Alcoholism Archives - Page 4 of 7 - Enlightened Recovery

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Glorifying and Romanticizing Alcohol

Written by Enlightened Recovery on January 31, 2018. Posted in Alcoholism, Drugs & Alcohol. No Comments on Glorifying and Romanticizing Alcohol

When people find themselves sobering up, it’s almost impossible not to have any temptations. Depending on which state people live in, there can be alcohol at every corner and sprawled throughout stores. Americans love their alcohol and love a good party. For someone with addiction, there’s already any old reason to drink, but there is a massive amount of help by advertisers and traditions that pile on top. It’s no wonder alcohol has taken such a large role in our society.

Perhaps in the “glory days,” someone might be able to handle the bad habit, but things had clearly progressed to complete destruction by alcohol and/or drugs. However, there will forever be the chase of that first high, that first numbing feeling, the happiest moment to date. Therefore the mind constantly tell the person they can do it! They can drink or use like a gentleman! Just keep trying! The person must keep in mind the consequences while staying spiritually fit to ward off the minds justifications. After all, it might start off fun, but the person will never know where it can be taken. It’s a gamble and it’s dangerous.

People with addiction and/or alcoholism must take it day by day. It’s too overwhelming to commit to forever at that time. As long as the person stays sober that day, its progression. It can become too much to think about the loss of the relief produced by the substance, for an entire lifetime. This is when the tools tools learned in treatment and therapy should be utilized. There are ways out of these mind games. It helps to think the situation all the way through. The drink or drug might sound good at the moment, but then what? By attending 12-step meetings and focusing on spirituality, there will be more consistent focus on living sober and staying connected to God. Soon life’s highs will be associated with running towards the beauty of life, rather than running away from uncomfortable feelings and into the bottle.

Enlightened Recovery offers a clinical, holistic and 12-step approach to the road to recovery. If you’re struggling with addiction and/or mental illness, our program is specialized in dual-diagnosis treatments. Don’t hesitate and call today: 833-801-5483.

Signs of a High-Functioning Alcoholic

Written by Enlightened Recovery on January 22, 2018. Posted in Alcoholism, Drugs & Alcohol. No Comments on Signs of a High-Functioning Alcoholic

A high-functioning alcoholic hides their addiction to alcohol and maintains a successful career, family life, and relationships with friends. The signs of a high-functioning alcoholic are not always obvious and can be hard to detect. If your loved one drinks regularly, he or she might be a high-functioning alcoholic.

Functional alcoholics seem to have control, but put themselves and others at risk. A person who is a high-functioning alcoholic might drive while intoxicated or experience blackouts. A blackout is a temporary condition that affects your memory when blood alcohol levels are high. Blackouts are a form of amnesia.

A high-functioning alcoholic disguises their drinking problem because they are usually in denial because he or she must maintain a successful appearance. An alcoholic is not a failure. Many successful people are alcoholics and come from different backgrounds, races, and levels of intelligence. A high-functioning alcoholic leads two lives. He or she must maintain their public identity whether they are a doctor, lawyer, or business executive to his or her private life of excessive drinking.

Here are signs that your loved one is a high-functioning alcoholic:

More drinks.

He or she has more drinks than everyone else does. In a social setting with friends or acquaintances, the high-functioning alcoholic might have several drinks while others have just one.

Stomach problems.

He or she could experience bloating, nausea, and other stomach issues with excessive drinking.

Insomnia.

If your loved one drinks heavily, he or she can experience disruptive sleep patterns or insomnia.

Binges.

The functional alcoholic may go for extended periods without alcohol but then binge drink or drink heavily.

Changes mood and behavior.

Alcohol affects a person’s mood and behavior. Sometimes alcohol causes depression and anxiety, and can also lead to impulsive behavior.

Blackouts.

A blackout is a temporary condition that causes memory loss. This can happen to your loved one when he or she has high blood alcohol levels.

Daily drinking patterns.

If your loved one talks frequently about drinking or plans daily activities around times they want to drink, they might be a high-functioning alcoholic.

There is hope for high-functioning alcoholics. Treatment is available and recovery is possible. A person with an alcohol abuse disorder can get help for their drinking problem and live a healthy, substance-free life.

Treatment is the beginning of a beautiful journey of healing, transformation, discovery, and more. Enlightened Recovery Solutions offers partial care programs for substance abuse and co-occurring disorders, bringing together a harmonious balance of clinical, holistic, and 12-step philosophy. Contact us today for information.

A group of people enjoy Outpatient rehab in New Jersey.

