Tuesday, March 12, 2013

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.

Monday, March 4, 2013

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.


Thursday, February 28, 2013

Quitting Pain Pills – A How-To Guide



You, like many people, may have begun taking pain pills to address a knee injury or aching back. Initially, there was no cause for concern. The pain was reduced and your daily activities could commence as per usual. Why worry? After all, the medication you take is prescribed by a licensed physician – How bad could it be? Unfortunately, these substances carry a high risk of dependency with long-term use. If your pain medication use seems to have spiraled out of control, it’s important you seek help as quickly as possible.


Instructions

1 – Discuss your concerns with the doctor. Avoid catering to any feelings of embarrassment of guilt. With your physician’s help, organize a plan of action. The intensity and length of your withdrawal will ultimately depend on the  amount of time you have been taking the medication.

2 – Enroll in a drug addiction detox program. Any attempt to stop taking the medication abruptly – without proper care – could result in a variety of symptoms, including seizures, tremors, anxiety, sleeplessness, depression and suicidal thoughts.

3 – Make a commitment to at least 7 – 10 days of medically monitored detox. Once you’re admitted to the facility, an addiction counselor will guide you through a thorough exam to inspect your vital signs and obtain a basic idea of how long you will need to remove the drugs from your system.

4 – Communication is key. Be sure to keep a log of any symptoms you experience, and provide them to your doctors and counselors. Typical symptoms include mood swings, anxiety, sadness, aches and fatigue. If these symptoms begin to escalate, you must inform your physicians immediately.

5 – Locate a local area Narcotics Anonymous (NA) treatment program and begin attending meetings on a daily basis. Addiction recovery is a life-long struggle, and you’ll need all the support you can get.

6 – Once you’ve detoxed, you may be left with pain from the prior condition. Seek out a pain management specialist who can provide nonnarcotic medication and treatments such as hydrotherapy, acupuncture, acupressure and occupational therapy.

Friday, February 22, 2013

All About Prescription Drug Use


If you’re reading this, it’s likely you’re at the point where you’d wish to stop taking prescription medications. Whether for pain, anxiety or depression, abuse and addiction are common issues. Once control is lost, it can be difficult to regain. In this entry, we will outline a few steps to take on the path towards prescription independence.


1 – As a preventative measure, it’s always important to discuss any new medications with a licensed physician prior to use. Determine whether the substance is addictive, and educate yourself regarding the long-term effects associated with use.

2 – Plan out your medication use. If you do not expect to use an entire prescription, it’s important you know exactly how you will dispose of the leftovers. Search prescription drug donation programs online, or simply allow your local waste management service do its job.

3 – Educate yourself on the symptoms of drug addiction. The quicker you are able to catch a problem, the easier it will be to address it. Knowledge is power! Put it to good use.

4 – If you have indeed gained a tolerance and become dependent on the medication, a quick call to your physician can place you in touch with an addiction treatment facility.  There, a team of addiction specialists can properly address the issue while catering to your physical and mental states to ensure a healthy recovery.

5 – If medication is required to address an issue, try asking your physician for a list of alternative drugs and treatments. Medicine has progressed quite a bit throughout the years. In some cases, you may be able to achieve the same results without the pills. You never know unless you ask!

Wednesday, February 20, 2013

Relapse Risks: Know What To Avoid




Overcoming a substance addiction is perhaps one of the most difficult things a person can do. The battle to maintain sobriety and healthy life habits is often a constant battle. As with any long-term challenge, some days are inevitably better than others, but many triggers and dangers exist that can potentially end your “win-streak”. Knowing which triggers to avoid is half the battle.

Familiarity

The areas you used to hang out at and the individuals you were surrounded by while you were using should be avoided. Placing yourself around these factors will only build a desire to relapse. Humans enjoy familiarity and comfort. If you choose to be around those influences, it will seem off without the usual cocktail or substance. Peer pressure is yet another factor to consider when choosing activities and social outings.

Stress

Unfortunately for most of us, stress is an inevitable part of life. The connection between stress and addiction is extremely strong. As such, it’s not uncommon for recovering addicts to feel challenged in their recovery during difficult periods. Drugs and alcohol often offer a perceived safe haven from emotion and turmoil while adding to the issue at hand. In order to properly counter stress levels, they must be address head-on in a positive and healthy manner. Indulge in a hobby, take in a movie, go for a jog. Give yourself something to do that will put your mind at ease will moving away from desperate measures.

Irresponsibility and Isolation

Removing yourself from friends, family and the world at large will do little to aid your recovery progress. Seek out new acquaintances and call up old friends who are supportive of your sober lifestyle. The more positive influence you have in your life, the less likely you’ll succumb to boredom or depression – both common triggers. The best advice to the recovering addict is always “stay busy”!

Need Help?

If you or a loved one is struggling with a drug or alcohol 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 life you deserve.