Articles of Interest...
KEY SYMBOLS OF ADDICTION:
Many people use the word “addiction” more than it truly ought to be said. Folks have thought that any craving, for anything from a favorite movie genre to a coveted food, is something they’re “addicted” to. It’s one thing to exclaim we have a “jones” for something that we feel persuasively attracted to, but a real addiction is different and can be adverse. Having said that, not each “addictions” are to damaging things. Various individuals truthfully are “addicted” to things we could routinely think are risk-free. Is that hot fudge sundae something you mildly long for, or is it a valid addiction? We’ll deal with several of the warning signs of real addiction.
Are you more tolerant to greater quantities of the item you crave? Possibly you used to need just one espresso or latte to wake you up in the morning. However nowadays you don’t feel fine until you’ve had at least two or three. This is among the many symbols of addiction. What may have begun as an effortless yearning is starting to dominate our lives when we learn that it takes a larger and larger amount to make us feel right. Frequently addiction can be recognized early and definitively by this experience.
Do you attempt to keep hidden your supplies of the stuff you desire? A huge amount of alcoholics and drug addicts do just that. They do this for the reason that they’ve realized that their use has become conspicuous as a result they keep hidden things around their residences and workplaces so that getting a fix is easy and private. If you’ve started stashing things out of sight to circumvent having individuals commenting on them, this is a warning sign. But be certain to recognize that there is a distinction between concealing bags of candy all over the house and denying that you ever eat any as opposed to merely stashing one bag so your spouse doesn’t eat it all.
Do you consume or use your selected substance more often than you let on to other people? To provide an example, alcoholics will frequently start drinking at home before going out for drinks with friends. This way their acquaintances need not think they’re necessarily drinking excessively, but they can actually have much more than is obvious. Or they could simply keep consuming alcohol following parting from their friends. When you fraudulently hide what you’re actually consuming like this, the meaning is clear: you’re ashamed. Pay attention to that emotion.
Know that there are a lot of distinctive types of addiction. It isn’t always drug addiction or alcoholism; common actions like eating, shopping, or even just getting some exercise can turn into objects of addiction for some of us. Just ask yourself if it really is taking more of something to make you feel good, if you’re concealing things or lying in relation to what you’re doing, and if you feel guilty or ashamed; if so you’re experiencing the warning signs of addiction and would be well advised to get some counseling. You know the saying, “All things in moderation”–just be vigilant that those things will not start to dominate your existence.
Don’t hesitate to notify a buddy or trusted analyst and ask for help if you’re concerned that you may be an addict. You can regain control of your own fate and leave your dependence behind.
FIND OUT HOW TO GET HELP NOW >> PARC ADMISSIONS INFORMATION
Many people use the word “addiction” more than it truly ought to be said. Folks have thought that any craving, for anything from a favorite movie genre to a coveted food, is something they’re “addicted” to. It’s one thing to exclaim we have a “jones” for something that we feel persuasively attracted to, but a real addiction is different and can be adverse. Having said that, not each “addictions” are to damaging things. Various individuals truthfully are “addicted” to things we could routinely think are risk-free. Is that hot fudge sundae something you mildly long for, or is it a valid addiction? We’ll deal with several of the warning signs of real addiction.
Are you more tolerant to greater quantities of the item you crave? Possibly you used to need just one espresso or latte to wake you up in the morning. However nowadays you don’t feel fine until you’ve had at least two or three. This is among the many symbols of addiction. What may have begun as an effortless yearning is starting to dominate our lives when we learn that it takes a larger and larger amount to make us feel right. Frequently addiction can be recognized early and definitively by this experience.
Do you attempt to keep hidden your supplies of the stuff you desire? A huge amount of alcoholics and drug addicts do just that. They do this for the reason that they’ve realized that their use has become conspicuous as a result they keep hidden things around their residences and workplaces so that getting a fix is easy and private. If you’ve started stashing things out of sight to circumvent having individuals commenting on them, this is a warning sign. But be certain to recognize that there is a distinction between concealing bags of candy all over the house and denying that you ever eat any as opposed to merely stashing one bag so your spouse doesn’t eat it all.
