Thursday, August 18, 2011

Amy Winehouse and Drug Rehab

It is very sad that such a talented singer did not go to drug rehab. Amy Winehouse’s drug and alcohol abuse and addiction were featured regularly in the news since 2007. She sang a song about people trying to make her to go drug rehab and she said no. It was no secret that she and her ex-husband, Blake Fielder-Civil struggled with addiction. Through the course of their combined addictions they faced legal trouble and he ended up in prison.

It is tragic that Amy had booked herself in a drug rehab center in London. She had planned to go for 2 weeks and was scheduled to check into the drug rehab on July 18th. She did not show up and instead, per reports, went on a bender that included vodka, crack cocaine and heroin. On July 23rd she was found dead in her home. It is suspected the cause of death is overdose, but it has not yet been determined.

Her death comes less than months ago she was released from a drug rehab program. Heroin addiction is very hard to beat and takes not only a drug rehab program that is long term but also the kind of program that suits the needs of the addict. Aftercare is also an important step. If the person leaving drug rehab goes right back to the type of environment where people are doing drugs and alcohol or condoning drugs and alcohol it will be very hard to stay sober. When someone goes in and out of rehab similar to Amy Winehouse, they usually still associating with the wrong kind of people.

Jimi Hendrix, Janis Joplin and Jim Morrison and now Amy Winehouse all died at the age of 27 of drug overdoses. Kurt Cobain also committed suicide at the age of 27 shortly after leaving a drug rehab.

It is also reported that they plan on turning her home into the Amy Winehouse Foundation Headquarters. Giving help to other addicts that struggle with drug addiction.

If you or someone you know needs substance abuse rehab and struggles with addiction it is important to get them into treatment right away. There can be disastrous consequences if you delay treatment. Amy Winehouse is one example of too many where checking into drug rehab was delayed.

Sunday, July 17, 2011

My Daughter Overcame Addiction

My daughter arrived to her first rehab a scared 22 year-old girl. She had been convinced by us to go into treatment and she really wasn’t convinced that it was the right thing to do. She didn’t feel that she had hit rock bottom but after a failed suicide attempt and a serious addiction to pain killers and heroin she really didn’t know how to make it on her own. Her heroin addiction was so bad that she began shooting it in her ankles and neck.

During the course of her drug and alcohol treatment she had ups and downs. Things about herself and her life that she didn’t want to face and had even talked herself into believing they never happened. But she faced them and she dealt with her issues and her problems.

After going through and completing a full long term residential treatment program she felt empowered. There were definite points where she wanted to leave and didn’t want to do it anymore, but with the help of her friends and her family she persevered. Upon completion of the program she knew that she could handle any of life’s problems and would never resort to drugs or alcohol again. She was proud of herself and she was ready to face the world.

3 years later I am proud to call Emily my daughter. She is clean and sober and happy and most importantly I have my daughter back.

Thursday, June 16, 2011

Cocaine Addiction and Treatment

Cocaine is one of the most widely abused stimulants in our country, creating an overwhelming need for effective cocaine treatment to individuals that choose to seek help. While it is a drug that does not have all of the typical physical withdrawal symptoms that many others like heroin and meth tend to have, the psychologically addictive properties make cocaine addiction a far reaching problem that many cannot deal with on their own.

If you suspect that a loved one is using and possibly addicted to cocaine, here are some of the usual things one can look for:

• Infinite amounts of high energy
• Behaving in a restless, fidgety manner
• Insomnia
• Appetite loss and/or unexplained weight loss
• Constantly runny nose or incessant sniffling
• Substantial changes in demeanor, mood swings

Cocaine use many times starts as a social ice-breaker, but can lead to habitual solitary use to help cope with life problems, lack of energy or depression. Even if use is occasional, there is no safeguard against overdose and there is certainly no guarantee that a night of fun will end badly with an arrest and legal issues.

The most important step one can take when there is a problem, or even if you suspect cocaine abuse, is to get help. Our counselors are standing by day and night to provide you with the answers, advice and guidance you need in order to make an informed decision about the best way to address these critical issues and move forward with cocaine treatment. Drug addiction is a serious problem that is not just a phase and almost never resolves on its own. If you are using cocaine at all – even just at the occasional party, you should seek help. If you believe a loved one is in trouble, take action now, tomorrow could be too late!

Friday, May 6, 2011

What Type of Drug Rehab?

