Category: Addiction Treatment

A holistic approach to drug addiction treatment has become increasingly popular in the world of recovery as more and more therapies are incorporating it into their programs.

But what is a holistic approach to drug addiction treatment? And does it actually work?

What’s a Holistic Approach to Addiction Treatment?

The holistic approach to addiction treatment aims to address the addict’s physical, mental, emotional, social, and spiritual well-being.

Instead of simply treating the symptoms of addiction, holistic treatments aim to address the underlying causes.

In its simplest form, the therapy combines Eastern and Western medicinal approaches in the hope that balancing all aspects of our health can help addicts avoid relapsing into addiction.

 

A holistic treatment aims to improve the individual’s overall well-being rather than target a specific symptom.

Almost all addiction treatment centers today offer holistic therapies as part of their recovery programs.

Examples of Holistic Approaches to Addiction Treatment

Addicts can choose from a variety of holistic treatments.  The following are some examples of holistic addiction recovery treatments:

 

• Biofeedback and Neurofeedback
• Art, Music, or Writing Therapy
• Yoga
• Nutritional Therapy
• Exercise
• Herbal and Plant Medicines
• Acupuncture
• Reiki
• Hydrotherapy
• Aromatherapy
• Sound Therapy
• Shamanic Healing
• Energy Healing
• Breathwork
• Hypnotherapy
• Kirtan
• Tai Chi
• Meditation and Mindfulness
• Massage Therapy
• Experiential Therapy
• Nature Therapy
• Equine Therapy and other Animal Therapies

Advantages of a Holistic Drug Addiction Rehab

The underlying motivation for addiction remains largely unclear, despite scientific findings indicating various factors such as trauma and peer pressure. 

 

Regardless of the origin, adopting a comprehensive approach empowers individuals struggling with addiction to better address their overall well-being. This, in turn, cultivates strength, confidence, and other beneficial attributes that aid them in overcoming the challenges of recovery.

 

As an example, an addict may use breathwork to reduce stress. Stress is well documented as an influence on relapse. Addicts can stay sober by avoiding it through a holistic approach.

 

Mindfulness, meditation, yoga, and hypnosis can also help the addict manage stress, during and after rehab. 

 

There have been cases where hypnosis and neuro-linguistic programming have helped addicts manage their cravings.

 

There is also a spiritual perspective to consider. Spiritual 12-step groups are evidence of this. It is possible to survive addiction by utilizing holistic spiritual approaches and finding strength from a higher power.

 

Addicts who are undergoing rehabilitation can also benefit from holistic therapies.

 

Acupuncture, for instance, can help addicts cope with anxiety and withdrawal symptoms during detox. The program can also improve sleep habits.

 

Exercise and nutrition have also proven to be effective ways to manage addiction. Regular exercise may reduce anxiety and stress levels. Taking care of your nutrition is also essential for a healthy recovery.

Who Can Benefit Most From a Holistic Approach to Drug Addiction Treatment?

A holistic approach to drug addiction treatment is ideal for those dealing with both addiction and mental health issues like depression, anxiety, or trauma. 

 

By integrating various therapy modalities holistic treatments are able to support both addiction recovery and mental wellness, making it an excellent treatment for addicts suffering from a co-occurring disorder.

 

For those looking for long-term recovery, a holistic approach to drug addiction treatment is a game-changer. It equips recovering addicts with the tools and strategies they need to maintain their sobriety in the long run, not focusing only on their rehab stay.

Is a Holistic Approach to Drug Addiction Treatment The Real Deal?

While scientific evidence may not conclusively prove the superior effectiveness of a holistic approach, the world of holistic therapy offers a number of ways to enhance overall well-being. 

 

These therapies are widely embraced for their potential to contribute to recovery. They also empower individuals to maintain their journey toward recovery by cultivating a nourishing, stress-free lifestyle.

Getting Help

Are holistic treatments right for you? If so, you might want to check out our recovery services at Elysium Healthcare. We pride ourselves in providing bespoke recovery treatments that treat the root cause of the problem, not the symptoms.

Contact Elysium today and find out how we can help you recover.

Once an addict checks into rehab, a psychiatrist and a team of recovery experts will generally assess the condition of the addict and evaluate the most appropriate course of action to follow.

