Opiates are natural opioids, which are narcotics. They are so powerful that to be weaned off them will involve great physical and psychological suffering.  An addiction rehab like that offered at the Hawaii Island Recovery center provides close medical supervision for clients seeking treatment for conditions such as these.

Checking into Suboxone treatment centers means you are intent on recovering from drug addiction but fear being unable to go through a very difficult and painful withdrawal process. Illness is not uncommon when cutting dependence from opiates. And the desire to be free of the symptoms will trigger intense craving for the drugs. Without the necessary support and medical supervision like that provided at Hawaii Island Recovery’s Big Island addiction treatment program, successful treatment will be difficult to achieve.

Suboxone is a combination of buprenorphine and naloxone. The former is a partial opioid but whose effects are not as powerful as that of heroin or vicodin. Naloxone is merely an additive to prevent the misuse of buprenorphine, which may be thought of as legal replacement for an illicit drug. It is not absorbed by the digestive tract when taken orally as Suboxone.

At Suboxone treatment centers like the addiction treatment center at Hawaii Island Recovery, this medication will be administered to help suppress withdrawal symptoms and hopefully reduce cravings.  The medication was developed as a better alternative to quitting “cold turkey” when addicted to opiates.  It is precisely due to the intensity of physical and psychological withdrawal symptoms that recovery becomes twice as difficult if not almost impossible without simulated opiate effects to commence the weaning from the substance.

Depending on the gravity of addiction, an opiate dependent may not even have to be admitted at Suboxone treatment centers but under the medical supervision of a physician at an outpatient clinic.

However, it has been shown that treatment and recovery becomes more complete in totally different surroundings, especially one that is conducive to healing. This is the experience offered by the addiction treatment center at Hawaii Island Recovery.  While it is an individual process, being in a community of people in the same situation provides additional support to complement the customized treatment program.

Whether you are completing an addiction treatment program at Hawaii Island Recovery or admitted to other Suboxone treatment centers, a necessary step is detoxification. This does not only involve draining the body of the toxins from the substances consumed but a holistic approach that includes proper nutrition, sleep, medication and counseling.

Nutrition is essential to recovery. Addiction is a form of illness and the chances of that damage has been inflicted to other systems is great. Staying away from foods that trigger cravings while increasing intake of healthy foods can help the healing process. This is why addiction treatment centers like Hawaii Island Recovery cater to every aspect of wellness. Whether it’s physical, emotional, psychological and spiritual, there’s always help available.

Remember sleep, too, is crucial for the body to regenerate and replenish. Addiction, especially to powerful drugs like opiates, depletes it of nutrients essential to proper function. In fact, sleep is the most natural among healing processes. Insomnia is a common withdrawal symptom, but medication can help correct this disorder.

Hydration is also necessary to facilitate detoxification. It plays a big part in the elimination of toxins that have accumulated inside the body due to addiction.

Suboxone treatment centers will provide the medication until the client can go about his normal routine even without opiate replacements.  The length of time will largely depend on how addicted the person is to opiates and how strong the will to fight off the drug and its effects. Suboxone dosage will also be gradually reduced until it is altogether stopped.

It must be remembered that Suboxone is an opiate. Administering them for treatment, care must be taken  so that a patient does not develop dependence for the medication instead. Physicians at Suboxone treatment centers should be very vigilant in monitoring the effects of the medication and where possible just prescribe them for a limited period of time.

Since opiates and most addictive substances alter behavior first, a treatment program must include intensive guidance for behavioral modification. At the Hawaii Island Recovery’s Big Island rehab program, focus is given to this aspect as an integral part of healing and recovery.

Most Suboxone treatment centers have also realized the value of psychological guidance and devote a substantial amount of time for this exercise as an important component to full recovery. Recovery from drug addiction takes its toll on the individual and his family. Healing begins when there is support for all members. In cases like this, it is best to remember that everybody hurts. Counselors at Hawaii Island Recovery have made their Big Island rehab program a safe haven for all.

Are you in pain? Call Hawaii Island Recovery at 866-906-6911.

