Author: CJ Peters
Substance Abuse: America’s Problem
Substance abuse overdose is epidemic in our society. Statistics show that in 2019 over 7 million adolescents between the ages of 12 and 20 reported that they drank more than a sip of alcohol in the previous month. 20% of seniors in high school report they have taken prescription drugs that were not prescribed to them. And the overall overdose rate in Americans rose by 4% from 2018 to 2019.
Not only do Americans begin to abuse drugs and alcohol an earlier age, but the abuse is following many in our society through the remainder of their adult lives. For example, substance abuse has reached outrageously high levels in the senior citizen community. Studies indicate that 33% of alcoholics developed their problem in their later years of life.
Substance Abuse Problems and PTSD: How to Stop the Cycle
PTSD & Substance Abuse: A Dangerous Duo
Substance abuse can occur because of post-traumatic stress disorder, or PTSD, a condition that occurs after a person experiences some type of traumatic event. Further, individuals are more likely put themselves in situations that may ultimately cause PTSD because of their substance abuse. War, terrorism, abuse, natural disasters, and assault are examples of events that can contribute to the development or worsening of PTSD. Regardless of its cause, trauma is not uncommon among Americans. One survey showed that over 50 percent of women and 60 percent of men reported at least one traumatic incident in their past.
Can Alcohol Rehab Work For Me?
Alcohol rehab is an incredibly helpful lifeline to individuals suffering from an alcohol dependence. Assessing your alcohol intake and dependency is required to determine your particular level of alcohol abuse. The lines are often very blurred between alcohol abuse and alcohol addiction, but what’s important to note is that they are both centered around problem drinking.
What Is Intensive Outpatient Treatment (IOP)?
If you’ve been looking into different drug or alcohol rehab options, you may have learned about intensive outpatient treatment programs, or IOP. This unique form of addiction treatment allows clients to participate in therapy and work on their recovery skills while continuing to live at home and attend school or work.
Building a Relationship With Yourself After Addiction
Recovery from substance abuse and addiction requires a number of different commitments. One of the issues on which you will have to work is your relationships with people. How will treatment help you re-form these relationships with those around you? To get there, you must first repair the relationship with yourself.
Getting a Job After Drug Rehab Program
Drug rehabilitation program clients may find that the experience of seeking employment after rehabilitation can be very stressful. Use these tips to help you to reduce stress and put your best foot forward during your search for employment. Tip #1: Do Not Assume the Worst. Do not begin your job search efforts with the expectation that it will be bad or that you will fail. Going about this or any other effort with a negative mindset can only create additional stress and set you up for failure. Thinking positively can be a great help while searching for employment, just…
Preventing Relapse Through Stress Management
Many aspects of a person’s life improve when they’re in recovery, but the stresses of everyday life don’t go away when they leave the treatment center. Stress is a normal and inevitable part of life, and it’s important to learn how to deal with tension and worry in healthy ways through stress management.
Studies have shown that stress doesn’t just play a major role in active cases of substance abuse, but it can also trigger relapse. Developing a strong set of stress-management techniques and coping skills can help recovering individuals learn how to handle stressful situations and stay on track.
3 Reasons Alumni Programs are Key to Relapse Prevention
Alumni programs are an important part of relapse prevention because they help connect the recovery community and help people live healthy, sober lives after rehab. Alumni programming like events, newsletters, family days, and group therapy can help a person maintain sobriety, even in the face of real-life challenges. Alumni programs are designed for people who have successfully graduated from drug and alcohol rehabilitation and are actively rebuilding their lives.
Staying Sober: Alumni and Aftercare Services
Relapse is a common occurrence after a drug or alcohol treatment program is completed. To prevent relapse, alumni and aftercare services from your rehab center help you or a loved one to stay sober. Long-term continuing care is the most effective and safest way to avoid returning to substance abuse.1
Case Study: Middle Aged Female with Cooccurring Alcohol Abuse and Depression
Client was a 54-year-old heterosexual female who presented for treatment for Alcohol Use Disorder co-occurring with Major Depressive Disorder. Client reported having time sober in the past and had relapsed approximately 2 years ago. The client is a licensed clinician and was out of work on FMLA and Short-Term Disability. The client reported that she had been in treatment before, but it was a long time ago and came to Destination Hope for help.
The client shared that she was functioning at work and no-one questioned her performance. She further reported that she was drinking heavily at home nightly and had recently starting drinking while at work, and she knew she needed help. The client reported that she had a troubled marriage with kids living at home and felt responsible to take care of her husband who is disabled.
Contact Us
AHCA Licensed
