A Letter From the Addict to the Addiction

For many, cutting ties with an addiction is similar to breaking up a long-term relationship. Going through detox and addiction treatment is effective, but it’s common to enter sobriety feeling like there are unresolved issues. After all, you’ve spent a significant amount of time entertaining your addiction with drug abuse, and you’ve likely let other relationships fall to the wayside as a result.

Like all unhealthy relationships, it’s time for you to end things with your addiction once and for all. It starts with you confronting your addiction head on.

A Letter to Addiction

Ongoing counseling and participation in addiction recovery programs are recommended long after your initial treatment ends. However, you may also find it useful to express your feelings via a letter. Your own thoughts and feelings will be unique, but here is an example that you may find helpful:

Dear Addiction;

For a time, it felt like all I needed in the world was you. For much of our time together, I felt happy and free of other desires. My pain seemed to go away, and I didn’t worry about life. I even let my other relationships disintegrate because of how strongly I felt towards you.

I now know that none of these feelings were genuine and that I was being manipulated throughout our time together. Whenever I felt like you were the key to getting through life, it was nothing more than a lie. For this and many more reasons, it is now time to bid you “goodbye” forever.

You see, I am so much more than just another person risking their life through drug abuse, and I will not be a statistic. As good as I felt when I was with you at times, I felt terrible during others. I missed out on important events and gave up things that once meant a lot to me. I hit some of the lowest points in my life, and I now realize that I am worth more. It is time for me to regain control. I will pursue new opportunities, achieve new goals, and adopt a healthy lifestyle. And to do all of this, I need you out of my life.

That said, I know I cannot blame you entirely for the way things have gone. Just as I am working to regain control in my life, I am also taking responsibility. I chose to start our relationship, and now I am choosing to end it. I know that saying “goodbye” to you for good will take hard work, but I am doing exactly that.

I will also apologize to those whom I have hurt because of how you influenced me. The relationship between you and I may be at an end, but it is not too late for me to rebuild my relationships with my family members and friends.

As challenging as this ending may be, I know it is the right thing to do. I look forward to new beginnings, and you and I will never cross paths again. Goodbye.

Writing Your Own Letter

The letter above is just an example, and yours should be focused on your own experience and feelings. It’s okay to feel sad while writing your letter, but it’s also important to focus on the good things that are about to come. Writing your letter is already a major sign of progress.

What you do with your completed letter is up to you. Many people choose to keep the letter in a safe place where they can revisit it occasionally for inspiration or to see how far they’ve come since writing it. Others choose to destroy their letters as a sign of being done with their addiction once and for all.

If you write your letter as part of an addiction treatment group or in a counseling session, you may be able to share it with others. Doing so can help you relate to others suffering from drug abuse and help you realize you are not alone. Your letter can also serve as a source of inspiration for others.

It’s Not Too Late to Get Help

Grappling with an addiction is not easy, but it is not something you have to keep living with. With the right treatment and addiction recovery plan, you can successfully achieve a life of sobriety. If you are in the Texas or Arizona area and are looking for the right addiction treatment program, our team at Soba Recovery is here for you. We offer comprehensive detox and inpatient treatment for drug abuse, and if you’re reading this, it is not too late to get the help you need. Reach out to us today to learn more about our services!

Cocaine Addiction: How To Get Help

Cocaine abuse is, unfortunately, an all too common problem in the United States. In fact, over 900,000 Americans met the criteria indicating cocaine addiction as of 2014. Being addicted to cocaine can have negative consequences for an individual’s health and personal and professional lives.

Fortunately, addiction treatment for people who have become dependent on cocaine consumption offers success. If you or a loved one is addicted to cocaine and looking to stop using, don’t wait to reach out to get help. At Soba Recovery, we’re waiting for your call. 

Cocaine and Its Effects on the Body

Cocaine is a drug that stimulates the nervous system. It can be consumed in a variety of ways. The most common way to consume cocaine is through snorting this drug in powder form. However, cocaine can also be smoked or injected. 

