USING DRUGS TO CURE DRUG ADDICTION

Doesn't sound like it makes much sense, does it? How could injecting a drug take away an addiction to another drug? 

Vaccines to help guide recovery in nicotine, cocaine, heroin and meth addictions are in the works. Doctors have actually already seen a 38% reduced use of cocaine in addicts with the use of one of these new vaccines.

They work by stimulating the body’s immune system and creating antibodies that adhere to the abused drug and prevent it from reaching the brain. This process will inhibit the abused drug from creating a 'high' which is the characteristic in drugs people get addicted too. We start to crave the next 'high' and thus, abuse substances to achieve such. Without the ‘high’ in place we will no longer feel the need to continue use of addictive substances.

So what is the likelihood that vaccines for drug addiction will actually hit the market?

Legal and financial barriers seem to be set in place, but the government looks to fund a large clinical trial of a nicotine vaccine based on the findings of the cocaine vaccine. Recent scientific developments have shown enough promise of these vaccines to continue work, but only the nicotine vaccine has promise of reaching the market in the near future.

What do you think about these scientific findings? Should they be considered a medical advancement? Or are they a setback, in that, they are justifying injecting another foreign substance that alters the body’s natural processes?

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CAUGHT IN A STORM OF ALCOHOL AND DRUG ADDICTION

Headlines have been flooded with news of young adults, teens and even children experimenting with drugs and alcohol as early as 3 years old. Many of these addictions can be attributed to the greater availability of harmful substances and parents monitoring their children on looser terms.

Studies have shown that drinking earlier in life can lead to heavier drinking. Also drugs, even marijuana, take heavier tolls on young growing bodies. While these studies bring light to the dangers of starting young we have continued to see a growth in experimenting youth.

It seems as though better examples need to be made for our future generations. The accessibility of illegal substances is something an individual may not be able to control, but warning your children of the dangers, practicing a healthy lifestyle, and removing in home accessibility are smaller steps to stopping the trend. 

One major lesson to bestow is clearing up major misconceptions amongst drugs and alcohol. Teens and young adults often times have impressionable minds and tend to follow the crowd in binge drinking as a social lubricant rather than a spark to full blown alcoholism. “It’s just one night” or “I’m not drinking alone” pose excuses for heavy alcohol consumption rather than warning signs. Or the myriad of arguments that say marijuana isn’t harmful to your body, it’s natural or even used in medicine.

Talk to your kids, loved ones and peers starting young. We cannot blame them for increasing the statistic if they are uneducated on the problem.

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AVOIDING ROCK BOTTOM WHEN HIT WITH THE UNEXPECTED

Mother Nature is a mystery that keeps us on our toes. It is impossible to prepare for some of the curve-balls weather throws at us and even harder to cope through the damage it can cause. It is crucial when the unpredictable hits us that we find healthy ways to survive the ruin rather than falling into drugs and alcohol as a crutch. 

The past couple years seemed to hit us hard when it comes to natural disasters and weather at an extreme. Louisiana was hit with one of the most catastrophic hurricanes of our time. Earthquake’s rattled buildings to the ground in Haiti, Costa Rica and Cuba with unthinkable death tolls and 49 of the 50 US States saw snow this winter. California, a state known for earthquakes has been on tornado watch on many occasions as of late. The recent 8.9 magnitude earthquake and tsunami that hit Japan caused countless dollars in damage and over 3,000 deaths, as a human race we are stricken with unmanageable feelings and compassion for those directly affected in the damage. 

All of these are unpredictable and bear a heavier emotional weight than the news broadcasts. Depression is one of the leading causes of alcohol and drug addiction and many people may slip into the trap when catastrophe strikes. 

The United States has shown great efforts in stepping up to help our Japanese allies in their greatest time of need. We have sent troops, public officials, law enforcement and firefighters to aid in search and rescue, debris cleanup and healthcare. Charities have sprung up across the world to send funds their way in hopes to rebuild a more beautiful and stronger country that once was. 

These are the ‘crutches’ we should lean on in unpredictable tragedy. Come together to help those in need—give hope back to the lost and feel good about yourself in the process.
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SAY GAME OVER TO ALCOHOL ADDICTION

Alcoholism isn't a spectator sport. Eventually the whole family gets to play
- Joyce Rebeta-Burditt 

But just how do you get out of the game?  Alcoholism treatment comes in such a confusing array of options, what is the best way to choose a rehab option that will work?

Look for these key qualities in an alcohol addiction program 

• Help From First Contact—information on what is available to clients and families, and help navigating the system 
• Detox Services—an essential first step to successful alcohol rehab
• Client Centered—treatment plans need to be unique to each person
• Multiple Treatment Tracks— these may include Christian, dual diagnosis or trauma recovery
• Certified and Licensed—and staffed by professionals who are experienced and compassionate
• Relapse Prevention Focus—alcohol treatment programs need to give each client a solid and practical toolbox of techniques to use when there is a danger of taking another drink
• Aftercare—client and family members need to have services and support available once they leave the actual rehab treatment facility 

So get out of the game. It's time.

