It is estimated that approximately 1.4 million young people between the ages of 12 – 17 have experimented with illegal drugs at least once. Fortunately, a large percentage will not develop a drug dependency. On the other hand, early drug experimentation may lead to a serious long-term addiction. Conquering a drug addiction is likely one of the toughest things to do. While some addicts attempt withdrawal without the assistance of medical professionals, others have to rely on help from a drug rehab center. There are many different types of drug rehab programs. Drug rehab centers focus on a variety of addictions, and offer a multitude of treatment options.

Getting a drug addict to consent to a drug rehab program is very difficult for family members and friends. Many drug rehab centers allow relatives to admit a loved one into the center. However, unless the drug rehab program is court-ordered, the patient can check themselves out. Initially, drug addicts suffer from denial. They either deny the problem altogether, or convince themselves that they are in control of the addiction. Common phrases include, “I can stop whenever I want.” Unfortunately, giving up an addiction is easier said than done. Once the first withdrawal symptom occurs, many addicts succumb and continue drug abuse. On the other hand, if a patient remains in drug rehab long enough to undergo a medical or psychological evaluation; he or she will gradually come to grips with their addiction, and willingly accept treatment.

Drug Rehab Program

Drug rehab programs are comprised of many steps. For starters, patients are required to complete a psychological evaluation. This way, mental health professionals can identify the patient’s mindset. For example, is the patient in denial or accepts responsibility for their actions? Next, drug addicts must undergo “detox.” Detoxification is unpleasant, but necessary. Before a patient can successfully overcome their addiction, their body must be completely rid of narcotics. Common symptoms include seizures, tremors, excessive sweating, heighten anxiety, constipation, etc. Drug rehab centers offer a safe place to undergo detoxification. Detoxification periods vary, and depend largely on how long the patient has been a drug abuser.

Once cravings for the drug completely diminish, patients begin educational classes that focus of drug addictions. Patients usually begin with individual therapy sessions, and gradually graduate to group or family therapy sessions. Individual sessions are effective with helping the former addict understand the underlying cause of abuse, and learn better methods of coping with stress and problems, which may prevent a relapse. Upon release from a drug rehab center, patients receive continual support. Setbacks are common. For this reason, regular attendance and communication with groups such as Narcotics Anonymous contribute to long-term abstinence.

Drug and Alcohol Rehab

Drug and alcohol rehab includes inpatient drug rehabilitation and outpatient treatment. Serious addictions generally require inpatient drug and alcohol rehab, in which patients reside at a drug rehab center for a designated time frame. On the contrary, certain circumstances may call for outpatient care. Does the drug addict recognize and acknowledge their addiction? Is the drug addict capable of stopping drug use for at least three days? Will the drug addict pledge to counseling or therapy sessions? If not, an inpatient drug and alcohol rehab center is a better alternative.

There are several payment options available to person’s entering a drug rehab center. In the majority of cases, health insurance carriers provide coverage for substance abuse treatment. However, before entering a drug rehab center, contact your health care provider and discuss benefit information. A drug rehab center funded by the state or local government offers free or low-cost substance abuse treatment, which accommodate persons without health insurance.

While recreational and street drugs are relatively more dangerous, the fact of the matter, is that all drug dependency puts your health at risk. Although some may first be seen as a minor inconvenience, the effects of drug dependency often spirals out of control and becomes life-threatening. But there are effective solutions available to you.

Perhaps you experienced negative consequences after taking a drug dependency test at work or school or have felt a greater disconnection with loved ones. Specialists know that drug dependency still remains a greatly stigmatized disease. And with a specialist, you will not be judged. Only healed.

Since so many types of drugs take their toll on the body before a client seeks treatment, it is ideal for a dependent user to seek treatment as soon as possible. From there, we begin the process of healing, to reverse damage when possible and prevent further damage from occurring. Medical, nutritional and holistic treatments are designed for your needs to eliminate the negative effects of drug dependency and to send you on your way to a better-feeling You! Call us today. 800-501-1988

Anybody who has suffered through an alcohol or drug addiction can tell
you the worst part is the detoxification process. The disease of
addiction can lead to physical and mental illness and even death if not
treated properly. Detoxification also known as “cold turkey” is often a
horrible, even painful forced abstinence from one’s poison of choice.
Urgent cravings, cramps, fever, and queasiness are some of the symptoms
an addict might experience during the withdrawal period. The
detoxication process should always be undertaken in a proper facility
for the safety of the individual and be observed by medical
professionals to insure expert treatment is rendered.