When cocaine is ingested, it produces a euphoric effect. It can also create sensations in users of being highly energetic. The effects that cocaine consumption offers can result in both physical and psychological addictions. Physically, the body can become dependent on the drug so that withdrawal symptoms such as fatigue, depression, and irritability are noticed when affected individuals no longer consume cocaine. Psychologically, chronic cocaine users can become dependent on the drug and experience thoughts and feelings of needing it to get through the day. 

Perhaps the biggest reason why it’s so easy to become addicted to cocaine is because cocaine use produces high dopamine levels in the brain. This means that cocaine use creates a strong and intense reward response in the brain. Regular cocaine users enjoy this response and their brains are reprogrammed by routine cocaine consumption. If they don’t continue to use cocaine, their dopamine levels can drop abnormally low so that they feel very depressed and desperate to use cocaine again. 

Symptoms of Cocaine Addiction

If you’re suffering from a cocaine addiction, you probably feel like you’re unable to keep up with personal, professional, and financial commitments. You may also notice your addiction is starting to affect your health. Lack of appetite, unintentional weight loss, feeling paranoid, and feeling depressed, are all negative side effects to cocaine use. If you notice these symptoms in someone else, they may need help with their addiction as well. 

Seeking Treatment for Cocaine Addiction

Addiction to cocaine can be treated in a variety of ways. At Soba Recovery, we know overcoming addiction is not always easy. We do everything we can to make you feel as safe and comfortable as possible. We offer numerous treatment options that can help you overcome your cocaine addiction.

The first step to the recovery process is detoxification. Detoxification is an essential part of overcoming cocaine addiction or any other type of drug addiction. Detoxification is the process of ridding your body of cocaine and any other harmful substances. It’s also the first step to recovery One of the most difficult parts of detoxification is dealing with withdrawal symptoms. While withdrawal symptoms can be difficult to handle, we at Soba Recovery make sure we’re doing everything we can to ease the withdrawals. We also monitor your vitals 24/7 to make sure no health complications arise during detox. 

After detox, there are a few different treatment options for you. We usually recommend clients complete residential inpatient treatment, then partial hospitalization, outpatient, and sober living. We know addiction and treatment is different for everyone so if the above mentioned isn’t your path, that’s ok. We know some people aren’t able to complete residential treatment because they have personal obligations at home. Below is a breakdown of each treatment option: 

Residential Inpatient 

Residential inpatient treatment is typically the next best step to take in recovery after detoxification. On average your stay with us will be about one month. During this time you’ll live at our treatment facility and have round the clock care. You’ll eat your meals here, attend group, and individual therapy. Residential inpatient care is an excellent way to detox and overcome withdrawal symptoms with the assistance of doctors and counselors who have a great deal of experience regarding the treatment of drug addiction. This is the time where you’ll also start to dig deep and find out the root cause of your cocaine addiction.

Partial Hospitalization

Partial hospitalization can be used as a step down from residential inpatient treatment or in lieu of. The program is similar to residential inpatient but you don’t sleep at our facility. You spend the day attending different therapy sessions and connecting with others around you, but get to go home to your own bed at night. You’ll also focus on finding out some triggers for your addiction. 

Outpatient and Sober Living

Outpatient treatment continues the therapies offered during inpatient and partial hospitalization. Alot of our clients will attend outpatient while in a sober living home. These treatment options give you the flexibility in your schedule to get a job and start to get back to “normal” life while still working on your recovery. Outpatient and sober living are both great tools when preventing relapse. 

Get Help for Cocaine Addiction Today 

The sooner you or your loved one seeks help for cocaine addiction, the sooner this severe problem can be overcome. The first step to getting the treatment you or your loved one needs for cocaine addiction is to contact us at SOBA Recovery Center. We’ll provide you with more information and answer your questions regarding treatment options.

At Soba Recovery Center, we’re here to help. We offer treatment programs for cocaine addiction in Mesa, Arizona and San Antonio, Texas. Contact us to learn more about our cocaine addiction treatment centers and the drug addiction treatments we provide.

