How To Find the Best Opiate Treatment Center

How To Find the Best Opiate Treatment Center

Many people are familiar with opioid drugs and the rising rate of addiction throughout the United States stemming from their use. Another term related to substance use and addiction is opiate. It is not uncommon for the terms opioid and opiate to be used interchangeably. However, it is essential to note that the terms mean different things. Opioids are all-natural, synthetic, and semisynthetic opioids. The term opiate refers to natural opioids. Perhaps, it is best to understand the term opiate as a subcategory of opioids. 

Someone with an opiate addiction may be addicted to prescription pain medications such as oxycodone or codeine or illegal opioids like heroin. When someone struggles with opioid addiction, the disease will eventually lead to significant physical and psychological changes to the brain and body. The only safe and effective way to overcome an opiate addiction is at an addiction treatment center like Cal Recovery Center. 

What Is an Opiate Treatment Center? 

At an opiate treatment center, a team of highly skilled medical and mental health providers will work with you to develop a comprehensive treatment plan that addresses your unique needs and goals. Addiction is a disease unique to the individual, and everyone will experience different symptoms and struggles as they detox and work towards sobriety. The best opiate treatment centers offer treatment programs that address the physical and psychological challenges of overcoming addiction. Also, the treatment providers are skilled in addressing co-occurring disorders or dual-diagnosis conditions. This means your treatment program will not only help you get sober but also learn to safely and effectively manage symptoms related to an underlying mental health condition that, without treatment, may hinder your ability to achieve sobriety. 

Signs You Need To Find the Best Opiate Treatment Center

Millions of Americans struggle with a substance use disorder. Opiate drugs, whether prescription or illicit, are highly addictive. Getting sober and maintaining lasting recovery is difficult without the help of a treatment center. Data shows that early and comprehensive treatment provides the best opportunities for recovery. But, how do you know if you need to seek help?

The first sign that you need to find the best opiate treatment center is if you are asking if you need help. Chances are if you are concerned about your substance abuse challenges, it is time to contact the team at Cal Recovery Center for support. Other signs you need to seek help for opiate addiction include not taking your medications as prescribed, drug-seeking or doctor shopping, developing a tolerance, new or worsening financial or legal problems, choosing drugs over essential responsibilities, physical and mental health problems (related to drug use), trying to quit but relapsing and experiencing withdrawal symptoms if you reduce or stop using. While this list is by no means exhaustive, it provides a starting point of signs to look for. 

How Cal Recovery Center Is One of the Best Opiate Treatment Centers 

At Cal Recovery Center, we understand acknowledging a struggle with addiction is difficult. Deciding to leave behind your “normal” life at home with family and friends to seek addiction treatment is one of the most challenging decisions someone struggling to overcome opiates will ever make. However, comprehensive and evidence-based addiction treatment is the safest and most successful way to put addiction in the past and start your journey to lasting recovery. 

At Cal Recovery, we will work with you to ensure the elements of your treatment plan address your needs and goals. We strive to ensure each of our program alumni leaves with the tools needed to safely and successfully cope with triggers and relapse challenges in the future. If you would like to learn more about how Cal Recovery Center is one of the best opiate treatment centers, contact our admissions team today. 

Can I Get Private Alcohol Treatment for My Addiction?

Can I Get Private Alcohol Treatment for My Addiction?

The 2019 national survey on drug use and health indicates that more than 14.5 million people (some as young as age twelve ) in the United States meet the diagnostic criteria for an alcohol use disorder. Of that number, over 400,000 fell between the ages of twelve and seventeen. Although alcohol use disorders, or alcohol addiction, typically affect men more often than women, alcohol addiction can affect anyone of any age. Because addiction is a struggle that knows no boundaries, you or a loved one have likely been touched by alcohol use disorder at some point. Overcoming alcohol addiction is difficult and often requires addiction treatment and detox services at a treatment facility like Cal Recovery. Without detox or deciding to quit alcohol “cold turkey,” many who strive to put alcohol use in the past succumb to withdrawal symptoms and inevitably relapse.