My family tried literally every type of drug treatment out there for my brother; strange alternative methods, religious programs, 12 Step, rapid opiate detox (which I strongly urge you to stay away from), replacement drug therapy, etc., etc. The list goes on forever. We had almost given up all hope. He was abusing the medications the counselors had prescribed him at the short-term rehab center, and his dependency had worsened intensely. We could not figure out what type of drug rehab would be successful. One day I was researching online and read that it was important to look for drug treatment centers that have high success rates and are long-term inpatient programs. I kept searching. We found a facility that was far enough away from home that he could make a fresh start (but close enough for us to visit), and he stayed for 5 months of a long term drug rehab. They worked on an individualized treatment program including a physical detox and health program and life skills courses. He overcame his heroin addiction and we feel blessed to have found such a program that has given him not only sobriety, but also the skills and tools he needs to be drug free, happy and successful. I urge you all to continue on your journey and do not give up on your loved one. The answers are out there, and so is the right drug and alcohol treatment program.

Thursday, April 21, 2011

Treatment for Alcoholism

So many people now a days are having trouble overcoming their addiction. Many people its drugs and many people its alcohol. Where most people fail in finding the right type of program is going to a broad drug rehab that treats both drug addiction and alcoholism. Lets say you are a person struggling from alcohol abuse. Clearly your problems are going to be different than a person struggling with heroin addiction. Well based on this, don’t you think it would be smarter to find treatment for alcoholism rather than a rehab that deals with both alcohol and drugs.

Obviously finding the right type of alcohol rehab is essential. Just because an alcohol treatment center only works with alcoholics does it make it effective. There are several other factors which make rehab work. The length of stay, hours of daily counseling, detox, and quality of cliental. A lot of people think that the other clients don’t make a difference in the chances of their being a successful recovery. This is not true. If you have a bunch of bad apples then the program will suffer, so locating a facility which is nicer and more of a family setting, then the rehab will provide a more effective program.

Our counselors can help you find the most effective alcohol rehabilitation program. We are waiting to help you in taking your first step towards recovery.

Friday, December 17, 2010

Intervention and Drug Rehabilitation

Locating Drug rehabilitation centers can be hard to find, also depending on which state you are looking in. Every state offers treatment for drug and alcohol addiction, but this does not mean the program is effective. An effective drug rehabilitation program should provide professional help to those suffering from addiction, something even the most well balanced families cannot do, if they could, treatment would not be necessary. Many families try scaring their kids or using the old phrase, “just say no.” This is not effective. You have to be honest with your kids when you educate them about alcohol and drugs. Just because you teach your kids the truth about drugs and alcohol does not mean they wont become an alcoholic or addict later on in life.

If your loved on ends up becoming addicted, then you must take the next step in finding the best drug rehabilitation available. When a person needs help, waiting can really hurt the addicted individual. They can overdose or even get arrested which then makes it very hard to get a person into rehab. If a person does not want help than sometimes doing a drug intervention is effective.

Regardless of what you try and do, don’t think that one day a person is going to cure themselves, or help themselves. Addiction is really tricky. Its not like anything normal. You must treat the situation as a life or death situation. Too many people never get better and then never have a good life. Addiction can be overcome with the right type of drug rehab. If the person does not want help then seek an intervention and get a professional in there to help.

Thursday, September 16, 2010

Celebrity Detox and Drug Rehabs

Why do we see celebrities going in and out (and then back into) rehab and detox? Granted, the tabloid magazines and newspapers certainly capitalize on drama and tragedy, and many of what is published is untrue. Regardless of this, there are certain indications of drug and alcohol abuse which cannot be ignored. And the ongoing “revolving door” of celebrity detox and rehab makes the treatment scene seem bleak and ineffective. If a celebrity, who has access to limitless funds and “the best” treatment options, cannot make it through their substance abuse—what hope is there for the average citizen struggling to break free of his addiction?

A simple analysis of celebrity drug treatment and detox centers will reveal the enticing and luxurious aspects of the various facilities available to such clientele. But when did Continental Breakfast and rock climbing ever solve an addiction?

To avoid this, in your search for effective drug detox rehab look for a program that will get to the underlying issues of the dependency. Programs that address the physical, mental and emotional aspects of addiction hold the highest success rate. The other drug treatment method to avoid is the popular “medical model” approach. This, simply put, is replacement drug therapy at its best. Replacing the abuse of one illicit substance for a manageable pill. This type of therapy doesn’t solve anything, and in many cases will make things worse.