in residential inpatient programs and is recommended for substance abuse. However, it isn’t a standalone treatment, and this is where many patients get it wrong. 

Opioid addiction is like other drug addictions – it interferes with the brain’s circuitry. Detox alone doesn’t help repair this brain damage. A combination of therapy and counseling can help you overcome opioid addiction. Detox is part of the addiction treatment program. An NIH study revealed that those who completed substance abuse treatment have a higher chance of preventing relapse and achieving psychological balance. Once detox is completed, it is best for the individual to sign-up for other treatment options, like evidence-based therapy and support. The choice will depend on the individual’s condition.

Grace Recovery Offers Long-Term Opioid Treatment

Rapid detoxification is never an option. It’s expensive and risky with unclear benefits. Therefore, you should avoid it. If you or someone you know has an opioid addiction, it is crucial to get treatment immediately. The earlier the treatment, the faster the recovery. Grace Recovery offers a complete continuum of care program for opioid treatment, including detoxification, residential inpatient, outpatient, partial hospitalization, and aftercare. Our detox programs provide a supportive environment for the safe removal of drugs. We ensure patients transition into further addiction treatment programs following the detox program. Contact us at (866) 431-3602 to learn more about our Los Angeles medical detox program.

Tips For a Successful Drug Intervention

Tips For a Successful Drug Intervention

Many people are addicted to various substances. Yet, they deny their addiction. They will never admit to having addiction problems and turn down every chance to get treated. According to the National Institutes of Health, 80% of individuals with addiction in the United States don’t get treated because they feel they are okay.

It is typical because drugs like cocaine and opioids don’t give us any impression we are in danger. It elevates our mood and messes up our brain cells to the point that we don’t realize if we are doing something wrong. This is why a drug intervention is needed.

An intervention is an approach used to make a loved one realize their addiction. It allows them to decide on how to improve their lives. While this is common, many people don’t understand how it’s done. This is what this post will discuss.

Grace Recovery is a top-rated drug and alcohol rehab center in Los Angeles. Contact us today to learn more about available treatment options in Southern California.

Drug Intervention Explained

It is a precise and carefully planned process organized by family or friends on behalf of the individual with addiction. This intervention usually involves a drug interventionist who acts as the counselor and medical professional to buttress the point of seeking therapy.

An intervention is set up to confront the individual about the adverse effects of their drug abuse. Furthermore, these individuals encourage the person to seek treatment. A typical intervention;

  • Demystifies the consequences of the individual’s addiction on family and friends
  • Provides a prior treatment table with guidelines and goals
  • Issues a warning about skipping treatment

The objective of an intervention is to do what the individual can’t – get the courage to get treated and get better. However, an unplanned intervention can be disastrous. It can defeat the objective and make matters worse. If everyone isn’t on the same page, the individual with addiction will have more excuses not to seek treatment. An intervention must be carefully organized to avoid this mishap.

It is essential to keep everyone in concurrence and avoid any spontaneous talks. The individual must be convinced that treatment is the only way out, and failure to get treatment could have adverse consequences. When everyone agrees, it will prevent them from making unguided remarks. It also prevents them from portioning blame, which could dissuade the person from treatment.

Tips for a Successful Drug Intervention

Organizing an intervention can be a sensitive process. As a result, you need to plan it carefully. Here are some tips to bear in mind:

Create a Plan

This is where it all starts. Determine the objective of the intervention, what you plan to say, and how to act when the person turns down help. Also, determine the number of people you want to invite. The people that should be invited should be close to the person and have the person’s interest at heart. Adding people the individual has no close relationship with will cause resentment.

Choose a Date and Location

Where should you hold the intervention? Remember, the aim is to convince the individual to seek treatment. The person has to be as comfortable as possible to reason rightly. The location should be serene, especially a familiar environment where the individual feels at peace. 

Choose a date that works for everyone. And if anything should come up on or a few days before the due date, communicate with others. If you need to postpone, ensure others agree to that.

Rehearse Your Words

Now that you have what to say, you should rehearse them. Practicing prevents you from making spontaneous comments that may be hurtful. The best way to rehearse your words is with a specialist interventionist.