How Alcohol Abuse Affects the Human Body

Written by Enlightened Recovery on January 16, 2018. Posted in Alcoholism, Healthy Living. No Comments on How Alcohol Abuse Affects the Human Body

Alcohol affects the human body physically and mentally. When you drink alcohol, your brain builds up a tolerance level, which causes you to drink more and more to get the initial euphoric effects. Excessive drinking leads to a dependence on alcohol and puts you at high-risk for many serious health problems. Alcohol consumption can cause liver damage, kidney failure, lung infections, and even cancer.

Alcohol affects normal brain function. The brain controls how you move, talk, walk, and think. Alcohol interferes with the brain’s neurotransmitters, releases more dopamine and causes pleasurable feelings. The euphoric feelings are short-term and sometimes cause a person to drink more to reach the same level of pleasure. The brain builds up a tolerance to the amounts of alcohol consumed.

When your brain is impaired, your coordination and critical thinking are affected. Fatal accidents occur when a person who is under the influence, operates a motor vehicle or other heavy equipment. Judgment is impaired and reactive senses slow down. Speech becomes slurred and balance is impacted. Alcohol interferes with memory and results in blackouts. The blackouts are short-term forms of amnesia.

Excessive alcohol use can cause cancer in different areas of the body. Alcohol causes cirrhosis of the liver and if you do not stop drinking, it can lead to liver failure, which is fatal. Alcohol is toxic to your body and negatively alters the stomach, heart, intestines, nervous system, and bones. The detrimental effects of alcohol on your body far outweigh the short-term moments of pleasure received with the first drink.

Many people drink alcohol because of emotional stress. Since alcohol is a depressant, it can heighten depression, anxiety, and emotional distress. Drinking alcohol can disrupt normal sleep patterns, cause insomnia, and result in a restless sleep. Lack of restful sleep can influence poor performance or frequent absences at your job, and lead to termination.

The effects of alcohol on the human body are dangerous and deadly. Alcohol abuse impacts family relationships and causes couples to break up, divorce, or separate. Excessive alcohol use changes interactions with your loved ones and your financial stability. If you are addicted to alcohol, go to a detox facility and check out treatment programs that are available for recovery. There is hope to recover and live a healthy, substance-free life.

Recovery begins with you. You have to make the decision, now, to call and ask for help, get to treatment, and start a transformational, life-changing journey. The power to heal is yours. Let Enlightened Recovery Solutions show you the path of holistic treatment, bringing together the best practices of evidence-based clinical care, proven alternative healing practices, and trusted 12-step philosophy. Call 833-801-5483 today for information on our partial care programs.

Helping a Loved One With a Drinking Problem

Written by Enlightened Recovery on January 15, 2018. Posted in Alcoholism, Family Recovery. No Comments on Helping a Loved One With a Drinking Problem

When a person drinks excessive amounts of alcohol despite the negative consequences that it causes, he or she might have a drinking problem. A person with a drinking problem cannot control how much they drink or continues to drink after having too much.

The signs of having a drinking problem are:

Drinking more than intended
Inability to cut back on drinking
A lot of time spent thinking about alcohol and the next drink
Missing work, school, or other important activities
Having relationship problems due to drinking alcohol
A lot of time recovering from the effects of alcohol

If you want to help a loved one who has a drinking problem, there are some important “Do’s” and “Don’ts” to be aware of before approaching him or her with your concerns.

Never use shameful, demeaning, or negative language
Do not threaten or plead
Do not lecture
Do not use labels when talking about the problem
Express your concern for his or her health
Offer to see an addiction counselor with him or her
Use “I” statements to express how his or her drinking affects you

A person might not be aware he or she has a drinking problem and could have an underlying mental health issue that needs to be addressed. Many people with depression, anxiety, or PTSD turn to alcohol as a way to escape the symptoms of their mental health condition. The individual can feel guilty, shamed, or have low self-esteem.

Join a support group with your loved one and talk to others in similar situations. Learn about the struggles that other members have with alcohol and listen to people share their stories with alcohol addiction. Connect with others in the group who can be a positive influence on you and your loved one.

Encourage your loved one to get help and offer to go with him or her to see a counselor or therapist who specializes in alcohol addiction. Attend group meetings with him or her and show your loved one that you care about his or her well-being.

