Drug and Alcohol Rehab - Aftercare Program

 

 Alcohol addiction is a progressive disease and the chances of addiction relapse are higher even after completing the extensive program. It is a very crucial phase that needs attention and support. It is believed that the process of recovery does not end by completing treatment at the drug and alcohol rehab center but it is only the first step of the process. It is important to provide continuous support to individuals for a healthy recovery and lifetime sobriety. For this, many treatment centers have a specialized program called the aftercare treatment, which is nothing but a beginning to the lifelong process of growth and happiness without even a single shadow of addiction. The aftercare program is as important as the addiction treatment where the individual gets to learn about various strategies and methods that can help him avoid consuming drugs and alcohol after completing the program. Although patients have completed the primary treatment that is a more sensitive treatment they need to participate in aftercare program to increase their chances of success in maintaining abstinence for a long time. The main aim of the aftercare program is to achieve complete recovery from drug and alcohol addiction. The aftercare program at drug and alcohol rehab center usually comprises of weekly sessions in order to provide complete support and care to patients after graduating from the addiction treatment. The sessions include group meetings and discussion forums carried out by expert professionals from the center. The program also consists of personal and group counseling to understand what the patient needs to attain sobriety. Some of the activities used at the center include picnics, daily chores at the facility, games, events like dancing and music and creative activities to keep the individuals involved at all times. The patients also have the option to choose between the inpatient and outpatient treatment for being cured at the facility. Aftercare program can be simply described as a forum where the patients get a chance to explore the obstacles lying in their way and their chances of emerging successful in them. The facility teaches various tricks, methods and strategies to handle day to day issues and avoid any kind of craving and desires. 

 

They also receive feedback and continuing support from the drug and alcohol rehab aftercare program that can help them take every challenge in life. The people who complete the aftercare program are encouraged to attend the alumni meeting and events to always stay connected with the center and feel comfortable whenever they wish to consult. The aftercare program is the follow up of primary program. After completing the program, the client is able to function appropriately using the self-direction plan and is able to take charge of his life again. People can resist craving even after the primary program but their chances of success and sobriety increase many folds by simply participating in the aftercare facility. Besides this they also get assistance in environmental issues, such as vocational rehabilitation, finding right jobs, being insured, securing future, safe housing and reuniting with the happy family.

9 Reasons Why People Abuse Drugs and Alcohol

 

1. People suffering from anxiety, bipolar disorder, depression or other mental illnesses use drugs and alcohol to ease their suffering. Mental illness is such a burden for some people they will try just about anything to relieve the pain. Drugs or alcohol can temporarily make that person feel 'normal' again, like they remember feeling in the past. Mental illness is scary for the individual experiencing it, so they are afraid to go to a doctor or family member for help and instead turn to drugs or alcohol to try and solve the problem on their own. 2. People see family members, friends, role models or entertainers using drugs and rationalize that they can too. As teenagers and young adults, it's very easy to think that drug and alcohol use can be handled and controlled, especially if they see others they know doing the same thing. It can become easy to rationalize like: 'hey my friend's been doing this for a couple years and he seems fine to me.' Entertainment and music is full of drug references and that can add to the rationalization that drug use is OK sometimes. Individuals with a family history of drug or alcohol abuse are far more likely to develop an addiction than an individual with no family background of addiction. 3. People become bored and think drugs will help. Boredom is a big factor in drug abuse in teens and young adults. People in this age bracket generally don't have bills, jobs and all the stresses that go along with adulthood. So it's easier to become bored and want to try something new and exciting. Drug use is often thought of as a way to escape the mundane world and enter an altered reality. 4. People think drugs will help relieve stress. Our modern world is full of new strains and stresses that humans have never experienced in the past. Although many things in life are now easier than ever, the burdens are also very high. Simply having a family, maintaining a household, and holding a job are huge stress factors. Some drugs are viewed as a means of relaxation - a way to calm the storm in your mind. Although drugs can be very effective at doing that, there can be serious side effects. 5. People figure if a drug is prescribed by a doctor, it must be ok. It is easy for an individual to rationalize using a drug because it came from a doctor. The thinking goes like this 'it was prescribed to someone I know for the same problem I am having, so it makes sense it should work for me too.' The dangerous part about this rationalization is that this can lead to mixing of drugs, overdose, unintended side effects and/or dependency. 6. People get physically injured and unintentionally get hooked on prescribed drugs. The people at risk for this are physical laborers, elderly, and anyone with pre-existing injuries. Some people are born with chronic pain due to deformities - others get injured. 

 

Doctors then prescribe drugs for what they are intended for and a person can quickly build a dependency. Especially if that drug is making them feel all better, they rationalize that it must be OK to keep taking the drug, which can result in dependency. 7. People use drugs to cover painful memories in their past. Many people go through extremely traumatic events in their life, many times as children, and turn to drugs to cover the horrible memories. Children are extremely susceptible to trauma, whether physically or emotionally, and those feelings can haunt them into their adulthood. These people could benefit from working with psychologists to help repair their damaged mind. Drugs usually only deepen the issue. 8. People think drugs will help them fit in. When hanging out with friends, it's easy for people to want to fit in and seem like one of the crew. If others are drinking or doing drugs, it's very likely for someone to fall into that trap. Peer pressure can be a tremendous force causing someone to try things they would normally not try on their own. 9. People chase the high they once experienced. Ask anyone who has tried drugs and they will tell you that it is one of the best feelings of their life. The highs from drugs are so much more extreme than regular everyday joys because most drugs overload the pleasure sensors in your brain. Once a person feels this extreme pleasure, it's common for that person to become hooked on a drug simply chasing the initial high they once felt. As we all know, this is a viscous cycle that is extremely difficult to break. The highs are equally as powerful as the lows felt when coming off of the drugs.

 

How Does Drug and Alcohol Rehab Work?

Drug and alcohol rehab has come more to the forefront with the increasing number of television shows that are doing interventions. Interventions are not a new thing. You are just hearing more about them. Interventions are a way of getting loved ones that need substance abuse treatment to go to an inpatient facility to get the help that they need. But what really happens in rehab? Detox is the first step. Many substances have a physical withdrawal and will require medical monitoring and medication to go through the process of relieving your body of that dependency. This process will usually be complete within a week. Education is a big part of becoming clean and sober. You are educated and what specific substances do to your body. You are also taught to deal with the feelings that brought you to the point you were at when you entered the program. Learning how to develop and use a support system as well as what you can do to avoid relapse are a very big part of the educational aspect of a rehab program. You will meet with individual counselors and also attend group therapy. The group therapy sessions and the 12 steps meeting, that you will be introduced to, will be an important part of your support system. Developing and using a support system is crucial, especially in the early years of recovery. These will be the people that can help you stay clean and sober when you are faced with trying situations in your life. Family therapy is an essential part of rehab. There is no family in existence that can be emotionally healthy if one of its members has a substance abuse problem. It is important that family members learn to deal with feelings that they had during the active addiction of their loved one as well as how they are feeling when that person becomes sober. Al-Anon is a support group for family members of addicts. The final step is the aftercare program. This consists of what you are going to do to stay clean and sober after the inpatient program has been completed. This can be anything to moving into a sober living facility, meeting with counselors and therapists and attending 12 step meeting. Rehab is by no means a walk in the park. It is physically and emotionally painful. But your first day clean and sober will be the first day of the rest of your life. As long as your take your life one day at a time and use what you learned, you will continue to live a life free from the use of drugs and alcohol.

Drug and Alcohol Awareness Classes Help Decrease Risk for Tragedies

While many online alcohol and drug prevention classes are intended for those who were, "busted by the cops," the classes may adversely prove to be a very positive force in their life. It has the ability to cause a turn around for the substance abuser. This, indeed, is good for everyone. Often times what one gets out of a circumstance is not what he/she initially thought was going to be the case. However, after being forced to take such a class in order to meet a court order, during the session may open one's eyes to the true danger that alcohol and drug abuse can indeed cause. For the user and those around them. Ultimately, taking one of these classes could quite literally save the life of a the user, friend, family member, or stranger. The number of deaths caused by driving under the influence, drug over dose, or alcohol poisoning has noticeably increased over the past decade. Each death is an unnecessary tragedy that could have been prevented if caught in time. These classes bring about real life statistics and situations that have taken lives. It allows the student to pause and ponder the potential result of their actions if they do not seek the help needed to help them overcome their disease. While the online class does not take the place of a live physician and team of doctors to help the user deal with the problem, it does bring an awareness that help is needed. Accepting that fact is the first step toward seeking a cure. Some substance abusers may even take note of their problem in private, but are not yet ready to go public with their problem. Earnestly seeking help online in private may be all that they can handle in the beginning. Thanks to online drug classes, this is possible. It can help them truly recognize the repercussion of their actions to self and others... as well as potential fatal accidents that may occur while under the influence. Once enlightened to the truth in a safe place, the possibility of their deciding to go the next step and seek ongoing help off line is hopeful. With any healing process, the first step is usually the hardest: no longer living in denial. Substance abuse does not discriminate in ethnicity, gender, or demographic location. It can hit anyone anywhere under a number of unfortunate circumstances. The good news is that victory over the problem can be had by all by education in alcohol awareness classes.