Drug Abuse

There are some who may never understand why there are people who abuse the use of drugs. It is a wrong assumption that drug users lack determination or moral principles that   prevent them from changing the course of their behavior. Drug abuse is a disease, a disorder, that is why quitting will take more than good intentions.

Unfortunately, since drugs can alter normal functioning and thinking, quitting becomes difficult to attain. Nevertheless, drug abuse can be successfully treated through programs that are focused and targeted into modifying the very behaviors that lead to drug abuse. Addiction treatment centers like Hawaii Island Recovery, are designed for those who are deep into their drug abuse state. A chance to change and to lead a successful life is what they offer their clients.

There are plenty of definitions of what drug abuse is. Drug abuse, or sometimes referred to as substance abuse, is a maladaptive pattern of drug use. Drug abuse has also a multitude of definitions related to taking a psychoactive drug or a performance improving medication for non-therapeutic effect.

On the other hand, it can be quite similar to addiction, which is a chronic and relapsing brain disorder that causes drug use despite the harmful effect on the person who is compulsively seeking it. Although the decision in taking drugs the first time can be a voluntary choice, the chemical activity inside the brain changes over time, thereby challenging the person’s self-control and his ability to resist the allure of the drug and its effects. Some of the most abused drugs are alcohol, amphetamines, benzodiazepines, cocaine and opioids.

Drugs contain chemicals that alter the brain’s communication system, changing the way the nerve cells normally transmit, receive and process information. The cause of this disruption may be through imitating the brain’s natural chemical messengers or over-stimulating brain activity.

Some drugs may even have the same structure to those normal chemical messengers in the brain, fooling the brain receptors and activate nerve cells to send abnormal message; while others can make the nerve cells release  huge amounts of these chemical messengers in the brain, producing euphoric effects. This reaction, called “euphoric recall” can set people to repeat the abuse of drugs.

When the person is under the influence of drugs, they will certainly do things and act out without thinking about the consequences of their actions. Other symptoms of drug abuse include mood swings, unpredictable behavior, loss of responsibility and irrational thinking. These signs and symptoms are often seen on individuals who engage in drug abuse.  In most addiction treatment centers like Hawaii Island Recovery, clients come ready to work on these problems.

There are three main factors and causes related to drug abuse. Drug abuse may be affected by biological factors. There could be a family history, or existing medical or psychological problem and among others. This is true when there is genetic predisposition for drug abuse. Alcoholism runs in families. Though an alcoholic father does not necessarily mean an alcoholic son or daughter, there is indisputable proof that the chances are great that the offspring will have problems with alcohol.

However, the most important factors may draw on psychological and social factors. Some of the common psychological factors that cause of drug abuse include curiosity and social rebelliousness.

Other added reasons may include sense of feeling high, lack of company, low self-esteem, poor control and among others. On the other hand, one of the common essential issues under social factors is peer pressure. Other causes may include imitating role models, conflicts on interpersonal relationship, easy availability of the drugs and among others.

Treating addiction can be quite challenging, so as the drug abuse. Fortunately, there are many solutions that can aid people recover from this complex disorder. Addiction treatment centers like Hawaii Island Recovery and their Big Island treatment program for drug abuse clients can be a great option. They have alcohol and substance abuse counselors who know the latest treatment protocols. They have staff that are empathetic to clients’ needs, hence help is always available when needed.

Hawaii Island Recovery’s addiction treatment program for drug abuse allows their clients to freely work on themselves with no distraction, as the institution is situated thousands of miles away from the frenetic pace of society. They help their clients transform their own lives.

The addiction treatment program and other services offered at Hawaii Island Recovery are committed in assisting their clients overcome drug abuse and the psychological and emotional scars associated with this behavior. Slowly, self-confidence, self-esteem and credibility are built up. There is no more shame, for recovery from drug abuse takes its toll and produces tremendous amounts of guilt. Taking one day at a time, clients begin to face the world and their families again, this time, sober and drug free.

For more information about Hawaii Island Recovery’s addiction treatment program call 866-906-6911.

Dolphin Therapy

Those who are experiencing addiction are people who are overwhelmed by depression and anxieties in life. And little do they know that slowly, drug addiction has already taken over their lives.