Alcohol-Induced Blackouts

Written by Enlightened Recovery on January 5, 2018. Posted in Alcoholism, Drugs & Alcohol. No Comments on Alcohol-Induced Blackouts

Blackouts were once associated with alcoholism but can happen when a person drinks a lot of alcohol too fast. Blackouts cause long-term damage. High levels of alcohol impair the part of the brain that forms new memories. A blackout is characterized by amnesia during intoxication. A person does not forget what happened when he or she has a blackout because the memories never existed.

When a person passes out, he or she loses consciousness and cannot wake up. An individual who has alcohol-poisoning can pass out or blackout. Passing out and blackouts result in negative consequences, but blackouts cause long-term damage.

Not everyone who drinks rapidly and excessively will have a blackout. Some people are more susceptible to alcohol-induced memory impairment. Many people with alcoholism experience blackouts in the early part of addiction. Alcohol poisoning and blackouts are very harmful and lead to serious mental and physical impairment.

If a person experiences a blackout once, he or she is at risk of having more blackouts. Most people who consume large amounts of alcohol will develop memory problems and brain damage. A person can have a genetic predisposition to blackouts. His or her family members might have trouble with alcohol or alcoholism.

Chronic heavy drinkers have significant memory issues and their brains can deteriorate. Teens who blackout from drinking alcohol incur long-term, irreversible damage. Excessive drinking leads to severe memory problems. A person who drinks alcohol and the people around him or her do not realize the person is blacking out. Some individuals who drink alcohol engage in risky and dangerous behaviors and cannot remember the next day.

During a blackout, the memory storage process shuts down. Blackouts are caused by a chemical disruption in the brain’s hippocampus, which is where memories are developed. Alcohol interferes with the receptors that carry signals to that part of the brain and disrupts the memory-making process. A person who experiences a blackout can still have the ability to maintain language and motor skills, but his or her brain loses the capability to form new memories.

Blackouts are dangerous because when a person is drunk, he or she is at risk of making poor decisions such as driving or having unprotected sex. Over time, heavy drinking can damage vital organs. Excessive drinking causes liver failure, a heart attack, and severe brain damage. If you or someone you know experienced an alcohol-induced blackout, get help before the problem becomes an addiction.

If your drinking has become a problem, don’t let the problem worsen. The best move to make for recovery from alcohol abuse is the quickest move by calling and asking for help immediately. Recovery is possible and healing will take place in mind, body, and spirit. Enlightened Recovery Solutions offers a holistic based, 12-step inspired, clinically proven program for alcoholism and co-occurring disorders. Call 833-801-5483 today for information on our partial care programs.

8 Tips to Safely Quit Alcohol

Written by Enlightened Recovery on January 4, 2018. Posted in Alcoholism, Drugs & Alcohol. No Comments on 8 Tips to Safely Quit Alcohol

Excessive alcohol use can lead to harmful mental and physical changes in the body. Over time, the alcohol takes control of the brain’s normal functions and creates a physical dependency. When a person drinks alcohol, neurotransmitters release dopamine, which causes him or her to experience temporary euphoric feelings. A person should never detox on his or her own. Quitting alcohol cold turkey is not safe and not recommended.

There are ways to safely quit alcohol. A medical professional can supervise the detox process and administer medication if needed. Sometimes people who have an alcohol addiction will go through very uncomfortable withdrawals. The body craves more alcohol and the brain is tricked into thinking it needs the alcohol to function. Medication-assisted detox helps to subdue any of the intense cravings while in detox.

Each person can go through a different experience with alcohol addiction so each treatment varies. Some people may need short-term treatment, which lasts about 30 days, while others might require long-term treatment lasting 90 days or more. Every treatment option depends on the duration and amount of alcohol used and the person’s physical and mental health.

Here are 8 tips to safely quit alcohol:

Acknowledge your drinking is a problem and that you need to make lifestyle changes. Go to a medical professional who can help you through detox and find the right treatment program. Do not try to detox on your own.
Get help from a professional to evaluate your mental health. Most addictions are linked to underlying mental health conditions such as anxiety or depression.
Tell family and friends about your plans to live substance-free. When they know your plans to avoid alcohol, they will be less likely to encourage your drinking.
Avoid triggers that could lead to relapse. Stay away from old friends who you would drink with and any places that may remind you of drinking alcohol.
Attend group meetings and meet other people in the group. Learn from others and share your experience. Find new friends in group meetings.
Discover new healthy activities and hobbies to keep busy. Adjusting to a new, sober life can be very difficult. Occupy your time with things to avoid thinking about alcohol.
Keep a journal. Going through detox and treatment will be hard work. Write down your accomplishments in a journal so you can reflect on your success when times are challenging.
Work on rebuilding relationships. Mending relationships takes time. Talk to your loved ones and rebuild any broken trust.

