A Choice To Quit Drinking by Timothy Welch

Those who struggle to quit drinking are finding that often the mainstream thinking isn't helping them. Three or four alcohol rehabs later, many counseling sessions attended, and hundreds or even thousands of dollars spent only to find out that relapse is a part of treatment and the alcohol addiction "disease" is with you forever! What? Then why go? Why quit drinking? If something does not produce acceptable results, why continue in it? Because we have been led to believe that alcohol addiction is a disease. We have been told that the only way to "recover" or quit drinking is to attend treatment and endless AA meetings for the rest of our lives. The truth is that most people who have had problems with alcohol in the past quit drinking on their own. Even those currently struggling to quit drinking will tell you that they have often refrained alcohol use for a period of time. There is no mysterious disease here, it is a matter of choice. You are in complete control right now! No one is stopping you from cracking that beer. If you want to use alcohol, you will. Addicts always find a way. So why is the alternative to using (not using) alcohol so difficult to comprehend? We can choose to pick up a beer whenever we fancy. But if we want to put that beer down and quit drinking, all of a sudden there are diseases, character defects, meetings, counseling treatment sessions, etc., to contend with! Many who have had an alcohol problem, have quit drinking on their own and without all the drama and struggle! There are vast amounts of information out there on the whole "recovery" process to quit drinking. With this vast information, I believe, we often lose sight of what matters most. We may lose site of the individual differences and dignity of all who struggle to quit drinking to receive the kind of help that will be most beneficial for them to succeed in life. Diversity enhances life experiences and we should not limit ones options for success in "recovery" by presenting only one view of how to quit drinking. We are all free to choose and have every capability and tool necessary to live the life we dream without alcohol. Alcohol addiction is a painful business. Because of the pain and struggle involved to quit drinking we may search endlessly for the one cause or cure to end the madness. We become afraid, and through this fear cling to any shred of evidence we can find to lift us from our state. Is there one way to succeed in "recovery"? Who is right? Who is wrong? When it is all said and done, it does not matter which path you take to quit drinking alcohol. It's your choice, your life. Find a way. For whatever reason, you gave alcohol power and control. Drinking served a purpose for you. This purpose allowed you the ability to control your fear and feelings of helplessness. Relearning a healthy coping strategy when you quit drinking may take time, and you will make mistakes. Don't go to hard on yourself. Learn from your mistakes. You are more than your alcohol addiction! Those that struggle to quit drinking will continue to drink until they are convinced that they can successfully live life without the use of alcohol. Addiction as a choice does not avoid responsibility. Rather it acknowledges mistakes and enables ownership of positive change when you decide to quit drinking. So why can't people quit drinking when everything they say indicates they want to? Simply, they feel they cannot live life without it. They have made the wrong choices for so long and depended on their drinking as a crutch. To quit drinking would strip them of the only constant they know: The ability to control their fear and helplessness with alcohol or drugs is the way they perceive as most effective for their particular situation. You have used alcohol so long to buffer you from these stressors and emotions that you wonder if you can still face them alone when you quit drinking. You doubt yourself and your abilities. How would you handle yourself? Would you be overwhelmed with unwanted emotions? Could I live with the reality that I created this mess? How would I resolve all this? It is safer to hide in a bottle than face the unknown when you quit drinking. Someone struggling with drug addiction or alcohol addiction will continue to use until he or she is convinced that they can successfully live life without the use of alcohol or drugs. This can come at any time. There is no "bottom". It is relative. Drug addiction and alcohol addiction has more to do with why people think they can't quit, than why people continue to drink. In other words, I am not going to quit drinking until I think I can. There are many who continue to struggle in addiction recovery. They struggle with AA or treatment. These people may have been told that there is only one way to recover. That if they do not subscribe to the current thinking of addiction being a disease, then they are in denial, or will never recover or quit drinking. They do not want to forever be called an "addict" or attend meetings for the rest of their lives in order to stop drinking alcohol. They do not want to continuously talk of their past mistakes, but move on. They feel their drinking does not make them powerless, but challenges them to a higher understanding of why they use. There is hope and there are alternatives to quit drinking. There is no disease and you can recover forever.