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!

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!

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.

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.

Top Ten Ways to Kick Cocaine

Kicking the cocaine habit is difficult due to the mental and physical effects it has on the body. You need both medical and psychological help to get you through the withdrawal effects of this drug. When it comes to quitting, though, you are not alone. Evaluate these ten ways to see which can help you the most to kick coke to the curb. You may need to try several to get over your addiction.

1. Stopping Cold Turkey or Detoxing

Generally, stopping cold turkey is the least preferable way to quit cocaine because doing so can cause serious side effects. These side effects can include severe drowsiness, agitation, suicidal thoughts, anxiety, depression, and paranoia. The mental effects of stopping coke may be serious enough to require a doctor’s intervention to keep you from hurting yourself.

If you want to stop cold turkey, consider checking yourself into a medically supervised detox facility. The doctors and nurses on hand will ensure that you get the support you need as your body goes through withdrawal.

3. Social Support Groups

While you go through withdrawal, you will need help to work through the emotions that emerge during quitting. Talking about your feelings and experiences with others who are going through the same steps may help you to power through the withdrawal stages and after.

3. Find Replacements for Cocaine

Because substance abuse no longer holds your life hostage, you will have more time on your hands. Unless you find something to fill that time with, you may go back to using drugs. Take the time during recovery to try out new hobbies, such as playing an instrument, knitting, or volunteering. Working with your hands can distract you when you experience cravings.

4. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is a psychological technique that helps patients to change how they respond to specific situations. For addiction treatment, if you used cocaine in certain situations, by going through CBT, you will learn to do other things than turn to drugs. If you choose a formal counseling program or therapist, most use this therapeutic technique. Even 12-step programs integrate elements of CBT into their methods.

5. Motivational Incentives

For some people, motivation helps. Create rewards for yourself that correspond to times without coke. For example, you may use the money saved on drugs to buy yourself a new video game or jacket if you go for a week without using drugs. You may also increase the incentives to encourage yourself to extend the length of time you go cocaine-free. Perhaps you invest in the down payment for a new car after lasting a year of living cleanly.

6. Balance Your Life

Your life will get turned upside down when you stop using cocaine. The parties you once went to will no longer be options for you because you may feel too tempted to use drugs again. Part of getting over substance abuse is discovering how to keep yourself balanced.

Get regular exercise, develop good sleep habits, and eat a healthy diet. These activities will keep your body and mind healthy. They will also replace some of the time you once devoted in your schedule to drug use. If you used coke to improve your mood or energy levels, healthier living will replace it to give you more energy.

7. Unfriend Some People

Carefully examine your life, and if you have friends who encouraged you in your addiction, break ties with them. People who push you toward self-destructive behaviors, like substance abuse, are not friends.

To keep yourself from feeling lonely, look for activities in your area that do not require drugs where you can make friends. Sign up for a softball league, visit a house of worship, or volunteer your time. Making friends outside drug-use activities can make quitting easier.

8. Identify and Eliminate Triggers

Triggering events, feelings, locations, and people can be difficult to avoid, especially if you retain your old routine while trying to quit. You need to assess your life and identify times when you would use coke. If you only used it as a party drug, you should avoid going to parties for a while. For some people, the trigger may have been stress in their life. Getting more exercise or meditation to reduce stress can help remove that trigger. Talk to your therapist about possible triggers and how you can get those out of your life.

9. Check Into an Intensive Treatment Facility

If you have a serious addiction, check yourself into a substance abuse treatment facility. Though in 2013, only 6% of people in rehab centers had a cocaine addiction, 68% of those use more than one drug.

The advantage of professional treatment facilities is the access you have to a variety of services, such as CBT, intensive individual therapy, family therapy, psychodynamic group therapy, and more. At addiction recovery facilities, you can detox from coke, begin therapy, and discover ways to stay drug-free for life.

