Gambling Addiction: Recognizing the Signs and Seeking Help

At one time or another, you may have bet on a baseball game, played the lottery, or played the slot machine at a casino. Whether you won or lost money, you had fun and moved on from that experience. However, there may be times when the rush of winning big takes on a life of its own. If left unchecked, problem gambling negatively impacts your finances, work, family life, and mental health.

This article will discuss gambling addiction in-depth and the common signs that you may have a gambling problem. Most importantly, you will learn how to get help to overcome gambling addiction and reclaim your life. If you have a gambling problem, finding the right treatment program can be difficult. Fortunately, the professionals at My Recovery Source are here to help. We are the leading internet resource for locating the best evidence-based treatment programs that fit your needs. Call us today and let us help you conquer gambling addiction for good.

Defining Gambling Addiction

Problem gambling can affect anyone from any walk of life. It is defined as the uncontrollable urge to keep gambling despite the negative consequences it has on your life. Also known as pathological gambling, gambling addiction is an impulse-control type of disorder. When addicted to gambling, you will do so no matter the consequences or can even afford to do so. Gambling stimulates the reward system in the brain to the safe effect as substances. When you compulsively gamble, you continue to bet and incur losses, use up savings and create debt, and can even turn to theft or fraud.

Despite what many believe, pathological gambling is not the result of one being weak or irresponsible. Many people who develop a gambling addiction are responsible people who may have encountered difficulties in life such as job loss or retirement. Also, people with unmanaged issues such as substance abuse, ADHD, or depression may be more vulnerable to developing a gambling addiction.

The Signs Of Gambling Addiction

Do you think you may have a problem with gambling? Mayo Clinic has outlined the most common signs of gambling addiction:

  • Being preoccupied with gambling, such as constantly planning gambling activities and how to get more gambling money
  • Needing to gamble with increasing amounts of money to get the same thrill
  • Trying to control, cut back or stop gambling, without success
  • Feeling restless or irritable when you try to cut down on gambling
  • Gambling to escape problems or relieve feelings of helplessness, guilt, anxiety, or depression
  • Trying to get back lost money by gambling more (chasing losses)
  • Lying to family members or others to hide the extent of your gambling
  • Risking or losing important relationships, a job, or school or work opportunities because of gambling
  • Asking others to bail you out of financial trouble because you gambled the money away

Getting Help For Gambling Addiction

The main issue with gambling addiction isn’t stopping the behavior; it is ensuring that the behavior does not return. If you are looking for professional help, you need to find a mental health program that features therapies such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and Motivational Interviewing (MI). These programs also include 12-step support group help such as Gamblers Anonymous (GA) or similar groups.

Beyond treatment, there are things you can do on your own to minimize the risk of relapse. If you feel the urge to gamble, call a family member, or friend, or attend a support meeting. Find healthier activities to do such as working out, journaling, or engaging in a hobby you enjoy. It is wise to cancel online betting accounts and set up automatic payments for bills and other expenses with your bank. You may also find benefits in volunteering or mentoring others. If debts have piled up, you may want to seek the help of a credit counselor.

Find Evidence-Based Gambling Addiction Programs With Help From My Recovery Source

Looking for professional help with problem gambling can be an exhausting experience. Knowing what to look for and what questions to ask can make the process frustrating—and you may stop looking for treatment altogether. My Recovery Source is the #1 internet resource to find the quality treatment that will help you stop gambling. Our experienced team of placement professionals will work with you to find the perfect treatment program that will give you the tools and support you need right now.

Don’t wait another day to address your compulsive gambling problem; call My Recovery Source toll-free right now and overcome your gambling addiction for good.

Does Horizon BCBS Cover Drug Rehab?

Once you realize that you have a drug and alcohol problem, you will find yourself trying to figure out how and where to get sober. While it sounds like it should be as easy as just not using anymore, that’s rarely the case. Over time, you have likely relied on drugs and alcohol as your way of coping with life’s stressors and difficult situations. Putting down drugs and alcohol is only half the equation. You also have to learn how to live without them. Still, you may not know where to go to get sober and, if you’re thinking about going to rehab, you need to know if your insurance offers any coverage. 

If you are asking “does Horizon BCBS cover drug rehab?”, the answer is yes. While each plan has specifics, nearly all Horizon BCBS plans provide behavioral health and substance use disorder treatment coverage.  At Laguna View Detox, we know that just deciding to get sober is a milestone, and we’re here to help you start taking action. 

