Answer Addiction

Tag: alcoholism treatment

  • Aftercare Programs

    Aftercare Programs

    ARTICLE OVERVIEW: Aftercare programs are an essential part of every good rehab program. They will help you maintain sobriety and prevent relapse. This article offers details on aftercare programs for a drinking problem and their importance.

     

    TABLE OF CONTENTS:

    Why Aftercare is Important after Alcohol Rehab

    You have successfully finished alcohol rehab! Congratulations. Now you have been discharged in the world. But, are you really cured and ready to face the everyday challenges? Can you do it without ongoing support?

    [banner variant=”article-1″]

    Life after rehab can be difficult.

    According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) relapse rates for individuals who are in active treatment programs is actually relatively high, 40-60 % in most cases. [1] This is because addiction is a complex disease. Recovery doesn’t begin and end with rehab,but is a lifelong and continuous process.

    So,the longer you stay sober after completing a rehab program, the lower your chances of relapse are.

    How can aftercare help? Aftercare is the stage following intensiveand it is an integral part of every good alcohol treatment program.The primary goal of every aftercare program is maintaining abstinence and preventing relapse. In fact, aftercare programs are shown to considerably improve the long-term recovery and lead to higher rates of abstinence. [2]

    [banner variant=”article-2″]

    Staying sober can be challenging, and that is whyyou need careful planning. Aftercare is the time when you implement the lessons and strategies you have learned in rehab in the real world.

    So, what are the benefits of an aftercare program?

    [banner variant=”sidebar-1″]
    • Building positive social relationships
    • Keeping your motivation high
    • Maintain sobriety
    • Preventing relapse

    Without individualized and carefully planned long term community based services that support sobriety, the relapse rates will be much higher, especially for socially vulnerable individuals.

    An Alcohol Aftercare Plan

    A reputable rehab center should be able to draft an aftercare plan tailored to your needs. The quality of your aftercare plan is closely connected with your overall success. In fact, its purpose is to connect you and your family to community support to help keep you sober and minimize the risk of relapse.

    [banner variant=”sidebar-3″]

    Your aftercare plan should include a collection of the following:

    • Education
    • Family therapies
    • Group therapy
    • Help with employment
    • Housing
    • Monitoring, done in eitherscheduled appointments, phone or email.
    • Outpatient appointments with a clinician / counselor
    • Participation in addiction support groups
    • Psychotherapy
    • Recommended or required alcohol testing
    • Relapse prevention strategy
    • Social services
    • A stay in a sober living home

    There are many different kinds of aftercare treatment options which can help you prevent relapse and live a sober life. However, knowing what works for you will help you achieve your goals. This is why aftercare needs to be 100% custom to your needs.

    Treatment Center Programs

    Aftercare is usually coordinated by your original treatment center. It is important that the treatment center you choose provides a continuum of care. Addiction affects many aspects of life: medical, mental, social, occupational, family, legal, and a treatment center should address the same aspect in order to be successful. [3]

    This why finding a treatment center that offersquality programs and services matched to your needs is a key step on your journey to recovery.

    Before choosing a treatment center program, do your research. Take into consideration the following factors:

    1. Can you get a private room?
    2. Does it offer medically assisted detox?
    3. Does it offer specialized programs for different groups (age or gender based, LGBT)
    4. Does the program address dual diagnosis issues?
    5. How close is the facility to your home, and will you need transportation?
    6. How qualified is the staff?
    7. Is the treatment center licensed?
    8. Is their approach evidence-based?
    9. Staff-patient ratio. The more staff per patient, the better the care.
    10. The length of the treatment programs.
    11. The quality of aftercare services.
    12. Inpatient vs. outpatient setting for treatment.
    13. Will you have access to email, phone or computers?
    14. Will your insurance cover payment and will it be enough?

    Many treatment center programs operate their own aftercare programs, and the services can vary greatly. Always check what does an aftercare program includes, and if it will fit your needs, or not.

    [banner variant=”article-5″]

    Sober Living Homes

    These are typically apartments or houses that help people safely transition into the “real world”. A good sober home is a drug-free environment for people that dedicated themselves to a sober life.Although they don’t offer actual treatment and are not as strictly structured as inpatient rehab, they offer a lot more than a living environment. Many halfway or ¾ way houses provide recovery methods and 12-step programs. Every sober living home has its own house rules that need to be respected.

    If you want to live in a sober house, you are expected to be self- sufficient and pay rent. You can also work or search for employment during your stay. In general, it is a cheaper alternative to a residential treatment center where you can invest in your own recovery.There are no limits on the length of stay, although many people stay for at least 90 days.

    So, what are the benefits of living in a sober home?

