Tag Archives: Opiate and painkiller abuse treatment for Alberta Residents in Calgary

Empathy In Calgary : A Main Ingredient In The Drug And Alcohol Recovery Process – Options Okanagan

Empathy: A main ingredient in the drug and alcohol recovery process in Calgary, Edmonton, Red Deer residents and other parts of Alberta by Options Okanagan Treatment Center in Kelowna, British Columbia treating drug and alcohol addiction and recovery.

Are you familiar with the phrase “contempt breeds contempt?” This applies to many of life’s situations, and it is certainly fitting when it comes to the countless families out there dealing with drug addiction.

Opiate addiction and Drug and Alcohol abuse and addiction in Ca;gary, Alberta

Avoid Playing The Blame Game

When you are watching your loved ones fall into the pit that is addiction, it can be very easy to start pointing fingers and blaming them for all of the terrible things they have done as a result of their problem. In case you didn’t know, this is not a very effective way to handle the situation. In fact, this can make them get defensive and respond with hate and hostility. This is why it is important to handle addicts with all of the empathy and compassion you can muster.

Being Understanding

Empathy involves understanding where another person is coming from; putting yourself in their shoes for a moment. If you make an effort to relate to your loved one who has an addiction, you will be closer to understanding all of the insecurities and emotions. This will help you build trust, which will be an integral part of maintaining a good relationship with them.

People Living with Opiate Drug and Alcohol addiction in Calgary, Alberta

Overcoming Shame

Empathy is also critical when it comes to getting past a huge part of addiction – shame. Many addicts feel shame because of their behaviors, and there is no reason for you to make them feel worse by criticizing and judging them. This will only make them upset, disconnected from you and it may hinder any progress they have been working toward. If you are caring and supportive with them, you will have a very different outcome. Once we try to see through the eyes of someone else, it will help us reach a much deeper level with them. This is exactly what will be needed to forge a connection and begin the healing process.

Men Living with Drug and Alcohol addiction in Calgary, Alberta

Other Advantages Of Being Empathetic

You should always remember that self-healing of not the only good thing about being empathetic. Other benefits of this includes less family drama, heightened communication, and the opportunity to see life in a more positive way. Empathy will help build much stronger relationships and it will help the addict get into a better emotional state as they are heading down the path toward recovery.

Options Okanagan Drug And Alcohol Treatment Centers in Kelowna, Salmon Arm and Vancouver, British Columbia – Men and Women are recovering and healing from Alcohol and Drug Abuse at our treatment center here in the Okanagan right now.

Individuals Living with Alcohol Addiction in Calgary, Alberta

Our unique and distinctive drug treatment program allows men and women to come in from Calgary as well as Edmonton as we offer airport pickup.

Numerous clients come to us from Calgary and Edmonton and other locations in Alberta and even other provinces for Opiate addiction treatment, meth drug treatment, many other drug and alcohol addictions for rehabilitation because of the uniqueness of our treatment center.

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Our Treatment Location:
Options Okanagan Alcohol Treatment Center
551 Sherrydale Crescent, Kelowna, British Columbia, V1V 2E6
Toll Free Phone Number : 1-855-335-0331

Drug Addiction And Recovery In Calgary, Alberta – Options Okanagan

Drug addiction and recovery in Calgary, Edmonton, Red Deer residents and other parts of Alberta by Options Okanagan Treatment Center in Kelowna, British Columbia treating drug and alcohol addiction and recovery.

When an individual recognizes that he or she has a destructive substance abuse issue they cannot control, they become motivated to seek assistance to change. This is when addiction recovery really takes place. Even though medical detoxification techniques can help safely remove a harmful substance from a person’s body, addiction is much more than merely a physical dependence. It is in fact a psychological disorder. Substance abuse is usually provoked when a person faces challenging life situations, and it will keep on cropping up. So it is important to consider what caused the substance abuse in the first place before thinking of recovery. Recovery is not only confined to a treatment facility, but in the daily life of an addict once they leave the facility. In fact, recovery involves creating a new life based on important principles that promote sobriety, health and well-being.