 

Part of the treatment program will include a variety of types of therapy for addiction, such as:

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a widely popular form of psychotherapy in rehab. Extensive scientific research has demonstrated its remarkable effectiveness in addressing addiction, anxiety, and depression.

 

CBT is rooted in the belief that our thoughts, emotions, and actions work in harmony to shape our overall well-being. 

 

To unlearn negative behaviors, CBT therapists use a variety of methods, such as breathing exercises.

Benefits of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT):

• Helps identify and change negative thought patterns and behaviors related to substance abuse.
• Teaches coping skills to manage cravings and triggers effectively.
• Focuses on addressing underlying issues that contribute to substance abuse.
• Encourages active participation and self-reflection to promote long-term recovery.

Group Therapy

Group therapy entails the comprehensive examination of the root causes of a patient’s addiction within a secure and nurturing setting. Participants can anticipate the support of fellow individuals grappling with addiction, with sessions generally facilitated by one or two group therapists.

This mode of therapy proves effective as it empowers addicts to openly engage in discussions about their struggles and experiences, fostering an environment of mutual learning and growth.

A typical session usually includes six to twelve recovering addicts.

 

Benefits of Group Therapy:

• Provides a supportive and non-judgmental environment for individuals with similar struggles.
• Offers a sense of belonging and reduces feelings of isolation.
• Facilitates peer support and accountability.
• Allows for the exchange of experiences, insights, and coping strategies.

Family Therapy

In family therapy, triggers, traumas, and challenges are overcome by families together. The philosophy behind this therapy is that addiction affects every member of the family.

By attending family therapy, the entire family can heal together.

It has been shown that addicts who receive this type of therapy remain sober longer than those who do not.

Benefits of Family Therapy:

• Involves the whole family in the recovery process, promoting understanding and empathy.
• Addresses family dynamics and communication patterns that contribute to substance abuse.
• Strengthens family bonds and improves relationships.
• Helps family members learn how to support their loved one’s recovery effectively.

Medication-Assisted Treatment

This particular treatment is actually one of the most common types of therapy for addiction, mainly because it is often used alongside detox.

 

Patients receiving medicine-assisted treatment are cleansed of toxins and allowed to begin healing by detoxifying their bodies.

 

In this treatment approach, low-risk replacement drugs are administered to alleviate cravings and mitigate withdrawal symptoms.

Benefits of Medication-Assisted Treatment:

• Uses FDA-approved medications to reduce withdrawal symptoms and cravings.
• Helps normalize brain chemistry and stabilize individuals during recovery.
• Increases treatment retention rates and reduces the risk of relapse.
• Provides a comprehensive approach that combines medication with counseling and behavioral therapies.

Holistic Therapy

Holistic addiction treatment involves addressing the physical, mental, emotional, social, and spiritual aspects of a person’s life.

 

Rather than merely treating addiction’s symptoms, holistic treatment addresses its underlying causes.

 

The following are examples of holistic types of drug treatment in rehab:

 

• Acupuncture
• Yoga
• Equine therapy
• Mindfulness and Meditation
• Nutrition
• Massages

Benefits of Holistic Therapy:

• Takes a holistic approach, addressing physical, emotional, and spiritual aspects of recovery.
• Encourages self-care practices, such as mindfulness and meditation.
• Offers alternative types of therapy for addiction like yoga, acupuncture, and massage to promote overall well-being.
• Supports individuals in developing healthy lifestyle habits beyond substance abuse treatment.

EMDR Therapy

EMDR, short for Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing, is a widely utilized treatment approach for individuals grappling with addiction and trauma. 

 

The underlying principle of EMDR revolves around facilitating the brain in processing and reframing traumatic memories in a constructive manner. It involves harnessing emotional recalibration to substitute unpleasant and traumatic experiences with positive ones.

 

Research indicates that EMDR therapy is effective for treating clients with dual diagnoses

 

In an EMDR treatment session, clients will collaborate with their therapist to engage in a series of eye movements, guided imagery, and other techniques aimed at reprocessing negative memories. 

