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The Drug and Alcohol Recovery Process

Written by New Day Recovery on . Posted in Blog, Detox Program, Drug Addiction, Recovery Support.

The Drug and Alcohol Recovery Process

Just like every person experiencing addiction is unique in their experiences, type of addiction, and addiction history, the recovery process has its own uniqueness. Common steps to take toward drug and alcohol recovery:

Realization that drugs or alcohol have become a problem.

Maybe you have seen that drugs or alcohol have created a big problem in your life and you need to change. Maybe your friends and family have told you that you need help, or maybe you are forced to get treatment from the court system or work. Whatever the reason may be that you are seeking help, it is necessary for you to not only want to change but that you are committed to transitioning your life from active addiction to recovery. It will take a lot of hard work and dedication, but a healthy, sober life is worth fighting for!

Determine which treatment is best for you.

Educate yourself about drug and alcohol treatment process and then determine which program best suits your needs. It is important that you feel comfortable with the facility and staff that you have chosen to start your drug and alcohol recovery process. Don’t hesitate to contact New Day Recovery at 330-953-3300 so that we can answer any questions you have about treatment at our facilities and our admissions process.

Detoxification is the first step towards successful drug and alcohol recovery.

The severity of detoxification depends on the drug and dosage that was abused, the length of the abuse, and your body’s metabolism and health. A safe and medically-supervised environment during detoxification is necessary. Maintenance medication may be given to reduce withdrawal symptoms so you can focus on your recovery.

Rehabilitation requires support and therapy.

It is of utmost importance that patients understand the core reasons as to why they became addicted. These issues need to be understood and addressed so they will not fall back into addictive behavior. Individual and group therapy will help you identify when and why you started using the substance, identifying triggers and how to deal with tempting situations. Family therapy can resolve issues in the family. It is beneficial to have the support of family and friends on your road to recovery. Identify those that you know you can trust to help you get through tough times and avoid relapse.

Maintaining your sobriety.

Being sober and completing rehab is a major step in the drug or alcohol recovery process. Now you need to continue a sober life by avoiding relapse. If you do relapse, forgive yourself, learn from it, and get back on track! You know your triggers and cravings. It is essential for your recovery to continue to avoid the people, environments, and situations that act as triggers for you. Aftercare programs can give you the support to stay committed to your drug and alcohol recovery. 12 step programs such as Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), Narcotics Anonymous (NA), Heroin Anonymous (HA) can be extremely helpful. Other faith-based or secular support groups, or individual or group counseling are also helpful in maintaining sobriety. Whatever option you choose, surround yourself with the support you need to stay sober.

Build a new life without drugs and alcohol.

Start fresh by finding activities you enjoy to replace the times that you were using drugs or alcohol. Start new hobbies, volunteer in the community, exercise, and set new life goals that you can work towards. All of these will help in maintaining your sobriety.

If you or someone you love has questions about the drug and alcohol recovery process and how New Day Recovery can help, we are more than happy to answer any questions you may have! We are here for you and want you to have life-long recovery. Call us at 330-953-3300. Your call is confidential.

6 Tips for a Sober Holiday Season Gallery 6 Tips for a Sober Holiday Season

Written by New Day Recovery on . Posted in Blog, Drug Addiction, Relapse Prevention, Sober Living.

6 Tips for a Sober Holiday Season

The holidays are meant for a time of peace and joy. Anyone who has struggled with addiction knows that Thanksgiving through New Year’s can be a challenging time to stay clean and have a sober holiday season. There many parties and celebrations filled with enticing holiday drinks and cheer and the holidays also tend to bring emotions of anxiety, sadness, regret, and stress. All these situations and emotions may cause you to want to drink or use your drug of choice, so it is important to be prepared. Here are 6 tips to help you enjoy and celebrate a sober holiday season:

Be grateful

Think about how far you have come in your recovery and the positive steps you have made to change your life. It doesn’t matter if you have been clean/sober for a week or a few years from drug addiction or alcoholism. You have desired a positive change, resolved to change your life and taken action to make the change. Be thankful for it and empowered by your actions. Thanksgiving is about being grateful for the things in your life. Prepare a list of why you chose the path to recovery, the positive people in your life, and the many things you are thankful for. This will help keep you in the right frame of mind.

