Recovery Archives - Page 2 of 2 - Lexington Addiction Center

woman struggles after going cold turkey from heroin

Risks of Going Cold Turkey From Heroin

Written by Lexington Center on May 12, 2023. Posted in Addiction Treatment, Recovery, Rehab.

When someone decides to stop abusing heroin, it is the best decision they could make for themselves. But going cold turkey from heroin can be an awful experience to endure. It may look like an easy process, but in reality it is a dangerous process to go through alone. Having medical supervision is best when deciding to find recovery from heroin addiction. An individual’s decision to end heroin abuse is an attainable goal, especially when done safely and effectively.

Going Cold Turkey From Heroin

While it seems like an easy and convenient process to go cold turkey from heroin in the comfort of home, it isn’t necessarily the best decision to do so. When quitting heroin, there are some pretty uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms that occur. Some symptoms of going cold turkey from heroin include:

Muscle pain and spasms
Nausea
Vomiting
Diarrhea
Mood swings
Depression
Anxiety
Blood pressure changes
Heart rate changes
Insomnia
Headache

These symptoms often lead people to relapse which could make the situation much more dangerous. Often, when an individual decides that going cold turkey from heroin at home is what they wish to do, they end up turning to heroin to alleviate these symptoms and it can lead to fatal consequences.

Effects and Risks

When going cold turkey from heroin, there are some risks involved. These risks range from mild to extreme. Some can be long-term, and even fatal.

Blood pressure

Blood pressure changes can occur as a result of going cold turkey from heroin. When blood pressure gets too high or too low, it can result in some severe health complications and harm an individual long term.

Seizures

Due to the health effects of going cold turkey from heroin, a seizure can be a side effect. Having professional and medical monitoring as someone goes through heroin withdrawal can make all the difference. This is why it is so highly suggested to do so under medical supervision.

Delusions

When using substances like heroin, the brain tends to change. As the body is expelling the toxins, the brain is simultaneously trying to correct itself. This can lead to an altered mental state, resulting in delusions. Being monitored by professionals can prevent these delusions from becoming out of control.

Relapse and Overdose

The most severe risk someone could take when going cold turkey from heroin in the comfort of their home could result in relapse and potentially fatal overdose. Due to the symptoms of heroin withdrawal, individuals tend to return to using heroin after a period of not using it. This can lead to overdose. They tend to use the same amount as they did prior to stopping, and because the body isn’t as dependent on it, processing the drug is harder and it results in overdose. This can be fatal.

Why Relapse Occurs When Using Cold Turkey Method

Outside of the physical symptoms of withdrawal that can occur as a result of going cold turkey from heroin at home, one of the biggest contributors to relapse is mental cravings. As previously stated, the brain changes when it becomes dependent on a substance. Because the brain is so sensitive, when the body becomes dependent and the brain changes when the substance is abruptly removed or stopped, the brain goes into overdrive trying to fix itself. It craves the substance and in turn, the person begins to obsess and feel as though they need the drug. This can occur even after the physical dependence has come and gone.

Why Detox is Best

Medical detox compared to going cold turkey from heroin is the best decision. Having medical professionals available to assist as these symptoms arise, day or night, and being able to alleviate the symptoms can prevent the potentially harmful effects of heroin detox from occurring. Professional medical detox is a lot safer, and a lot more comfortable than going cold turkey from heroin at home. Risking some of these symptoms occurring can lead to severe consequences that can be long-lasting. Some of the symptoms can lead to devastating and fatal results.

The best solution when deciding to end heroin abuse is to seek professional help and guidance to achieve recovery and begin living life again. Recovery is possible, especially if the detox process is as smooth and comfortable as possible.

Detox From Heroin Safely

When struggling with heroin, it can be a dangerous game. Not only can it create havoc in the lives of those who struggle, but it can also affect their loved ones. Heroin is extremely deadly and leads to some pretty severe consequences. If you or a loved one are struggling with heroin, Lexington Addiction Center can help. We have a team of professionals standing by that can help to guide you through the process of achieving recovery. Contact us today and begin living a new life!

group therapy for trauma in Lexington, KY

Practicing Accountability In Rehab

Written by Lexington Center on May 5, 2023. Posted in Family Therapy, Life Skills, Recovery, Rehab.

Accountability is one of the most important parts of life in recovery. Beginning the practice of accountability during rehab can help to improve someone’s daily life. The person entering the recovery world can learn to take responsibility and begin working to change behaviors. Learning how to begin changing the thought processes that led to addiction is vital to living a successful life in recovery.

Accountability can encourage growth and responsibility. It can also repair relationships and recover trust and closeness. Understanding not only what it means to be accountable, but being accountable in recovery is an important part of living life in recovery and free of alcohol and drug addiction. Fortunately, we offer 12-Step programs that teach accountability and relationship repair.

What is Accountability?

