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.

What You Should Expect When Making The Choice To Get Sober

Addiction: a commonly heard word that is often misunderstood. Addiction knows no prejudice and can manifest in many ways. Some people may currently be sliding down the path to addiction and not know it. Other people might be stuck in the cycle of drug abuse and addiction with no idea of how to escape.

The first step on the road to recovery is admitting you have a problem and ask for help. We know this is easier said than done. To help you get started, we want to let you know what to expect when deciding to get sober.

What To Expect During Addiction Recovery

Addiction recovery is a challenging and exciting journey for those who have been struggling with drug abuse or alcoholism. It’s normal to be nervous and anxious during this time. Using drugs has become your new normal and facing sobriety, the unknown is scary. Below are a few things you can anticipate on the road to recovery:

  • A New Life: One of the first things that everyone should expect during this journey is that there is going to be a new life. In order for people to truly conquer their addiction, they need to figure out the root of the problem and eradicate it. As a result of this, you’ll feel like your entire life has been turned upside down. And that’s ok.
  • Better Relationships: You can also expect better and stronger personal relationships. Many of your old relationships with friends will be left behind and that’s also ok. During this process, the bad friends will be weeded out and the good ones will stick by your side during recovery. You’ll also have the opportunity to meet like-minded people who will support your recovery.
  • Gratification: Finally, people who make the decision to get sober should also expect a hard but worthwhile challenge. Nobody ever said that beating addiction is easy but you’ll feel a sense of gratification once you achieve it. No one can hand you your sobriety, it’s something you earn on your own. You won’t regret making the decision to get better, find sobriety, and become happy.

How to Get Started on the Journey to Sobriety

If you want to get sober and don’t know where to start, a good first step is admitting you have a problem to someone and asking for help. There are friends and family members who are going to be there no matter what. They’ve been there through the good times and the bad. If you don’t feel like there is someone in your life you can currently lean on, you can turn to a trained treatment center professional. They can answer any questions you have and point you in the direction of the right course of treatment for you.

Allow Us to Help You!

At Soba recovery, we’re a drug and alcohol recovery program that offers treatment from our Soba Mesa rehab center in Mesa, Arizona as well as our Soba Texas rehab center in San Antonio, TX. We’ve expanded our capabilities to ensure we offer both detox and inpatient treatment for addiction. We are here to help people get started on the journey to sobriety. We offer a unique program that combines traditional treatment with modern therapies. We have found that this helps our clients overcome substance abuse for good. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you!

Benefits of Family Behavior Therapy When Dealing With Addiction

Addiction is a family disease. Even though one person may be suffering from substance abuse, their addiction affects everyone around them. When our loved ones are using it’s common for them to lie to us, steal, and behave in a way that hurts us. We know they aren’t doing it intentionally but it still hurts.

While there isn’t necessarily a rule book on how to treat a loved one suffering from addiction, there are certain things we can do to gain insight into how our loved one is feeling, how we can help them, and stop enabling their behavior. Family Behavior Therapy is a great way for everyone to heal.

What is Family Behavior Therapy?

Family behavior therapy is a therapy that involves the drug or alcohol user and at least one significant other such as a cohabiting partner, parent, sibling, etc. The goal is to address issues that are related to substance abuse; conduct disorders, child mistreatment, depression, family conflict, and unemployment.

Family behavior treatment looks at a range of therapeutic-based approaches to help set goals on how to improve the home environment. The chaotic nature of someone suffering from substance abuse can be felt throughout the entire family. If your loved one is abusing drugs or alcohol and unable to maintain employment, they may end up living with you and their addiction will directly affect you. Family therapists believe that problems exist between people, not within people.

Is it Right for Us?

If you’re reading this and a loved one is suffering from substance abuse, you’re probably asking yourself if family behavior therapy is right for us. The answer is yes, it is. Single parents, foster parents, grandparents, extended family, stepfamily, etc can all benefit from this type of therapy. At Soba Recovery, we believe family therapy falls within phase two of the three-phase plan for our clients.