Does Horizon BCBS Cover Drug Rehab?

The decision to get sober is one of the most important decisions that you can make. It may seem easy to someone who’s never faced addiction, but it requires a great deal of bravery to undertake such a significant change. Still, you may feel overwhelmed with all of the details. You’ll find yourself with a list of questions, including:

  • Will my employer allow me to take time off from work to attend treatment?
  • Does Horizon BCBS cover drug rehab?
  • Should I go to treatment close to home or travel further away?
  • How long will I be in treatment?

As you begin to put together the information, you will learn about the various treatment options, levels, and costs. By selecting a rehab covered by Horizon BCBS, you can reduce some of the stress around this decision.

What Happens When I Go to Rehab?

Rehab almost always starts with detox because you have to rid your body of the drugs and their toxic effects before you begin doing the work of being in recovery. Depending on what drugs you have been using, you may need to be medically supervised during detox. This is especially true if you have been using alcohol regularly, as it is dangerous to detox from alcohol. 

Once you have completed detox, the work begins. You can expect to attend individual and group therapy sessions and learn skills for living a life without drugs and alcohol. Addiction is a disease of mind, body, and spirit. Rehab treats all three. Therapy allows you to work with a professional to examine the beliefs and thought patterns that you must change to remain sober. It also allows you an opportunity to begin treatment for any co-occurring disorders such as anxiety or depression. Skills sessions that focus on health and wellness will help you get back in touch with your body and yourself. You’ll learn how movement, mindfulness, meditation, and nutrition all support a healthy and happy life in recovery. 

How Laguna View Detox Can Help With a Drug or Alcohol Addiction

At Laguna View Detox, you will get round-the-clock care for your alcohol problem.  We are one of the leading private drug rehab centers in Orange County. We provide luxurious, inpatient rehab treatment in one of the most beautiful areas in California. Our staff includes some of the best in the industry, and we’ll create a holistic treatment plan tailored to you. We will care for you while you safely detox and then guide you through inpatient treatment and aftercare.  Contact us today and let us help you break free from alcohol!  

Are There Rehabs That Allow Cell Phones?

Are There Rehabs That Allow Cell Phones?

Cell phones are a significant part of our lives today. Over 97% of Americans own a cell phone of some kind, with the majority owning smartphones. Smartphones are much more than a communication tool, so it may be difficult for you or a loved one to imagine having to go without a phone for a period of time. Entering into a residential drug and alcohol rehab can be challenging as many patients feel that their personal freedoms are restricted – especially when cell phone use is regulated. Read on to learn if there are rehabs that allow cell phones. 

What Is a Rehab?

Rehab, or rehabilitation, is used to help people recover from addictions, injuries or even mental or physical illnesses. Drug rehab programs are often what people think about when thinking of the word rehab, however. People who battle drug or alcohol addiction need additional care and help that is offered at rehab facilities.

Drug rehabs help people recover from substance use disorders. There are many different types of rehab facilities. Some specialize in certain addiction problems and/or co-occurring disorders, for example. Some are gender- or age-specific. Therapy modalities and treatment approaches may also vary at rehab facilities. 

Rehab programs for addiction may require patients to stay at the facility 24/7, such as those who would benefit most from inpatient or residential treatment. Conversely, during outpatient treatment, patients can attend treatment sessions at the facility during the day while continuing to stay overnight at home with the ability to maintain responsibilities at work or home. The question of whether there are rehabs that allow cell phones is primarily asked by patients who attend inpatient treatment. 

Are There Rehabs That Allow Cell Phones?

Some rehab facilities allow the use of cell phones while others have banned them entirely. Some inpatient treatment centers prohibit cell phone use for only the initial part of treatment or only allow phone use during a certain time of day. Whether a rehab allows cell phones or not, there are complex reasons for each side of the argument. 

Pros of Having a Cell Phone in Rehab

Some of the primary benefits of having a cell phone in rehab include:

  • Being Able to Maintain Contact with Work – According to the National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence, more than 70 percent of people battling substance use disorder are employed. Over 11 percent of those employed in the management sector have also been found to battle substance use disorder. Many of these professionals need their cell phones to stay connected to their careers and may view their job as their primary identity. These professionals can avoid the anxiety of not knowing what is going on at work if allowed to have their cell phones at rehab.
  • Being Able to Stay in Contact with Loved Ones – Whether it is family or romantic partners, both can be a needed support system. Losing touch with those a person loves during a time that can be scary and difficult for some is hard. For some people, having the ability to maintain contact with those they care about can mean the difference between recovery and relapse.