Addiction is Not All About Drugs and Alcohol

"Being abnormally tolerant to and dependent on something that is psychologically or physically habit-forming (especially alcohol or narcotic drugs)" The above is a dictionary definition of addiction. Although tolerance to, and physical dependance upon a substance, is not the medical definition of addiction. Which is: "an addiction is a chronic neurobiologic disorder that has genetic, psychosocial, and environmental dimensions and is characterized by one of the following: the continued use of a substance despite its detrimental effects, impaired control over the use of a drug (compulsive behavior), and preoccupation with a drug's use for non-therapeutic purposes (i.e. craving the drug)." (source - Wikipedia) Addiction is very often associated with anti social behaviour, as the addict often needs to steal to fund his or her particular addiction. In fact addiction is now one of the most costly problems for the United States, especially in view of the fact that addiction is progressive, and will continue to get worse unless, and until, suitable treatment is sought and undertaken. Even having made the decision to quit, many addicts fall by the wayside and take many attempts before eventual success. Furthermore once addicted, even if successful in coming off a substance, an addict is still addicted, and many require help for many years if not for life. Most of us are aware of the alcoholics introduction at their meetings. "Hi, I'm (name), and I'm an alcoholic". It's a massive problem, and it is now being recognised that it is not just the physical dependance upon a substance, but the psychological dependance, which is probably the more important. The mind is an amazingly powerful thing. If your mind tells you that you need a certain thing to function then that's what will happen. You will move heaven and earth to get hold of that thing, if you have to beg, borrow, steal, and lie to do so. Anyone can get addicted to an incredible variety of things. We automatically think of drugs and alcohol when we think of addiction. And it's true that alcohol and drugs are probably the most commonly abused substances. However, it can just as easily be shopping, gambling, sex, food, internet, even work. Every one of these addictions can be equally as destructive to an addict and their family. They are just as pre-occupied with getting their next "fix" to the oblivion of everything else around them. Fatal consequences are unfortunately not uncommon. Any form of addiction is an outward manifestation that someone is is in deep trouble and requires prompt treatment. Addiction is a terrible, debilitating condition, but the good news is that it is treatable. There are many places to get help, of course the addict must in the first instance want that help. That is the first stage toward recovery. Treatment for addiction takes many forms, and will depend upon the nature of the addiction, and the person themselves. It can involve therapy, medication, self-help groups, or a combination of all these. The most important thing is to recognise the symptoms early, and seek treatment at the first opportunity.

Parenting Guidelines For Sex, Drugs And Alcohol - Does Your Teen Know About The Risks?

If you have been living under a rock, you will simply not be aware that up to 25% of teenage girls will be date raped before leaving high school. Here are some parenting guidelines. How on earth can you avoid talking about this? The fact is that all teenage girls need to be made aware of this and I know that there are some training courses held which can help a girl to defend herself, should that occasion ever arise. Every girl has the right to go shopping or to a party without ever having to be afraid or be at risk. At the same time, she knows how to avoid danger and defend herself in the case of attack. She knows what precautions to take and how to avoid certain situations which are fertile grounds for attacks like this. If you are a parent of a teenage boy, you need to ask him what his attitude about this is. The need for respect, the role that alcohol or drugs might play in skewing his impulses and in making decisions. He should be aware of these and knows that there is a risk and that force, violence or bullying are just not on. As regards drugs and alcohol you need to ensure that there is supervision at a party that your teen is attending. As lots of parents are just absent, it is common sense to phone ahead and ascertain just who is in charge. Here are some parenting guidelines about how to raise awareness of the dangers • Talk about stories you know of drug abuse., alcohol abuse and wrecked lives • Talk about lessons you learned as a teen when you were confronted with certain choices • Talk about mistakes you made and how they almost ruined your life or talk about friends who were actually in that situation. • Use You Tube to show them examples • Talk about safety issues, the law, risks of committing felonies and arrest • Talk about traffic accidents, ruined lives and deaths. The best thing to do is to make your teen promise that he or she is not getting into any car driven by a drunken teenager or somebody who is high on ecstasy. That is a life threatening situation and you can offer to come and get your teen if that situation should ever occur. It is an emergency and your part of the deal is not to ask questions but just to act, to save a life. These then are just a few parenting guidelines to help you deal with the sex, drugs and alcohol issues which are ever present and which your teens must be aware of. They know about them because you took time out to talk about them. Many parents never even bother! Why not click through and discover other parenting guidelines for dealing with teenage problems.

Drug and Alcohol Abuse Is a Bigger Problem Than Most Realize

It is wonderful to live in a nation where you are free to exercise your rights. It is nice to have a government that establishes laws that protect the overall population. It is nice to know that you could be born and raised in one of the worst city ghettos or country swamp land and end up living in high class urban society or suburbia. However, with all of these freedoms come consequences for those that will 'push the envelope' for their own gain. Many have learned the system that was created for good and use it for evil. Thus, America has a hard time making sure that all laws are enforced. Many of the problems are of a domestic situation such as illegal drug use and alcohol consumption by minors (those less than twenty-one years old). Illegal drug and alcohol use are a huge problem in America for several reasons: Latch Key Children Coming Home Daily to an Empty House Not Strict Enough on the Mexican Boarders Making of Fake Identification Cards Easy Access to Legal Drugs and Abusing The Use of Them The terminology, "Latch Key Children," in America refers to school aged children that come home daily to an empty home instead of a home where adults are home. The key is typically on the person of the child or left in a hidden place that only family members know about. After school hours, the child simply lets himself in to his home with no restrictions whatsoever. Sure, the legal guardian or parent may have, "laid down the law," orally or even written it down on paper. However, nothing takes the place of hands on daily guidance. Thus, many with up to four or more hours before their guardian is to be home has much time to complete their homework, and get themselves into unfortunate situations using liquor and/or drugs where none is the wiser... until it is too late. Many drugs still enter the United States of America via the Mexican Boarders, such as through Texas and San Diego. America has made it very easy not only for Mexicans to enter the country without the proper credentials by not having the necessary military in place to protect the land from intruders. This being the case, bringing in illegal drugs to sell and use is as easy as taking a trip to the tobacco shop and buying a pack of cigarettes. The ring of fraudulent identification card makers make it very easy for minors to gain access to alcohol. The average twelve year old American can easily pass for a twenty-one year old in most cases. For whatever the reason (hormonal products in our food, etc.), preteens and teenagers have a much older appearance than they did back in the 1950's or 60's. It is nothing for them to purchase their own alcohol and go home to an empty house and drink it... or worse, invite their friends over as well. One of the latest crazes amongst our youth is abusing legal prescription drugs or household products in such a way that they can "get a high" off of the chemicals. Something as common as a can of hair spray has been inhaled to get a high, instead of on the hair to create a style. Who is at fault? Whoever is consistently leaving that child alone to fend for himself or herself. Idle time with no provision is bound to lead to problems in most cases... and it has been proven. These are highly unfortunate circumstances that happen daily in America from city to city... suburb to suburb and rural to rural areas. It doesn't matter where you live. What is missing is a human being in the home of these youths exemplifying a lifestyle that would desire their children to execute, and not just told what to do in their absence. An idle mind gets weary of being idle and will eventually find "something" to do. More often than not, it ends up not being a good thing. Alcohol Awareness Education is certainly a good place to start.

Get the Most Out of Drug and Alcohol Rehab

If a person approaches a problem with a negative attitude it is unlikely they will get a favorable outcome. A can do attitude goes a long way in helping someone resolve issues in their life. The very definition of addiction as a chronic disease does not set a person up to succeed in overcoming their chemical dependency. Language used this way helps an addict to fail. Individuals can achieve success with long-term drug rehab programs. Addiction is Curable A lot of self-help gurus say that if you fail it means that you aren't working hard enough; failure is to be expected on the road to success. This is sound advice, but when failure equals relapse it has a different meaning. It is a misnomer that relapse is part of the package on the road to recovery and addiction is never-ending. Taking steps backwards in order to gain new ground makes no sense for someone who is in a drug and alcohol recovery program. If a person is told they can't be cured, they probably won't be. On the other hand, telling someone addiction is curable and rehab only needs to be done once will up their chances to succeed. There's Another Approach Faith based or non-faith based long-term drug rehabs are available. It is important to know non 12-step programs have higher success rates. This is because they don't have a doctrine that tells person they have a lifelong battle and no control over their actions. A custom-made plan for treatment is employed to help the individual conquer their addiction. No drug replacement therapy is used. Addicts can be addicted to more than one substance, in addition to; if they can't get their hands on their drug of choice they are more than happy to use another that produces a similar effect. When an addict is given more drugs it takes longer for them to become sober, plus they are in essence still using as the drug of choice has been replaced by something that will do the trick. Once someone decides to become clean it is best to get them drug free immediately. They can move away from the self-medicating and begin the healing process. A person can put addiction behind them forever with this type of therapy. A person who is surrounded by others who believe this won't be at a high risk to relapse. A person gets the attention they need in individual therapy sessions which explore the ins and outs of their addiction. After this is complete they can go out and lead a full and productive life, armed with the coping mechanisms to handle whatever comes their way. They won't need a return ticket to rehab.

Drugs and Alcohol: Habit or Addiction?

