A Vision For You

”Now and then a serious drinker, being dry at the moment says, “I don’t miss it at all. Feel better. Work better. Having a better time.” As ex-problem drinkers, we smile at such a sally. We know our friend is like a boy whistling in the dark to keep up his spirits. He fools himself. Inwardly he would give anything to take half a dozen drinks and get away with them. He will presently try the old game again, for he isn’t happy about his sobriety. He cannot picture life without alcohol. Some day he will be unable to imagine life either with alcohol or without it.Then he will know loneliness such as few do. He will be at the jumping –off place. He will wish for the end.”-pg. 152 from the chapter “a Vision For You” from the Big Book of Alcohol Anonymous

 

Most of us can relate to the idea of white knuckling it when it comes to our sobriety and receiving detox. Some of us need to “act as if” or “fake it until we make it” in order to stay sober in the beginning or even at times when we are dry. Through the help of AboveItAll, AA, or other forms addiction recovery we acquire the tools we need to stay sober long term. It’s okay that we are like the boy whistling in the dark as long as we stay sober through it and are able to turn things over and do the work. After all it is the hard times that show us we can stay sober through anything as long as we remain willing and dedicated to this way of living.

Self-Reliance

“Wasn't it because self-reliance failed us? Self-reliance was good as far as it went, but it didn't go far enough. Some of us once had great self-confidence, but it didn't fully solve the fear problem, or any other. When it made us cocky, it was worse. Perhaps there is a better way - we think so. For we are now on a different basis; the basis of trusting and relying upon God. We trust infinite God rather than our finite selves. We are in the world to play the role He assigns. Just to the extent that we do as we think He would have us, and humbly rely on Him, does He enable us to match calamity with serenity. We never apologize to anyone for depending upon our Creator. We can laugh at those who think spirituality the way of weakness. Paradoxically, it is the way of strength. The verdict of the ages is that faith means courage. All men of faith have courage. They trust their God. We never apologize for God. Instead we let Him demonstrate, through us, what He can do. We ask Him to remove our fear and direct our attention to what He would have us be. At once, we commence to outgrow fear.” - pg. 68 from The Big Book Of Alcoholics Anonymous

Most of us were used to living a life based on self-reliance prior to receiving alcohol and drug rehab. For us it was a means of survival and self-preservation. Many of us had lost our faith in a higher power and therefor were left to fend for ourselves in every area of our lives even emotionally. Self-reliance was all that most of us knew until we went to places such as a drug addiction detox, AA, or Above It All. Once we got help most of us were able to start building relationships with people and began learning how to rely on and trust others again. Through doing this work many of us were able to form a similar relationship over time with a higher power. When this happened we were able to see what Gods will was versus our will as well as the benefits, and freedom that come from having conscious contact with a power greater than ourselves that we can turn things over to.

Step Twelve from the AA Twelve and Twelve

“Of course all A.A.'s, even the best, fall far short of such achievements as a consistent thing. Without necessarily taking that first drink, we often get quite far off the beam. Our troubles sometimes begin with indifference. We are sober and happy in our A.A. work. Things go well at home and office. We naturally congratulate ourselves on what later proves to be a far too easy and superficial point of view. We temporarily cease to grow because we feel satisfied that there is no need for all of A.A.'s Twelve Steps for us. We are doing fine on a few of them. Maybe we are doing fine on only two of them, the First Step and that part of the Twelfth where we "carry the message." In A.A. slang, that blissful state is known as "two-stepping." And it can go on for years. The best-intention-ed of us can fall for the "two-step" illusion. Sooner or later the pink cloud stage wears off and things go disappointingly dull. We begin to think that A.A. doesn't pay off after all. We become puzzled and discouraged.  Then perhaps life, as it has a way of doing, suddenly hands us a great big lump that we can't begin to swallow, let alone digest. We fail to get a worked-for promotion. We lose that good job. Maybe there are serious domestic or romantic difficulties, or perhaps that boy we thought God was looking after becomes a military casualty.”- From the chapter on Step Twelve from the AA Twelve and Twelve

When we first receive drug rehab through going to Above It All Treatment , AA, or other 12 step programs many of us have the desperation needed to do the work in order to stay sober. As time goes by many of us begin to feel better and get lives. We start to rest on our laurels sometimes without even being aware of it. While many of us can skate by for a little bit on service work the fact is that it usually catches up to us and at some point we end up feeling like our world is crashing down around us, and we end up robbing ourselves of the gifts that come from having emotional sobriety. It is up to us to realize we get out what we put in and to remain diligent in our recovery process.