Prepare Yourself for the Unexpected

You can plan an intervention carefully, but it might not be successful. Because you spoke beautifully doesn’t mean the individual with addiction will agree. Resistance isn’t the problem; the problem is your response. Will you be calm or confrontational? Be the former instead. It gives the individual the impression that they might be making a wrong choice.

Proffer a Solution

Provide the necessary resources and information about addiction to the person. Enlighten the person on the available treatment options and addiction centers nearby.

Follow-Up

Because the person has finally agreed to treatment doesn’t mean you should care less. Follow up with the individual to see how they’re doing. Continue to offer your support throughout the treatment duration. Recovery is a long process, and supporting them through the finish line will be greatly helpful.

Different drug intervention programs can help struggling individuals recover. These programs const it give therapy and medications to achieve a lasting effect.

Examples of these programs include; residential inpatient, 12-step, and outpatient programs.

Grace Recovery Can Help Organize an Intervention

Organizing a successful intervention is possible with a drug intervention specialist. Our team at Grace Recovery Blog can help you plan an intervention if you need help with one. Contact us today to learn more about available addiction treatment in Los Angeles.

IS MY ADDICTION SERIOUS ENOUGH TO GO TO REHAB?

“The first step to recovery is admitting you have a problem.” This statement is at the core of 12-step programs, but for some struggling with alcohol or drug abuse, it isn’t enough. Whether you are analytically minded or still attempting to identify how you feel about the word “addict,” you are probably looking for a set of behaviors to relate to or medical symptoms to spot before heading to rehab. However, there is no hard and fast criteria for rehab entry. Addiction treatment programs, such as those at Grace Recovery, are able to help you before you hit rock bottom.

WHEN DO I NEED TO GO TO REHAB?

When you start thinking about rehab, it’s probably time to go. Your mind is telling you it is no longer in control of your behavior and your consumption of alcohol or drugs. This doesn’t have to mean you are stumbling home at 3 a.m. and passing out until the next evening. It could mean you are growing weary of social drinking but can’t quit asking for refills when you slide up to the bar. It may also look like a bottle of wine gradually disappearing over the course of a day full of errands and childcare responsibilities.

DO YOU FEEL GUILTY?

If you feel guilt over your drug use or drinking and want to quit, rehab may be a necessary retreat for you to break free of the triggers and habits that make it easy for you to head back to the bottle or bar. Other warning signs include a loss of interest in your day-to-day activities, intensified cravings or an overall lack of responsibility to other areas of your daily life.

IS YOUR LIFE SUFFERING?

Have you started being late? Missing appointments? Checking out of play time or letting your mind wander as you put in eight hours per day at work? Do you ever engage in dangerous behavior, such as driving intoxicated or under the influence? On days you avoid the bar after work or don’t take pain medicine, do you start to feel withdrawal symptoms like headaches and nausea? Have you started to lose or gain weight or experience health problems as a result of your use?

Positive answers to any of these questions or experience with similar situations is an indicator you need to speak to a professional about your addiction. Start considering your rehab options.

IS REHAB ONLY FOR SERIOUS CASES?

Modern rehabilitation and addiction treatment programs are not the austere drying out periods of yesteryear. State-of-the-art facilities like Grace Recovery couple luxury amenities with the latest in substance abuse programming. Each treatment plan is individualized, so we will treat your drinking problem or drug addiction by focusing on you specifically, whether this is your first attempt at recovery or a stay following relapse.

Our team will evaluate your situation and craft a detox plan compatible with any medical challenges or emotional hurdles. The detox phase also includes the introduction of long-term treatment goals, such as self-care and goal setting. Instead of focusing on rehab as something for people who have reached bottom, view it as an opportunity to reset and develop the physical and mental distance needed to fight a serious problem.

HOW DO YOUR FRIENDS AND FAMILY FEEL?

To obtain clarity about your situation, speaking to friends and family about your concerns can provide an additional perspective. They can also help you fight your addiction whether you ultimately enter rehab or not.

Other times, the people in your life may tell you everything is fine. In these instances, you need to assess your crew and their behavior. You may have unconsciously surrounded yourself with others who reinforced your addictions because of their own, making it difficult to obtain an honest perspective.