I sometimes hear people say, "My drinking/using is just a habit, not an addiction," usually after discussing the behaviour of another person who has been 'certified' as alcoholic or drug addict. If the thought of someone suggesting that your habit might be an addiction makes you uncomfortable, it may be interesting to look into your habit a bit deeper. Let's start by exploring the difference between habit and addiction. Addiction is something which you do routinely, over and over. You feel as if you can't stop doing it. A habit is also something you do routinely. Usually the claim that one's behaviour is a habit and not an addiction is backed by a belief that you can stop anytime you want to. You may believe you are in control of your habit, unlike an addict who is powerless against their chosen drug. When probed about why one doesn't stop if one could, the common answers given are, "I'm not ready to give it up," or "I still enjoy doing it," or "Because I choose not to. In some cases, these answers are given with a lot of defensiveness that comes from feeling uncomfortable about being challenged about the truth. Addiction is a habit. A habit need not be an addiction because it denotes a milder indulgence. But a habit can develop into full-blown addiction when the behaviour progressively intensifies - consuming in bigger quantities, more frequently, more obsessively. It's hard to define the point where habit becomes addiction, so even if your behaviour may still fall in the territory of habit you could be moving further into the territory of addiction. People can spend years telling themselves that their behaviour is still a habit when they are already in the realm of addiction. Let's look at habit closer. There are things which you associate with your drinking or using behaviour that trigger a desire to drink or use. Some associations may be the setting (a particular chair in your house), your company (certain people you hang out with), places (a certain bar or restaurant), activities (a certain sport you associate with drinking), the time (after dropping your kids to school). There may also be certain emotions that trigger you to drink or use. It is well-accepted in therapy that addictive behaviours are often adopted as a result of emotional issues which we have not learnt to deal with. Along with this, your mental state also plays a part in determining how your behaviour develops. Your mental state is determined by your beliefs about yourself and the world, your outlook, perspective and attitude in life. Then there is your spiritual view of the world that can either give you faith in an expanded existence or make you see the world as harsh and devoid of goodness. A successful drug and alcohol residential rehab facility will take the time to look at your thinking, emotions and behaviour as part of the process of understanding your drug or alcohol addiction. Associations are the glue that binds an addict in the cycle of addiction. If you are in the habit of drinking or using, the power of associations is already in operation. This is the first thing to recognise, whatever stage along the habit-to-addiction continuum you might be in right now. Denying that you are gripped by certain associations to the habit will only risk you progressing further into addiction. The work to sever your link to these associations must be done in order for you to break out of addiction. A successful drug and alcohol residential rehab program carefully explores all facets of your health and lifestyle in order to identify the associations and change your behaviour, so that your addictive and habitual lifestyle is stopped and more positive behaviours are reinforced. As a therapist, Tim uses several approaches which include CBT, Gestalt, Brief Psychotherapy, Provocative Therapy, Family Therapy, Rogerian Counselling and Transactional Analysis. Siam Rehab is an exclusive drug and alcohol rehab facility that caters to individuals seeking treatment for drug and alcohol addiction that uses CBT, brief psychotherapy, and other holistic approaches to deal with drug and alcohol addiction. Couples are encouraged to stay in the final week of a 28day program to explore codependency issues and potential relapse situations with their partners.

Drugs and Alcohol in The Workplace - What's the Cost to My Business?

The total alcohol-related output loss to the UK economy is estimated to be £6.4b, this figure does not account for illegal and prescription drug use. Regardless of the substance used the implications for business are huge, not least from a financial, legal and productivity perspective. All businesses should have an effective drugs and alcohol policy in place, but at the time of writing (2011) many organisations: small, medium and large still do not have effective policies and procedures in place. In the UK many business are not even aware of their legal obligations under the Misuse of Drugs act 1971, which clearly states that the production, supply or use of controlled substances is strictly prohibited on their premises. An employee's drug use at work could well see your business contravening this act, albeit unwittingly. For other businesses the Road Traffic Act 1988 and the Transport and Works Act 1992 also apply. Organisations where employees drive on company business or organisations in the transport sector will find themselves particularly vulnerable. It is the employer's responsibility to ensure that their staff are fit to complete their work. In the work environment drug and alcohol use must be seen as everybody's business. Drug and alcohol use in the workplace does not only have negative consequences for the individuals involved but it can also impact on safety, productivity and absenteeism. The problem of absenteeism is particularly striking with an estimated figure of 17 million lost working days per year due to alcohol and drug use often quoted. Some Industries (mainly transport) have adopted drug screening programmes as part of their drug policy. The rationale for such a regime can appear sound, especially in the transport industries, but even here screening cannot exist without effective policy. All organisations must have effective policies and procedures in place which support staff whilst making it very clear that drug and alcohol misuse will not be tolerated in the workplace. Organisations must embark on a full range of interventions which educate, protect and support their staff, managers and customers. These interventions are vital to ensure that drug and alcohol use and its associated problems in the workplace context do not affect those working for or using the respective services. Consultation can also be provided to develop effective policy which can ensure that when an issue arises the company has the skills and tools needed to support their staff and act in the best interests of the organisation. Thankfully for business, specialist companies exist to provide solutions to the private sector, these solutions range from training for staff around healthy lifestyles to training for managers and senior staff on how to deal with these issues should they arise. Some providers can provide policy design and development services and even provide retained staff for a fixed period, this ensures that should such an issue present a qualified and experienced professional is just a phone call away to provide much needed advice and support.

A Quick Online Guide About Drug and Alcohol Centers

Addiction to drugs or alcohol is a serious problem that is plaguing the society. As a result, treatment of this obsession needs to be taken as soon as possible because at later stages it becomes very difficult to overcome this. Attending drug and alcohol centers is the best way to deal with the addiction of drugs and alcohol and recover completely. There you can get the best assistance and guidance from the experts that compel you to defeat your urge of taking drugs and alcohol. At your home, it is very difficult to control your urge. But at these places, you can easily quit your bad habits. Reason being, in rehab centers you get to meet the like-minded people who also want to get rid of their drug-consuming habits. Attending drug treatment center helps you know how to abstain yourself from the use of drugs and alcohol and lead a simple life. Although there are many approaches to treat your addiction to drug and alcohol, but enrolling yourself in a good rehab center is, of course, the most effective way. These centers offer you many programs suiting your needs and help you recover completely. When you make up your mind to attend a drug treatment program, make sure that you select the best one available in your vicinity. For this, you need to conduct a thorough research and find out the one that suits your requirements as well as budget. There are several drug and alcohol centers in the United States that offer excellent rehab facilities and numerous programs including medical and behavioral treatments to motivate you to quit taking drugs and alcohol. These centers are located in almost all states of the USA. You can easily find out rehab centers in your state that offer excellent facilities. If location is not a problem and geographical limits are not a major concern, you can also look for rehabs outside USA. This provides you with a wide range of options to choose from. The main benefit of this is that you'll be able to take advantage of the best rehab facilities for your loved ones in the event you are not satisfied with the existing drug rehab centers in your state. There are several international options available in other countries too. You can avail best of the bests. Before enrolling yourself in a drug and alcohol center, ensure that you make proper inquiries about their facilities, programs, and fee structure. Facilities Offered in Drug and Alcohol Centers 1. Drug and alcohol centers are dedicated to offer you expert advice and assistance to help you defeat your urge to take alcohol and drugs. They help you understand the harmful effects of drugs and alcohol on your health as well as family and social life. 2. Drug rehab centers offer gender-specific programs and treatments tailored according to your specific needs. These programs encourage you to stay away from drug use and live a sober life with your family. 3. They also offer you medical treatment that reduces the urge of alcohol consumption in you. They employ doctors, physicians, and specialists so that they can offer you proper medication to treat your addiction. 4. Apart from this, they have several other programs including dual diagnosis, intensive outpatient, sober living, professionals programs, and family outreach program to inspire you to defeat your urge and live a healthy and happy life. 5. The rehab centers also have in-house psychologists, trainers, and psychiatrists to help and motivate you to stay away from drugs. They show you the right path following which you can lead a happy and fulfilling life. 6. They also organize alumni programs where you can meet those individuals who came there as patients and now leading a fulfilling and healthy life. How to Find a Suitable Drug and Alcohol Center in the United States 1. Once you make up your mind to attend a drug and alcohol rehab center in America, it is important to conduct a through research to find a suitable rehab in your area. If you continuously want to be in touch with your family, it is better to look for the one that is in your vicinity. 2. But if you want to avail the best possible services and solutions in order to get quick results, you may look for the most trusted and reputed rehab centers in other states or countries also in the event you could not find the one in your state suiting your specifications and requirements. 3. You can also ask for references from your friends, colleagues, and neighbors. They may suggest you something from their past experience. 4. It is always recommended to visit the place before you actually plan to enroll yourself or your loved one. It is very important to see the kind of environment and facility they offer to the patients. Comfortable stay and hygienic food is the first and foremost requirement. Make sure that you check out everything during your visit. Also don't forget to discuss the finances. 5. Once you're through the process, shortlist three or four places and make further inquiries. See what all programs and features they offer. Know what type of medication and behavioral therapy they use to treat their patient. Apart from this, they have family outreach programs and other encouraging and motivating programs to help you or your loved one overcome this difficulty. 6. Once you receive complete information, make comparison about their offerings and fee charges. Select the one that offers you the best services at the most affordable prices. Choosing a drug treatment center can make a lot of difference. A good rehab center will offer focused assistance to you and guide you throughout the process through different ways. Once you make your choice, be in contact with their manager or the concerned person so that you know what your have to carry along with you. Apart from this, make sure that you are carrying what you usually require. Drug and alcohol centers are the best place to treat your drug or alcohol addiction. They not only teach you how to stay away from them, but also help you understand their bad effects on your personal, social, and family life. The experts in rehab centers motivate you to defeat your urge of taking drugs and alcohol and show you the brighter side of life. You can completely rely on their services as they always encourage you to live a healthy, sober, and fulfilling life.