How Does The Body Respond To Oxy?

A semi-synthetic opioid analgesic, Oxycodone is prescribed by physicians to alleviate short- or long-term pain. The drug is available in immediate-release (OxyIR) and controlled-release (OxyContin) forms, or in pills that contain acetaminophen (Percocet) or aspirin (Perodan).

Neurological

Common side effects of Oxycodone on the neurological system include drowsiness, cognitive impairments, moodiness, altered sleep cycles, and in some cases, psychosis.

Gastrointestinal

Oxycodone use may result in a variety of gastrointestinal issues, including vomiting, upset stomach and constipation.

Respiratory

Oxycodone also offers the potential for respiratory issues, including hypoventilation and even respiratory arrest in rare cases. Users should contact a physician immediately if they experience breathing difficulties or lightheadedness following Oxycodone use.

Cardiovascular

Decreased blood pressure and heart rate, heart palpitations, and migraines may result from Oxycodone use. Make certain to discuss any cardiovascular disease issues you may have with a physician before use.

Additional Side Effects

Additional side effects stemming from Oxycodone use include urination difficulties, suppression of immune system, rashes, dry mouth, and sweating.

Abuse and Addiction

Oxycodone and its various derivatives each hold a high potential for abuse and dependency. The withdrawal symptoms associated with an addiction include gastrointestinal disturbances, sleeplessness, anxiety, sweating, agitation, and an irregular heart beat. Seizures have also been known to occur in some patients.

Need Help?

If you or a loved one is struggling with an Oxycodone addiction, our Above It All rehabilitation center is the place to call! Pick up the phone today, and let our team of addiction specialists help you back on track towards the healthy, happy, sober lifestyle you deserve!

Opiate Withdrawal Basics

Treatment for opiate withdrawal comes in several forms. The opiate family includes both legally prescribed substances in addition to illegal drugs and narcotics. Some of the more common opiates include: OxyContin, Oxycodone, Percocet, Demeral, Lortab, Codeine, Fentanyl, Dilaudud, Tylenol 3, Morphine, Heroin and Methadone; each of which are both psychologically and physically addictive. Once an addict has made the decision to quit using opiates, they will began working their way through the withdrawal process. In this entry, we will discuss some tips and techniques to help alleviate the symptoms.

How Long To They Remain In Our System?

Opiates metabolize by way of the liver before being excreted from the body via the kidneys. The excretion rate of opiates from the body is 95% 24 hours following use. Morphine users may find traces up to 3 days after use.

Who Uses?

Opiates have historically been prescribed to alleviate extreme pain. Those who use these substances illegally typically do so for recreational purposes. Physical dependence and tolerance can develop in individuals taking them in higher doses than necessary – leading many to addiction.

Withdrawal

Opiate withdrawal is typically not life-threatening. Onset and severity of the symptoms will ultimately depend on the type of drug, the frequency of use and use history. Withdrawal symptoms typically set in within 24 hours of the last dose… though, time-released preparations including OxyContin will generally result in a longer withdrawal period. The peak phase typically hits around 72 hours, gradually subsiding after a 7 – 10 day period.

Symptoms

Common symptoms associates with opiate withdrawal include: high blood pressure, dilated pupils, diarrhea, fever, irritability, muscle spasms and bouts of insomnia.

Treatment

If you or a loved one is struggling with an opiate addiction, Above It All treatment center is the place to call. Pick up the phone today, and let our team of addiction specialists help you back on track towards the healthy, happy lifestyle you deserve!

Does Marijuana Cause Depression?

A December 2001 study in the American Journal of Psychiatry revealed a 4X greater risk of depression in those who abused marijuana. Additional studies by the British Medical Journal only seem to confirm these findings. In this entry, we will examine the correlation between depression and marijuana usage.

Chemical Composition

Categorically speaking, marijuana’s chemical composition places it in the depressant drug realm. When used, pot reacts with our body’s chemical makeup in a similar manner as other depressants.

Amotivational Syndrome

Regular marijuana use has the effect of rendering users more socially apathetic and withdrawn, which over an elongated period of time can cause depression. The effect is known to the medical community as amotivational syndrome.

Masking Effect

The “masking effect” refers to users who take marijuana in an effort to combat or avoid issues or problems in their personal life. When the user is sober and the issues remain, they can easily fall into depression.

Routine Use

The link between marijuana and depression is generally thought to depend on an individual being a heavy or routine users of the drug.