When quitting alcohol is done safely, a person can enjoy the benefits of living a healthy, sober life in recovery.

group therapy during addiction treatment in New Jersey

Stay Away From Trigger Drinks

Written by Enlightened Recovery on December 29, 2017. Posted in Alcoholism, Sober Living. No Comments on Stay Away From Trigger Drinks

Those with the disease of addiction have many habits that must be broken to move forward in recovery. There may be the need to pick up a non-alcoholic beverage that acts as the replacement to fill the void. This might work at first, but eventually, the void needs to get filled with love and acceptance. However, the mind of addiction has been chemically altered to prioritize drugs and alcohol. As a result, addiction can seemingly sneak around corners to pounce on those with addiction or alcoholism at vulnerable moment. The addicted mind will quickly rationalize and justify an excuse to fall into old behaviors. Those in recovery are suggested to stay away from any practice that gives off any similar feelings which portray old obsessions- namely, self-sabotaging behaviors.

There are beverages such as non-alcoholic beers and wines, which some might find to be a safe option. Although these beverage choices might work for some people, experimenting with them is not recommended. The very action of pouring a glass of beer or wine can be a trigger for the addicted mind. Even if the substance itself doesn’t give the same reaction, the mind begins to act as if it does. This can be the start to a mental or a subconscious relapse- meaning, the brain begins the process of obsessing and craving. If anyone in recovery finds a desire for a faux cocktail, it might be a good time to look at what’s really going on inside. This behavior is too risky in early recovery. Its likely that if this is avoided, there would be less of an urge to partake later in sobriety. Kicking this ritual to the curb will be better in the long run couple possibly give the person more of a chance at staying sober.

Drinks containing 0.5% alcohol are considered to many, to be non-alcoholic. Beverages such as kombucha, have been taken off of shelves and put back on with a 21 and over age limit label- due to this specific alcoholic content. All legalities aside, if there is any trace of alcohol at all in any drink, those with addiction will want to stay away. Any action that allows for the people to act as if they are engaging in addictive behavior can lead to relapse if that person is not well enough equipped to act without relapse.

Enlightened Recovery clinical, holistic, and 12-step approach to addiction can help you! If you are ready to take back your life and understand the root of the cause of addiction don’t waste any more time. Call today for more information: 833-801-5483.

The Rooms of AA

Written by Enlightened Recovery on December 22, 2017. Posted in 12 Step Program, Alcoholism. No Comments on The Rooms of AA

Becoming sober means more than getting the substance out of the someone’s system. To be given the gift of sobriety comes with a balance of giving back to those still in the disease. While someone is still abusing substances, there is a fair amount of disregard for others. Whether or not a person has the disease of addiction, there must be respect for all humankind alike if true happiness will ever exist. It is taught in the rooms of Alcoholics Anonymous how to begin down this path.

When people come into the AA program in all walks of life. Some have been beaten down to the core, while others unscathed. What all of its members have in common is the way the mind justifies and rationalizes its self-sabotaging actions. Often times, those with mental health also struggle with addiction. There are millions of personalities who come together in the rooms and relate to one another. There is a saying, “some are sicker than others.” This is true to some extent. However, all members are the same in the capacity that they seek the same solution.

Although different groups have different rules, there are one set of traditions. One of the more common rules is asking members to refrain from crosstalk. Unsolicited advice will not be tolerated in the group to help with conflicting personalities. Everyone has the right to their own opinion and there is no need to have members arguing about various matters. Despite members being asked to share experience, strength, and hope, people do get off topic. Having compassion for others is all apart of the process.

Members of AA who frequent meetings, will often find a group of friends who can relate on a deeper level. This is part of the reason to keep coming back. Seeing that it works for others who are going through similar circumstances, can spread hope and wisdom. When there are new members, it’s imperative for them that it is a comforting and welcoming experience. While learning how to live sober, members of AA will find themselves living more functioning and peaceful lives. Sobrieties a gift but a gift that must be reciprocated.

Enlightened Recovery clinical, holistic, and 12-step approach is a life-changing experience for people struggling with addiction, alcoholism and/or mental health. Come begin transforming your life in our partial program in New Jersey. Call now for more information and take back your life today! 833-801-5483.