Cons of Having a Cell Phone in Rehab

Cell phone restrictions in rehab may also help those addicted to drugs or alcohol better focus on recovery. Some of the arguments against cell phone use in rehab include:

  • Avoiding Temptation – Many people attend inpatient treatment to get away from temptation or things that contribute to addictive behavior. While facilities offer a safe and structured environment, cell phones can offer the opposite of that, with a world of temptation available at one’s fingertips, from media content to contact with potentially toxic friends or family.
  • Reducing Stress – Cell phones can bring about stress or other problems. When a person needs to focus to learn the many valuable lessons during rehab, texts, social media, phone calls and the like can lead to distraction, preventing people from devoting themselves entirely to their recovery.

So are there rehabs that allow cell phones? Yes there are. But once you are admitted to a treatment program, you may be asked to store it in a safe place (such as a locker) until your treatment is complete. Remember that if a facility asks you to not use your cell phone, the request is not meant to be punitive but to help you along the path to wellness. Contact My Recovery Source today to find a rehab facility near you, including one that does or does not allow cell phones based on your preference. 

What Happens When You Mix Benzodiazepines and Alcohol

What Happens When You Mix Benzodiazepines and Alcohol

Prescription drugs often come with many possible side effects but when you combine them with other substances, the chances of side effects occurring increases. Two drugs that are commonly mixed for a high but don’t interact well are benzodiazepines and alcohol. Benzodiazepines may be fine on their own, but when mixed with alcohol, it can be a recipe for disaster. 

What Is a Benzodiazepine?

A benzodiazepine is a common prescription psychoactive sedative that is intended for the treatment of certain mental health disorders, such as anxiety, in addition to some physical problems, like cerebral palsy and seizures. They have also been used to help people who struggle with sleeping issues. Benzos are sedatives and can induce sleep, produce sedation, relax muscle spasms and/or encourage relaxed mood. Benzodiazepines are classified as controlled substances, according to the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA).

Benzodiazepines come in several forms, including prescription pills, syrups and injections. The most common benzodiazepine brands include Ativan, Valium, Restoril, Xanax and Klonopin. 

Benzodiazepines can be addictive, leading to substance use disorder in a short time. Abuse of this drug is most common among young adults as well as cocaine and heroin users. According to SAMHSA, 1.3 million people aged 18 to 25 misused prescription benzodiazepines in 2019. When benzodiazepines are abused, they are usually taken orally or crushed up and snorted to get high. Benzodiazepine should only be taken as prescribed by a doctor and only for legitimate medical disorders. 

Benzos are commonly prescribed with other substances. Next to prescription pain medications (primarily opiates), alcohol is commonly abused with benzodiazepines. According to data collected by SAMHSA, many hospital emergency department visits were associated with benzodiazepine and alcohol misuse in 2011. 

Why You Shouldn’t Mix Benzodiazepines and Alcohol

There are several risks associated with mixing benzos and alcohol, which is why every warning label on benzodiazepine-containing medications caution against the use of alcohol. Benzodiazepines and alcohol are both depressants and can suppress the central nervous system to dangerous levels. By abusing these two drugs together puts a person at extreme risk of serious bodily injury that may be permanent or even death. 

When benzodiazepines and alcohol are mixed, the user experiences the effects of each drug at a higher capacity and a more threatening level, leading to an increased risk of overdose. Both substances act significantly on the inhibitory neurotransmitter GABA and each substance can amplify the impact of the other, potentially leading to significant brain or organ damage as a result of suppressed breathing and thus lack of oxygen. Some of the other most common side effects of benzodiazepines and alcohol include:

  • Severe depression
  • Memory loss
  • Poor coordination
  • Mood swings
  • Intense nausea
  • Risky behavior and increased probability of accidents
  • Organ failure
  • Unconsciousness
  • Coma
  • Death

Benzodiazepines are risky drugs, but when you factor alcohol use in, which also depresses the central nervous system, the risks rise significantly. As a matter of fact, those who struggle with unhealthy alcohol use are 15% more likely to use benzodiazepines than drinkers who are moderate or those who do not drink alcohol at all. 