Seeking addiction treatment early is key to successfully and safely overcoming alcohol addiction. Because alcohol, like many other addictive substances, impacts each person in unique ways, it can be challenging to understand the severity of someone’s addiction. Although addiction symptoms will often look different from person to person, some common symptoms typically occur across many situations. The presence of these symptoms may indicate that you or a loved one could benefit from comprehensive addiction treatment to overcome a destructive relationship with alcohol.

Signs and Symptoms of an Alcohol Addiction

Signs and symptoms of alcohol addiction may be physical, behavioral, and psychological. Physical symptoms such as slurred speech and poor coordination are often easier to see as they are generally outwardly visible. Behavioral signs often present as changes in behavior such as increased isolation, denying a problem with alcohol, anxiety over not having access to alcohol, and engaging in risky behavior because of alcohol. From psychological symptoms may include memory impairment, difficulties concentrating, and new or worsening mental health conditions.

In addition to the above, someone with a long-term alcohol addiction may experience physical impacts in the form of medical conditions such as stomach problems, liver problems, and other illnesses. Additionally, when someone who has an alcohol addiction tries to stop drinking without the support and guidance of an addiction treatment program, they will experience withdrawal symptoms. These symptoms can occur in as little as two hours after their last drink, and depending on the severity of addiction, some withdrawal symptoms can be dangerous and life-threatening. 

Can I Get Private Alcohol Treatment? 

When considering addiction treatment, people are often concerned about what the environment at an addiction treatment center is like. One of the difficulties people sometimes face when seeking help is fear of how they will feel at alcohol rehab. For some, the idea of being in a community rehab environment. You may feel uncomfortable sharing and opening up about your experiences with alcohol with people you do not know. In some cases, discomfort and fear make people forego seeking potentially life-saving addiction treatment. At Cal Recovery, we offer the solution to many of your worries. 

At Cal Recovery, we provide a comprehensive, evidence-based addiction treatment program based on your unique needs and goals. At our Roseville, CA treatment center, we offer addiction treatment in an environment that is different from the rest. We offer private rooms and individual therapy in an intimate atmosphere creating a treatment program that feels private and comfortable. We will work with you to create a therapy program focused on helping you heal physically, psychologically, and spiritually. 

Contact our admissions team today if you or a loved one are ready to overcome alcohol addiction and would like to learn more about private alcohol treatment at Cal Recovery. 

Can You Get Addicted to Wine?

Can You Get Addicted to Wine?

Problematic drinking is a challenge that millions of people across the nation struggle with each day. Although having a glass of wine or a beer to unwind after a long day is not considered problematic, it is essential to understand where moderate drinking ends and potential addiction begins. Alcohol addiction is a disease that progresses with time. Therefore, it is necessary to understand your drinking habits to better understand how drinking affects your day-to-day responsibilities, relationships, and overall health and well-being. Excessive drinking of any type of alcohol can lead to the onset of chronic alcohol use and may indicate the presence of an alcohol use disorder that requires comprehensive treatment to overcome. 

Can You Get Addicted to Wine? 

It is important to note that an addiction to just wine is unlikely. You are more likely to develop an addiction to alcohol, but perhaps you prefer the taste of wine to beer or other types of liquor. However, some people only drink wine, and therefore, it is possible to say they are addicted to wine. Like all other alcohol addictions, an addiction to wine does not develop overnight. It is the result of a pattern of chronic alcohol abuse. Wine abuse (or addiction) occurs when someone drinks wine to the point where it becomes an obsessive and compulsive behavior. Sometimes, someone who is addicted to wine may be referred to as a wino, which is a derogatory term for an alcoholic who likes cheap wine. 

Signs I Have a Wine Addiction

The signs or symptoms of a wine addiction are like those of other types of alcohol addiction. First, you will notice you drink wine more often and more frequently. A glass of wine poured to decompress after a hard day at work turns into two or three or more. You may even notice that glasses of wine become bottles of wine. 

Friends and loved ones may also notice a change in your drinking patterns. If they have started commenting on how much or how often you drink or they make a note of how quickly you pour a glass of wine each night, it may indicate you have a wine addiction and should consider seeking addiction treatment help at a treatment center like Cal Recovery Center. 

