Alcoholism and Alcohol Abuse
Tuesday, July 19th, 2011

Alcohol plays an important role in our culture.  From winding down after work with a drink to enjoying a bottle of wine with dinner to toasting a special event with champagne, alcohol is a constant presence in many people's lives.  Because drinking is so familiar, it may not be obvious when someone's use of alcohol has crossed the line from a fun social activity to alcohol substance abuse.

Experts in alcoholism draw a distinction between alcoholism (also known as alcohol dependence) and alcohol substance abuse.  For alcoholics, every aspect of life is affected by their drinking, including relationships, work, finances and health.   Despite the enormous difficulties in their lives caused by alcohol, they continue to drink.  Those who are described as alcohol substances abusers are in an earlier stage of the disease.  Their alcohol use has some self-destructive aspects, but they have some control over the problem and are able to set limits on their drinking.

Many alcohol substance abusers are at high risk of becoming alcoholic. Some alcohol abusers move into alcoholism following a crisis or life-changing event, such as divorce, loss of a job or death of a loved one.  For other alcohol abusers, the shift to alcoholism is gradual.  They begin to drink more as their tolerance for alcohol increases or they start to spend more time focusing on drinking.

Anyone who drinks needs to be aware of the warning signs of alcohol substance abuse:

  • Taking risks with alcohol.  This may include drinking and driving or mixing alcohol with prescription drugs.
  • Ignoring responsibilities and commitments. Due to drinking or a hangover, responsibilities at work, home or school are neglected.
  • Continuing to drink despite problems.  Even though relationships are suffering, the drinker does not change his or her behavior.
  • Needing alcohol to relax. Alcohol once made the drinker feel good, but now is needed to avoid feeling bad.

Alcoholics also exhibit these signs, but in addition they have developed a physical dependence on alcohol.  They need alcohol to function on a daily basis and have a physical urge to drink.  They have developed a tolerance for alcohol, which means that over time they have to increase the amount of alcohol they drink to feel the same effects.  When they stop drinking, they experience physical withdrawal symptoms.  Even if they want to stop drinking, it may not be possible.

There are a wide variety of treatment programs available for alcoholics and alcohol substance abusers who recognize that they have a problem.  Outpatient treatment programs, residential rehab and 12-step support groups are just a few of the options for recovery.  The most important step on the road to recovery is reaching out for help.

Is Marijuana Chemically Addictive?
Monday, November 15th, 2010
If you ask around, you will undoubtedly find people on both side of the fence when it comes to the question of whether or not marijuana is chemically addictive. There are those who are convinced that marijuana does cause a chemical dependency. Others believe that users only become psychologically addicted to marijuana. Yet, current evidence supports the fact that marijuana is not chemically addictive. However, this doesn’t mean that users will not become addicted in other ways and need to seek treatment for their addiction.

The main active chemical in marijuana is THC, which causes cellular reactions in the body that cause the drug high users seek to experience. However, THC also causes negative side effects as well such as increased heart rate and anxiety, and difficulty thinking.

THC changes the way that the brain’s hippocampus can process information. The hippocampus is responsible for learning, memory and emotions. Unfortunately, long term marijuana use can cause damage to the brain. While THC has negative effects on the body, it has not been proven to be chemically addictive.

Further, when marijuana addicts are not able to get the drug, they will experience significant physiological withdrawal symptoms. These symptoms include headaches, depression and irritation. Therefore, in many cases marijuana rehab and treatment is a necessity.

Some people wonder why there are drug rehab centers at all if marijuana isn’t addictive. There are a variety of reasons for this fact. First of all, those who are addicted to marijuana often have a lifestyle that is tied in with the drug. Researchers have speculated that those with a marijuana addiction are actually addicted to the high that the drug produces in their brain.

Due, in part, to the fact that marijuana isn’t chemically addictive, historically, there have been fewer treatment centers. However, marijuana users do indeed need help getting off drugs, just as users of any other drug would. Many people who try to quit marijuana have such a hard time doing so that they do indeed feel as though it must be chemically addictive!

Although the evidence to date supports the idea that marijuana creates a psychological and social dependency rather than one that is chemically based, the court is still out. Researchers continue to conduct studies on the impact of marijuana on the brain and the body. Therefore, it is possible that in the future we will discover more evidence about the addictive nature of marijuana of which we are not currently aware.
Finding Professional Help for an Intervention
Friday, October 8th, 2010
There is no doubt that making the decision to hold a drug intervention for a loved one can be difficult. Of course, nothing is more difficult than watching someone you love ruin their life because of an addiction. Choosing to hold an intervention is a major step in the process of helping your loved one towards recovery. Now you must do the planning to ensure that the day is as successful as possible. It is highly recommended to engage a professional to assist you.