The Recovery Place alcohol rehab team is available 24/7 to help you sort out the options and get you and your family the help they need for the treatment of alcoholism.

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RECOVERY FOR JAPAN

“When things are bad, we take comfort in the thought that they could always be worse. And when they are, we find hope in the thought that things are so bad they have to get better.”

As human beings it’s easy to get caught up in our everyday lives where incidents like receiving a speeding ticket or breaking up with your boyfriend or girlfriend seem like the worst things in the world—like your life is unfair. 

Unfortunately it takes tragic events as the Earthquake and Tsunami in Japan for us to realize that things “could always be worse.” 

The very small country of Japan just endured an 8.9 magnitude earthquake resulting in a catastrophic tsunami with a current death count of 13,000+ people and towns transformed into debris.

“And when they are, we find hope in the thought that things are so bad they have to get better.” 

The Japanese need our help and there are so many ways we can provide it. We wanted to provide an easy link to charities and relief funds in place to help Japan rebuild from the devastating events. Below is a list of just that: 

• The American Red Cross has set up a special designation for disaster relief efforts in Japan. To donate, click here, or text REDCROSS to 90999 to instantly donate $10.
• International Medical Corps says it is putting together relief teams and supplies to aid Japan “and other affected countries.” Donate here. 
• GlobalGiving’s Japan Earthquake and Tsunami Relief Fund. 
•  World Vision’s Disaster Response Fund. 
• Click here to donate to AmeriCares’ emergency relief response. 
• Save the Children’s Japan Earthquake Tsunami Children in Emergency Fund. 

Also, if you are personally effected by this tragedy, Google is here to help! Google's Crisis Response Center /Person Finder. 

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CANCEL MY ORDER PLEASE

One from Column A, one from Column B, and a couple of sides. Sound delicious? It’s not. At least not in addiction terms.  

In Column A is the addiction problem. Sometimes you even get two items from this column, since many people have a dependence or addiction to drugs and alcohol.

Column B covers mental health issues that may have led to the drug or alcohol use, or were used to help manage the feelings and symptoms of the addiction. Anxiety, bipolar, depression, obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD),schizophrenia, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) are some of the many mental health issues that may be present. Sometimes people struggle with more than one item in the Column B feast.

Having an addiction combined with a mental health problem is called a dual diagnosis. A dual diagnosis is a double or even triple whammy for someone who is struggling with drugs or alcohol. 

And the sides?  Family issues, legal issues, work issues. Well, the Column C list can be endless and complicated.

Specialized dual diagnosis treatment is the only effective way for a person to begin to recover.  And it needs to be done in an individualized, client-centered way. A buffet come-one-come-all just isn’t going to cut it.

The Recovery Place Dual Diagnosis treatment program specializes in providing an individualized care plan that treats the addiction and mental health issues seamlessly and simultaneously.

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THE 40 DAY CHALLENGE

Catholics around the world are observing this particular Wednesday, March 9th, 2011, as Ash Wednesday. As many of us know, Ash Wednesday marks the starting point for the Catholic tradition Lent–a time of sacrifice for Jesus.  Lent is traditionally 40 days long, starting on Ash Wednesday and ending on Easter, where those participating in the tradition sacrifice something from their daily lives for the entire period. Common ‘sacrifices’ include meat, coffee (caffeine), or alcohol. 

Certainly, Lent is not a tradition everyone partakes in, as it is from Catholic origin, but the idea behind it is something we can all relate too. 

We all have our vices… Some more obvious than others, and all of which we could probably ‘sacrifice’ in becoming a better person. 

Many of you have spent the last few months challenging your will power and strength. Now in recovery from alcohol and drug addiction you can continue to test yourself and become the best version of you. 

I would like to challenge all of you to 40 days of sacrifice, even if it’s as little as cutting back on a daily “cuppa joe,” and then tell us about it. What are you giving up? What’s the hardest thing about giving it up and what have you put in place of those habits? Maybe instead of watching TV you've taken up reading and instead of fast food you’ve planned out your home cooked meals.  Either way, challenge yourself. 

As humans we are constantly growing—dare to flourish in the inevitable growth. 

View Original Post, The 40 Day Challenge 

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EVEN WATSON KNEW IT WAS NOT SO ELEMENTARY

Sherlock Holmes’s faithful assistant Dr. Watson was much savvier than his drug addicted famous detective friend. 

In one of the earliest of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s novels, Watson expresses the fact that drug rehabilitation isn’t easy. In fact, it is anything but elementary. 