What to Do if You Think You Have a Drug or Alcohol Problem

If you or someone you care about is addicted to benzodiazepines, alcohol, or both, help is available. My Recovery Source is here to help you. We are available with welcoming arms to source the addiction help you deserve, regardless of your situation. We offer a personalized matching service to connect you with programs to meet your needs. Speak to a caring recovery guide today by calling our 24/7 helpline at 855-858-8387 to get started on the path to recovery. 

Is There Rehab for Married Couples?

Rehabilitation Treatment Centers for Couples

Addiction is challenging enough when one person is struggling with a substance use disorder, but it can be even more trying when a couple is battling it. Addiction can cause harm to not only your own mental and physical health but it can put a wedge in marital relationships while destroying other areas of your life as well. Seeking rehab for married couples is a beneficial option for those seeking to achieve and maintain sobriety as well as those who need to repair or rebuild their relationship.

It can be difficult for individuals battling addiction to quit using drugs or alcohol regardless of any negative consequences that may come along with alcohol or substance abuse but it can be even more challenging to put an end to the cycle of abuse when couples are abusing together. One person’s problematic behavior may reinforce that of the other. Another risk of married couples battling substance abuse together is codependency, which might further enable addiction. Sometimes couples are drawn together because of their addiction so quitting can be exceedingly difficult. 

The truth is, without proper rehab for married couples therapy, overcoming addiction and relationship issues can seem insurmountable and the cycle of addiction may continue. Read on to learn more about addiction rehab for married couples and its pros and cons.

Can Couples Go to Rehab Together?

Substance abuse can cause significant damage to a relationship – even for the most committed couples. Prolonged alcohol and drug abuse can result in personal, financial and professional difficulties. Substance abuse and marital problems can generate a destructive cycle that spirals downward. Some rehab for married couples programs employ treatment options that support sobriety while restructuring dysfunctional couple interactions. Programs such as behavioral couples therapy (BCT) can benefit married couples or integrated behavioral couples therapy (IBCT) battling addiction issues. 

Some couples find great benefits from addiction treatment together while others find greater success by attending on their own. Many couples who have a strong relationship may benefit from going through the recovery process together. 

Pros of Couples Addiction Treatment

If both couples are fully committed to rehab for married couples and sobriety, drug and alcohol treatment programs can help. Many couples who go through addiction treatment learn life skills together to help them cope with addiction individually and together. The addiction recovery treatment process focuses primarily on lifestyle change, so couples who learn about this together may greatly benefit.

Therapists help couples to learn to identify the causes behind their addiction while teaching them coping skills to learn individually and as a couple. Learning to understand the challenges of addiction together and how they can work as a team to overcome those challenges can be greatly beneficial. Couples’ relationship issues and personal issues can also be addressed during therapy that can affect their addiction. 

Couples often stand a much higher rate of remaining sober if they are successful in rehab for married couples programs. Many couples find that their relationships feel much stronger after attending a couples rehab program and they grow closer together more intimately. Married couples can grow together to coach and support each other as well.

Cons of Couples Addiction Treatment

Not all situations are ideal for rehab for married couples. BCT and IBCT may not be advisable in some scenarios, such as relationships that have a recent history of severe physical aggression. Other unhealthy relationship dynamics can also hinder rehab for married couples therapy programs, such as codependent couples. In these cases, a more passive partner may find it difficult to speak freely to any providers or become overly focused on the recovery of their partner rather than their own. 

Another risk is relapse. If one partner relapses, it might trigger the other to relapse and the risk of relapse is high during the stabilization period. It is important for a person in recovery to be in an environment that is drug-free so if one partner isn’t fully committed to recovery and sobriety, it can harm both people.

Some couples struggle with addiction treatment together because some facilities focus primarily on addiction issues and not on relationship issues, which can be harmful because some relationship issues can lead couples to feel the desire to continue to pursue their addiction, often leading to continued use if not addressed. 

Recovery is also an individualized process and although some couples may benefit from it, if two join in the journey to sobriety together, it is possible for them to end up out of sync with one partner moving more slowly than the other. This can lead to a sense of failure for the person feeling left behind or for a sense of feeling resentful or bogged down toward a spouse struggling. Because of this and other reasons, some rehab experts recommend separate courses of treatment for some couples. 

