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Detox for Executives: Why High-Profile Individuals Choose Enlightened Recovery’s Luxury Rehab

At Enlightened Recovery, we understand that high-profile individuals, such as executives, celebrities, and professionals, face unique challenges when it comes to seeking treatment for addiction. Balancing a demanding career, public image, and personal struggles with substance abuse can make the decision to enter a detox or rehabilitation program particularly daunting. This is where luxury rehab centers like Enlightened Recovery step in—offering not only privacy and discretion but also personalized care that fits the high standards of professional leaders.

1. Complete Privacy and Confidentiality

At Enlightened Recovery, we prioritize the privacy of our clients above all else. High-profile individuals need a safe space where they can focus on their recovery without the fear of public exposure. Our secluded location and secure facilities provide an environment that protects our clients’ identities and reputations, allowing them to undergo detox and rehabilitation in peace. This level of discretion is essential for executives whose personal and professional lives are under constant scrutiny.

For more about how our luxury rehab can offer this level of privacy, click here.

2. Customized Treatment Plans Tailored to Executives

We know that no two individuals are the same, and the same goes for addiction treatment. At Enlightened Recovery, we offer customized treatment plans that cater to the specific needs of executives and professionals. Whether you’re dealing with alcohol dependency, prescription drug addiction, or work-related stress that has led to substance abuse, our multidisciplinary team will design a program that addresses both your addiction and any co-occurring mental health disorders such as anxiety or depression.

Our personalized treatment plans integrate holistic approaches like yoga, mindfulness, and fitness regimens that promote long-term recovery. Learn more about our tailored treatment options on our Personalized Care page.

3. Work Flexibility During Treatment

One of the most significant barriers to seeking rehab for professionals is the need to maintain some level of work productivity. Enlightened Recovery recognizes this challenge and offers flexible options that allow executives to continue managing their responsibilities while in treatment. Whether it’s a private space with internet access or specific work hours during your stay, we help you strike the balance between your recovery journey and ongoing career obligations.

For more details on how we support professionals during detox and recovery, visit our Detox page.

4. Holistic and Comprehensive Care for Complete Wellness

At Enlightened Recovery, we believe that detox is just the beginning of the recovery process. To ensure lasting success, we offer a comprehensive range of holistic treatments that go beyond traditional therapy. Our program includes fitness plans, nutritional counseling, massage therapy, acupuncture, and guided meditation to treat both the body and the mind. This holistic approach is particularly beneficial for executives, who often struggle with stress-related substance abuse and require a multifaceted treatment plan to regain balance.

You can explore our holistic care offerings further by reading about our therapies.

5. Exclusive Amenities for a Comfortable Detox Experience

High-profile clients expect and deserve a certain level of comfort, even in rehab. Enlightened Recovery provides luxurious accommodations designed to ease the detox and recovery process. From private suites to gourmet meals prepared by top chefs, our center offers an environment that promotes relaxation and healing. Executives can take advantage of our spa services, outdoor recreation options, and serene surroundings to focus on their personal growth without sacrificing the quality of care.

If you want to learn more about the amenities available at Enlightened Recovery, take a tour of our facilities.

6. A Support System Tailored for High-Stress Professionals

The pressures of leadership often play a significant role in addiction. At Enlightened Recovery, we offer specialized support programs designed to address the unique stresses faced by executives and high-profile individuals. Our therapists have extensive experience working with professionals and understand the triggers that can lead to addiction. Through individual and group therapy sessions, clients learn coping strategies to manage stress, set healthy boundaries, and navigate their professional lives while staying sober.

We also offer couples therapy for those who are entering detox with a partner, allowing both individuals to heal together while strengthening their relationship.

7. A Path to Lasting Recovery

Our goal at Enlightened Recovery is not just to help you through detox but to set you on the path to lasting recovery. The combination of personalized care, holistic treatment, and luxury accommodations makes our center the ideal choice for executives seeking a confidential and comprehensive rehab experience. By addressing both the physical and emotional aspects of addiction, we help high-profile individuals return to their professional and personal lives stronger and healthier.

If you’re an executive or high-profile individual considering detox, contact Enlightened Recovery to explore how we can help you begin your journey toward recovery.

A man learns about reasons not to vape.

The Dangers of Vaping

While it’s true that all the medical dangers of vaping aren’t yet fully understood, there’s enough evidence to suggest many reasons not to vape. Despite a lack of comprehensive studies, a significant number of people mistakenly believe that vaping nicotine derived from tobacco is a healthy way to quit smoking. A misconception often fueled by the tobacco industry.

Reasons People Vape

People vape for various reasons, influenced by personal, social, and health-related factors:

  • As an Alternative to Smoking: Many people turn to vaping as a way to quit or reduce smoking traditional cigarettes. 
  • Social Influence: Peer pressure or social circles where vaping is common influences individuals to start vaping. Especially, among teens and young adults.
  • Curiosity and Experimentation: Curiosity often drives people, particularly younger individuals, to try vaping. The variety of flavors and the novelty of the devices can be appealing.
  • Stress and Anxiety Relief: Some people use vaping as a means to cope with mental health issues like stress, anxiety, or depression, similar to how some use cigarettes or other substances like alcohol and drugs.
  • Recreational Use: The recreational aspect, including the enjoyment of different flavors and the physical act of vaping, appeals to some users.
  • Control Over Nicotine Intake: Vaping devices allow users to control their nicotine intake, including options with lower nicotine or no nicotine at all.
  • Avoidance of Smoking Bans: In places where smoking cigarettes is banned, some people might choose to vape instead.
  • Perceived as Safer: There’s a common perception, though not entirely accurate, that vaping is safer than smoking cigarettes. This perception motivates people to choose vaping over smoking.
  • Weight Management: Some people use vaping as a tool for weight management, as nicotine can suppress appetite.
  • Image and Lifestyle: Vaping is sometimes associated with a certain lifestyle or image that people want to be part of, influenced by marketing and social media.