But what is accountability, and how does accountability help in everyday life? Webster’s dictionary defines accountability as “the obligation or willingness to accept responsibility for one’s actions”. Anyone in recovery can say that remaining teachable and accountable has gotten them to the point they’re at. It’s being able to admit wrongs and take responsibility for one’s actions.

Then working to prevent a repetition of those negative behaviors. These are crucial to avoiding negative impacts on someone’s life in recovery. Accountability during rehab can be the beginning step to someone learning how to maintain a level of accountability. As a result, this can be beneficial in recovery. Being able to identify behaviors that could potentially cause harm, or that have caused harm to loved ones, is important for relationship healing.

Accountability during recovery is not only taking responsibility, and apologizing for the behaviors but also changing those behaviors. This is what it means to be accountable, and it also shows loved ones that there is an intention to live a better life.

What Does It Mean in Rehab?

Many people who suffer from addiction to drugs and alcohol have spent many years making excuses, apologizing, and then returning to the same hurtful, damaging behaviors. Sometimes it’s unintentional. Practicing accountability during rehab can seem futile, as oftentimes loved ones tend to feel like they’ve heard this before and there will be no change.

However, this is where the changed behaviors come in. Holding oneself accountable, taking responsibility, and then working to change the hurtful behaviors is what leads to healing. Accountability during rehab begins with recognizing the wrong and hurtful things that have been done. Identifying this can open the door to change. Accountability in recovery also has a more specific definition where the person becomes transparent with life’s struggles and when things are tough.

Having a support system to talk to and let them know when things are hard, and life is challenging is one way to maintain accountability in recovery. These friends and supports can help to point out where things are lacking and behaviors that could be indicative of relapse. Having a reliable support system in recovery can help to keep someone on a path to recovery and help to avoid relapses from occurring.

How Does Accountability Heal Relationships?

Taking responsibility for and changing behaviors is always the first step to healing relationships that have been impacted. When practicing accountability during rehab, keeping in mind that loved ones may not be very receptive is important. Because the behaviors leading to the damaged relationships caused harm, the pain may still be prevalent.

However, when taking responsibility and apologizing, remember that implementing a plan of action to change the behavior is crucial to begin to heal these fractured relationships. Accountability during rehab can be beneficial because if the loved ones don’t take well to the accountability, there is a buffer there to help as someone begins to process feelings toward the situation. Having a counselor there to be able to express frustration or hurt can be highly beneficial.

Going through the life changes of removing the substances is hard, and then having to address problems caused due to behaviors stemming from those substances can be taxing. However, addressing those things in a safe environment, with a professional who can help work through the negative feelings that may arise is one of the best options.

Remaining accountable during rehab and after can help to maintain the healing of these relationships that may have been altered or broken during the addiction to drugs and alcohol. The longer someone stays clean and sober, and the more work they put into changing behaviors that could be detrimental to them and those who love them, the more likely they are to have a positive experience with healing relationships.

Begin Healing Today

Substance abuse is a main factor in many broken relationships, as well as feelings of low self-esteem and life problems. Becoming free of these substances and beginning a life of recovery can be one of the best decisions someone can make for themselves.

It can lead to healing relationships and healing the self. If you or a loved one are struggling with substances, Lexington Recovery Center is available to help begin the recovery process.

Call us today.

A woman suffering from alcohol addiction in Lexington, Kentucky.

Can Alcohol Abuse Lead to Depression?

Written by Lexington Center on April 14, 2023. Posted in Addiction Treatment, Recovery, Rehab.

Just about anyone who struggles with depression can tell you how difficult it is. But can alcohol abuse lead to depression? Is there a link? Alcohol is a depressant. It can affect many facets of the body, including the mind and mental health of anyone who struggles with it. Being aware of what alcohol abuse is, how it affects the body, and how it affects depression can only help someone to have a clear understanding of why their depression symptoms seem to be worse when drinking.

What is Alcohol Abuse?

When asking if alcohol abuse can lead to depression, it is crucial to understand exactly what constitutes alcohol abuse. If someone is having trouble moderating alcohol consumption, this may be an indication that it is a problem stemming from abusing the substance. Moderate drinking, according to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) is up to one drink a day for women, and up to two drinks a day for men when it is a day that alcohol is consumed.

This does not mean that if a woman drinks one drink per day, every day for a year straight that they are safe from the long-term effects. Even drinking in moderation can cause harm. Alcohol abuse is when excessive drinking occurs. This can be daily or binge drinking occasionally. Drinking above the recommended limit can lead to alcohol abuse.

Impacts of Alcohol Abuse

Alcohol abuse can impact the body in different ways. In the heart, it can cause cardiomyopathy, which is the stretching and drooping of the muscles in the heart. It can also lead to irregular heartbeat, high blood pressure, and stroke. In the liver, it can lead to steatosis (fatty liver), fibrosis, cirrhosis, and alcoholic hepatitis. Alcohol abuse can also lead to the pancreas producing toxins that can lead to swelling of the blood vessels, and inflammation in the pancreas, disrupting the proper digestion of food. This is known as pancreatitis. It can also inhibit the immune system. This can make someone more susceptible to disease and illness.