That is why, there are discreet institutions that offer different types of therapy and support for those who are trying to get out of their addiction and totally fight their depressions. There are addiction rehabilitation centers that offer a unique form of healing through dolphin therapy. There are a number of rehabilitation centers that engage in holistic addiction therapy, and one of them Hawaii Island Recovery.

Hawaii Island Recovery offers a holistic recovery approach for addiction sufferers. One of their treatments includes wild dolphin therapy.

What is dolphin therapy?

Dolphin therapy is a method in which dolphins are used treat people who are suffering from addictions and other disabilities. It is a form of treatment that helps people cope with some issues in life and challenges. Dolphins are known to use sonar, which increases attention span and foster coordination and motor skills in humans. Interacting with the dolphins help people to relax and learn.

Studies show that dolphin therapy activates the secretion of endorphins and hormones that are known to lessen the pain and help in recovery. That is why Hawaii Island Recovery includes this in their addiction treatment program.

What are some myths about drug addiction that dolphin treatment has proven false?

1. Many people thought that addiction is a disease, and nothing can be done to treat this disease.

Many doctors concur that addiction is a brain disease, but just like any other diseases, addiction can be treated. There are therapies and medications that treat and even reverse the effects of addiction. That is why Hawaii Island Recovery added dolphin therapy in their addiction treatment program.

2. Many say that to overcome addiction, all you need is willpower.

While it is true that if you really want to, you can stop the addiction, but what if you have been doing drugs for a long time? The effect to the brain is profound that it develops the cravings and compulsion to use drugs which makes it harder to quit with will power alone. Medical and professional treatment is needed.

Dolphin therapy is a big contribution to such treatment. Sounds emitted by dolphins can signal frequencies that have a big effect on our brain simply by correcting brainwave activity. This in turn helps improve a person’s awareness and learning ability. This will also help the patient’s brain to control its cravings and addiction.

3.  Most people think that because rehabilitation and treatment didn’t work the first time around, that there is no point in undergoing treatment again. Sometimes, all a client needs is another go at treatment and rehabilitation. Perhaps it’s a new program that’s going to be the answer. It is true that recovery takes a long time and sometimes setbacks happen. But it doesn’t mean that treatment is not working.

Encounters with dolphins heighten deep emotional reaction. Having a release of deep feelings and emotion can help a person respond well with the treatment. This is another reason why Hawaii Island Recovery includes dolphin therapy in their addiction treatment program.

One of the best treatments that can help clients get over their addiction is the one that makes it easier for them to face their pain and to express their feelings. To provide those who try to recover from their own addictions the process to move forward and introduce a new and better person than they were before.

It should be noted that addiction affects individuals in the most profound ways. Self-confidence is replaced by self-loathing. Doubts, anxieties and fears are heightened and become the norm. Being in an addiction rehabilitation center like Hawaii Island Recovery means that there is a safe place to deconstruct all these feelings and start fresh. Program evaluators and counselors use a variety of methods to make treatment a success for their clients. And dolphin therapy plays a big part.

Dolphin therapy helps people dealing with addiction recover successfully. With this kind of unique and natural healing, the recovering addict can understand their feelings and deal with their challenges and anxieties by using their now heightened senses. Clients who are in the dolphin therapy program at Hawaii Island Recovery exhibit stronger emotional bonds, calmer demeanors, an increase in self confidence, better and more responsive coordination and also an improved immune system. Of course, it is not a cure-all, nor does it claim to be one. But the changes are dramatic enough on some individuals that it does merit further studies into this unique therapy.

A sense of being with a friend, of carefree frolicking, of play, is actually an effective method of treatment.   This is the approach on recovery that dolphin therapy can bring and this is the reason why Hawaii Island Recovery added this kind of therapy in their addiction treatment program. It is amazing what dolphin therapy can do!

If you are suffering from an addiction call 866-906-6911. Life does not have to be this way.

Drug Abuse

1. Biological or Genetics – This may be a family history or current medical or psychological problems.

2. Central psychological factors – Because of curiosity or rebelliousness, an addict may try the effects of drugs on themselves.