Do you consume or use your selected substance more often than you let on to other people? To provide an example, alcoholics will frequently start drinking at home before going out for drinks with friends. This way their acquaintances need not think they’re necessarily drinking excessively, but they can actually have much more than is obvious. Or they could simply keep consuming alcohol following parting from their friends. When you fraudulently hide what you’re actually consuming like this, the meaning is clear: you’re ashamed. Pay attention to that emotion.
Know that there are a lot of distinctive types of addiction. It isn’t always drug addiction or alcoholism; common actions like eating, shopping, or even just getting some exercise can turn into objects of addiction for some of us. Just ask yourself if it really is taking more of something to make you feel good, if you’re concealing things or lying in relation to what you’re doing, and if you feel guilty or ashamed; if so you’re experiencing the warning signs of addiction and would be well advised to get some counseling. You know the saying, “All things in moderation”–just be vigilant that those things will not start to dominate your existence.
Don’t hesitate to notify a buddy or trusted analyst and ask for help if you’re concerned that you may be an addict. You can regain control of your own fate and leave your dependence behind.
FIND OUT HOW TO GET HELP NOW >> PARC ADMISSIONS INFORMATION
Addiction Statistics The Facts: (FROM: SAMHSA)
FIND OUT HOW TO GET HELP NOW >> PARC ADMISSIONS INFORMATION
- One of every eight Americans has a significant problem with alcohol or drugs, with 40 percent of the group having a "dual diagnosis," or concurrent mental/nervous disorder;
- Approximately 27 million Americans either use illicit drugs regularly or are "heavy drinkers." Of these almost 16 million are estimated to need immediate treatment;
- By age eighteen, almost 12 percent of all young people are illicit drug users;
- An untreated alcoholic's medical costs are approximately 300 percent higher than non-alcoholic's medical costs;
- Approximately 70 percent of illegal drug users are employed and contribute significantly to workplace absenteeism, accidents and injuries, decreased productivity, increased insurance expenses, employee turnover costs and on-the-job violence;
- The estimated annual direct cost to our society resulting from substance abuse is more than 250 billion dollars;
- It is generally accepted that chemical dependency, along with associated mental health disorders, has become one of the most severe health and social problems facing the United States.*
FIND OUT HOW TO GET HELP NOW >> PARC ADMISSIONS INFORMATION
HOW TO FIND INPATIENT TREATMENT (FROM EHOW.COM)
FIND OUT HOW TO GET HELP NOW >> PARC ADMISSIONS INFORMATION
- Decide if It's Time to Seek Help
- Examine your own actions. Michael McKelvey, chief executive officer of Peak Addiction Recovery Center, a Colorado Springs, Colo. treatment facility offering inpatient, transitional sober living and aftercare for people fighting addictions, advises that the organization's website contains a tool to help decide whether it's time to seek treatment. "Really the bottom line with the quiz is, if alcohol or substance abuse is interfering with daily living, then really, someone needs help," McKelvey says.
- Decide if it is use, abuse or dependence. Michael Allen, licensed clinical social worker and certified addictions counselor, is vice-president of Connect Care in Colorado Springs, Colo., where he manages a network of more than 200 mental health, alcohol and drug treatment providers. Allen offers that alcohol use that causes no problems is not a reason for seeking treatment. Alcohol use becomes alcohol abuse when the drinker goes on binges or when alcohol causes problems for the person, like getting a DUI, blacking out or forgetting to come home to the children, Allen says. The next stage is alcohol dependence. "Dependence is, 'I can't stop thinking about it,'" Allen goes on. "It's hallmarked by the loss of control."
- Consult an alcohol counselor for recommendations. "Every treatment episode should start with an assessment," Allen says. McKelvey advises that knowing whether less extreme measures have been unsuccessful is a key to whether 30-day inpatient treatment is required. "Some people cannot get better without actually leaving their environment," Allen says. If the alcoholic does not have supportive people around him, he will likely do better with 30-day inpatient treatment, Allen continues. Some clients need a break from the distractions of their everyday life in order to focus on treatment.
- Examine your own actions. Michael McKelvey, chief executive officer of Peak Addiction Recovery Center, a Colorado Springs, Colo. treatment facility offering inpatient, transitional sober living and aftercare for people fighting addictions, advises that the organization's website contains a tool to help decide whether it's time to seek treatment. "Really the bottom line with the quiz is, if alcohol or substance abuse is interfering with daily living, then really, someone needs help," McKelvey says.