Types of Alcohol Support Groups by Brian Diggins

Most support groups for alcohol and other drug addictions are 12-Step Groups. Twelve-Step Groups are a worldwide fellowship of men and women who share their experience, strength and hope with each other that they may solve their common problem and help others to recover from alcoholism and other drug addictions. These groups typically meet weekly in a local church or community building. Recovery is not something one is able to do their own, so people often seek the support of others such as relapse prevention treatment and drug support groups like (Narcotics Anonymous and Alcoholics Anonymous). A counselor can also work with addicts to find ways to cope with life situations without having to use drugs and strategies to manage situations, feelings and people that seem to trigger thoughts and urges to use drugs. Rehabs are generally live-in programs that provide both group and individual counseling support and an opportunity to stay in a supportive drug-free environment with others with similar problems. This provides additional security and time to be able to relearn coping strategies and address issues that may be contributing to the on-going drug use. Studies have shown that the longer one stays abstinent from drugs or alcohol, the less likely they are to relapse. Emotional relapse will take place first, and consists of having feelings that are not directly related to using drugs. With mental relapse, the former user will begin to think about the drug they used to take. Physical relapse is characterized by physically going to area that one used to use drugs or alcohol in, such as a bar, or a dealer's home. Often people also suffer from a dual diagnosis, meaning that they experience an addiction such as alcoholism or prescription drug abuse, which compounds the problem. Relapse prevention treatment only works for those who truly desire to rid themselves of their drug habits. But if they cannot truly commit to wanting to be free of their drug habits, then it is, sadly, a lost cause. A Relapse prevention plan is the key to a happy and healthy life without drugs. Alcohol Recovery Support groups are more often for those that have already kicked their substance abuse to an extent. Support groups generally meet on evenings during the week so as to not interfere with the daily lives of those that attend. These support systems are in place to not only provide those battling drug addiction with the means in which to help themselves, but also to provide a community and sense of belonging. Find yourself a drug support group that's right for you. Look for one that addresses all aspects of your life. Don't bottle things up, that's the worsted thing you can do and don't be embarrassed to talk about your feelings, after all, we are all only human. There are of course, many alternatives to traditional 12 step programs, of which I am a proponent. Many believe the best solution is to address the underlying issues of the alcohol and drug use. It is generally accepted that the underlying issues lie with the addicts thinking processes and learned behavioral deviations from what Societal Norms would dictate. Quite often this begins as rebellion to authority as an adolescent, accompanied by the desire to fit in with peers they associate with as being the in crowd. This is coupled with the impulsiveness that usually accompanies puberty. The poor decision making begins to compound itself. Soon this becomes ingrained their brain, as over time they reinforce their value judgments again and again. Alternative therapy and counseling seeks to undo these detrimental thinking and behavioral patterns and educate the addict as to the correct way to think and cope.

Alcohol Abusers Need the Required Treatment by Gen Wright

Once a person has been determined of being an alcohol abuser, it is just appropriate for that individual to undergo alcohol treatment. By having the person involved into such treatment this will help him/her to eliminate the addiction from his/her system.
Recovery from the addiction is not an easy task and should be accomplished gradually. The success of the program can't be observe at once and will necessitate patience and dedication. The patient requires attention to ensure the positive progress of the treatment. Usually some programs will last up to 2 to 3 weeks or depending on severity of the cases.
An alcohol addict should decide for his/her own good if he/she will undergo treatment. They have also the right to decline taking any of the programs; however, it is their life that will be ruined if they pursue what they are doing.
There are treatment centers wherein you can inquire about matters regarding programs which they can provide. Your conversation with the personnel will be completely private and confidential. These persons are there to lend a hand in your aim towards turning away from your bad habits.
Do not allow yourself to be bounded on alcohol addiction. Today, there are different programs offered to approach each cases of your addiction. Services from rehabs may involve private detoxification sessions, medical supervision directly from your private suite, and alcoholism counseling programs that is addressed on the needs of the client. You will not be an alcohol addict for all your life as long as you make your decision to change and stick to it. This doesn't concern merely the person who is in the particular condition but also the people surrounding that person.
The patient who will be on treatment will undergo 2 to 3 weeks of intensive program and if the case is severe then the period of treatment would be longer to obtain the maximum results. Some centers don't require their patients to stay in the hospital. Other treatment centers provide detoxification sessions or private withdrawal management.
Also there is individualized outpatient treatment and other counseling programs which are intended to meet the requirements and patient's schedule. Patients will also experience counseling programs held daytime or nighttime. Other alcohol rehabs offer private suites for the visiting supporters of the patient.
Appropriate medicines are administered to the patients in order to lessen and ultimately take away the urges to drink alcohol. Wellness management is provided to sustain the health up to the maximum level. These alcohol recovery treatments are offered to support the person in his aspiration to remove alcoholism from himself. The effectiveness of the program will achieve its utmost results once the person is completely decided to release himself from intoxication.