Choosing a facility for detoxification and rehab is a critical decision.
When choosing a facility certain concerns must be addressed. Distance
from areas where drugs can be obtained is very important, as is a
private location with a stress free peaceful environment. Just these two
factors alone contribute greatly to the successful detoxification and
recovery of the addict. When combined with an experienced staff of
medical, therapeutical, health, and nutrition experts, a solid plan
for recovery can be made and the individual can start to build the
foundation needed to beat their addiction.

The only facility on the planet that offers this kind of top quality treatment is
Cliffside Malibu in Los Angeles, California. Located on 2 quiet
beachfront acres on the coast of sunny Southern california yet far from
the noise and stress of urban Los Angeles, it is the perfect place for a
new beginning. Offering detoxification services as well as primary treatment
and extended care programs, Cliffside Malibu’s trained counselors are here to help you 24 hours a day.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy uses an active collaboration with the client and the therapist to identify thought processes that promote unhealthy outcomes. Very often individuals make assumptions and absolute statements about themselves, relationships and their environment. Frequently these thoughts are “cognitive distortions”—unrealistic appraisals of what is actually transpiring. The alcohol/drug dependent person often begins using because of these “distortions,” which often worsen as their addiction progresses. With the help of our therapists individuals can identify these faulty patterns of thinking, which often support the same negative outcomes. As the individual learns the tools of “thought stopping” and “cognitive restructuring” they replace negative automatic thoughts with more positive and life affirming thoughts.

Cocaine is one of the oldest and most dangerous of the addictive drugs
illicitly manufactured and sold in the world today. Cocaine is an
alkaloid substance found in the leaves of a South American shrub
scientifically known as Erythroxylon Coca, or more famously as the Coca
plant. In it’s powdered form it is usually ingested by snorting, as it
is easily absorbed through the mucous membrane. The crystalline form of
cocaine known as “rock” or “crack” is ingested by heating the cocaine
and inhaling the vapors. Both forms of cocaine provide feelings of
euphoria, hyperstimulation, reduced fatigue, and mental alertness in
their users. The amount used and method of administration determine the
duration and intensity of these effects.

Cocaine is a strong stimulant that effects the central nervous system by
blocking Dopamine, a chemical believed to be associated with the
pleasure system of the brain. This buildup of dopamine causes increased
and continuous stimulation of the receiving neurons creating the
euphoric “high” experienced by it’s users. The increased sense of well
being and intense state of euphoria are short lived and require frequent
ingestion to maintain. Physical symptoms of cocaine use include dilated
pupils, constricted blood vessels, and increases in body temperature,
heart rate, and blood pressure. Additionally, when mixed with alcohol,
the resulting chemical reaction creates a third substance, cocaethylene
in the human liver. This chemical combination intensifies cocaine’s
euphoric effects as well as increasing the risk of sudden death.

The abuse or heavy use of cocaine, as well as method of ingestion, can
lead to other serious health issues as well. Snorting cocaine can over
time lead to nosebleeds, problems with swallowing, hoarseness, loss of
the sense of smell, and a chronically runny nose. The injection of
cocaine directly into the vein can lead to severe allergic reactions,
collapsed veins, and the risk of HIV or Hepatitis-C. Bowel gangrene as a
result of poor blood flow may also result.

The longstanding abuse of cocaine, and the related epidemic of “crack”
has spurred renewed efforts to develop newer, more effective treatment
methods for cocaine abuse. NIDA, or the National Institute on Drug
Abuse, specifically has researchers working to find a medication to
prevent or reduce the effects of cocaine, and a medication to help
alleviate craving that people in treatment for cocaine addiction
experience during withdrawal. Researchers are also studying new methods
of behavioral treatment and therapy that can be effective in reducing
drug use by patients in treatment for cocaine abuse as well. It is their
hope that one day the beast that is cocaine addiction can be tamed.