While there are many people you could call upon to assist you with the drug intervention, it can be difficult to select just the right professional for your situation. It is also important that you find a professional who is highly experienced in dealing with interventions and substance abusers. There are many counselors who work with drug abusers and alcoholics on a regular basis, and one of them might be a good fit for your situation. There is also a fairly new type of counselor called an interventionist, who specializes in this very type of treatment. You should do some research to see if there are any interventionists in your area. Once you have located these professionals, you can consult with them over the phone or in person to find one with whom you feel comfortable. A professional interventionist will assist you in planning and organizing an intervention in a way that will help increase your odds of success. For example, a qualified interventionist will have experience in preparing the participants so that the addict sees that the intervention is being done out of love and concern for his or her wellbeing. This helps keep the intervention on track and under control, so that it does not become a confrontation that will ultimately lead to failure.

While no one ever wishes to hire an interventionist, if you are looking to get your loved one into professional treatment for his or her addiction, there may be no better option available. With careful planning and the right professional, you can conduct an intervention that has high odds of success. Through these means, it is very possible to achieve your goal of getting proper treatment for your loved one and reclaiming the person that you used to know.
National Alcohol & Drug Recovery Month is in September
Friday, September 24th, 2010
RecoveryNowTV Applauds Everyone in Recovery and the People that Help Them Recovery Month is an annual observance that takes place during the month of September to bring attention to the societal benefits of substance abuse treatment. This year's theme is Join the Voices for Recovery: Now More Than Ever! At RecoveryNowTV we'd like to add our voice and applaud all the people that are in recovery and the contributions of the treatment providers that help make recovery possible. This year's theme emphasizes the high level of stress many people are under and how this can contribute to alcohol or drug addiction or relapse.

Now is the time for those who need help to seek treatment and to lesson the stigma associated with the disease through education and awareness. Besides being a platform to celebrate people in recovery this month serves to educate the public on substance abuse as a national health crisis and that recovery IS possible and addiction IS a treatable disease. Recovery month also demonstrates benefits for society as a whole when an affected individual receives the treatment they need. Family, friends, coworkers all benefit when those who need help seek treatment.

If you or a loved one is in need of addiction treatment, please click here for our list of preferred treatment providers.  If you are in need of a low-cost addiction treatment option, please click here.

Helpful Addiction Center Information
Thursday, April 22nd, 2010
An addiction center can be the best place to address problems associated with alcohol or drug dependency. Such centers are exclusively dedicated to identifying and correcting the effects that alcohol and drug use, abuse, and addiction can have on an individual’s life. These treatment centers are fully staffed by trained professionals, and have the advantage of experience in dealing with the different challenges faced by those seeking to rid themselves of alcohol or drug abuse. Treatment options for alcohol or drug abuse are many and varied. It is important to find the treatment option that works best for you or your loved one. An addiction center may be the right choice if the individual suffering from the alcohol or drug addiction needs structure and a strong support system to help them along the road to recovery. Most centers excel at giving encouragement to individuals who are new to the process of recovery. A person who wants to change their life from one ruled by alcohol and drugs to one that is normal and productive is in a vulnerable place, especially when they are just beginning this transition. A treatment center is the perfect environment for this kind of person. An addiction center is also ideal for those who need a predictable and constant form of treatment. These centers are generally premised on one or two foundation ideas, and gear everything towards enforcing those ideas. Once an individual learns and is comfortable with the treatment model espoused by their treatment center of choice, they are assured that the model will remain constant. This kind of assurance is often very important to those who are dealing with a whole new lifestyle; too much change all at once may be more than an individual can handle. Whether or not you choose an addiction center to address the problem of alcohol or drug abuse, you should not delay in seeking some kind of treatment. The problems of alcohol or drug abuse only worsen with time, so the sooner an individual undertakes treatment, the more likely they are to win their battle against that abuse. An addiction center or other treatment method can be very helpful to those who are seeking to free themselves from alcohol or drug abuse.
Addiction Center Help for Abuse
Thursday, April 15th, 2010
An addiction treatment center may be a helpful resource if you or someone you love is suffering from alcohol or drug use, abuse, or dependency. Finding the right kind of treatment can make the difference between success and failure along the road to recovery and lasting sobriety. There are many different reasons people fall into the trap of substance abuse. Luckily, there are now many different treatment options available to those who want to end their substance abuse problems. When determining what is the right kind of treatment for you or your loved one, it is important to consider all the options available. If one form of treatment doesn’t work, you should always seek another treatment option, as different people respond best to different kinds of help. An addiction center may be most helpful to those who need a continuously supportive environment in order to maintain their chances at sobriety. These places offer an environment that is completely geared towards achieving the goal of lasting recovery from alcohol or drug use, abuse, or dependency. They can also be a resource for reintegrating into society at large, either through out-reach programs or through individualized counseling. An addiction center is also helpful for those who are not suffering from substance abuse issues, but whose lives have nonetheless been affected by substance abuse. These people, such as the user’s family, friends, or even work colleagues, may have experienced a disruption in their normal relationships, or may have felt extreme amounts of stress and anxiety as a result of the user’s behavior. They may find treatment of their own very therapeutic. Whether you yourself or someone you know and love is struggling with substance use, abuse, or dependency, consider an addiction center as a means of getting help. The problems associated with substance abuse are many, and can be complex, touching on many aspects of the user’s life. These problems are often more than any untrained person can help resolve. An addiction center offers the user a resource for reaching the goal of sobriety. The supportive atmosphere and specially trained personnel available at these substance abuse  treatment facilities may be just what the user needs to start and stay on the road to recovery.
Addiction Center: A Place for Recovery
Tuesday, April 6th, 2010
An addiction center is a place individuals can go when they are seeking to rid themselves of the problem and the problems associated with alcohol or drug use, abuse, or dependency. These places offer various kinds of treatment, ranging from intensive residential treatment to hour-long group meetings. It is important to decide on the right kind of treatment for yourself or for your loved one. With the right kind of treatment, and of course the right kind of attitude, individuals suffering from alcohol or drug use, abuse, or dependency can hope to regain their former selves. Once an individual has made the decision to seek treatment for alcohol or drug use, abuse, or dependency, they need to take the next concrete step towards changing their habits and their life for the better. One direction an individual can go in is towards treatment in an addiction center. These facilities are dedicated solely to treatment for alcohol or drug use, abuse, or dependency. Having this kind of focus can be extremely helpful because it allows individuals seeking to end their problems of substance abuse to address their problems head on. An addiction center provides the support individuals need when they are trying to end their alcohol use, abuse, or dependency. The challenges faced by these individuals seeking treatment are unique, and require unique methods of treatment. The needs of individuals trying to end their substance problems can vary, however, so it is important to find a treatment method and treatment professionals that are effective for the particular individual who is seeking treatment. The variety of treatment options and the support of trained professionals can make the difference between success and failure. Alcohol or drug use, abuse, or dependencies are all serious problems. These problems won’t just go away, and they can’t be solved without the willingness of the individual to change. An addiction center can provide the extra impetus individuals seeking to change may need in order to follow through on their good intentions. With the proper guidance and support, both of which can be provided by an addiction center, there is hope for individuals who want to lead lives free of the problems of substance abuse.
Addiction Center Information
Monday, February 1st, 2010

