Posts Tagged ‘drug and alcohol addiction’

There are many types of addiction: drugs, alcohol, gambling, sex and even money. But drug and alcohol addiction affects millions of people all over the world. They are two of the top 10 addiction that people of all ages get addicted to. The ease of access to a drug and alcohol and the pressure to use these substances are what drive people to get addicted to them. Addiction evaluation is very important in the treatment of the addiction. Addiction evaluation is the discernment of how much an addiction affects a person. There are certain questions that must be asked an addict and that must be answered in an addiction evaluation. In order for the addiction evaluation to be successful, an addict must answer the questions truthfully and honestly for a doctor to determine the best course of treatment.

Drug and alcohol dependency are among the many types of addiction that affect millions of people all over the world every year. The financial and emotional costs of addiction can devastate individuals and families. Drug and alcohol addiction can be very costly. But the emotional costs generated by addiction are far more costly than the financial costs. The emotional costs do not only affect the addicts but their families as well. Living and interacting with a drug addict can be difficult especially when he exhibits mood swings and other kinds of behavior that are otherwise not normal.

Drug and alcohol addictions can lead to dependency, where an addict can no longer function properly or do his chores without having first a dose of the drug or alcohol. Being an addict entails significant psychological symptoms that should not be ignored. Addiction evaluation includes asking questions about these symptoms so that the best course of treatment can be formulated. People who continue with their addiction do not think if they are hurting other people along the way. They contemplate and think of their addiction but are powerless to do anything about it.

Drug and alcohol addiction and other types of addiction are curable. The addict must be willing and cooperative for the treatment to be effective. Assessment and evaluation of the addiction must be done both by the addict himself and by a professional. To make the addict realize the damage the addiction has done to him and his loved ones, he must evaluate his situation and the consequences of continuing his addiction. It is not hard to do an addiction evaluation.

Here are some common questions that must be asked in an addiction evaluation by the addict himself.

1.    Has anyone – a friend, family member, doctor or colleague – been concerned about your use of substance or behavior?
•    This question in the addiction evaluation wants to know if anyone has voiced his opinion or concerns regarding the addict’s alcohol dependency or drug addiction. Feedbacks from the addict’s closest circle are just normal. They try to help the addict to get rid of his addiction.
2.    Have you been hurt or have you hurt anyone else physically as a result of using drugs or alcohol?
•    Physical injuries to addict himself or to other people cannot be avoided during episodes of use. The brain is muddled with negative thoughts and the body’s functions are impaired as a negative impact of substance abuse.
3.    How many times have you forgotten the events of the previous night because of your drinking and drug use?
•    Excessive intake of illegal drugs and alcohol muddle the mind, so it is common place to hear an addict tell someone that he doesn’t remember what happened the previous night.
4.    How many times do you feel any guilt, remorse, shame or embarrassment because of your drug and alcohol abuse?
•    An addict usually feels these feelings after he has taken drugs and the high or euphoria has worn off. It is usual for drug addicts and alcoholics to feel guilty about their substance abuse but do not do anything to get rid of their addiction.
5.    How many times do you need to take drugs or drink alcohol in the morning when you wake up to feel energized for the day?
•    There are instances when an addict has to take drugs or drink alcohol first thing in the morning so that they can go on with the day feeling energized or pumped up.
6.    How many times have you disappointed family members, colleagues, friends and bosses have because you were not able to do what was expected from you?
•    Substance abuse occupies the mind and activities of an addict. It is normal for an addict to not do the things that he is supposed to do either because he is too preoccupied with his behavior or he forgets his chores.
7.    How many times have you realized that you cannot live a day without taking the substance?
•    When a person gets hooked to a certain substance, he channels all his energy towards obtaining it. And when he is unable to do so, his behavior changes.
8.    How many times have you taken the substance in one single occasion?
•    An addict sometimes has to take the substance several times a day to satisfy his cravings.
9.    How many times in a given period do you take the substance?
•    This addiction evaluation question is somewhat related to the previous one. An addict has to take the substance several times a day or week to be able to sustain his addiction.
10.     Do you have to have a stash of the substance at the ready?
•    To make sure that he does not run out of the drugs or alcohol, an addict has to have a backup supply in his home or office so that anytime he happens to crave for some, he does not have to go out and buy.

These drug and alcohol evaluation or drug and alcohol assessment questions in the addiction evaluation are very important towards addiction recovery. Treatment programs for drug and alcohol addiction are readily available. The recovery of an addict is not an easy road to take. He will have to suffer sacrifices and setbacks, sometimes relapses, to fully recover. Addiction evaluation by the addict himself and by an addiction expert is the first step towards recovery. Cooperation and willingness of the addict are what’s needed in order for him to get well.

There are many causes of drug and alcohol addiction, and each of them must be determined so that the best course of treatment can be offered to the addict. Each case is different – from the causes of the addiction, behavior of the addict to the treatment that is suitable. But addiction evaluation is the one constant thing that must be done in order to determine the addict’s behavior and also to prescribe the best way to treat the addiction.