3. Psychological conditions like poor stress control and frustrations.

4. Traumatic childhood experiences.

5. Peer pressure.

Families and addicts themselves don’t have to lose faith, there are ways for an individual to overcome drug abuse. With the help of their loving family, rehabilitation center, the proper aftercare and sticking to a program addicts can overcome drug abuse.

One reputable institution is the Hawaii Island Recovery, with their community based Big Island Treatment program, clients and professional staff can find the right kind of treatment that can help them fight their battle against drug abuse.

For more information about the Big Island Treatment program offered at Hawaii Island Recovery call 866-906-6911.

Substance Abuse

There are two treatment options that a substance abuse addict can choose from to be able to fight their issues from drug abuse. One is in-patient treatment and the other is the out-patient treatment. Of course, there is no single treatment program that can effectively treat all abusers.

Facilities like the Hawaii Island Recovery has an exclusive Big Island Treatment program that are specifically designed for both their residential patients and their out-patient clients. Treatments include psychotherapy sessions, counseling, alternative therapy, holistic therapy and outdoor activities.

Whatever kind of treatment you choose, the success of rehabilitation can be attributed to the individual’s fight, their family’s support, and a facility that is dedicated to helping people with drug abuse issues.

For more information about the Big Island Treatment program offered at Hawaii Island Recovery call 866-906-6911.

sober recovery forum

That is why the sober recov ery forum was created to provide a venue for members who were just starting with their journey to recovery, as well as those who have trudged the difficult path towards an addiction free life, to share their experiences and shed some life on the issues leading to addiction.

Sober Recovery:  A difficult phase

Sober recovery is the most difficult phase in the recovery process.  This could make or break your chances of making it through life without succumbing to your previous lifestyle.  Once you step out of the facility, you will have to face the world full of temptations once again, with only you to make the decisions for yourself.

This void they feel, coupled with the regrets of losing their loved ones to their addiction can contribute to the clients’ depression and lack of concentration, which can be apparent in NA, AA and 12-step meetings.

But luckily, you do not have to go through the process by yourself.  Hawaii Island Recovery’s Big Island Drug Rehab can help you in the on your way to addiction recovery.  They offer after-care programs as well as meetings for you to be able to express your insights and experiences to others who, like you, are also going through the same difficult phase.  The Hawaii Island Recovery’s Big Island Rehab Center can also send a staff along with you to assist you in moving back to your old life free of any addictions.  They can also be made available anytime.

For information on Hawaii Island Recovery’s Big Island Recovery programs and facilities, you may contact them at 866-515-5032.  You may even visit the Hawaii Island Recovery’s Big Island Treatment’s website, www.bigislandtreament.com

Sober Recover Forum:  Why joining is important

AA and NA meetings may not be available anytime in some areas, making it difficult for you to look for a venue to share and seek advice from fellow members who are undergoing the sober recovery process.  That is why joining a sober recovery forum online can allow you to join these meetings without the hassle of commuting.

A sober recovery forum also lets you share your experiences in anonymity.  People who are in higher positions in a company can benefit from this as this could protect their identity and reputation.  A sober recovery forum also has a higher reach, compared to meetings within your area.  You can connect with people from different states, or even different countries and share your experiences and insights with them.  It is also a good opportunity for you to meet new friends and expand your network.

Addiction treatment facilities, big and small, can also get a chance to be featured in these forums.  They will also be getting reliable testimonials from members who have been in their facilities and made use of their services.  They may even post schedules of NA, AA and 12-step meeting schedules in their local areas for those who would want to visit one themselves.

Another good thing about joining a sober recovery forum is you can create groups depending on your preference and beliefs.  There are different forums available for men, women, bikers, LGBT or even non-secular members who prefer to follow methods, which are more akin to their religious beliefs.

Family members, too can benefit from joining a sober recovery forum.  As addictions can afflict a member’s loved ones as much as the member per se, these forums can help them share their insights and ask for support and advice from other families in coping with their struggles.

You do not have to deal with this alone

The whole point with the establishment of a sober recovery forum is that no one has to deal with all these alone.  There will always be someone who’s going through the same emotional roller coaster and may need someone to share their insights to.