It’s important to note that while vaping might be less harmful than traditional smoking, it is not without health risks. Especially, for non-smokers and young people. The long-term effects of vaping are still being studied. However, there are clear reasons not to vape.

The Misconception of Vaping as a Healthy Alternative

The perception of vaping as “harmless” seems to be known more by today’s teens and tweens than their parents. Initially promoted as a safer alternative to smoking tobacco, the popularity of vaping soared. The absence of carcinogens and tars that are usually found in conventional tobacco products painted vaping in a harmless light. The promise of no secondhand smoke was an additional selling point.

At face value, it appeared quite benign. However, these assumptions were far from accurate. Vaping isn’t just about inhaling harmless water vapor. It’s an aerosol filled with toxic particles, posing a multitude of potential risks. These risks stem from device-specific issues, the composition of the vaporized liquid products, and the potential toxicity of both nicotine and marijuana when inhaled in concentrated forms.

It’s conceivable to consider vaping as a “lesser of evils” compared to traditional cigarette smoking. But, there is a stark reality—there is still so much we do not understand about vaping. Much of our learning curve will come from reports of potential health complications linked to vaping made to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

Understanding the Composition of Vape Aerosols

To truly understand the dangers of vaping, it’s essential to be aware of what users are breathing in. Vaping aerosols, sometimes inappropriately referred to as ‘water vapor’, contain various potentially harmful substances. Despite containing components that are considered safe for cosmetic or food use like glycerol (vegetable glycerin) and propylene glycol (PG), their safety when inhaled long-term remains unknown.

Vaping operates by heating a liquid into an aerosol that is then inhaled into the lungs. This isn’t the harmless water vapor many think it is, but a cocktail of particles including nicotine, flavoring, and other unknown substances. These particles, suspended in air, travel from the mouthpiece of the e-cigarette into the user’s mouth, down the throat, and then into the lungs.

Scientifically published research conducted by Papaefstathiou et al. (2020) assessed the particle size distributions and volatile organic compounds exhaled by e-cigarette users. Their findings further illuminate the reality of vape aerosols and add another point to the dangers of vaping.

A common component of e-cigarettes—the element used to transform the liquid into an aerosol—is often misconceived as being as harmless as ‘water vapor’. Contrarily, it’s a combination of multiple substances, each bringing a risk factor. E-cigarettes or vape pens are powered by batteries. As it powers on, it heats the liquid to create the aerosol.

These vaping products deliver not only nicotine, proven to have not only detrimental health effects and addictive properties but also potentially other addictive substances like THC, the psychoactive component of cannabis, and illicitly, even methamphetamines. Each hit from the device draws these substances into unsuspecting lungs, unveiling the hidden dangers of vaping.

Device-Specific Issues and Potential Dangers

Vaping devices can cause mechanical injuries, burns, or even explosions, due to malfunctioning. Safety standards are set to minimize these risks, but even certified devices are not completely safe, especially when near oxygen sources where they can cause fires. Furthermore, the aerosols that come from vaping contain harmful substances like nicotine, flavoring agents, and unidentified substances, and have been associated with delivering methamphetamines and THC.

Research links vaping to diminished fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO) and increased respiratory impedance, highlighting its potential health dangers. In addition, evidence linking vaping to lipoid pneumonia, a serious health condition, is mounting too. These and many other revelations have begun to erode the perception of vaping as safe. The reasons not to vape are becoming increasingly clear and compelling. 

Lung and Organ Damage From Vaping

Vaping, despite commonly being perceived as a safer alternative to smoking, carries a multitude of health risks including organ damage. The chemicals not only damage the lungs but also critical organs such as the heart and brain. Further risks include a severe lung condition known as EVALI (e-cigarette or vaping product use associated lung injury), increased severity in existing respiratory conditions, and a permanent lung scarring condition called “popcorn lung” caused by a chemical named diacetyl.

In addition, the electronic nicotine delivery system (ENDS) present in these devices creates potentially harmful vapors from nicotine, flavorings, and other additives. Many are seemingly unaware of these dangers, drawing parallels to the delayed understanding of the harm cigarettes cause. The addition of these foreign substances, even as vapor, disrupts lung function and can provoke severe health complications.

The Potential for Addiction to Vaping

Vaping, while perceived as less damaging than traditional smoking, still presents significant addiction risks. Many vaping products contain nicotine, an addictive substance that can cause harm to the brain, particularly in teens and young adults. Even though certain products claim to be nicotine-free, they have been found to contain it. Even slight usage of e-cigarettes can lead to addiction.

The Most Compelling Reasons Not to Vape

To summarize, there are numerous reasons not to vape. Especially, for non-smokers, young people, and pregnant women:

  • Health Risks: Vaping exposes the user to various chemicals, including nicotine, which is addictive and harms adolescent brain development. Other substances in vape juice also pose health risks.
  • Addiction: Nicotine is highly addictive. Like other substances of addiction, vaping can lead to nicotine addiction. Thereby, making it hard to quit and potentially leading to the use of traditional cigarettes.
  • Impact on Lung Health: Vaping has been associated with lung problems. The inhalation of certain substances in vape juice, like vitamin E acetate, has been linked to serious lung conditions.
  • Gateway to Smoking: For non-smokers, especially teenagers and young adults, vaping acts as a gateway to smoking traditional cigarettes. Consequently, reversing decades of progress in tobacco control.
  • Unknown Long-Term Effects: The long-term effects of vaping are still not fully understood. Vaping is relatively new, and more research is needed to understand long-term health consequences.
  • Expenses: The cost of purchasing vaping devices and refill cartridges adds up.
  • Social Influence and Peer Pressure: Young people, in particular, may face peer pressure to vape. Thus, leading to unhealthy habits and lifestyle choices.
  • Secondhand Exposure: While less harmful than traditional cigarette smoke, the aerosol from e-cigarettes still contains chemicals that may be harmful to bystanders.
  • Pregnancy Risks: Vaping during pregnancy can be harmful to the fetus. Nicotine exposure during pregnancy affects fetal brain and lung development.
  • Environmental Impact: The waste from disposable e-cigarettes and cartridges contributes to environmental pollution. Many vaping products are not biodegradable or recyclable.