    • Maintaining sobriety
    • Lower risk of relapse
    • Finding and keeping a job after recovery
    • Staying out of legal trouble
    • Safe environment free from triggers
    • Reconnecting with your friends and family

    Not everyone needs to stay in a sober living home. But for many people, staying in a halfway house can decrease the chances of relapse.A sense of comradery and sober living can start here…and last for a lifetime.

    Therapy and Counseling

    The purpose of aftercare counseling is to create a supportive and comfortable environment where you can speak freely and openly about your feelings, struggles, and strengths during the recovery process. It is particularly beneficial for people diagnosed with dual diagnosis who are also suffering from some mental issue.

    There are two types of talk therapy offered in alcohol aftercare programs:

    1. Group counseling.

    In a group therapy setting, you will share and listen to others’ experiences in a group of people recovering from alcohol addiction. This option is often less expensive, as you share the cost of therapy with those who attend.

    2. Individual counseling.

    In an individual therapy setting, you will meet one-on-one with a therapist to talk about yourself and your progress. Often, you set very personal goals during your sessions. Some people explore and resolve past trauma with a specialist.

    Counselling sessions are initially held weekly in most cases, and as you progress, you will gradually reduce your attendance to one session in two weeks or one in a month.

    Alternative Therapy

    There are many types of alternative therapies available in long-term treatment of alcohol problems. Know that scientific evidence is still being collected for some of these modalities. However, some people swear by these treatments and speak anecdotally of their effectiveness. [4] Some of the forms of alternative therapy in alcohol aftercare include:

    • Acupuncture
    • Art therapy
    • Biofeedback therapy
    • Chiropractic care
    • Cognitive behavioral therapy
    • Contingency Management
    • Dialectical behavior therapy
    • Equine therapy
    • Exercise programs
    • Experiential Therapy
    • Holistic Therapy
    • Massage therapy
    • Mindfulness meditation
    • Motivational Interviewing
    • Neurofeedback
    • Nutrition therapy
    • Animal therapy

    NOTE HERE: These therapies should only be part of a complete alcohol rehab treatment plan, and are used with the aim of maintain sobriety and improving overall well-being to the recovering person.

    Support Groups

    Most people are strongly encouraged to attend support group meetings.Support groups help you rebuild self-esteem and improve self-perception.These groups offer structured program of recovery and help you stay focused and motivated.

    There is no admission process or specified length of participation.In general, meetings are hosted weekly, although you can decide to attend more than one group or meeting each week.

    In a support group, members share experiences or concerns related with their addiction and recovery, provide each other with encouragement, comfort, and advice. All members have one aim: staying sober.

    Most support groups are based on the 12-step program, which is spiritual in nature and created by the founders of AA, butthere are many alternatives for those who prefer a more secular foundation for treatment.Some of the most popular support groups include:

    • Alcoholics Anonymous, AA
    • Narcotics Anonymous, NA
    • Life Ring
    • SMART Recovery

    Aftercare for Alcohol Abuse

    For people in recovery, sobriety is a learned behavior. Abstinenceis maintained bymaking the rightdecisions and choices on daily basis. It is hard at the beginning, but as times passes and you learn new skills and strategies to cope with triggers it gets easier and new habits and routines are formed.

    In addition to the therapies offered in your overall treatment plan, you can develop your own aftercare strategy.

    So, what can you do, and when?

    1-30 Days After Rehab

    • Be aware of the negative impulses and learn how to cope with them.
    • Create a daily routine.
    • Create a support network you can turn to when tempted.
    • Make a recovery plan with goals you want to achieve.
    • Search for a psychotherapist and begin to attend sessions.
    • Search a support group and attend at least 2 meetings a week.
    • Start exercising.

    30 – 90 Days after Rehab

    • Create a recovery journal and record triggers and how you’ve handled them.
    • Go to career counseling.
    • Go to weekly therapy or counselling sessions.
    • Have weekly routines.
    • Keep on going to support meetings, minimum one weekly.

    90 – 180 Days after Rehab

    • Find new hobbies.
    • Set up long-term financial goals.
    • Set up short-term and long-term goals.
    • Work on fixing your broken relationships.

    180 – 365 Days after Rehab

    • Mark and celebrate 6 months and 1 year of sobriety.
    • Create personal, professional, and financialfive and ten-year plans.
    • Find motivational methods for success.
    • Help others in recovery.

    What Happens if I Relapse During Aftercare?

    Relapse: it can happen to anyone.

    Unfortunately, relapse is very common among recovering alcoholics. Addiction is a lifelong battle in a world full of triggers and stresses.

    So, what happens if you relapse? What can you do?

    First, get right back into an active routine that’s focused on recovery. It’s important that you don’t give up. Instead, continue on the path of recovery. Persistence is the key. Even if you started drinking again, that doesn’t mean you can’t get back on the right track.