10.  Keep Trying

Unfortunately, those who recover from reliance on coke may experience a relapse. In fact, between 40% and 60% of those who recover once will relapse. Don’t let this discourage you because it reflects the recurrence rate of serious medical issues like asthma or high blood pressure, which can have a recurrence of 50% to 70%.

Get the professional addiction treatment you need to recover from your problem in a relaxing, luxurious setting. Contact us at SOBA Recovery today for more information on our cocaine and other substance addiction recovery programs.

The Top Five Signs of Drug Addiction

Drug abuse and addiction are among the most significant problems facing the modern healthcare system today. Those who have watched a loved one struggle with drug addiction know just how quickly this problem can tear someone’s life apart. On the other hand, the problems related to drug abuse and addiction tend to start slowly and insidiously. They are typically easy to overlook. It might start with someone who struggles to battle a simple injury and illness. Then, it balloons into a tremendous problem that can take someone’s entire life down with them, impacting family members and friends along the way.

Therefore, it is critical for everyone to know about the common signs that indicate drug abuse is a serious issue. Knowing these signs ahead of time will help everyone get the help they need as early as possible.

1. The Cravings and Relapses are Real

One of the most significant signs of serious drug abuse is the development of cravings that will lead to a relapse. For example, anxiety and depression are common side effects that come with cravings for an addictive substance. Difficulty concentrating is another common sign. At first, people will promise to give up drugs and say they can do it on their own. Then, when the going gets tough, the cravings start and these symptoms start to set in. That is when the drug use is going to abandon all promises and go off in search of drugs again. Even though someone might say that he or she can quit anytime, this simply isn’t the case. He or she will need help to quit for good.

2. Tolerance Begins to Develop

Another common sign of drug abuse and addiction is the development of something called tolerance. This is the term used to describe the body getting used to having drugs in its system. At first, someone might not need a lot of the substance to achieve the intended effect. People can get high with a relatively small amount.

Then, as someone uses drugs more and more often, they are going to need more drugs to achieve the same effect. This is because the body is getting used to the substance and is developing something called tolerance.

When someone needs more of the drug, this is going to lead to bigger changes in someone’s life. This is going to impact that person’s appearance, eating habits, finances, and more.

3. The Lifestyle Begins to Change

As tolerance sets in, someone’s lifestyle is going to change. This is going to lead to risky behavior. This is because the person is going to place anything and everything else second to drug use. They might even engage in activities that they wouldn’t otherwise. This is going to include activities such as using drug paraphernalia, stealing from others, sharing needles with people, and more. This is going to impact both personal and professional relationships. Their physical health is going to be in jeopardy. This is where others are going to have to step in and help their family member or friend.

4. Motivation is Going to be Impacted

Gradually, someone who is addicted to drugs is going to start to ignore life’s other responsibilities. This might mean dropping out of school. This could mean ignoring work responsibilities. Motivation is going to be at a minimum and is going to strain relationships with family members and friends as well. All of this is going to be sacrificed at the altar of drug use. For this reason, everyone needs to keep an eye out for a drop in motivation or changes in someone’s memory. These are hallmark signs of drug abuse.

5. The Development of Withdrawal

When someone goes for any length of time without having drugs in the body, withdrawal symptoms are going to set in. This is going to come as a result of detox symptoms. The symptoms are going to vary from drug to drug; however, there are a few common themes. For example, sweats, shakes, and irritability and going to be common. Someone is going to have trouble sleeping as he or she goes through withdrawal. These symptoms can be unbearable and some might even lead to seizures. Those who are going through withdrawal are often going t to be begging for drugs. This is where the help of trained professionals is going to be needed.

Rely on the Professionals from Soba Recovery for Addiction Treatment

Anyone who has a loved one dealing with drug abuse knows that this is a serious problem that requires help from trained professionals. That is where Soba Recovery can be of assistance. We are a professional drug and alcohol treatment program with locations in Texas and Arizona. Combining proven methods with an innovative twist, Soba Recovery offers detox and inpatient assistance for those in need. To learn more call us today.