How to Start and Keep Good Habits in Addiction Recovery

How to start and keep good habits in addiction recovery

Deciding to seek treatment is often one of the most challenging decisions someone struggling with an addiction will face; however, it is often not the last. Successful completion of a comprehensive addiction treatment program at Cal Recovery Center is an essential first step towards attaining sobriety and improving your chances of long-term recovery. During treatment, you will learn and explore the issues that lie at the root of your addiction. You will also learn safe and healthy ways to evaluate and change the negative thought and behavior patterns that continue to propagate addictive behaviors. The skills you will learn and practice during treatment will be beneficial during the early days of recovery and beyond. For many who are beginning their sobriety journey, it is common to wonder what happens after treatment. What are the next steps? How do I keep using and practicing the good habits I learned during treatment during addiction recovery?

How to Start and Keep Good Habits in Addiction Recovery

Addiction is a disease. For most, it is a disease characterized by bumps, setbacks, and instances of relapse on the road to recovery. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) indicates as many as 60% of those who complete an addiction treatment program will experience at least one incidence of relapse. Addiction does not have a cure; however, with a comprehensive addiction treatment program and a robust aftercare program, sobriety and long-term recovery are within reach. Many habits that will help you continue towards successful recovery are learned during treatment or as part of an aftercare program. 

Complete an Aftercare Plan

An aftercare plan is a vital component in preventing relapse. To provide the most benefit, one should transition directly to aftercare immediately after completing their addiction treatment program. Aftercare programs (or relapse prevention programs) are designed to create a supportive and comfortable environment where recovering addicts can feel comfortable speaking openly about their struggles, temptations, feelings, and strength throughout the recovery process. Maintaining a connection within the recovery community and the support systems provided through aftercare planning is one of the number one ways to remain sober and prevent relapse. 

Go to Support Groups (AA, NA, etc.)

Programs such as Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) and Narcotics Anonymous (NA) provide recovering addicts an outlet to discuss their struggles in sobriety with a group of peers who share similar concerns and experiences throughout various stages of recovery. Support groups also provide a means for developing new, healthy social circles. 

Focus on Your Overall Wellness with Nutrition and Exercise

Many addiction treatment programs provide support and guidance around nutrition, diet, and physical activity. It is not uncommon for inpatient residential programs and various outpatient programs to provide patients access to on-site gyms or other avenues to participate in physical activity. One of the biggest reasons for relapse is turning to substances during times of stress or other triggering experiences. An excellent way to ward off stress and triggers is through exercise and focusing on self-care. Although you will likely learn about the various ways concentrating on your overall wellness can help you throughout your recovery journey during your treatment program, it is crucial to maintain ongoing participation and focus on your wellness as you leave treatment and focus on continuing sobriety and recovery. 

Many of the good habits you will learn and practice during addiction treatment are beneficial not only during the early stages of recovery but throughout your future without drugs and alcohol. Given the high incidence of relapse for many who complete an addiction treatment program, it is crucial to ensure that your aftercare plan consists of ways to safely and in a healthier way reduce the impacts of triggers and other factors that can lead to relapse. If you are ready to begin your sobriety journey today, reach out to the admissions team at Cal Recovery. 

Get the Help You Need At an Adderall Rehab

Get the help you need at an Adderall rehab

If you, your child, or a loved one struggle with the symptoms of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), you are likely familiar with the medication Adderall. Adderall was first approved by the Food and Drug Administration in 1996 and has since been used for individuals across a wide age range to help alleviate and reduce the intrusive nature of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) symptoms. When taken as directed, Adderall is considered safe and beneficial. However, when misused or taken by someone other than the patient, Adderall can be highly addictive, and withdrawing from its effects often requires treatment at an Adderall rehab.

What Is Adderall?

Adderall is the brand name for a combination drug used primarily to treat attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and narcolepsy. Containing a combination of dextroamphetamine and amphetamine, Adderall works within the brain to alter the effects and production of naturally occurring chemicals, including dopamine and norepinephrine. Adderall is used to improve symptoms such as hyperactivity, impulsive behavior, and difficulties maintaining attention span. 

Data from the Cleveland Clinic indicates Adderall helps to reduce symptoms related to attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder in up to eighty percent of children and seventy percent of adults. When used in conjunction with behavioral therapies as part of a comprehensive mental health program, the results can be even greater. 