Apart from that, distance may not always be an issue when seeking comfort from someone who has been through all that as well as someone who is still going through the same difficulties.

Cyberspace has made it easier for support groups such as Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) and Narcotics Anonymous (NA) to extend their help to a wide range of people afflicted with substance abuse as well as the loved ones who are most affected.  Apart from that, it is a lot more convenient for people who have a busy schedule ahead to visit an NA, AA or 12-step meeting.

A good sober recovery forum will be a big help in transitioning to a normal and sober lifestyle. Take advantage of people who have been through the same situations as yourself and who now know the lay of the land. There are many good people who are willing to become sponsors and who can be your biggest cheerleaders.

Let’s face it, the difference between success and failure in addiction recovery depends on how strong your support group is. Join many and choose wisely. The best sober recovery forum is the one you will attend whenever you feel the need to talk or to reach out. A good one will be like a second home to you. And who better to help you than friends and family!

If you are suffering from addiction please call Hawaii Island Recovery at 866-906-6911.

The National Institute on Drug Abuse, established by the Congress in 1974, is a federal scientific research institute under the National Institute of Health which is then a component of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Through various scientific researches, they help us to have a better understanding about drug addiction and treatment. The researches made by NIDA are provided to policy makers, health care professionals and of course for the general public.

Based from the National Institute on Drug Abuse, substances most commonly used for addiction are tobacco, alcohol, cannabinoids, opioids, stimulants, club drugs and hallucinogens. To be able to stop people from being dependent to these substances, NIDA have established 13 fundamental principles of drug addiction treatment.

The National Institute on Drug Abuse stated on their first principle that addiction is a complex but treatable disease which affects brain functions and behavior. This principle then becomes the basis for their next principles. Since this is a complex disease where each client has its own different case, there is no single treatment appropriate for all of them. But even though treatment is different for each client, it must be readily available for them. It must attend not only on his or her drug abuse but to his or her multiple needs as well. Aside from physiological treatment, issues which involve the client’s psychological, social, vocational and even legal problems must also be given attention.

To be able to make a treatment effective, the National Institute on Drug Abuse also stated that time is a critical factor and a period of at least 3 months is needed to produce a visible result. The longer the duration of the treatment, the better is the outcome. The first step of treatment which is detoxification is not enough, it may help the client reduce the amount of substance in his or her body but it is only the beginning of a series of treatment the client will undergo.

During the treatment, medication alongside with counseling is an effective combination to help the client free him/herself from addiction. Because this disease is complex and chronic, the treatment must also be continuous, where treatment and plan must be continually assessed and modified when needed to provide the changing needs of the client. Also during the treatment, careful monitoring must be made especially the drug intake of the client to avoid lapses from happening.

Only a few are probably aware of this, the National Institute on Drug Abuse also stated drug addiction often co-occurs with other psychological disorders and must also be included in the treatment. . Drug addiction is also associated with other infectious diseases such as tuberculosis, hepatitis B and C and also HIV/AIDS and its presence must also be checked.  A person willing to treat his or herself is a big help especially to therapists though treatment does not necessarily need to be voluntary for it to be effective, as stated on one of the principles given by the National Institute on Drug Abuse

From these principles provided by the National Institute on Drug Abuse, one of the treatment approaches which is medication is already mentioned. But aside from medication, another approach is through behavioral treatment and under this approach; there is what we call a residential treatment program. The residential treatment program as a means to help the client is effective especially if it involves severe problems. The clients stay in a community for 6 to 12 months and the focus of those therapeutic living centers is to make the client gain back his or her life by living a lifestyle free from drugs and crime.

If it is a new environment that a client is looking for, there is a therapeutic living center located in Kailua-Kona, Hawaii known as Hawaii Island Recovery. Taking into considerations the principles set by the National Institute on Drug Abuse, Hawaii Island Recovery is a Hawaii rehab, which aims to treat each client uniquely with their custom-designed approaches. This Hawaii Island Recovery’s Big Island Addiction Treatment Center is located 3,000 miles away from everything and everyone making Hawaii Island Recovery a good and perhaps the only option for the client to heal his or herself as he/she works on his/her drug addiction problems.