- Ask what the treatment center's philosophies are. It's smart to know about their approach before committing to treatment at a particular facility. According to Allen, most 12-step programs do not allow the use of any medications. "If you are depressed and an alcoholic, you should be aware of that," he says. Other programs are based on behavior modification principles. Whether you see it as a social, behavioral or medical problem affects which treatment approach will be most effective. The person with the problem should choose a treatment facility that sees alcohol abuse in the same light he does.
- Decide if you need detox. Detox is medical supervision during the withdrawal stage. Only some treatment facilities offer detox services.
- Find out how your treatment will be paid for. Ask the treatment center if they accept your insurance and your insurance company whether they will pay for your treatment at that facility. McKelvey emphasizes making sure the treatment center is accredited. States maintain lists of accredited treatment programs.
- Ask about the treatment center's family program. Allen recommends finding out what kind of family program the treatment center offers, or whether the patient is even allowed to have contact with family during their stay.
- Check into aftercare services. Both Allen and McKelvey suggest finding out what aftercare programs the facility offers. At the very least, they should be able to refer you to a local aftercare program, Allen advises. "If you think that treatment is an absolute cure and you're going to leave after 30 days and never want to drink again, you're going to find yourself in a bad spot," McKelvey warns.
FIND OUT HOW TO GET HELP NOW >> PARC ADMISSIONS INFORMATION
“I CAN”T AFFORD TREATMENT”
All emotions aside, it is difficult to rationally explain how an addict or alcoholic can’t afford treatment. Even though Peak Addiction Recovery Center is one of the most affordable treatment programs of its caliber in the nation, the cost of treatment can be intimidating. However, think about how much your addiction cost you…
We aren’t talking about the less tangible items, which you can’t put a price on… “my addiction cost me my kids” … “my addiction cost me my freedom” … “my addiction cost me my standards”…
We aren’t even talking about the cost of the consequences of your use … “my addiction cost me $14,000 to be in intensive care at the hospital” … “my addiction cost me $10,000 in legal fees”…
We are talking about just your use. Your drugs. Your alcohol. What your body tells you every day you need to survive. Here is the simple math, based on national averages:
Substance Average Daily Cost Annual Cost
Heroin $30.00 for .10 grams $10,950.00
Alcohol $20.00 daily $7300.00
Oxycodone $40.00 for 40mg $14,600.00
Marijuana $23.00 for 3.5 grams $8,395.00
Crack/Cocaine $45.00 for 1 gram $16,425.00
Any one of these substances, used daily, covers the cost of treatment. Most of them are double the cost of treatment. If you add in one arrest… or one E.R. visit… one lost job… you will be saving thousands upon thousands of dollars.
If you can find the money to use every day – You can find the money for treatment.
FIND OUT HOW TO GET HELP NOW >> PARC ADMISSIONS INFORMATION
All emotions aside, it is difficult to rationally explain how an addict or alcoholic can’t afford treatment. Even though Peak Addiction Recovery Center is one of the most affordable treatment programs of its caliber in the nation, the cost of treatment can be intimidating. However, think about how much your addiction cost you…
We aren’t talking about the less tangible items, which you can’t put a price on… “my addiction cost me my kids” … “my addiction cost me my freedom” … “my addiction cost me my standards”…
We aren’t even talking about the cost of the consequences of your use … “my addiction cost me $14,000 to be in intensive care at the hospital” … “my addiction cost me $10,000 in legal fees”…
We are talking about just your use. Your drugs. Your alcohol. What your body tells you every day you need to survive. Here is the simple math, based on national averages:
Substance Average Daily Cost Annual Cost
Heroin $30.00 for .10 grams $10,950.00
Alcohol $20.00 daily $7300.00
Oxycodone $40.00 for 40mg $14,600.00
Marijuana $23.00 for 3.5 grams $8,395.00
Crack/Cocaine $45.00 for 1 gram $16,425.00
Any one of these substances, used daily, covers the cost of treatment. Most of them are double the cost of treatment. If you add in one arrest… or one E.R. visit… one lost job… you will be saving thousands upon thousands of dollars.
If you can find the money to use every day – You can find the money for treatment.
FIND OUT HOW TO GET HELP NOW >> PARC ADMISSIONS INFORMATION
