How To Find the Right Treatment Program for Yourself

Addiction is a disease that tears through the lives of countless people in the United States every year. In prior decades, people who suffered from addiction and mental health issues might not have had any place to go for help. Now, that has all changed. There are plenty of addiction treatment options out there for people who are addicted to drugs, alcohol, gambling, and more. With so many choices, it may be difficult to decide where to turn for help. At SOBA Recovery, we want to help you find the best addiction treatment for you.

What is Addiction Treatment?

Addiction treatment is a rehabilitation program that helps people addicted to drugs or alcohol stop using substances. Because addiction is nuanced, there are many different kinds of treatment available. Although treatment styles and programs can vary, the overall goal is the same across the board: getting someone and helping them stay sober. Addiction treatment includes the following programs:

  • Inpatient programs: This is an addiction treatment program where you spend 30 days focusing entirely on helping you achieve sobriety. You will attend individual therapy, group therapy, and engage in wellness activities. Then, you will learn coping skills to help you stay on track with your sobriety
  • Transition programs: Partial hospitalization programs (PHP) and intensive outpatient programs (IOP) help you transition from inpatient rehab to outpatient. If you’re unable to complete inpatient treatment you can skip to PHP. During both kinds of treatment, you will continue participating in various therapy programs.
  • Outpatient programs: Outpatient programs are a step down from PHP and IOP. You will only spend a few hours at a time at the facility and sleep at home. Outpatient treatment is a good option for sole caregivers or working professionals who can’t take off of work for inpatient treatment.
  • Sober living: This is considered to be an aftercare option. You don’t attend therapy at a sober living home but you live there and are held accountable for your actions. Sober living provides recovering addicts with a safe place to live while finding and securing a job and integrating back into the community.

How to Find the Right Recovery Program for You

There is a program out there for everyone. If you’re currently struggling, don’t wait to seek treatment.

  • Consider your needs: First, think about what your needs are. For example, some programs specialize in helping men while others focus on women. Some programs focus on drugs of abuse while others might focus on alcohol. Make sure that the program is going to meet your needs.
  • Location: Think about where you want to go for recovery. Sometimes, it is helpful to leave the local area to get away from the stresses of home. When you distance yourself from an addictive environment, you will have an easier time focusing on your recovery.
  • Ask Questions: Make sure that you ask questions about the recovery programs you are considering. Ask about the amenities of the program. Think about sleeping arrangements. Ask questions about the average length of stay. These are all questions that are going to be pertinent to any experience you might have at the program.
  • Think About Your Goals: Finally, think about what your goals are. If your goal is to detox your body and remove yourself from a harmful environment, then you need to think about an inpatient program. If you are the sole caregiver for a child and don’t have access to long term child care, an outpatient program may be the best option for you.

Regardless of your situation, there is a treatment plan out there that can help you.

Let Us Help You!

At Soba Recovery, we are one of the top drug and alcohol treatment programs in the southwest. We have centers located both in Mesa, AZ and San Antonio, TX. Our detox and inpatient treatment professionals help our clients conquer addiction and stay sober. We offer a unique luxury addiction treatment program that takes advantage of proven, traditional treatment methods and blends them with innovative therapies. Our top priority is to help our participants overcome substance abuse and stay sober. If you are interested in learning more about our addiction treatment services, please contact us today!

What To Do When The Cravings Hit?

You feel like you’re at the end of the road. You’re tired, broke, and honestly annoyed at life. You’ve been using the same drug over and over again, and finally, want to stop. You want the freedom during the day to do whatever you want instead of thinking about how you’ll score more drugs. Congratulations, you’re ready to get sober.

During your journey in sobriety, you may experience cravings from time to time. This is a common part of recovery so don’t be scared if you feel one. Cravings are completely manageable with the right tools and coping skills.

What are Drug Cravings?

A craving is the term used to describe the urge to use alcohol or drugs once someone is sober. For certain people, the most severe cravings take place during the detox process. During detox, addicts will go through withdrawals. The symptoms of withdrawal will vary slightly from person to person as addiction impacts everyone differently, but common symptoms include fevers, shaking, chills, emotional lability, and discomfort. The urge to use drugs or alcohol to make these symptoms go away is a craving.