Another sign of wine addiction is drinking to the point of “blackout.” Blackout drinking or getting “blackout drunk” are often associated with binge drinking or college party drinking. However, it can happen with wine or even beer. Blacking out or the inability to remember things after drinking occurs when you drink too much too quickly. The body is unable to process the alcohol quickly enough, and vital body functions are impaired. 

If you notice you cannot function without a drink in your hand or that alcohol has taken precedence over other vital day-to-day tasks and social relationships, you need to consider seeking help for wine addiction. 

How To Get Help With Abusing Wine or Other Alcohol

If you find you cannot enjoy a social event or struggle to relax or fall asleep without wine, you may have a wine addiction. If you are concerned your drinking, whether wine or another type of alcohol, is having an adverse effect on your life and the lives of those around you, it is vital to seek help. It is important to remember that there is no such thing as “too mild of a disorder” to consider seeking help. If you are worried, there is likely a good reason. 

If you or a loved one struggles with an alcohol use disorder, contact us at Cal Recovery Center today to learn more about our programs and how we can help you overcome your struggles with alcohol. 

Mindfulness for Relapse Prevention Explained

Mindfulness for Relapse Prevention Explained

Mindfulness practice can be beneficial for a wide range of reasons. People understand mindfulness in different ways. However, in short, mindfulness is the ability to be fully present and aware of them now. The goal is to focus on what we are doing and how we are feeling while not paying attention to what is happening around us. Although everyone possesses the ability to be mindful, not everyone practices mindfulness. 

Although mindfulness can be beneficial for everyone, it is especially helpful for someone who is newly sober or in addiction treatment recovery. Mindfulness-based recovery techniques can help addicts in recovery decrease the power of cravings, improve communication with others, enhanced the ability to cope with stress (without turning distances), and learn new and safer relapse prevention techniques to use after treatment has ended.

What Is Mindfulness for Relapse Prevention? 

Mindfulness-based relapse prevention is a type of addiction treatment program that focuses on ensuring adequate coping mechanisms are in place for the period after treatment ends. This is the time in which relapse is often the most common. Addiction is considered a chronic, relaxing disease, and as many as 60% of individuals who have completed an addiction treatment program will experience at least one incidence of relapse. There are many different types of relapse prevention techniques; however, mindfulness, when learned as a part of addiction treatment, is something that can be used as a lifelong means to reduce stress and reduce the power of relapse triggers.

Mindfulness-based relapse prevention helps someone who is newly sober develop the skills to use mindfulness to manage unhealthy reactions to relapse triggers. Mindfulness for relapse prevention teaches recovering addicts how to be present in the moment and consider the possible outcomes of a situation. It encourages them to realize there are multiple ways to react to a relapse trigger, some of which are beneficial, whereas others are harmful. 

What Are Additional Relapse Prevention Methods? 

Most drug and alcohol rehabs provide relapse prevention education as part of an individually designed addiction treatment program. There are many different relapse prevention tools one can use as part of their day-to-day lives to prevent relapse after completing an addiction treatment program at Cal Recovery Center.

Addiction is a disease unique to the individual. For this reason, it is sometimes necessary to try a range of treatment models and relapse prevention techniques before you find what works best for you. Some of the most common relapse prevention techniques include self-care skills, HALT (hungry, angry, alone, and tired) inventory practice, mindfulness meditation, grounding techniques, continued participation in peer support groups, deep breathing, understanding, and listing your triggers and having an emergency contact list. Keep in mind, this is a shortlist, and what works for you may be something entirely different or a combination of several different skills. 

Relapse prevention education is a vital part of any comprehensive addiction treatment program. During therapy, you will learn and have the opportunity to practice a variety of skills in a safe and supported setting. Many addiction treatment programs also encourage ongoing participation in peer support groups and alumni programs as part of ongoing relapse prevention. Interacting with a group of like-minded individuals who support your sobriety and are focused on maintaining lasting recovery from drug and alcohol abuse can go a long way in preventing relapse. 