A family can best be compared to a system. In any system, each part is related to all the other parts. A change in any part of the system will affect the other parts. Families of any kind are interconnected and rely on each other for support.

Benefits of Family Behavior Therapy

When a drug or alcohol addict goes to treatment, they gain knowledge on how to recover from addiction. Since addiction is a family disease, the family needs to gain knowledge as well. For example, if our loved one is suffering from addiction and asks us for money, we may think we’re helping them by giving them a loan. In reality, our loved one will just use the money to buy more drugs or alcohol; therefore we’re perpetuating their addiction.

Family behavior therapy will teach families to set boundaries with one another and how to cope with changes. It’s common for family members to become accustomed to being their loved one’s caretaker and not knowing how to break the habit. This therapy teaches families to change their own behavior to help their loved one change their behavior. Addiction recovery is often misunderstood and it’s important for families to have a full understanding of their loved ones’ recovery. Family therapy also provides a safe space to communicate which is the foundation of any relationship.

Soba Recovery Can Help

At Soba Recovery Center we examine addiction from all angles. We’re dedicated to helping struggling drug or alcohol users and know their actions affect their families and loved ones. We’ve put together a three-phase plan and family therapy is offered during phase two, also known as early recovery. Repairing relationships is a crucial component of early recovery. If your family member or loved one is suffering, let us know so we can help them and you.

Opioid Withdrawal Timeline

There are a number of significant challenges someone has to face when trying to overcome substance abuse. One of the most intimidating topics to discuss is withdrawals. The symptoms can vary from being mild to severe and are different for everyone. Withdrawal symptoms also depend on the substance someone is abusing.

Withdrawal typically takes place during detox (the first few days of the recovery period). The good news is medical detox helps make withdrawal as comfortable as possible for drug and alcohol users. At Soba Recovery we provide a comprehensive detox program to help our clients overcome substance abuse, making recovery within your reach.

What are Withdrawals?

When someone is addicted to drugs or alcohol, the body has been conditioned to believe it needs those substances to survive. As those substances and toxins start to leave the body, people will start to experience cravings. This is the driving force that has powered their addictions from day one. When the body doesn’t get these substances quickly it will enter withdrawal.

Some withdrawals can cause health complications or lead to relapse. For this reason, it’s important to lean on trained professionals who provide around-the-clock care. You don’t have to go through this alone. Withdrawal can be one of the most challenging phases of recovery but once you overcome withdrawal you can overcome anything.

What do Opioid Withdrawals Look Like?

Withdrawal is going to take many shapes and forms and depends on the substance someone is addicted to. For example, someone who is going through withdrawal from benzodiazepines may develop seizures. Withdrawal from alcohol may take a course known as delirium tremens, often shortened to DTs. There are a few common symptoms opioid users experience during withdrawal.

One of the first symptoms is opioid cravings. Someone may feel a powerful drive to use drugs once again. This can evoke an emotional reaction. Muscle aches are soon to follow as well as body pain. Lack of sleep is also common as cravings can keep someone up at night. Eventually, individuals develop agitation and anxiety. One of the most common comparisons for opioid withdrawals is they are like having the flu.

How Long Does Opioid Withdrawal Last?

Withdrawal symptoms can start as soon as six hours after the last dose of drugs. Some people even notice symptoms as quickly as two hours after the last dose. If the addiction is a longer-acting opioid medication, the symptoms may be delayed for up to a day.

Within 72 hours, the symptoms should peak. This peak might be delayed if someone is using a longer-acting opioid. Then, over the next few days, the symptoms are going to subside gradually. Again, if the opioid is longer-acting, this process may be a little longer. Withdrawal periods vary from person to person but on average last around five days.