Addiction treatment can be done in a residential treatment facility. Alcohol evaluation and addiction evaluation are totally confidential. A treatment facility releases its diagnoses and recommendations after an addiction evaluation. These initial diagnoses and the succeeding diagnoses after that are essential for the evaluation and treatment of the addict. Early intervention of the families of addicts is crucial for the prevention of the addiction.

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

Addiction is a very serious problem that the society has faced for many decades now.

Family roles and addiction go hand in hand. Family members play a role in one of the member’s addiction to either alcohol or drugs. When a family is dysfunctional, each member assumes different roles to cope. Usually, a family that takes on certain roles suffers from some form of addiction, like drug and alcohol addiction. Although it is not determined that the family itself causes addiction, the family members and their roles contribute either to the wellness of everyone in the family or the deterioration of the relationship among the members. Family roles and addiction must be determined so that the appropriate action will be taken to make sure that everyone in the family can cope with everything that happens within the home.

Family roles and addiction are closely related to each other. How is this so? Drug and alcohol addiction are just two forms of addiction that afflicts the society, including the family. It is said that the family is the smallest unit of society. Although drug addiction and alcohol addiction do not necessarily start within the family, each member plays a certain role. Family roles are assumed for the members of the family to be able to cope with the problems that the family is facing, and this includes addiction. Codependency happens when the family members make decisions regarding what other members of the family need, and not only their own needs.

Alcoholics usually develop their alcoholic behaviors from people around them. In alcoholic families, there is usually an alcoholic parent, or both. An alcoholic’s behavior is governed by alcohol. People get addicted to alcohol because of the short-term pleasure it gives. People who live in a solitary world or live quiet lives usually turn to alcohol and drugs to feel emotionally numb.

Drugs have chemical components that are to blame for an addict to become chemically dependent. A drug addict develops a dependency to the drug and drug addiction recovery is needed to treat the addict. Help is available in different forms, and families must be involved in the successful recovery.

Addiction is the most common reason why family roles are assumed by members. Here is a list of the most common roles that each family member assumes in the midst of a family situation, specifically an addiction among a member or members of the family. These roles lead to codependency.

•    Addict. This is the member of the family who has the problem, either a drug addiction or alcohol addiction. He uses lying and other negative behavior to cover up his addiction. He makes it appear as if other members of the family, and not him, have the problem. His emotional behavior shows no problems at all. He has no connection to family and often does not know of the negative consequences of his addiction. He becomes dependent on the substance. The addict covers his emotions and lets them take control over his life to cover up for his addiction. He may be asked to be treated with his addiction and may have refused to do so, agreed but was not able to cope in rehab or just denied that he has a problem.

•    Enabler. This role can be in the form of a parent, a spouse, a sibling, or even a friend who tries to help the addict. The enabler constantly makes excuses and denies that the addict has a problem with his addiction. He ends up helping the addict obtain more drugs or alcohol, or both, without realizing that what he does makes the addiction worse. Even in himself, the enabler denies that his loved one is stricken with an addiction that is hard to overcome. An enabling behavior exhibits efforts to keep the family in balance, making sure that everyone is alright, even if it means blocking out the real issue of addiction in the family. Enabling behaviors are those that try to control the situation by doing some things that the addict approves of. These enabling behaviors try to appease or satisfy the addict.

•    Scapegoat. The scapegoat is one of the components of family roles and addiction wherein the member of the family who is considered the scapegoat is the one who makes troubles, grabs the attention to the family just so they will not divert the attention to the other member who is the addict. Most of the time the scapegoat does things which are not good for the addict, like diverting the attention of the parents from seeking medical help and intervention for the addiction recovery. The family members distract from the addiction by putting all the blame to the scapegoat. He is considered to be the black sheep of the family because of the troubles that he causes, often misleading other members that the real problem-maker is the addict.

•    Hero. The hero is the exact opposite of the scapegoat. He is the one who achieves, does good things, and generally takes away the issue of addiction by being an achiever. The hero is usually the eldest child. He does his best by doing good deeds but does not get the recognition or attention that he desires. In fact, heroes in the family resent what they do. The hero refuses to acknowledge that there is an underlying addiction problem within the family. He frequently has feelings of fear, shame and guilt because of what he does to cover for everyone in the family.

•    Mascot. This role often brings light and humor to the whole family. The mascot uses humor and fun to mask the real situation that is going on in the home. He does this to cover up feelings of guilt, shame and embarrassment. He generally keeps the whole family sane, and makes them forget of the problem they are facing. Sometimes the mascot goes overboard with his funny behavior but the family lets him be so that the real problem of addiction is masked.

•    Lost Child. The lost child is just that: lost. He is the member of the family who becomes invisible in all the happenings. He is seldom considered for opinions in the family. He goes with the flow, never making any trouble and not diverting attention towards him. This role may have serious implications in the long run. When the lost child keeps up with this role for a long time, he may find it hard to detach himself from being the lost child of the family. He may find it difficult to become his own person when the time comes to get rid of the role because he has become so used to being invisible and not being recognized.