For these reasons, individuals, especially those who do not currently smoke, are generally advised to avoid starting vaping. Those who do vape should be aware of these risks and consider seeking help to quit.

Begin a Healthier, Happier Lifestyle at Enlightened Recovery

Enlightened Recovery Recovery helps individuals seeking a life liberated from the grasp of harmful substances. Our holistic approach goes beyond abstaining from drugs and alcohol. It’s about nurturing a healthy lifestyle that heals the mind, body, and spirit. We believe that true recovery encompasses physical well-being, mental clarity, and spiritual balance. 

Contact us today to learn more about the reasons not to vape and how to get started on the path to freedom and wellness.

What is Marijuana Maintenance?

The debate surrounding the role of marijuana maintenance in addiction recovery has gained considerable attention in recent years. While proponents argue that it could provide harm reduction and alternative treatment options, there are several compelling reasons to question its effectiveness and safety within the context of addiction recovery. 

According to the 2021 National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH), 18.7 percent of Americans aged 12 or older (or 52.5 million people) used marijuana in the past year. There are potential pitfalls of relying on marijuana as a maintenance substance during the recovery process. We must consider factors such as the potential for cross-addiction, psychological dependence, and the complexities of individual recovery journeys.

What is Marijuana Maintenance in Addiction Recovery?

Marijuana maintenance in addiction recovery refers to the controversial practice of using marijuana as a substitute for another addictive substance. Usually, substituting for addictive drugs or alcohol to manage cravings, withdrawal symptoms, or other challenges associated with quitting the primary substance. This concept is particularly relevant in the context of individuals who are trying to overcome substance use disorders or addiction.

Proponents of marijuana maintenance argue that using marijuana helps reduce the harm associated with more dangerous substances. And therefore, potentially provides a less harmful alternative. They believe that marijuana might be less physically harmful and less addictive than substances like opioids or alcohol, and thus could serve as a harm reduction strategy. 

Advocates also suggest that marijuana could ease withdrawal symptoms and cravings, making it easier for individuals to transition away from more damaging substances. However, there are significant concerns and criticisms surrounding the idea of marijuana maintenance.

Reasons Marijuana Maintenance is Not the Best Approach 

Ultimately, the concept of marijuana maintenance remains controversial and lacks widespread support from the medical and addiction treatment communities. Individuals considering this approach should consult with healthcare professionals to make informed decisions that align with their unique circumstances and recovery goals. Read further to learn about some of the reasons marijuana maintenance is not a good treatment approach during addiction recovery.

Substitution of One Addiction for Another

Critics argue that relying on marijuana as a substitute might simply replace one addiction with another. And also, long-term marijuana use could have its own negative health and psychological effects including the need for treatment for marijuana addiction.

Lack of Scientific Evidence

The effectiveness of marijuana as a harm reduction strategy in addiction recovery is not well-established. Scientific research on its long-term impact, especially in the context of addiction recovery, is limited.

Legal and Social Implications

The legal status of marijuana varies widely across jurisdictions. Using marijuana, even as a substitute, could lead to legal issues in some places. Additionally, social stigma around marijuana use might impact individuals’ overall well-being and recovery journey.

Underlying Issues

Treating addiction is not just about addressing the substance itself. It also involves addressing the underlying psychological, emotional, and behavioral factors that contribute to addictive behavior. Simply replacing one substance with another may not address co-occurring mental health disorders.

Treatment Goals

Many addiction recovery programs aim for complete abstinence from all substances, including marijuana. Incorporating marijuana maintenance could be inconsistent with the goals of such programs. Most programs offer treatment for marijuana addiction.

Effects of Marijuana

Marijuana, also known as cannabis, has various effects on both the brain and the body due to its active compounds. Primarily, delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD). These effects vary based on factors such as the individual’s dosage, frequency of use, method of consumption, and individual differences. 

Here are some of the key effects of marijuana on the brain and body:

Effects on the Brain

  • Euphoria and Altered Perception
  • Memory and Cognitive Impairment
  • Impaired Motor Skills
  • Anxiety and paranoia
  • Addiction and dependence
  • Brain development

Effects on the Body

  • Heart rate and blood pressure
  • Respiratory effects
  • Appetite stimulation
  • Coordination and motor skills
  • Suppress the immune system
  • Negative effects on the reproductive system

To summarize, the effects of marijuana vary widely from person to person. And not everyone will experience the same effects. Additionally, the increasing availability of different strains with different THC and CBD concentrations influences the specific effects an individual might experience. If someone is considering using marijuana, especially during recovery, it’s advised to consult with addiction professionals to make informed decisions about its potential risks and benefits.

Find Safe and Effective Addiction Treatment

So, while the concept of marijuana maintenance as a harm reduction strategy in addiction recovery may seem appealing, it carries significant risks and challenges that make it an unsuitable approach. The lack of substantial scientific evidence regarding its safety and effectiveness, the potential for substituting one addiction with another, legal and social implications, and the failure to address underlying psychological factors all contribute to the argument against adopting marijuana maintenance in addiction recovery. For recovery, Enlightened Recovery has treatment for marijuana addiction to help you achieve sobriety safely.

The complexities of addiction and the individualized nature of recovery demand comprehensive and evidence-based approaches that prioritize long-term well-being, abstinence, and holistic healing. Rather than relying on a potentially problematic substitute. A sober lifestyle does not involve the use of any potentially addictive substances. Recovery incorporates healthy and positive lifestyle changes with a personalized treatment plan to better understand unresolved issues involved in the past addiction.

Contact us today to learn more about our safe and effective approach to addiction treatment at Enlightened Recovery.