Once you’ve detoxed, the withdrawal symptoms are not going to be as severe but you are still at risk to feel the urge to use drugs or drink alcohol from time to time. Withdrawals will go away after the toxins leave your body but you can still experience cravings. Just because you feel a craving doesn’t mean you won’t stay sober, it’s a matter of how you react to the craving.

How to Handle a Craving

If you feel a craving coming on, there are a few steps you can take to combat the craving. Taking the proper steps will help keep you sober.

  1. Be aware: Before you can shake off a craving, you’ll have to know you’re experiencing one. Cravings can feel different for everyone but some common craving symptoms are irritability, feeling like you have an imaginary itch you can’t scratch, and frequent thoughts of using drugs or alcohol. If you experience these feelings it’s important to check in with yourself and identify the root of them. Maybe you haven’t attended a 12-step meeting all week and now it’s Friday, or maybe you’ve been around friends lately who drink and do drugs. After you identify the root cause, you’ll realize you’re having a craving.
  2. Ways to cope: Once the feeling is recognized, the next step is to find a way to cope. How you cope with cravings is totally up to you. There isn’t necessarily a right or wrong answer. Some people find it helpful to call a friend or sober companion and talk about the feeling. Other people find it helpful to meditate. Shifting your focus to something else like exercising or writing can be helpful as well. Just be careful to not distract yourself too much from the feeling because you may end up brushing it under the rug, instead of dealing with it.
  3. Seek support: One of the most effective ways to handle a craving is by seeking support from others. A huge component of drug and alcohol treatment is various types of therapies. If you’ve completed any form of treatment, you probably engaged in group therapy, individual therapy, and support groups types of therapy. Therapy and support groups shouldn’t just be isolated to treatment as recovery is a lifelong battle. Completing a comprehensive aftercare program post-treatment will help immensely with cravings.

Let Us Help!

At Soba Recovery, we are one of the top drug and alcohol treatment programs based in the San Antonio, TX and Mesa, AZ regions. Our detox and inpatient treatment programs help clients overcome addiction and take back control of their lives. Our premier luxury program that combines traditional addiction treatment with modern therapies to help our participants in overcoming substance abuse for good. If you are interested in finding out more about how our team can help you overcome addiction, please contact us!

Beating the Addiction: Opioids

The United States is currently experiencing a devastating opioid epidemic. 128 people die every day from an opioid overdose.  Opioids are one of the most common prescription medications used today and also happen to be the most dangerous. Opioids are meant to be used on a short-term basis to help people control pain. They are extremely addictive and it’s common that someone ends up using them for years. 

What is an Opioid Addiction?

Opioid addiction is a long-lasting disease that causes health, social, and economic problems. It’s characterized by a compulsive urge to use opioid drugs, even when they are no longer needed for medical purposes. The addiction happens when the brain chemistry is changed by repeat drug use, and a tolerance is built. Physical and emotional withdrawals will then occur if the person addicted stops taking opioids. Millions of Americans are impacted by opioid addiction every day. 

Commonly prescribed opioids are hydrocodone, morphine, codeine, and fentanyl. Heroin is also an opioid but isn’t prescribed by doctors. Heroin is sold and purchased on the streets. It’s not uncommon for someone to start using hydrocodone and eventually use heroin. 

How to Break an Opioid Addiction

Breaking an opioid addiction may seem extremely difficult but it doesn’t have to be. While there are numerous people addicted to opioids, there are also numerous people who are successful in recovery from opioids. Below are a few tips on how to break an opioid addiction: 

  1. Admit You Need Help: The first step in beating an opioid addiction, just like any other addiction, is admitting you need help. Addiction isn’t a matter of ‘self-control’, it’s a disease that affects and rewires the brain. It’s completely ok to admit to yourself and others that you do in fact need help and want to get sober. Don’t be ashamed, asking for help doesn’t mean you’re weak, it actually means you’re strong. 
  2. Know Your Options: After admitting you need help, the next step in the right direction is to research treatment options. There are what seems to be an endless amount of treatment options available. It’s helpful to do some research and get informed on the many kinds of treatment available to beat opioids. Beating addiction shouldn’t be done alone and is most effectively done with the help of a treatment center.
  3. Reach Out: It’s important to contact treatment centers and facilities to get more information on their programs once you do some research. It may be helpful to write down the questions you have before calling. Speaking to someone over the phone and asking questions that are important should make you feel more comfortable about pursuing recovery. 
  4. Trust the Professionals: Finally, people who are looking for help with an opioid addiction need to trust trained medical professionals. These are specialists who have the expertise necessary to get to the root of someone’s opioid addiction. They do what they do because they want to help you and see you live a successful, drug-free life. They help you uncover the root of your drug addiction so you can become happy and sober. 