    Then, know the difference between a slip and a relapse. A slip is an unplanned one-time event, while a relapse is a complete abandonment of the aftercare and recovery plan. If a slip turns into a relapse than you should immediately contact someone so they can help you get back to rehab.

    Don’t hesitate to call us if you have relapsed. Our treatment advisors are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week to give you information about the next steps you can take.

    Reference Sources:[1] National Institute on drug abuse: Drugs, Brains, and Behavior: The Science of Addiction
    [2] NCBI:Outcome of Alcohol Dependence: The Role of Continued Care
    [3] National Institute on drug abuse: Drugs, Brains, and Behavior: The Science of Addiction
    [4] American Addiction Centers: Addiction Therapies for Treating Alcoholism

    [banner variant=”article-6″]

    View the original article at addictionblog.org

  • Alcohol and the Liver

    Alcohol and the Liver

    ARTICLE OVERVIEW: Heavy drinking can result in serious alcoholic liver diseases including cirrhosis, hepatitis, fatty liver, and even cancer. But, liver damage can be reversed. How? We review here.  If you have additional questions, feel free to post them in the comments section at the end.

    TABLE OF CONTENTS:

    What is Liver Damage?

    The meaty, reddish-brown organ known as the liver has a huge role in filtering the blood, and is active in digesttion, absorbtion, and the processing of food. Moreover, it detoxifies chemicals or toxins that make their way into our bodies, and metabolizes drugs. How does alcohol cause liver damage?

    Alcohol stays in the bloodstream until it is metabolized by the liver, during which it can do much harm to this organ.

    Let’s explain the process a little more clearly. The liver can metabolize a certain amount of alcohol at any given time, But if you drink excessively, chronically, or too quickly, your liver cells struggle to process it. This can result in developing serious alcoholic liver diseases such as:

    • Alcoholic hepatitis
    • Cirrhosis
    • Fatty liver

    Alcohol liver disease is the development of liver damage as a result of heavy drinking.

    Risk Factors

    According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention there are 4.9 million adults diagnosed with liver disease, while just over 21K people died from alcoholic liver disease. So, who is at risk of developing liver disease?

    Typically, most heavy drinkers develop serious alcoholic liver disease. This is why alcohol consumption accounts for approximately 3.8% of all global deaths and 4.6% of global disability-adjusted life-years. Further, people who drink excessively are at a higher risk of developing an alcoholic liver disease. Those who do not follow the guidelines on standard drinking are directly exposed to liver diseases, which may have a fatal outcome.

    MedlinePlus reports that liver trouble is common in people between 40 and 50 years old, and men are more likely than women to develop liver disease. Keep in mind that women are not immune to alcoholic liver disease. In fact, they can develop this condition after less exposure to alcohol than men.

    Metabolism

    The liver is a filter of the human body: it breaks down and gets rid of harmful substances in the body. The liver further transforms vitamins, nutrients, and medicines into substances needed by the body. So, just how is alcohol metabolized in the liver?

    90% of alcohol is metabolized in the liver by oxidation via action of the enzyme called “alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH)”, while less than 10% is eliminated in breath, sweat, and urine. Alcohol is absorbed into the system more rapidly than it is metabolized, and this is the reason why alcohol levels build up in the body. In fact, one unit of alcohol stays in the body up to 2 hours after being consumed. This time frame increases with each drink. The higher the blood alcohol concentration, the longer it takes to process alcohol.

    How Alcohol Affects the Liver

    But the liver can only process a certain amount of alcohol at a time. So, when someone drinks too much, the alcohol that is unprocessed circulates through the bloodstream.

    Q: How much alcohol does it take to damage the liver?
    A: The amount of damage that alcohol causes depends on the drinker and individual factors.

    Experts know that heavy drinking (as well as chronic drinking) destroys liver cells, causing serious damages such as cirrhosis, alcoholic hepatitis, and the cellular mutation that leads to liver cancer. So, the American College of Gastroenterology has set out guidelines that state: “Prolonged abstinence is the most effective strategy to prevent disease progression.”

     

    Alcohol and Cancer

    Can alcohol cause liver cancer?

    YES!

    Drinking too much alcohol regularly can damage the liver, leading to scarring and inflammation, which also raises the risk of developing liver cancer. According to this NIAAA’s synopsis on alcohol liver diseases, people with alcohol-related cirrhosis are at much higher risk for development of liver cancer.

    Hepatocellular carcinoma (liver cancer) is the eighth most frequent cancer worldwide, accounting for approximately 500,000 deaths annually.

    How does alcohol cause liver cancer?

    Alcohol is converted in our bodies into the toxic chemical, acetaldehyde. This toxin can cause cancer by damaging DNA and stopping cells from repairing liver damage. Also, it makes liver cells grow faster than usual, and these cells are more likely to pick up changes in their genes. This is why the International Agency for Research for Cancer has classified acetaldehyde together with alcohol use as carcinogenic for people.