Why Is Adderall Addictive?

Adderall is a stimulant medication making addiction more likely in cases of misuse or abuse. It is not uncommon for people to take Adderall for help with focus, academic performance, to improve their mood, and even decrease their appetite. Unfortunately, these “off-label” uses of Adderall in a manner other than prescribed or by someone other than the patient can lead to addiction and significant side effects. 

Adderall works by increasing levels of dopamine in the brain. Dopamine is often referred to as a “feel good” hormone because it is responsible for feelings of joy, pleasure, and reward. Adderall also increases levels of norepinephrine in the brain. Norepinephrine (along with adrenaline) is responsible for increasing heart rate and blood circulation, resulting in increased energy and alertness. With ongoing use, people eventually build up a tolerance to and dependency on the feelings resulting from Adderall use. In some cases, if Adderall is no longer available, some people turn to methamphetamine to replicate the “high” experience when taking Adderall. Methamphetamine use is illegal; however, millions of people who once used Adderall either with a prescription or without, turn to it each year if their Adderall prescription ends or they cannot obtain Adderall in other ways. 

How an Adderall Rehab Helps You Get Sober

Like other stimulant drugs that produce a “feel good” high, quitting Adderall often requires an Adderall rehab. Suddenly stopping or significantly reducing the dose of Adderall your body has become accustomed to may trigger intense withdrawal symptoms in some people. Even when taken as prescribed, Adderall use can lead to physical dependence. If you have developed a physical dependence on the effects of Adderall, withdrawal symptoms are likely. Some of the most common symptoms include cravings, difficulties sleeping, mood changes, appetite changes, panic attacks, anxiety, and fatigue. 

In many cases, these symptoms are mild; however, they can be overwhelming in others, leading to relapse or other drug-seeking behaviors. The most effective way to ensure your safety and success when getting off Adderall is to enroll in a supervised detox program like Cal Recovery. In a supervised setting, trained medical professionals can provide support and guidance as you taper off your Adderall usage and complete the detox process. Suddenly stopping Adderall use entirely is never recommended. For long-term Adderall users, the withdrawal process can be severe and present with medical challenges such as cardiac arrest, seizures, and psychosis. For these reasons, it is always recommended to withdraw under medical supervision. 

If you or a loved one are ready to seek treatment and begin your sobriety journey without Adderall, reach out to the admissions team at Cal Recovery today. 

A Safe Detox from Drugs and Alcohol

How can I safely detox from drugs and alcohol

Ongoing abuse of drugs and alcohol will eventually result in harmful impacts on your physical and psychological health. Deciding to seek addiction treatment and entering a drug and alcohol rehab program like Cal Recovery is a challenging step, especially as many enter treatment with various questions, concerns, and fears about detox. What is detox? What can I expect at a comprehensive detox program? Is it going to be like I see on television? Detox and withdrawal are not easy, and the symptoms you will experience are unique to you. No two people experience detox and withdrawal in the same way. 

What Does It Mean to Detox From Drugs and Alcohol?

When someone enters an addiction treatment program like Cal Recovery, the first step on their sobriety journey is often detox. It is vital to cleanse the body of any substance that may remain. When someone begins to detox, the body often reacts negatively to a lack of drugs or alcohol that it has become accustomed to. These negative reactions or effects are known as withdrawal symptoms. The duration, intensity, and severity of the withdrawal symptoms you experience during detox are related to various factors, including how long you have struggled with addiction, the severity of your addiction, and the substance or substances you used. It is important to note that detoxing from certain drugs such as opioids or alcohol can be dangerous and sometimes leads to fatal withdrawal symptoms. 

The process of detox begins with the decision to stop drinking or using drugs. During detox, your body must learn to function without substances it has become dependent on. For many, the detox process can be scary, unpleasant, and, as previously mentioned, dangerous. While using or drinking, your brain and systems within the body become accustomed to certain levels of drugs or alcohol to function. Withdrawal symptoms are your body’s reaction to not having access to the substances it craves. For most, withdrawal symptoms last for three to seven days, although they can last up to two weeks in some cases. Common withdrawal symptoms include changes in appetite, altered mood or behavior, fatigue, restlessness and irritability, aches and pains, changes in sleeping patterns, and respiratory issues such as congestion or runny nose. Other common symptoms include sweating, shakiness, nausea, and vomiting. In some cases, more severe symptoms such as seizures, cardiac arrest, respiratory arrest, and delirium tremens (DTs) can occur. For these more severe symptoms, medically assisted detox programs are recommended over choosing to quit “cold turkey.”