If you or a loved one is suffering from addiction please call Hawaii Island Recovery at 866-906-9611.

It is difficult to comprehend the actual effects drugs have on a person. Ask anyone who has been through the ordeal personally, or who has had to live with another suffering from this condition. But one thing is certain, timely intervention  and a solid addiction treatment program like the one offered at Hawaii Island Recovery must be taken before it is too late.

Drug abuse is not limited to illegal substances like marijuana, cocaine or heroin. A person falls into this pattern when he takes drugs, even those known for their therapeutic effects, excessively and compulsively. The purpose is no longer for treatment or healing. Rather, the discovery of habit-forming drugs has altered behaviour patterns and is proceeding to cause physiological and psychological damage that is often irreversible if left unattended.

Drug abuse is a result of addiction. Chemicals in drugs attack the brain, subtly manipulating emotional responses initially, then later progressing to hitting its more complex functions, including self control. Addiction is a brain disease. This is the state when a person so dependent on these substances can no longer function adequately unless provided a dose, or a “fix”, in the case of illicit drugs.

The brain is an intricate communication system. It controls how people think, react, feel and behave. Drugs target neurotransmitters, or the chemical messengers of the brain, disrupting its normal functions that include sending, receiving and processing information.

Under Hawaii Island recovery’s Big Island Recovery Program, it is explained to the clients during treatment how drugs fool neurotransmitters into thinking it is functioning properly, when in fact, the chemical from these substances have actually taken over resulting in abnormal thinking.

There are two ways drug abuse and addiction damage the brain’s nerve cells. First is when certain drugs, like marijuana, imitate neurotransmitters even as it performs abnormally; the second alters the brain’s “reward” circuit by releasing excessive quantities of natural neurotransmitters, specifically dopamine, found in regions of the brain that control our own movement, our different emotions, our personal motivations and most importantly, feelings of pleasure.

The brain, however, compensates for such changes and makes adjustments which in fact reduce its real capacity to function properly. When an individual no longer feels good even with regular drug use, he is compelled to increase dosage or frequency in order to get that level that will restore the euphoric feeling. This is what leads to drug abuse.

There is often a very fine line between drug use and abuse. Some people assume that frequency solely determines addiction. But frequency is not an accurate gauge to prove that line has been crossed. Addiction is not necessarily a result of frequent use. There are several factors that contribute to make an individual vulnerable to substance abuse. Aberrations in patterns of behaviour thought, speech, and actions are the strongest indicators of drug abuse.

What many drug abusers do not realize is the long-term effects these substances will have on their health because they are taken for non-medical reasons. It must also be emphasized that certain illegal drugs, specifically heroin, lysergic and acid diethylamide have never been known to have therapeutic value for humans. In other words, it is simply harmful to the human body. Without intervention, even death may result after long-term drug abuse.

By checking into the Hawaii Island Recovery’s Big Island Recovery Program, clients eventually learn what the drugs and their components have done to harm their system and what needs to be done to reverse such effects. Sometimes, it takes years to recover any health issues stemming from drug abuse. Nothing is short term nor can they be fixed overnight.

Excessive drug use can be detected. Relationships and the usual areas of responsibility (at work, in school or at home) bear the brunt of drug abuse. When the former is disrupted and the latter neglected, an individual is likely suffering from substance abuse. Therapy and treatment at the Big Island Recovery Program offered at Hawaii Island Recovery will help clients evaluate the areas that were grossly affected by drug abuse and introduce steps to restore normalcy to their disrupted life.

Not everyone is prone to drug abuse. Genetics, the environment and a person’s development all have a bearing on how susceptible an individual is to being addicted and resorting to drug abuse. Studies have indicated that people suffering from depression and have mental health case histories have a higher risk of being attracted to drug abuse.

Family support is important in recovering from drug abuse and addiction. This is one of the emphasis when clients choose to undergo treatment at the Big Island Recovery Facility at Hawaii Island Recovery.