Outside of the health impacts of alcohol abuse, it also affects the brain. The impacts on the brain can be lifelong, and life-altering. This can include depression.

Link Between Alcohol and Depression

In the short term, someone could feel elated, or happier when drinking. However, when moderate drinking turns into alcohol abuse, it can lead to depression in those who are struggling with the substance. Being that alcohol is a depressant, it affects and decreases the levels of serotonin and norepinephrine in the brain, both of which help to regulate mood. With the levels of these two mood regulators being decreased, the mood can be lowered, or depressed. When the chemicals in the brain that are essential to regulating mood are altered long-term, this can become a “normal” state for the brain to be in.

So, when serotonin and norepinephrine levels are constantly at a lowered level, and someone begins to feel depressed, this can turn into a daily normal state for them. Those who suffer from alcohol-related depression can have severe impacts on everyday life, including work, school, and family relationships. Depression is a difficult mental health condition to live with, and seeking professional help is highly suggested.

Effects of Alcohol on Depression

The effects of alcohol on the brain are the reason why alcohol can actually cause depression symptoms to worsen. In a person who is already struggling with regulating mood, when the essential brain chemicals are altered, these symptoms can worsen. Alcohol abuse can lead to depression worsening over time.

When alcohol is mixed with depression symptoms, it can cause the seemingly normal problems endured during the depression to become overwhelming and lead to some worse feelings of depression and associated symptoms like anxiety. Someone suffering from depression should avoid alcohol so as not to aggravate the already present depression symptoms.

Alcohol Detox

Alcohol abuse can not only lead to depression but can also cause dependence. The chemical properties of alcohol, when consumed long-term, can cause a state of normalcy in the body. When this happens, the body becomes dependent on those chemicals to function properly. When the chemicals are abruptly removed, it can lead to alcohol withdrawal symptoms. These symptoms can range from headache and nausea to tremors and seizures. These symptoms can be dangerous, and this is why it is extremely important to seek proper care when deciding to end alcohol abuse and begin a life free from the substance.

Recovering Near Lexington, KY

Alcohol abuse leads to addiction. When someone is addicted to alcohol it can be a hard habit to break, and it can lead to some pretty devastating consequences. However, there is hope. At Lexington Addiction Center we offer a personalized plan to help those struggling with alcohol overcome the addiction and find hope again. If you or a loved one are struggling, reach out to us today. Contact us now to take your first steps to lasting recovery!

What Are the Risk Factors of Dual Diagnosis?

Written by Lexington Center on March 17, 2023. Posted in Co-Occurring Disorders, Dual Diagnosis, Recovery, Uncategorized.

Dual diagnosis treatment can be a scary thought. Suffering with mental health concerns is a difficult undertaking, but when substance abuse complicates a mental health diagnosis, it can only make things harder to treat. Understanding exactly what dual diagnosis is, common risk factors, and common things associated with dual diagnosis can help you to understand the full spectrum and help you to open yourself to the possibility of getting help for this. Substance abuse and mental health issues can be life altering, receiving the proper care for both diagnoses is vital to being able to overcome, and begin living a normal life again.

What is Dual Diagnosis?

Suffering with substance abuse issues, such as drug or alcohol abuse, as well as mental health concerns like depression and anxiety is what is known as dual diagnosis. These two disorders coexist in the same person at the same time. While the term “dual diagnosis” seems to implicate a single diagnosis, it is actually a combination of diagnoses. Dual diagnosis treatment addresses both disorders individually.

Your provider will help you to understand how each diagnosis is affecting the other coexisting disorder. Ending substance abuse will generally be the first step. When the drugs and alcohol are removed from the system, the true extent of the mental health disorders can be seen and then treated.

How Common is Dual Diagnosis?

The commonality of dual diagnosis in addicts and alcoholics is astronomical. Some research has shown that approximately 50% of people who suffer with substance use disorder also suffer from a mental health disorder, and vice versa. Meaning that 50% of those with a mental health condition also suffer from substance abuse disorder. That’s a huge percentage when it comes to these life threatening diagnoses.

Both mental health and substance abuse come with their own set of potentially life threatening and life altering side effects. Receiving dual diagnosis treatment as soon as possible is the best way to avoid the dangers associated with both mental health substance abuse disorders.

Common Mental Illness in Dual Diagnosis

Dually diagnosed conditions can have a huge impact on your life. Mental health conditions alter your day to day functionality on their own, and adding a substance use problem into that mix can make it hard to live normally.

