What Is an Alcohol Detox Center?

what is an alcohol detox center

Alcohol is a substance you can get addicted to.

It might go by different names like alcohol use disorder (AUD) or alcoholism, whatever you want to call it though, your body and mind have grown dependent on alcohol. Addicted to it.

It’s important to get that out in the open though because sometimes there’s a tendency to take it “less seriously” than an addiction to drugs and that’s a big mistake.

Roughly 15 million people in the United States suffer from alcohol use disorder and less than 10% receive treatment.

Those numbers are rendered more brutal when you take this into account: more than 95,000 people die from excessive alcohol use in American each year. Moreover, it’s one of the leading causes of death of preventable death in the US.

To top it off, with one of the uglier cherries, the cost of excessive alcohol use in the States, in terms of lost workplace productivity, reached a dizzying $249 billion in 2010.

All that is a prelude to why it’s vital to take alcohol seriously on its own and understand why something like an alcohol detox center is important.

What Is an Alcohol Detox Center?

For starters, detox treatment is an imperative step to any recovery program. You simply can’t get sober without starting with a clean slate. The slate, in this case, being your body. Sobriety is built on the firm foundations of detox.

Detox itself is the natural process of ridding your body of the toxins that you typically arrive at a rehab center with. It’s 100% ok and normal to show up with alcohol in your system by the way.

From the perspective of actual rehabilitation, nothing starts until detox ends.

An alcohol detox center is one that just so happens to specialize in the detoxification of those people struggling with alcohol use disorder. Due to some very particular withdrawal symptoms that accompany detoxing from alcohol, it’s highly recommended to detox under the supervision of professionals.

Why Is It Important to Detox From Alcohol at a Facility? 

If you’re unable to feel normal without drinking or can’t go any period without feeling the twinge of alcohol withdrawal creep in, you may need assistance with detox.

With a strong dependency on alcohol, attempting to stop abruptly aka cold turkey could have disastrous and, quite literally, deadly effects.

Withdrawal from serious alcohol abuse can cause delirium tremens, which is a severe form of alcohol withdrawal that involves sudden severe mental and nervous system changes.

As per a recent study, “It is now commonly known to occur as early as 48 hours after abrupt cessation of alcohol in those with chronic abuse and can last up to 5 days. It has an anticipated mortality of up to 37% without appropriate treatment. It is crucial to identify early signs of withdrawal because it can become fatal.”

It’s estimated that 3% to 5% of those who chronically abuse alcohol can experience that, which is a major reason why detox at a facility, under the watchful eye of doctors and staff who know how to keep you safe, is very much encouraged.

Additionally, even if you’re not necessarily at risk for the worst of the withdrawal symptoms, detox is just plain uncomfortable anyhow. The only respite in the mind of the user is to just pick up a drink and end the discomfort. If you’re at a specialized detox facility, however, you’re being taken care of by people who understand that feeling very well and can get you to the other side. That helps prevent a quick relapse as well.

How to Find Help for an Alcohol Addiction

If you or a loved one are unable to get off the drink on your own and need help, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us at Above It All Treatment Network. We’re connected with a vast network of alcohol detoxification programs all over California and would be happy to help you find the best one for you.

Empowering Yourself in Addiction Recovery

Addiction recovery is about changing your thoughts, actions, and life to support a fulfilling substance-free lifestyle. In rehab, you will be surrounded by people supporting your efforts and teaching you strategies to prevent relapse and continue moving forward. However, these changes rely on you and your efforts; no one can do it for you. Therefore, finding ways to empower and motivate yourself is important.

Challenge yourself: Try things that you’ve never done before or didn’t think you could do. With some practice, effort, and focus, you may surprise yourself. Oftentimes people doubt their abilities, so don’t let your own uncertainties hold you back.

Do things for yourself: Don’t always rely on others to do things that you are capable of doing yourself. Family and friends want to help, but learn to stand on your own two feet and take control of your life. Find other ways they can support you without enabling.

Learn from challenges: Let mistakes and obstacles serve as lessons that empower you to make positive changes moving forward. Don’t let them get you down. Prove to yourself that you are strong and capable, and move on, lesson learned.

Break down larger goals: Is there a big goal that you want to accomplish? Break it into smaller, more manageable parts. You don’t want to take on too much and set yourself up for disappointment. Build yourself up and take it step by step, growing your confidence and determination as you go.