We’re Here to Help

At Soba Recovery, we are honored to be one of the main drug & alcohol treatment programs serving individuals and families in the southwest region. We have programs both in Mesa, AZ and San Antonio, TX. Our detox & inpatient treatment programs help participants battle addiction and take steps to recovery. Our unique luxury addiction treatment program takes advantage of proven, traditional treatment methods and blends them with new, innovative therapies. Our priority is helping our clients overcome substance abuse and retain sobriety. If you would like to find out more about our addiction treatment program, please contact us!

The Benefits of Inpatient Addiction Treatment

If you or a loved one is struggling with addiction, help is out there. Addiction is a progressive disease, the longer you wait to treat it, the worse it gets. For many years, the healthcare industry did not take addiction and mental health issues seriously but when it comes to addiction, it is important for everyone to have the help and support that they deserve. If you yourself feel confused or unsure if addiction is a serious issue, you’re not alone.

Fortunately, with a renewed investment in addiction treatment and drug abuse recovery, there are plenty of options available to those who are looking for help with addiction. It is important for everyone to explore the different treatment options available so they can make the choice that is right for them. Inpatient rehab is one of the most effective methods of treatment for addiction and substance abuse. There are several important benefits of inpatient rehab that everyone should keep in mind.

What is Inpatient Treatment?

One of the first places you can go for help with addiction recovery is inpatient rehab. The goal of inpatient treatment is two-fold.

  • The first goal is ridding your body of harmful substances, also known as detox. As drugs and alcohol leave someone’s system, cravings set in. These cravings are going to lead to withdrawal symptoms. This is how the cycle of addiction gets started. Turning to professional help is the best way to break the cycle. Some of the symptoms of withdrawal include fevers, chills, shakes, sweating, emotional lability, and more. Some withdrawal symptoms might even include seizures. For this reason, people need to go through the detox process with the assistance of medical professionals.
  • Once someone has finished the detox process, they stay at an inpatient facility so they can learn different techniques to maintain sobriety. This is going to include treatment sessions with therapists and group sessions where clients can learn from the experiences of others. Eventually, clients will make the transition to the outside world and return to normal society.

5 Key Benefits of Inpatient Drug Rehab

There are several benefits that come with inpatient treatment. Some of the biggest benefits include:

  1. The Structure of Inpatient Treatment
  • One of the most important benefits of inpatient treatment is the structure that it takes. The structure of an inpatient program cannot be found in any other treatment option for drugs and alcohol. When someone signs up to attend inpatient treatment, they are going to be placed on a very structured and regimented schedule. This schedule is going to keep someone busy, preventing the mind from wandering to thoughts of drugs or alcohol. This is going to go a long way toward helping someone get on the road to recovery. If someone is left free to think about drugs or alcohol, they are much more likely to suffer a relapse. Rely on the structure of an inpatient program to keep this from happening.
  1. There is Plenty of Support
  • It is important for everyone to know that they have the strength to overcome an addiction to drugs or alcohol; however, they cannot do this alone. Fortunately, in an inpatient program, there is plenty of support available. This support is important because it is available 24 hours per day, 7 days per week in an inpatient program. Access to support, particularly during the first few days of treatment, when someone might be going through the symptoms of withdrawal and detox, can make all the difference in the world during the recovery process. Trust the constant support of an inpatient treatment program.
  1. No Access to Alcohol or Drugs
  • One of the most important benefits of an inpatient treatment program is that there will not be any access to alcohol or drugs. When someone goes to an inpatient facility, they need to stay there for treatment. This means that there isn’t any access to alcohol or drugs. If someone were left with access to the outside world, as is the case with an outpatient treatment program, they are more likely to crack under pressure and give in to their vices. Someone who enrolls in an inpatient treatment program is not going to have access to drugs or alcohol. This ensures that they will complete the detox program and make it through the symptoms of withdrawal without placing drugs or alcohol in their system.
  1. Supervision During The Detox Process
  • There are lots of people who suffer from addiction and all of them are going to go through some type of withdrawal during their initial phases. This is often the most difficult time because the symptoms of withdrawal can be quite severe. The symptoms that someone goes through during withdrawal, depending on the substance at hand, can even be life-threatening. Therefore, the supervision that comes with an inpatient program is invaluable. This supervision can help make sure that someone makes it through these first few days without breaking under pressure. This supervision can also get someone the medical care and assistance they need if the symptoms start to get too bad. Finally, the supervision also serves as an additional source of support that can help someone make it through these tough times.
  1. Focus on the Recovery Process
  • Finally, when someone decides to start treatment at an inpatient program, they free themselves from any other distractions. With the numerous other obligations that someone has in the outside world, it is easy to see why breaking an addiction without the support of an inpatient program can be so challenging. When someone is being pulled in multiple directions, such as with obligations in the personal and professional realm, there isn’t a lot of strength left to focus on breaking an addiction. This is where an inpatient program becomes invaluable. The ability for someone to shut out all other distractions and focus on themselves can help them successfully navigate the road to recovery.