While there is no set of co-occurring disorders within dual diagnosis, some mental health disorders are more common than others. Dual diagnosis treatment will address these mental illnesses as well as the substance abuse problems that can exacerbate and make them worse. Common mental illness seen in dual diagnosis include:

Depression
Anxiety
Schizophrenia
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
Anorexia
Bulimia
Personality disorders

Addressing these mental health concerns is vital to successfully overcoming the coexisting conditions. Dual diagnosis treatment will do just that. Not only will the substance abuse issues be addressed and treated, but the mental health concerns will be addressed as well, and you will have less interruption to your life.

Risk Factors of Dual Diagnosis

Dual diagnosis treatment can be complex, being that it involves the treatment of multiple disorders simultaneously. Understanding the risk factors associated with dual diagnosis can help you to realize the need for help and treatment for the coexisting conditions. Common risk factors of dual diagnosis include:

Genetics: Family history of mental health or substance abuse disorders play a role in the possibility of developing these disorders yourself. Having a family history of these disorders can make it more likely to develop a dual diagnosis condition yourself.
Trauma: Traumatic experiences, such as physical or sexual abuse, can lead to drug or alcohol abuse as means of coping with mental health conditions that can result due to the trauma.
Environment: Being around frequent drug and alcohol abuse creates a risk of developing a substance abuse problem. Being a part of an environment where poverty or violence are common can also contribute to potential mental health concerns or substance abuse disorders.
Mental health: Suffering with mental health disorders can be a risk factor for turning to substances like drugs and alcohol as means of coping with these conditions.

Suffering with dual diagnosis can make life extremely difficult. Receiving dual diagnosis treatment as soon as possible can help you to regain control of your life, and start to live a normal life again with minimal impact of the mental health conditions and substance abuse problems. The sooner you seek help, the better you will feel.

Dual Diagnosis Treatment in Lexington, KY

Suffering with dual diagnosis can complicate both of the diagnoses someone may be suffering with. Not only is a mental health diagnosis difficult to undergo, but complicating that with substance abuse can cause the mental health concerns to be exacerbated and harder to treat. There is help and hope for both.

If you or a loved one are struggling with mental health and substance abuse issues, Lexington Addiction Center can help. Our team of professionals who can help you through the process of finding help to begin regaining control of your life. Contact us today.

Can You Get Addicted to Percocet?

Written by Lexington Center on March 3, 2023. Posted in Addiction Treatment, Percocet, Recovery.

Using prescription painkillers can lead to a number of different consequences. But can you get addicted to Percocet? Absolutely. Using prescription opiates, such as Percocet, can definitely lead to a physical dependence. It doesn’t take long, and once it takes over, it can be extremely difficult to break its hold on your life. The longer someone continues to take these powerful drugs, the worse it can be. Everyone’s journey through opioid addiction is different, and some have more outwardly devastating consequences, but when it comes down to it, addiction is a soul crushing experience for all who endure it, and recovery from addiction to Percocet can be a healing experience.

What is Percocet?

Percocet is a prescription drug used to treat pain. It is often prescribed to athletes who injure themselves playing sports, or after someone undergoes surgery. It was created in the early 1900s and is made of two main ingredients, acetaminophen and Oxycodone. Due to its powerful potency, it is only meant to be used short term in order to treat moderate to severe pain. However, for this reason, you can get addicted to Percocet.

What Happens When Percocet is Abuse?

Using Percocet more than prescribed, taking someone else’s prescription pills, or using them in a manner not prescribed are all ways that this drug can be abused. Now, when Percocet is abused, it can lead to dependence. When the opioid receptors are altered due to this drug, and they become accustomed to a certain amount of it, or level of stimulation, stopping the drug is highly uncomfortable and can lead to some severe withdrawal symptoms. Abusing these powerful opioids will only increase the chances of this happening.

Percocet Side Effects

Like many opioid prescription painkillers, Percocet comes with its own set of side effects. Using this drug, whether for the first time or the thousandth time, can produce some of these side effects. These include, but are not limited to:

Drowsiness
Constipation
Nauseah
Vomiting
Itching
Sweating
Headaches
Dry mout

When using this drug, understanding that you can get addicted to Percocet is very important. If you reach the level of addiction, seeking help for the dependence is also super important.

Long-Term Effects of Percocet Addiction

Because you can get addicted to Percocet, knowing the long term side effects can help you to make a decision to seek help when the addiction takes hold. These can be extremely devastating, not only for you but your family and friends as well. Some of the long term effects of Percocet addiction can include:

Addiction and dependence
Legan problems
Organ damage
Brain damage
Broken relationships with family and friends
Loss of jobs
Financial problems

The most devastating and severe effect of Percocet addiction is overdose and death. With Percocet being so addictive, getting help for yourself or a loved one before the more severe consequences occur is highly suggested. Undergoing professional care and treatment for opioid addiction does not mean anything other than you are strong enough to know you need help. Experiencing withdrawal symptoms from Percocet addiction can be extremely uncomfortable, and oftentimes leads people back to using the drug in order to alleviate the symptoms they are experiencing.