Opiate addiction and Drug and Alcohol abuse and addiction in Ca;gary, Alberta

Freedom In Addiction Recovery | Calgary, Alberta

An effective addiction recovery program should take into consideration the connection between emotional, psychological and physical aspects of the addiction. If a person is to break his or her habit on relying on substance abuse as a solution to life’s challenges, he or she has to make some important changes in his or her attitudes and coping skills. Drugs are usually chemicals that change the way the brain works. They can also be used to numb unwanted emotions of the user. Once the addict is sober from the effects of the drug, these emotions and feelings may return with force. There will be a spectrum of emotional response while the addict begins to confront their life again. This is the real problem faced by the individual turning to substance abuse. The tools learned during treatment will prepare such an individual to the challenges ahead. They will slowly learn to achieve freedom from addiction.

People Living with Opiate Drug and Alcohol addiction in Calgary, Alberta

Relapse Prevention – Addiction Recovery Program In Calgary, Alberta

Staying sober requires more than developing the strength to say no to one’s habit of substance abuse. Addiction recovery will prevent an individual from falling back into the habit of using drugs or alcohol, in order to deal with life’s challenges. Relapse prevention is a cognitive behavioral approach, which has a goal of preventing high risk situations and understanding the warning signs. In fact, prevention begins well before relapse occurs. You should have a comprehensive plan that accounts for social interactions and emotional triggers while developing positive coping mechanisms.

Men Living with Drug and Alcohol addiction in Calgary, Alberta

In fact, staying sober is not the only thing, though it is an essential part in recovering from addictions and alcoholism. You need to interact with others who can offer moral support. There are times when an individual feels isolated from the disease process itself. Possessing a figurative set of tools to handle such situations is extremely important. Cognitive processes help the individual to reframe habitual thinking patterns. Lifestyle modifications and behavioral techniques also help promote healthy coping mechanisms in such individuals.

Options Okanagan Drug And Alcohol Treatment Centers in Kelowna, Salmon Arm and Vancouver, British Columbia – Men and Women are recovering and healing from Alcohol and Drug Abuse at our treatment center here in the Okanagan right now.

Individuals Living with Alcohol Addiction in Calgary, Alberta

Our unique and distinctive drug treatment program allows men and women to come in from Calgary as well as Edmonton as we offer airport pickup.

Numerous clients come to us from Calgary and Edmonton and other locations in Alberta and even other provinces for Opiate addiction treatment, meth drug treatment, many other drug and alcohol addictions for rehabilitation because of the uniqueness of our treatment center.

Google+ Options Okanagan

Our Treatment Location:
Options Okanagan Alcohol Treatment Center
551 Sherrydale Crescent, Kelowna, British Columbia, V1V 2E6
Toll Free Phone Number : 1-855-335-0331

Calgary, Alberta : Drug And Alcohol Risk Factors Explained Part 1 – Options Okanagan

Drug and alcohol risk factors explained for Calgary, Edmonton, Red Deer residents and other parts of Alberta by Options Okanagan Treatment Center in Kelowna, British Columbia treating drug and alcohol addiction and recovery.

Is drug addiction a disease? This has been a major topic of discussion in the last couple of decades, but thanks to the recent advancements in the medical industry, we have been able to prove that drug addiction is actually disease. Drug addiction is a neurological illness that is characterized by a poor dopamine control system found in the brain. If you already have this predisposition in your brain, you will find yourself searching for something that will trigger a greater dopamine rush. This is all with an aim of achieving satisfaction that normal individuals will be able to get through primal instincts like eating and drinking.

Opiate addiction and Drug and Alcohol abuse and addiction in Ca;gary, Alberta

Once your brain has been used to the dopamine levels released by drug consumption, it becomes difficult to achieve the same levels of satisfaction in other areas of your day to day life. Methamphetamines and cocaine are especially effective at making the brain release high amounts of dopamine, and this leads to the user constantly looking for these drugs to be able to achieve satisfaction. This is especially something bound to people with low dopamine control.

However, the poor neurological function is not the only cause of drug addiction. There are other many factors that contribute to drug addiction and it usually takes a combination of these many factors to become addicted to a certain drug or substance.

People Living with Opiate Drug and Alcohol addiction in Calgary, Alberta

Risk Factors for Addiction

Addiction to drugs is never a result of just a single problem in the victim’s life. It is developed through the combination of factors and situations that the patient might have been exposed to.

In regards to this, there are three main areas of risk factors for drug addiction. They include drug choices and delivery method, biological factors and environmental factors as well.