Oftentimes our biggest critic is ourselves. You already made one of the hardest choices, and that was admitting that you needed help and entering treatment. Keep moving forward and proving to yourself and others that recovery is possible. Relapse doesn’t have to be a part of your journey; Above It All can help you overcome addition and empower yourself in recovery.

[cta] Whether you’re entering recovery for the first time or recovering from relapse, Above It All provides the treatment you need to feel more confident. [/cta]

How Keeping a Gratitude Journal Can Support Recovery

Whether writing is something you’ve always loved or never really got into, keeping a gratitude journal can be beneficial in your recovery. You don’t have to write long drawn out passages or share your innermost thoughts – though you certainly can have a journal for that. A gratitude journal is your opportunity to write down a few things each day that you’re thankful for. Maybe it’s someone at work holding the door when you had your hands full, being able to watch your child’s soccer game, or having a new book to read when it’s raining out. Taking a few minutes each day to jot things down can have a positive impact.

It can change your perspective and help you see the silver lining. When you force yourself to look for the good in each day, it can make the bad seem less daunting. You learn to approach situations from a different angle and find the positives.

It helps you to appreciate the simple things in life that frequently get overlooked. Things like having a job, a family, food on the table, and friends who care may not seem like much at first glance, but they’re things we often take for granted.

It can be a mood booster when you’re feeling down. Go back and re-read what you have written to reflect on all of the good things that have happened and things you are thankful for. Whatever has you in a bad mood may not seem so bad after all.

It can inspire you to give back and help others. Volunteering and doing nice things for others not only puts a smile on their face but can put one on yours too. Give others something to be thankful for and be happy knowing you’re making a difference.

Above It All can provide you with the support you need to get on the road to recovery and explore all that you have to be grateful for in life. Comprehensive services meet you where you are at and offer an individualized plan for recovery. Turn your life around today at Above It All.

[cta] Join the conversation on Facebook and let us know what you’re grateful for! [/cta]

Fun Fall Activities to Support Recovery

Fall is in full swing bringing with it cooler weather, changing landscapes, and plenty of fun activities. Keeping yourself active this fall can support recovery, expose you to new opportunities, ward off boredom, and create lasting memories with family and friends. Trade in a pastime of drinking for healthier activities instead; you never know what might strike your interest.

  • Check out local fall festivals: Many towns hold parades, festivals, and special events to celebrate autumn and all that it brings. This can be a great way to get out of the house and do something fun with friends or family.
  • Go apple picking: ‘Tis the season and the trees are heavy with fruit just waiting to plucked and eaten or turned in to applesauce, pies, or cider.
  • Watch the leaves change: Take a hike and enjoy the beauty of nature. Breath in the crisp, cool air and check out the beauty of the fall foliage. It’s a perfect place to take pictures too.
  • Have a bonfire or picnic: Pack up some of your favorite snacks and have a picnic overlooking the city, the sea, the mountains, or your favorite escape. Toast marshmallows and make s’mores come evening for a tasty treat as you warm up next to the fire.
  • Try your hand at DIY: Get a head start on making your own holiday gifts, or create handmade décor for around your house. There are tons of projects online for all skill levels and interests. Let your creativity shine.

Find what works for you. Try activities you’ve never done before but always wanted to do. You never know when you’ll find your next hobby or tradition. Above It All can help you navigate addiction treatment and recovery so that you can make the most of your future. Regain control of your life and prove to yourself that recovery is possible.

[cta] Leave a comment and let us know what your favorite fall activities are! [/cta]

5 Tips for Taking Thanksgiving in Stride

Thanksgiving is a time to celebrate with family and friends and reflect on all of things you are thankful for. However, as with any holiday, it can come with its share of stress and challenging situations. For those in recovery, that means having to be especially diligent about planning and staying proactive in reducing risk of relapse. Here are a few ways that you can make the most of Thanksgiving without sacrificing the progress you’ve made:

  1. Attend a meeting before or after get-togethers: Get yourself in the right frame of mind and feeling more confident by connecting with others in recovery around the holidays. Reaffirm your commitment to your recovery.
  2. Have a plan: What will you do if there is alcohol is available? What if a difficult relative shows up? What if you’re ready to leave? Plan ahead so you know how you’ll deal with stress, temptation, and other challenges in a healthy manner.
  3. Focus on gratitude: Instead of thinking about the things you’re not doing any more, focus on the things you are doing. Reflect on the progress you’ve made and how your life has changed for the better. Tell others how much you appreciate them and the support they have provided.
  4. Create new traditions: If your old tradition was to drink and watch football on Thanksgiving, start a new tradition instead. Take a walk as a family, play games, or volunteer at a soup kitchen. Find a different way to celebrate that is meaningful to you.
  5. Pay attention to how you’re feeling: Listen to your body and mind. If you’re hungry, bored, lonely, angry, or tired, take steps to change things before they lead to temptation. Stay away from triggers and know when it’s time for a change of pace or scenery.

