Coming Events: Dec. 5-13
SMART (Self Management and Recovery Training) RECOVERY, 7 p.m., 115 Club, 115 N. Fifth Ave., Sturgeon Bay. Meetings are for individuals dealing with any type of addictive behavior or activity. For more information, go to www.smartrecovery.org.
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Indian River County Support Groups, updated Dec. 5
Narcotics Anonymous: For a complete list of meetings on the Treasure Coast call 772-343-8373. Overeaters Anonymous: Noon. Great Hall, room 306, Trinity Episcopal Church, 2365 Pine Ave. Vero Beach. 772-567-3118. SMART Recovery: Secular self help …
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Support Groups, updated Nov. 21
Alcoholics Anonymous: For meeting info on the Treasure Coast call 772-562-1114 or visit indianriveraa.org. Al-Anon: Sunlight AFG. … Step-Free SMART Recovery: Training in practical skills to gain, maintain sober lifestyle. 3:30-5 p.m. Morningside …
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Going to drug rehab can be source of contention for an addict. While their family and friends will likely want them to go, the addict themselves might be resistant. A person that is addicted to drugs may or may not be at a place where they are able to admit that they have a problem and then seek help for it. Even those who recognize that their drug use is out of control may still be hesitant about entering a drug rehab facility. This may be for a variety of reasons. We will discuss a few of them below.

Individuals may not want to leave their current life or lifestyle even though they recognize that they have a serious problem.  They may also not be ready to give up drugs because they are dependent on them not just physically but also psychologically and emotionally.  Individuals will likely have some underlying issues that the drug helps them deal with and so they are not ready to throw away that crutch.  However, drug rehab can be a wonderful resource for people that give it a try.  Sometimes people who are addicted to drugs and aren’t 100% convinced that they are ready to enter rehab may still be able to turn things around and benefit from the experience.

There are many different types of drug rehab. The most common are residential treatment, outpatient treatment and support groups. Residential treatment is generally the most intensive. Individuals receive care around the clock and will also eat and sleep at the facility. Some residential treatments will also have detox services available. If the drug rehab center offers medical detox, there should be a doctor on staff.

Typically, residential or inpatient drug rehab is ideal for persons that have a severe addiction and who wouldn’t do well outside of a closed and protective environment. These individuals would likely have a high rate of relapse if they went back to their homes or the environment from which they came. Residential care sequesters the addict from people and gets him or her away from the drug. It also puts them around people who are committed to helping them get clean.

There may be a number of restrictions in place at an inpatient drug rehab program. For example, they may not be able to contact their family or friends for a specific amount of time.  This will change as a person grows stronger and stops using.

Outpatient drug rehab facilities are the most commonly available. This is because they only require individuals to visit the facility when they have an appointment. This may be for counseling or some sort of class. Outpatient drug rehab is also typically less expensive, which make them very attractive. It also takes up less of a person’s time. They can continue with their life outside of the rehab center. Individuals would be able to keep their job and take care of their family, which is a huge advantage.

Support groups involve individuals getting together (they may present addicts or have overcome their drug addiction) and share their experiences and struggles. There are often great in conjunction with a rehab program.  Probably the most popular one for drug addiction is Narcotics Anonymous.  Support groups provide a healthy environment where attendees support each getting and staying clean.

It seems that in today’s world there is a great thing happening with those who are going through substance abuse recovery.  More and more people are realizing that it is a family issue and that it takes the help and support of all in order to make it work.  This is a positive thing and there is great hope that this trend will continue.  All the family members of the recovering man are affected by the addiction – but all can experience healing, relief, and joy as part of the recovery process and most likely all will need it.

It seems that the older a person becomes the less they feel that someone going through addiction healing will be able to live productive lives. In fact (70%) of younger Americans, age 25 to 34, are most likely to think a person recovering from an addiction can go on to lead a productive life.  Those age 65 and older are the least likely (51%) to think that way.

The obvious addictions are substance addictions which include tobacco, alcohol and drugs.  The level and intensity of treatment is always going to be based on individual need.  Intensive outpatient services are a minimum of nine hours per week.  Treatment is a very important part of the substance abuse recovery process, but that process continues through a person’s lifetime.

Patients often times make excuses for their addiction, blame others, or minimize the problem by saying that it is no big deal and others should just “lighten up.” When we see these so-called “defense mechanisms” we need to realize that they are nothing more than an unconscious effort of the mind to protect that person from psychological assault.

Patients suffering from chronic pain tend to self medicate with illegal or prescription drugs just to alleviate the pain.  This is very common and can lead to addiction of prescription drugs. In fact, pain killers can be the easiest substance to become addicted to.

Resources for those in substance abuse recovery can mean the difference between a smooth transition to wellness and a road that is full of heartache and trouble.  Treatment is a clinical process that through counseling and psychotherapy, gives an individual the tools which they need to recover from their addiction. The self-help groups like AA and NA are support groups with a bunch of people sitting around in a circle talking about their hardships and supporting each other.  There are more and more people who are opting not to take on these programs because there are better opportunities available.

For many, drugs seem to be a means of averting emotional and/or physical pain by providing the user with a temporary and non-realistic escape from the realities of life.  Generally speaking, women have a higher tendency to have developed that addiction to cope with trauma and emotional pain than men.  Women also have a range of social and cultural pressures and issues that men do not experience.   Drug addiction and alcohol addiction is a painful undertaking and those completing their substance abuse recovery will need much support, understanding and love.