Plan your days

Think about what you need to do each day (so you stay organized and don’t get behind, causing stress) and also about what you want to do. Fill your days with little things that bring you enjoyment and start new holiday traditions. If you tend to get lonely, surround yourself with people that encourage your sobriety.

Just say no

Avoid parties or celebrations where you know the desire to drink or use is going to be too strong. Don’t put yourself in that situation. If you suffer from alcohol addiction or binge drinking and are attending a party where alcohol may be offered, keep a non-alcoholic drink that you enjoy in your hand at all times, so others aren’t inclined to offer you a drink. In the case you’re offered a drink, just politely tell them thank you, but you are good. If temptation becomes too strong, have an exit plan already in your mind. Either drive yourself to the party or go with someone that is supportive of your recovery and is willing to leave if you are feeling uncomfortable.

Reach out for help

Support and encouragement are very helpful to get through times of temptation. Make sure you attend all counseling and support group meetings that you usually attend and it may be a good idea to go more often than normal…you can’t decide you are too busy during the holidays. If you are a person of faith, reach out in prayer. Prayer will bring comfort and strength. Also don’t be afraid to ask for help from supportive family and friends if you are feeling vulnerable. You will quickly learn who wants to give you support, love and encouragement. A word of encouragement can go a long way to help you appreciate your new life of sobriety.

Exercise regularly

Everyone struggles to keep exercising during the holidays because of time constraints. But especially for those in recovery, it is important to keep exercising. Moderate exercise such as a brisk walk, riding a bike, yoga, or doing calisthenics releases endorphins which gives positive feelings in your body and will give you an extra boost.

Find ways to help others

You will find that when helping others, you help yourself.  Volunteer your services at a local charity, church, or community organization. Visit the elderly. Giving of your time to help others creates positive feelings and memories.

Spending a sober holiday will allow you to experience the true spirit of the holiday season while spending time with loved ones. We wish you a safe and sober holiday season filled with peace and happiness. For those who are struggling with alcohol or drug addiction, New Day Recovery is here for you. There is no better way to start the year than to be on the road to recovery. Contact New Day Recovery today.

Don’t Be An Enabler

Written by New Day Recovery on . Posted in Blog, Drug Addiction, Recovery Support.

Many people are in denial about their drug or alcohol addiction and never receive treatment. One reason for this is that family and friends enable their loved one’s addiction. By enabling a loved one’s addiction, the consequences of the addiction are many times removed and so the incentive to change is not present. Enabling an addict is common because it is hard to see someone you love suffer. You want to ignore or cover the problem and help your loved one. The problem is that in your attempts to help, you are actually causing more harm.

Signs you’re enabling an addict

Enabling an addict can be a difficult and hard habit to break but it is the best for you and your loved one. The addict needs to take responsibility for his/her actions and many times the enabler ends up suffering as much as the addict. You are enabling your loved one’s addiction if you have:

• Made excuses or lied to cover the addiction
• Ignored the signs that your loved one has an addiction
• Participated in risky behavior with the loved one
• Paid for bills the loved one can’t pay because of their addiction
• Blamed others for causing the addiction
• Prioritized your loved one before yourself

If you have experienced one of these behaviors, you may be enabling and addict and the drug addiction or alcoholism of your loved one. A more productive way to help is to offer love and support, with boundaries.

Set boundaries

To help a person dealing with addiction, family and friends need to stop enabling negative, destructive behaviors the addict has because of their addiction. In order to stop enabling an addict, you must be determined and it will be hard at first because you so badly want to “help”. Set boundaries as far as things you are no longer going to do to cover their negative behaviors caused by the addiction. For example, let your loved one know you are no longer going to:

  • Lie for them or make excuses for their behavior
  • Bail them out of jail
  • Pay their bills
  • Take on their responsibilities at home, work, or school
  • Turn a blind eye to when the addict has stolen something from you
  • Risk harm to yourself and your well being

Stay strong

This seems very reasonable, right? However, when you discuss this with your loved one, these boundaries will seem very unreasonable to him/her. You may see fits of anger, threats, and manipulations such as “You no longer love me. You would help me out if you did.” Don’t give in to these manipulations (even threats), as the addict will try to manipulate your emotions to get what he/she wants. This is when you need to separate your emotions from what you have decided are the best boundaries. Setting and enforcing boundaries is the best thing for you and for the alcoholic or addict. The sooner they are forced to accept responsibility and receive consequences for their actions, hopefully the sooner they will see the need to get help for their addiction.