My Recovery Source Is Here to Help With Addiction

Making a decision to pursue rehab for married couples is an important decision and should be an open and honest discussion between both parties. Having a mutual commitment to achieving recovery and supporting one another can make the path of recovery easier to navigate. If you are ready to get help now, reach out to My Recovery Source today for help finding rehab for married couples that can help the two of you heal together, achieving a better life. 

Medication-Assisted Treatment Programs Explained

Medication Assisted Treatment Programs Explained

Medication assisted treatment programs offer hope to those struggling with certain types of substance use. It may seem like an odd concept to treat a person struggling with drug addiction with other drugs but these programs have been proven to be beneficial. 

What Is a Medication Assisted Treatment Program?

A medication assisted treatment program (MAT) is an evidence-based approach that employs a combination of three elements of treatment to treat the whole person. A MAT program uses United States Food and Drug Administration approved medications alongside behavioral therapies and counseling in the treatment of substance use disorders. Drugs such as Suboxone (which is a mix of naloxone and buprenorphine) or methadone have been proven to save lives for patients battling addiction to opioids while acamprosate, naltrexone and disulfiram are used to treat alcohol use disorder. 

The primary purpose of the medications in this trifecta of a treatment regimen is to reduce cravings for addictive substances that have taken control over the lives of patients. 

Drugs used in medication assisted treatment programs also help reduce the effects of withdrawal, ranging from physical pain to emotional and mental struggles. Navigating through symptoms of withdrawal can be difficult even for clients who are serious about receiving treatment and finding healing. These medications can help patients during the transition process from addiction to recovery with more success and less difficulty. 

Many people who struggle with addiction have underlying reasons for why they use. Sometimes they don’t have the necessary coping skills to deal with the struggles they face in life while in other cases, there could be issues that are underlying, possibly related to abuse, trauma or co-occurring conditions that need to be addressed in order to find healing and recovery.

Is There Controversy Surrounding Medication Assisted Treatment in Addiction?

The use of medications to treat drug addiction has long been a topic of controversy. Many people still don’t understand fully how medication assisted treatment programs work, with much bias and discrimination remaining in place regarding this treatment option and substance use disorders. Some people believe that the only way to attain true recovery is via the path of abstinence. There is a stigma connected with the use of medication assisted treatment. Some believe that many patients who enter rehabilitation programs or the hospital for substance use disorders and are treated with MAT are merely substituting one drug for another. This stigma often causes patients to feel like they cannot talk about their recovery, which is another problem and can adversely impact their recovery.

When a person feels he or she cannot talk about the use of medication for his treatment, the inability to be honest can become an issue. Honesty is a major part of the recovery process. Sometimes recovery takes more time for some people but those using MAT may be told that they aren’t recovering because they simply swapped one drug for another.

The truth is, however, that medication assisted treatment programs work. These programs have enabled patients to live a self-directed life. This treatment approach has been proven to:

  • Increase patient survival
  • Increase treatment outcomes
  • Increase the ability for patients to gain and maintain employment
  • Decrease substance use and other criminal activities associated with substance use disorders
  • Improve birth outcomes among pregnant women battling substance use disorders
  • Reduce the potential for relapse

Who Would Benefit From Going To a Medication Assisted Treatment Program?

Patients who have struggled with opioid addiction or alcohol use disorders have found success with medication assisted treatment programs. As an evidence-based program with benefits that are proven to help patients turn around and recover from addiction, it remains a viable treatment option for individuals burdened by the disease of substance use. 

If you or someone you love are batting substance use or addiction, My Recovery Source can help guide you to lasting recovery. Regardless of where you live, what you are struggling with or your personal situation, My Recovery Source is your top destination for finding help with drug and alcohol abuse. Reach out to us today for a free personalized recommendation.

Does Health Insurance Pay for Rehab?

Does Health Insurance Pay for Rehab?

Rehab and addiction treatment are very important aspects of the recovery process, but it can be really expensive. Here at My Recovery Source, we understand that not everyone has the best financial stability and having insurance that covers your rehab/treatment program is extremely beneficial. Most people aren’t even aware that health insurance can pay for rehab. Within this article today, we talk about how you can utilize your health insurance for paying for rehab, other ways to pay for rehab, and how we can help you with your addiction at My Recovery Source!

Does Health Insurance Pay for Rehab?