Benefits of EMDR Therapy:

• Specifically targets and helps process traumatic memories related to substance abuse.
• Reduces the emotional distress and negative beliefs associated with traumatic experiences.
• Facilitates the reprocessing of traumatic memories, leading to symptom reduction.
• Empowers individuals to develop healthier coping mechanisms and beliefs.

 

Individual Therapy in Addiction Treatment 

Individual therapy in addiction allows recovering patients to have one-on-one sessions with a therapist that can help them overcome substance abuse or addiction.

 

Having individual and bespoke treatment options is critical in ensuring your recovery. If you or someone you love is suffering from addiction or co-occurring disorders then you must seek help immediately.

 

Elysium Healthcare is a top-rated recovery program that offers mental health and addiction recovery treatment.

 

Contact us today to find out how we can help your loved ones get the help they need.

Great work, you’ve done it! Finally, you detoxed from alcohol or drugs and are now ready to take on the world. You’re loving your new freedom and happiness, and can barely believe you are finally here.

But don’t forget that in order to maintain your daily reprieve you must continue to work on your recovery even after you leave rehab. 

The importance of aftercare in recovery is often overlooked—which leads to high relapse rates. 

But don’t get it wrong, there is no better way to protect your newfound sobriety than by attending a relapse prevention program.

What’s a Relapse?

Whenever a recovering addict consumes alcohol or drugs again after abstinence, this is referred to as a relapse. It is very common for people struggling with addiction to relapse due to the difficulty of beating their addiction.

There is no official definition of what constitutes a relapse for addicts. In general, however, people agree that abstinence prior to a relapse must be purposeful in order to count as a relapse.

It is critical to remember that relapses are not failures, but rather stepping stones on the road to recovery. People can regain a sense of well-being and progress toward lasting recovery with the right support and treatment.

Drug Relapse Rates

The importance of aftercare goes beyond sound advice. Data shows that approximately 60% of drug addicts relapse after rehab. Proving It is just as important to work on one’s recovery outside of rehab as it is during treatment.

Relapse rates can vary depending on substances abused, treatment programs attended, and a person’s circumstances. But one of the most common reasons for it is the absence of a relapse prevention program.

Support groups and counseling help people cope with everyday challenges and maintain sobriety after rehab.

What’s a Relapse Prevention Program?

While the toughest part of recovery might be behind you, the real challenge awaits at the door. Recovery is a life-long process that’s best done with the support of peers and professionals. 

The best way to protect your new-found recovery and stay sober long after you leave rehab is to find A ​​relapse prevention program, also known as an aftercare plan.

​​Relapse prevention programs can help addicts by:

• Using treatment to help individuals recognize the early stages of relapse and treat it before it occurs
• Understanding that each stage of recovery has its own risk of relapse and treating each stage differently
• Using the main tools of relapse prevention which are cognitive therapy and mind-body relaxation
• Teaching them how to be honest and asking for help when needed

There are many forms of relapse prevention programs. Some of them include:

• Support Groups
• Therapy
• 12-step programs
• Rehab aftercare programs
• Sober housing

A relapse prevention program employs proven strategies that help recovering addicts stay sober by meeting their individual needs.

Types of Aftercare in Addiction Treatment

Some of the most common relapse prevention programs include:

Support Groups

One of the most recognized, celebrated, and effective ways for addicts to stay sober is constant attendance at support groups. It is for this reason that twelve-step programs are so popular among those who are recovering.

It’s said that the opposite of addiction is connection, which is probably why support groups are so effective. They provide addicts in recovery with mutual aid, connection to others, and accountability.

Support groups are a great way to remember what life was like during your addiction, and what it’s like now that you are sober.

Therapy

Therapy is also an important part of maintaining an addict’s recovery, similar to support groups. 

It may take many years for a person to overcome cognitive and behavioral issues. By speaking with a professional, addicts can stay grounded while identifying patterns and behaviors that may lead to trouble in the future.

The first stages of relapse occur when the person in recovery begins to fantasize about drug use. In order to prevent a patient from relapsing back into substance abuse, a professional therapist can help identify these symptoms early on and treat them at the root. 

Sober Housing

Sober living homes come in many forms.  Here are a few examples: 

• Rehab
• Halfway homes
• Sober living houses
• Inpatient treatments

In sober homes, patients are provided with a substance-free environment. In the early stages of recovery, they are considered the most favorable environments for addicts. Aside from providing a safe environment, they also offer many in-house services such as drug testing, support groups, therapy, and more.