A strong resolve to kick the habit is unfortunately not enough to overcome drug abuse. Call Hawaii Island Recovery at 866-906-6911.

Addiction Evaluation

It can be viewed as a continued use of a substance despite the negative consequences associated with it. Evaluation on the other hand is defined as the systematic determination of merit, worth, and significance of something, someone or action using criteria against a set of standards. Addiction Evaluation therefore is the systematic determination of the dependence of an individual on certain substance or activity that temporarily impairs the brain that can eventually bring negative consequences.

There are many types of addiction but drug and alcohol addiction are among the top 10 addictions that people of all gender and ages get addicted to. Drug and alcohol addiction drain the person involved financially and emotionally. Emotional impact is far more damaging because it involves not only the addict but people around them. Relationships are strained due to the difficulty living and interacting with a drug addict or alcohol dependent since they exhibit mood swings and other kinds of behavior that are way beyond normal.

The addicts are beyond their normal thinking that they continue their negative habits without consideration if they are already hurting other people. There are times that they think of their addiction but are powerless on their own to do anything about it.

Addicts manifest significant psychological symptoms that should be given attention. Addiction evaluation plays an important role to determine the success of recovery of an addict. It is worthy to know that drug and alcohol addictions as well as other types of addiction can be treated by personalized programs in treatments centers such as the Big Island Rehab at Hawaii Island Recovery.

There are many tools to screen the addiction of an individual and the three most commonly used Self Reporting Tests are the CAGE, the MAST, and the SASSI.

The CAGE

This is probably the simplest screening tool which is originally used to determine alcohol problems but may be modified to accommodate a range of substance abuse problems. This tool, which is an acronym for four questions and has become a cornerstone in addiction evaluation, was developed by Ewing and Rouse.

C – Have you ever felt the needs to CUT down on your drinking?

A – Have you ever felt ANNOYED by someone criticizing your drinking?

G – Have you ever felt GUILTY about your drinking?

E – Have you ever had to drink in the morning to quiet your nerves or relieve a hangover? (EYEOPENER)

An affirmative response to at least two of these questions will indicate an alcohol problem and can be useful for an expert evaluation of a certified addictions counselor or social worker.

The MAST

The Michigan Alcohol Screening Test (MAST) is a 24 item test that can easily be administered in written or oral form. Each question can be scored by , 1, 2, or 5, where  indicates a non-drinking response, 1 and 2 indicate a typical social or moderate drinking response, and 5 indicates an alcoholic drinking characteristic.

An overall score of -4 suggest a no problem alcohol drinker, 5-6 would indicate an alcohol problem, 7-9 reveals an alcoholic, 10-20 manifests a moderate alcoholic, and 20 or more score will categorize a severe alcoholic. The questions, however, were deemed leaning to a determination of alcohol problem that Jacobsen recommended a cut-off score of 12 instead of 7 to considerably yield a lower rate of false positives. The false negative results were still sufficiently high that professionals were prompted to rely more on training and instinct over the resultant scores and formula of the MAST.

The SASSI

The SASSI inventory tool, authored by Glen Miller, is designed to scale the subtle attributes inherent in the substance addict by asking questions seemingly not related to an addiction problem. Kerr, one of the critics of the tool, commends that the test is doing a good job in identifying the chemically dependent persons, and is slightly giving psychometrically sound results in identifying chemically dependent persons.

The above mentioned Self Reporting Tests are useful as a determining factor in addiction evaluation, but it is important that a complete evaluation be taken by a qualified counselor. The first big step towards recovery is an honest conversation between the client and a professional health care.

The client must be willing to cooperate and open up so that a treatment specifically designed to a particular problem may be developed. Each addiction case is different and each case must be determined so that the best course of treatment such as the Hawaii Island Recovery’s Big Island Recovery Rehab can be offered to the client.

Like any program that is geared towards bringing the client to learn new ways of coping, it is the honesty at what the problem is and how insidious it is, that becomes the cornerstone of any successful program. Addiction Evaluation is an honest assessment of the client’s capacity to recognize the problem and becomes the first step of recovery. Client’s cooperation will determine the success or failure of any addiction evaluation.