What Is the Best Way to Safely Detox?

The best and safest way to detox from drugs and alcohol is at a medically assisted detox program like Cal Recovery. At an addiction treatment center specializing in medically assisted detox, you will receive medical supervision throughout the detox process. Depending on your unique needs and the design of the program, this may include the administration of medication to help manage and reduce the intensity of withdrawal symptoms. Throughout the duration of detox, medical professionals will continually monitor your vitals (including blood pressure, temperature, heart rate, and breathing) to ensure your ongoing safety and reduce the chances of an acute medical emergency. Medically assisted detox helps provide holistic assistance with mental and physical stability while providing nutritional support during the earliest and most challenging days of treatment. Once detox is complete, it is possible to transition to our addiction treatment program, including therapy, addiction education, and aftercare support.

If you are ready to begin your journey to sobriety, contact the admissions team at Cal Recovery today to learn more about medically assisted detox and our addiction treatment programs. 

Sending My Loved One to a Drug Rehab in Truckee, CA

Drug rehabilitation centers in Truckee, CA

Although addiction has profound physical and psychological effects on the individual who uses it, they are not alone in their struggle. When a loved one struggles with addiction to drugs or alcohol, it is not uncommon for them to say or do things that inflict emotional pain and discomfort on those they care about most. This happens due to what a struggling individual may say or as a result of how their behaviors and moods change in harmful and often self-destructive ways. These reasons and various others are all factors to consider when thinking of sending your loved one to a drug rehab in Truckee, CA. 

Signs My Loved One Is a Drug Addict

If you are concerned about a loved one and their relationship with drugs or alcohol, it can be difficult for both you and the addict. It can be challenging to gauge the severity of their addiction, and you may not know the best way to approach your loved one about your concerns and the benefits of seeking addiction treatment. Although addiction affects everyone in unique ways, there are some indications that your loved one could be struggling with drugs or alcohol. First, watch for physical changes. These are likely the most notable signs that occur. When someone struggles with addiction, their primary focus is on using or obtaining their substance of choice. 

Because of this, things like hygiene, exercise, eating, and sleeping regularly do not happen as they should. Your loved one may also exhibit changes in behavior. Someone addicted to alcohol or drugs can change in many ways. They may lose interest in things once important to them or have scary and unpredictable mood swings. They may also become isolated and withdrawn. A third, but certainly not final, indication your loved one may be struggling with addiction is new or worsening legal or financial struggles. When addicted to drugs or alcohol, your loved one may focus more on obtaining and using substances than on paying bills, going to work, or following the law. New or worsening financial or legal troubles, including stealing from others, using money to pay for drugs instead of bills, or borrowing money to obtain drugs or alcohol, are all common when someone struggles with addiction. 

Why They Should Go to a Drug Rehab Near Truckee, CA

Loved ones who struggle with an addiction to drugs or alcohol will often do their best to hide their challenge from those around them for as long as possible. Unfortunately, trying to hide their addiction often makes their symptoms, behaviors, and actions worse. It keeps them suffering and struggling with addiction’s behavioral and physical consequences for months or even years until their loved ones realize something is wrong. Seeking comprehensive addiction treatment at an addiction treatment center is an excellent way to take that first step towards a healthy future, free of substance use. 

At a treatment center like Cal Recovery, our caring and compassionate treatment staff are here to support your loved one and your family through the treatment and recovery process. It can be difficult to stand behind your loved one through the tough and challenging times brought on by addiction. It is also difficult to know what to say to your loved one or how to help encourage them to seek potentially life-saving addiction treatment. 

If you are concerned about your loved one or need support and guidance to help talk to your loved one about alcohol or drug addiction, help is here at Cal Recovery. Our caring and compassionate admissions team are here to answer your questions and provide support and guidance throughout the admissions process. To learn more about our Truckee, CA rehab, reach out to our admissions team today. 