Finding Aftercare Programs

The importance of aftercare can’t be understated. The best way to maintain a sound recovery is to enroll in a relapse prevention program. 

There are many relapse prevention programs available throughout the United States, including recovery centers and 12-step programs. But if you are looking for a trusted and effective option then you might want to check out Elysium Healthcare. 

At Elysium Healthcare We offer some of the best relapse programs in the country.

Contact Elysium today to find out more about staying sober long after you leave rehab.

Not even the best of us get to escape the hunting grip of alcoholism. In fact, substance use disorders are a common issue among our nation’s veterans. Military service can be a stressful and traumatic experience, which in the worst of cases ends up leading veterans to turn to alcohol and other substances to cope with the pain and trauma.

 

But how bad is the problem really? 

 

Let’s take a deep dive into it and explore the connection between veterans and alcoholism, the factors that contribute to its development, and how we might be able to help.

What Percentage of Veterans Are Alcoholics? 

It’s tough to pinpoint exactly the actual percentage of veterans who are alcoholics. This type of data depends on ex-service members reporting their personal statistics, and unfortunately many just don’t. 

However, the number is thought to be considerably high. Some reports suggest that more than one in ten former military members have been diagnosed with substance abuse disorders—showing that nearly 10% of military personnel are heavy drinkers. 

But the number increases when considering binge drinkers. The same report shows that more than 1 in 3 active-duty service members are binge drinkers—a trait mostly common among personnel with high combat exposure.

Over the past few years as deployments have intensified there has been a correlation between the increase in alcohol consumption and binge drinking among servicemen.

We also have some data on servicemen who have sought out treatment. Approximately 65% of military patients who have sought out recovery have done so due to alcoholism or alcohol abuse.

What Causes Alcoholism in Veterans? 

Overall the numbers of alcohol abuse including binge drinking are considerably high among servicemen, particularly when compared to civilians.

But why is that exactly?

Well, there are numerous factors that can contribute to this. For one thing, drinking alcohol can serve as a way to connect with their fellows. With the high-stress levels, lack of recreational activities and loneliness, and boredom, many members willingly turn to alcohol to fill the void. 

But probably one of the primary drivers of substance abuse among servicemen is the need to self-medicate trauma. There is a large link between veterans and alcoholism when it comes to cases of PTSD, depression, and other mental health disorders. 

Here are some of the most common causes of alcoholism in veterans:

PTSD

PTSD is a common occurrence among military and veterans. At some point in their life, 7 out of every 100 Veterans will suffer from PTSD. 

The macho culture and image of strength portrayed in the military might keep soldiers from wanting to seek out help for their trauma as this could be looked at as weakness. Instead, they might seek to self-medicate and indulge in alcoholism tendencies.

Depression

Depression is also another cause that can lead veterans to drink. Veterans are commonly diagnosed with co-occurring disorders that include depression.

Other Traumas

Other traumas like sexual trauma from abuse inside the military can also contribute to alcoholism in the military.

Returning home from combat can also be an overwhelming experience when trying to process all of the hardships that happened overseas. Many service members rely on alcohol as a crutch to find a way to function while back in the normal world. 

Over time this crutch becomes a dependent that is very difficult to acknowledge and even harder to break. 

When you combine this with service members heading out to combat and experiencing traumas, they learn to cope the only way they are shown how – by drinking to numb the pain. 

Sources for Veterans and Alcoholism

Now that you know more about veterans and alcoholism you might be wondering how to get help for yourself or a veteran you care for.

There are many programs available to help veterans who have put their life and mental health on the line to serve our country. 

One of the best ways to get help is by attending rehab for veterans.

Elysium Healthcare is a leading provider of alcohol recovery services for service men and women.

Contact us today and find out how you can benefit from this program.

Sex disparity when it comes to alcohol and substance abuse disorders is notable. Men are culturally more prompt to drink and consume drugs than women.

But aside from cultural disparities, are men or women more likely to be alcoholics? Let’s find out.

What Makes Someone an Alcoholic?