Get Help

The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) published between 26.4 million and 36 million people around the globe abuse opiate drugs, which includes prescription pain relievers and the illegal drug heroin. Know that you’re not alone battling this addiction. Soba Mesa offers medically assisted detox and our clients are monitored 24 hours per day. Our medical practitioners prescribe the correct medicine to alleviate the discomfort associated with the withdrawal symptoms mentioned above. Contact us to get help. We would be honored to assist you with addiction treatment.

A Guide To Drug Rehab: What To Expect

For years, there was a stigma surrounding mental health issues such as drug abuse and addiction. Thankfully, that stigma is starting to fade. Now, there is a new attitude surrounding addiction and the treatment of those who suffer from it. This includes the development of effective drug rehab programs that specialize in addiction. At the same time, some people might be nervous about starting the drug rehab process, particularly when it involves an extended stay. Fortunately, there are plenty of people who are willing to lend a helping hand to those in need. Before enrolling in a drug rehab program, there are a few important points to keep in mind. Understanding some of the information below will help individuals and their families prepare for the road to recovery that is ahead. With the right preparation, everyone will be able to get the most out of their stint in drug rehab.

What is Drug Rehab?

First, it is important for everyone to understand what drug rehab is and what it entails. It is important for people to know that the stay in drug rehab can vary from person to person. Some people might be there for a few weeks while other people might end up staying for a few months. The exact length of rehab will depend on someone’s progress as well as their insurance and financial statuses. The nice thing about drug rehab is that it can be tailored to meet the individual needs of the person. There are lots of different groups and therapies that might be used to help someone during his or her stay in rehab.

For example, some people might start off with one on one sessions with a professional counselor. This is a great way for someone to understand exactly what drove them to drug abuse and addiction in the first place. Understanding the root cause of the issue can help someone get started on the road to recovery.

Then, that person might start participating in some group sessions. This is a great way for people to learn that they are not alone. There are lots of other people who have gone through similar circumstances. This is a chance for people to learn more about other people and discover ways to tackle drug abuse and addiction. Individual therapies will be employed to help people recover in a more efficient manner.

Who Needs To Go to Rehab?

One of the most common questions involves who exactly needs to go to rehab. The good news is that a drug rehab is a great option for anyone who suffers from drug abuse and addiction and would like the help of trained professionals. Of course, some people might need to go to rehab more urgently than others.

  • First, anyone whose addiction has placed them in the hospital should strongly consider going to rehab. This is a sign that someone is losing control of his or her addiction and is placing themselves and others in harm’s way.
  • Second, those who are having trouble maintaining employment should also consider going to rehab. This can help someone make sure they maintain their professional relationships and can hold down a job in the future.
  • Finally, anyone who is losing control and/or sabotaging his or her personal relationships should also go to rehab. This will help someone refocus his or her priorities on what matters most.

What To Expect In Drug Rehab

When someone arrives in rehab, there are a few different things that people should expect. First, everyone should be expected to be treated with the care and compassion they deserve. There are trained professionals who are there to provide expert care without reservations or judgment. People should be expected to be treated as people and not as a disease.

Next, people should expect that rehab is going to be a challenge. If breaking an addiction was easy, drug rehab wouldn’t be needed. Therefore, people shouldn’t expect to shy away from this challenge. They should be ready to meet it head-on with the assistance of those around them.

Finally, everyone at rehab should expect to get better. There are professionals who are willing to lend a helping hand to those in need. With the help of others, everyone has a chance to overcome their addiction through addiction treatment.

Let Us Help You Today

At Soba Recovery, we are a luxury detox and drug rehab program with locations in Mesa, AZ, and San Antonio, TX. Our professionals are always here to help individuals and families beat drug abuse and addiction. We blend traditional, proven therapies with an innovative approach to make sure that we can address everyone’s needs. If you would like to learn more about our services, please contact us today. We would be honored to help you beat addiction and regain control of your life.