Get Help With Alcoholism at an Alcohol Rehab Near Redwood City, CA

Alcohol rehab treatment program

The term alcoholic is frequently used to describe someone who drinks too much or too often. But having a problem with alcohol doesn’t necessarily make someone an alcoholic. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders outlines the diagnostic criteria for alcoholism. Many might be surprised to learn what classifies as alcoholism (also referred to as an alcohol use disorder). 

Across the nation, millions of Americans struggle with alcohol use disorders to varying degrees of severity. According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, more than seventeen million American adults (over the age of 18) have alcohol use disorders. Also, close to one million additional Americans between ages twelve and seventeen struggle with an adverse relationship with alcohol. When considering seeking help for alcohol, it is important to remember that alcoholism is not a problem that develops overnight. Alcoholism or an alcohol use disorder develops out of long-term alcohol abuse, and comprehensive addiction treatment is a key component to your journey to sobriety. 

Is Alcohol Addictive?

Yes. In fact, the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism notes that alcohol is the most commonly used addictive substance in the United States. There are both physical and psychological factors that make alcohol addictive. When you drink alcohol, it triggers the release of dopamine and endorphins in the brain. These chemicals are responsible for producing feelings of pleasure. They also act as natural painkillers in the body. Studies have also shown that genetic factors also contribute to how someone’s body reacts to alcohol and their risk for developing an addiction. 

Like other addictions, alcohol abuse arises out of behavior, thought patterns, and unhealthy coping patterns. Many people who struggle with chronic pain or symptoms of an undiagnosed (or diagnosed) mental health condition turn to alcohol as a way to dull their symptoms. This form of coping can lead to substance abuse and addiction. The individual turns to alcohol to manage pain and unpleasant symptoms while not realizing alcohol leads to many of those symptoms. 

What Are the Signs of Alcoholism?

There are eleven factors treatment providers use to analyze the presence of an alcohol use disorder. These factors address both the physical and psychological elements of alcohol addiction. When someone struggles with an alcohol use disorder or alcoholism, they will likely experience both physical and psychological effects.  Without addiction treatment that helps the individual address the root causes of their relationship with alcohol, chronic alcohol abuse can quickly devolve into something severe and life-threatening. It is important to understand the warning signs that can help ensure early access to addiction treatment programs and mental health services. Some of the most common signs of alcohol abuse include: 

  • Wanting to drink alone or making excuses for “needing” to drink
  • Increased voluntary isolation from family and friends
  • Sudden mood changes or frequent mood swings
  • Choosing alcohol over essential obligations such as work and family
  • Changes to physical appearance and hygiene
  • Cognitive difficulties such as blackouts or difficulties with memory

How Alcohol Rehab in Redwood City, CA Can Help You Heal

Seeking addiction treatment at an alcohol rehab in Redwood City, CA, can help you learn more about addiction and how changing your thoughts and beliefs about alcohol can lead to sobriety and recovery. At Cal Recovery in Redwood City, California, our compassionate team of addiction treatment professionals will work with you to ensure your treatment plan is designed to meet your specific treatment needs and goals. Alcohol addiction can be challenging and sometimes dangerous to try and overcome alone. If you are ready to begin your journey to sobriety, contact the team at Cal Recovery today to learn more about how we can help you get started. 

How Do Drugs Affect the Body Systems?

How Do Drugs Affect the Body Systems?

Drugs affect the body in various detrimental ways. Substance use affects several body systems, and each different drug affects the body in different ways. The individual effects of substance use will vary from person to person. How a particular drug may impact you depends on factors unique to your body size, overall health, the type and amount of the drug you take, and whether you are consuming alcohol or taking other drugs at the same time. 

It is also important to remember that drugs have both short and long-term effects, including dependency, addiction, and overdose. Without addiction treatment, the most significant impact of drug addiction is overdose or death. According to the National Center for Health Statistics at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than 70,000 Americans died from a drug-involved overdose in 2019. 

The Negative Impacts Addiction Has on Your Physical Health

Although various drugs have different effects, there are several side effects of short and long-term substance use that are often seen regardless of one’s substance of choice. Drug use affects virtually every organ in the human body to varying degrees. 