Detoxing the Body by Rlhs76

Detox the Body Information
A detox diet may sound very reassuring for it is a fact that toxics are bad for the health of a person. These diets however encourage you to eat foods that are natural which involves lots of veggies and water. Well, you can also add all the stuff that is good for your body. You could even hear news about celebrities having detox diets as well as those people who are subjected to alcohol or drug rehabs and are detoxifying themselves. So, you would really ask if detox diets are safe.
The answer is dependent on who is going to utilize such type of diet. Detox diets like many fad diets can later on display side effects that are harmful especially for teenagers.
To avoid misconception, you need to understand the lingo. Toxins are poisons or chemicals that have harmful side effects on your body. It could come from water or food, chemicals used for growing or preparing food, and from the air that you breathe. These toxins are processed in kidneys and liver eliminating it in the forms of urine, feces, and sweat.
Most people who are supporting detox diets are saying that dehydration or emotional stress is the cause why toxins do not leave the body properly during wastes elimination. Instead, these toxins are just hanging around the digestive system, gastrointestinal systems, lymph, skin, and hair. Even detox diet's proponents said that these toxins are the promoters of problems such as headaches, tiredness, acne, and nausea.
So you must understand that basic idea behind a detox diet is to give up temporarily the foods that are known to have toxins. It is a means of purifying and purging your body from all bad stuff. Detox diets may also vary however most of it is involved in several versions of displaying fast results. You need to give up foods within a few days, then after that, gradually reintroducing a particular food in your diet. Lots of detox diets also encourages you to go through colonic irrigation or enema to clean up your colon. The enema washes out your colon and rectum using water. But then others still recommend taking herbal supplements during the purification procedure.
Grow, glow, and go. These are three food types which a person should eat every day in certain amounts in order to eat a healthy and nutritious diet. This is the subject matter in one of the many lessons in science in the elementary grade which increases the awareness of children to eating a healthy and balanced diet.
From the very start, man has been used to eating different food products, as well as beverages. And without actually knowing it, these food products and beverages contain harmful chemicals. Although the body has its own way of removing unwanted toxins in the body, sometimes a build up of these harmful chemicals or acids are inevitable. And this is because of the enormous amount of chemicals or acids found in the body.
Different fluids are found inside the human body. The cells inside the body are often affected by the ph level. The ph level is the measurement of acid-alkaline in the body. The body has its own way of managing the so-called ph level; and when it is unable to do such thing properly, the imbalance affects the whole body.
If you experience stress, tiredness, excess weight, fatigue, aches, pains, poor digestion, and other serious disorders, the ph level inside your body may be too acidic.
The three things that might contribute more to the body to become overly acidic are ingesting acids, creation of acids, and improper acid elimination.
Ingesting foods which are considered acidifying foods as dairy, processed sugar, meat, alcohol, coffee, etc. overloads the ability of your body to neutralize all the acids.
Acidifying toxins are created by microforms and pathogens inside the body. If the body is too acidic, yeasts, microforms, and bad bacteria proliferate. These live organisms create even more toxins, and add up to the already acidic environment.
Some acids are strong, while some are weak. Acid build up occurs when the body systems which eliminate the acids are not functioning properly, and is compromised. Many systems in the body buffer acids which includes mineral reserves, breath, and fat.
Acids are considered toxins, and these toxins need to be removed through detoxification. You have to aid your body in the detoxification process especially when it is not functioning well.
If you want to obtain a well-balanced ph, you must have a proper diet and nutrition. It is wise to follow a detox plan which can greatly help you the detox process. A diet consisting of foods high in alkaline, proper supplementation, and hydrating the body properly can aid the body in detox.
There are also alkalizing products available in stores which augment the ph balance. A well-maintained and balanced ph level will prevent acid build up in the body. If you think that, you're one the many people who has already formed an acid build up or are very acidic, start a detox program now.
A detox program will not only help your body in the detox process, but will also help in balancing the ph level inside the body.
Your body needs detoxification, and that can only be achieved through self discipline and determination. Changing certain things in your life will benefit you and your body more.
Remember, you must keep a balanced ph-ion. You will instantly know that you have an acid build up if you are too acidic, and that is the right time to consult your doctor for proper detoxification.
There lots of available detox diets anywhere. Typically, it involves one or two days of complete liquid diet. For the succeeding four to five days, add brown rice, steamed vegetables, and fruit that are all organic to your diet is advised. After one week of eating these foods, you will then gradually introduce certain foods except for wheat, red meat, eggs, sugar, and junk food in your diet.
People who are having their detox diets are advised to chew up their foods thoroughly, drink only very little amount of water while eating, and relax before eating. It is much better if you add one glass of lemon juice in every meal.
There can be numerous claims made about the effects of detox diets on a person. It can prevent and cure diseases to give you extra energy so that you stay clear-headed and focused. Well, anyone who prefers low-fat but high fiber diets will probably feel much better and more healthy. But no matter what good things detox diets proponents said, still it is up to you to decide whether to try it or not for your own safety. It is because there is no scientific evidence that these diets get rid of body toxins faster or if the elimination of it can make you more healthy and energetic.
For more information on detoxing and other health issues, try visiting http://www.gorillacats.com/