How Does Alcohol Affect the Central Nervous System?

The central nervous system (CNS) is a vital part of the human body. It controls different crucial bodily functions. The interaction of alcohol and the central nervous system is one that should be monitored closely.

Many different complications can arise as a result of drinking, and the CNS can be highly affected. Alcohol is a depressant. Therefore, the effects of drinking it can lead to the suppression of different functions performed by the CNS. Understanding how alcohol affects the central nervous system can be beneficial when someone is trying to stop drinking. 

Alcohol as a Depressant

Alcohol is a central nervous system depressant. The CNS is a system in the body that is responsible for vital functions such as motor movements and even breathing. When alcohol is consumed, even in small amounts, it can cause an uptick in neurotransmitters in the brain that are responsible for slowing communication between the neurons in the brain.

This leads to slowed brain activity which can result in slurred speech, impaired vision, slowed motor movements, impaired coordination, decline in memory, and an inability to think clearly or logically. The way that alcohol affects the body will depend on a number of factors including the amount consumed, frequency and speed of consumption, and any underlying health or mental health conditions. 

Can Alcohol Abuse Weaken the Central Nervous System?

Over time, the effects of alcohol and the central nervous system can be severe. Even in the short term, the CNS can be severely affected by alcohol use and abuse. Consuming alcohol too fast or in large enough amounts can lead to slowed breathing, irregular heartbeat, hypothermia (low body temperature), vomiting, a complete inability to breathe, and complete loss of heart functionality.

These short-term effects are more prominent in those who binge drink alcohol. This can include consuming more than 2 to 4 drinks in a 2-hour period. Long-term, alcohol consumption can lead to pain and numbness in the arms, legs, and feet, cramping and muscle weakness, bladder issues, and changes in bowel function. 

The effects of alcohol and the central nervous system can also include coma. Because alcohol can slow brain function, it can lead to slow and shallow breathing. When breathing is slowed and shallow, it can cause a lack of oxygen to the brain leading to severe effects. As a result, alcohol use and abuse can also lead to what is known as CNS shutdown. However, getting quality detox in a professional setting like the services we offer at Enlightened Recovery can help.

Alcohol Abuse and CNS Shut Down

Alcohol abuse can lead to severe impacts to the body, including causing the central nervous system to shut down. This is an extremely dangerous medical condition that requires medical attention. Excessive alcohol consumption leads to the depression of vital body functions controlled by the CNS such as breathing, heart rate, and it can lead to unconsciousness.

As a result, alcohol can cause GABA receptors to become overstimulated leading to sedation and glutamate production to be slowed, leading to impaired responses. This can cause respiratory failure, coma, or death. In order to prevent severe damage to vital organs in the body, medical intervention and respiratory monitoring is crucial. Those struggling with alcohol should seek professional help. This helps as a means of preventing these potentially irreversible effects of alcohol abuse and addiction. 

Detox Can Save Your Life

Struggling with alcohol is a challenge for anyone who is experiencing it. There may have been instances where someone has tried to control their drinking, or stop drinking all together and been unsuccessful. This is where getting the right kind of professional help could be beneficial. Anyone who has attempted to stop drinking on their own after some form of tolerance or dependence has been gained can attest to the difficulties of stopping without professional help.

The symptoms of alcohol withdrawal can be severely uncomfortable, and the dangers that could arise can lead to severe complications as well as potentially irreversible damage. Professional and medical monitoring can help in these instances. Medically, when someone is trying to detox from alcohol, the body can undergo stresses. Consequently, it can lead to things like high blood pressure and seizures.

This is why it is extremely beneficial to have professional care and monitoring when undergoing this process. Being medically supervised and being able to combat the symptoms associated with alcohol detox can make the process of alcohol withdrawal a lot easier and more comfortable. It can help to prevent severe complications and lead to potentially more successful outcomes. Those struggling with alcohol do not have to go through it alone. There is help available to make the process easier. 

Get the Help You Deserve 

Struggling with alcohol addiction can affect different aspects of a person’s life. More importantly, it can impact health and lead to devastating and fatal results. It can lead to coma and even death. If you or a loved one are struggling with alcohol addiction, the struggle doesn’t need to continue. There is help available. At Enlightened Recovery we offer help to those individuals struggling with alcohol to begin a journey into a life of recovery.

Call us today and begin your journey to healing. 

Is IOP Or Outpatient Treatment Best For Me?

When looking for substance use and mental health treatment, clients should consider the level of care they need. Some people need to detox or aren’t able to stay sober without high levels of supervision. They might need an inpatient or residential treatment as a result. However, for those further along in recovery, an IOP or outpatient treatment program can offer professional support with fewer restrictions.

Enlightened Recovery provides addiction and mental health treatment at various levels of care. That way, we can meet our clients where they are in their recovery. We can also help them transition from one stage of recovery to the next, such as moving on from residential care to an IOP or other type of outpatient program.

What is IOP?

IOP stands for “intensive outpatient program.” Thus, while this program provides intensive support, IOP is still an outpatient program. Clients might live alone or with family members as they attend their IOP. Or, they might live in a structured sober living home.

An IOP program requires clients to attend for about 3 to 6 hours per day, 3 to 5 days per week. That way, clients with work, school, or family obligations can attend the IOP program around their schedule. Many facilities also offer evening IOP as well as morning and daytime programs.

During IOP, clients get a mix of one-on-one therapy, group sessions, holistic treatments, and psychoeducation classes. Clients learn a range of coping skills, from relapse prevention and sober living preparation to essential life skills and setting healthy boundaries.

What is Outpatient Treatment?

Outpatient treatment, on the other hand, is more flexible and less intensive than an IOP. While IOP is a type of outpatient program, outpatient treatment generally refers to weekly individual or group therapy. Outpatient treatment can also be a blending of group and individual therapy as well as family therapy.