Addition

Marijuana addiction symptoms can often include compulsive urges to smoke when it is unavailable. Users who feel the urge to smoke prior to important engagements such a legal matter or job interview are often showing signs of addictive tendencies. Those who routinely claim that they will quit smoking, yet come up with reasons to use again are also considered addicted.

Serious Issue?

Though marijuana is not considered a “hard drug” by many, it is important to address any behavior that negatively impacts the lives and potential of those performing it. If you or someone you love is struggling with a substance abuse issue, our Los Angeles rehab center is the place to call. Pick up the phone today, and let our team of substance abuse specialists help you back on track towards the happy, healthy and productive life you deserve. 

Step 3 In Sobriety

“Maybe this all sounds mysterious and remote, something like Einstein's theory of relativity or a proposition in nuclear physics. It isn't at all. Let's look at how practical it actually is. Every man and woman who has joined A.A. and intends to stick has, without realizing it, made a beginning on Step Three. Isn't it true that in all matters touching upon alcohol, each of them has decided to turn his or her life over to the care, protection, and guidance of Alcoholics Anonymous? Already willingness has been achieved to cast out one's own will and one's own ideas about the alcohol problem in favor of those suggested by A.A. Any willing newcomer feels sure A.A. is the only safe harbor for the foundering vessel he has become. Now if this is not turning one's will and life over to a newfound Providence, then what is it? But suppose that instinct still cries out, as it certainly will, "Yes, respecting alcohol, I guess I have to be dependent upon A.A., but in all other matters I must still maintain my independence. Nothing is going to turn me into a nonentity. If I keep on turning my life and my will over to the care of something or somebody else, what will become of me? I'll look like the hole in the doughnut." This, of course, is the process by which instinct and logic always seek to bolster egotism, and so frustrate spiritual development. The trouble is that this kind of thinking takes no real account of the facts.”-from the chapter on Step Three from The AA Twelve and Twelve

Many of us as alcoholics feel like we have already made a big enough sacrifice when we get to the point of going into a detox, AA, or Above It All Treatment Center. Alcohol was our solution to everything and here we were faced with having to give it up as well as turn our will and life over to a power greater than ourselves. How were we supposed to do that? Through doing the work, getting rehabilitation, and realizing that we suffered not just from a phenomenon of craving but also from a spiritual malady we were able to start building a foundation for our sobriety. Through cleaning house, trusting God, and working with others we were able to see our lives change for the better. The more that we continue this practice the more free we get to be.

Remaining Diligent in Recovery

“Of course all A.A.'s, even the best, fall far short of such achievements as a consistent thing. Without necessarily taking that first drink, we often get quite far off the beam. Our troubles sometimes begin with indifference. We are sober and happy in our A.A. work. Things go well at home and office. We naturally congratulate ourselves on what later proves to be a far too easy and superficial point of view. We temporarily cease to grow because we feel satisfied that there is no need for all of A.A.'s Twelve Steps for us. We are doing fine on a few of them. Maybe we are doing fine on only two of them, the First Step and that part of the Twelfth where we "carry the message." In A.A. slang, that blissful state is known as "two-stepping." And it can go on for years. The best-intentioned of us can fall for the "two-step" illusion. Sooner or later the pink cloud stage wears off and things go disappointingly dull. We begin to think that A.A. doesn't pay off after all. We become puzzled and discouraged.  Then perhaps life, as it has a way of doing, suddenly hands us a great big lump that we can't begin to swallow, let alone digest. We fail to get a worked-for promotion. We lose that good job. Maybe there are serious domestic or romantic difficulties, or perhaps that boy we thought God was looking after becomes a military casualty.”- From the chapter on Step Twelve from the AA Twelve and Twelve

When we first receive alcohol rehab  through going to a drug addiction detox, AA, or Above It All Treatment Center many of us have the desperation needed to do the work in order to stay sober. As time goes by, we begin to feel better and get wonderful, busy lives as a result of the hard work we have done in recovery. We start to rest on our laurels sometimes without even being aware of it. While many of us can skate by for a little bit on service work, the fact is that it usually catches up to us and at some point we end up feeling like our world is crashing down around us, and we end up robbing ourselves of the gifts that come from having emotional sobriety. It is up to us to realize we get out what we put in and to remain diligent in our recovery process.

