Pragmatic Pinksy: Long-Time Champion of Clean & Sober Living

Dr. Drew Pinksy, originally of “Loveline” fame and now the face of addiction treatment, has always been a step ahead in the field of chemical dependency studies. Drew’s influence in the discipline is unmatched. After the debuts of shows like “Celebrity Rehab” and “Sober House,” which he produces and stars on, sober living suddenly looked cool and rehab magically appeared to be a noble endeavor. Always ahead of the curve, Drew warned the masses of the dangers of Rx carelessness and abuse back in the late 1990s, far before the Rx abuse epidemic we are seeing today.

Drew Unveils The “Rx Locker” & Raises Vicodin Addiction Awareness

As previously discussed, Drew’s image lends a certain amount of respect and credibility to any product, show, event, or organization lucky enough to score an endorsement deal with him. Thus, the makers of the Rx Locker (a convenient, tamper-proof locker for your pill bottles) should thank their lucky stars that Drew hopped aboard so willingly. The truth of the matter is that Drew has long been hard at work trying to spare teens from the perils of prescription drug addiction. As he states in his Rx Locker promo spot, 2,500 American teenagers try prescription drugs for the first time every day, and they are typically filching their drugs right out of their parent’s medicine cabinets. While the experimentation does not always lead to further abuse, it can lead to hardcore Vicodin addiction, OxyContin addiction, and more.

Pinksy’s Product Is Perfect for Sober Living Homes, Too

Sometimes, even after leaving inpatient treatment, an addict or an alcoholic has not quite finished the course of his or her medical detox. In some cases, patients using controlled substances like Subutex or Suboxone to detox off of heroin will have to continue the tapering process after they have checked out of rehab and into a sober living facility. Many sober living homes hold clients responsible for their own meds at this stage in treatment, making the Rx Locker a perfect and perfectly safe med storage option. Handy, indeed.

What To Look for In A Quality Sober Living Home

If you, as a chemically dependent individual, are considering a sober living home as your first stop along the road to recovery, there are a few things you should look for when selecting a sober house:

*Drug testing. How often do they drug test clients? Is it scheduled or random testing? The answers you want
are frequently & randomly. This way, it is unlikely that clients can get away with relapsing.
*Relapse rate. Are other people in the house staying sober? Does the staff/manager enforce consequences for those who relapse? Living with other sober folk is vital for an addict in early sobriety. You should look for a home where fellow clients are motivated & “working a program” (i.e., trying to better themselves.) Relapse should not be condoned.
* 12-Step integration. Is meeting attendance required and encouraged? It is absolutely proven those who remain close, active members of 12-step groups are up to five times more likely to stay sober than those who do not participate in such groups, so look for a home that asks its residents to attend meetings at least three times a week.
* Curfew & Schedule. Is there a reasonable, nightly curfew in place? Does the house require attendance of any groups during the day, or at least require that clients be up and out of bed at a certain time? Regimen and structure, which most addicts hate, is so essential to building a healthy, drug-free life, so a sober living home that believes in a schedule will be most appropriate.

Less Structure, More Amenities: Choosing An Executive Sober Home

As I have tried to make clear already, the more structure a newly sober addict/alcoholic has in place for himself, the better his chances are at maintaining his sobriety. That said, though, there are certainly circumstances where rigid structure and heavy discipline aren’t appropriate. For busy, high-powered executives seeking treatment, being able to further their careers while in sober living can help them to feel like their new, sober lives are worthwhile. Here, curfews, mandatory house meetings, and strict daily schedules are not helpful. The CEO or politician in rehab needs rules regarding where he must be & when to be flexible. If this genuinely applies to you, consider moving into an executive sober home rather than a traditional sober living. Here, you will be able to recover in the flexible, luxurious environment you are used to.

For almost all newly sober addicts and alcoholics, shortly after completing drug rehab in california or any other state in the country, they find that the holidays are a near perfect time for an easy relapse. While relapse is common, it doesn’t have to be. Drug addiction treatment centers around the globe will do their best while formulating an aftercare plan to try and take into account any and every situation that might cause a person to relapse. This will happen in the aftercare program most likely located within the same drug rehab facility they attended during their early recovery.

Outpatient Drug Rehab Works For Those With A Ton Of Responsibilities

An outpatient drug rehab program is generally considered one of the most substantial elements of all the services provided in a well-accredited substance abuse treatment center. For the busy individual, they might not have the time to enter into an inpatient treatment center if their family or career is counting on them. Trained professionals reveal the triggers associated with relapse shedding light on nearly every trick the mind can play on the addict. These counselors help us see the thoughts and behaviors a patient will have to overcome in order to avoid relapse. Some of these triggers might be hanging around with old friends, engaging in old destructive behaviors or hanging out in places that remind you of alcohol or drug use.

Sunny Sober Living In Los Angeles

Locating a strong relapse prevention program might not be as easy as one might think. Many of the substance abuse treatment facilities in Southern California will not offer full relapse prevention programs. Sober living in Los Angeles provides a better outlook on your burgeoning recovery, allowing you connections with other individuals new to sobriety. Get admitted today, don’t be a slave to drug addiction or alcoholism.