WHAT ABOUT THE FUTURE?

Grace Recovery is located in the heart of Hollywood, California, and provides treatment for residents of the Los Angeles area and beyond. After a detox period in rehab, patients complete a 30-day to 90-day residential program to help break the cycle of addiction. They also move forward with an aftercare plan while returning to work and family life.

Addiction treatment is a difficult journey, but it will enhance your life. The energy you previously devoted to drugs or alcohol can now be used in more productive ways, and your relationships will benefit from increased attention.

INTERVENTIONS: WHEN AND HOW SHOULD I INTERVENE ON A LOVED ONE

According to the Addiction Center, approximately 21 million Americans have at least one addiction.  More shocking than the total number of American’s ensnared in the clutches of addiction is the fact, that only 10% of addicts seek addiction treatment.  In order to bridge the gap, people struggling with addiction need loved ones to bridge the gap towards addiction treatment.

Drug addiction has impacted the lives of millions of Americans. There is new hope though, as we are able to destigmatize addiction and identify it as a treatable disease.  State-of-the-art addiction treatment programs like Grace Recovery in Hollywood, California are filled with people eager to help you or your loved one combat drug addiction with compassion, care, and expertise.

One of the questions asked most frequently by people who have a loved one who is struggling with drug addiction is this:  When do I stage an Intervention?

TIMING IS KEY

There is no simple answer to that question.  However, as loved ones, we can develop a plan by being informed and knowing that early intervention with an effective plan and a committed support group can save a life.  Remember, only 10% of addicts seek addiction treatment, largely due to the fact that most addicts don’t know they are in crisis.  They need your help.  So here are some sobering signings that it is time for an intervention.

SIGNS TO LOOK FOR

People can change in healthy ways, however, a person struggling with drug addiction or alcoholism may exhibit many alarming behavioral changes.  Some of these changes may be mild, such as changing eating routines, eating less, arriving excessively and profusely late or lying.  Most of these behaviors will exacerbate over time as the addiction worsens.  An addict also is likely to build a tolerance for certain drugs or alcohol and require more to achieve the same high.

Other alarming behaviors include refusals to eat, a haggard appearance due to a lack of care for their own self-image.  Drug addiction and alcoholism affect the brain to be focused on the next high which can make people more prone to volatility where they lash out and lose control.  The grip of addiction can rip your loved one away from reality leading to mental fatigue and memory loss which snowballs into financial trouble.

When you see these behaviors taking their toll, you know it is time to stage an intervention.  However, your chances of success will increase if you are able to form a support group focused on getting your loved one into addiction treatment safely and effectively.

Remember, your decision to stage an intervention can directly save your loved one’s life.  In 2018 the Los Angeles Times reported, “the death toll from drugs has doubled every eight years” from 1979 to 2016.  Your intervention and the path to addiction treatment can help change that number.

STAGING THE INTERVENTION

Once you have made the commitment toward staging an intervention to help your loved one battle drug addiction, the next step is forming your team and your plan.  This is going to be an emotional experience.  Different people view drug addiction from a different lens.  Some people still view addiction as a choice.  People in your group may be personally outraged or hurt due to the choices an addict has made.  Your intervention will have the highest odds of being successful if you are able to create a support group who acknowledge addiction is a medical disorder, are committed to helping and have a plan of action to get your loved one to receive addiction treatment.

You will also need to assign someone to be a leader and mediate while your group navigates through their own emotions.  Remember your loved one with an alcohol or drug addiction may have committed acts that are hard to forgive.  Healing the group can lead to forgiveness.  Forgiveness can lead to belief in a common goal: To help a sick loved one receive addiction treatment.

It is also okay and necessary to share what the consequences will be at home and with relationships if your loved one struggling with alcohol or drug addiction doesn’t seek treatment.