  • Ongoing drug use progressively weakens your immune system, significantly increasing your risk for illness and infection. 
  • Most illicit (and prescription) drugs affect your heart and circulatory systems. Many affect your heart rate and alter your blood pressure. These changes can lead to heart attack, collapsed veins, and blood infections from injected drug use. 
  • Drug use impacts your digestive system causing nausea, appetite, weight changes, constipation, and stomach cancers. 
  • Many drugs affect your respiratory system by changing your respiratory rate. In some cases, effects on your lungs can lead to respiratory failure. 
  • Drugs also impact your reproductive system, liver, kidneys and have significant detrimental impacts on cognitive health and function. 

Negative Impacts Addiction Has on Your Mental Health

All drugs – including tobacco and alcohol – affect the brain’s reward circuit. These parts of the brain affect how your brain experiences and perceives joy and pleasure. Drugs target specific receptors in the brain responsible for controlling dopamine release. When they connect to dopamine receptors, it encourages higher than normal dopamine levels to be released and stay in the system. Eventually, those who struggle with addiction are unable to experience pleasure and joy without using substances. Although the initial use of drugs may be voluntary or experimental, drug use eventually alters (physically) the chemistry of your brain. These changes alter how your brain performs and can interfere with your ability to make healthy and safe choices. Over time, if the user does not seek treatment, this can lead to intense cravings, dependency, and addiction. 

In addition to physical and functional changes within the brain, addiction can alter your mental health. If you currently struggle with a pre-existing mental health condition, substance use and withdrawal can worsen your symptoms. When someone chooses to withdraw from substances, it can also trigger new mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety, paranoia, hallucinations, and other significant mood changes. 

What CRC Is Doing To Help Our Clients Get Healthy

Seeking comprehensive, evidence-based addiction is a first and vital step on your journey to recovery. At Cal Recovery Center, our uniquely designed addiction treatment programs consider the unique needs of our clients. Your treatment plan not only considers your treatment needs related to your addiction but also your holistic needs as a whole person.

At CRC, our alternative treatment options and focus on your physical health help to ensure a better opportunity to attain sobriety in the healthiest manner possible. Our onsite chef provides meals focused on healthy cooking specific to your dietary needs. Part of our admissions program consists of nutritional testing to help ensure we can provide the best nutritional support throughout your stay. Your treatment program also considers any pre-existing medical or mental health conditions you may struggle with. 

Our goal at CRC is to ensure your treatment program addresses all of your treatment needs and goals. Don’t wait another day to start your recovery journey. Contact the admissions team at Cal Recovery Center today. 

5 Signs of Substance Abuse in a Loved

Signs of Substance Abuse in a Loved One

If you are worried about a loved one who may be struggling with substance abuse, it can be difficult to know what to do or how to help.  It can also be challenging to understand the severity of their addiction. There are several indicators you may notice that could indicate your loved one is struggling with substances. The first step in knowing how to help your loved one is understanding what to look for and what particular signs and symptoms could mean. 

5 Signs of Substance Abuse in a Loved One

Signs of addiction in a loved one often come in various forms. You may notice behavioral changes, physical changes, changes in their emotional state (psychological changes), or other differences in the way your loved one behaves or acts. Some of the most easily noticed signs of substance abuse are often physical and behavioral. 

Physical Changes 

Physical changes are perhaps the most easily noticed. Many substances, if used long-term, will alter how one presents themselves to the outside world. It is essential to understand that if your loved one struggles with an addiction, their primary concern often focuses on obtaining and using their substance of choice. Therefore, life-sustaining functions such as eating regularly, sleeping, and personal hygiene receive significantly less attention. Certain drugs can result in visible side effects to the body. For example, you may also notice changes in skin color, complexion, dental hygiene (tooth loss formal source), or the development of sores on the body. 

Behavioral Changes

There are many ways your loved ones may change behaviorally if they are addicted to substances. They may lose interest in those things they once enjoyed, such as hobbies or spending time with friends. They may also experience significant changes in mood, such as new or worsening depression and anxiety. Suppose your loved one was once very active, and you notice that they’ve suddenly become very sedentary or stop participating in physical activities they used to frequent such as going to the gym. In that case, it may be a sign that they need help. You may also notice that your formally social loved one has become much more isolated and chooses to spend time alone instead of participating in events with their friends and members of their social circles. 

Changes in Sleeping Patterns

For someone with a substance abuse problem, daily sleeping patterns can change almost daily. Depending on their substance of choice, they may sleep all the time, or they may sleep not at all. They may also keep odd hours or fall asleep in the middle of a conversation. Because various substances have different effects on the body (for example, stimulants such as methamphetamines will react differently than depressants such as alcohol), your loved one may act quite differently than you are accustomed to. Erratic changes in sleeping behaviors can indicate a negative relationship with substances and a red flag that your loved one needs to seek addiction treatment. 

