12 Steps to RX Drug Recovery

While the prescription drug epidemic has increased rapidly in the past decade -- climbing to 14,800 deaths due to overdose in 2008 -- the popularity of recreational use of painkillers seems to be growing exponentially. Drug rehabs in California are seeing many users of heroin, meth, and cocaine switching to prescription painkillers due to their rampant availability.

Above It All Treatment, a drug rehab utilizing the 12 step addiction recovery method, has seen a large increase in enrollments to fight addictions to painkillers such as hydrocodone, percocet, and oxycodone. Individuals often cite the availability of the drugs as the original reason they began using the drugs.

For treatment options for addiction to prescription drugs, visit aboveitalltreatment.com.

Persistent Addiction: A Problem That Grows

Studying addictions is a relatively new medical practice. Learning about how addictions work on the human mind has grown to a more popular practice because the insights we gain can also give us insights on how to better treat addiction.

One interesting insight that we have gained recently is that addiction constantly grow more severe, whether or not drugs are being ingested. This is beneficial information because it explains why a recovering addict -- with years of sobriety -- that relapses, plunges deeply back into the throes of addiction. 12 step treatment centers have now adopted this discovery into their treatment programs and it has become a very good deterrent from further drug use. In short, an addict that knows that a relapse will result in a wrenching, more devastating detox and rehabilitation the next time around.

Still, the study of addiction will continue to unveil new discoveries about the nuances of addiction, and drug rehabs will have more information and tools to utilize that aid in the recovery of individuals with chemical dependencies.

Programs That Inspire Wellness and Health

When enrolling in a chemical dependency treatment program, the main goal is to win the battle over addiction to drugs and/or alcohol. Within these programs, underlying conditions and unhealthy lifestyles can also be treated, offering the patient a new outlook on their own health and well-being as well.

What is chemical dependency? If you truly think about it, a chemical dependency is the dependency on a certain drug to obtain feelings of normalcy; through holistic nutrition programs and other programs that promote natural health and wellness, patients can learn new ways to sate the cravings for fulfillment that originally led them to consider illicit drugs as an option.

New Dawn Recovery of Northern California uses this strategy in many of its dual diagnosis residential treatments. By acknowledging that there was an underlying feeling of inadequacy that the patient felt prior to -- and eventually leading them to -- drug and alcohol use, those underlying issues can be addressed, and the patient can find natural and healthy ways to address the issues without having to resort to chemicals for fulfillment.

With a well-rounded strategy for treatment, New Dawn strives for a more successful period of treatment that will equip its patients with the necessary skills to go forth in life and have natural and healthy outlets for their inherent cravings. This approach breeds a more successful treatment, as well as creates an additional defense against relapse and future struggles.

New Dawn has four locations around the Bay Area of San Francisco:

New Dawn Recovery Center: Citrus Heights #1 

New Dawn Recovery Center: Citrus Heights #2 

New Dawn Recovery Center: Sausalito #1 

New Dawn Recovery Center: Sausalito #2  

Ending Addiction For Good

Addiction has often been called a cycle... "The cycle of addiction" is the phrased often used when speaking of intervention, the treatment of addiction, or sober living. While it is true that addiction can lead to a cycle of addiction>sobriety>addiction, the truth is that calling it cycle does not offer much hope for those wanting to end addiction.

Simply using inspiring words like "end" can strip away the negative ties and offer a more hopeful and definitive message to those who need to hear it the most. Whether you need long term drug treatment or simply outpatient drug treatment, the message of hope could be the strongest factor in a successful triumph over addiction.

In drug addiction counseling, the message is: "It ends here, it ends today."

If you are ready to end addiction today, visit Drug Addiction Treatment for more information and available programs. Visit the official Drug Addiction Treatment website at:

http://www.drugaddictiontreatment.com

Emotional Stages of Addiction

Addiction to alcohol, sex, food, or an illegal substance doesn't happen overnight. Little by little, a person may get involved with the bad habit until one realizes that he or she is mentally obsessed or emotionally compelled. But as addiction develops through time with frequent use or mismanaged behavior, lifetime recovery from addiction proves to be an emotional roller coaster ride. Even after detoxification or therapy, there's a good chance that the patient will suffer from a relapse without continued support from family and friends, strong will, and determination. The patient goes through confusing emotional states as he or she progresses with full-term recovery. Here are some of the emotional stages one has to go through:

Denial

At first, one would deny the fact that he or she might be suffering from addiction and would make excuses to cover for his or her acts. One would hide it from his or her family and make it seem like everything's perfectly normal.

Anger

When confronted or asked about the symptoms of his or her addiction, one tends to be defensive and would argue to justify his or her actions. An addict may even block out some family and friends and try to resolve the problem on his or her own. Often, an addict would blame others for his or her wrongdoings, turn away, and leave, instead of addressing the problem at hand. There's a feeling of resentment, which can be followed shortly by depression.

Bargaining

Seeing how his or her condition is affecting one's career, relationships, and personal life, an addict may promise not to do it again, but falls to the bad habit anyway. It is not easy to abstain from addiction all at once. This will take great will and determination, and without support from family and friends, recovery will be nearly impossible.

Depression

Unable to finally put a stop to the bad habit that's been causing a strain on one's family and personal life, an addict may feel that he or she has no choice or control over things. He or she then falls into depression. Any depressed individual would have trouble making the best decisions and would often isolate him or herself. But with the help of concerned family or friends, he or she may eventually be pulled out of anxiety, fear, and guilt.

Acceptance

Acceptance is often the first step to recovery. By admitting that one has a problem, he or she will be able to seek professional help and commit to the addiction program. Relapse often tests the recovery stage, but by believing in one's self, knowing the risks, and addressing the root of the problem, this can be overcome so full-term recovery can take its place in the person's life. An effective recovery program seeks to reinforce abstinence, personal growth, and necessary lifestyle changes.

Article above provided by recovery connections