When an individual is addicted to drugs or alcohol, their friends, family and co-workers all face consequences. This is not a problem that can be easily ignored nor solved. Addicts may put their family and themselves in a financial hole, spending money on drugs and alcohol. Luckily, some rehabilitation centers realize this problem and offer insurance treatment for qualifying individuals. An addict may feel guilty about burdening their loved ones with the cost of addiction treatment. In reality, although the cost of one’s health and life is priceless, it is important to consider options that are financially viable.

What Not to Do at a Drug Rehabilitation Facility

Once committed to drug rehabilitation facilities, there are some things that a patient should not do during treatment. At first, it may be easy to feel discouraged by obstacles. It may feel tempting to be recluse and take part in counterproductive behaviors. This means ignoring therapy sessions, missing medical appointments, and more. In the end, having patience will help addicts gain the most for themselves and their family. Some individuals may feel alone in rehab and try to contact family members. During the initial stay, it is helpful to discuss your self-needs before thinking about changing your actions for other individuals.

Tips for After Rehab Completion

After successfully completing a California drug rehab, recovering patients will learn many healthy habits to keep. Rehabilitation centers often administer their own after care programs, but it is helpful to keep an individual plan of your own. This may entail small steps that you need to take in order to achieve your personal goals. Keeping up with therapy and medical appointments is a must for newly sober patients. They may also find it helpful to exercise, eat right, and explore other hobbies as a creative outlet. In the end, rehab does not guarantee life-long success. It takes time and endurance, but together, a recovering addict and their family can help each other with living a happy life again.

Locating the right recovery center can be time consuming. It is very important that an individual who seeks recovery finds a program that fits his or her needs. A number of addiction recovery centers will individualize a program so that it targets an individuals specific needs and goals. California is known for its numerous successful drug and alcohol recovery facilities. Individuals can explore a Pasadena recovery center tucked away in the foothills that exemplifies the serene and comfortable atmosphere of California.

Pasadena Detox

A number of individuals who have fallen prey to drug addiction and/or alcoholism have tried at one time or another to quite using. What eventually happens is their body goes through withdrawals, which can, depending on the level of their addiction, be extremely difficult and painful. Due to the extreme difficulty, many will decide it isn’t worth it and will begin using again. Detoxification is one of the most important steps in recovery. Individuals who are seeking treatment should consult a detox center. Pasadena detox rids the body of all harmful toxins and substances, which is important so that the individual may begin their recovery process fresh. Detoxification takes place in a medically supervised environment so that there are no complications. While the idea of detox can be scary, it is extremely helpful as it decreases the cravings an individual has for their substance of choice.

Pasadena Rehab

Eaton Canyon Rehabilitation Center is a Pasadena Rehab, licensed, certified and CARF treatment with a highly successful treatment program. Individuals are encouraged to educate themselves through a variety of programs on the concept of addiction. The programs provide them with individualized treatment methods that promote long-term sobriety and abstinence. They also highlight the skills one needs to maintain this sobriety post treatment. Understanding addiction as a treatable disease is an important aspect of recovery.

Drug and alcohol addicts will benefit greatly from an intervention, but there is a minority that we don’t hear much about. Pregnant women are judged harshly for their addiction and there is very little we hear about help that is available for them. It is easy to pass judgment on a pregnant mother and condemn her for her actions. In reality, a misinformed public is doing more harm than good. Drug addiction makes a person physically and dependant on a substance to the point where an addict may not be able to make the best decisions. Carrying a child may not be enough incentive to stop using if an addict has been using long before pregnancy.

Alcoholism Intervention Help Expecting Mothers

Additionally, pregnant alcoholics cannot simply stop drinking once they are expecting. The pressure and anxiety can drive them to continue to drink. A carefully planned alcoholism intervention is necessary as it will give women an overview of how drinking is putting their child at risk for mental and physical defects. Fetal alcohol syndrome is a likely risk, as are other abnormalities that a child will have to live with for the rest of their lives. Although pregnancy may seem like a great motivator to stop using drugs and alcohol, women may need an extra hand when it comes to overcoming their alcoholism.

Expecting Addicts and Drug Intervention

People will have varying assumptions about mothers depending on the different type of drug that they are abusing. For example, methamphetamines may be considered a “dirty” drug as it can be made with household medicines and cleaners. The fact of the matter is that drug intervention can benefit addicts no matter what their substance of choice is. Being quick to judge an individual for their type of drug addiction is damaging as it may influence the addict to stray away from seeking for help. Being more understanding and supportive of the recovery process can save a life or two.

As a parent, you are constantly worried about the well-being of your teenager. It is difficult to oversee what goes on in their everyday life without being completely overbearing. So, why should you address the issue of substance abuse if you suspect that your son or daughter is using? It is important to act quickly if you are concerned that your teen is using drugs. Immediate action is crucial to have open communication in a healthy parent relationship. If you know for a fact that your teenager is using drugs or alcohol, it is time to get them the necessary help. Drug detox can help teenagers before drugs take over their life.