If you or a loved one struggles with an addiction to drugs or alcohol, seeking help at an addiction treatment center like Cal Recovery Center is the first step on your journey to lasting recovery. To learn more about how our programs can help you get sober, contact our admissions team today. 

Why You Should Look For Dual Diagnosis Treatment Centers in the Bay Area

Why You Should Look For Dual Diagnosis Treatment Centers in the Bay Area

Co-occurring disorders, also known as dual diagnoses, are closely connected. Many of the twenty-one million Americans who struggle with a substance use disorder also struggle with one or more mental health conditions. Depending on the individual, they may be aware of one diagnosis or the other (either their addiction or mental health concerns) before realizing that they have a dual diagnosis. Statistics show as many as half of those who seek treatment for mental illness or addiction also experience substance use disorder.

Although there is little evidence to point to one causing the other, struggles with addiction can lead to new or worsening mental health symptoms and ongoing struggles with mental health often lead to drug or alcohol abuse to dull the emotional and psychological symptoms of the illness. Without treatment at an addiction treatment center specializing in dual diagnosis treatment, it can be challenging to fully recover from addiction. 

What Is Dual Diagnosis? 

Dual diagnosis conditions are common. When someone has a dual diagnosis, it means they have both a mental health disorder and a problem with alcohol or drugs. Dual diagnosis conditions often share overlapping symptoms and similar root causes. Co-occurring conditions are significantly intertwined, making the concept of treating one condition without acknowledging the other very difficult and less than beneficial for you. When you choose a dual diagnosis treatment center, you receive treatment in a facility where treatment professionals are trained to address both mental health and addiction-related concerns. Dual diagnosis treatment programs ensure all areas of your diagnosis are addressed, providing the most comprehensive opportunity for recovery.

Dual Diagnosis Treatment Centers in the Bay Area Treat Addiction & Mental Illness 

The best option for someone with a dual diagnosis is to complete a program at a treatment facility where treatment professionals are trained to address co-occurring disorders. 

Dual diagnosis treatment programs at Cal Recovery allow the individual and the treatment team to focus on all areas of the problem providing the most comprehensive opportunity for recovery.

As part of a dual diagnosis treatment program, you will work with your treatment team to identify and address particular mental health conditions that you might struggle with and the emotional and psychological factors that may have led to maladaptive and addictive behaviors. Often, substance abuse develops out of using drugs or alcohol as a form of self-medication. Dual diagnosis therapy can help you learn more about how substances are used to self-medicate and then learn healthier, safer coping strategies to use throughout treatment and recovery.

A specialized dual diagnosis treatment center in the bay area will utilize evidence-based, holistic treatment such as yoga, massage therapy, meditation, and nutritional counseling in conjunction with traditional therapies, including cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), to ensure the most comprehensive treatment program possible. During counseling, you will participate in one-to-one (individual), group, and family support sessions that address both your addiction and mental health treatment needs.

If you struggle with a mental health condition and a substance use disorder (addiction), dual diagnosis treatment is essential to a safe and successful recovery. Unfortunately, not all addiction treatment programs are equipped to address the unique needs of dual diagnosis treatment. Our highly skilled treatment team at Cal Recovery will work with you to design a comprehensive treatment plan that addresses your specific treatment needs and goals. Our team of addiction treatment and mental health professionals are here to provide support and guidance as you begin your journey to recovery. 

Contact our admissions team at Cal Recovery today if you would like to learn more about dual diagnosis treatment in the bay area and how our programs can help you. 

The Five Classes of Drugs Explained

The Five Classes of Drugs Explained

Beginning in the 1970s, the United States government began to utilize the Controlled Substance Act. The Controlled Substances Act or CSA established federal policy regulating the manufacture, importation, possession, use, and distribution of certain drugs. The goal of the act is to protect the public from drugs that could be dangerous and addictive. Drugs are categorized based on various factors, including their addictive potential and ability to cause harm when used or misused. Currently, controlled substances are divided into five different classes. 

The Five Classes of Drugs Explained

The Controlled Substance Act categorizes drugs into five classes or “schedules.” The schedules range from one to five, and drugs are placed in each category based on their use, addiction potential, and typical medical use. Some drugs are also categorized based on how their chemical compounds interact with the brain and body of the user. 