Percocet Withdrawal Symptoms

Everyone experiences different symptoms when detoxing from this drug. Due to the fact that you can get addicted to Percocet, it goes without saying that there will be some pretty unpleasant symptoms associated with coming off the drug. Going through detox from Percocet alone is not suggested. Having a team of medical professionals available to monitor and assess you as you go through it can prevent some severe reactions to giving it up. Not only that, being able to address the physical and psychological symptoms associated with withdrawal is highly beneficial to successfully recovering from Percocet addiction. Some of those symptoms include:

Anxiety
Depression
Sweating
Nausea
Vomiting
Diarrhea
Loss of appetite
Spikes in blood pressure
Heart palpitations
Muscle pain
Weakness
Fatigue
Restlessness
Involuntary muscle movements

You do not have to go through these symptoms alone, it can be scary and it can be extremely uncomfortable. There are ways of managing these symptoms and making the process as comfortable as possible.

Help for Percocet Addiction in Lexington, KY

Addiction to prescription painkillers, like Percocet, can have a huge impact on your life. It can affect every single aspect, from family relationships, to your career, to school, and even your legal background. After all, addiction is a monster of a disease, and getting help is probably the best thing you can do. If you or a loved one are struggling with Percocet or other substances, there is help! At Lexington Addiction Center, we strive to provide a safe and comfortable environment where you can learn to live life without the substances once again.

There is hope. Contact us today to begin your journey to recovery

What To Expect At A 12-Step Meeting

Written by Lexington Center on February 10, 2023. Posted in Life Skills, Mental Health, Recovery.

Once the beginning stages of getting clean and sober are done, what is next? Going to meetings is highly suggested to maintain the work that was put in during the initial process of getting sober. What to expect at a 12-step meeting can vary from meeting to meeting. There are many different types of fellowships, and they each carry their own way of running their meetings. But one thing holds true, they all help the struggling addict and alcoholic find a place of solace and peace where they can open up and express themselves without fear or worry surrounding being judged.

What is a 12-Step Meeting?

The initial program of recovery founded for struggling alcoholics is known as Alcoholics Anonymous (AA). It was founded as a safe haven for people who struggle to come together and share their experiences, and help one another to stay sober. Since then, many different fellowships have adopted the basic outline of AA. The verbiage and the fellowships are different, but the steps laid out as a guideline for long-term recovery are the same.

Each meeting has its own format, and while they may be similar, each meeting is self-supporting and has its own regulations. This helps the meetings to maintain functionality in the long term. Having a full understanding of what to expect at a 12-step meeting can help someone to make a decision to attend one, and begin a life in recovery that can only help them to grow and prosper.

How Do I Know If a Meeting is Right for Me?

It is highly suggested that once you complete treatment to attend a meeting as soon as possible. Make a plan for when you get home, and include a meeting within that plan. It is best to go immediately and get plugged into a meeting so you can begin making new connections with people who are clean and sober, trying to do the right thing, just like you are. These people will help support you through the hard stuff and help guide you through the early stages of recovery.

What to Expect at a 12-Step Meeting

What to expect at a 12-step meeting depends on each meeting’s format. However, there are some general components to any meeting that are usually a part of all 12-step fellowship meetings. These can include things like the following:

Opening prayer
Reading from 12-step fellowship literature
Open sharing
Speakers (usually with 90 days or more of continuous recovery)
Denoting recovery lengths with chips or key tags
Time to share if you want to use or have used
Closing prayer

There are many myths surrounding 12-step meetings, the biggest of which is that you are joining a cult. The fellowships born from AA are a place to find love and support that can carry you through some of the tough moments that can and will probably arise during the first few months of recovery. That is the beauty of these meetings and the fellowship. What to expect at a 12-step meeting is love from a fellow addict or alcoholic in recovery that helps you maintain your own recovery.

How Long Are Meetings?

Generally speaking, meetings vary. However, more often than not, meetings usually go on for an hour, from opening prayer to closing prayer. They may run over a little longer sometimes, and this allows for people who need to get something off of their chest to be able to do so and could potentially be saving them from relapse.

What Happens After a Meeting?

What you can expect at a 12-step meeting—once the meeting ends—is the “meeting after the meeting”. This is if you choose to participate. This is where you will get to know the people in the meetings, and build friendships with those people. Whether it be going out for coffee, or going out to lunch or dinner. This will allow you to let down your guard, let people get to know you and you get to know them. This is not a requirement for attending meetings, everyone is welcome, it is just a place to get to know the people in the meetings.

How Do I Find a Meeting?

Each fellowship generally has its own website, and those websites are broken down into area websites that make it easy to locate meetings. Google can be your friend here!

Addiction Treatment in Lexington, KY

The beginning stages of getting clean and sober can have a rocky start. It can be difficult to maintain recovery on your own. The good news is, there is help available when you are trying to give up drugs and alcohol. At Lexington Addiction Center, we provide a safe place to remove the substances from your body, under the care of professionals, while you begin the process of starting a life in recovery. Seeking help is often necessary to achieve your goal of recovery, and we can help. Contact us today and begin your journey to recovery.