Family roles and addiction can both be overcome. When the addiction to drugs, alcohol or other addictive substances is addressed and treated properly, the roles mentioned above can be eliminated as well. When there is no more problem of addiction in the family, there will be no more need for these roles to cover up for the issue of addiction. Family roles and addiction go hand in hand. Each will not be gotten rid of without first getting rid of the other. For family roles and addiction to be avoided altogether, it is important for everyone in the family to be open to each other, including opening up regarding their problems, especially if they are as serious as an addiction.

When family roles and addiction are overcome, other underlying situations like codependency are overcome as well. When there is no more addiction in the family, codependency to other members are no longer needed. Each member can already decide things on his own will. To keep family roles and addiction away from the family, constant communication and moral support are paramount.

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

The most famous and common misconception about treatments for drug and alcohol addiction problems is that you are completely cured as soon as you are done rehabilitating yourself. This is not at all correct. You see, there is a certain process that is called sober recovery program. This takes place after you have finished your treatment and this is where there fun really begins. Sober recovery program is the most difficult stage that you will ever encounter mainly because you do everything by yourself now, without the help of a therapist or a doctor. It is all about choosing to get better and applying what you have learned. Read on to learn more.

Sober recovery is a very important part of any kind of substance abuse treatment most especially with alcohol addiction mainly because this is a stage wherein it can make or break your life. This basically means that sober recovery is something that you must never take for granted. Sober recovery is a phase that can make sure that all your hard work, training, and enduring difficulties during your drugs or alcohol addiction treatment will finally become an actual application to your life. You see, you have to understand that it is not the actual substance abuse treatment that can successfully cure you from your addictions. It is after you have finished your rehabilitation period will make all the difference in the world because this is where sober recovery comes in.

You must also know that sober recovery is the most difficult part of your treatment. Sober recovery will never be over. It is a constant struggle and discipline that you need to endure for the rest of your life. Sober recovery will make sure that you will always have control on yourself at all times. Sober recovery is something that must be taken seriously or else, all the things that you have learned from your treatment will go to waste. You would not want this to happen especially if you do not want to waste your time, money, and effort.

This is the main reason why sober recovery is extremely crucial in all people who have gone through with addiction treatment. However, there are certain things that you can do to make everything easier for you as soon as you go out again, continue living the real life, and start your sober recovery process. You have to expect that as soon as you get out of the rehabilitation doors, you will immediately feel scared and lost. You have been so used to living and following the ways of the treatment institution and it frightens you to think that you are finally on your own now, with no one to tell you what to do. You will then start to think that you might not be able to do it and you will think of a lot of reasons not to go out in the open and become susceptible with the substance again.

If you have experienced or have been experiencing or feeling all these things, it is alright. There is really nothing to worry about because this stage is completely normal and is part of your sober recovery. The key to all this is you need to maintain sober for the rest of your life so you need to stand up to yourself and start believing that you can start living cleanly. This is why sober recovery is very difficult. It needs great self control in everything that you do and you must think all the time before you do or say something. Unlike in rehabilitation centers, there are no therapists that will assist you in what you need to do. You need to do it because you chose to do it, not because somebody told you to. This is what sober recovery is all about.

There are many ways that you can do to ensure that your sober recovery will be successful. You have to understand that you must be fully prepared before you start your sober recovery period, this is your only chance to survive in the harsh bitter reality of life. Always expect for the worse and you have to learn to go around them. There will always be a lot of temptation that will lure you into drinking or taking drugs and it is all up to your will power to refuse everything that will come your way. Sober recovery must immediately be commenced by first, avoid all your friends that you used to hang out with during your drug or alcohol addiction days. Chances are, they still are addicted to these substances so might as well stop hanging out with them so you can prevent temptations. You will also avoiding a deep sense of longing.

If you start to crave for another drink or smoke, then always remember your sober recovery program and get back to shape. You may also be depressed at some point in your life mainly because everything is changing. You will start to miss the happy fun times during your alcoholic days. If you begin feeling this way, start with your sober recovery again by also remembering the drastic and awful effects after the fun. Sober recovery will assist you in focusing on all the negative things that the addiction brought into your life and if you truly want to live longer, then you must treat your sober recovery with the utmost respect. You can do this by making sure that you always give your one hundred percent commitment during your sober recovery. You must also make sure that you are always patient with everything that you do.

Sober recovery can be easier if you avoid all the things that can cause you temptation. This means, you have to prevent yourself from going to any kind of places and venues that serves liquor and the like such as bars and restaurants. It is highly advisable that you hang out in coffee shops instead. Not only you will get that pure coffee buzz that can be considered as a high, your thoughts will become more focused as well making it easier for you to continue and maintain your sober recovery.

Sober recovery may be difficult but as soon as you get the hang of things, sober recovery will eventually grow on to you. It is truly one of the best things that life can actually give you because sober recovery can give you an opportunity to become better with everything that you do. Sober recovery will give you a chance to change and to really love and treat yourself the right way while making sure that you live cleanly. Good luck and you can do it!

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