Schedule 1 Drugs

Schedule 1 drugs are those that have no official (or legal) medical use in the United States. There are over 100 schedules 1 drugs, including opiates, opium derivatives, hallucinogens, and some depressants and stimulants. Schedule 1 drugs are considered the highest risk drugs and can put users at high risk for developing a substance use disorder (addiction). Drugs that are considered schedule 1 include Heroin, LSD, Ecstasy, and Peyote. Although legal in many states, Marijuana also remains categorized as a schedule 1 drug. 

Schedule 2 Drugs

Schedule 2 drugs are also high risk. Unlike schedule 1 drugs, which are generally illicit (illegal), schedule 2 drugs may be prescription or illicit. Although your risk for developing a substance use disorder is reduced if a prescribed medication is taken as directed, your risk for developing an addiction to a schedule 2 drug is enhanced when the drug is misused or taken for an extended time. Some well-known schedule 2 drugs include Morphine, Cocaine, OxyContin, Fentanyl, Demerol, Hydrocodone, Methadone, Methamphetamine, Ritalin, and Adderall. 

Schedule 3 Drugs

Schedule 3 drugs are not without addiction risk; however, the risk level is lower than that of schedule 1 or schedule 2 drugs. Your medical provider often prescribes schedule 3 drugs to manage illness, injuries, and other medical conditions. Commonly prescribed schedule 3 drugs include Ketamine, Anabolic steroids, Buprenorphine (Suboxone), and Codeine. 

Schedule 4 Drugs

Schedule 4 drugs are medications typically prescribed to treat various medical and mental health conditions. These drugs are categorized as schedule 4 due to a low risk for developing a substance use disorder. Drugs that are a part of this class include Diazepam (Valium), Lorazepam (Ativan), Clonazepam (Klonopin), and Alprazolam (Xanax). 

Schedule 5 Drugs

Schedule 5 drugs have the least addictive risk. In general, these medications are also prescribed by your primary care provider. The most well-known drug in this class is cough medications that contain codeine. 

How to Get Help With a Drug or Alcohol Addiction

If you or a loved one struggles with a drug or alcohol addiction, it is essential to seek help from a professional addiction treatment facility like Cal Recovery. Depending on the severity of your addiction, and the substance or substances you use, you may experience withdrawal if you try to reduce or stop using. Choosing a treatment center like Cal Recovery can help you detox safely and successfully. Once detox is complete, you can transition into a therapeutic treatment program to begin your journey towards overcoming addiction. 

Contact our admissions team today if you would like to learn more about our Roseville, CA treatment center and how our addiction treatment programs can help you get well. Let us work with you to design a comprehensive treatment program that focuses on your unique treatment needs and goals. 

Does Craving Alcohol Make You an Alcoholic? | California Recovery Center

Does Craving Alcohol Make You an Alcoholic?

Alcohol addiction is a struggle called by many names. Alcoholism, alcohol, and alcohol use disorder are all used to describe the result of dependency or addiction to alcohol. Today, alcohol use disorder is the term used within the medical and mental health communities. Someone with an alcohol use disorder will continue to seek and use alcohol despite knowing the harmful consequences ongoing alcohol abuse has on their lives. Alcohol use disorders can lead to lost relationships, loss of employment, significant physical difficulties, and new or worsening mental health symptoms. Alcohol use disorder is a disease that, without the support and guidance of the staff at a professional addiction treatment center, will inevitably get worse. 

What Causes Alcoholism? 

Despite decades of research, the exact cause of alcoholism or alcohol use disorder is unknown. However, several known risk factors may increase your risk of developing an alcohol use disorder. Known risk factors include a parent with a diagnosed alcohol use disorder, binge drinking (more than five drinks per day) at least once per week, drinking more than 12 drinks per week for women and 15 drinks for men, or having a diagnosed mental health condition such as depression or anxiety.

In addition to the above known risk factors, several factors may put you at a greater risk of developing an alcohol use disorder. These include elevated stress levels (ongoing), low self-esteem, having a close relative with an alcohol use disorder, cultural expectations surrounding drinking, or increased peer pressure for young adults. 

