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.

If you are ready to start that journey or still unsure if you need help, visit www.gracerecovery.com or contact us today at 866.431.3602 to speak a member of our qualified staff.

How to Make the Most of Your Stay in Rehab

Any recovering addict agrees on one thing; there is life after quitting the habit. You have accepted that you were once vulnerable to either alcohol or substance abuse. Congratulations! You have passed the first step towards recovery. So, what is your next step? Of course, you will check yourself into the nearest rehabilitation center for treatment and counseling sessions. However, you need to accept the fact that your life is about to change completely. Here are some tips to make your stay comfortable.

Develop a positive attitude towards the process

The rehabilitation process sounds like a tedious process that involves medications and therapies. It is perfectly normal to fear the unknown. Always remember that the people who offer these services have your best interest at heart. It is not the time to reflect on the mistakes you made in the past. Trusting the rehab process not only helps you to develop a positive attitude in your journey, but it also allows you to accept unhealthy habits you had in the past. How do you go about this?

You have the power to shape your future. Accept the challenges that come with ditching your addiction. Therapists and counselors are trained to handle each individual differently. So each time you feel discouraged, don’t hesitate to communicate your feelings.

Embrace a healthy lifestyle

During your drug addiction, you may have avoided healthy living standards such as a balanced diet, exercising, meditation, or taking part in developmental projects. Consequently, you have compromised the wellness of your body. Well, it isn’t too late to start over. You see, change comes from within you.

In rehab, you will meet nutritional experts and life coaches who will walk you through healthy habits. You will learn the importance of adopting healthy eating habits rather than letting you perceive of it as a chore. The healthier you are, the easier it is for you to recover fully.

Decide whether you need to detox

Did you know that detox is the first step towards early addiction treatment? The process helps to remove the toxic substances you have consumed during your addiction. You need to bear in mind all the challenges that come with it. You may experience withdrawal symptoms such as hallucinations, nausea, anxiety, and hallucinations among others. Remember, it is part of the healing process that takes between three and seven days.

Before checking into rehab, decide whether you are willing to go through the detox process. The specialists will determine the severity of your current condition to decide whether or not you are fit to undergo the procedure. After that, they will let you decide if you agree to the process.

Be mentally prepared for the therapy

You may be a first-time or a returning patient, but that doesn’t mean you are mentally prepared for what awaits you. Once you have checked into the facility, you will be given a timetable that determines your appointments. These appointments are tailored to allow you to discuss essential topics. Feel free to write down some of the topics you want to discuss. Don’t forget to inform them about your experiences. They may not be as bad as you may think.

Prepare for Life After Rehab

A rehab facility can be likened to a cooking recipe that guides you on how to prepare specific meals. It will highlight the ingredients and procedures to ensure you cook even if you aren’t a professional chef. After that, it is up to you to light the fire.

You are getting prepared for life after rehab is one of the essential things you need to consider. Of course, the drugs have already been eliminated from your system, making you less vulnerable to withdrawal symptoms. However, the cravings for the drugs may not wear off completely.

During your stay, it is essential to determine a hobby that will prevent you from going back to your old habits. Take this time to discover what you are good at. Is it painting, watching movies, or reading novels? As long as you develop the right attitude towards this process, you will still discover that there is more to life away from alcohol or drugs.

Conclusion

Using drugs in the past isn’t the end of life. You can still be a productive person after accepting your past misfortunes by checking into a rehab facility. Here, you will go through detox and therapeutic sessions to help you recover physically and mentally. Once you have adjusted to the program, you will realize that you can still reconnect with your loved ones and lead a healthier lifestyle. It is not the time to feel sorry for yourself. Instead, it is the perfect moment to unravel your potential as a valuable asset to the community. Remember, many people made it despite losing hope in life.

If you or someone you love is struggling with addiction, contact us today. Grace Recovery is always here to help and we will be there for you every step of the way.

 

The Benefits of Group Therapy

Recovery can be difficult. This is a well-known truth. However, having the benefit of others around you that understand your struggle can be a lifesaver. Instead of feeling alienated am misunderstood, you’re surrounded by people who’ve been through the same things. Group therapy has the ability to create a sense of community among people on the same journey. The process embraces the individual and acts as a catalyst for greater bonding and understanding. Regardless of the addiction, group therapy creates a safe haven for people struggling with many of the same adversities. However, it does many other things too.

Communication

The goal of group therapy is to create a warm, understanding, and safe environment. Placing the chairs in a circular pattern makes it easy to see everyone in the group and invites open and honest conversation. The small close-knit group builds a sense of community. This is beneficial as members transition into society and meets people. Patients are able to rebuild their confidence and start all over again. In essence, group therapy helps members express themselves, and find their authentic voice.

Companionship

It helps to have someone with you on your recovery journey. Group therapy brings members together as a support system for one another. Often, the addiction process isolates members from friends and family. It can leave members feeling isolated and rejected. Group members often come together to fill that void building bonds that will last throughout the recovery process and beyond. This companionship is also an important part of the recovery process. It brings members together and helps form strong friendships with others that may have been through the same thing.

 Insight

Group therapy also cultivates reflective insights. Other members often bring a fresh perspective to the table which allows you to look at the situation differently. Often times, a member may be too close to his or her situation, making it difficult to truly see the situation holistically. Sharing your experiences with other members brings a fresh new perspective that a member may not have been able to see or understand on his or her own. Members are able to gain powerful insight which is also part of the powerful healing process.

Affordable Help

Group therapy is often free or very low cost. Members have access to counseling and support without having to worry about affordability. This type of support is vital to the recovery process because members can focus on getting well without worrying about money. Members can take advantage of all the advice, insight, and support of other members. Rehab is designed to benefit every member involved.

Putting It All Together

Group therapy can be an important part of your recovery process if you let it. Take advantage of the camaraderie and support that other members offer. It’s also a good idea to be as open and honest as possible. This also invites help and support. There are many things that you can do to get the most out of group therapy. Be open and honest with other members during therapy sessions. It may also help to keep a recovery journal and write your feelings and thoughts. You can even offer ideas if they come to mind during therapy. Hold yourself and others accountable. This will help yourself and other members stay on track or get back on track if they fall off. Consistency and participation are key.

An addiction problem isn’t the end of the world. With the right support system along with consistency, recovery is possible. Stay the course and use all the resources available. This is not a journey you have to take along. Your support system is there to help you if you stumble or when times get hard. Even if you fell, all you have to do is get back up and start again. Perfection isn’t the goal. Instead, sincere consistent effort is the goal. Consistency leads to better choices and habits that will continue to serve you well beyond your recovery.