How Outpatient Treatment Can Keep You Sober

When you or a loved one is struggling with substance abuse, it’s easy to feel like nobody around you understands. But it’s important to realize that you’re not alone, and you do have real options for addiction treatment that go far beyond just attending a weekly support group. Addiction is actually an all-too-common problem in America, and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services reports that around 10 percent of adults suffer from addiction during their lifetime.

For all too many people, substance abuse and addiction means a higher risk of serious health problems, strained relationships, suffering careers, and dreams that are no more. But for those who receive the right addiction treatment, there is hope for a fresh start.

Outpatient treatment is effective for thousands of people each year, and it may be the care you need to finally regain control of your life and break free from addiction. Read on to learn more about outpatient treatment and whether or not it may be the right choice for you.

What Is Outpatient Treatment?

Outpatient treatment is a relatively newer form of addiction care, but it is gaining in popularity because of the flexibility and long-term focus it offers. Whereas traditional addiction treatment involves patients actually being admitted to a medical facility under 24/7 supervision while they detox, outpatient treatment allows patients to return to the comfort of their homes after receiving care during the day.

Outpatient care also goes far beyond just detox and is highly focused on patients reaching long-term addiction recovery. Many recovering addicts go straight into outpatient treatment for the duration of their time tackling addiction, while those with more severe drug dependencies use it as a step-down (continuing) program after completing detox and initial addiction treatment.

While exact care plans tend to vary based on the person’s needs, there are three main types of outpatient treatment:

  • Partial Hospitalization Treatment – This is often a highly-effective alternative to inpatient detox and rehab. Allowing for more flexibility in the patient’s schedule, partial hospitalization involves checking into a medical facility for a portion of the day for intensive care. Afterward, patients are able to return home and continue their treatment solo there.
  • Intensive Outpatient Treatment – Patients are able to attend counseling and other programs during the day, which may or may not involve a medical aspect. Patients are able to work in treatment around their daily obligations (and often work schedules) while being able to spend each night at home.
  • Outpatient Treatment – This form of continuing care is best for patients who have already been through an intensive outpatient program or higher. It involves regularly coming in for counseling and staying invested in building a successful life in recovery.

How Outpatient Treatment Keeps You Sober Long Term

In addition to providing greater scheduling flexibility, many people choose outpatient care because of the long-term sobriety potential. Through daytime counseling, recovering addicts are able to learn coping skills and explore the root causes of why they ventured down the path of substance abuse in the first place.

Still, one of the greatest benefits of outpatient treatment programs is that patients are able to take what they learn during counseling and actively make changes in their everyday lives. This is important because those who strictly go through inpatient treatment programs then have to go through a “real-world shock” when they finally leave rehab and return home. Many inpatient programs are also shorter in duration than outpatient care, meaning their effects may not have the same kind of lasting potential.

Because outpatient treatment patients have their care seamlessly worked into their daily schedules, they are able to avoid any real-world shock by making steady, gradual adjustments on a daily basis. Patients are also able to build up their support system of family and friends while still in treatment, instead of having to wait to return home. Naturally, this all means greater potential for long-term sobriety.

Ready to Make a Change? We’re Here for You

When you’re suffering from addiction, life can feel frustrating, and you may not know where to turn. But rest assured, our team at Soba Recovery is here to help. Combining time-tested traditional care with advanced modern techniques, we offer intensive outpatient, sober living options, and more at our facilities in Mesa, AZ, or San Antonio, TX. We believe that with the right care, people from all walks of life can land on the path of recovery.

To learn more about your outpatient treatment options, reach out to our staff at Soba Recovery today. If you’re reading this, it’s not too late to get the help you need and achieve the healthy life you deserve.

The Benefits Of CBT For Addiction Treatment

showing the benefits of cbt therapy for addiction

Cognitive Behavior Therapy also referred to as CBT Therapy, has been used to treat substance abuse issues since the 1970s. Over the years it has become one of the most widely used and effective drug addiction treatment methods. These days, CBT is used in a variety of ways. For some patients, CBT alone is enough to treat drug dependence. For others, CBT is used alongside other types of addiction treatment such as the prescription of withdrawal medications and counseling.

With cognitive behavioral therapy, addicts can learn how their thoughts, feelings, and actions are all connected. CBT is a short-term therapy method that focuses on changing thought patterns, which in turn can help people combat drug addiction.

There are important reasons why CBT is a preferred treatment method for addiction and is used in many settings. Before jumping into the benefits of CBT, let’s first describe what this treatment method is and how it works.