New or Worsening Medical Conditions

New or worsening medical conditions also accompany many chronic addictions. Ongoing use of certain drugs can both cause and worsen pre existing medical conditions. If your formerly healthy loved one is suddenly spending a lot of time at the doctor’s office, it could be related to substance use. Common medical issues can include respiratory difficulties, heart disease, heart attack, digestive problems, and sexual and reproductive health problems, among others. 

Legal and Financial Troubles

As previously noted, the primary concern for someone struggling with addiction is obtaining and using their substance of choice. For many, this often leads to new or worsening legal and financial troubles. You may notice that your loved one is struggling more financially than ever before. You may also learn that they’ve been stealing money (or stealing drugs from family and friends) to satisfy their cravings. Another potential indicator of substance abuse includes new or worsening legal difficulties associated with drugs and alcohol, such as citations for possession or driving while intoxicated. 

How to Get Your Loved One Help with Addiction

If you were concerned about a loved one’s addiction and want to get some help but do not know where to start, reach out to Cal Recovery today. It is not uncommon for people to experience concern and apprehension when they think of approaching a loved one about drugs and alcohol. It is OK to be concerned about how they will react; however, it is essential to provide any assistance you can to get them what could be life-saving addiction treatment. The admissions team at Cal Recovery can help answer your questions about how to approach your loved one and provide guidance on the best ways to assist them in accepting addiction treatment. Let us help your loved one begin their journey to sobriety today. 

Get the Help You Need: Rehab for Veterans

rehab for veterans

Statistics show a disproportionate number of men and women who have served our country struggle with mental health and addiction-related disorders. Statistics provided by the National Institute on Drug Abuse indicate as about one out of ten returning veterans seen in various U.S Veteran’s Administration hospitals across the nation have a problem with alcohol or other drugs and meet the criteria for substance use disorder diagnosis. The stress often associated with training, deployment, war, and returning home may account for some of the differences between addiction rates among veterans as compared to the rest of the population. Those with multiple deployments, combat exposure, and combat-related injuries are at an even greater risk of developing substance use problems. 

Unfortunately, barriers such as stigma, confidentiality concerns, and zero-tolerance policies create difficulties in identifying and treating substance use problems in active military personnel and military veterans. For some, it can be challenging to find treatment centers where they feel safe and can open up about their experiences and how those experiences led to addictive behaviors. Without vital addiction treatment, many veterans will continue to struggle with lifelong mental and physical health challenges. 

Common Addictions Veterans Suffer From

According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, the most prevalent types of substance use problems that present among male and female veterans include alcohol abuse, smoking, and prescription drug abuse. 

Among veterans seeking care within the Veterans Administration health system, approximately 11% meet the criteria for a diagnosis of substance use disorder that requires addiction treatment. In most cases, substance use disorder diagnoses are more common among male than female veterans. Today, alcohol use disorders are the most prevalent form of substance use disorder among military personnel.

Misuse of prescription opioids is also on the rise among military veterans. Opioids are being prescribed at increasing rates to veterans to address various conditions, including chronic pain and migraine headaches. In early 2010 the number of veterans receiving opioids medications for pain management within the VA health care system was as high as 24%, with some having prescriptions from as many as three different prescribers. The most common prescription was for oxycodone. In many cases, a co-occurring mental health diagnosis increased the probability of receiving a prescription for opioid medications. 

Illicit drug use among veterans is roughly equivalent to that of the civilian demographic. Marijuana accounts for the majority of illicit use, with other drugs accounting for less than 5% of use. The prevalence of cigarette smoking is higher among veterans (approximately 27%) than that of the civilian population. Smoking accounts for about one-quarter of cancer-related deaths among veterans who are former smokers and fifty percent of cancer-related deaths among current smokers. 

Why Veterans Benefit from a Veteran Specific Program

Military veterans, especially those who have served during times of combat, experience events and trauma unparallel to that of most civilians. For this reason, the instance of substance use disorders and co-occurring mental health disorders (especially post-traumatic stress disorder and depression) are significantly higher among veterans. While traditional addiction treatment programs provide comprehensive, evidence-based care, they are not necessarily designed to treat the root causes of the difficulties many veterans face. 