After completing inpatient treatment, it’s strongly recommended to continue with aftercare. Most inpatient facilities will discharge clients with a comprehensive aftercare plan but it’s up to the addict to hold themselves accountable to do it.

Soba Recovery Inpatient Program Can Help

These are only a few of the many benefits of trusting an inpatient rehab program for addiction treatment. At Soba Recovery Center, we are proud to be one of the main drug and alcohol treatment programs based out of the southwest. We have locations both in Mesa, AZ and San Antonio, TX. Our detox and inpatient treatment services help clients beat addiction and get on the road to recovery. Our unique luxury addiction treatment program uses proven, traditional treatment methods, with innovative therapies.

Our goal is to help our clients overcome substance abuse for good. If you would like to learn more about our addiction treatment program and services, please contact us today!

How To Quit Using Benzos

Addiction is a serious disease that doesn’t differentiate based on race, gender, or background. It comes in many forms and can impact anyone at any time. There are a few drugs that are particularly addictive, such as benzodiazepines, which are also known as benzos. If you or someone you know is suffering from a benzo addiction, please seek professional help. Benzos can change one’s life drastically and are extremely addictive. Benzo abuse can also be detrimental to one’s health and is very dangerous

What are Benzodiazepines?

Benzodiazepines, also known as benzos, are a common class of prescription medication that is used to treat a variety of medical conditions. Some of the most common forms of benzos are diazepam, lorazepam, Klonopin, and Xanax. Benzos have two major medical applications. First, benzos are used to stop someone who is having seizures. A seizure takes place when the neurons in the brain start to fire out of control. There are different kinds of seizures such as tonic-clonic, grand mal, and absence seizure.

The other major application of benzos comes in the form of anxiety management. If someone is having a panic attack, benzos such as the commonly prescribed Xanax, stop the panic attack from continues. This medicine is short-acting and can stop a panic attack in its tracks; however, this medication is also incredibly addictive. Benzos are supposed to be prescribed as an emergency use only pill, but people prescribed can end up taking them every day.  The longer someone abuses benzos, the more likely they’ll become addicted. It’s really not a matter of if, it’s a matter of when. There are certain signs and symptoms one can look out for when it comes to an addiction to benzos.

What are the Signs & Symptoms?

If someone develops an addiction to benzos, there are a few signs and symptoms that people might note. First, someone who suffers from an addiction to benzos will end up going to the doctor more often than usual. This takes place because someone is going to need a prescription to pick up benzos. Then, that individual might end up going through prescriptions of benzos faster than they should. 

As the addiction worsens, individuals are going to develop mood swings, become increasingly lethargic, and experience slurred speech. They will do anything they can to feed that addiction. When the doctor stops writing prescriptions, someone who suffers from an addiction is going to turn to buying them off the streets. This can directly impact someone’s financial situation as they’re paying out of pocket for the drugs versus using insurance. 

How to Quit

The safest and most effective way to quit using benzos is to seek help from a trained medical professional. Stopping cold turkey is extremely dangerous and can cause health complications, such as seizures. If someone is addicted to their prescription, they can go to the doctor prescribing the medicine and asked to be tapered off. Being “tapered off” means the doctor will determine a smaller dose to give the person, then a smaller dose after that, to gradually get this person off the drug. 