Clients meet for outpatient therapy 1 to 3 times per week. Most sessions last about an hour at a time. However, depending on a person’s needs, they could be more or less than that. Outpatient treatment focuses on lingering issues or specific challenges a person needs to address.

But, which is best for each client—IOP or outpatient treatment? These factors are based on the clients’ needs.

Who is IOP Best for?

IOP programs are best for those who still need significant structure and support to maintain their recovery. Often, clients in IOP are transitioning from a partial hospitalization program (PHP). They might also go from inpatient care to an IOP if the schedule of PHP is too restrictive for them to engage in treatment.

Most people in IOP have other obligations, such as attending school, working, or caring for their family. However, while they require flexibility, they also need a higher level of care to maintain their recovery skills and sobriety. 

Do You Need Outpatient Treatment?

Outpatient treatment is best for those with co-occurring substance use and mental health disorders. Clients can develop coping skills for mental health symptoms. They can also talk through daily stressors they face in recovery with professionals or a group of like-minded individuals.

In addition, outpatient treatment can help those with relationship issues in family therapy. Following a person’s individual treatment, their families might need help to heal from the effects of caring for someone who struggles. Children and partners often develop maladaptive coping skills themselves when a loved one struggles. Thus, outpatient family therapy can help to address these issues.

How Does Someone Choose What is Best?

Choosing between IOP or outpatient treatment depends upon a few factors. Most importantly, a person must decide based on their needs in recovery. For example, a client new to recovery and just leaving a residential treatment program should choose a structured level of care, like IOP or PHP. These types of programs can help them continue with the work they’ve completed as they transition to living outside of a facility.

On the other hand, outpatient treatment could be great for those completing an IOP who still need some guidance and support. Outpatient treatment in the form of individual therapy is also often required if a client is seeing a psychiatrist for medication to treat a mental health disorder.

Busy Professionals and People With Families

Another consideration when choosing IOP or outpatient treatment is a person’s schedule. Sometimes, busy professionals or people with families don’t have the option to take a lot of time away for treatment. And, if these responsibilities aren’t fulfilled, the person could face adverse consequences as a result. 

Therefore, choosing between IOP or outpatient treatment to continue care depends on how much support a client needs and how much they can balance other areas of their lives while in treatment.

Explore Our Outpatient Levels of Care Today

Clients in inpatient programs or partial hospitalization should start thinking about their next steps in recovery. Many people leave residential care or a PHP and still need guidance as they continue their everyday lives. At Enlightened Recovery, we offer various levels of care for clients choosing between IOP or outpatient treatment as they move forward in recovery. 

Contact us today to learn more about our outpatient levels of care in New Jersey and Pennsylvania.

 

Will I Lose My Job Attending Rehab?

There are many barriers that people face before going to rehab. One of the most common concerns is whether or not a person will lose their job while attending rehab. Fortunately, laws are in place to protect people in recovery from fear of termination while getting treatment.

Enlightened Recovery understands that drug and alcohol rehab needs to be flexible to fit into a person’s life. For some, that means finding a program that allows a person to get treatment without causing major disruptions in their work life. That is why we offer varying types of rehab that fit our clients’ busy lives.

Can I Work During Rehab?

Whether or not a client works during rehab depends upon the level of care that they need. For instance, a person undergoing drug detox followed by residential treatment would not be able to leave an inpatient facility to attend work. However, with remote options, some clients can work out a limited work schedule while attending inpatient rehab. Of course, this also depends on the policies of the treatment center.

Many rehab programs are strict about limiting contact with work because this can distract clients from focusing on getting better themselves. But, on an outpatient level of care, a client is free to work when they are not in their program. Outpatient rehab is more flexible, as a client does not reside within the treatment facility. Depending upon how intensive their program is, they might have time to work part or even full-time hours.

Are There Laws to Protect Me from Getting Fired?

There are laws in place that can protect a client from getting fired to attend a rehab program. However, if drug or alcohol use affects a person’s job performance, they might be terminated. Thus, laws protect clients who worry they will lose their job by attending rehab. 

But, these laws do not protect people who actively use drugs or alcohol on the job. A person might be fired when addiction is an underlying factor in poor performance, frequent call-outs, or conflicts with others. 

Specifically, 2 laws protect employees from discrimination for taking leave due to medical reasons, which include drug and alcohol rehab. These laws are the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)

The FMLA protects employees from termination when they need to take time off for medical reasons. These protections help people take time off for themselves as well as to care for family members, like a spouse, child, or parent. For substance use treatment, a person might use FMLA leave for inpatient rehab, detox, or outpatient rehab services that occur during work hours.

The FMLA allows employees up to 12 weeks of absence within a 12-month period. Essentially, a person’s position will be waiting for them upon their return from addiction treatment. 

Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)

The ADA protects employees from discrimination based on having a substance use disorder (SUD). While the ADA does not protect those currently using drugs or alcohol, the ADA protects employees who have a history of addiction and are currently in recovery. Therefore, the ADA prevents employers from withholding promotions based on past behaviors.

The ADA prohibits behaviors, such as refusing to hire someone in recovery from SUD. Additionally, the ADA also protects employees from losing their job for attending rehab, either currently or in the past. 

Which Rehab Type is the Best for Me?

The best type of rehab program is the program that a client needs to engage in recovery. Some might need inpatient detox services to get sober safely. Still, others could need less restrictive services, such as intensive outpatient programs—especially if they have been in recovery long term.

The following are the types of rehab offered at Enlightened Recovery:

  • Inpatient detox and residential
    • Live within the treatment facility
    • Detox lasts about 1 to 2 weeks, while residential programs can be a month or longer
    • Keeps clients safe from triggers and temptations to use drugs or alcohol
  • Partial care program
    • Also called a partial hospitalization program (PHP)
    • Attend the program for several hours per day, arriving in the morning and leaving in the afternoon
    • Clients can reside at home or at a sober living program
  • Intensive outpatient program
    • Clients live either at home or at a sober living home
    • Flexible schedule with the program only lasting a few hours per week
    • Comprehensive programs that address physical and mental well-being, as well as, social and relationship issues

Ideally, clients should attend the type of program that best suits their needs for treatment. For clients who need to work while in rehab, an outpatient program would offer the most flexibility. 