Drug and Alcohol Policy

Unfortunately a policy on the use of drugs and alcohol in the work place is an essential part of an Employee Manual. Your policy should be clear and in plain English not legalese. The policy should state why you have a policy, what your policy is and the consequences of violating those policies. Below is a list a simple Policy you can adapt to your needs. Policy on the Use of Drugs and Alcohol in the Work Place. * Drugs and Alcohol are disruptive and unsafe on the job. * Use or sales of illegal drugs at any time by any employee on the job or off is strictly prohibited. * Use of alcohol on the job or prior to the job or at any time such that the employee is under the influence when they report to work is prohibited. This policy shall extend to all company facilities, vehicles, customer's facilities, company functions whether work of social and any place the employee may be seen as representing the company. * The company has the right to test for drugs and alcohol prior to hiring, at any time there is a reasonable suspicion of intoxication and after any work place accident whether the accident results in injury or not. Reasonable suspicion may include but not be limited to physical evidence or use, erratic behavior or drop off in work productivity. * Use of over the counter drugs that impact the employee's ability to perform their assigned tacks safely and efficiently are also prohibited. Employees are required to inform their supervisor of any prescription or over the counter drugs which may cause unsafe conditions or limit the employee's effectiveness so the supervisor can take appropriate steps to protect the individual and the company. * The employee will cooperate with reasonable searches by the company of company property and employee's property brought onto company property. * At the company's option the company may but is not required to cooperate with treatment and employment may continue as long as treatment is completed and the company has a position for the individual upon completion of the treatment. The company is not obligated to pay in whole or in part for any treatment. * The company has the right to suspend or terminate any employee for violation of its drug policy. * Use of illegal drugs or Alcohol or reporting to work under influence will result in immediate suspension or discharge. * The company will report illegal drugs to appropriate law enforcement and turn over any suspected drugs or paraphernalia to said law enforcement. If you have government contracts or union contracts make sure you policy is compliant with those agreements. If you do work at a customer's workplace make sure your policy conforms to the customer's policy. Remember if your employees are "at will" you can terminate them for violation of your drug policy even if you do not tell them that is why you are terminating them. If you chose to suspend them your level of proof might actually need to be higher. For example if an employee's work production falls off and you find a half empty bottle of liquor in their desk you can terminate them and you do not have to even tell them why. If you suspend them you will need to tell them why they are being suspended or there will be no benefit of the suspension. You may expose the company and you personally to legal arguments (not my bottle) and therefore liability.

How To Begin to Cure Drug and Alcohol Addiction

Simply put, addiction is easy. Rehabilitation is hard. I should know. I've been a rehabilitation counselor for over thirty years and an addict for over fifty. That's right, an addict. Just like you. Just like your wife or husband, mother or father. Just like your sons and daughters. An addict like your friends and neighbors, aunts and uncles, doctors and lawyers, or your cashiers and waitresses. Peace Officers, firefighters, the rich, the poor, government workers, elected officials, celebrities, sports figures--addicts us all. Throughout my lifetime, I've tried about every drug on the street and most in the pharmacy. In the past, I've been addicted to cocaine and, as a teenager, speed. Today my addictions include the mind altering, perception bending and hard-on-the-body but perfectly legal, drugs like refined sugar and caffeine. Some of my addiction are medically related, prescribed medications (as many of you can understand) that have been given to me by my well-intending physicians. Marijuana, prescribed to me due to the adverse effects of PTSD, is such a medication. As a student, I consumed my share of alcohol - the last real blitz in celebration of Richard Nixon's resignation. It's been several decades since that bleary night and I haven't had more than a couple dozen beers or sips of wine since, so alcohol is not difficult for me to manage. But I was an addict long before I gained my postgraduate degree as a rehabilitation counselor. Knowledge does not make you immune from the foibles of addiction. My eldest daughter, though a beautiful and talented actress, is an opiate addict. Opiate addiction among our young is a more common phenomenon than the general public would suspect. So, even years of experience dealing with drug and alcoholic patients didn't prevent my own flesh and blood from becoming addicted to a near fatal lifestyle. Gambling. Sex. Speed. Shopping. Your morning doughnut. An after dinner cigarette or brandy. Screens. Cell phones. MP3's, HDTV, video games on your home PC. Electronics hypnotize and enslave millions of us as they suck up our time and money, just like opiates, while we often ignore our own family and friends. Violence. How many of us are addicted to the many forms of violence? This listing could go on forever. Addiction is rampant and getting worse. Addiction is and will continue to be one of the chief social concerns of the 21st Century. How did this happen? Was it always this way? Why can't we stop doing the things we do excessively that, most likely, we needn't be doing at all? What is wrong with us and why does it produce so much guilt? Holistic practitioner and author Dr. Andrew Weil once proposed that altering consciousness was an innate process. That means we have a built-in urge to see and experience things differently than we normally see them. That would certainly explain why we love to turn in fast circles as children, or roll down hills to get dizzy. It would also explain why, as we grow, the simple turning circles or rolling down hills becomes riding a roller coaster or speeding at one hundred miles per hour. It would stand to reason this instinct we have to experience an offset reality may be the basis for alcohol consumption, drug use, and other extreme, perhaps life-threatening behaviors. However, addiction is a human condition designed to keep us alive. Think about the attraction we have to our mother's teat, returning again and again for the sweet milk provided with a warm and soothing touch. This natural addictive process melds with our innate need to alter perception, and it explains why these two create a very potent combination that is the precursor of all addiction. And, we humans are great copycats. In fact, it is not too much of a generalization to say that humans simply love to copy one another. From fashion to what we read or watch, to the activities we play, humans relish in imitation. If one person has a fetching new hair style, you can bet that within a short time that new hair style wil be seen on magazine covers and televisions shows. With knock-off garments and look-alike accessories, humans copy each other as a matter of course. No wonder designer drugs catch on so quickly and addiction to these new drugs is rampant. If one person is getting high on the latest and greatest drug, you can rest assured that an entire city will be consuming that new drug within a short period of time. Recently, I counted five out of six television commercials during an evening national newscast commercial break were ads from drug companies pushing their latest and most potent products. We are inundated by pharmacology and constantly persuaded that pills can cure our ills. This message subliminally gives us an unconscious okay to delve into drugs and the highs they provide. Yes, addiction is easy. Rehab is hard. Can we meet this challenge? Rehab is not for every addict. Too many of us are involved with life-threatening addictions. Some of us are in great physical peril and have gone beyond the ability to make rational choices for ourselves. These addicts need immediate intervention and treatment. Most of us know someone who needs this sort of help. When we are so far removed from our true selves, we may need someone or some entity (government, religious, spiritual) or something to read this book for us, to help us prepare for the rigors of rehabilitation. INTERVENTION SAVES LIVES! Colin Swift is a rehabilitation counselor and vocational consultant with over thirty five years experience working with diverse populations, from rock star to street walker. A unique world view allows for his eclectic therapeutic style that has evolved into PREHAB. A published poet, screenwriter, musician, and producer, Mr. Swift has three daughters and lives with his youngest in Sacramento.

Online Drug and Alcohol Classes Educate Students on Legal and Physical Issues

Teenagers may roll their eyes at attending online drug and alcohol classes, but the truth is that education in this field may mean the prevention of a tragedy. Drug classes online help address legal and awareness issues for people of all ages. From substance abusers who have been busted multiple times by the cops to teens who haven't yet touched a cigarette, online drug prevention classes can mean a new lease on life. The deaths that occur when people are reckless and under the influence of drugs or alcohol are entirely preventable. These tragedies are unnecessary and drug use ends up affecting not just the user but also their friends, family, co-workers and even strangers. Online drug classes show users facts and statistics about how many lives have been taken as a result of drug use. In some cases, individuals who have gotten into some sort of drug-related trouble are required to attend online drug prevention courses. This is a perfect example of something positive coming from a negative situation. What starts as a basic court order can turn into a huge change for the drug user. Showing users the true danger and risk of their actions may open their eyes up to realities that they never before considered. Ultimately, this knowledge could save the life of both the user and innocent bystanders. The best outcome that can be hoped for from an online drug prevention class is for the student to seriously think about their behavior. For people who have had drug issues in the past, they will hopefully take a minute to ponder the consequences of their actions. With any luck, the user will seek help for their problem and change their life for good. For those who haven't gotten into any drug-related trouble yet, they will hopefully steer clear of these problems in the future. Many online drug prevention classes are short, some only lasting for four hours. Many online courses have videos and animation so that you won't get bored. At the end of each section of the course, you may be asked to complete a short quiz before moving on. To get a completion certificate, you'll probably have to complete a longer multiple choice quiz. However, you can usually take this quiz as many times as you need to in order to pass. Drug abuse never discriminates. Anyone can come up against this type of problem regardless of their gender, age, ethnicity or demographic location. The best part about attending an online drug class is that it's completely private. Students don't have to be embarrassed to walk into a classroom and they can attend the class anonymously. This is a way for people to deal with their issues in private at first, which is often easier than dealing with them in public. According to a 2009 report, Rhode Island has the highest drinking per capita as well as marijuana use. Online drug classes cannot replace a doctor, therapist or rehab center. However, online drug prevention classes may be the first step to getting there. People with serious addiction issues need to seek professional help aside from online alcohol awareness classes.