How CBT Therapy Works?

how cbt works for treating addictionCBT is talk therapy and a combination of both behavioral and cognitive theory. The main focus of this type of treatment regime is pinpointing the behaviors and thought patterns that cause someone to struggle with drug or alcohol addiction.

CBT treatment starts with an initial meeting. During this time, the therapist or counselor will get to know the client. They’ll have a chance to speak about their previous drug use and what their life is like.

Addiction is the result of cyclical maladaptive thought patterns. A person struggles with addiction because they regularly return to negative, painful, and harmful thoughts. An addict will use drugs or alcohol as a coping mechanism.

Many of the actions and emotions that fuel addiction are not rational. Instead, impulses can play a huge role. It can be difficult for a patient to learn about the potentially negative ramifications on their own. Even if you rationally know you should avoid drug use, you might succumb to your impulses. That’s what makes this form of therapy such a crucial one. The feelings and behaviors that fuel such experiences are often the results of past behaviors that have not been explored.

Once the addict has a greater level of understanding as to why they behave a certain way, it becomes much easier to successfully overcome addiction. CBT helps a patient to identify their personal “triggers”. These triggers are what cause negative automatic thoughts to take place. These thoughts are based on impulse and are based on internalized feelings.

During a CBT session, a therapist works with the client to teach them new coping skills. This skill set focuses on the person’s view of the world and system of beliefs. Instead of focusing on addiction alone, this therapy focuses on the behaviors and way of thinking of the addict.

After the ice is broken between the therapist and client, the therapist will put together a list of target behaviors to focus on during the therapy sessions. These target behaviors are the problem behaviors that trigger drug use. The goal of CBT therapy is to help the addict avoid triggers in the future.

How the Past Can Affect the Future

One of the important concepts of CBT is understanding how the past can affect the present and the future. For example, someone who suffered a traumatic event and has PTSD or someone who is coping with depression may be tempted to “self-medicate” through drug and alcohol abuse.

Unfortunately, drugs and alcohol are a terrible form of “medication” and will lead to more problems. While drugs and alcohol may seem to provide temporary relief, neither will address the underlying causes. Often, drug and alcohol abuse will worsen your depression and other mental conditions.

Instead of continuing to revisit their most painful memories over and over again, cognitive behavioral therapy allows them to overcome. Positive behaviors replace the negative ones, making long term recovery much easier for a potential patient.

CBT helps you recognize how bad memories from the past, pre-existing mental conditions, and other factors can inform and drive your impulses.

The Benefits Of CBT in Addiction Recovery

man in cbt therapy sessionAddiction treatment is not about shoehorning the client into a plan that works for others. It is about finding the plan that works best for the client. CBT is a key element in addiction recovery and there are a number of benefits to be enjoyed.

CBT treatment is beneficial because it addresses the fact that substance abuse is typically the result of repeated thought patterns and behaviors. CBT treatment helps addicts manage their compulsion to consume drugs by identifying and avoiding the scenarios that bring rise to this compulsion.

Setting Goals

It’s important to set goals in therapy. Unfortunately, overcoming drug abuse takes time. Setting intermediate goals and making a schedule for anticipated accomplishments is a good way to stay motivated throughout treatment. During CBT treatment, the therapist and client will set out specific goals that address behavioral problems that need to be corrected.

Analyzing Thought Patterns

One thing clients are often asked to do when undergoing CBT treatment is to keep a record of their thoughts. This record helps to pinpoint the negative thoughts that are the most damaging and most likely to result in drug use. Part of this step in CBT treatment is disproving negative thoughts.

Problematic thoughts are rationally analyzed to show that they are counter-productive. The therapist and the client make a list of evidence that shows how and why these thoughts should be corrected.

Automatic thoughts can drive drug and alcohol consumption. However, you can mentally learn to control these thoughts and may even be able to replace them with positive thoughts. Doing so can be difficult, especially in the beginning. With practice, however, you’ll be able to:

  • Dismiss False Beliefs (i.e. I am not worth anything): Substance abuse is typically caused by insecurities and false beliefs. When we allow these beliefs to fester, they can lead us down the wrong path. Unfortunately, it can be challenging to change course. That’s why the professionals at Soba Recovery are here to help. Our experienced therapists walk patients through the process and keep them from experiencing fear and self-doubt.

False beliefs and insecurity tend to go hand in hand. If the addict does not replace these negative thoughts with positive ones, the recovery process is not going to go as smoothly as it could. Everyone deserves to feel good about themselves and dismissing false ideas that cause insecurity is a major piece of that puzzle.