Before we answer the question “Are men or women more likely to be alcoholics?” we need to first get clear on what it actually means to be an alcoholic.

Alcoholics are individuals who have developed a physical dependence on alcohol, which means their bodies have gotten used to having the substance in their bodies.

A physical need for alcohol can manifest in a variety of ways. In its simplest form, it’s considered to be a drinker’s inability to control how much they consume. 

When subjects with alcohol dependence stop consuming alcohol, their physical dependence symptoms become more apparent, such as withdrawal symptoms or delirium tremens.

It goes without saying that alcoholics suffer from numerous shortcomings in their social lives and health as well.

Are Men More Likely to Be Alcoholics?

There are a variety of factors that influence alcoholism, including genetics, environment, and individual behavior. 

There is a stereotype about alcoholism that men are more likely to drink alcohol than women, and research shows that men are actually more likely than women to drink excessively. 

In a study, close to 58% of adult men reported drinking over the previous week when compared to only 49% of women. Research also shows that men are more likely to binge drink than women with approximately 21% of them reporting binge drinking, a lot less than the 13% reported by women.

However, in spite of the fact that men have traditionally consumed more alcohol and engaged in heavy drinking, recent research suggests that women are closing the gender gap in alcohol consumption.

The Gender Gap in Drinking

Alcohol consumption and heavy drinking have historically been more prevalent among men. There are a number of social and cultural factors that contribute to this trend. 

For example, men are often socialized to view heavy drinking as a symbol of strength and masculinity, whereas women are encouraged to limit their alcohol consumption and maintain a more “ladylike” attitude. It appears, however, that the gender gap in drinking is narrowing.

According to researchers, the percentage of women who reported drinking alcohol in the past year increased from 44.9% to 48.3%. In contrast, the percentage of men who reported drinking alcohol in the past year decreased from 57.4% to 56.1%.

Despite women catching up to men when it comes to alcohol consumption, research suggests men are still more likely to become alcoholics. 

According to research from the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, men are twice as likely as women to develop alcoholism. Additionally, there is increasing evidence that men are more likely than women to suffer from alcohol-related health issues.

Additionally, men are more likely to develop alcoholism at a younger age than women—not looking so well for boys.

Talking to a Recovery Expert

Now that you know the answer to “Are men or women more likely to be alcoholics?” you might be wondering what to do if you are a gender that’s more prone to alcoholism. If so, then it’s time to get help.

 Elysium Healthcare offers bespoke treatments to each gender ensuring your program is tailored to benefit you.

Contact  Elysium today for a consultation and speaks to one of our recovery experts

The connection between addiction and depression has been well-established for some time. But which one comes first? And can they exuberate each other?

In this piece, we’ll delve into the association between addiction and depression and investigate how they impact one another.

What’s Depression?

Before coming to any conclusions, it’s essential to first comprehend the meaning of depression. 

Depression is a mental health disorder that influences one’s emotions, thoughts, and actions. Symptoms often include low moods and a lack of motivation. In severe cases, depression can lead to a loss of desire for living. 

Every individual experiences sadness from time to time, but those with depression experience it more frequently and for longer periods of time.

Depression can stem from a variety of causes, such as life events or brain chemical imbalances resulting from substance abuse.

Common symptoms of depression include:

• Persistent sad or anxious mood
• Hopelessness and pessimism
• Irritability, frustration, and/or restlessness
• Loss of interest, pleasure, and willfulness
• Lower energy levels
• Troubled sleeping patterns
• Changes in appetite
• Pains, headaches, and cramps that are not eased with treatment
• Thoughts and attempts to take one’s own life

Relationship Between Depression and Addiction

Addiction and depression are closely intertwined with each other as It’s not uncommon for addicts to feel depressed. This is often due to the depletion of dopamine in the brain and other neural damage caused by substance use. 

Abusing drugs or alcohol causes a dopamine rush in the brain. Like a tank out of fuel, the brain runs out of good-mood juice, leaving the addict feeling down and depressed after using drugs. As tolerance develops, and dopamine receptors get damaged, the depressive episodes tend to last longer, eventually growing into a serious problem.

It’s also possible for depression to lead to substance abuse, as individuals may use drugs or alcohol to alleviate their sadness and seek the dopamine rush that substances provide.