What Happens When Going Back to Work?

After returning to work following rehab, clients can discuss as much about their experiences as they wish with their co-workers. In other words, attending rehab and having a medical condition—like a substance use disorder—is a private matter. Some clients share with their co-workers and feel supported. Alternatively, others worry about being treated differently afterward.

Regardless, the laws protect employees in recovery from discrimination and termination as long as substance abuse does not interfere with a person’s ability to perform their job. Generally, being open and honest with an employer—and HR representatives—about needing to attend rehab could prevent an employee from continuing further down the path of addiction.

Find Help for Drug and Alcohol Addiction Today

Many people fear that they will lose their job for attending rehab. However, laws like the FMLA and the ADA protect employees from discrimination when they are in recovery. Enlightened Recovery offers flexible programming to meet the needs of our clients, even those who need to continue working during treatment. We have locations in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Michigan to help our clients achieve recovery.

Contact us today to learn more about our treatment options.

What Is Experiential Therapy?

Therapy is tough. Many people struggle to put their emotions into words. As a result, they spend their sessions grappling for the words without really expressing the emotion. However, experiential therapy can help those who struggle with traditional talk therapy. It can also help to supplement traditional treatment, build real-world skills, and create a more positive treatment experience.

Enlightened Recovery understands the difficulty of expressing emotions with words. That is why we offer alternatives to those in recovery from addiction and co-occurring mental health disorders. In addition, experiential therapy can supplement traditional types of mental health treatment.

What Is Experiential Therapy?

Experiential therapy is any therapy that engages clients in an experience or activity. Hence the name “experiential.” This type of therapy can be part of a comprehensive treatment program. However, the defining characteristic is the activity involved in the process.

Broadly speaking, experiential therapy can involve any activity guided by a therapist or counselor. These can range from outdoor activities, like gardening or hiking. Or, they can involve artistic activities, such as playing music, writing poetry, drawing, or role-playing. 

In addition, experiential therapy can be completed in a group or one-on-one. For instance, clients in a group session can engage in a role-playing exercise or a type of therapy called psychodrama. Alternatively, a client can role-play in an individual session with their therapist.

Common types of experiential therapy include the following:

  • Equine and animal-assisted therapy
  • Art and music therapy
  • Psychodrama
  • Wilderness and adventure therapy

Thus, in some cases, experiential therapy occurs outside of a treatment setting. Sometimes, this can help give clients a fresh perspective on their problems and emotional struggles.

How Does Experiential Therapy Work?

Oftentimes, clients in treatment for substance use and mental health disorders struggle to feel positive emotions. They might be hampered by guilt, doubt, denial, or shame. While talk therapy can help clients work through these emotions, it is helpful to feel positive emotions during therapy. Experiential therapy offers a way for clients to uncover positive emotions and feelings through activities.

In other words, experiential therapy works by providing an outlet for clients to work through their problems and emotions. During the activity, clients get a chance to practice new skills and coping mechanisms within a therapeutic environment. So, when clients are role-playing, they can practice healthy relationship and conflict resolution skills with the guidance of a therapist, for example. 

By building these skills with feedback from a therapist and peers, clients walk away with a positive outlook, as they realize they can find and work through solutions to their problems. Also, some types of experiential therapy help clients with other emotional health problems that accompany mental health disorders and addiction.

Often, people with these disorders struggle with self-esteem, confidence, and social skills. For example, the experiences of doing things like taking care of a horse in equine therapy or completing a challenging hike in adventure therapy help clients build their self-esteem.

What Are the Benefits of Experiential Therapy?

Experiential therapy offers several benefits for clients in recovery. For one thing, there is an experiential therapy that can match anyone’s interests. This can help to engage a client’s interest in completing a treatment program. 

Regardless of the type, the following are some of the most common benefits:

  • Increased confidence and self-esteem
  • Reduced stress
  • Enhanced awareness of emotions and feelings
  • Improving critical thinking skills
  • Learning conflict resolution
  • Building social skills
  • Better problem-solving skills
  • Developing new coping mechanisms
  • Discovering new interests and hobbies

Overall, the benefits will help to round out skills that are difficult to address in talk therapy. Clients will also have a safe place to practice their skills while gaining confidence. In addition, many clients can learn how to express their emotions during experiential therapy. This will help them engage more fully in traditional talk therapy. 

Who Is Experiential Therapy Best For?

Experiential therapy is best for anyone who struggles to express themselves in traditional talk therapy. Some clients have a tough time expressing themselves or feel intimidated during group or one-on-one sessions. During an experiential therapeutic activity, however, they might not feel “on the spot” and have something else to focus on. 

Sitting in a room with a therapist and just talking isn’t for everyone—especially if they are new to treatment. Some people also need time to build trust with a therapist before they express their emotions. Experiential therapy can help clients build that trust within a group or individual setting. 

This type of therapy also helps those who simply can’t find the right words. However, emotions can be expressed without words through art, music, or drama, for instance. Clients can then learn more about their emotions from feedback provided by peers or therapists.

Begin Experiential Therapy Today

Enlightened Recovery knows that not everyone is ready to express themselves vocally during traditional forms of therapy. Sometimes, clients feel so overwhelmed with emotion that they can’t get the words out. Our experiential therapies can help clients learn more about their emotional wellness while expressing themselves in alternative ways. 

We have locations in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Michigan to treat addiction and co-occurring mental health disorders. Contact us today and start living the healthy, fulfilling life you deserve.

How Do I Know if I Am an Alcoholic?