     

    However, scientists are still limited in their understanding. Even though there is much plausible evidence, the mechanisms about how alcohol causes carcinogenic effect have not been defined in depth.

    Alcohol and Cirrhosis

    One of the most serious alcohol liver diseases is cirrhosis. This disease replaces normal liver tissue with scar tissue, disrupting blood flow, and preventing the liver from working properly.

    Signs of cirrhosis include:

    • Abnormal accumulation of fat in normal liver cells.
    • Liver enlargement or inflammation.
    • Redness of the palms caused by capillary dilation.
    • Shortening of muscles in the fingers caused by toxic effects or fibrous changes.
    • Thickening and widening of the fingers and nails.
    • White nails.

    Why does alcohol cause liver cirrhosis?

    Currently, there are no empirical studies that adequately explain why and how alcohol consumption causes cirrhosis. Regardless, the correlation between drinking and this disease is strong. Our federal institute of health reports that between 40% to 90% of the 26,000 annual deaths from cirrhosis are alcohol-related.

    Even further, the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) reports that about 10% to 15% of people diagnosed with alcohol use disorder develop cirrhosis, and many are unaware that they have it. In fact, about 30%-40% of the cases with cirrhosis are diagnosed at autopsy. Moreover, the NIAAA states that 5-year survival rate of people with cirrhosis is about 90% for those who stopped drinking, while it is 70% of those who didn’t stop drinking.

    Symptoms of Liver Disease

    Some common early symptoms of liver disease include:

    • Abdominal pain.
    • Appetite loss, and weight loss
    • Energy loss.
    • Small, red spider-like blood vessels on the skin.

    As the function of the liver worsens, more serious symptoms take place:

    • Abdomen swelling.
    • Dark urine.
    • Discolored stool.
    • Confusion and problem thinking.
    • Itchy skin.
    • Fatigue.
    • Leg swelling.
    • Nausea and/or vomiting.
    • Readiness on the palms.
    • Unusual bruising.
    • Yellowish skin and eyes.

    Diagnosis of alcoholic liver disease is made with biopsies, but laboratory tests can help too. If you notice any of these symptoms, consult with a physician ASAP.

    Can the Damage Be Reversed?

    The only organ in the body that has the ability to regenerate its damaged tissue with new cells is the liver.  So, most people want to know, “Can alcoholic liver damage be reversed?”

    Yes, liver damage can be reversible… if you stop drinking.

    One study on alcohol-related cirrhosis found that alcohol abstinence is a key factor in the survival rate, even in the most severe cases. Its findings show that abstinence from alcohol at one month after diagnosis of cirrhosis was one of the most important factors determining survival: 7-year survival of 72% of people who stopped drinking in comparison with 44% of people who continue to drink.

    However, the liver may get overwhelmed, and it can lose the function to repair itself completely. This usually happens if it is still “under attack” from drug use, continued drinking, or a virus. In these cases, a scar tissue develops, which becomes difficult to reverse.

    Lifestyle changes can support the liver more than you think. You can start taking care of yourself (and your liver) with these simple life changes:

    • Stop drinking.
    • Eat a healthy diet low in salt.
    • Consult regularly with a healthcare provider.

    While there is no safe amount of alcohol beverage to consume, many reputable sources report that if you drink in moderation (one drink per day for women, and two for men) you will do less harm to the liver. But, liver disease due to alcohol consummation is avoidable. Why drink, and put yourself at risk, when you can do more for your health?

    The best way to take care of your liver is to stop drinking.

    Treatment for Alcoholism

    If you are struggling with liver disease, alcohol addiction can be trated. In these cases, it is important to find evidence-based treatment for alcoholism. There are two main types of alcohol rehab programs: inpatient and outpatient.

    Inpatient treatment provides constant medial care and supervision because patients live at the facility. This type of treatment is designed to help people with moderate to severe addictions. Some of the services include:

    • Detox services.
    • Educational classes.
    • Group therapy.
    • Individual therapy.
    • Medication and medical support.

    Outpatient treatment provides similar services, but patients do not live at the facility. They visit the rehab center for few hours at day, several days weekly. This treatment is designed for people who are willing to change, have mild cases of addiction, and have emotional support from loved ones at home.

    If you have drinking problems, don’t wait. Seek help as soon as possible. We can help, you only need to reach out. Feel free to leave us a question at the end…or give us a call.

    Reference sources: NCBI: Pathophysiology and Management of Alcoholic Liver Disease
    NIAAA: The Epidemiology of Alcoholic Liver Disease
    NIH: Exploring Alcohol’s Effects on Liver Function 
    NCBI: The Burden of Cancer Attributable to Alcohol Consumption
    NCBI: Alcohol Metabolism 
    NCBI: Reversal of liver cirrhosis: current evidence and expectations

    View the original article at