Drug Addiction and Depression: How They Intertwine

woman struggling with depression and drug addiction

Drug Addiction and Depression

Did you know that approximately 20 million Americans have drug addictions that are not being treated? This often leads to their condition getting worse and sometimes lethal. Drug addiction and depression are popular patterns that go hand in hand; where the person will have psychological disorders, as they age the condition of their mental state sharply declines. In a lot of cases, they will develop substance abuse or alcohol abuse issues. Studies show that women were more likely to be diagnosed with mental illness than men. Substance abuse among women is growing at an alarming rate where a 2009 survey reported that women 6.6% of women aged 12 and older had confessed to using an illegal drug.

The Catastrophic Effects of Alcohol, Depression & Substance Abuse

Many people who are alcoholics and heavy drinkers are in danger of liver cirrhosis which is when the liver does not perform properly due to excessive and long term abuse. Cirrhosis can eventually lead to the liver failing completely which ultimately can lead to death.

Depression and substance abuse come with their myriad of negative effects as well. Depression not only weakens your immune system leaving you susceptible to colds and viruses but can cause insomnia, difficulty focusing which is especially problematic in academic environments, inability to preserve healthy personal relationships, and in some occasion’s chronic pain!

Substance abuse is even worse with the effect varying on the substance.

Inside the Psychology of Depression, Alcoholism, & Drug Addiction

couple trying to cope with depressionThe reason why many people with depression turn to opioid substances is because of the chemical Dopamine that is released when the drugs are taken. Dopamine affects our emotions, movement, and recollection and since the brain remembers the feeling of being “high” an increased level of pleasure is released which in turn becomes addictive due to the brain craving the activity.

When someone is depressed and cuts themselves, several people have reported that the motor response that is released is similar to shooting heroin. It is also reported that this behavior is self-reinforcing and gives the user a sense of power and a sense of control.

Now alcohol, on the other hand, is slightly different as alcohol for many is solving a problem. The underlying primary problem for alcohol abuse could have started in your adolescence, teen years or your adulthood. From those times onward there will be some bad feelings, bad relationships and bad situations that were experienced which leads to alcohol becoming the coping mechanism and, thus the cycle begins.

Other cases that have led to alcoholism are peer pressure and the want for social acceptance. In a lot of social situations, many may find it hard to turn down their friends who are offering them drink after drink. It is human nature to want to be accepted by our peers and loved ones, many would say that it is fundamental to humans. Getting rejected is actually not good for your health; some symptoms from rejection are not sleeping well, weakened immune system, depression, and a shortened life span. All of these side effects can lead to peer pressure drinking.

Warning Signs of Substance Abuse and Depression

Here are some warning signs and symptoms of depression and drug use that you want to pay attention to. If you see your loved one doing these consistently then they may need treatment.

  • Loss of appetite or constant binge eating
  • Shying away from their usual activities and behaviors
  • Sleeping a lot and lacking energy
  • Loss of hope, feeling numb and feeling like nothing matters
  • Drinking, smoking and abusing more drugs than they were before
  • Feeling unusually moody usually angry, sad, worried, on edge, or fearful
  • Hostility and fighting between their close family and friends
  • Hearing thoughts and believing things/events that are not true
  • Thoughts of self-harm
  • Lack of motivation to do daily necessary tasks (example: bathing)

Depression and Addiction Recovery

In addition to receiving addiction treatment, some methods that may help improve the mental state of those with depression and substance abuse disorders are:

  • Reaching out and connecting with others in the church, participating in community services, and engaging with positive influences in their lives
  • Utilizing healthy outlets such as painting, drawing, singing, exercising, cooking, writing
  • Helping to improve others’ lives
  • Receiving professional help through a rehab service

In order to solve the issue of the person’s attachment to the substance, you have to find out what led to the substance abuse and the underlying reason why the user is abusing alcohol or other substances. After the root cause is discovered the next step is to find a healthier replacement so that the user can gradually and safely let go of the substance/substances.