Can You Convince Someone to Go to Rehab?

Written by Lexington Center on February 3, 2023. Posted in Addiction Treatment, Recovery, Rehab.

Drug and alcohol addiction impacts the lives of not only the person with addiction but their loved ones as well. Family members, co-workers, employers, and friends might wonder how to convince someone to go to rehab.

Getting a loved one to rehab isn’t easy. And, ultimately the decision is up to the person in need of recovery. At Lexington Addiction Center in Kentucky, we’re here to help those who struggle with addiction get the best treatment possible. We also provide support to their loved ones throughout the treatment process.

How to Convince Someone to Go to Rehab

Discussing rehab with a person who is addicted can be an emotional process. Therefore, you need to consider a few things before approaching your loved one. Instead of bringing up the subject of rehab out of blue, it is best to take a proactive approach. That way, you are prepared and less likely to allow emotions to overwhelm you.

The following tips can help you convince someone to go to rehab:

Learn About Addiction and Treatment

It is crucial to learn about your loved one’s addiction and treatment options. First, by learning about addiction, you gain an understanding of the problem. Oftentimes, family members and friends might come across as judgmental or perplexed. They might say things like “why can’t you just stop?” or “you’re choosing to be addicted.”

The truth about addiction is much more complex. Your loved one never intended to become an addict. No one does. The following can help you learn more about addiction:

Watch videos or read stories that recovering addicts and their loved ones have posted online to share
Research addiction online, especially the specific substance your loved one uses
Attend an open AA or NA meeting, which is open to observers or others who aren’t in recovery themselves

Next, learn about treatment options. By learning more about how addiction is treated, you can come up with options that your loved one might be more receptive towards. Many treatment centers offer specialized treatment services that might suit your loved one’s needs better than others.

In addition, ask yourself the following to better understand what level of treatment is appropriate for your loved one:

Have they been in treatment before or is this the first time?
If they were in treatment before, did they complete the program? If not, why?
Have they been sober for a time and are currently relapsing?
Do they have a co-occurring mental health disorder?
What substance are they addicted to? Do they use multiple drugs?

Learning more can also help you to gain control over your “knee-jerk” emotional responses to your loved one’s behavior.

Keep Your Emotions in Check

Addiction and rehab can be emotionally charged topics. You want to be sure that your own emotions are in-check before approaching a loved one. Of course, when the intervention occurs, emotions will come out. Therefore, you also want to plan how you will deal with these emotions in the moment.

First and foremost, you need to come from a place of concern. Talking to someone about rehab is not about shaming or blaming them. Rather, it is about recognizing a problem and helping your loved one get the help they deserve. The following can help you get your emotions in check:

Talk to a trusted person about your concerns. You might want to consider someone outside of the situation so that they can be neutral and let you talk openly or vent.
Discuss your feelings and emotions with a professional. Therapy can also help the loved ones of those addicted. Family members are especially prone to struggle when they live with an addict.
Attend a support group for friends and family of addicts. There are many support groups for the loved ones of addicts. Al-Anon is one of the most well-known, however, there are several other groups as well. Many groups now meet up via online chat platforms.
Plan what you will do if your emotions do become overwhelming. Preparation is not just about preventing emotional outbursts. It is also about what you will do if emotions start getting out of control. For instance, you might need to take a break to calm down while another loved one jumps in.

Connect With Professionals and Plan an Intervention

Contact an addiction treatment center to learn more about how to convince someone to go to rehab. Many treatment centers will offer valuable information for you, even if you aren’t a client or your loved one chooses another facility. It’s best to make connections and pick a few treatment centers that you think your loved one would attend. That way, when you do have an intervention, you can present options for them or point them in the right direction

Some centers even offer professional interventionists to assist you in an intervention. Planning an intervention with professional guidance is always best. However, if you can’t find a professional interventionist, most prospective rehab centers you are recommending to your loved one will often offer advice and tips over the phone.

Remember You Might Not Succeed

While you might have learned all you can about how to convince someone to go to rehab, the choice will not be up to you. If your loved one doesn’t want help, you can’t force them into it.

However, it is important to remain positive and remember that getting someone into rehab is also a process. And, you might need to have several conversations over the course of months or years to succeed. Just remember, the next time you talk to them about rehab might be the time they finally choose to go.

Help a Loved One Find Rehab Today

Talking to a loved one about going to rehab isn’t easy. However, you don’t need to do it alone. Lexington Addiction Center in Kentucky is here to help you and your loved one through the treatment process. We’re available to answer your questions about your loved one’s addiction and treatment needs. Contact us today to speak to our team.

28 Addiction & Mental Health Resources For Asian American College Students

Written by Lexington Center on January 29, 2023. Posted in Mental Health, Recovery.