How to Learn About Drug and Alcohol Awareness Easily

How does alcohol affect the brain in terms of the way it elicits anxiety or depression? What most people don't realize is that alcohol is a drug. It is in a category of drugs called "depressants". What this does to someone who is already predisposed to depression is going to make them feel worse. While many use alcohol as a way to escape, it is really just a one way ticket to bringing on a whole other range of problems, including psychological ones. Alcohol can even affect heart rate, and can create the possibility of causing heart disease and other problems with our internal organs. Chronic alcohol abuse can lead to pancreatic cancer, liver disease and eventually death. This is mostly due to the strain and stress it puts on our internal organs to function normally. The response to stress is different in each individual. Some people cope with stress better than others. People with poor coping skills tend to use drugs and alcohol as a way to escape or retreat from their problems without having to actually deal with them head on. Rather than processing an issue and taking personal responsibility, alcohol or drugs can temporarily "stuff" or mask problems, which gives the user the illusion that everything is fine. The reality is, everything is not fine. Until one faces their internal demons, problems don't go away on their own. Alcohol and drug users can benefit greatly by learning more effective stress management techniques. These skills might include relaxation exercises or learning to get proper exercise. Other stress management skills could include improving ones diet, getting more rest, taking daily breaks, or learning some simple meditation techniques. Other skills that help improve stress are skills in communication and listening as well as empathy. Most alcohol and drug users will say they have a hard time letting other people know how they are feeling and what is wrong. Gaining skills in speaking more effectively can be a huge step. Many of these skills can be gained in an Online Drug Class or Alcohol Awareness Class For those under 21 considering Minor in Possession Classes might be the wise choice. These programs are educational in nature and can help the participant really understand the effect of alcohol and drugs as well as teach some useful strategies for curbing additive behaviors. Early prevention is the key to change. Get started making those changes today.

Addiction to Drugs and Alcohol an Irreparable Damage

Nowadays young boys and girls are prone towards the very dangerous addiction that is of Drugs and alcohol. We feel very badly for our loved ones when we find them in utter distress due to these bad astringents. It becomes unbearable on our part to undergo such pain when we find our very own ones into great trouble. In the long run of life it so happens that our loved ones excel so masterfully in this not so good act that we as family and friends are unable to handle their lives and inconclusively what happens is that we one day get the news of their ultimate tragic demise. Drug and alcohol addiction are the major causes of the teenagers being so outrageous and loud. The percentage of people addicted to drugs and alcohol has been growing at a very faster rate all over the world. There are various kinds of people who are getting addicted to different types of drugs every moment of time. The worst hit section of the society is that of the Teenagers or in other words the youngsters. When a person gets addicted to drugs it has a lot of effects on his mind and body both. There are drugs namely heroin and cocaine which have an everlasting impact on the brains of an individual, making him very much dependent as well as they have such dangerous results that the person who is once affected by them suffers from acute need of another dose of drugs whenever needed. If not treated under the correct span of time, the addict may suffer acute pain and can also lose his attention in life. Contrary to this alcohol also has some adverse effects on an individual though the effects are a minor one. These can become major if the dose of alcohol increases and if the treatment is not done within the limited span of time. It can cause incurable diseases like liver jaundice and the failure of most important body parts like the kidneys and the heart. Conversely, the treatment of drug addiction is a very hectic task and it needs a lot of care as well as plans which can only be provided from a drug and alcohol rehab centre. Everybody wants to save his loved one from the very major negative results of drug and alcohol and so a lot of planning is required for the treatment of this addiction. The best way is getting together and planning a Drug Intervention as well as an Alcohol Intervention for the security of your loved one. This intervention will help him getting rid of this treacherous habit and he will much relieved. It sometimes happens that the users do not like to get treated in such a manner but before getting them treated it is very necessary for them to understand that they will not prosper in achieving those things which they value if they are not in the mood of getting the correct care and treatment. Sometimes the addicts have to pay a great price for the treatment that they have to undergo. Intervention Services are available in almost all the nook and corner of the country due to the excess amount of people who are getting addicted to drug and alcohol. An intervention consists of a team which looks after whole process of the intervention. This is followed by some meetings within the team members and then the final confrontation with the addict about the problem. Once the addict is comfortable with the problem and gives in the final process can start without any further obstacles with the intervention specialist giving their undying and adept service for the sake of saving the life of an individual.

Overcoming Drug and Alcohol Addiction With Neurofeedback

To most people struggling to free themselves from a drug or alcohol addiction, using additional chemicals such as prescription medications seems to defeat the purpose of overcoming the addiction. Nevertheless, prolonged substance abuse can have serious repercussions, so getting immediate help is vital. Perhaps this is why a growing number of people are choosing alternative therapies to overcome addictions. Neurofeedback therapy is one of the most promising of these new options. With both types of addiction, the individual loses control over choices, and ultimately, life situations. One of the challenges of using the more traditional type of treatment for these addictions is that the body may not being provided with proper support once it has gone through withdrawal. Neurofeedback, in addition to helping the person end their addiction to drugs and alcohol, may also help keep the person sober. Neurofeedback, or 'biofeedback for the brain', can be used in conjunction with other therapies, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. The attending doctor or clinician may also recommend getting involved with a good support group. Although numerous therapies support the recovery and maintenance of the person addicted to drugs and alcohol, the following treatments seem to be the most effective, whether as individual therapies, or in combination with other forms of treatment. - Neurofeedback - With this, the individual has the unique opportunity to retrain the brain so that the stressful situations, which would previously cause the person to turn to an addictive substance for relief, may no longer have that effect. Often, biofeedback and/or neurofeedback would be used along with various techniques of relaxation to help during withdrawal, and then to curb cravings. - Homeopathy for Addiction - A number of treatment options are available using homeopathy - and often this would be coupled with neurofeedback for the best results. - Meditation - Another excellent method for helping addicts get through the withdrawal phase and maintain a clean and healthy lifestyle is with various meditation therapies. Yoga, visualization, and imagery all work well as individual therapies, but when coupled with neurofeedback, the results can be astounding. - Hypnotherapy - Some holistic doctors also recommend hypnotherapy as a means to end drug and/or alcohol addiction. Again, this can be highly beneficial for its purpose but when used along with neurofeedback, the results may be better, recovery quicker, and cravings dramatically reduced to help the person stay clean. - Nutritional Therapy - It is common for doctors to have the addict go through nutritional therapy when using neurofeedback for drug and alcohol addiction, since dealing with some degree of malnutrition is quite possible for those in recovery. After all, both drugs and alcohol wreak havoc on the body, so the goal is to let neurofeedback help with the mind and nutritional therapy help with the body. Anyone trying to overcome an addiction with drugs or alcohol needs to know that they have viable solutions that are 100% natural and safe. After making the decision to 'come clean', knowing that there are methods for getting through the withdrawal phase and then living a healthy life without depending on drugs eliminates a tremendous amount of stress. It is never too late to begin anew, and neurofeedback, with or without other forms of therapies could be the perfect answer.

Drug and Alcohol Denial and Intervention

Denial and Intervention Denial and family intervention is often an essential part of the recovery process. Denial plays a common role with drug addiction and what's called tough love can be very persuasive. because an individual's life has become unmanageable as a result of drug addiction and/or alcoholism, no matter what the drug being abused, along with the abuse comes a lack of willingness and/or ability to confront the true nature of one's own problem with drugs and alcohol and to take any kind of action to better their lives. This is called denial, and it comes in many forms - blaming, playing the victim, anger, fear etc. Along with denial, an addict must deal with pride and ego, two of the worst enemies of addiction, as they will in no doubt keep an addict or alcoholic using until one of three inevitable ends - jails, institutions, or death. This is where a type of addiction professional called an interventionist becomes important. Interventionists play an essential role in the treatment process. A family Intervention or Interventionist's job is to break down denial. Denial is a very strong defense mechanism used by addicts that enables them to justify continuing their destructive behavior. Often they blame their usage on family members, jobs, and stress, anything that allows them not to accept responsibility for their addictive actions and continue the substance abuse. Breaking through these barriers and gaining commitment to receive care is essential to begin the healing process. The purpose of an interventionist is to coordinate with the family and/or other professionals in selecting a proper detoxification and treatment facility to suit the need. Advanced arrangements must be made as the expectation is immediate admittance upon the completion of the intervention. Experienced interventionists will counsel the family with understanding an answer any questions they may have and to resolve any bad feelings to ease the situation keeping in mind the goal of getting the addict to drug or alcohol detox treatment program immediately. The intention is clear, the tone is hopeful and the resolve is unwavering. This process is born out of love and concern interventions and interventionists are successful in 90%-95%+ of all cases. In the event that the drug addict or alcoholic chooses not to agree to treatment, the family, friends, and employers must be prepared for the next step. This involves of all enabling behaviors by the parties involved needs to cease. Typically the only reason this process may not be effective is that in the past, consequences of the drug addicts have been so minimal that the addict doesn't think that anything will change. The family must be prepared to set strong boundaries and not waver at the time of intervention. The addict is once again told he/she is loved and that the family and interventionist are willing to get them effective drug or alcohol treatment. It must be made clear, however, that the family (with the guidance of the interventionist as a mediator) will no longer accept this behavior and watch the addict slowly kill themselves. The drug addict or alcoholic is expected to accept the gift that is being offered and get help at a drug or alcohol detox and treatment program. Intervention can be a very painful process, because it is a time during which a family often gets to see the true strength of the addictive minds. Intervention is a serious undertaking and it is imperative that it be done effectively, safely and with confidentiality. No intervention should be done without at least being researched and discussed with a knowledgeable counselor or interventionist.