Men Living with Drug and Alcohol addiction in Calgary, Alberta

Environmental Factors and Influences

One of the biggest risk factors that can lead to drug addiction is the home life. Statistics show that children who come from uncaring or abusive households are more prone to becoming addicted to drugs. The drugs are used as emotional substitutes for their unhappiness. Ideally, a home where the kids are regularly exposed to drugs or alcohol is extremely influential in the potential development of drug and alcohol addiction.

Research has shown that the younger a person is when they are exposed or introduced to drugs, the more likely they are to become addicts to the same. At this young age, the brain is still developing and drug use can change the way the brain forms and operates, especially at the adolescent age and this increases the chances of addiction later in a person’s life.

NA and NA Group Meetings on Opiates - Frequently Asked Questions – Calgary, Alberta - Options Okanagan Treatment Center for Opiate Addiction

Poor coping skills is another drug addiction risk factor. This is because poor coping skills tend to lead to the inability of an individual to handle stress. Stress is a factor that leads many to drug and alcohol abuse as a means to escape or get away from it all. This is especially prevalent in people who have jobs that call for daily stress and pressure. You might have heard of professionals in banking and stock exchange sectors who turned to drugs as a means of dealing with the daily pressure and mental stress.

Peer pressure is yet another risk factor common in young people in their teenage lives. The pressure of being accepted by peers or socially accepted by others is one of the main reasons that one might have tried drugs in the first place. Addicts who gave in to peer pressure say that saying no to those who influenced them was a hard to say. In most cases, the addicts would take part in drug and alcohol usage to please others and have a sense of fitting in somewhere.

Options Okanagan Drug And Alcohol Treatment Centers in Kelowna, Salmon Arm and Vancouver, British Columbia – Men and Women are recovering and healing from Alcohol and Drug Abuse at our treatment center here in the Okanagan right now.

Individuals Living with Alcohol Addiction in Calgary, Alberta

Our unique and distinctive drug treatment program allows men and women to come in from Calgary as well as Edmonton as we offer airport pickup.

Numerous clients come to us from Calgary and Edmonton and other locations in Alberta and even other provinces for Opiate addiction treatment, meth drug treatment, many other drug and alcohol addictions for rehabilitation because of the uniqueness of our treatment center.

Google+ Options Okanagan

Our Treatment Location:
Options Okanagan Alcohol Treatment Center
551 Sherrydale Crescent, Kelowna, British Columbia, V1V 2E6
Toll Free Phone Number : 1-855-335-0331

Drug Abuse, Drug Addiction and The Brain In Calgary, Alberta – Options Okanagan

Drug abuse and the brain in Calgary, Edmonton, Red Deer and other parts of Alberta by Options Okanagan Treatment Center in Kelowna, British Columbia treating drug addiction and recovery.

It is never clear to many people as to why an individual of sound mind would end up addicted or even how drugs have the power to change the way of one’s thinking and initiate compulsive drug abuse. T is common for people to view mistakenly drug abuse as a social problem and that those who indulge in drugs are morally weak. One of the misguide belief is that drug addicts should simply stop taking drugs if they have the willpower to do so.

Opiate addiction and Drug and Alcohol abuse and addiction in Calgary, Alberta

People often underestimate what they don’t understand. Drug addiction is a very complex disease that has a great impact on the brain, which makes it difficult to stop an addiction. Thanks to scientific advancements, we now know that drug addiction is not all about willpower, and we are now able to comprehend exactly how drugs work in the brain. We also know that drug addiction can now be successfully treated.

What Is Drug Addiction?

Drug addiction is a unique chronic brain disease that leads to compulsive drug seeking and use in spite of harmful consequences to the user of the drug and those around them. The reason as to why drug abuse can be termed as a brain disease is the fact that it results in changes in the functioning and the structure of the brain. Even though the very first decision to take drugs is voluntary, after a while, the abrupt changes in one’s brain can affect their self-control as well as their ability to make wise choices.

People Living with Opiate Drug and Alcohol addiction in Calgary, Alberta

The reason for the inability of a drug addict to stop using drugs is due to the effects that the drug’s impact on the brain. However, there are treatments available today that can help individuals to neutralize addiction’s powerful, disturbing effects and regain control. Studies show that the combination of addiction treatment medication with behavioral therapy is a great way of ensuring the success of a patient in recovery. Treatments that are customized to suit each of the patient’s drug abuse patterns, concurrent medical, social problems and psychiatric issues can result in an unrelenting recovery and a life free of drugs.

