How To Stay Sober After Drug Rehab – Aftercare Can Help A Lot

Posted on Jan 26, 2012

The period after the end of drug rehab, and for a few months afterwards, is a very risky time for relapse and continuing abuse. Even those people determined to maintain sobriety and committed to change too often find the temptations overwhelming and what seemed so clear while in the sheltered walls of rehab, suddenly murky and inapplicable to the realities of the outside.

There is no denying the risk of the initial days, weeks and months of abstinence once removed from the sanctuary of rehab, but there are ways that recovering addicts and alcoholics can minimize these risks; and the single greatest way to increase the odds of long term sobriety is simply by maintaining a long and committed participation in offered aftercare therapies.

Drug rehab should never end…

Rehab should never finish with the end of the residential period of programming, just as important are the continuing therapies offered to help recovering addicts cope with the newfound realities of sobriety on “the outside”; and a full participation in aftercare therapies is one the singular most important actions any recovering addict can take to better their odds of success and sobriety.

What is aftercare?

Aftercare simply means continuing therapy after a residential period of stay, and it does not necessarily signify any particular form of therapy; but a few of the more common forms of aftercare therapy are a continuing participation in 12 steps group meetings, a continuing participation in peer support groups, and continuing sessions with a therapist.

Most better rehabs will offer a long period of aftercare therapy as a part of the admission price, but far too many graduates of a drug or alcohol rehab fail to make use of these vital ties to sobriety, and a failure to maintain aftercare therapy is significantly correlated with relapse.

By maintaining a regular and frequent participation in aftercare therapy, the lessons of rehab are continually consolidated in response to the actual realities of temptation and cravings on the outside, and through the support of professionals and other addicts in recovery, you can work through those temptations threatening sobriety in a healthy, effective and constructive way.

Aftercare can occur anywhere

Aftercare does not necessarily need to occur at a drug or alcohol rehab, and any continuing therapy after residential rehab is considered aftercare; but there is an advantage to maintaining therapy at a rehab. After a month or more of intense and honest therapy, you will have likely developed working and trusting relationships with professionals and other addicts in recovery, and working with these same people through the initial months of sobriety often makes the most sense.

While maintaining individual sessions with a therapist you can also modify your relapse prevention plan to accurately reflect the threats to your sobriety as they emerge after rehab, and discuss ways that triggers to abuse can be minimized and temptations countered.

Codeine – What It Is, What It Does, And How To Escape It

Posted on Jan 14, 2012

Codeine is a fairly common drug that is generally used in the medical field to treat pain and is a cough suppressant as well. It is a narcotic analgesic that is available by prescription only, although some people manage to get a hold of it without a prescription. As a medical drug, this substance is controlled, due to the ability to be addictive. It is used recreationally as well and can be extremely addictive.

About Codeine

Codeine comes in a variety of preparation, including pills and liquid form. Many users use it because it gives a feeling of euphoria. Although this drug requires a prescription in the United States, in Mexico and other countries it is easily acquired without a prescription. Many people use codeine with alcohol, and whether it is abused with alcohol or used alone, it can cause a variety of bad effects upon the body.

Effects of Codeine Abuse

While codeine abuse can give a feeling of euphoria and happiness when it is used, it has many negative effects as well. Some of the effects that occur with codeine abuse include confusion, lack of motor skills, dizziness, and restlessness. In extreme cases and when people overdose on this drug, it can depress the respiratory system, cause kidney damage, and it may even result in death as well.

Getting Help with Codeine Addiction

Unfortunately, many people find themselves addicted to Codeine. Not only is addiction to Codeine a physical problem, but it is a psychological one as well, and if you are addicted you will need professional help to overcome this addiction. It is important that you understand that your addiction is truly a problem, and then you need to make the choice to get help. You can find a variety of different drug rehab programs that are available to you for free, where professionals can help you overcome your addiction to Codeine.

Inhalant Abuse and Its Dangers

Posted on Jan 11, 2012

Think all drugs are illegally obtained? It may surprise you to know that similar highs achieved through substances like cocaine and marijuana may be found in common household objects. Unfortunately, damaging effects and health risks also come with the abuse of these items, which are commonly classified as inhalants.

Inhalant abuse is defined by the chronic inhalation – also known as sniffing or huffing – of household products that are high in toxicity. Look around your home and you may find things like nail polish, model airplane glue, correction fluid, aerosols, or paint thinner. Get too close to these products and the fumes may invoke a dizzying sensation. This is the high that entices many people, in particular children, to abuse these products.

When inhalants are abused, the vapors and fumes from these products are taken into the lungs and distributed throughout the body, provoking a feeling of intoxication not unlike that of being in a drunken state. However, since the sensation wears off quickly, the abuser may be influenced to continue huffing, and the risk greatly increase. Inhalant abuse can lead to headaches, lethargy, fatigue, and body pain.

Continued absorption of toxic chemicals into the body can also cause severe damage to the central nervous system, a decrease in oxygen to the body, and in some cases death. Sudden Sniffing Death Syndrome may occur among younger users who suffer cardiac arrest from inhaling for the first time. It commonly occurs when an aerosol is sprayed into a bag, which then covers the nose and mouth. Oxygen is cut off from the body, and the abuser suffocates.

SIGNS THAT A LOVED ONE MAY BE ABUSING INHALANTS

Parents in particular should be alert and look for signs their children are abusing household items for a quick high. Some signs to look out for may include:

  • Constant dizziness or slurring of speech
  • Constant sniffling, red eyes and runny nose
  • Unusual behavior with markers or correction fluid (bending close while using them)
  • Paint marks or other unusual stains on the face

Does this mean that you should get rid of all items in your house that may be abused. Of course not. When used properly, many of these products serve a useful purpose in our daily lives. It is important, however, to be aware of the risk involved in mishandling aerosols, lighter fluids, and other products that give off fumes. Parents should school their children accordingly and watch for any sign of abuse. For those that are constantly abusing inhalants, rehabilitation may be needed in order to stop the damage being done to the body.

If you suspect a loved one of abusing inhalants, speak to a physician or a drug rehab professional immediately to determine the next steps in helping the user. The sooner you act, the sooner you can help preserve the quality of your loved one’s life.

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