SEEK PROFESSIONAL HELP

You are not in this alone.  There are people who have dedicated their lives to helping people receive the support they need to confront their alcohol or drug addiction.  An intervention specialist can be the perfect person to utilize in order to give your loved one the best chance at receiving the addiction treatment they need.  It’s okay to have questions and to feel like you need help.  Luckily, people like Greg Holden and Joelene Knight the co-founders of Grace Recovery in Hollywood CA have people ready to help regardless of where you live.  Just pick up the phone and dial 1-866-330-0049 or visit gracerecovery.com and they will be happy to guide you.

The Benefits of a Dual-Diagnosis Program

Sometimes depression and addiction go hand in hand and anxiety and addiction too. Depression and anxiety lead people to use drugs and alcohol to alter their moods and help them feel better. It leads to having two different disorder that needs to be treated. Many rehabilitation and recovery centers do not have dual treatment programs. At Grace Recovery, we have two dual treatment programs that address the problem of depression, anxiety, and addictions.

Anxiety and Addiction Treatment

Anxiety disorders often lead to the abuse of drug and alcohol to cope with the feelings it brings. Many people do not seek help but medicate themselves with alcohol and drugs. Treating anxiety with medications and therapy can prevent it from leading to an addiction. When a patient needs anxiety and addiction treatment, we offer 30, 60, or 90 days of inpatient treatment. For very serious cases detox is needed. It helps the patients deal with the side effects of getting off alcohol or drugs.

When a person goes through detox, they are supervised medically by our trained staff. They use medication to minimize the side effects of withdrawal. Their physical and mental health is closely monitored. They eventually participate in programs that help them with the process. Activities are individual therapy,  group therapy, holistic activities and taking the right medications. for the detox program. We have many ways to treat different types of drug or alcohol addictions.

Anxiety has many symptoms like trouble sleeping,  racing thoughts, rapid heartbeat, insomnia, tremors, panic attacks, and fear.  We have many therapies for anxiety to help patients cope and change their behavior. Patients can talk with qualified therapists or social worker, group therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, learn meditation, take medications, yoga,  participate in exercise programs,  and try new hobbies.

Benefits of Dual Treatment for Anxiety and Addiction

When you have two disorders it can lead to treating one or the other. Often this fails because it does not treat both disorders. It can lead to a cycle of treatment as an outpatient and relapse with the need for inpatient care. If you are treated just for addiction it can lead to relapse because the anxiety and the cause of the addiction is not addressed. Treating both disorders with dual diagnosis leads to recovery, and we have outpatient and aftercare services available to help you return to the community.

Depression and Addiction Treatment

Severe depression sometimes leads to alcohol or drug addiction. Those with an addiction often suffer from depression. Depression causes sadness, apathy, lack of energy, aches, and pains, sleep problems, anger, loss of appetitive, and trouble concentrating.  Without treatment, it can lead to problems with addiction. Often when someone is treated for depression it prevents them from developing an addiction. Many people with depression do not seek treatment.

When a patient has an alcohol or drug addiction we treat the addiction first. Often we begin with detox for 30, 60, or 90 days depending on the severity of the addiction. During that time the patient is supervised by the medical staff to ensure they get off the substance with a  minimum of symptoms.  Patients often take medications to helps them cope with withdrawal. They often attend group therapy, individual therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy,  participate in exercise and relaxation exercises.

After the addiction has been dealt with they are given therapy to deal with the depression. It can be on an inpatient or outpatient basis. Both provide individual counseling, group therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, developing an exercise and diet routine, meditation, yoga and developing new hobbies.  Treating both addiction and depression can prevent relapse. Outpatient therapy for both anxiety and depression offer patients an organized routine and the benefit of having their family participate.

After the person is discharged from Grace Recovery, we help them with aftercare. This means often helping them develop skills to find jobs and return to school. We teach them valuable skills about money, eating a healthy diet, exercising, and joining social groups. We have therapy groups, medication management, and assistance with finding a place to live.

Benefits of Our Dual Treatments Programs

There are few places like Rose Recovery that treat anxiety, depression, and addictions together. The benefits are that long term treatment can keep the patient from relapse and help them to recover more quickly. They teach valuable skills to help patients cope with the road to recovery. We are located in Los Angeles, CA  near  Hollywood.  Call today to learn more about our dual treatment program at 1-866-431-6302 or fill out our online form.