One of the main concerns that are voiced about treatment programs and rehab facilities is the financial barrier/burden that may prevent individuals from seeking and receiving help. Fortunately, insurance coverage for treatment and rehabs are no longer rare. Before the Affordable Care Act was passed, it was uncommon for insurance to cover payments for addiction treatment. In 2010 when the Affordable Care Act was put into effect, all insurance companies became legally obligated to provide users with coverage for addiction treatment services (which falls under the mental health services private insurance companies now have to cover). 

If you are looking to utilize your health insurance to pay for addiction treatment, the amount of treatment covered will vary depending on your current plan and insurance provider. You can reach out to your insurance company directly to find out more information or reach out to us. We can help translate the insurance jargon that most people don’t understand. 

Other Ways to Pay for Rehab

There are a number of ways to pay for treatment and rehab if you don’t have health insurance. These sources of payment could include things such as:

  • Out of pocket; meaning the individual who is seeking treatment or their family will pay with their own money.
  • Financing; some rehab facilities will let you finance your treatment program.
  • Government grants such as Substance Abuse Prevention and Treatment Block Grant program.
  • Fundraisers; states and charitable organizations develop campaigns that raise funds to help individuals who are struggling with a substance abuse disorder.
  • Foundations and charities; programs may be developed for those who qualify as a recipient of the funds.
  • County and local governments; provide individuals with local funds for services. This may depend in part on state fiscal conditions. 
  • Schools and colleges; schools and colleges may provide a funding source for assessments and may even have counseling services in school (possibly free). 

The government may have set aside funds for specific populations such as the economically disadvantaged. Other ways to get financial support/ways that people have received money for their treatment are:

It is important to not get discouraged when looking for addiction treatment. We know the price associated with it can be unsettling but rest assured, there is always a way to figure out how to pay for treatment. If you don’t have health insurance, make sure you research funding within your community, and if there are possibly financial aid and opportunities for support. There may even be groups within your community that provide free addiction treatment counseling you can use as a tool before going to treatment. 

How My Recovery Source Can Help

Here at My Recovery Source, we want our clients to find a treatment program that fits their needs whether it be emotional, mental, financial, etc. We provide a search engine for you to find counseling, treatment, and rehab within your community. Your search can also be customized for different regions in the US if you’re looking to leave your hometown. If you still have questions, like “does insurance pay for rehab?”, please do not hesitate to call us.

Reach out to us today to find a treatment plan or a rehab facility that fits your financial needs. We can also help you find more opportunities for financial support and other ways that may help you pay for your treatment. We look forward to connecting with you! 

The First Signs of an Alcohol Addiction

first signs of alcohol addiction

Alcohol addiction should be taken just as seriously as addiction to other substances. Just because alcohol is legal, doesn’t mean it isn’t addictive. Alcohol addiction could happen to anyone considering that the consumption of alcohol is considered to be normal within the world. It is important to talk about this addiction and how to get treatment. 

Here at My Recovery Source, we want to provide information and resources for our clients when it comes to alcohol addiction.  Within this article, we describe how alcohol is addictive, what some of the first signs of alcohol addiction are, early signs of alcoholism, how to receive help when struggling with alcohol addiction, and how we can help. 

Is Alcohol Addictive?

Alcohol can be addictive. Very addictive. For some adults, moderate alcohol usage is not usually half, but for about 18 million Americans, they have an alcohol use disorder (AUD). Around 10% of adult males and 5% of adult females have an alcohol use disorder, and their AUD leads to health problems and social problems (home, work, school, the law, etc.,). 

An alcohol use disorder means that when they drink it causes distress and harm. An AUD ranges in severity, from mild to very severe depending on the symptoms. AUD is a disease that can cause cravings (a strong need to consume alcohol), loss of control (not being able to stop drinking), negative emotional state (feeling anxious and irritable when one is not consuming alcohol).

What Are the First Signs of Alcohol Addiction?

The early signs of alcohol addiction/abuse include drinking more than planned, continuing to drink alcohol despite the negative consequences or the concerns of others, frequent attempts to cut down or quit consuming alcohol without success. Individuals will then build a tolerance to alcohol the more that they drink. This would then cause them to develop a dependency on alcohol and would require individuals to drink more alcohol to get the desired euphoric feeling that they get when they are intoxicated. After a while, the alcohol abuse will get worse and the individual will become preoccupied with alcohol consumption to the point where they lose control.  This may be followed by blackouts in which an individual may completely forget what occurred when they were drunk, even though they were conscious while they were drunk.  