What Are the Signs of Alcoholism? 

The warning signs of alcoholism often present as physical symptoms and behavioral changes. Some common examples include: 

  • Using alcohol as a coping mechanism to alleviate stress or other physical symptoms. 
  • Not being able to limit your alcohol consumption.
  • Drinking alone or making excuses to drink. 
  • New or worsening difficulties at home, work, or within your social circles.
  • Becoming angry, violent, or aggressive when asked about drinking or drinking habits.
  • Needing to consume more and more alcohol to feel the effects that one drink used to provide (tolerance).
  • Neglecting personal hygiene or appearance.
  •  Feeling acute withdrawal symptoms if you do not drink. Some examples of these may include nausea, sweating, or shaking (DT’s).
  • Giving up or avoiding social or family obligations in favor of drinking or because you are trying to hide your drinking. 

There are indeed many other warning signs of alcoholism. Most importantly, when getting and consuming alcohol takes precedence over anything and everything else, it is vital to seek treatment to help overcome alcohol addiction in a safe and supported environment. 

Does Craving Alcohol Make You an Alcoholic? 

The term craving is a word used to describe a range of thoughts, emotions, and feelings. There are many reasons people crave alcohol, including stress, peer activities, and happy moments like an anniversary dinner. Not all alcohol cravings signify an alcohol use disorder; however, if cravings become so overwhelming, they begin to interfere with your day-to-day life, it may be time to consider seeking treatment. 

How to Get Help with a Drinking Problem

The first step towards sobriety and recovery from an alcohol use disorder is acknowledging you have a drinking problem. The next step is to contact a treatment center like Cal Recovery, where you can receive the necessary support (including medically assisted detox) to help you overcome alcohol addiction. Although it is possible to get sober “cold turkey,” it is highly suggested that you seek help from a facility that can help monitor the detox process. Alcohol detox can produce intense, sometimes life-threatening symptoms, making it difficult to go through detox on your own—unfortunately, many who try relapse eventually. Addiction treatment programs can provide essential medical support during the early recovery stages.

If you or a loved one are ready to overcome an alcohol addiction, contact the admissions team at Cal Recovery today to learn more about our alcohol addiction treatment programs. 

Find a Benzo Detox in California Today

Find a Benzo Detox in California Today

When people think about “addictive” drugs, the first to come to mind are opioid pain medications and various other street drugs. Benzodiazepines or “benzos” do not receive the same level of attention. Like prescription pain medications, benzodiazepines are legally prescribed by your healthcare provider. When used as indicated, they are highly beneficial in helping reduce the intensity and severity of symptoms associated with various health conditions. They share another unfortunate characteristic with opioids as well. Benzodiazepines are often misused and highly addictive. 

What Are Benzos?

Benzos or benzodiazepines are the name of a broad class of drugs prescribed to treat anxiety and panic disorders and difficulties sleeping, muscle relaxation, seizures, and as part of a treatment plan for alcohol use disorder recovery. Known for their tranquilizing effect, well-known benzos include Ativan, Xanax, Klonopin, and Valium.

When used as directed by your medical or mental health provider, benzos can help reduce the symptoms of illness. However, because the chemical properties of the drug work in the brain and body in similar ways to opioids, these drugs are frequently abused. Benzodiazepines act on the central nervous system producing sensations of relaxation and sedation. Because of their sedative effects and helpful ability to reduce (and often entirely remove) feelings of panic and anxiety, it does not take long for someone to become addicted to “feeling good” and therefore addicted to the drug that produces those feelings. 

The Dangers of Quitting Benzos Cold Turkey

Taking benzos as part of a therapeutic treatment plan is generally safe; however, withdrawal can be dangerous. It is highly recommended that those looking to detox from benzodiazepines do so in a controlled environment under medical supervision. When you reduce or stop taking benzos, you will experience withdrawal symptoms. Most acute withdrawal symptoms begin within 24 hours of your last dose and, depending on the severity of your addiction, last a few days to several weeks. Acute withdrawal symptoms often include anxiety, difficulty sleeping, muscle spasms, gastric disturbances, hallucinations, seizures, cognitive difficulties, etc. For some, suicidal thoughts and actions may also emerge.