Data shows that people with depression are more likely to turn to alcohol as a form of self-medication, compared to other substances.

These behaviors can lead to addiction, and it’s a vicious cycle as both addiction and depression can exacerbate each other.

A person may turn to drugs or alcohol to cope with their emotional pain, but these substances can then worsen their condition, leading to a repeat of the cycle. 

People might choose to self-medicate for a number of reasons including:

• Lack of trust in conventional medicine
• Lack of access to medical care
• Fear of approaching a doctor
• Misguided beliefs

Data also shows that the most prevalent reason for self-medication tends to be a lack of access to mental healthcare.

Risks of Dual Diagnosis

Treating a dual diagnosis can be difficult, even with professional assistance. 

The symptoms of each condition exacerbate one another. Making it critical that both disorders must be addressed simultaneously to ensure a successful recovery. 

Studies have shown that individuals with a dual diagnosis are more likely to experience certain challenges compared to those who only have one disorder such as:

• Have severe symptoms of depression
• Relapse over and over again
• Have a lower quality of life
• Attempting to take their own life

A study showed that attempted suicide rates for addicts with depression were:

• These rates are twice as high as those for addicts who develop alcoholism before depression
• The rates are three times higher than for people with depression alone
• Nine times higher than those who only developed alcohol use disorders

The risk of suicide is the most troubling risk of co-occurring disorders and one that must not be ignored.

Dual Diagnosis Treatment

It is ineffective to try and address depression and addiction separately, as one condition can trigger the other. 

To achieve recovery, both co-occurring disorders must be treated simultaneously. If you suspect that you or a loved one may need dual-diagnosis treatment, it is crucial to seek professional help. Dual diagnosis can be challenging, and it requires expert care.

Elysium Healthcare provides dual-diagnosis therapy and other holistic approaches to help individuals with co-occurring disorders overcome the root causes of their issues and heal in a holistic way.

Contact us today and ask one of our admission professionals how we can help you or your loved ones overcome co-occurring disorders

Idleness could be an unfriendly foe for those who suffer from racing thoughts. Left to their own devices, addicts might find themselves in an endless conversation with themselves that can often turn dark and negative.

This idleness is often the reason why many addicts seek to indulge in their vices. Having hobbies and  fun sober activities in recovery can help addicts keep negative thoughts at bay and avoid a relapse.

Benefits of Sober Hobbies in Recovery

By engaging in sober hobbies, addicts are able to substitute their indulgences for new healthy habits. Be it a craft, sports, or a walk down the beach, hobbies support the development of a balanced lifestyle.

But avoiding the risk of relapse is not the only benefit of keeping yourself entertained with hobbies in recovery. In fact, hobbies for addicts are a great way to gain a greater sense of self-worth and build community.

For example, by joining a sport an addict might be able to connect with other healthy individuals, develop healthy exercise habits, and build confidence.

Hobbies for addicts are also a great way of improving your mood and your overall well-being. A hobby is an activity that’s meant to be enjoyed and bring out happiness in you. 

They are also a great way to stay entertained which can help addicts stay away from activities that might prompt a relapse—like going out to bars or nightclubs.

Boredom and stress can place an addict at a high risk of relapse, both of which can be solved by engaging in healthy hobbies for recovering addicts.

Furthermore, by gaining mastery of a hobby an addict might gain the confidence needed to master other areas of their life such as work and relationships.

Examples of Sober Hobbies in Recovery

Addicts can take up a wide variety of hobbies that can be as diverse as their personalities.

There are countless hobbies for recovering addicts to explore, but we have broken down some categories that can inspire you to find the hobby that’s right for you.

Exercise

Exercising can help improve your physical health, reduce stress, promote a positive mood, and build confidence. And if you were wondering, no, a runner’s high doesn’t count as a relapse.

These are some of the most fun sober activities that involve exercise:

• Running
• Swimming
• Cycling
• Weightlifting
• Taking up a sport like soccer, golf, or gymnastics.

Art

Self-expressing through art can be a higher form of meditation and it’s one of the most popular fun sober activities a recovering addict can take on. 