Addressing Holmes’s cocaine addiction he says: 

“I was well aware that the fiend [addiction] was not dead but sleeping; and I have known that the sleep was a light one and the waking near in periods of idleness”. 

The need for a formal program of drug rehab and treatment for addictions from heroin, crystal meth, opiates, prescription drugs and many other substances hasn’t change, inside a novel or out. And it is a crucial need for recovery to be possible. 

The Recovery Place is proud of its reputation as a successful comprehensive drug rehabilitation center. 

We incorporate an approach that keeps the client and family at the center of the care plan.  Each person is unique. And their care should be unique, too. Nothing spells failure more succinctly than making an addict fit the course of treatment, instead of the other way around. 

Individualized treatment at The Recovery Place begins when a client or family member makes first contact, and it carries on into the aftercare period.  Nothing is left to chance, and the care plan adjusts to the progress and needs of the recovering addict. 

Drug rehab and recovery isn’t easy, its hard work.  But regaining health is worth every hard step.

View Original Post, Even Watson Knew It Was Not So Elementary

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ALL FOR ONE AND ONE FOR ALL

The National Institutes of Health Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) has researched and documented what The Recovery Place knows, and has addressed, from the beginning:

Addiction is a family disease!

Comprehensive alcohol and drug rehab programs must support family members just as fully as the addict or alcoholic is being supported.  The Recovery Place exceeds the support most rehab programs offer.  

“Our commitment to including the family leads to higher levels of success for our clients and instills hope and guidance to the families that support them,” emphasizes Pamela Hand, Program Director at TRP. 


“The Recovery Place weekly family contacts, the weekly family support group, and the quarterly family weekend,” explains Pamela, “help to develop strong awareness and support for the client and their family.”  


At The Recovery Place this support starts from first contact and continues after discharge.  It is available whether family members live near TRPs alcohol and drug rehab center or in a far distant state.  


Weekly contact can take place via phone or internet, if loved ones are too distant to come to our Fort Lauderdale location.   We know that the more support we can provide family members, the better the chance of family recovery from the stress and problems that addiction causes both short-term and long term. 



View Original Post, All For One and One For All

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WINNING?

Charlie Sheen has been the trending topic of discussion for the past couple weeks. From his multiple rants via radio interview, countless articles about his drug addiction causing the demise of one of televisions top rated shows Two and a Half Men and his egotistical opinion of him  “winning” the battle (with both CBS and drug addiction). Needless to say he has been the highlight on American entertainment for quite some time. 

During this time we have also seen Christina Aguilera run in with the police for public intoxication and it seems we can’t get away from Lindsay Lohan’s messes. 

So when is enough…enough? 

I was listening to the radio this morning and the DJs were debating this very argument—should celebrities, entertainers, professional athletes, those who are supposed to be role models for modern day youth have a “three strikes and you’re out” clause? Should something be put in place affirming after three (or less) major blunders with the law, such as we’ve seen with Charlie Sheen and Lindsay Lohan, that they can no longer work in the industry? Should athletes that assault women, go to jail on drug charges, get multiple DUIs or fight dogs no longer get signed to new teams or be able to renew contracts?

Kids, from the moment they turn on a TV find people to admire—to follow in their footsteps. Are we enabling destructive future generations by allowing people who act above the law to be admired and to make more money than those that don’t have records, or providing such extensive habit feeding salaries? Obviously this is a topic to never be touched within the entertainment industry, but worth a little debate. 

What are your thoughts? 




View Original Post, In Light of Recent Events

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POWERLESS TO POWERFUL THROUGH CHRISTIAN ADDICTION REHAB

The Recovery Place March blog series takes a look at the specialized treatment tracks that help addicts, alcoholics and their families find the program that best meets their unique needs

“Powerlessness is the first step to finding any type of spiritual growth,” explains Charlotte Day, Lead Clinician for the Christian Program at TRP.  “A critical step for addicts is realizing that they are powerless to choose to stop using.”   This is where recovery begins. 

Through a dynamic new video series, Charlotte explains the Christian 12-step approach to addiction recovery, and how it supports rehab and recovery from drug and alcohol abuse. 

The Recovery Place helps those who believe a high power and Christian approach is the best way for them to obtain, and sustain, long-term abstinence from drug and alcohol abuse.  It is also available to those who seek a first-time or renewed relationship with God. 

By combining Bible-based therapies with traditional ones, an even more powerful treatment plan is available to those attending TRPs Christian alcohol and drug rehab program. Bible study and church services are frequent and important parts of this track. 

Admitting that you are powerless isn't an admission of defeat, except in the sense that you, or a loved one, are being defeated by the drugs or alcohol. Admitting that you are powerless means that you are ready for God’s help and that of the treatment team in the Christian addiction rehab program here at The Recovery Place

View Original Post, Powerless to Powerful Through Christian Addiction Rehab 


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