Just because you know you are no longer enabling the addiction, doesn’t mean that you can’t help and support your loved one. Let them know you love them and that a clean life is within reach with professional help. Motivate and encourage them to get treatment. New Day Recovery is here for you and your loved one during the recovery process.

Does My Loved One Have A Substance Abuse Problem?

Written by New Day Recovery on . Posted in Blog, Detox Program, Drug Addiction, Recovery Support.

It is very hard and stressful to watch a loved one’s life being affected by drugs and/or alcohol. You are worried if your loved one has a substance abuse problem (meaning prescription drugs, illicit drugs, or alcohol) or even an addiction. You may have even tried to discuss your concerns with your loved one but the discussion was not productive as the person denied any problem, became angry with you, or even turned it on you as you were crazy and you were the one with a problem.

So here you are…concerned and worried and still not sure what to do. You are asking yourself is their substance use normal, a phase, or is it a problem that needs to be addressed instead of just foolishly watching the substance abuse problem progress. Try to sit down with your loved one and answer these questions provided by the National Institute on Drug Abuse regarding identifying a substance abuse problem. If your loved one won’t answer these questions with you, try to answer them yourself.

Signs of a substance abuse problem

1. Does the person take the drug in larger amounts or for longer than intended?
2. Do they want to cut down or stop using the drug but can’t?
3. Do they spend a lot of time getting, using, or recovering from the drug?
4. Do they have cravings and urges to use the drug?
5. Are they unable to manage responsibilities at work, home, or school because of drug use?
6. Do they continue to use a drug, even when it causes problems in relationships?
7. Do they give up important social, recreational, or work-related activities because of drug use?
8. Do they use drugs again and again, even when it puts them in danger?
9. Do they continue to use, even while knowing that a physical or mental problem could have been caused or made worse by the drug?
10. Do they take more of the drug to get the wanted effect?
11. Have they developed withdrawal symptoms, which can be relieved by taking more of the drug?

Seek professional help

If the answer to some or many of these questions is yes, talk with a medical professional who specializes in drug treatment or screening. If you aren’t sure because you just don’t know the answers to the above questions, please refer to signs of drug abuse and alcohol abuse.

You may be asking yourself, how did this happen to us? It is important to realize that a substance abuse problem or addiction can happen to anyone. Therefore, If affects people from all backgrounds, race, incomes and age. If someone you love may have a problem, get help. Asking for help is the first important step. Contact New Day Recovery, we are happy to discuss with you drug abuse screening and treatment alternatives. So many family members and those suffering from substance abuse don’t ask for help because of embarrassment and worry that others may find out. Your calls are completely confidential.

5 Reasons To Get Help For Addiction Now

Written by New Day Recovery on . Posted in Blog, Detox Program, Drug Addiction, Recovery Support.

5 Reasons to Get Help for Addiction Now

If you are struggling with drug abuse or alcohol abuse, you need to get help for addiction now. Getting addiction treatment will help you get your life back or even save your life. The sad truth is that many choose to not get help for addiction. Actually, it is estimated that only 10% of people addicted to drugs or alcohol are in treatment. The reasons are many.

The embarrassment of having an addiction will keep some people from ever seeking help for addiction and treatment. Others are in complete denial about their addiction. For some, experiencing withdrawal is overwhelming, so they may think about “doing better tomorrow” but tomorrow never happens. There are no good reasons to wait to get help and the truth is that getting treatment now is the best decision for you. Here are 5 reasons to get help for addiction now:

< Addiction gets worse (not better) with time.

The longer you remain addicted, the more your brain chemistry is changed, making it harder to quit your addiction. Your body also builds up a tolerance to drugs or alcohol and you require more and more of the substance to get the effect you want. Detox will be easier now than it is in the future.

The consequences of your addiction get worse over time.

Addiction causes many problems and the longer you have an active addiction, the worse your consequences. Here are just a few areas in your life that are suffering because of your addiction.