Healing Alcoholism Heals the Whole Body

Written by Enlightened Recovery on October 6, 2017. Posted in Alcoholism, Recovery. No Comments on Healing Alcoholism Heals the Whole Body

The human body is an extraordinary network of systems that seamlessly work together to support life. It is through the interdependencies of these systems that makes living possible for all humans. Each system influences the health of others and when the health of one suffers, they all suffer. When alcohol is consumed addictively, the entire network of systems that make the human physical experience possible becomes toxic. Yet, the same powerful systemic leverage becomes possible when an alcoholic chooses the health and vitality that is available through recovery.

The process of restoration begins on the first day of recovery. The body has innate wisdom to contend with environmental toxins. During active alcoholism, the body is in an escalated state of toxin processing. The resources necessary to mitigate the harm from alcohol takes away from the body’s ability to sustain vitality.

The concept of cell death is key in healing from alcoholism. The body has finite resources for processing material of all kinds. When adding unnecessary material, especially of a toxic nature, all of the body’s cell matter is used at an accelerated rate. The simple act of avoiding the ingestion of extraneous materials is supporting the body in its most optimal functioning.

The liver and kidneys work together to detoxify the body. They are designed to process naturally occurring environmental toxins. When an alcoholic adds unnecessary toxins through excessive alcohol consumption, the body does not have capacity to deal with the cumulative toxins. The simple act of reducing overall toxins empowers the body to eliminate more of the natural toxins, generating increased vitality for the entire system.

When the liver and kidneys are restored, the body’s ability to adequately carry oxygen through the blood system is also restored. This means that every cell in your body is breathing in a deeper, fuller way. This is akin to a person realizing they have spent hours breathing short, shallow breaths. Then, they choose to pause, close their eyes and take 10 full breaths. They then experience physical, emotional and spiritual transformation through this deeper breathing. The body of the recovering alcoholic experiences this same transformation.

These are only a few examples of the interconnected systems and their capacity to heal through the cessation of alcohol consumption. The body is inherently designed to heal itself and it is prepared to do this at any moment it is provided the opportunity.

If you are struggling with addiction, alcoholism, and/or mental health, know that there is hope. There is a solution. Harmoniously fusing together the best elements of clinical care, holistic healing, and 12-step philosophy, Enlightened Recovery has created a program of total transformation for men and women seeking recovery. Call 833-801-5483 today for information on our partial care programs in New Jersey.

Client practices mindfulness during addiction treatment.

Codependent Behaviors Can Be Passed On Through Generations

Written by Enlightened Recovery on August 22, 2017. Posted in Alcoholism, Drugs & Alcohol. No Comments on Codependent Behaviors Can Be Passed On Through Generations

Let’s say your great great great great great grandfather was an alcoholic. He was physically abusive toward your great great great grandfather, no matter what your great great great grandfather did to try and take care of his father. When your great great great grandfather had your great great grandfather, he swore that he would do things differently than his father did. Though your great great great grandfather wasn’t an alcoholic, he wasn’t the best father either. He did his best with what he had, but what he had was untreated trauma that he had no skills for coping with. He had everything he needed to satisfy the outside, but his insides were emotionally void. Your great great grandfather struggled to get the love and affection he needed from his father. Then, your great great grandfather had your great grandfather. Wanting to provide yet another different experience, your great great grandfather was a devoted father and husband to your great great grandmother- often giving of himself in more ways than he was capable. Your great grandfather learned that the only way to be loved is to give, so maybe it is better to withhold to a certain degree.

Not wanting to be the example of the giving tree like his father, your great grandfather had your grandfather and was a little more strict, similar to generations before him. Your grandfather was well guided, well formed, and lived in a structured household but lacked the emotional connection that your great grandfather was avoiding. When your grandfather had your father, he wanted to make sure he or your father never felt that way again- that lonely, abandoned feeling. Your grandfather did everything for your father, sometimes too much, and relied on him to supply the feelings to compensate for many years of feeling neglected. Resentful toward his father’s projections, your father had you and became fiercely emotionally independent, teaching you in many ways that he doesn’t need you. As a result, you have a deep need to be needed and you’re willing to do whatever it takes to be as needed as possible.

This is just one illustration of the generational cycle of codependency. From one generation to the next, behaviors are learned, rebelled against, mutated, evolved, learned, rebelled against, and so forth, always in an effort to control someone else and the effect that person is having on your life.

You get to break the chain of codependency. If you are struggling with codependency in your relationships and you’re turning to drugs or alcohol to cope, help is available. Enlightened Recovery provides partial care programs to men and women seeking transcendental transformation from addiction. Compassionate therapy in a comfortable and safe environment offers clients the opportunity to heal mind, body, and spirit.

For information, call us today: 833-801-5483.