Drug Detox In Florida: Choosing The Right Detox Center by Scott Bernberg

Drug Detox In Florida: Choosing The Right Detox Center
With a large tourist population, porous borders, proximity to South American Nations, long coastline, and a large number of clubs where drug is easily available through hookers make Florida a heaven of drug addicts. The local youths too are victim of this social evil. But equally various Florida drug detox centers are working to rehab the youths or people who are victim of drug abuse. If you want to choose a drug detox in Florida for some one you love, who needs drug detoxification, you need to be a little cautious. Choosing the right detox center requires some thorough research and home work. Just sit and browse the web to find the right kind of rehab and detoxification center in your area.
Drug detox is the program undertaken to rid the body of harmful toxins which are produced due to intake of drugs. Drug detoxification program follows a strict schedule to make sure that the person doesn't have withdrawal. Here are few things which one should consider while choosing a rehab or detoxification center for a drug abuse. You need to look for quality and program schedule of such rehabilitation centers before you leave your dear one in it. Each rehab or detoxification center has its own program or option, but besides the program there are some matters of ethics, care, cost, credentials, staff and effectiveness which are taken into consideration while one choose a drug detox in Florida.
Ask some appropriate questions to find out if the drug detoxification center is right for you. Before you make any decision here are few questions which will quickly answer whether the center you have chosen is right for the person.
Does the drug detox in Florida offer a variety of programs? It is essential to have different programs for drug detoxifications. That is because the program which is suitable to you may not be suitable to some one else. A variety of programs ensure that there is versatility and flexibility where the patient who is already abused and mentally weak can accommodate to the place. The variety of program is very essential for individual needs. The programs may be residential, inpatient, out patient and short stay programs.
How much does a drug detoxification cost? You can compare the prices in the internet where you will come across a number of drug detoxification centers. The price tag of some centers is too high for common man to afford. Price is an important factor to choose a detoxification center.
Is the drug rehab/detoxification treatment program medically based? There are programs which are medically based while others are based on counseling, nutritional values, and other holistic approaches. If you want holistic care detoxification you can go for some rehabs in Florida which are renowned for their alternative treatments of drug detoxification.
Whether medical or nurse attendance is provided 24 hours X 7 days by the hospital for indoor patients. Persons under drug detox in Florida program need constant care and attention because they may have the cravings any time and may start behaving abnormal. A constant nursing support enables them to overcome the cravings early.
Once you are satisfied with the services and answers you can choose one drug detox in Florida and help your loved one to fight the abuse of drug.

Alcohol and Drug Addiction Treatment in Utah by Alicia Foster

Are you addicted to alcohol and drugs? Would you know if you were? How do you know if you are? Are you worried that you may be? The definition of an addict is a person who cannot resist a habit, especially the use of drugs or alcohol, for physiological or psychological reasons and sometimes both. If you feel that you may be an addict you can turn to any number of residential Alcohol rehab centers in Salt Lake City, Utah .
How does addiction start? A person may encounter a problem in their life. The person may find that this particular problem is insurmountable. They may find that a drink every now and then lets them escape that pain, even temporarily, making life a little more bearable. Addiction isn't done on purpose. It happens by accident and it happens without you really knowing. One day you are imbibing on a cocktail after work, and then before you know it you are drinking a bottle a wine a day. You count the minutes until your next drink. You are planning your day around the amount of cocaine you have. You start to budget your bills around your trips to the bar. If you're to this point in your life, you are definitely an addict. It's time to seek out professional help from Utah's many treatment centers. Our referral site covers all major cities like Salt Lake City, West Valley City, Provo and more.
When you are consistently introducing alcohol or drugs into your system your body is building a tolerance to it. The more you put into your body, the more your body will need. Whether you drink or do drugs to numb a physical or emotional pain, your body absorbs all of their effects, good and bad. You like how your mind works when you are high. It's calming, it blocks the bad feelings, but it causes damage to your brain, mouth and throat, liver, heart, pancreas, small intestine, large intestine, stomach, kidneys, and immune system. If you are an addict, addiction treatment is important to your well being. The longer you continue to abuse drugs and alcohol the more damage it will do.
No matter what your addiction, there are long term rehab centers in Utah for you. You can find one that fits your specific personal and financial needs. The treatment centers offer: Detox Centers, Drug Rehabs, Drug Treatment, In and Out Patient Treatment, Counseling, Meetings and other addictions such as Cocaine, Crack, and Heroin. It's time you took your life back and seek help for addiction treatment.