If someone is addicted to benzos that they’re buying off the street, they can also go to a doctor and seek help or they can go to a drug rehab for detox. During detox, the person will also be tapered off the drug, under medical supervision 24 hours a day. Detox at a rehab isn’t only for people who are purchasing benzos illegally, it is for anyone who is addicted regardless of if they have a prescription or not. 

Completing detox at a rehab then attending an inpatient rehab is one of the best ways to ensure someone will get sober and stay sober. During treatment, the addict learns the coping skills needed to stay sober and also gains a support group. Having the support of friends and family is important when getting sober, but having a sober community is even more important for beating a benzo addiction.

Let Us Help!

At Soba Recovery, we offer detox and inpatient treatment programs at both of our Soba Texas and Soba Mesa rehab centers that help people overcome addiction. We provide a unique luxury program that combines traditional addiction treatment with modern therapies to assist clients in overcoming substance abuse for good. If you are interested in learning more about how our program can help you overcome the chains of addiction, contact us today!

Does Sober Living Really Help?

For a long time, there were misconceptions surrounding substance abuse, drug abuse, and addiction. Now the general public and medical communities have a stronger understanding of addiction, what it is, and how to treat it.

The drive to treat addiction never ends. Sobriety is a lifelong journey. For this reason, there are specialized locations that have been created to help people not just attain but also maintain sobriety. This starts with something called sober living.

What is Sober Living?

Sober living homes are areas where homes have been created specifically for individuals who are working to recover from an addiction to alcohol or drugs. In many respects, these homes operate as a co-op. People often do chores to keep the home maintained as a way to cut down on costs.

There are multiple types of sober living homes. Some homes might be owned by religious groups who are looking to help people who struggle with addiction. Businesses might also operate sober living homes as a form of charity. The vast majority of sober living homes are run by private organizations.

Sober living homes can vary from place to place. Each one operates in a different manner. For example, many homes have a resident manager who works to oversee the rules of the house. Other homes have a more democratic arrangement where everyone works together. The good news is that there is a sober living home out there for everyone.

How Does Sober Living Help?

There are a number of ways in which a sober living home can help someone who is recovering from an addiction to alcohol or drugs. This type of addiction treatment is important for everyone, even those in recovery. These homes help by providing someone a stable environment in which they can take the next steps on the road to sobriety. Plenty of studies have been published showing that it’s hard to maintain sobriety in a home that’s dysfunctional. This is going to cause people to relapse, returning to a life of alcohol and drugs. Sober living homes act as a safe arrangement that has been created by the residents for the residents. Everyone who lives in sober living has completed a form of treatment for drugs or alcohol.

Residents of sober livings are encouraged to continue to seek outpatient treatment while living in the home. Residents are also going to be encouraged to seek a 12-step program. Sober living homes are a fantastic resource but only work if the individuals in the home are fully committed to the recovery process. Sober livings are a community where everyone supports each other.

Why Should You Attend Sober Living After Rehab?

Sober Living is a great transition from rehab to the real world. The homes rely on the residents to work together to hold each other accountable for their actions and sobriety. Rehab and treatment programs teach addicts the tools to stay sober but it’s up to them whether or not they want to use those tools outside treatment. With the encouragement of other people living in sober living, people have a much better chance of maintaining their sobriety.

These homes are also great for people who are worried they might not have a safe place to return to. Inpatient programs are great but if someone walks out of the program and returns to the environment that led to their substance abuse use, this is going to result in relapse and another stay at inpatient.

Sober living homes provide a great alternative to returning home. Because these homes are free from drugs and alcohol, this is a safer place for people to continue the road to recovery. These homes have other resources that can help people mend broken relationships as well as find employment.

Help is Here For You

At Soba Recovery, we are a compassionate drug and alcohol treatment program with locations in Mesa, Arizona, and San Antonio, Texas. We are proud to offer detox and inpatient treatment options designed to treat addiction. After inpatient, we encourage all of our clients to complete outpatient and sober living as aftercare. Using the tools we teach you during inpatient, sober living will be one of the most important parts of your recovery journey. Give us a call today.