Drug and Alcohol Addiction - Spirituality in Sobriety

Part of our task in early recovery is to rediscover the sacred in ourselves and in life. Spirituality delivers what drugs and alcohol promised. Drugs and alcohol promised to always be there for us, not to put demands on us, not to sabotage us; but experience shows this is not true. Through drug and alcohol addiction we have been held hostage to a disease process that is incurable and progressive. The spiritual life is a complete life -- it is not an addition to life. Hundreds of thousands of atheists and agnostics have successfully recovered because recovery and sobriety are not about religion, but about spirituality. Beyond the 12 Step Program itself, many people share a belief in nature or the universe as one of their higher powers. Each one of us has the responsibility for deciding what the phrase "god of our own understanding" means. Within the fellowship of Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) or Narcotics Anonymous (NA) we rediscover hope. We learn to design our lives from the inside out, relying on spiritual principles such as surrender, acceptance and humility. We learn to use spiritual practices to achieve self care and self soothing without the use of drugs and alcohol. For the person who told themselves they drank or used drugs to relax, the knowledge that meditation achieves that without harmful side effects is a hope-filled revelation. Through the spiritual aspect of humility and the desire to be of service to others we learn to value what we previously overlooked. Humility is defined as not thinking less of yourself, but thinking less of yourself. The path of drug and alcohol addiction recovery has been made beautiful by the footsteps of those who went before us. Their teachings and their examples help us learn to design a life based on spiritual values such as honesty, openness and willingness. Many of our spiritual practices find eloquent expression in the serenity prayer: God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference.

Combating Drugs and Alcohol in the Food Industry

Statistics from the United States Department of Labor show illicit drug use at 17.4% for the food industry, compared to the national average of 8.2%. Heavy alcohol use is shown at 12.1%, compared to the national average of 8.8%. Much work remains to be done to bring down these figures for all restaurant owners. Having an effective drug and alcohol policy is one tool in the arsenal in the battle of drugs and alcohol. Effective drug and alcohol policies and procedures saves your restaurant untold amounts of money in workers' compensation, training dollars, general productivity, morale and theft. Assisting an employee who has a drug and alcohol problem is much more cost effective than hiring a new employee. The hiring and firing process, along with the training, is expensive. You have invested a lot of training dollars in your employees. There is no guarantee that the new employee does not have the same problems. Sixty percent of all employees can be successfully rehabilitated if they seek treatment. Train your management and supervisors with basic information about their role in your policies and their implementation. Through the school of hard knocks, I have had to develop my own employee drug and alcohol policy with my attorneys. I am not an attorney, so I recommend that you seek the advice of counsel. The document prepared for me protects me, my co-workers and employees, as well as the general public. This document states my intent to operate in an environment free of drugs and alcohol. "We believe that the use of drugs or alcohol or being under the influence jeopardizes the welfare and safety of our employees and visitors, as well as our productivity and efficiency. Compliance with the following provisions of the workplace drug and alcohol policy is a condition of employment." I outline my proposal for pre-employment screening. I define the use, sale or possession of drugs or alcohol which includes legal and illegal drugs. I give specific instructions on how to proceed if an employee has knowledge that another is using drugs. I give further specific guidelines about not covering up for a co-worker. I have provisions for searches and for testing for drugs or alcohol for all employees or individual testing, when necessary. I provide specific information on what disciplinary action will be taken and then provide a course of action for employee assistance programs. It is very important to have an employee assistance program. We maintain a referral service to help employees who suffer from alcohol or drug abuse. It is the responsibility of the employee to seek this out before an alcohol or drug problem leads to disciplinary action. Once a violation occurs, subsequent use of the assistance program may have no bearing on the determination of the discipline. The employee's decision to seek prior assistance will not be used as the basis of discipline; however, seeking help will not be a defense to imposition of discipline. In the event of an industrial accident, the employee acknowledges they will be required to undergo a drug and alcohol screening. This may sound like legal mumbo-jumbo, but it is important to protect yourself from lawsuits. I've had different instances where I thought that I was doing right. I knew one guy I hired was an alcoholic and had a problem drinking. About a month or a month and a half later, he didn't show up for work one day. I saw his picture on the front page of the paper that day and the story that he was picked up in a parole sweep. He was drunk and they put him back in prison. He failed to mention on his application that he was a parolee too. However, while he was in prison in Southern California, he filed for unemployment assistance. I contested the claim, offering my proof that he was arrested and even on the front page of the newspaper. Even though this was many years ago, I'm sure you can understand my surprise when I received notice that this employee was entitled to receive unemployment benefits. The reasoning behind the decision was that I knew he was an alcoholic when I hired him and that under the American Disabilities Act he had been proven an alcoholic in the past and was doing what alcoholics do. They actually ruled in his favor. A more recent experience was about a year ago. I had a waitress who was, without a doubt, loaded on narcotics. She came back from a break and she was obviously under the influence. I was at one of my other restaurants when my wife called me. We immediately took this server off the floor. We questioned her and wanted to send her for a drug test, but the server ended up leaving the restaurant and going home. I ended up terminating her. At the time of our unemployment hearing, the Administrative Law Judge was very intent on determining why my staff did not call an ambulance if we were so concerned about her being under the influence and a danger to herself and others. As an alternative, the Administrative Law Judge voiced her concern about how this employee was allowed to drive home. As things turned out, my restaurant lost this decision because we did not have this plan in effect. These are some of the things that you, as an employer, must weigh. You have to consider the time invested in any employee, how long they have been with you, do they generally want to try, are they a good employee, are they salvageable or do they want help? You see, there is a difference between treatment and recovery. Anyone can go to treatment, but once in treatment and physically removed from the alcohol or the drugs, your employee must be willing to seek help for their problem. The well known 12 Step programs talk about the surrender and admitting process required in accepting a problem and the follow-through program of action to stay off the drugs and alcohol. To be physically withdrawn from the drugs and alcohol is the first step. Once that happens, then recovery begins. There are different 12 Step programs available from Cocaine Anonymous, Narcotics Anonymous, Alcoholics Anonymous, outpatient programs and even church. Recovery depends on what the addiction is and how far your employee is willing to go. My own experience has shown that some of my absolute best employees are the ones that I took the time and made the investment in to assist with their drug and alcohol problems. Several of these employees have now been with me for 20 years because they have come from the depths of despair and frustration and been able to reassemble their families and become productive members of society again. They show up to work and give an honest day of work for an honest day of pay. As an employer, it is fabulous to watch and know that you can actually affect and help other people's lives.

How Drugs and Alcohol Can Affect the Workplace

As well as having a negative affect on our society, drugs and alcohol also affect the workplace. There are employees who turn up to work affected by either drugs or alcohol, and sometimes even both. As an employer there are ways to deal with these problems, and getting the advice from Safety Management Consulting is a good start. Absences An employee who is having problems with either alcohol or drugs will often be absent from work. This is a problem for both them and the company. Through missing many days of work they will use up any sick leave benefits, so when they need to take leave for genuinely being unwell they won't be paid, and eventually an employer will be forced to let them go. For the company an employee being absent too often has a negative impact because they have to pay sick leave or other benefits for days where work is not done, and the level of productivity decreases, therefore effecting profits. Accidents Those that suffer from substance abuse have an increased risk of workplace accidents. Not only are they a risk to themselves but also to other staff. Somebody who is affected by drugs or alcohol is not in a fit condition to use machinery of any kind, and many workplaces involve the use of hazardous equipment that should only be used when a person is fully aware. Reduced productivity Someone who is affected by drugs or alcohol is not going to be able to work at their full capacity and if this continues there will be a reduction in overall productivity leading to a reduction in company profits. An inefficient staff member can have a flow on effect throughout the whole company. If any staff members are waiting on the completion of part of a task which an affected person can not perform, it can slow down the whole job, which may in fact not get completed on time or at all. Erratic behaviour A person who is affected by drugs or alcohol may be experiencing erratic or even violent behaviour towards other staff members or managers. In this instance it may become dangerous to have them at work and management is given no option other than to send them home or even fire them. An affected person will be unpredictable, unreliable, will often be late or absent and in this state will not be of any benefit to the company. Staff feeling unsafe Other staff members may feel unsafe or uncomfortable around an intoxicated person, and it is certainly not fair on staff to have to work in these sort of conditions where they feel threatened or uneasy. Staff may feel that they have to pick up the slack for this person and this can lead to job dissatisfaction and dysfunction within the workplace. Management has a responsibility to their staff and cannot have employees feeling unsafe. Identifying and dealing with staff with substance abuse is something that cannot be ignored.