Mental health and substance abuse issues have been rising among Asian American college students in recent years. Studies have shown that this population faces unique challenges and barriers when it comes to seeking help for mental health and substance abuse issues, which may contribute to the high rates of mental health problems and substance abuse among Asian American college students.

One study found that Asian American college students are more likely to experience symptoms of depression and anxiety than their non-Asian American peers. This is likely due to a number of factors, including cultural and linguistic barriers, lack of access to culturally sensitive mental health services, and stigma surrounding mental health and substance abuse in the Asian American community. Additionally, Asian American college students may experience added stressors such as pressure to succeed academically and financially and pressure to meet the expectations of their families and communities.

Another study found that Asian American college students are also at a higher risk for substance abuse than their non-Asian American peers. This may be due to the fact that Asian American college students may feel more pressure to fit in with their peers, and may turn to substance abuse as a way to cope with stress and social pressures. Additionally, there may be a lack of information and resources available to Asian American college students on the dangers of substance abuse, which may also contribute to the high rates of substance abuse among this population.

Despite these challenges, there has been a recent increase in awareness and attention to the mental health and substance abuse issues facing Asian American college students. Many universities and colleges have begun to offer culturally sensitive mental health services, and there has been a push to increase awareness and education on the importance of mental health and substance abuse among Asian American college students. Additionally, there are now more resources available to Asian American college students, including support groups and counseling services that are culturally sensitive and tailored to the unique needs of this population.

It’s clear that mental health and substance abuse issues continue to be significant concerns among Asian American college students. However, there is hope for improvement as awareness and resources for this population continue to increase. It is important for universities and colleges, as well as the broader community, to continue to address these issues and provide support for Asian American college students in order to improve their mental health and well-being.

Asian American College Students Resources

Mental Health Resources for Asian American College Students

988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Dial 988 to be connected with a crisis counselor anytime, anywhere in America.
Asian Mental Health Collective: This is a nonprofit organization that helps connect Asian Americans with culturally competent therapists and mental healthcare providers all over the country.
Asian American Psychological Association: This is an academic institution that works to improve mental health awareness among Asian Americans and also provides access to mental healthcare. Their website’s resource tab has a variety of resources, both for people struggling with mental health issues as well as Asian American students who are studying psychology.
Mental Health America – Asian American / Pacific Islander Communities and Mental Health: Mental Health America is a nationwide nonprofit that works to improve awareness about, and access to, mental health services across the country. Their page on AAPI mental health provides information and resources for Asian Americans of all ages.
National Asian American Pacific Islander Mental Health Association: This association is devoted to providing access to mental health resources that are specifically tailored to the mental health needs of Asian Americans. Their resource page contains dozens of helpful resources for all kinds of mental health services.
South Asian Americans Leading Together (SAALT): This organization works to create a community of changemakers within the Asian American community. Their website provides information and links to several different multimedia projects.
American Academy of Adolescent & Child Psychiatry: This is a national organization whose website provides a helpful resource page containing an Asian American and Pacific Islander Resource Library.
Public Health Institute: Their page on Supporting Asian Youth in Mental Health and Wellness provides a top-down view of the mental health challenges facing Asian American youth today.
Asian Counseling and Referral Service: This is a directory that can help Asian Americans get in touch with culturally competent counselors and therapists all across the country.

Addiction Recovery Resources for Asian American College Students

FindTreatment.gov: This website is provided by SAMHSA and can connect anyone with substance abuse treatment services anywhere in the country.
Association of Asian Pacific Community Health Organizations: This is a collective of community service organizations all across the country that provide a resource guide for Asian Americans struggling with substance abuse.
The SAFE Project: The SAFE Project has compiled a resource guide for Asian Americans that provides over a dozen resources, including those for substance abuse issues.
NAPAFASA: This is an advocacy organization that works to improve access to substance abuse and gambling addiction treatment for Asian Americans.
California State University Asian American and Pacific Islander Student Resource Guide: This resource guide was published by CSU, although it contains dozens of resources from all across the country.
Stanford SUPER: This page from Stanford is a part of their Substance Use Programs Education & Resources (SUPER) program and provides a variety of information for students struggling with substance abuse or mental health issues.
Asian American Health Initiative: Provided by Montgomery County, Maryland, this website provides a wide range of resources for Asian Americans struggling with substance abuse or mental health issues.
AACI: This is a California-based nonprofit, although they provide resources for people all across the country.

Helpful Videos, Articles, and Podcasts for Asian American College Students

Vogue – 5 Asian-Founded Wellness Resources: This article by Vogue details 5 different resources for Asian Americans to help them maintain positive mental wellness.
EveryMind.org: This page provides information for Asian Americans and several videos in different languages, including Chinese, Hindi, Korean, Urdu, and Vietnamese.
Misfortune Cookies Podcast: This podcast is by Asian Americans, for Asian Americans and recounts stories of mental health recovery.
Asian Nation: This website is packed full of information and stories of recovery from substance abuse, mental health struggles, gambling addiction, trauma, and more. They also provide links to dozens of different resources for Asian Americans who may be struggling with any of these issues.
The Zoe Report: This article titled “7 Mental Health & Wellness Resources That Support Asian-American Communities” provides 7 useful resources that can help Asian Americans both young and old.
UC Davis: Provided by the UC Davis Student Health & Counseling Services, this page contains dozens of helpful resources for Asian American students.