Empower yourself over your recovery with support from Above It All. Get the personalized help you need to turn your life around and embrace a lifestyle of recovery.

[cta] If you’re struggling with addiction this holiday season, turn to Above It All for comprehensive treatment. [/cta]

Keeping Cravings in Check

One of the ongoing challenges of addiction recovery is coping with drug and alcohol cravings. Individuals must resist the desire to give in to these temptations and instead find healthier ways of coping. It is important to remember that experiencing cravings is a normal part of recovery. The urges will diminish in strength and frequency over time. When a craving hits, remind yourself that it will pass, usually within about 15 minutes, and you do not have to give in. You will be okay.

Here are a few ideas for things you can do to keep cravings in check and wait it out until they pass:

  • Keep busy to distract yourself from thinking about it. Work on a crossword puzzle, listen to music, knit, shoot hoops, go for a run, or play a computer or video game.
  • Accept it. Journal about how you are feeling and face your craving head on. You’ll be able to better recognize the feeling and realize that you are in control. You may also choose to talk about it with someone close to you who can help you stay accountable.
  • Incorporate foods in your diet that may help reduce cravings such as whole grains, salmon, peanut butter, bananas, and walnuts. Try to eat at regular intervals to stabilize your blood sugar and keep yourself feeling full.
  • Change locations to somewhere free from triggers. Removing yourself from one environment and focusing on another can help you reassess and collect yourself. It can also be a healthy distraction.
  • Practice meditating when cravings strike to clear your mind and feel more in control. Meditating can be very relaxing and soothing when dealing with the stress of cravings.

Above It All supports clients in developing personalized relapse prevention plans that fit their needs and lifestyle. Clients are equipped with the tools and strategies to make healthy decisions and cope with cravings so they can focus on making the most of their future. Take back control of your life at Above It All and start your journey to long-term recovery.

[cta] Learn how to cope with cravings and other challenges surrounding addiction recovery at Above It All. Call today to get started. [/cta]

Changing the Language of Addiction and Recovery

The language used when discussing substance use and addiction matters. Certain words can give a positive, negative, or neutral impressions. Labeling individuals as “addicts” or “junkies” enhances the stigma around substance use disorders and can deter people from seeking the treatment they need for recovery. Medical providers, community leaders, family, and friends all need to think twice about what terminology is used to discuss substance use disorders and the image that it presents.

Addiction is a disease, but one that is manageable. You wouldn’t talk down about someone with heart disease or diabetes and shame people away from getting help, so why should these issues occur with addiction? Instead, we should be using language that promotes understanding and supports recovery. According to the National Survey on Drug Use and Health, in 2014 there were approximately 22.5 million individuals in need of treatment for substance use disorders, but only 2.6 million received the care they need. It’s time to break down the barriers that language creates.

Here are a few ways you can change the way you talk about addiction and recovery:

  • Use “substance use disorder” as opposed to “abuse” or “dependence.” You can also use “misuse” instead of “abuse”.
  • Use person-first language: a person with a substance use disorder or struggling with addiction, not an addict, junkie, druggie, etc.
  • Refrain from using “dirty” or “clean” when talking about drug use; instead say someone is in active addiction or is substance-free or in recovery.

In general, stop to think about what you are saying and how it may be perceived. It will take time to create change when it comes to weeding out stigmatizing language, but every voice counts. Start by changing how you talk about substance use disorders and recovery and then encourage others to do the same.

If someone you love is struggling with addiction, turn to Above It All to help them get the treatment they need for recovery. There is hope and recovery is possible.

[cta] Don’t let social stigmas keep you from getting the help you need. Turn to Above It All for comprehensive addiction treatment. [/cta]

Starting the Conversation: Talking About Substance Use Prevention with Kids

As a parent, you play an important role in your child’s development. Whether you realize it or not, your kids are always watching and listening. They base a lot of their decisions on what they see, hear, and are taught by you. Making substance use prevention a regular part of conversation and modeling healthy behaviors is essential. It’s almost Red Ribbon Week, so get the discussion started.