Choosing a veteran’s specific program ensures the veteran is surrounded by like-minded individuals who have experienced similar events and struggles. Also, individual and group counseling sessions are designed to address traumatic experiences and events that civilians may not be familiar with as the root causes of their addiction may differ from those of a veteran who served on the front lines of conflict. If you or a loved one are a veteran struggling with addiction or experiencing the mental health struggles that often lead to addiction, reach out to Cal Recovery today. Our experienced team of treatment providers can help you begin your journey to sobriety in a veteran-specific program designed to meet the unique needs of our servicemen and women. 

How to Talk to a Drug Addict About Their Addiction

How to Talk to a Drug Addict About Their Addiction

Whether it’s a struggle with opioids, cocaine, methamphetamine, or another drug, addiction impacts the lives of millions of Americans every year. Today addiction is viewed as a disease that compels someone to repeatedly use or seek to use substances despite any adverse consequences resulting from their addiction. Fortunately, as society learns more about addiction and the struggles those with addiction (and their loved ones) face, the stigma around addiction and addiction treatment has started to wane. But it wasn’t always this way. For many years, addiction was viewed as a moral failing or a conscious choice. Many believed those who became addicted (or remained addicted) to substances did so by choice. This unfortunate misconception made it challenging and sometimes impossible to talk about addiction. 

Signs My Loved One Is Addicted to Drugs

Today over twenty-one million Americans have at least one addiction, and thousands die each year due to overdose or other drug-related events. To best help someone struggling with addiction, it is essential to know what addiction looks like. Recognizing addiction’s signs and symptoms is the first step towards helping your loved one get to rehab. There are several signs of addiction, including behavioral, physical, and psychological. Although how these present in each person will vary widely, certain indicators are often present to varying degrees. 

Behavioral Signs

Behavioral signs of addiction are those things that involve one’s relationships with substances outside of physical and emotional difficulties. Some of the most common include obsessing about using or obtaining substances, disregarding the harm using causes (to themselves or others), denial, hiding their drug use, stealing money or drugs, and other increased legal or financial difficulties. 

Physical Signs

Physical signs are those that are often visible to the outside world. They may present as side effects of use or as signs related to withdrawal. Common physical signs of use include weight changes, changes in sleeping patterns, unkempt appearance, gastric disturbances, slurred speech or lack of coordination, and changes in pupil size.

Psychological Signs

Ongoing addiction can result in significant emotional difficulties. For some, this can present as anger, hostility, and aggression. Others may experience worsening or new mental health conditions, such as depression and anxiety. 

In addition to looking different for each unique individual, specific drugs may present unique symptoms. It can be challenging to determine if particular symptoms are related to addiction, overdose, or withdrawal. The best chances for sobriety and success come with early and comprehensive addiction treatment. 

How to Talk to a Drug Addict About Their Addiction

Trying to help a loved one struggling with addiction can be difficult and emotionally challenging. Unlike a physical health condition where outcomes and symptoms are often clear, someone with an addiction may not recognize the true danger of their illness or understand the risk associated with ignoring it or attempting to recover without help. It is essential to remember that your loved one must recognize their addiction before understanding the value of rehab. Next, they must be ready and willing to address their addiction. 

The first step in talking to someone about addiction is to do so in a way that is not intimidating. For example, begin by approaching them one-one instead of staging an intervention. Find a time when you can talk without distractions or interruptions. Be honest about your fears and concerns but do so without placing blame or using accusations. Keep in mind that they may not be ready or willing to hear your thoughts right away but let them know you are available and willing to listen. If they become defensive, let it go for the time being. Do use threats or shame but consider talking with other family members about planning an intervention for a later date. 

Let Cal Recovery Center Do the Heavy Lifting

It can be hard to approach the subject of addiction with a loved one on your own. If you are concerned about a loved one who may be struggling with addiction to drugs, reach out to Cal Recovery’s kind and caring team today. Let our admission staff guide you and provide advice as to how to approach the idea of addiction treatment with your loved one. The best opportunity for sobriety comes with early, individualized, comprehensive addiction treatment such as that found at our northern California Rehab. If you are concerned about a friend or a loved one, don’t wait another day. Reach out to Cal Recovery today.