When the right issue is addressed we can begin to reach a solution so that many more people will have a better quality of life and healthy lifestyles not dependent on substances.

8 Signs Someone You Love May be Using Drugs

Drug addiction doesn’t happen overnight. It generally starts with occasional, recreational use and gradually with repeated use; it progresses into the need for regular use regardless of the risk to your relationships, your health, your career, and your finances. Addiction is the psychological and physical need to continue use, regardless of the effects. The amount of time it takes before substance abuse takes hold on someone’s life varies from person to person, but eventually, the individual feels compelled to seek out their substance of choice due to strong cravings. It’s important to keep in mind that most people with a substance abuse problem tend to keep their addiction a secret and it’s unlikely that they admit to the problem. Learning the signs that someone you care about is abusing drugs and/or alcohol may be the difference between life and death. Here are 8 signs that someone you care about may be using drugs.

1. Physical Changes in Appearance

Changes in appearance are the most common sign of drug abuse. Some of the most common changes in appearance may include:

  • Weight loss or gain
  • Pale skin
  • Changes in dental health
  • Hair loss
  • Fatigue

Keep in mind that these changes may be gradual, but in many situations, the changes are relatively sudden and often times very drastic. The person may also have bloodshot or glassy eyes, their pupils may constrict or dilate, they may have a constantly runny nose, and/or they may have sores on their skin, which are often caused by scratching, injections, and/or picking at the skin.

2. Personal Hygiene

It’s also common for someone with a substance abuse problem to have a decline in their personal hygiene. If the person appears unkempt, such as not showering, brushing their teeth, and wearing the same clothes daily, they may have a substance abuse problem and should start addiction treatment as soon as possible.

3. Missed Work or School

Although people who have a substance abuse problem do their best to manage their everyday life, unfortunately, their addiction generally wins in the end. They often miss a lot of work or school, which is often the result of all-night binges or simply losing interest in anything but their substance of choice. Substance abuse changes the way people look at their responsibilities. Their priorities shift and typically in ways that aren’t admirable. For instance, someone that is typically dependable will begin to forget appointments, miss deadlines, and be just generally unreliable.

4. Money Problems

An addiction is an expensive habit, one that can cost hundreds, even thousands of dollars weekly in order to maintain daily use of substance supply. Individuals with a drug abuse problem often spend large, unexplained amounts of money, drain their bank account, and go outside their budget in order to supply their habit. Unfortunately, once they have depleted their personal finances, people with a substance abuse problem often turn to steal money and/or items that can be sold. If the person is constantly in need of financial assistance because they “lost” their money or their money is “missing”, it may be a sign of drug abuse. It is important to not enable the person by giving them money to buy their drugs. It is essential that you stand your ground, even if they become angry or try to put pressure on you – enabling does not help them.

5. Poor Judgment

Individuals that have a drug abuse problem will usually do anything to obtain their substance of choice, including participating in risky, dangerous behaviors, such as lying, stealing, selling drugs, and engaging in unsafe sexual activity. These behaviors often result in the individual being arrested and spending time in jail; however, this generally doesn’t deter them and once they are released from jail, they will continue participating in these risky behaviors.

6. Unhealthy Friendships

Changes in friendship may not be uncommon, but some changes may be drastic. For instance, a newly abandoned longtime friend will have no idea why the person stopped being friends with them. People with a drug abuse problem may change friends by simply changing the crowd they hang out with; this is because they want to spend time with others who have similar habits.

7. Change in Behavior

One of the most common signs of a substance abuse problem is that the person becomes defensive, secretive, and isolated. They tend to refuse to answer questions with a straight answer. For instance, when asked where they have been, the answer is typically something like “why do you care” or it may be as simple as “out”.  Their mood is generally unpredictable and may include sudden outbursts, acting erratically, and may shift suddenly from positive to negative.