The Benefits of Going to Benzo Detox in California

Withdrawal symptoms can be severe and difficult to manage without medical supervision. Quitting benzos cold turkey (without help) could mean medical assistance is not available if needed. During medically supervised Detox at Cal Recovery Center, medical and mental health treatment professionals will provide support and guidance throughout Detox. Depending on your needs, they will monitor your vitals continuously throughout the detox process and, in some cases, give medications to help reduce the intensity and severity of your withdrawal symptoms.  Ongoing medical supervision increases your safety should life-threatening withdrawal symptoms occur.

Another benefit of detoxing in California is the ease of transition into a comprehensive addiction treatment program. Although vital to starting your recovery journey, detox itself is not a standalone treatment for benzo addiction. To achieve and maintain lasting sobriety, it is essential to complete a treatment program focused on helping you understand and overcome an addiction to benzos. Here at Cal Recovery Center, our treatment team works with you from the beginning to design an individualized treatment plan focused on your physical and psychological needs. 

If you or a loved one struggle with benzo addiction, going to a benzo detox in California is vital to successfully and safely detoxing. Stopping cold turkey may mean medical intervention is not available should you need help during Detox. Cold turkey detox can quickly become overwhelming and challenging to manage, leading to relapse instead of sobriety. If you are ready to overcome an addiction to benzos, reach out to our California admissions team today to learn more about our detox and addiction treatment programs. 

How to Do an Alcohol Intervention in California

How to Do an Alcohol Intervention in California

Watching a loved one or friend struggle with an alcohol use disorder (formerly referred to as alcoholism) can be emotionally challenging. It is normal to feel hopeless and helpless to help. Fear and apprehension take over when you consider talking to them about their drinking, as you don’t know how to communicate without pushing them away or saying the wrong thing. You are not alone. Every year, millions of American’s struggle with an addiction to at least one substance. Family and loved ones are key to helping them realize they need help to overcome their addiction. 

What Is an Alcohol Intervention? 

An intervention is an important, sometimes life-saving event organized by the friends and family of someone struggling with alcohol addiction. An actual intervention is far from the visions Hollywood puts on reality television shows. The goal of an alcohol intervention in California is to help your loved one realize they have a problem, need help, and have a strong team of support willing to stand behind them throughout the process. 

An alcohol intervention is a carefully planned process during which friends and family members of someone struggling with alcohol addiction present their emotions and feelings about their loved one’s addiction and how the addiction hurts everyone. Data presented by the National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence, nearly 90% of people, seek help for their addiction after an intervention. 

How Do I Know My Loved One Is Addicted to Alcohol? 

Addiction is a very individual illness, and each person who struggles with an adverse relationship to alcohol will experience different symptoms. Some signs of alcohol addiction may be easy to recognize, but others may be far less obvious. Left untreated, chronic abuse of alcohol can lead to significant physical and behavioral effects. Knowing the warning signs to look for can help you better ensure you or a loved one gets proper treatment as soon as possible. 

Although varied in intensity and severity based on the person, the common signs of alcohol addiction include:

  • Cognitive difficulties such as short-term memory loss and blackouts
  • Mood swings-especially when unable to drink
  • Making excuses for drinking
  • Choosing to drink over other important responsibilities and obligations
  • Drinking alone or in secrecy
  • Becoming isolated from family and friends
  • Feeling withdrawal symptoms when not drinking
  • Changes to appearance and social circles
  • The inability to reduce or stop drinking even if you try

How to Do an Alcohol Intervention in California

For an intervention to be successful, it is important to focus on the positive to every extent possible. Blame shifting, accusations, and hurtful statements may cause your loved one to walk out of the intervention or refuse to seek help.