Sometimes, the line between drinking socially and abusing alcohol can be blurry. What defines alcohol abuse? Is your drinking more of a social thing or a coping mechanism? Are you an alcoholic? Often, the answer isn’t black and white. If you are questioning whether your drinking has become a problem, there are a few things to consider. A few questions you might ask yourself could include the following:

  • How much are you drinking?
  • At what frequency would you say you drink?
  • Is alcohol interfering with your responsibilities?
  • Are you taking risks or putting yourself or others in danger?
  • Do you experience withdrawal symptoms when you are not drinking?

Quantity

The amount of alcohol you consume at one time is a huge factor. Social or casual drinking usually consists of having a couple of drinks after work or on the weekends. It could involve drinking for an occasion or at a special event. The key here is that you aren’t drinking to get drunk. You are aware of your limits and know when to stop.

If drinking is, in fact, a problem, you may drink large quantities at a time. This could lead to sickness or blacking out. You may be unaware of your limit, or you may have no concern for the amount you drink or the consequences.

Frequency

How often you drink is also essential to consider. Some people who drink casually may have a beverage or two every day. More commonly, however, social drinkers tend to only partake on the weekends or during certain activities or events. The quantity you drink and at what frequency is especially relevant.

For example, there is a big difference between having a glass of wine with dinner each night and finishing a few bottles. If you find that you are drinking in excess regularly and find it difficult to stop or limit yourself, it may be time to seek help.

Interfering With Life

If alcohol begins to take such a priority that it interferes with other aspects of your life, this is a sign that you may have a problem. When people are struggling with alcohol addiction, it can be common for their performance and functioning at work and home to begin to slack.

You may notice that you struggle with short-term memory or focus. Staying on task can be difficult when you are battling addiction, especially if you are experiencing withdrawal symptoms. Family members may notice a difference in your behavior or level of interest. It can be hard to balance your typical responsibilities when you have developed an addiction.

Risk-Taking

Do you sometimes drink heavily and choose to get behind the wheel? This can be a sign of a problem. If you find yourself consuming large amounts of alcohol and driving while intoxicated, you are taking a considerable risk. Not only are you putting yourself in danger, but others too.

Those struggling with an addiction to alcohol are also more likely to black out or behave in ways that may be out of character. Blacking out results in memory loss and a lack of awareness and allows an opportunity for assault or other forms of harm.

Withdrawal

Withdrawal occurs when you drink heavily for long periods of time. Your body and your central nervous system adapt and respond to the presence of alcohol in your system. This disrupts normal functioning and sends your body into overdrive in order to keep your brain and organs functioning. Once your body becomes accustomed to running this way, it continues to do so even on days you do not drink. This is what causes the unpleasant symptoms.

If you find that you are experiencing some of the symptoms listed above, it likely means you are drinking large quantities at a high frequency. Seeking treatment can help you detox and rid your body of all of the toxins. Your brain and body can then learn how to function again without alcohol. A few symptoms of alcohol withdrawal can include:

  • Sweating
  • Tremors
  • Insomnia
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Anxiety

Seeking Treatment

Enlightened Recovery offers a variety of treatment methods for drug and alcohol addiction. Our holistic approach promotes healing the body, mind, and spirit. This allows clients to achieve overall wellness and develop strategies for maintaining it throughout recovery.

Our program begins with detox, which allows your body to cleanse itself of all substances and start fresh. Following detox, you will begin participating in various groups, activities, and therapeutic experiences. A few of our treatment strategies include:

Determining whether or not you have a drinking problem can be challenging. If you can relate to any of the issues mentioned above, it may be time to seek help.

Admitting that you have an addiction to alcohol can be difficult. What you considered social or casual drinking may have gotten a little out of control over the years. Some turn to alcohol in response to trauma, loss, or conflict. Regardless of what led to your addiction, Enlightened Recovery is here and ready to help. We conduct a thorough assessment at intake to help identify any underlying conditions and determine what could have contributed to your alcohol abuse. Treating the whole person is our goal. Our staff and therapists can help you develop healthy routines and habits that will enhance your recovery. If you or someone you love is struggling with addiction, call Enlightened Recovery today at (833) 801-LIVE.

orange tablets of stimulants or smart drugs

How Dangerous Are Smart Drugs?

Smart drugs are stimulant prescription medications that people use to enhance their mental performance. Smart drugs can make you feel more awake, more motivated and improve aspects of memory and learning. Like all stimulants, however, they pose serious health risks, and abusing smart drugs can lead to heart problems, psychosis, paranoia, and addiction.

Why Do People Use Smart Drugs?

Smart drugs such as dextroamphetamine (Adderall®) and methylphenidate (Ritalin®) increase the signaling of dopamine in the brain. Dopamine is a chemical that produces feelings of euphoria and may enhance cognitive functions.

Doctors prescribe Adderall and Ritalin for certain psychiatric disorders like attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and narcolepsy. However, there is a growing trend of the misuse of smart drugs by healthy people without any medical need. This includes:

  • Professionals to increase their productivity
  • Older people to slow declining cognition
  • High school and college students to improve academic performance.  Research suggests that in North America, up to 25% of students may have used smart drugs

What Are The Short-Term Dangers of Smart Drugs?

While smart drugs may cause short-term improvements in brain function, they can also have uncomfortable and dangerous side effects. 

Common adverse effects include headaches, dizziness, nervousness, and insomnia, though some people have more extreme reactions. Taking smart drugs can cause psychotic episodes, extreme paranoia, and suicidal thoughts.

Taking high doses of smart drugs also puts you at risk of an overdose. Stimulant overdoses, while not normally fatal, can be extremely dangerous. You may develop a dangerously high body temperature, fast or irregular heartbeat, cardiovascular failure, and have seizures.

What Are The Long-Term Effects of Smart Drugs?

While it may be tempting to use smart drugs to help you do better in college or be more productive at work, repeatedly using smart drugs can lead to a range of severe health problems. 

Using smart drugs may lead to psychiatric disorders such as insomnia, anxiety, and depression. These conditions can have an immense impact on your mental well-being and decrease your productivity and performance in the long run. 