Men Living with Drug and Alcohol addiction in Calgary, Alberta

Similar to other chronic diseases, drug addiction can be managed effectively. However, note that it is not unusual for a recovering drug addict to relapse and continue using drugs again. A relapse does not mean that one should lose hope; rather, it is a suggestion that the treatment should be reinstated or changed or that another form of treatment is needed to help the person recover.

Options Okanagan Drug Treatment Centers in Kelowna, Salmon Arm and Vancouver, British Columbia – Men and Women are recovering and healing from Alcohol and Drug Abuse at our treatment center here in the Okanagan right now.

Individuals Living with Drug Addiction in Calgary, Alberta

Our unique and distinctive drug treatment program allows men and women to come in from Calgary as well as Edmonton as we offer airport pickup.

Numerous clients come to us from Calgary and Edmonton and other locations in Alberta and even other provinces for Opiate addiction treatment, meth drug treatment, many other drug and alcohol addictions for rehabilitation because of the uniqueness of our treatment center.

Google+ Options Okanagan

Our Treatment Location:
Options Okanagan Drug Treatment Center
551 Sherrydale Crescent, Kelowna, British Columbia, V1V 2E6
Toll Free Phone Number : 1-855-335-0331

Forms Of Drug Addiction Behavioral Treatments In Calgary, Alberta – Options Okanagan

Forms of drug addiction behavioral treatments in Calgary, Edmonton, Red Deer and other parts of Alberta by Options Okanagan Treatment Center in Kelowna, British Columbia treating drug addiction and recovery.

Behavioral treatment is a therapy done on patients that help them overcome drug addiction and enable them live a healthy life. This procedure makes it possible for the patient’s body to respond to medicine administered to them. Through this form of treatment, drug addicts are able to stay in treatment for much longer and not suffer from withdrawal symptoms. Drug abuse treatments often take longer than regular medications and are mostly delivered in different settings.

Opiate addiction and Drug and Alcohol abuse and addiction in Calgary and Edmonton, Alberta

The most commonly preferred mode of treatment for drug addiction is outpatient behavioral treatment. This encompasses group or individual drug counseling, where they are required to report to the treatment center. Other forms of behavioral treatments in use today include:

1. Cognitive therapy: This therapy involves helping the patient cope, avoid and recognize situations that lead to addiction and abuse of drugs.

2. Multidimensional family therapy: This treatment method was adopted to help adolescents and family units affected by drug addiction. This method however addressed various forms of drug abuse and patterns with the primary aim of improving family functions.

People Living with Opiate Drug and Alcohol addiction in Calgary, Alberta

3. Motivational interviews: Motivational interviews mostly capitalize on one’s readiness to change behavior before taking on any treatment measure.

4. Contingency management: Also referred to as motivational incentives, it mainly focuses on using positive reinforcement to encourage abstinence from drugs.

Treatments in residential areas are also useful in treating and helping people abstain from drug abuse. Therapeutic Communities (TCs) are splendid examples of residential treatment programs. TCs are structured programs that allow patients to remain at their residence while on treatment. This program may run for 6 or 12 months depending on the patient’s response. This method of treatment and awareness however differs from other modes of treatments in that; the treatment involves using those in recovery and treatment staff. This treatment method is however preferred for those long addiction histories, severe social functioning impairment, and those with serious criminal convictions.

Men Living with Drug and Alcohol addiction in Calgary, Alberta

A lot has however changed in therapeutic communities as the program can now accommodate pregnant and nursing women. Although not openly referred to as therapy, this treatment mode helps addicts to be re-accepted in the society and live a normal life.

Criminal Justice Treatment System

This method is commonly used on offenders to prevent them from going back to a criminal behavior. This form of therapy goes on even after the offender has been released back into the society. The good thing about this kind of treatment is that it doesn’t have to be voluntary for it to be effective.

Options Okanagan Drug Treatment Centers in Kelowna, Salmon Arm and Vancouver, British Columbia – Men and Women are recovering and healing from Alcohol and Drug Abuse at our treatment center here in the Okanagan right now.

Individuals Living with Drug Addiction in Calgary, Alberta

Our unique and distinctive Alcohol treatment program allows men and women to come in from Calgary as well as Edmonton as we offer airport pickup.