Social Media Accounts for Asian American College Students

Asian Mental Health Project: This Instagram account is aimed at making mental healthcare more accessible for Asian Americans.
The Mind Health Spot: Created by Vancouver-based therapist Laura Lu, this account provides inspirational and mental health-focused content geared toward young Asian Americans.
Misfortune Cookies: This is the Instagram account for the podcast of the same name and posts inspiring stories of mental health struggles and recovery.
Project Lotus: This social media account aims to destigmatize mental health within the Asian American community by sharing stories of struggle and hope.
Asians Do Therapy: This account is normalizing therapy within the Asian American community by sharing stories of how it has helped many people who thought they were beyond hope.

Eight Key Life Skills in Addiction Recovery

Written by Lexington Center on January 20, 2023. Posted in Life Skills, Mental Health, Recovery.

Life skills in addiction recovery are essential to learning how to live life productively. Learning and implementing these skills into your day to day routines is vital for moving forward in life and being able to maintain recovery long term, even on the hard days. But what are life skills? Why are they important? There are many different things that you could introduce into your daily routine that can help you achieve long term recovery. Seeking ways to learn different skills is highly recommended for those looking to stay clean and sober.

What are Life Skills?

As addiction progresses, people often forget how to be a “normal” person. Even the simplest of tasks seem far-fetched and foreign.

When someone gets sober, and is trying to change their life, they have to relearn some of the most basic things in order to be a productive member of society again. In such cases, aftercare services can be a lifeline. Here are some examples of what some essential life skills are.

Problem Solving Skills

Life skills in addiction recovery include problem-solving skills. This is a skill that can be used in all aspects of life, from family relationships to problems that can arise in the workplace. Problem-solving is an essential skill to being able to turn a negative into a positive. As addicts, people tend to run away from problems and turn to drugs and alcohol as a solution.

Of course, drugs and alcohol only compound the problem. Learning ways to effectively work through whatever is going on that is causing discomfort is essential to maintaining mental health and wellness.

Communication Skills

Lack of effective communication is a struggle that most people endure. Learning to clearly and effectively communicate feelings and boundaries can help to teach assertiveness and allow for someone to grow in self confidence. Being able to communicate when things are tough, and you are struggling can help you to maintain your recovery when you want to give up on the process. Hard days are hard. But being able to communicate when you’re experiencing a rough patch can help you to learn ways that others have made it through the same things.

Setting and Achieving Goals

Goal-setting is one of the most effective life skills in addiction recovery. Throughout active addiction, the only goal that was ever set was to get drunk or high. On most days that goal was achieved. Applying that same thought process to goals in recovery can help you to get where you want to be and all the while gaining self confidence. When you set a small goal and reach that goal, the good feeling of accomplishment can help propel you forward to greater and greater goals.

Financial Management

In early recovery it can be difficult and overwhelming to be able to hold onto money and not impulsively spend every penny you have. During your using, every cent went to maintaining your habit. Filling that void with spending money impulsively can lead to financial hardship and eventually it can lead to relapse. Money management and saving for your goals and future can help to set the path for a successful future.

Self-Care

Self-care is another of the most important life skills in addiction recovery. Being able to take time for yourself, so that you can do things that bring you joy and happiness, is crucial for balance. Recovery is a full time job, and having pleasurable and fun times is part of maintaining a balance. Between working a regular job, and doing recovery related things, having fun is a necessary component.

Develop Coping Mechanisms

The go-to choice for addicts and alcoholics is turning to drugs and alcohol. The old adage of “When I stubbed my toe my answer was to drink or use drugs” applies here. Rather than turning to drugs and alcohol to deal with day to day inconveniences, learning how to do positive and healthy things can be helpful.

Build Relationships

Having healthy, positive relationships in recovery, especially with people who are like-minded and on the same path is another of the healthier life skills in addiction recovery. Having people that can support and help you when times are hard is going to be one of the best things you can have to maintain recovery.

Perseverance

No matter what, don’t give up. You have come this far, and when you were drinking and drugging you never gave up until you got what you wanted. Recovery operates on the same concept. In conclusion, put the same amount of effort into staying clean and sober that you put into using and you can maintain recovery over the long term.

Learning Life Skills in Lexington, KY

If you or a loved one are struggling with addiction and looking to learn a new way of life, there is help out there. At Lexington Addiction Center we teach the necessary life skills that can help to maintain recovery. Contact us today and start the next chapter of your life.