Repeated use of smart drugs can also lead to addiction. When you take smart drugs, it activates the reward pathway in your brain, producing urges to seek and reuse the substance. It also interferes with your ability to resist these urges. These effects may be stronger on a developing brain, putting young people at greater risk.

Addiction is a serious illness that can be devastating to your health, work, and social life. It is a chronic brain disease that causes physical changes in the brain, which can be long-lasting or even permanent. Recovering from addiction requires commitment and support, usually from a rehabilitation center or professional treatment program.

Do Smart Drugs Improve Mental Performance?

Most people misuse smart drugs to try and improve their mental performance. However, scientific research offers contradictory evidence on their effectiveness. Several studies suggest that for healthy individuals, smart drugs do little to improve most cognitive functions. 

A systematic review of studies found that Modafinil did increase wakefulness and attention, even in healthy individuals. However, it also made individuals feel more confident, making it difficult to assess its impact on other aspects of cognitive performance. 

Similarly, a study on the effects of Adderall on young people found that there was no improvement in cognitive functions such as working memory, control, creativity, and intelligence for most people. However, as with Modafinil, participants did perceive their mental skills to be enhanced. This overconfidence may hinder someone’s ability to complete tasks and work effectively, outweighing any benefits of the drug.

Smart drug abuse and addiction can cause serious damage to your health, social life, and work performance. At Enlightened Recovery, we offer our clients tools to use as they move forward in a sober lifestyle. 

Our treatment program focuses on healing the whole person and not just addiction. Our individualized recovery plans are rooted in the 12-step philosophy and provide a range of treatment modalities, including cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), family constellation therapy, art and music therapy, acupuncture and chiropractic care, and equine-assisted therapy. 

Our treatment facilities are located near the southern shore of New Jersey, allowing us to provide optimal healing and relaxation throughout your stay. If you struggle with addiction, or if someone close to you does, please call us at (833) 801-5483 for more information.

The Dangers of Polydrug Use

Polydrug use is when you use more than one drug at a time or mix drugs and alcohol. People usually mix drugs to enhance their effects and to experience a more euphoric high. However, mixing drugs can compound their side effects and increase the chances of an overdose, respiratory failure, or even death.

What Are the Dangers of Polydrug Abuse?

The dangers of mixing drugs depend on the combination of drugs or alcohol that you are using. While it is possible to combine some drugs safely when following a prescription, mixing drugs without medical advice or mixing illicit drugs is extremely dangerous. Some of the possible dangers include:

  • Mental health issues such as depression and anxiety
  • Liver damage and failure
  • Heart problems
  • Stomach bleeding
  • Seizures
  • Coma
  • Respiratory failure
  • Brain damage

Alcohol and Benzodiazepines

Mixing drugs with alcohol is one of the most common forms of polydrug abuse. In 2011, over half of all alcohol-related emergency room visits in the United States also involved illicit drugs. People often mix drugs and alcohol at parties to intensify the intoxicating effects.

Mixing benzodiazepines (benzos) with alcohol can be particularly dangerous. Both substances are central nervous system depressants that work by slowing down the brain. Taking them together compounds their effects and may lead to slow breathing, organ failure, and coma.

Alcohol and Cocaine

People often mix alcohol with cocaine to ease some of cocaine’s negative side effects like anxiety or twitching. It can also re-energize someone and make people feel less drunk.

However, using alcohol with cocaine is hazardous. It enhances the effects of cocaine, increasing its blood concentration by up to 30%. It may also increase your heart rate and cause you to behave more violently.

Combining alcohol with cocaine also produces a new chemical in the liver called cocaethylene. This drug is toxic and may lead to seizures, liver damage, and a weakened immune system.

Opioids and Benzodiazepines

Opioid painkillers and benzodiazepines are both prescription drugs that your doctor may prescribe to treat certain conditions. Combining opioids and benzos is always extremely dangerous. Both drugs are sedatives that impair thinking and suppress breathing which is the leading cause of death by overdose. A study in North Carolina found that death by overdose was ten times higher in patients combining opioids and benzos than in those just using opioids.

Worryingly, many doctors still prescribe opioids and benzos simultaneously. In 2013, 17% of people receiving opioid prescriptions in the United States were also prescribed benzos.

Heroin and Cocaine

Combining heroin and cocaine is known as ‘speedballing’. Taking heroin with cocaine enhances the effects of each drug and produces a new kind of high that you can not experience from taking either substance on its own.

Using both substances together can also reduce some of their negative side effects. While this may make the experience more pleasurable, it can cause you to think that you are soberer than you are. Speedball users may continue to take more of each substance, increasing the chance of an overdose.

The duration of cocaine is shorter than heroin, so the effects wear off earlier. Users who have taken a high dose of heroin can experience respiratory failure when the effects of cocaine subside. Repeatedly injecting drugs also increases the risk of collapsed veins and abscesses.

How Does Polydrug Use Lead to Addiction?

When you repeatedly use an addictive substance, it affects the reward pathways in your brain. Your brain recognizes the pleasurable effects of a drug and produces urges to use the substance again. If you take multiple addictive substances, this reward-seeking behavior is reinforced and intensified. It strengthens the urges to use drugs, increasing the chances of addiction.

Polydrug abuse is a serious problem in the United States that can be devastating to your short-term and long-term health. At Enlightened Recovery, we offer our clients numerous tools to move forward in a sober lifestyle. We focus on healing the whole person alongside addiction. Our treatment program is rooted in the 12-step philosophy and offers each client an individualized recovery plan.

We offer a range of treatment modalities, including cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), family constellation therapy, art and music therapy, yoga and meditation, acupuncture and chiropractic work, and equine-assisted therapy. Our treatment facilities are on the south shores of New Jersey and provide optimal healing and relaxation. If you seek relief from addiction, or if someone close to you does, please call us at (833) 801-5483 for more information about our treatment options.