  • Use Self Help Tools to Better Your Mood (i.e. understanding that you are a valuable person): Patients do not always have the ability to make the right choices when it comes to their behaviors because they have not been given the necessary self-help tools. When patients are committed to their recovery and given access to the resources that Soba Recovery has to offer, they are given the self-help tools that are designed to help them better their moods.

Addicts will often use as a means of regulating their own moods and this is a behavior that must cease once the client is given the chance to re-integrate into their daily routine. The “triggers” that are experienced each day are what keep addicted people from being able to enjoy a full recovery. Thankfully, these triggers are easy to identify.

  • Working on Communication Skills: A lack of communication skills can cause any patient to feel as if they are not being heard by their friends and loved ones and this is highly understandable. Communication skills are also important when it comes to properly expressing thoughts and ideas in a manner that is constructive. Addicts often find themselves accustomed to speaking in a way that is not helpful to themselves or others.

Cognitive-behavioral therapy is designed to identify the situations where the patient’s communication is lacking and keep them from making the same old mistakes. Instead of relying on communication methods that do not get the desired results, the patient is given a whole new lease on life. Triggers are much easier to avoid when communication is strong and CBT is helpful for identifying communication-related issues.

False beliefs, poor communication, and an inability to help yourself all contribute to impulsive thoughts. By addressing these issues, you can improve your own mental state, which will help you resist and break the addiction.

Preventing Triggers

One major focus of CBT treatment is identifying triggers that lead to drug use. After triggers have been identified, the therapist and client draw out a plan. This is a plan that will prevent exposure to triggers. This could include no longer frequenting certain locations or people that make relapse more likely. Preventing triggers could also involve obtaining control over thinking patterns that push the client to use drugs.

Many cognitive-behavioral therapists focus on three skills for managing your triggers, including:

  • Recognize – Identify the circumstances, environments, and conditions that lead to drinking or substance abuse.
  • Avoid – Learn how to avoid circumstances that will encourage you to drink or abuse drugs.
  • Cope – Finally, use CBT tactics to address bad thoughts and to address emotions that could lead to drug abuse.

Creating A Healthy Schedule

CBT treatment isn’t just about avoiding drug abuse triggers. It’s more holistic than that. Part of CBT treatment includes developing a schedule of healthy activities. Improving overall health can improve the client’s general mood and strengthen the client’s will power to avoid relapse.

One of the best things about Cognitive Behavioral Therapy is that it can be used outside of the therapist’s office. Once you learn CBT strategies, you’ll be able to use the tactics on your own. CBT can become part of your daily efforts to reduce drinking and substance abuse.

CBT has proven to be one of the most effective methods for treating drug and alcohol addiction. While there’s no sure-fire cure for addiction, essentially everyone struggling with substance abuse should try CBT.

Further, CBT helps address underlying issues. Anxiety and depression can lead to addiction and make it harder to break the cycle. CBT can help you cope with mental conditions. In the long run, this will lead to better mental health.

Benefits of CBT Therapy On Mental Health

Mental health is one of the most important aspects of addiction recovery. With the assistance of CBT, patients have the chance to confront the aspects of their thought processes that are causing them to experience problematic thoughts. By overcoming the thoughts and feelings that fuel addiction, patients stand a far better chance of having a successful long term prognosis.

CBT is not just for addiction, though. There are other mental disorders that are treated through cognitive behavioral therapy as well. CBT can offer much-needed assistance for those struggling with psychological conditions that may be linked to drug addiction including:

  • Depression
  • Bipolar disorder
  • Obsessive-compulsive disorder
  • Eating disorders
  • Anxiety
  • Attention deficit disorder
  • Post-traumatic Stress Disorder

CBT Treatment for You

help for people in need of cbt therapy signInterested in CBT treatment? Good for you! Learning how to use CBT tactics is a great step towards fighting and eliminating addiction. At Soba Recovery, we work with recovering addicts all the time and CBT is one of the many treatment methods we use.

If you or a loved one are looking for the right substance abuse treatment, consider our CBT services at Soba Recovery Center. We have locations in Arizona and Texas, and our treatment programs specialize in detoxification, residential inpatient treatment, outpatient treatment, and aftercare options.

When clients check-in at either our Soba Mesa or Soba Texas rehab centers, they are given access to the finest detox and drug rehabilitation that the region has to offer. When it comes to addiction treatment, there are few settings that can provide the same level of peace and tranquility. This ranch style setting delivers the peace of mind and comfort that few facilities can match.