When it comes to the subject of cocaine addiction, I can tell you
firsthand, about the devastation it causes. Living in the “Ghost Town”
neighborhood of Venice Beach, California, I see the effects of cocaine
addiction on a daily basis. On my street alone, I see “crackheads” argue
and fight over $2 hits of rock, lost souls wandering the streets 24/7,
looking on the ground even, for their next hit of “crack”. Dealers stand
around waiting for the inevitable next customer, and I ask myself if
there will ever be an an end to the plague of “crack”.

With an estimated 5-6 million cocaine addicts in the United States
alone, the effects of cocaine addiction, and the force of its grip are
obvious. The effects of cocaine addiction are horrible, and soul
shattering. Even with the pain and suffering, both mental, and physical,
caused by cocaine addiction, the intense cravings related to cocaine
addiction keeps the user coming back for more, regardless of the
destructive results. Crackheads and other victims of cocaine addiction
have been known to sell, and do, just about anything for another hit.

With an estimated 50,000 people trying coke for the first time every
day, cocaine addiction will probably not be going away any time soon.
The use of cocaine is considered by some to be hip, glamorous and a
symbol of success, an accessory to a jet-setting lifestyle of wealth and
excess. While in the ghettos, cocaine is seen as just another way to
escape the harshness of poverty, whether through the lucrative act of
dealing, or the painkilling effects of it’s ingestion. The use of
cocaine and cocaine addiction are not exclusive to any specific group,
cocaine knows no social, racial or gender boundaries, it is an equal
opportunity destroyer.

The distribution and sale of cocaine is a bloody, multi-billion dollar
business. Large, well organized “Cartels” ( the majority of which are
based in South America) produce, and smuggle thousands of tons of this
deadly drug into the United States every year. The cocaine is then
distributed throughout the country via the cartel’s, or another gangs
network, for sales on the street. With the flow of cocaine entering the
country still remaining at a high volume, and the wealth to be gained
through it’s sale, cocaine, and cocaine addiction will remain a problem,
and my neighborhood will continue to be known as “Ghost Town”

As one of the leading California rehab centers, we take pride in our
ability to pave the road to a life free from the effects and influence
of addiction. Whether you have been afflicted by drugs, alcohol, or
a gambling addiction, our California rehab center will provide you with
the tools and re-inforcement you need to get back to being yourself.
It’s time to take back your life… and we are here to help.

Starting with a limited enrollment program, we insure that you will get
the type of one-on-one attention you deserve, unlike most other
California rehab facilities, and around the globe. With a
comprehensive program including top medical and holistic treatments,
this is California drug rehab at its finest – designed for your individual
needs. Custom care with your lifestyle in mind to make sure you can
continue your day to day activities, but with the added ability to make
healthier choices.

Our trained staff provides you with medical attention, exercise,
dietary instruction, advisors, and more, to get both your mind and
spirit into the best possible condition for triumph over your
addiction. Long after you leave, the experience of your treatment will
linger in a positive manner, due to our commitment to ensuring that you
have everything you need. 24 hours a day, you will have access to
leading California rehab treatments, building your individual
confidence and knowledge. If you are ready to start living for
tomorrow, please call us today. 800-501-1988

20 Questions that only you can answer:

To find out, ask yourself the following questions,
and answer them as honestly as you can:

1.Do you lose time from work due to your drinking?
2.Is drinking making your home life unhappy?
3.Do you drink because you are shy with other people?
4.Is drinking affecting your reputation?
5.Have you ever felt remorse after drinking?
6.Have you gotten into financial difficulties as a result of your drinking?
7.Do you turn to lower companions and an inferior environment when drinking?
8.Does your drinking make you careless of your family’s welfare?
9.Has your ambition decreased since drinking?
10.Do you crave a drink at a definite time daily?
11.Do you want a drink the next morning?
12.Does drinking cause you to have difficulty in sleeping?
13.Has your efficiency decreased since drinking?
14.Is drinking jeopardizing your job or business?
15.Do you drink to escape from worries or troubles?
16.Do you drink alone?
17.Have you ever had a complete loss of memory as a result of your drinking?
18.Has your physician ever treated you for drinking?
19.Do you drink to build up your self-confidence?
20.Have you ever been in a hospital or institution on account of drinking?