A successful intervention can help your loved one to understand how their condition and behaviors affect their loved ones; a successful intervention can accomplish this goal in a healthy and productive way. There are various ways to ensure better opportunities for success when having an intervention for your loved one. Suggestions for a successful intervention include carefully choosing participants, selecting a neutral location, creating a script, and practicing your script. As difficult as it may be, it is also vital to try to control emotions and body language during the intervention. Giving in to the urge to argue or place blame may derail the process. Also, it is helpful to have a plan B. Not all interventions are successful the first time around. If you do not see immediate results with your first attempt, do not give up. 

Here at Cal Recovery Center, we understand the emotional challenges experienced when a loved one succumbs to alcohol addiction. Someone with a substance use disorder may be in denial about the harm their addiction causes themselves and their loved ones. However, intervention and addiction treatment services at Cal Recovery Center may help them understand how addiction impacts their physical and mental health while often hurting those they love most. Overcoming addiction with the help of an alcohol intervention in California is possible with the help of the treatment team here at Cal Recovery Center. Contact our admissions team today to learn more about our facility and our treatment services. 

What is Classified as a Heavy Drinker?

What Is Classified As a Heavy Drinker?

Problematic drinking can range in severity from occasionally drinking to harmful levels (commonly referred to as binge drinking) to alcohol dependence or an alcohol use disorder. The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism estimates as many as seventeen million American adults over age eighteen have an alcohol use disorder to varying severity. Also, nearly another one million adolescents and teens between the ages of twelve and seventeen meet the diagnostic criteria for alcohol use disorders and could benefit from alcohol addiction treatment.

The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5) categorizes alcohol dependence disorders as mild, moderate, or severe. Terms such as binge drinking, heavy drinking, and blackout drinking are often used as well in conversations surrounding someone’s relationship with alcohol use and abuse. But what do these terms mean? What does it mean to be classified as a heavy drinker? 

What Is Classified As a Heavy Drinker? 

Before it is possible to understand what is classified as heavy drinking, it is necessary to learn more about what is considered a “standard drink” in the United States. According to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, a standard drink is equal to 0.6 ounces of pure alcohol. Generally speaking, this is equivalent to:

  • A 12-ounce beer with 5% alcohol content.
  • Eight ounces of malt liquor with 7% alcohol content.
  • Five ounces of wine with 12% alcohol content.
  • A 1.5 ounce “shot” of 80 proof liquor at 40% alcohol content. This can include distilled spirits or hard liquor such as rum, vodka, or whiskey.

Heavy drinking is defined as drinking 15 or more drinks per week for men and eight or more drinks per week for women.

How to Determine if Your Loved One Has an Alcohol Addiction

If your loved one struggles to control how much or how often they drink, they may have an alcohol addiction. There are certain warning signs you can watch for to help you decide if it is time to talk to them about seeking help. If they drink regardless of the consequences, cannot limit their intake, cannot stop drinking even if they want to, experience withdrawal when the effects of their last drink wear off, or they consistently think about getting and using alcohol, they may have an alcohol use disorder. 

How to Determine if You Have an Alcohol Addiction That Requires Treatment

Any type of drinking can be problematic in its own way. In many cases, what starts out as occasional drinking evolves into more frequent and heavier alcohol consumption. The stronger your tolerance for the effects of alcohol becomes, the more difficult it is to accept you have an addiction that requires treatment. 

Alcohol addiction is a chronic illness. However, unlike many chronic diseases such as heart disease or diabetes, one can overcome alcohol addiction. By seeking addiction treatment and completing a uniquely designed program focused on your specific needs and goals, it is possible to achieve sobriety and begin your journey to long-term recovery. 

Reach Out to Us at Cal Recovery Center Today

The decision to seek alcohol addiction treatment is not easy. It is normal to wonder how rehab will affect important aspects of your life, including family, employment, and your physical and emotional well-being. Withdrawal and detox from alcohol are not something that should be done without medical support and supervision. Often, when people try to detox without support, withdrawal symptoms become difficult to manage, and relapse quickly occurs. At Cal Recovery, we will work with you to create a treatment program specifically for you. Using a combination of evidence-based therapies and alternative treatment models, our caring and compassionate treatment staff are here to help you overcome your struggles with alcohol. If you are ready to take those first steps, contact our admissions team today.