This article will give you very helpful information on finding an addiction center. For many people, they may never know that they have a substance abuse problem and need help. Below is information that will help you learn more about how to treat substance abuse problems and qualities in different programs to look for. If you are reading this article for yourself or someone you care about, then you’ve already started on the road to recovery. Battling drugs and alcohol is never easy, good luck on you journey.

For many people, they may never know that they have a problem with drugs or alcohol and need the resources found at an addiction center. Many times, a person will think the amount of drugs and alcohol that they are using isn’t impairing their life or causing any problems. But this couldn’t be further from the truth. The effects that substance abuse has on a person’s life can take many forms. The physical body can become destroyed, as well as relationships with friends and family. Finding help is one way that you can succeed at recovery.

If you have the slightest feeling that you need help, then you should contact an addiction center immediately. Trained health care professionals are available who will be able to talk with you about what you’re going through. They’ll also address your thoughts and feelings that are taking place. There is something deep inside of you that has brought you to the realization that you need help. It’s very important to concentrate on this aspect of who you are because, that’s the person that will benefit from stopping substance abuse. This part of you may have been drowned out for years due to drugs and alcohol, it’s time to awaken them.

When you begin doing research into different addiction center programs in your area, make sure that they share qualities that are important to you. You should initially contact a range of centers in order to get multiple perspectives on the type of help you’ll need. You’ll quickly learn that not all addiction center programs are the same. They differ widely and can offer you many different things. Knowing what will help you with your recovery is important but, the health care professionals will also have useful resources and perspectives for you to consider. You should put together a recovery plan and this will help you in your selection of a program.

Addiction Center and Healing
Friday, January 1st, 2010

This article was written to give information on how attending an addiction center will help with breaking the cycle of drug and alcohol abuse and create an environment for healing. When individuals need to attend a center, they may quickly overlook that along with stopping abuse, they’ll need to focus their energy on connecting with their mind and body again. The road toward a full recovery is sustainable. It comes through mending the damage that has been done in the past through excessive drugs and alcohol. By creating a peace of mind and understanding, your life will be better for days to come.

The first step you can take toward healing is to contact an addiction rehabilitation center in your area. Many different programs are available and it would be in your best interest to consider the different services that they have to offer. Centers offer a range of plans from group and individual therapy, detox programs, and other programs that will give you the resources and tools you’ll need to break the cycle of abuse. Along with these programs, there are other factors to consider. Where is the center located? Is a natural environment important for your recovery? Do you need to attend an outpatient or an inpatient rehab program? These are important questions to consider and you should make a list of questions that you will ask perspective centers.

After you’ve chosen which addiction center may work for you, make sure that you contact your friends and family and let them know what’s happening in your life. Many times, the severity of substance abuse will be unknown to those around you and it’s important that you include them in your process of healing. While you attend the addiction center you will learn about creating a framework of healing and your friends and family will be very important in helping you create this framework and sustain your recovery. You may also want to include your friends and family in the process that you are undertaking.

The most import thing to remember is that you are not alone in your battle. By attending an addiction center, you will work closely with trained professionals who will offer their insight and expertise in helping you break the cycle of abuse and to prepare for your future days of sobriety. Make sure that you keep an open mind during the process. It can be a very stressful and difficult, both mentally and physically. You may also consider alternative approaches to aid in recovery. Good luck on your future research and selecting a program that will work for you.