To find out how you did, count your “YES” answers,

Are you an alcoholic?

If you answered YES to one of the questions, this is a warning that you may be an alcoholic.

If you answered YES to any two, there’s a good chance that you are an alcoholic.

If you answered YES to three or more, you are definitely an alcoholic.

Source: These test questions are used by Johns Hopkins University Hospital, Baltimore, Md., in deciding whether or not a patient is alcoholic.

In the case of hardcore drug addiction, the first step towards recovery
is always stopping the use of the substance in question. This critical
first step towards recovery is known by many names on the street
including, kicking, cold turkey, and on the wagon. Some choose to detox
alone, while others seek assistance from friends or family and groups
such as AA/NA or the Salvation Army. The only sure method of kicking the
habit is to seek a qualified treatment center or hospital where
experienced professional staff can assist the in the detox and recovery
process. The detox process can be a very painful experience rivaling the
effects of the most violent illness or disease, so expert care isn’t so
much an option as it is a necessity.

Expert medical assistance during detox, combined with professional
counseling during the rehabilitation process are a solid personal plan
for recovery. Most rehabs aren’t suited for the intense individual
diagnosis and treatment needed for a successful lifelong recovery.
Without a solid foundation and a structured peaceful environment in which to
recover, the addict is more often than not going to relapse
and start the addiction up where he left off, sometimes with fatal
results. A qualified detox treatment facility with experienced staff and
personalized treatment are needed to give the addict a realistic chance
at recovering and beating this illness for life.

At Cliffside Malibu our
goal is to create a plan suited to the individual and their personal
addiction and recovery, allowing them to focus on their personal path to
sobriety from detox to recovery. With limited enrollment we insure
top notch personalized treatment, and our quiet Malibu beach location offers
a pleasant, private recovery experience. We offer detox, primary treatment and
extended care plans and our dedicated staff are always ready to assist
you and your family at 800-501-1988.

12 step programs have been a major part of helping addicts recover
before, during and after the rehabilitation process. The first and most
famous, of these programs, AA or Alcoholics Anonymous started in the
1930’s. Since then the 12 step model has been proven to be effective not
only for alcoholism, but for a wide range of addictions and
dysfunctional and obsessive behaviors.

12 step programs are based on the text “Alcoholics Anonymous,” AKA “The
Big Book.” Written by Bill Wilson, Dr. Bob, and a few friends. The book
explains how AA was started, and how the process worked for them. The
tenets outlined in this book are known as the 12 steps. The 12 step
program has since gone on to become the most successful overall program
for treating alcoholism.

The 12 step program focuses on finding the recovering alcoholic/addict
the freedom from the strong grasp of addiction, through spirituality and
placing faith in a “Higher Power”. By following the 12 steps, and
attending meetings, the addicted individual can find the knowledge and
strength needed to conquer their addiction. Beating addiction is not an
easy task, but the application of the 12 step program, and support of
other 12 step graduates and a “sponsor,” has been shown to greatly
decrease the odds of a relapse.

The 12 steps:

1) We admitted we were powerless over our addiction - that our
lives had become unmanageable
2) Came to believe that a Power greater than ourselves could
restore us to sanity
3) Made a decision to turn our will and our lives over to the care
of God as we understood God
4) Made a searching and fearless moral inventory of ourselves
5) Admitted to God, to ourselves and to another human being the
exact nature of our wrongs
6) Were entirely ready to have God remove all these defects of
character
7) Humbly asked God to remove our shortcomings
Made a list of all persons we had harmed, and became willing to
make amends to them all
9) Made direct amends to such people wherever possible, except when
to do so would injure them or others
10) Continued to take personal inventory and when we were wrong
promptly admitted it
11) Sought through prayer and meditation to improve our conscious
contact with God as we understood God, praying only for
knowledge of God’s will for us and the power to carry that out
12) Having had a spiritual awakening as the result of these steps,
we tried to carry this message to other addicts, and to practice
these principles in all our affairs.

You can find many organization that use the twelve steps in various forms, such as Marijuana Anonymous, Al-Anon, Overeaters Anonymous, and of course the original Twelve Concepts from the Big Book.