Lastly, in early signs of an alcohol problem, individuals will also experience personality changes and can even become more aggressive. Their ability to function in day-to-day life will become deteriorated, meaning they may not even be able to hold a job or maintain certain relationships. Heavy drinkers may also have other side effects such as panic attacks, hallucinations, confusion, tremors, and even seizures.

Some questions to ask yourself or a loved one when assessing the signs of being an alcoholic:

  • Have you experienced times where you ended up drinking more or longer than you had intended?
  • Have you tried to shut down or stop drinking before but you could not?
  • Have you spent a lot of time drinking? Have you gotten sick or had other side effects when drinking?
  • Have you experienced a craving or a strong urge to drink alcohol?
  • Have you continued to drink even though there have been negative consequences within your social life?
  • Have you given up certain activities that were important to you so you can drink?
  • Has your drinking put you in situations that have increased your chances of getting hurt?
  • Have you continued to drink even though alcohol has been making you feel anxious or depressed or has caused another health problem?
  • Have you continued to drink even though having a memory blackout?
  • Do you have to drink more to get the same effect that you had experienced previously?
  • When you are not drinking or when the alcohol effects wear off do you experience withdrawal symptoms such as having trouble sleeping, shakiness, anxiety, irritability, restlessness, depression, nausea, sweating, etc,? 

How to Get Help With an Alcohol Addiction

In receiving help with your alcohol addiction it may be crucial to reach out to someone who you trust. This individual could be a family member, a friend, an acquaintance, a co-worker, etc.  If you don’t really have someone that you can reach out to you can  start by researching different treatment programs within your area. 

My Recovery Source provides an easy to navigate database for individuals to research different treatment facilities that are in their area and that also meets their individualized treatment needs. After narrowing down your treatment options, you will want to pursue them. It’s critical to seek the help from professionals when wanting to stop drinking. 

How My Recovery Source Can Help

Here at My Recovery Source, we understand that addiction is not an easy thing to go through, and sometimes it can be hard to find support throughout your addiction. We want to make sure that we are constantly taking you seriously even if others aren’t. We want to provide our clients with a way to search for individualized treatment options that fit their needs. Reach out to us today to find a treatment program that works for you or your loved one!

How to Treat a Drug Addiction

dual diagnosis near me

Drug addiction can be a very difficult topic to discuss, and unfortunately is becoming more and more prevalent as time goes on. Chances are if you aren’t struggling with drug addiction yourself, you know someone that is. With a lot of stigma surrounding the topic, it is important to know how to properly treat a drug addiction, whether it’s for yourself or someone else. 

Here at My Recovery Source, we strive to make sure our clients have the ability to search for treatment programs that best fit their individualized needs. We also work hard to make drug addiction treatment accessible to anyone who needs it. Today we’d like to talk about what drug addiction is, how to treat drug addiction, and how we can help you or your loved one. 

Drug Addiction Explained

A drug addiction is a chronic disease that is characterized by drug seeking behavior with usage that is compulsive and difficult to control, even with the harmful consequences of the drug. Although the decision to take drugs is usually voluntary at first, repeated drug usage can cause changes in the brain that challenges an addicted individual’s self-control when resisting the urge to take drugs. This can then lead to a relapse in individuals trying to recover from their addiction. 

Drugs will affect the brain’s “reward circuit,” which then causes a euphoric feeling from the neurotransmitter called dopamine. Long-term use in the brain can also affect one’s learning, judgment, decision-making, stress, memory, behavior, etc. There are many different factors that can influence one’s ability to become addicted to a drug. These factors include: biology, environment, and development.

How to Treat Drug Addiction 

There is not necessarily a cure to drug addiction, just like most chronic diseases, though it is treatable and can be successfully managed. Because there isn’t necessarily a cure, people who are recovering from a drug addiction will be a risk for a relapse. Drug addiction can be treated using behavioral therapies, medication, a combination of both, and even support groups. These different therapies can be done within inpatient rehab programs, outpatient rehab programs, 12-step programs, support groups, etc.

Inpatient Rehab 

An inpatient rehab program can be both long-term and short-term. This inpatient treatment provides you with 24-hour professional care. The long-term treatment lasts usually anywhere between 30 days to 12 months but varies between different programs. Inpatient treatment programs utilizes both behavioral therapies and medications, but varies on a case to case basis.