Numerous clients come to us from Calgary and Edmonton and other locations in Alberta and even other provinces for Opiate addiction treatment, meth drug treatment, many other drug and alcohol addictions for rehabilitation because of the uniqueness of our treatment center.

Google+ Options Okanagan

Our Treatment Location:
Options Okanagan Drug Treatment Center
551 Sherrydale Crescent, Kelowna, British Columbia, V1V 2E6
Toll Free Phone Number : 1-855-335-0331

Calgary, Alberta Alcohol Treatment and Recovery: Coping With Alcohol Urges And Cravings After Alcohol Rehab Treatment

Coping with alcohol urges after alcohol rehab treatment in Alberta and British Columbia by Options Okanagan Treatment Center in Kelowna, British Columbia treating alcohol addiction and recovery.

Alcohol cravings can be quite intense. And this is especially true during the first six months after a person stops drinking. However, with good treatment, you can be ready for such challenging times. You will be able to develop new coping skills which will help avoid craving for alcohol, social pressure to take alcohol and even stressful situations.

How To Manage Alcohol Cravings

If you you are struggling with alcohol cravings, then you will certainly find these strategies helpful.

1. Talk to someone you trust. It might be a friend, a relative, a sponsor or even someone from your faith community.

2. Keep reminding yourself why you quit: when someone experiences alcohol craving, it is usually due to remembering the good things and forgetting the negative things that alcohol has.

3. Distracting yourself until the craving passes: for distraction, you can listen to music, go for a stroll, walk your dog, play an engaging game or even some house cleaning. This will put your mind of the urge to drink.

Alcohol abuse and addiction in Calgary and Edmonton

You should also learn to accept the fact that you are having an urge to drink, instead of fighting it. Rather than attempting to battle, ignore or judge the urge, you should instead ride it out by accepting it and it will pass even faster than you would expect.

The Steps Of Urge Surfing

1. Taking Note Of How You Experience the Craving

You can do this by sitting on a comfortable chair and taking a few deep breaths to bring your attention inward. You should let your attention go through your body and try to discover which part in your body has the craving and what the sensations feel like. Note each area that you feel the urge and say what you are experiencing. It might be your stomach, your mouth or any other part.

People Living with Alcohol addiction in Edmonton and Calgary, Alberta

2. Focusing On The Area With The Urge

Know the exact sensations in that particular area. For instance, you might feel numb, tingly or cold. How large is the area involved and are the muscles tense or relaxed? These are some of the sensations you should note. Ideally, notice the changes that occur with the sensation. Maybe you feel tension in your lips and tongue, you might experience dryness on your mouth or even imagine the smell of whisky as you inhale.

3. Repeat The Focus Process With Every Part That Experiences Cravings

You should describe the various changes that happen with the sensations. Ideally, take note of how the urge comes and how it goes. The essence of this exercise is not to get rid of the craving, but to experience it in a whole new way. If you practice this, you will ultimately be familiar with your urges and you will learn how to deal with them until they vanish.

Men Living with Drug and Alcohol addiction in Calgary, Alberta

Avoid Drinking Triggers

You should avoid anything that gives you the urge to drink. This can be anything from people, activities, places etc. Try your best to avoid these triggers. Also, do keep in mind that avoiding these triggers may mean changing your lifestyle and even social life. You may be forced to do new things with your friends or even give up on those friends if the influence is inevitable.

You should have a habit of saying no to alcohol in certain situations. Even if you avoid alcohol, there are times where you will be offered a bear. In such situations you should firmly, but politely say “no, but thanks.”

Options Okanagan Opiate and Alcohol Treatment Centers in Kelowna, Salmon Arm and Vancouver, British Columbia – Men and Women are recovering and healing from Alcohol and Drug Abuse at our treatment center here in the Okanagan right now.

Individuals Living with Opiate Addiction in Kelowna

Our unique and distinctive Opiate Drug and Alcohol treatment program allows men and women to come in from Calgary as well as Edmonton as we offer airport pickup.

Numerous clients come to us from Calgary and Edmonton and other locations in Alberta and even other provinces for Opiate addiction treatment, meth drug treatment, many other drug and alcohol addictions for rehabilitation because of the uniqueness of our treatment center.

Google+ Options Okanagan

Our Treatment Location:
Options Okanagan Alcohol Treatment Center
551 Sherrydale Crescent, Kelowna, British Columbia, V1V 2E6
Toll Free Phone Number : 1-855-335-0331