Since most addicted people are unable to face the negative impacts of substance abuse by themselves, an addiction treatment center is the best place for the addict to get support, assistance and guidance. To start your recovery or a member of your family or a loved one, call Hawaii Island Recovery at 866-906-6911.

Generally, it is now known in the field of medicine and drug rehabilitation that the causes of drug abuse include both environmental basis and genetic factors, which influence how the abuse develops and expresses itself in individual clients.  In fact addiction treatment centers like Hawaii Island Recovery’s Big Island Treatment facility utilizes programs that involves investigating even the structure of the client’s family.

This could be due to the fact that the frequencies to which drug abuse problems occur within some families seem to be higher than what could be explained by simple addictive environment of the family.  It is also very common to observe teenage drug abuse cases from families with parents who are also into substance abuse. It is also believed that children exposed to drug abuse early on are also genetically predisposed to acquire the same disorder.

Recent studies also revealed that most individuals who are into drug abuse believe that the causes of their addiction are unhappiness, crime, divorce, major illness and even death. It is also an unstated fact among professionals that any major emotional event in an individual’s life can trigger drug abusive behaviors.

Clients from addiction rehab centers like Hawaii Island Recovery’s Big Island Treatment facility also identified social pressure as one of the leading causes of drug abuse.  Their addiction commonly just started from trying out substances to be part of the “in” crowd or group.  Later on, these social experiments led to more serious problems like drug addiction.  These cases are so common among teenagers who have very low self-esteem and people from the corporate world who desperately want to enter the world of the rich and the powerful.  For more often than not, drug abuse is seen to be a way to get into the inner circle of the moneyed and sophisticated class.

Aside from the above-mentioned causes of drug abuse, there are still other risk factors that seems to contribute greatly to one’s drug abusive behaviors.  One of these is personality.  Although finding a direct link to a person’s set of characteristics and the addiction is still very difficult, interviews and case studies revealed that there are characteristics that are common among individuals with drug abuse problems.  They are normally overly curious up to the extent that they would try drugs just for the sake of having tried it.  They are also commonly the aggressive and hyperactive types who are looking for ways to relax and feel pleasure.  And since they are naturally impatient, they usually resort to drug abuse to find their fix.  These negative traits are commonly addressed by addiction rehab centers like Hawaii Island Recovery’s Big Island treatment program through relaxation programs like dolphin therapy.

Also scoring high on the list of causes of drug abuse is depression and anxiety.  Most clients rehabilitated in Hawaii Island Recovery’s Big Island addiction treatment facility for example, admitted that they used drugs to escape from their very demanding lifestyle.  Usually, the pressure to succeed in business while maintaining satisfying social relationships prove to be a very difficult feat for most clients.  Along the way, they felt that life is too overwhelming for them to handle so they resorted to drugs for help.  They believed that using drugs is the quickest way to relieve their pain and sufferings.  These beliefs are slowly being altered in rehab centers like Hawaii Island Recovery’s Big Island addiction treatment program through series of counseling sessions.  Through those sessions, they are being taught how to deal with anxiety and loneliness more appropriately.

These newly found causes of drug abuse have tremendously changed society’s view of drug addiction.  What used to be a disorder treated in asylum or prison through sessions focused on religious education is now a major medical concern.  Governments and international organizations are even investing large amount of money in furthering researches about the causes of drug abuse and finding suitable solutions to this social problem that has permeated the lives of people from all walks of life. Through these efforts, these institutions hope to one day eradicate all causes of drug abuse down to the very root.

As addiction treatment centers and counselors focus on giving their client the tools to manage and understand their addiction, they are in fact empowering them to think differently and to act differently. It all boils down to choices and the capability and the capacity to evaluate the situation before destructive actions are taken.

The causes of drug abuse vary from individual to individual. But one thing is for certain. Without a true commitment, there will be no recovery. Hawaii Island Recovery’s Big Island treatment center emphasizes this collaborative partnership between the client and the center. Together, the causes of drug abuse can be deconstructed, understood and worked on. Success for the client is also a success for the center.

For more information call Hawaii Island Recovery at 866-906-6911.