Outpatient Rehab 

An outpatient rehab program varies in type and intensity of services, and costs significantly less than an inpatient treatment program. This type of program is suitable for individuals with jobs and with a sufficient amount of social support. This program may use both behavioral therapies and medication. It is also known to use group counseling as a major component.

12-Step Programs and Support Groups

12-step programs are designed to be free of cost with community-based resources for individuals who are suffering from a substance abuse disorder. These programs use meeting attendance and activity participation/engagement on a recovery basis. This involvement has been associated with better outcomes with substance usage and psychosocial outcomes. These different support groups include groups such as Alcoholics Anonymous, Narcotics Anonymous, Cocaine Anonymous, etc

All of the types of addiction treatment programs and therapies are great and researching more about them can help you decide which one may be right for you. Remember to value your own health when choosing a treatment and recovery option.

How My Recovery Source Can Help

Here at My Recovery Source, we provide a search engine and database for our clients to research and find a treatment program that fits their individualized needs, and works for them. We want our clients to feel comfortable within their recovery process and help them remain sober. Reach out to us today to find a treatment program that works for you!

What Is Inpatient Rehab? All You Need to Know

How to Treat a Drug Addiction

When searching for a rehab program, it is important to understand what your addiction recovery needs are and how they can be met through different treatment programs. Here at My Recovery Source, we give our clients advanced search options when looking for an inpatient treatment program. We want our clients/viewers to be equipped when it comes to dealing with addiction and their recovery. Within this article, we provide information and resources regarding what inpatient rehab is, how to know if you need to go to inpatient rehab, and how we can help you find the best inpatient rehab for yourself or your loved one! 

What Is Inpatient Rehab?

Inpatient treatment programs require clients to check into an addiction treatment facility and to remain there while they receive treatment for their addiction. There are treatment facilities that can treat addiction and co-occurring disorders as well. The mental health professionals and rehab staff members during this time can help with abstinence and the clients’ pursuit of sobriety. Inpatient rehab programs give clients access to 24/7 emotional, mental, and medical support. This may be the reason why inpatient treatment programs have a higher success rate than other treatment programs. Within the inpatient treatment environment, there are less opportunities for a relapse and more opportunities for recovery with many different benefits and amenities. Some of the benefits of an inpatient treatment program includes:

  • Short-term and long-term treatment programs designed to help prevent future relapses, assist with the detoxification process safely, and to help clients be prepared for life after treatment.
  • Inpatient treatment programs provide 24 hour care, meaning that the clients are never alone while overcoming their addiction. 
  • Inpatient treatment programs are very structured and focus on all different aspects of addiction including co-occuring mental health disorders, social issues including relationships, social support, psychological/biological factors such as genetics, personal history, and other situations. 

These are just a few of the benefits that inpatient rehab has to offer. Reach out to us today to learn more about inpatient treatment programs, their benefits, and how addiction treatment programs can help you.

How Do I Know if I Need to Go to Inpatient Rehab?

It may be difficult knowing what rehab program is best for you when you are looking for treatment. When looking into a residential inpatient treatment program there are various reasons that an inpatient treatment program is the right fit for you. These reasons include things such as:

  • You have a co-occurring mental health disorder.
  • You lack the adequate amount of support that you need whether from home, friends, or from your community.
  • You haven’t been able to be successfully treated in any other form of rehab (this could include outpatient rehab), and you may have experienced a relapse.
  • You are concerned about your exposure to triggers within regular life and during an addiction treatment program (such as maintaining sobriety in an outpatient treatment program) that may cause a relapse. 
  • Your detox from this certain substance may be dangerous without a health professional’s supervilance.

If any of these examples sound like you, it may be beneficial for you to look into inpatient treatment programs and addiction treatment facilities that offer sober living communities. This is a crucial step in a healthy detox, a successful recovery process, and the maintenance of sobriety. 

How My Recovery Source Can Help

Here at My Recovery Source, we provide our clients with a database that gives them access to search different rehab facilities and treatment programs that will fit their individualized recovery needs. We also help our clients discover the differences between rehab programs, including differences within inpatient treatment programs such as an inpatient detox, residential inpatient, partial hospitalization, sober living, etc. Reach out to us today to find a treatment program that fits your unique needs, and to learn more about the differences and benefits of inpatient treatment programs! We are also equipped to help you find rehab on behalf of your loved one.