8. Denial

Someone with a drug abuse problem will not only deny they have a problem, but they will deny anything and everything they are confronted with. In many situations, the denial isn’t only for your benefit, but for theirs as well. It’s typically difficult for someone with a drug abuse problem to admit they need addiction treatment and it’s because they really do not think they have a problem. Many people with an addiction will not reach out for help or quit using drugs/alcohol on their own.

It’s important to remember that addiction is a disease that affects everyone. The individual with the addiction is affected physically, psychologically, and emotionally as are their family and friends. People with an addiction problem often need loved ones to step in and help them get the help they need, so by knowing the signs of addiction, you can address the situation as early as possible and encourage them to get the life-saving help they need.

If you are concerned that someone you care about may have a substance abuse problem, contact Soba recovery for information about how we can help.

Are You Thinking About Getting Sober? Then This One Is For You

If you are thinking about getting sober, then you need to check out the story below. Addiction is a serious disease that impacts countless people all over the world. It has a way of slowly, gradually wrapping its claws around someone before it swallows them whole. Often, there is collateral damage that goes right along with addiction. This comes in the form of family members, friends, career problems, and a damaged reputation. Fortunately, when someone makes the decision to get sober, there are major changes that take place in that person’s life. If you are thinking about seeking addiction treatment and trying to find sobriety, it is important to think about the major changes that take place when you seek help for substance abuse.

Your Friendships Are Going to Change

Anyone who spends time drinking or doing drugs inevitably will surround themselves with people who do the same. This is simply the law of attraction. If you drink on a regular basis, you likely hang out with people who do the same. There is a reputation during high school and college that people are more fun when they drink. They call alcohol the social lubricant and it can help people stand out. This is also a nice way to blend in with the crowd.

On the other hand, too much alcohol can destroy someone’s life. People need to be sober. This is where people find meaningful relationships, build a career, and enjoy their family. Therefore, if you make the decision to stop drinking, you are going to find new friends. Some people might be a bit skeptical about your decision to stop drinking entirely; however, those who support you will continue to stand by you. Along the way, you will make new friends as well.

You Will Split Checks More Often

When you drink, you might find that you care more about splitting the checks evenly. When you drink, the bill ends up costing about the same all the way around. Alcohol is expensive and, when everyone drinks, the cost has a way of evening out. When you stop drinking, you will find that you spend way less money.

As a result, when you go out to eat, you are going to care about splitting the check a bit more. You might even find that you are hesitant to fund the alcohol industry. You may develop a moral opposition to this. There is nothing wrong with this. When you make an effort to find sobriety through addiction treatment, your life is going to change. That is what is supposed to happen. You should embrace this.

You Will Find New Hobbies

Those who like to drink tend to go out in the evenings and do exactly that. If you have an addiction to alcohol, you might also spend your days doing this as well. The point of addiction treatment is to find a way to break this habit. This means trying to find the root causes of why you were driven to drink (or use drugs) in the first place. As a result, your hobbies are going to change as well. Instead of spending your time drinking, you are going to spend your time doing other things. Prepare to find new hobbies.

At first, you might find that you are an introvert. You may spend more time doing things like watching Netflix. That is fine. You are learning to branch out and find new hobbies. Over time, as you make new friends and spend time with your family, you might be pushed to try other things. Do this. Embrace it. This is the chance for you to experience life without alcohol.

You Will Be Asked Why You Don’t Drink

Finally, be prepared for this one. People are going to ask you why you don’t drink. After all, most people who don’t go through addiction cannot imagine suffering from it themselves. They think, “that will never happen to me!” You know all too well that addiction can swallow anyone. Therefore, be prepared when people ask you why you don’t drink. At first, you might find this uncomfortable. You may even decline to answer. That’s okay! That is your right. Over time, you will become more comfortable coming to terms with why you can’t drink. This is all a part of the recovery process. Once people understand, they will support your decision. They will even watch out for you. Embrace this support system.

