As we greet the new year, many of us try to map out what it will look like by creating resolutions for ourselves. The most common resolutions usually correlate to improving health and overall wellbeing. We often see exercise, weight loss, and healthy eating topping the chart. Other lifestyle improvements, such as quitting smoking and reducing drinking also appear frequently. Some people also wants to get sober and set recovery as a resolution.

An Opportunity for a Clean Slate

Those suffering from addiction look to New Year’s resolutions as an opportunity for a clean slate. A fresh year and a fresh start. Like other resolutions, it is a well-intentioned goal and can be a great starting point for those looking to being their recovery journey.  

However, attributing recovery to the same means as losing weight can create difficulty in meeting these goals; as resolutions tend to take on the same effectiveness as fad diets. A major issue being people create these resolutions out of guilt, instead of self-care. Sure, you may not be happy with your current situation, but to make real change you have to believe you are worthy of a better life and look at these goals as improvements, not punishments.  

Self-love and a Positive Mindset

Another problem comes from the time expectations built into a resolution, to make a huge life change suddenly and in a relatively small amount of time. Creating such big expectations for ourselves leaves no room for setbacks, which are part of the growth process. Often, growth is not linear and these “mistakes” help us learn what we need to work on. However, perceiving each misstep as an absolute failure, creates negative thought patterns and internal language. Again, this needs to be about self-love and a positive mindset is key.  

Instantaneous gratification is not equal to a sustainable lifestyle. At California Recovery Center (CRC), we believe in creating healthy and balanced lifestyles, which make recovery more attainable. Looking at the end goal, rather than the journey to get there. This is one reason a lot of people throw in the towel within the first few months. 

It’s important to remember that resolutions and recovery are not synonymous. You do not need the start of the year or instrumental marker to begin your journey out of addiction. You need only to be ready.  

If you or a loved one struggles with an addiction to drugs or alcohol, seeking help at an addiction treatment center like CRC 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. 

Many of us look forward to the holidays as an opportunity to give thanks and spend time with loved ones we normally do not get to see. It’s a time for celebration, good food, and community. However, it can also present a number of triggers and stress from overstimulation. If you’re having difficulty getting control over your drinking or feel it is keeping you from engaging socially, it may be time to seek treatment.  For those battling addiction, it can be a particularly trying time.    

How to Manage Alcohol Addiction During the Holidays

If you are currently working through or with your addiction, being around large groups of friends and family who are celebrating the holidays by drinking copiously can put a strain on your battle. Before you surrender or isolate yourself from events (which can also have a negative affect) consider these options:  

• Do not skip dinner: Avoid eating on an empty stomach, as alcohol will absorb into your bloodstream at a faster rate than if you have eaten.  
• Set a limit: Decide on a limit before you go. If you know you’re going to be drinking, decide how many drinks you’ll have and pace yourself throughout the evening.  
• Measure, do not pour: Always measure the amount of alcohol going into a mixed drink, this will allow you to have an accurate idea of how much you’ve had.  
• Make it a team effort: Enlist the help of a trusted friend or family member to help you stick to your limit and make sure you stay safe.  
• Alternate: Remember to alternate alcoholic drinks with water. This will keep you hydrated, full, and help pace you through the evening.  
• Lose the keys: Have a safe ride home. It’s always a good idea, even if you plan on not drinking, to have a safety net; should something not go according to plan. This ensures that no matter what, everyone will be safe. Even if you “feel fine,” remember a DUI costs more than an Uber!

Sobriety During the Holidays

If you have decided you do not want to drink this holiday season, here are some tips on maintaining your sobriety: 

• Enjoy a non-alcoholic beverage: There are now a variety of options if you want to join in on the holiday festivities, without alcohol. Bring your own beverages to ensure you will have plenty for the evening and not risk venturing into alcoholic beverages, should you run out.  
• No means no: We all know how early peer pressure can detract from our best laid plans, so be firm with people about not drinking or maintaining a limit. Your main focus is to look out for your well-being, not appeasing others with overdrinking. You can tell people ahead of time or at the event and give little to no detail why you’ve chosen not to partake or adhere to a specific amount. It is completely your decision.  
• Know before you go: Be aware of the type of event you will be attending, whether it’s a family gathering, a close friend get-together, or a large party of people you don’t know well, it helps to consider the type of environment you will be in. If it seems like a situation that could potentially cause more issues by going than politely declining, consider staying at home or fining an alternative event.  
• Lose the keys: Again, it’s always better to have a backup plan and not need it, than to be without one! Look into Uber, Lyft, or carpool with another sober party goer! 

We understand that it can feel like you’re not part of the fun if you’re not partaking in alcohol, but remember, drinking is not the main event. Focus on enjoying time with your friends and family without comprising your health or safety! There is still plenty of fun to be had this holiday season!  

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. 

When someone struggles with a long-term addiction to drugs, effects on their physical and psychological health occur. Depending on the substance and the severity of your addiction, it may be challenging to overcome dependency on substances without the support and guidance of a professional addiction treatment center. Drug detox and withdrawal are complicated, and the symptoms and challenges each person experiences are unique to their addiction. In some cases, withdrawal can lead to potentially dangerous and even fatal side effects. For this reason, it is essential to detox under medical supervision at a professional drug rehab. 

What Are the Signs of Detoxing From Drugs?