Addiction Treatment Helps Children

On the other side, many children have to deal with parents who are suffering from drug abuse. Having an addict for a parent can be just as bad as not having one around at all. Chemical dependency can cloud one’s judgment and make it feel normal to be absent from a child’s life. Addiction treatment can help save children the pain of watching their parent abuse drugs and alcohol. Drug addicted parents may excuse their behavior by saying that their children are to young to understand what is going on. But in reality, children are not that naïve and may be left to deal with their fear alone. Addiction treatment helps children get their father or mother back again.

Substance Abuse Programs Brings Families Together Again

Whether it is the child, parent, or even grandparent, drug addiction is so dangerous because it can afflict any family member. Substance abuse programs work effectively to target the factors related to addiction and help bring the family unit back together again. Rehabilitation programs help promising young people regain control of their life. Parents don’t have to make excuses for their teens anymore or reassure themselves that it is just an adolescent phase that they will grow out of. Children will no longer have to fend for themselves because there parents are not around to take care of them. Addiction treatment gives everyone a second chance at life that they deserve.

For those who have succeeded in finding lasting sobriety from drugs and alcohol, the knowledge that there is a path to recovery is sure. Alcohol drug rehab is the beginning to a path of personal discovery and freedom. There are tens of millions of individuals who have traveled this path, and though every individual journey is different, the odds of maintaining long-term sobriety are improved by taking certain actions.

12-STEPS TO RECOVERY

For those who are attempting to get sober for the first time, the term 12-step rehab may seem foreign. Those who are familiar with Alcoholics Anonymous and the 12-Steps to recovery prescribed by the main text of AA understand it to be a practical and spiritual guide to recovery from alcoholism. A 12-step program of recovery when combined with a rehab center staffed by addiction counselors can be the key to recovery for many individuals.

THERE IS A WAY TO RECOVER

Some individuals choose a path of home living sober, where the practice of daily recovery is enforced by living with other sober living individuals. This is a transitional path which leads to reintegration with ordinary living without the use of alcohol and drugs. At a sober living facility an individual can expect to receive support from peers, regular attendance at 12-step meetings and responsibility requisite with the changing demands of maintaining a sober lifestyle. This is often a desirable alternative to facing early sobriety without the support of a drug addiction therapy program.

I’ve always gone just a little too far with everything I do. Whenever I learned a new skill, it became my favorite activity, the only thing I wanted to do all day and night. I always wanted to be the best, the most impressive, the star. This seems positive, but it describes my drinking as well. I couldn’t just have a drink and sit back. I had to drink until there was no more to be had. I thought I was the star party animal, but in fact, I had an alcohol addiction.

Addiction Treatment Services Kept Failing Me.

I began to lose jobs because of my drinking. Whenever things went wrong I knew that a few drinks would me feel better, and although I always intended to be restrained, it never worked out that way. My friends and family began to notice, and they wanted to help me, but I was irritated by the efforts of so many doctors, ministers, lawyers, employers, relatives and friends who thought they knew what I needed to do to get clean. All the addiction treatment services out there couldn’t seem to make me realize I had a problem.

My Stay in an Addiction Treatment Center

After I lost eight jobs in one year, I began drinking even more heavily. My sister took me to her home and my folks talked me into going to an addiction treatment center for thirty days. This place was run by a doctor and a counselor. The staff worked hard for me, saw that I got into good physical condition, tried to work through the emotional reasons they thought might be responsible for my drinking, and I left feeling ready to face the world without alcohol.

Inpatient treatment is the treatment for drug addiction in a hospital or clinic. Inpatient rehab is a good option for those who are recovering from a severe drug addiction or deeply engrained alcoholism. Inpatient treatment programs have a high success rate due to the care and surveillance that the health professionals provide, and the various therapies and treatment programs offered. Additionally, surrounding oneself with other individuals who are going through a similar recovery period can be extremely beneficial. Inpatient rehab provides a recovering addict with a wide support network of professionals and fellow patients.

Alcohol Rehabilitation

Inpatient alcohol rehabilitation can involve a variety of treatment programs. Educating a recovering alcoholic on the disease concept of alcoholism is an important piece of the process. Twelve-step programs are often used as a recovery tool for alcoholics. A twelve-step program is a set of guiding principles outlining a course of action for recovery from addiction, compulsion, or other behavioral problems. In addition to participating in a twelve-step program, many recovering alcoholics will engage in individual counseling and other stress relieving activities. Most inpatient alcohol rehabilitation centers will provide information on aftercare programs and sober living environments that a recovered alcoholic can participate in once their initial treatment process is completed.

Drug Rehabilitation

Inpatient drug rehabilitation often begins with a detoxification process. Drug addiction recovery usually includes a tough stage of withdrawals. Most detox centers can provide a recovering addict with medication to help with the symptoms of withdrawal. After detoxifying the body, a recovering drug addict will oftentimes participate in a variety of drug addiction recovery programs. These programs focus on providing the recovering addict with the tools necessary to remain abstinent. Again, most inpatient drug rehabilitation centers will provide a recovering addict with information regarding aftercare programs, and what to do in the case of a relapse.