FINANCES – Addiction is expensive. This is just not about the money spent on the addiction. Costly legal issues may exist because of addiction. It is also not uncommon for a person to have poor work performance and attendance due to their addiction and lose their job as a result.

RELATIONSHIPS – Addiction is hard on relationships. Addiction causes a family a great deal of pain. There is much stress, worry and anxiety for family members watching their loved one suffer from addiction. Addicts display bad behavior (unreliable, fits of anger, lying, cheating, stealing, etc.) because of their addiction and these actions cause turmoil in relationships. Your family and friends deserve better!

HEALTH – Addiction causes harm to your body and it becomes worse over time. The liver, stomach, brain, heart and lungs can all be affected from prolonged use of drugs or alcohol. Take control of your addiction and reverse the negative effects of your health before it is too late. You can still live a healthy, sober life!

Being happy is on hold until the time you seek help.

A person suffering from addiction is not happy. Drug and alcohol can give a short lived happy high, but it is not for long. Real life is only changed for the worse because of addiction. Everyone wants to be happy and this is possible when you seek help for your addiction. Detoxing from substance abuse is the first step towards successful recovery. Break the strong holds of your addiction today by getting help.

There is never a better time.

It is time to get help. You don’t want to wait until you have hit rock bottom…or maybe you have. Regardless, you have probably tried to quit on your own and have been unsuccessful. Some may say after a certain holiday or special occasion they will quit or try to get better, but that day never comes. Choosing on your own or with family and friend encouragement is better than being forced into treatment. There is never a better day to take the first steps toward your recovery than today.

Addiction can take your life.

Drug overdoses are now the leading cause of death for Americans under age 50. More than 2 million Americans have some sort of dependence on opioids. Data suggest that deaths from opioids and other drugs will continue to increase in 2017. An estimated 88,000 people die from alcohol related deaths annually, making alcohol the fourth leading preventable cause of death in the United States.

Please don’t be a statistic. Get help before it’s too late.

New Day Recovery understands your feelings of hopelessness because you have not been able to stop your addiction on your own. We want you to know that there is hope! We are here for you and we want to provide you the best addiction treatment just for you. Call us today!

Exercise and Sobriety

Written by New Day Recovery on . Posted in Blog, Recovery Support, Relapse Prevention, Sober Living.

Getting sober is hard. Exercise and sobriety can give drug or alcohol recovery an extra boost. When a person turns from their addiction, many times a void needs to be filled. Physical activity is a positive tool to help fill the void of addiction and give a routine or focus other than using drugs or alcohol.

Many that have abused drugs or alcohol also have poor health habits. Thoughts of starting an exercise routine at first may be daunting, but the benefits of exercise and sobriety are very helpful during the recovery journey. Here are a few examples of the many benefits of exercise and sobriety:

Drug addiction and alcoholism impair the brain’s balance of dopamine and this in return affects a person’s mood and ability to experience fulfillment. Exercise releases dopamine in the brain and regulates brain chemistry.

Exercise reduces stress

When a person has struggled with addiction, many areas of life may have become stressful and even though a person turns to sober living these stresses could still be present. As a result of the addiction, family relationships might have experienced hurt and need to be rebuilt. Some experience financial turmoil and need to find employment. Legal issues may also arise and require attention as a result of addiction. These are potential stresses of addiction but exercise as a stress reliever can be helpful while experiencing the stress of addiction.

Exercise increases confidence

People who are struggling with addiction many times have a poor self-image. Gain confidence through physical activity by taking control of your exercise program. One will start to feel better while bringing on confidence. Exercise also requires discipline and is a source of encouragement that one can beat this addiction and remain sober.

Exercise improves sleep

Many addicts suffer from insomnia or have poor sleeping habits. An exercise plan reboots the body to a more natural routine and this in time will aid in returning the body back to a more normal sleep cycle.

Exercise can be a source for positive relationships

Exercise is a great way to meet new friends by taking a class, joining a gym or participating in a team sport. Forming new relationships that don’t center around using drugs or alcohol is very beneficial in giving an addict a good way to enter back into society with a more positive support group.

Exercise in different forms

Luckily for us, there are many different ways to become physically fit. Start small and learn more about how to get started. Here are just a few of the popular addiction recovery exercises.