There’s no one size fits all addiction treatment program. Often, a mix of treatment types, including group therapy, CBT, and more, is required to truly defeat addiction. Soba Recovery will work with you to develop a customized drug addiction treatment plan that will work for you.

Reach out to us today to learn more!

How To Find the Right Treatment Program for Yourself

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

What is Addiction Treatment?

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

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

How to Find the Right Recovery Program for You

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

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

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

Let Us Help You!

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

Beating the Addiction: Opioids

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

What is an Opioid Addiction?

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

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

How to Break an Opioid Addiction

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

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

We’re Here to Help

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

The Benefits of Inpatient Addiction Treatment

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

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

What is Inpatient Treatment?

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

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

5 Key Benefits of Inpatient Drug Rehab

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

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

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

Soba Recovery Inpatient Program Can Help

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

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

How To Quit Using Benzos

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

What are Benzodiazepines?

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

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

What are the Signs & Symptoms?

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

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

How to Quit

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

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

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

Let Us Help!

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

Does Sober Living Really Help?

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

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

What is Sober Living?

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

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

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

How Does Sober Living Help?

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

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

Why Should You Attend Sober Living After Rehab?

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

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

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

Help is Here For You

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

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.

Five Reasons To Seek Addiction Outside of Your Hometown

Drug abuse and addiction are among the most pressing issues facing our public health system today. For a long time, there was a shortage of adequate resources available to help those who were looking for effective addiction treatment options. Fortunately, this is starting to change. Now, there are trained professionals who are willing to lend a helping hand to those who need it. One of the options comes in the form of addiction treatment. There are lots of options available to those who want to seek addiction treatment. It is critical for people to keep a few important points in mind.

What is Addiction Treatment?

For those who might not know, addiction treatment is any medical treatment or therapy that is focused on helping people break free from the bonds of addiction and get a fresh start. Addiction is a disease that takes root in someone’s mind and makes them believe that they need a certain substance just to survive. This might be drugs, alcohol, or anything else. The brain becomes miswired and believes it needs these substances just to stay alive, similar to oxygen, food, or water.

Addiction treatment focuses on helping people get the wires in their brains back to where they need to be. This treatment can take many forms. Some people seek outpatient treatment to help with their addiction while other people might start with an inpatient stay before they transition to the outside world. The good news is that addiction can be tailored to meet the needs of the individual. One option that people need to consider is the possibility of seeking treatment for addiction outside of their hometown. There are a few benefits of this that everyone should know.

Why is it Beneficial to Travel out of State for Treatment?

Some people might be hesitant to leave the comfort of their hometown and travel for addiction treatment. There are a few reasons why everyone should think about putting in this effort. These include:

1. Escape Old Friends: Getting away from old friends is one of the key benefits of traveling for addiction treatment. Not everyone is going to want to leave their friends behind; however, many people end up addicted to drugs and alcohol because of the friends they have made. Some people might get worried that they are going to end up in the same spot as they were before if they don’t sever these ties. One of the easiest ways to do this is to move geographically and get away from those relationships.

2. Enjoy a Fresh Start: During any addiction treatment process, it is important to get a fresh start. That is where going someplace else for addiction treatment is going to be key. Everyone needs to have a fresh start. This means looking at life with a new perspective. In order to gather a new perspective, it is important to change the location. Seeking addiction treatment somewhere else can make this happen.

3. Enjoy a New Scene: In addition to gaining a new perspective, it can also be helpful to simply enjoy a new location. It can be helpful for people to focus on themselves and think clearly if they seek out help for drug abuse and addiction in someplace beautiful. While some people underestimate the importance of the location, the weather can actually play a major role in the recovery process.

4. Avoid Distractions: When someone seeks out addiction treatment close to their hometown, they are going to be distracted. They are going to be focused on friends, their families, and other obligations. During the process of addiction treatment, it is important for everyone to stay focused on themselves. This is a time for people to be selfish. They cannot help others if they do not first help themselves.

5. Try Something New: Finally, it is a good idea to move out of one’s hometown to try something new. Often, people have tried addiction treatment at home and it hasn’t worked. This is a time to try something new. Furthermore, if someone is willing to go somewhere else for addiction treatment, they are more likely to be committed to the recovery process because they have invested more in it. Consider going someplace else for addiction treatment. Branch out.

Let Us Help You Today!

At Soba Recovery, we are a luxury detox and drug rehab program with professionals who work hard to stay up to date on the latest treatment information in the field so that we can help everyone who comes through our door. We would be happy to do the same for you as well. If you would like to learn more about our services and how we can help you, please contact us today! We look forward to hearing from 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.