When someone is detoxing from drugs, the signs and symptoms will vary. Detox symptoms are typically unique to the person, the type of drug they used, how long they struggled with addiction, and the severity of their use. In addition to substance-specific symptoms, there are various signs of detoxing from drugs that are common across most situations. These include restlessness, aches and pains, difficulties with sleep, appetite changes, irritability, mood, behavior changes, and respiratory problems. Other signs that commonly occur include nausea, vomiting, shakiness, and sweating. Some people experience more severe symptoms that require medical support and supervision during detox. These are hallucinations, seizures, cardiac and respiratory failure, and DTs (delirium tremens). 

Several types of drugs can lead to withdrawal (or detox) symptoms when you stop using or reduce how often you use. Drugs such as antidepressants, barbiturates, cannabis, depressants, hallucinogens, inhalants, opioids, stimulants, and alcohol all lead to a range of withdrawal symptoms which can be mild, moderate, or severe. Often, signs of detox are the opposite of the effects experienced from taking the drug. For example, depressant drugs slow the activities of the central nervous system. When someone drinks, they experience relaxation and a reduction in inhibitions. When they suddenly stop drinking or reduce the amount they drink, symptoms such as anxiety, restlessness, and excitability occur. 

Why You Should Detox From Drugs at a Professional Facility Today

Withdrawal symptoms are a part of detoxing from drugs for someone who enters addiction treatment. Depending on the nature and severity of your addiction, withdrawal can lead to intense and sometimes overwhelming symptoms. In some cases, medical intervention is necessary to ensure safety. When you choose to detox alone, medical help is not available to assist with these symptoms. The duration and severity of withdrawal symptoms will depend on your specific circumstances. Signs of detoxing from drugs may begin in as few as a couple of hours and last for up to ten days. In most cases, the most difficult symptoms appear within the first 48-72 hours. 

Detoxing at a professional facility ensures you will have the support and guidance you need to manage withdrawal symptoms. At a professional detox center, trained medical staff are available to monitor vitals and provide medical and emotional support throughout the most challenging stages of detox. Once detox is complete, it is possible to seamlessly transition into the therapeutic portion of an addiction treatment program. 

Seeking treatment at a professional treatment center is an essential step towards achieving and maintaining lasting health and sobriety. At Cal Recovery Center, we will work with you to ensure all stages of your treatment program focus on helping you achieve your treatment needs and goals. Our treatment plans are based on evidence-based therapy models that focus on addressing your physical, psychological, and spiritual needs to ensure you receive the most comprehensive treatment possible. 

To learn more about Cal Recovery Center and how our addiction treatment programs can help you detox and recover from drug addiction, contact our admissions team today. 

Cocaine has been used for centuries in South America as a natural stimulant. People would chew the leaves of the coca plant to regain energy, especially when hiking, working, or traveling at high elevations. Around 100 years ago, the chemical cocaine hydrochloride was isolated from the properties of the plant. Early in the 20^th century, cocaine was the primary active ingredient in many elixirs and tonics developed to treat a range of illnesses. It was also found in Coca-Cola beverages for a time and used as a surgical anesthetic before researchers formulated safer alternatives. Over time research showed cocaine is actually a highly addictive and dangerous substance that, when used long-term, can have lasting detrimental effects on the user. In 2017, cocaine was linked to one out of every five drug-related overdose deaths in the United States. 

What Is Cocaine?

Cocaine is a stimulant drug. According to the U.S Department of Justice Drug Enforcement Administration, cocaine is a schedule II drug, meaning it has a high potential for abuse and is highly addictive. Cocaine is manufactured by processing the leaves of the coca plant into a fine white powder. 

Can You Get Addicted to Cocaine? 

Yes. Cocaine is a highly addictive drug. For some, experimenting with cocaine only once can lead to problematic use. Depending on how cocaine is introduced to the body, users may feel its effects in as little as a few seconds. As quickly as the effects occur, they begin to wear off. For most, the effects of cocaine diminish within a matter of minutes. This can lead to more frequent and higher doses to maintain a lasting high. Without treatment to overcome dependency, thousands of people lose their lives to cocaine addiction each year. 

Signs of a Cocaine Addiction & How To Get Help

Unlike some addictions, the early signs of cocaine addiction may not be obvious. This is because the initial effects of cocaine use on the body and the brain are mild. However, as use continues and increases, so does the presence of addiction signs and symptoms. It is vital to understand what the early warning signs of cocaine addiction may look like, as early intervention is the most effective way to overcome cocaine. 

It is not necessary to use cocaine for an extended time to experience significant impacts on one’s physical and psychological health. When someone struggles with a cocaine addiction, there may be certain effects that are visible to others. Common examples include: 

• Runny nose or “sniffles”
• Appetite changes
• Dilated pupils
• Paranoia
• Abnormally high energy levels
• Increased happiness or socialization

Most of the above symptoms are short-term, and while they occur immediately after use, they will not last long. In most cases, the high from cocaine wears off in as few as thirty minutes, although it may last a couple of hours for some. Continued cocaine use will lead to harmful and sometimes irreversible effects on the brain and vital organs, including the heart, lungs, kidneys, and digestive system. Other common signs of cocaine addiction include chills, confusion, sweating, aggressive or violent outbursts, elevated blood pressure, nausea, vomiting, stroke, seizure, heart attack, coma, and death.  

If you or a loved one struggles with cocaine addiction, it is vital to seek treatment in an environment where you can safely and successfully overcome addiction. At a comprehensive treatment program, you can receive support as you progress through detox and therapy on your journey to recovery. At Cal Recovery Center, our staff works with you to design a comprehensive treatment plan that focuses on your unique treatment needs and goals. If you would like to learn more about how to overcome cocaine addiction at Cal Recovery Center, contact us today. 

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. 

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.