Paying For Your Recovery – Tips & Tricks

When the casual drink turns into a more serious issue, intervention and treatment options may be required. Unfortunately, many alcoholics do no possess the necessary funds to obtain the help they require. Proper budgeting and debt avoidance are crucial when considering rehab payment options to reduce financial burdens following recovery.

1 – Choose and contact Above It All treatment center to learn more about our financing options and total cost of treatment. Take notes during the conversation for reference purposes.

2 – Contact your insurance provider (if you have one) to determine whether they offer coverage for alcohol rehab. If they do, be sure to inquire as to what your out-of-pocket expense and co-payments might be. Jot down your findings in your log.

3 – Assess precisely how much expendable cash you have available in your savings and checking accounts. Subtract the cost of treatment from your total amount to determine the difference.

4 – If you are lacking insurance coverage, you can still apply for public assistance to help cover the expenses associated with your recovery. Eligibility is restricted in some areas, so it’s important to double-check your area requirements.

5 – Like most of us, you probably have a bunch of material possessions around the house serving little-to-no purpose. Rummage through your closets, garage and spare bedrooms, and make a list of items you can sell to raise some extra funds.

6 – If you currently have a job, begin requesting overtime to earn extra income.

7 – Luxuries are expendable. If you’re truly serious about your recovery, you can go without A&E’s Intervention marathon and fast food. This is your life. Invest wisely.

Detox For Oxycontin

The abuse of Oxycontin is a rapidly growing problem. The fact that Oxycontin can be legally obtained leads some to believe that is safer than illicit drugs. This could not be further from the truth. In 2009, there were 1.2 million visits related to the abuse of pharmaceutical drugs, such as Oxycontin. This is a 98.4% increase since 2004 (Centers for Disease Control).

Recovery from Oxycontin addiction is a lifelong process that begins with a medically supervised detox. Once detoxed, you are able to begin the process of healing emotionally and spiritually. Taking away the drug does not take away the problem. Detox should be followed up with long-term treatment, especially when treating an individual for Oxycontin addiction.

At Above It All Treatment Center, we work with clients to address the issues that have led to or perpetuated unhealthy behaviors. It is our goal to provide clients with the help and support they need at each step of the way and to provide that help as long as they may need it. Our different services are able to meet the needs of clients requiring varying levels of care.

We are committed to getting you started comfortably on your path to recovery. We understand the challenge of getting clean from OxyContin addiction and we are aware that, for some, a desire to avoid detoxification can keep the individual from seeking treatment entirely. However, the detoxification process does not have to be a distressing one. Detoxification at our OxyContin addiction rehab is a completely safe process, especially when performed in the safe and comfortable environment we provide here.

OxyContin is the brand name for a time-release formula of Oxycodone, a strong opiate derived from morphine that is legally prescribed for pain relief. As an analgesic, the drug alters the way the human brain reacts to pain without anesthetic effects. Oxycodone acts in a manner similar to morphine in that it changes the way your brain interprets pain signals, so that the individual taking Oxycodone may still be aware of the experience of pain, but does not find it unpleasant – it simply does not bother them anymore.

In a frightening trend, abuse of prescription drugs such as OxyContin is on the rise in the adolescent age group. According to the National Institute for Drug Abuse (NIDA), in 2008, “1.9 million youth (or 7.7 percent) age 12 to 17 abused prescription drugs, with 1.6 million (6.5 percent) abusing a prescription pain medication. That makes painkillers among the most commonly abused drugs by teens after tobacco, alcohol, and marijuana.” (Source: OxyContin abuse at the National Institute for Drug Abuse).

There are generally two types of detoxification at OxyContin addiction: Natural and Allopathic. With natural detoxification, OxyContin addict stops using the OxyContin “cold turkey” while in the care of our well-trained allopathically professionals at Above It All Treatment Center. This type of detoxification carries with it the risk of more withdrawal symptoms, but it is believed by some to be the fastest, most long-lasting way for the OxyContin addict to accomplish getting clean. Therapeutic detoxification for opiate OxyContin addiction usually involves the addict taking a synthetic opiate (such as methadone) in gradually smaller and smaller doses until the physical addiction to the drug is gone. This process carries with it fewer withdrawal symptoms, but can also lead to an addiction to the synthetic drug itself. Whichever type of detoxification is administered, it is very important to complete the detoxification entirely first, and then begin the other aspects of mental and psychological recovery at our OxyContin addiction rehab.

Give us a call today at 1-866-918-6089 so we can assist you on your journey to a safe recovery.  We will design a personalized treatment plan just for you.  Above It All Treatment Center; we are here to help you.