Substance Abuse Archives - Christian Drug and Alcohol Rehab Centers

Change the way you think, do and feel; or DIE!!

May 3, 2015

Mental Health Disorders, Substance Abuse

Upon first glance of this title, you may be thinking to yourself that this is a really harsh statement. Unfortunately for the majority of most addicts, this heading is all too real as death becomes the only solution to their problems. Anxiety and fears only heightens for the addict as the pain of change freezes the addict like a deer in headlights. Besides the medical explanation of the “disease” model of addiction; this fear of changing is exactly what keeps the individual suffering from a life-threatening drug or alcohol problem…“STUCK”. Is doom and gloom the only possible outcome for the addict? If addiction is a disease and hope seems so far away, what is the solution to such a devastating situation? Beyond the absolute need...

10 Benefits of a Christian Outpatient 12 Step Program

April 13, 2015

Substance Abuse

Outpatient Christian treatment is a fantastic choice for those who are seeking their first source of help, as well as for those who have already completed an inpatient program. Typically, if you are ready for outpatient treatment, you are cognizant of the reality of your addiction, and have the motivation to learn, and correct it. There are many benefits to choosing outpatient Christian treatment as you journey to your new, addiction-free life. Some of these include: 1) Increased freedom of movement The first, and most salient, benefit of an outpatient program is the freedom it allows you. The freedom to come and go can play a large role in your willingness to seek or continue effective care. This is because you are not required to stay in one...

Daily Personal Inventories

April 6, 2015

Mental Health Disorders, Substance Abuse

Taking Inventory and Keeping Fit Step 10 from Alcoholic Anonymous states, “We took moral inventory and when we were wrong promptly admitted it”. It is important that we evaluate whether we are “Staying Fit” in our recovery on a daily basis. One simple tool that we can use to gauge how we are doing is to do a physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual inventory each night. Physical: What am I doing to take care of myself physically? Am I eating healthy? Am I exercising regularly? Am I practicing good hygiene? How do I feel about myself physically? What can I do to improve tomorrow? Emotional: What am I doing to take care of myself emotionally? Am I sharing my emotions with someone who is healthy and safe? Am I...

Small Group Sizes Help Improve Sobriety

January 6, 2015

Addiction and The Family, Mental Health Disorders, Substance Abuse

We know how important it is to help our client feel comfortable enough to open up and disclose their personal trauma. Trauma that is also known as an underlying cause is usually a key factor that keeps you or a loved one’s addiction alive. Discussing, processing, and overcoming the underlying causes of addiction cannot always be done in a large group setting because more often than not, it is a very painful and emotional task. Small group sizes allow our clients to feel comfortable enough to discuss their personal trauma that they have kept hidden for so long. This openness then allows us to better treat them with a loving, specialized, and individualized approach. Drawbacks of Large Group Therapy Small groups can prevent members from getting lost...

What does it mean to be a Faith Based Treatment Program?

December 15, 2014

Substance Abuse

“Faith-Based” is a broad term that can be used in many different ways. In fact, it can be so ambiguous that many don’t even know what it means. There are a lot of rehab facilities that claim to be faith-based simply because they allow their clients to privately worship their Higher Power or let residents attend religious services if they feel so inclined. Our Christian Recovery Center takes a different approach when it comes to faith and Christian treatment. We boldly believe that God and Jesus Christ are the Higher Power that will help our clients overcome addiction. Faith in Jesus Christ is the core value of our Christian Recovery Center’s entire program. We firmly believe the only way to truly overcome the recurring pain, trauma, and the...

Marijuana’s Cloudy Future

September 15, 2014

Substance Abuse

Marijuana is the most common illicit drug used in the United States. Although it is contrary to common belief, marijuana is also addictive. Estimates from research suggest that about 9 percent of users become addicted to marijuana; this number increases to about 17 percent among those who start young and increases to 25-50 percent among those who use marijuana on a daily basis. Current Laws In 1970, Proposition 215, the Controlled Substances Act (CSA) was signed into law which divided substances in 5 Schedules. Schedule I being the most heavily restricted which prohibits any use, medicinal or not. Marijuana landed itself as a Schedule I drug alongside heroin, ecstasy, LSD, etc. It wasn't until 1996 that the CSA was challenged. California lead the way by passing the Compassionate Use Act...

The Effects of Marijuana

September 11, 2014

Substance Abuse

Marijuana is the most commonly used illicit drug in North America, and the severity of its effects are often greatly disputed. Many people, uneducated about its impact on the body, falsely believe that Marijuana is a safe, non-addictive drug. While there are certainly “harder” drugs that are far more damaging on the body, Marijuana is by no means “safe”, and its effects should be properly understood by all of us. Short-term memory loss Marijuana inhibits the brain’s ability to decide what should be remembered and what should be thrown away. In experiments where users were asked to listen to news stories and then recount what they remember, they were almost completely unable to recall anything they’d heard. Feelings of relaxation and hyper focus The most common side effect of...

Naltrexone and Vivitrol’s Positive Effect on Christian Treatment

June 13, 2014

Substance Abuse

Naltrexone is a medication approved by the FDA for the treatment of alcohol and opiate dependence. It is an opioid receptor antagonist that decreases drinking and opiate use in alcohol and opiate-dependent individuals by blocking the release of endorphins via neural reward pathways. In other words, Naltrexone blocks the body’s ability to feel the “high” that these particular substances produce. This has proven to be helpful for clients that are abstaining from opiates or alcohol on their own and for those who chose to admit themselves into a substance abuse Christian treatment facility because the drug ultimately has a zero effect on the mind and body while the Naltrexone medication is taken. Naltrexone has also been shown to reduce cravings, which for motivated clients can promote long-term abstinence....

Alcohol Withdrawal Symptoms

March 4, 2014

Substance Abuse

Christian Recovery Alcohol Withdrawal Symptoms When a person who drinks everyday suddenly stops drinking, one can experience alcohol withdrawal. Alcohol withdrawals are most common with adults, but can happen to adolescents as well. The more you drink, the more likely you will have alcohol withdrawals. If you have certain medical problems, your alcohol withdrawals may be more intensified. Alcohol withdrawal can be a possibly life-threatening circumstance that can happen to people who have been drinking severely for weeks, months, or years and then entirely stop drinking or considerably reduce their intake of alcohol. Withdrawals from alcohol can start as early as two hours after your last drink and can linger for weeks. Alcohol withdrawal symptoms can array from mild anxiety and shakiness to severe complications such as seizures....

What Causes Addiction

February 6, 2014

Substance Abuse

There can be several factors that can influence addiction. Some people use substances to relieve stress and to help them deal with their feelings. Feelings of hurt, not being good enough, insecurities, and abuse can lead to a person taking the easy way out, by using substances to escape the reality of their feelings. People with depression, anxiety, or any other kind of mental health usually turn to substances to help them feel better. Addiction can also be caused by a dramatic or critical events early in life. In a young adult’s life, addiction could be caused by peer pressure or having other friend’s abuse alcohol and/or drugs and thinking it is a normality. A habit may eventually turn into an addiction. The habit starts without any significant problems, then...