YOGA – Many treatment centers offer yoga as an exercise option. Yoga helps relax the mind.

WALKING, HIKING OR RUNNING – Walking is a great place to start for most people. Some love the outdoors and taking a walk gives a fresh perspective and may be used to get away if a craving is occurring. Once a person is more fit, running may be a great source of enjoyment.

WEIGHT TRAINING – Weight training increases strength and confidence. Once again, start small and rely on experts to find the best program for you.

At New Day Recovery, we offer nutritional classes and yoga. We focus on the whole person: mind, body, and spirit. Our caring and experienced staff provides the emotional, physical, and spiritual healing necessary to identify core issues of addiction. We want to help make possible a productive, sober life for our patients! Please contact us if you or a loved one needs help in breaking the ties of drug or alcohol.

Living with a Recovering Alcoholic

Written by New Day Recovery on . Posted in Blog, Recovery Support, Relapse Prevention, Sober Living.

tips for living with an alcoholicWhen a loved one is seeking help for a drinking problem and is on the road to recovery, there is a feeling of instant relief and hope by family members and friends. Not far behind these emotions are doubt and fear. Common concerns as a loved one to a recovering alcoholic:

  • “What if my loved one starts to drink again?”
  • “How will our relationship change?”
  • “How can I help?”
  • “Hopefully I don’t do anything wrong”

Alcoholism not only affects the alcoholic but also family members and loved ones of the alcoholic. Everyone’s journey with an alcoholic is unique but there are similarities. Some feel angry with the alcoholic, some feel guilty, and most have had to watch their loved one slip away and be unavailable to depend upon. The good news is that your loved one is seeking a sober lifestyle and there are ways you can help a recovering alcoholic in your life!

Get help for yourself

Many family members of a recovering alcoholic are experiencing high levels of stress due to relationship problems within the family and the fear of the unknown. It is important to get help for healing your wounds from your loved one’s alcohol abuse. Don’t be afraid to get involved in recovery support groups such as Al-Anon, 12-step meetings or individual counseling at a rehab treatment center. Family support is important and family therapy programs help families with communication and developing skills in reducing stress and coping with mental health trigger situations. It is also beneficial to receive group therapy sessions with your loved one in recovery because this increases awareness of unhealthy behavior and dysfunctional roles that alcohol use and drug abuse has created in your home.

Be supportive of their sobriety

It is important for an alcoholic in early recovery to be in an atmosphere where a sober living lifestyle is promoted. Alcohol should be taken away from the home and an end to activities where there’s a possibility of alcohol or drug use. It’s best that anyone living in the home restrain from consuming alcohol to support the loved one that’s going through the recovery process.

Help a recovering addict find a new direction

For a recovering alcoholic, the physical side of being sober is one part of the solution to the road to recovery. Another dimension is the mental health side. Alcohol was a big part of their existence for years so something else needs to fill that void once sober. After dealing with the mental illness triggers that fed the addiction, it is important for the one in substance abuse treatment to replace that void with sober activities or hobbies, a job, charity work, family involvement… anything your loved one can enjoy that promotes a sober lifestyle. Help your loved one find something they enjoy doing and be encouraging.

Try to help during stressful situations

It is stressful for both you and the alcoholic. Common stresses for a recovering alcoholic:

  •  Family conflicts and relationships
  •  Financial obligations
  •  Work or school
  •  Legal consequences of alcohol abuse

Here’s a few ways to help your loved one with stressful situations:

  • Keep lines of communication open
  • Don’t blame or demean
  • Encourage involvement in support groups
  • Be available and supportive, but don’t dwell on the stressful situation and pester about how they are coping
  • Remember that laughter and humor relieves stress

Know the warning signs of relapse

A person living with a recovering alcoholic needs to know warning signs of relapse such as:

  • Isolation from family and friends
  • Starts to reconnect with friends from alcohol use times
  • Changes in attitude or behavior
  • Loss of interest in recovery
  • Romanticizing past alcohol use

Find the Best Treatment for Your Loved One at Our Ohio Rehab Center

You are helping your loved one towards long term addiction recovery by understanding and supporting the life changes that are necessary to living a life free from alcohol addiction. Our Ohio rehab’s addiction treatment programs will help your loved one lead up to a sober lifestyle.