Health Insurance Plans That Covers Drug and Alcohol Abuse Or Related Addictions

The National Institute on Drug Abuse defines drug abuse and dependencies as the usage of a legal or an illegal medication that causes physical, mental, emotional, or social harm. Examples of commonly abused drugs include opioids, stimulants, anti-depressants, anti-anxiety agents, and hallucinogens. Drug abuse is a major public health problem in society today and can cause an applicant applying for health insurance to unknowingly have their application declined prematurely by most major medical carriers. Why its hard to get insurance to cover this. The reasons why most insurers are hesitant about insuring a proposed applicant are mainly due to the financial hardships or complications in which the administrator of a plan will ensue including cardiac arrest, intracranial hemorrhage, acquired immune deficiency syndrome, tetanus, subacute bacterial endocarditis, hepatitis, vasculitis, septicemia, thrombophlebitis, pulmonary emboli, gangrene, malaria, as well as increased risk of suicide and psychosis. There are some that do cover the condition but they are hard to find. However there are a select but few carriers that will cover the recovery of addiction through availability of specialty coverage. Discussing the situation with a licensed insurance agent to direct and guide toward a reputable company with a managed care program to cover detoxification is paramount. Detoxification, is the controlled and gradual withdrawal of an abused drug and is achieved through substitution of a medication with similar action. A properly administrated detoxification health insurance program will cover substitute medications as well as prescriptions to ease the withdrawal reducing a patients discomfort and associated risk. A good program will provide coverage for the following. Depending on which drug that patient has abused, detoxification may be managed on an inpatient or outpatient basis and will have to cover a possible regime of expensive drugs including Diazepam, Topamax, Campral, Atabuse, ReVia, Vivotrol, Buprenorphine, and Methodone to name a few. Withdrawal symptoms which are left untreated can produce hazardous effects such as generalized tonic-clonic seizures, epilepsy, or hypotension. Opioid withdrawal causes severe physical discomfort and can even be life threatening. To minimize these effects, chronic opioid abusers are commonly detoxified with prescription Methadone. To ease withdrawal from opioids, depressants, and other drugs, useful nonchemical measures may include psychotherapy, exercise, relaxation techniques, and nutritional support. Sedatives and tranquilizers may be administered temporarily to help the patient cope with insomnia, anxiety, and depression. After withdrawal, rehabilitation is needed to prevent recurrence of abuse. Rehab programs are also available for inpatient or outpatient basis and usually are covered for several months. During and after rehabilitation, participation in a drug-oriented self help group may be helpful. Drug or alcohol abuse and related addictions can circumvent obtaining most major health insurance, however it should not stop you from fighting the disease. There are some carriers out there that have programs like this on a limited basis and can help you or someone you know put an end to the struggle.

Drug and Alcohol Addiction Treatment

Drug and alcohol addiction is a widespread problem; many people who feel they have their drinking or drug taking under control are actually in the grip of an addiction that they can't or won't even recognise. Luckily for those who are willing to ask for help, there is no shortage of organisations that can provide emotional support, advice and even practical assistance to those addicted to drugs or alcohol. Rehab clinics, short for rehabilitation, may seem to be the domain of celebrity addicts whose careers have been derailed by too much partying, but ordinary people can be admitted to these institutions too. As with any other methods of dealing with addiction, the addict should want to be helped and has to admit that they have a problem. In some cases, courts have sent people to rehab to try and force them to clean up their act, but this is only a short-term solution. If the addict doesn't want to be helped they will soon find themselves drinking or taking drugs once released from the clinic. In most addiction cases rehab isn't necessary. After all, it is quite a serious and potentially expensive step to take, sealing the addict away from family and friends for weeks or even months until the cause of their addiction has been dealt with. Most addicts, once they have admitted their problem can be helped in the community, through counselling, support groups like Alcoholics Anonymous and with the support and help of their loved ones along with medical professionals. Bizarrely, it can actually be dangerous for people who are used to drinking a large amount of alcohol to suddenly stop drinking altogether and the advice of a doctor or nurse used to dealing with addicts should be consulted throughout the process. You will have heard people refer to themselves as "recovering alcoholics" or "recovering addicts". The truth is that once addicted you never stop being an addict. Once you have taken the decision to give up alcohol or drugs, it becomes a lifelong struggle to stay away from your particular demon. There is no such thing as an alcoholic who can enjoy a couple of sociable drinks at parties. Either you quit altogether or you're only fooling yourself that your addiction has been dealt with effectively. Giving up drugs and alcohol isn't an easy process and it will stay hard for the rest of your life, but it is something that is worth doing as living life with an addiction is no life at all.

Myths About Drug and Alcohol Rehabilitation

Making the decision to go to drug and/or alcohol rehab can be indefinitely life-changing. Although, what are some of the rumors and/or myths traveling around, about rehabilitation centers? The general public has an overall belief of what rehabilitation for drugs and alcohol entails. This is mainly due to gossip literature highlighting the experiences of celebrity rehab goers. But what truly are the myths of drug and alcohol rehabilitation? Myth #1 - Drug and/or Alcohol Rehabilitation Is 'One Size Fits All': Although a rehabilitation program may have a set of standardized rules and regulations, as well as a treatment outline for progress, each rehab center is unique. Also, once your counselors, medical assistants, doctors and other professionals meet you, they will then begin to tailor a program within their standard program, that will fit you. All individuals are motivated differently, and handle situations and learning in a different manner. Individuals also have different experiences with drugs and alcohol that triggered ongoing use due to their own issues, past experiences and present experiences. For this reason, each one person cannot be treated the same with respects to rehab from drugs and alcohol. Myth #2 - All Individuals Have The Capability To Quit An Addiction Without Help: An addiction is an illness, that is run by a portion of the brain referred to as the mesolimbic dopamine system. This system within the brain is not operated by the conscious portion of the brain. With this, it is quite difficult for an addict to connect logic of unhealthy and negative behavior to their addiction. For this reason, the assistance of God, a completely different environment, professional skill work, etc. can all contribute to treating an individual's addiction. An addiction is not just continued because of lack of willpower. There are several other factors within the brain and body that contribute to ongoing drug and/or alcohol abuse. Myth #3 - An Addict Will Not Enter Into Rehab Until They Have Hit 'Rock Bottom': It is true that a vast majority of individuals will hit 'rock bottom', and then enter into a drug and alcohol rehabilitation center. Although there is also a large group of individuals that don't need to go that far before seeking help. All individuals are motivated differently, and for that reason, some individuals may be motivated to stop their addiction earlier than others. Motivators may include but are not limited to family needs, illness or finances. Others may choose to wait until there isn't any other option, but this group does not include ALL rehab goers. If you, or someone you love is suffering from a harmful addiction to drugs and/or alcohol, it is best to seek help as soon as possible. In contacting a rehab center, you can get immediate answers to any questions you may have. It is never a poor decision to research your options.

Myths About Drug and Alcohol Rehabilitation

Making the decision to go to drug and/or alcohol rehab can be indefinitely life-changing. Although, what are some of the rumors and/or myths traveling around, about rehabilitation centers? The general public has an overall belief of what rehabilitation for drugs and alcohol entails. This is mainly due to gossip literature highlighting the experiences of celebrity rehab goers. But what truly are the myths of drug and alcohol rehabilitation? Myth #1 - Drug and/or Alcohol Rehabilitation Is 'One Size Fits All': Although a rehabilitation program may have a set of standardized rules and regulations, as well as a treatment outline for progress, each rehab center is unique. Also, once your counselors, medical assistants, doctors and other professionals meet you, they will then begin to tailor a program within their standard program, that will fit you. All individuals are motivated differently, and handle situations and learning in a different manner. Individuals also have different experiences with drugs and alcohol that triggered ongoing use due to their own issues, past experiences and present experiences. For this reason, each one person cannot be treated the same with respects to rehab from drugs and alcohol. Myth #2 - All Individuals Have The Capability To Quit An Addiction Without Help: An addiction is an illness, that is run by a portion of the brain referred to as the mesolimbic dopamine system. This system within the brain is not operated by the conscious portion of the brain. With this, it is quite difficult for an addict to connect logic of unhealthy and negative behavior to their addiction. For this reason, the assistance of God, a completely different environment, professional skill work, etc. can all contribute to treating an individual's addiction. An addiction is not just continued because of lack of willpower. There are several other factors within the brain and body that contribute to ongoing drug and/or alcohol abuse. Myth #3 - An Addict Will Not Enter Into Rehab Until They Have Hit 'Rock Bottom': It is true that a vast majority of individuals will hit 'rock bottom', and then enter into a drug and alcohol rehabilitation center. Although there is also a large group of individuals that don't need to go that far before seeking help. All individuals are motivated differently, and for that reason, some individuals may be motivated to stop their addiction earlier than others. Motivators may include but are not limited to family needs, illness or finances. Others may choose to wait until there isn't any other option, but this group does not include ALL rehab goers. If you, or someone you love is suffering from a harmful addiction to drugs and/or alcohol, it is best to seek help as soon as possible. In contacting a rehab center, you can get immediate answers to any questions you may have. It is never a poor decision to research your options.