Rely on the Trained Professionals at Soba Recovery

At Soba Recovery, we are a substance abuse, drug, and alcohol treatment program with locations in Mesa, AZ, and San Antonio, TX. We provide professional detox and inpatient treatment for addiction. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you and your loved ones.

The Top Five Thoughts to Have Before Using Opioids

Addiction is a serious issue that impacts countless individuals and families across the country. Fortunately, the attitude towards addiction and mental health issues is starting to see a shift. This has allowed countless people who are impacted by addiction to seek the help that they deserve. Once someone is able to achieve sobriety, this is an occasion that deserves to be celebrated. When it comes to an addiction to opioids, this is an impressive achievement. Sadly, a large percentage of people who achieve sobriety are going to suffer a relapse. The relapse rate during recovery may be as high as 60 percent. Before someone makes the decision to use opioids, there are a few thoughts that need to enter the head.

1. Why Do I Feel to Urge to Revert to Substance Abuse?

First, people need to ask why they are feeling the urge to use opioids once again. While a relapse after a period of sobriety is not uncommon, it is also important for people to know why they are doing this. During the road to recovery, one of the goals is to address the root cause of the reasons why someone decided to use opioids in the first place. Have these causes changed? Are the roots the same?  Figuring out why someone is feeling the urge to use opioids again is an important part of avoiding a relapse. Even though relapse can impact more than half of all individuals in recovery, there are still steps people should take to stay sober.

2. What Was My Top Priority During Addiction Treatment?

Next, people need to ask themselves whether or not sobriety is really their top priority. Sure, there are lots of pulls on people’s time. This includes personal relationships, professional relationships, job obligations, and personal hobbies. On the other hand, unless someone gets clean for themselves, they are not going to be able to stay sober. Without a complete and total dedication to long-term sobriety, relapse is going to happen. This means that people need to be willing to put in the hard work. Is the hard work getting done? Are meetings being attended? Are sponsors being called? Or are counseling sessions being capped? This can help people stay sober and avoid relapse.

3. Where Is My Addiction Treatment Support System?

In addition, everyone needs to ask whether or not they have a strong support system. Addiction is a disease. It should be treated as such. At the same time, addiction can be beaten. In order for someone to overcome addiction and stay sober, a strong support system must be in place. Someone who has newly achieved sobriety needs to rely on the support network from day one. This can make a difference in helping someone stay sober or relapsing back into the claws and reaches of addiction. Anyone who is thinking about using opioids needs to reach out to the support system. This might include friends, family members, spiritual leaders, and support groups.

4. Why Did I Make the Decision to Quit Substance Abuse?

Next, people need to make sure that they are quitting for the right reasons. As mentioned above, everyone needs to make the decision to quit for themselves and their long-term well-being. Anyone who enters into treatment in order to make friends or family members happy is bound to fail. If they aren’t committed to themselves, they are not going to be able to commit to treatment. This is one of the biggest reasons why people think about using opioids again. Everyone needs to make sure they are quitting for the right reasons. This can have a long-term impact on someone’s overall health, well-being, and future desires. Remember, before making the decision to use again, the impact this is going to have on one’s own life.

5. Am I Ready?

Finally, before making the decision to use opioids, people need to think about all of the work they have done to get to this point. When someone achieves sobriety, they had put in a tremendous amount of work in order to get clean. All of this work has been done to rebuild a regular life and avoid a relapse. Is it really OK to destroy all of this work at the altar of opioids? Is it really OK to return to the world of social isolation and damaged personal relationships? Remember to think about this before making the decision to use opioids again.

Rely on the Professionals at Soba Recovery

At Soba Recovery, we are dedicated to helping everyone find the drug and alcohol addiction treatment they need. With locations in Mesa, AZ, and San Antonio, TX we provide detox and inpatient treatment for numerous types of addiction. If you would like to learn more about our services, please call us today to learn more!