Keep the Conversation Going

Talking about drugs and alcohol should not be a once-a-done conversation; it should be an ongoing discussion. Learning takes repetition. Use teachable moments to bring up substance use and let your children’s questions and answers guide the way. When you’re watching television or a movie, talk about the character’s choices and their consequences. Do they try to make drinking or smoking look cool? What makes it unhealthy and dangerous? The same goes for stories you hear on the news or things you see out in the community. Talk about them.

Set Expectations and Consequences

Let your children know that drug use and underage drinking are not acceptable. Establish clear consequences and be proactive in helping your children stay involved in activities that build their self-esteem and promote healthy decision making. Talk about how drugs and alcohol can lead to risky decisions and legal problems. How it can get them kicked off of sports teams or out of clubs, and they could lose their license. They’ll also face consequences at home.

Be a Positive Role Model

Pay attention to your own behaviors and conversations regarding drugs and alcohol. Show your children that you use these substances responsibly or not at all. Talk about the risks of addiction and how recovery is possible through addiction treatment. Break down stigmas about addiction and clear up any misconceptions your children may have.

If you or a loved one is struggling with addiction, seek treatment. Above It All can help you make your well-being a priority and show your children that change is possible and there are healthier ways of dealing with challenging situations than drugs or alcohol. Start the conversation today.

[cta] Make recovery a part of your discussion by seeking treatment for substance use disorders at Above It All. [/cta]

What Should You Look for in a Rehab Facility?

Making a resolution to seek addiction treatment for yourself or a loved one is a major decision. Another significant choice is deciding where this treatment will occur. There are thousands of addiction treatment programs and centers available, so how do you know which one is right for you?

Remember that no two people are exactly the same. What worked for a relative, colleague, or friend, may not be the best choice for you. Their situation may have been completely different. Do your research and ask questions to find a program that fits your needs and goals while providing high quality care. Here are a few things to consider:

  • It is a licensed or accredited facility? What type of training or licensure does the staff have?
  • What kind of results should you expect? What are the program’s goals?
  • What approaches to treatment are used?
  • What does aftercare or relapse prevention planning look like?
  • What types of treatment are available? Are mental health or co-occurring disorders treated?
  • Is treatment tailored to your individual needs?

Every facility will be slightly different, so don’t be afraid to ask questions and make sure that you are comfortable with the answers provided. You want to be confident in the care you are receiving. Above It All provides a full continuum of care from initial intervention services and detox through connecting clients with sober living options for continued progress in recovery. Clients are supported along each step of the way and engage in evidence-based and holistic therapies that promote physical, mental, emotional, social, and spiritual healing.

In addition, treatment plans at Above It All are tailored to meet each client’s individual needs. Clients receive treatment and support that align with where they are in recovery and their individual goals. Make sure when choosing a rehab facility that it focuses on your unique needs as there is no blanket solution to addiction recovery.

[cta] Curious about whether Above It All is the right fit for you? Contact us today to learn more and we’ll address any questions you may have. [/cta]

The Importance of Treating Co-Occurring Disorders Together

Drugs and alcohol can have a powerful mind-altering affect. Addiction is not just about physical dependence on a substance, but also the changes that occur in the brain. It is not uncommon for individuals struggling with a substance use disorder to also have a mental health disorder, which is recognized as having co-occurring disorders. Some people turn to drugs or alcohol as a way of coping with mental illnesses such as depression or anxiety. However, substance use can actually make symptoms worse.

According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), “About a third of all people experiencing mental illness … also experience substance abuse.” And, “about a third of all alcohol abusers and more than half of all drug abusers report experiencing a mental illness.” It occurs more often than people may think.

Treating these two conditions simultaneously is essential for more effective recovery. Mental health plays an important role in relapse prevention and living a higher quality life. Through dual diagnosis treatment at Above It All, clients build an understanding of how substance use and mental health disorders are intertwined. They can see the impact that it has on their own life and develop targeted strategies to support recovery.

When one condition is treated but not the other, it can increase risk of relapse. A portion of the underlying issues regarding addiction or mental illness is being overlooked. A program that emphasizes positive mental health for all clients is beneficial, but especially those that can equip clients with tailored strategies for coping with the mental health issues they face.

Above It All provides comprehensive treatment that encompasses both substance use and mental health to create a plan for more sustainable recovery. Clients feel more prepared to return to their community and overcome challenges they may face while making healthy decisions. Get the personalized treatment you need to manage co-occurring disorders at Above It All and see what a positive difference it can make in your life.

[cta] Are you struggling with mental illness in addition to addiction? Contact Above It All today and find out how we can help. [/cta]