Drug and Alcohol Policies in the Workplace

Drug and alcohol abuse can affect a workplace by causing a range of different problems. An employee suffering from substance abuse has a higher risk of causing injury to themselves or others, are more likely to claim workers compensation, are more likely to be absent frequently and can cause a decrease in productivity. Drug and alcohol abuse can directly affect a workplace and cost the company a lot of money. It can also be difficult identifying someone who is suffering from substance abuse, and although drug testing kits could prove whether or not an employee has a problem, policies must be put into place within a workplace before an employee can be approached and something done to help them. Duty of Care Employers have a duty of care to their employees, just as employees need to take reasonable care of the health and safety of others. Employees duty of care includes that the use of drugs or alcohol are not involved within the workplace or places them in a state where their safety, or the safety of others, is jeopardised. This duty of care for employers extends to putting into place a policy that has a method of approach for staff members that are suspected of substance abuse, and outlines the necessary steps to helping that employee. By having a drug and alcohol policy within your company you are taking positive steps towards dealing with the problem of substance abuse constructively. Workplace Drug and Alcohol Policy The policy should be a written policy which applies to all workers. It should be formulated together by management, employees or their representatives, such as the union. The Occupational Health and Safety committee within the company need to make sure the policy is implemented and updated as needed. Policy Aim The aim of a drug and alcohol policy within your workplace should be to firstly prevent substance abuse within the ranks of your staff, and also provide education, counselling and rehabilitation if needed. The policy should be a part of your companies general occupational health and safety strategy and look to eliminating the risks of drug and alcohol use within your workplace. Training Training and education is important, and it is a positive step for any workplace, to provide the right information to staff. This training should cover things like what is harmful substance use, what the effects of alcohol and drug use does to safety and performance within the workplace and what the consequences may be for employees who fail to follow the rules set out by the policy. Employees also need to know how to deal with harmful drug and alcohol use and how to recognise possible substance abuse in other employees. They need to know who to approach if they think someone is under the effects of drugs or alcohol and also what services are available to them if they need help. Occupational Health and Safety representatives or managers need the skills to identify an employee with an addiction and how to manage the issue.

The Physical and Emotional Affects of Drug and Alcohol Addiction

At some point in each person's life he or she is given a talk about drugs and alcohol and the effects that both can have. Most of us were taught in school health classes that the effects of drugs and alcohol can be emotional as well as physical and can have a big impact on the people who surround us as well as on our individual bodies. While this is certainly true, what most people don't understand-until they are in the throes of addiction-is just how devastating the physical and emotional affects of drug and alcohol addiction can be. In drug and alcohol rehab, drug and alcohol addicts will work individually, together and with trained drug and alcohol addiction experts to understand both the physical and emotional demands of overcoming an addiction. The experts in drug rehab programs have helped many clients get sober and they know how to help people cope as they go through withdrawal and face the emotional truths that contributed to their drug and alcohol addictions. Physical Effects of Alcohol and Drug Addiction As a person falls deeper and deeper into the throes of alcohol addiction and drug addiction, their friends and family will start to notice that the addict is physically changing. Internally your body will be dealing with intense cravings for the addict's drug of choice (or any drug at all, depending on the addiction). Outwardly, a drug addict can display any (or all) of the following symptoms: - Bloody noses - Coughing for no reason - Lack of coordination or unexplainable drowsiness - Irregular pupil size - Eyes moving back and forth rapidly and unable to focus on anything - Bloodshot or red eyes - Smokey smell or other drug smells on clothing - Physical marks on the skin (track marks, rashes, etc) - Inability to sit still - Incessant scratching or rubbing - Infection on the skin - Drug paraphernalia in pockets or usually within close proximity to the person - Hair loss - Excessive carefulness of one's appearance and behavior when the person usually isn't quite so meticulous (could be a sign of a cover up) Emotional Effects of Alcohol and Drug Addiction Emotional effects of drug and alcohol addiction aren't always as obvious as the physical effects can be. The truth is that drug and alcohol addictions are usually closely related to an emotional issue that has existed for quite a while. While it is true that an addiction can be physical-the triggers for that addiction are usually emotional. Here are some of the emotional effects a drug addiction can have, both on the addict and the people in an addict's life: - Increased feelings of loneliness and ostracism - Increased irritability - Increased fatigue - Unexplainable anxiety - Inability to concentrate - Feelings of abandonment (for both the addict and the people in the addict's life) - Stress from strained relationships - Fear that the addiction is out of control - Fear of rejection if addiction is discovered - Fear that even if the addict gets sober, they will no longer be accepted by their social circle - Anger at people who "don't get it" In a drug and alcohol rehab, both the person with the addiction and the people surrounding the addict will go through counseling sessions to help face and deal with the emotional ramifications of alcohol or drug addiction. Experts agree that these sessions are imperative for the addict's continued sobriety once his or her time in drug rehab has finished and he (or she) has to stay sober in the "regular world." The experts and therapists can also help an addict cope with the physical addiction to drugs and alcohol and the withdrawal process the addict will deal with after being admitted to the center. The truth is that drug addiction is neither all physical nor entirely emotional. The staff in most drug rehabilitation centers understand and work with you to deal with all aspects of overcoming addiction and living a sober life.

Curbing Addiction Through Drugs and Alcohol Rehabilitation

What should you do prior to availing rehabilitation services? There is a great necessity for you to admit that you have addiction problem before you go for a treatment. Performing addiction treatment without the proper knowledge of your addiction can be dangerous, even fatal. The type of drug, your quantity of intake, signs of withdrawal, etc. are the things the rehab professionals need to know so that they can provide you appropriate treatments. It is therefore necessary for you to admit to your addiction problems before you take up alcohol and drug rehabilitation. The most important factor to your successful recovery from addiction is your willingness to recover and undergo the treatment. Alcohol and Drug Rehabilitation The most effective way of curbing addiction is through rehabilitation. In rehabilitation services, you will be introduced to numerous treatments which are directed to relieve you from your addiction to drugs and alcohol. You will receive the care and supervision you will never get at home or any treatment settings. Treatment in a rehab consists of detoxification and behavior centered treatment programs. In a drug or alcohol abuse treatment center, the first treatment will be detoxification. Detoxification is the process of eliminating the toxins accumulated in your body through detoxifying drugs. This treatment will be followed by many other behavioral treatments which is centered on developing your overall approach to life. You will be assisted in your decision to quitting drug and alcohol without the least chance of withdrawal. You will also be taught new ways to perform household tasks and professional duties without ever depending on alcohol drugs again. Even after a successful recovery, you are subjected to come back to your addiction through your associations. To avoid this, rehab centers provide aftercare treatments which focus on helping you abstain from drugs and alcohol. Therefore, for a long-term abstinence from drugs and alcohol, drug and alcohol abuse treatment in a rehab is the right choice. Treatments however will differ from individual to individual depending upon factors like intensity of addiction, types of drugs, age of addict, etc. Different rehab centers have different rehabilitation servicesbut their goals are the same. In short, properly curbing your addiction to drug and alcohol involves your willingness to recover and an effective rehab treatment. If you think you or someone you care for is alcoholic or addicted to drugs, you should refrain from thinking that recovering from addiction is impossible but should take the help from rehab professionals and get appropriate treatments. Kelly Smith is one of the best author. Some of Kelly Smith story in the field of health such as Drug Rehabilitation [http://www.rehabilitationinc.com/] and art are among the most famous literary works of the world.

Drug and Alcohol Problem Help for Teens

When parents are concerned about their teens using drugs and alcohol, they want to get them help. There are several different types of programs available, but many of them are designed for adults and do not assist teens at an individual level. They often refer parents and their children to a program that welcomes teens and can help them through this difficult time. When parents consider the options, they will find that some are designed as residential programs, while others are home-based or offer online classes. Philosophy If teenagers or young adults have problems with drugs and alcohol, they may be told that they are addicted or have an illness that will be with them for the rest of their lives. While some addiction treatment centers subscribe to this theory, not all programs agree with this philosophy. Some programs teach that people can change their behavior without a 12-step program and without attending meetings forever. This philosophy is much more effective with teens as it provides the truth and genuine hope for their future rather than promising a lifetime of struggle and relapse. Options There are a variety of options available, from the alcohol rehab facilities of 28 days, to the social education retreats that last four weeks, or home-based online classes with live telephone and videoconferencing support. Although teenagers may have their problems, they are still young and have different lifestyle demands and goals than adults. Successful programs provide a family consultant who can help parents decide which avenue is the best for their child, and should also offer information for the family to help educate them on how to help their loved one upon their return. Access When considering a program that addresses drug or alcohol problems, parents should make sure that they have unlimited access to their children while they are in a residential center. Although it may be a personal decision whether they should contact each other frequently, the parents should be sure that they have the ability to take their child out if they have concerns. They should also be able to give or deny permission on program methods, including any medical treatment which may be suggested by these drug and alcohol treatment centers. Regardless of the program chosen, the teenager will want some input as to what type of facility will work best for them. They should enter into it willingly, without being forced against their will. This will help in their ability to embrace the changes they must make to overcome the problems they are experiencing with drugs and alcohol.