alcohol and drug abuse treatment

Addiction is not a disease, contrary to popular belief. Some may have a genetic predisposition to substance abuse, but it does not mean it will manifest in every person who has it. There isn’t just one reason for why individuals become addicted to drugs and/or alcohol. Drugs and alcohol can make one’s life swerve wildly out of control; however, addicts don’t have to be at the effect to this. Non 12 step rehabs give them the tools necessary to get back in control of life’s problems.

The idea of power is one of the biggest distinctions. Traditional faith-based programs promote the philosophy that the individual has a disease and is powerless to take control of their life and manage the behavior that led to the debilitated state. Non 12 step drug rehab programs have a completely different doctrine.

They believe the individual is in control of their addiction and the power to change is within each person. Long-term drug and/or alcohol abuse can be a downward spiral. The impact of trying to get clean and failing is lowered self-esteem and confidence. Frequently, the reason a person over indulges in the first place is because they have a low opinion of themselves from the get go.

If you are failing, it isn’t that you are not working hard enough; but the right tools are necessary in order to achieve your goals of a life free from substance abuse. It is necessary to learn new life skills to know how to live a substance-free lifestyle. Sitting in a circle rehashing your past addict lifestyle is a dangerous activity to engage in as it is a constant reminder of the old you. Any addict will tell you the best part of addiction is the drug and alcohol use because of the accompanied euphoria. Being reminded of that often creates cravings.

Treatment plans that veer away from the traditional methods have much higher success rates. Seventy to eighty percent of people who enter into one maintain a permanent change for life. These programs are usually longer in length, ranging from 8 to 12 weeks; therefore, an individual becomes acclimated to their new lifestyle before entering into their daily life that is usually full of triggers.

Life skills education and individual counseling provide life coaching. In addition, the physical side is addressed through biophysical detoxification. Individuals are taught the tools to succeed, so they can get back in control of their life. It is the blend of therapies that embodies both the emotional and physical aspects that allows them to do so.

The right way of dealing with your substance abusing teen is to have a conversation about his unhealthy habits. As a responsible parent, you should talk to your teen soon after confirming his unhealthy habits. Having a conversation will help you connect with your teen to know what made him take up this habit. A healthy conversation also gives a chance to express your concern, and to explain the consequences of these harmful habits. Most importantly, it helps you create a safe and supportive environment for the wellbeing of the teen.

This article offers you few tips on how to handle a good conversation with your substance abusing teen.

First confirm the substance abuse:

Be sure about your teen’s substance abusing habit before starting any kind of conversation. Also, confirming the fact in advance will provide you with proof when the teen tries to escape or fool you. You can opt for various home drug testing kits for accurate, quick and reliable results without affecting your teen’s privacy.

Prepare yourself for the conversation:

Talking aimlessly or attacking your teen directly is a bad way to start the conversation. A worthwhile conversation can be made only when there is enough preparation. Prepare yourself on how to start a conversation and how to proceed with it. Plan on what questions should be asked. Know how to deal when your teen gets violent or aggressive. Collect information on various ill effects of drugs. Above all, think about how to make your teen comfortable with the talk.

Show your concern:

When your teen reveals about his behavior, don’t be judgmental. Try to be honest about your feelings. Show them your worry and disappointment too. Talk about your expectations from him. Show your concern clearly by explaining how his substance abusing behavior would ruin his future and make sure that your concern does not come across as a nagging or cursing to your teen.

Try to be cool:

Your teens may initially turn violent on being pointed out for his bad habits, but try to handle him. Let him understand the concerns of this behavior rather than blaming him for the behavior. Tell him that his behavior is unacceptable, but in a polite way. Don’t alienate your teen by showing your grudge on him for his behavior. Remember that it is a conversation and not an argument, so try to stay cool.

Listen to your kid – be attentive:

Give your teen enough time to talk. Remember, most of the times a substance abusing teen is a troubled teen. Check why drugs became an answer for his problems and be attentive while he is answering. Respect your teen’s feelings of anger, stress, fear, pressure, etc. Give him space to express his feelings in a way he is comfortable with and listen carefully to figure out how he got habituated to drugs. Your concern for him is also revealed when you are attentive to him while he is speaking.

Extend support:

Don’t just highlight the negative consequences of his behavior. Give him the confidence that he can overcome this habit. Try to make him involve in extracurricular activities and family gatherings to divert his mind from drugs. Be a positive role model and help them in solving problems, enjoying free time and managing stress without using drugs. Extend your moral support to help him lead a healthy lifestyle.

When you are conversing with your teen, don’t try to give lectures, as they don’t work. Try to maintain conversations regularly with your teen to stay connected with his life, friends and studies. When your teen is convinced that you are making honest effort in making his life positive, then there are higher chances of getting favorable results.

It is disheartening to see our loved ones struggling with unhealthy habits. But at the same time, it is our responsibility to provide them the needed support to overcome those unhealthy habits. Though willing to help, many of us do not know on how to initiate and implement the right steps to help our loved ones.

It is important to know that your timely intervention in detecting the unhealthy habits and providing help will protect your loved ones from harmful effects of those habits. Though there are many unhealthy habits, we will discuss on how to help your loved one come out of the most dangerous habits which include smoking, alcohol and substance abuse.

Monitor his/her activities: In order to identify unhealthy habits, it is essential to monitor your loved ones’ activities. Try to know about their food and hygienic habits, physical and behavioral characteristics, friends circle, places they are visiting frequently, activities they are engaged in, routine happenings in their life and so on. This kind of active observation will help you detect any changes in their lifestyle.

Confirm unhealthy habits: You can be aware of their lifestyle by continuously observing their lifestyle. However, it is important to confirm unhealthy habits using a reliable source. The habits of smoking and drinking can be easily identified whereas it is bit tough to detect the drug abuse, as it can be easily concealed. The moment you suspect your loved ones of any abnormal behavior, conduct drug testing on them to confirm the drug abuse. Make use of home drug testing kits that assure accurate results at the privacy of your home. Don’t panic if the results are positive for drug abuse, be cool and follow the below mentioned steps.

Talk to the person: Corrective measures to prevent your loved ones’ unhealthy habits are always important. Strict rules, screaming or yelling at them to make them stop the habit will only make the habit worse and fuels rebellion and bitterness. Instead, try to talk to them and try to know what made them take up this habit. Create a healthy discussion, make them express their feelings. Also, listen patiently to them as it shows your concern for them.

Express your concern: Nothing makes a relation better than love. Hence, express your real concern by telling your loved ones that it hurts to see them suffering. Try to explain them about the risks associated with drug or alcohol abuse. Express your worry by explaining the effects of these habits on their physical and mental health.

Provide support: Approach your loved ones with an attitude of love and forgiveness. Assure them that you are there for them to help stay away from unhealthy habits. Take them to doctors and counselors for effective treatment. The strength, guidance and support you provide them at this stage, makes positive impact on their attitude. Reward them with gifts on seeing slightest changes in their behavior; this will motivate them to improve further.

Encourage healthy habits: Tell your loved ones that it is not only important to break unhealthy habits but also necessary to adapt healthy habits to balance the situation. Help them in inculcating good habits like exercising, taking proper diet and choosing friends wisely. Also, assist them while they are participating in healthy activities. Ask them to try and experience the positive changes.

Though self-realization is important for your loved ones to stay away from unhealthy habits, your support and guidance plays a major role in helping them change.