These are some artistic hobbies for recovering addicts:

• Painting
• Sculpting with clay
• Creating digital art
• Acting or enrolling in theater
• Video editing

Music

Music opens the gates of the soul. It can help addicts change their mood in a heartbeat and can also be a form of meditation. 

Music hobbies for addicts include:

• Playing an instrument
• Taking piano lessons
• Singing
• Simply listening to music

Writing

Writing and journaling are incredibly helpful in recovery. They are a great way to release emotions on paper and help addicts organize their thoughts. It’s also a great way to record and share their experiences in recovery with others.

These are some of the most fun sober activities that involve writing:

• Writing poems
• Journaling each morning
• Making gratitude lists
• Blogging about recovery
• Songwriting

Volunteering

One of the principles addicts learn in 12-step recovery programs is the importance of giving back and working with others to be able to stay sober.

Volunteering is a great hobby that can give a recovering addict a sense of purpose and fulfillment. 

Volunteering hobbies for recovering addicts include:

• Working with other alcoholics to achieve sobriety
• Helping at a local soup kitchen
• Helping clean their local beach or other nature locations
• Assisting at the animal shelter
• Helping fund money for causes they care for

Outdoor Activities

A different kind of sport, outdoor activities combine exercise with all the benefits of being outside and connecting with nature. They are a great way to improve the mood, get a breath of fresh air, and connect with others.

These are some of the most fun sober activities that can be done outdoors:

• Hiking
• Camping
• Fishing
• Skiing
• Playing volleyball on the beach

Hobbies and Aftercare

Aftercare programs and rehabs that place value on hobbies can help addicts build strong recovery habits from day one.

Elysium Healthcare offers rehab and aftercare programs that place an emphasis on preparing the recovering addict with healthy habits and fun hobbies so they may have a successful recovery.Contact us today and see how we can help you get sober today!

Addiction stretches beyond substance abuse, it’s a disorder of the mind that can be manifested in a variety of obsessions. 

There are over 20 million people suffering from substance abuse in the US alone, and every single one of them has a very different substance abuse experience. The combination of issues in that pool of people is endless, mixing different substances—or a combination of them—with different mental disorders.

Unfortunately, there is no one-size-fits-all treatment that can cover such a wide array of personalities, substances, obsessions, and mental health disorders.

Because addiction can be so sparse and different from patient to patient, it’s crucial that an individualized substance abuse treatment program is employed to achieve sobriety.

What Is an Individualized Addiction Treatment? 

Similarly to other health conditions, addiction requires an individualized treatment plan. 

An individualized substance abuse treatment program is a bespoke program that is designed to fit the patient’s individual needs. That means that doctors will analyze a variety of factors that could affect your recovery and ensure they are all receiving the right form of treatment.

For example, an addict with a co-occurring disorder like depression must treat both disorders in parallel. If not, the depression could eventually drive the addict to relapse and back to square one.

Some of the personalized addiction treatments taken into consideration in an individualized substance abuse treatment program include:

• Medication
• Therapy 
• Holistic practices
• Lifestyle changes
• 12-Step programs
• Family therapy

What Makes a Good Individualized Addiction Treatment? 

The best way to ensure an individualized substance abuse treatment program works for the addict is by ensuring comprehensive assessment and monitoring of the symptoms of behavioral change.

Some of the most important considerations that go into crafting a personalized addiction treatment program include:

• The types of drugs being used
• Consumption history
• Any co-occurring disorders
• The relapse history of the patient
• Any mental blocks present
• The degree to which the patient is addicted
• Other health conditions present

In the end, a tailored approach might find an effective solution, although it might take some trial and error, especially since everyone responds to treatments differently.

Why Choose a Personalized Addiction Treatment Program?

Recovery from addiction is usually best accomplished through a personalized addiction treatment program.

A substance abuse disorder involves many factors that extend beyond the substance and could interfere with the recovery of the patient or cause them to relapse in the future. 

Choosing a personalized addiction treatment program is one of the best ways to ensure the patient finds the right healthy balance that will keep them from using again.

There are many benefits to choosing a personalized addiction treatment program that extends beyond improving the chances of an addict’s recovery. Some of them include:

• Treating co-occurring disorders that could cause a future relapse
• Allowing addicts to take an in-depth look into their general health.
• Taking into consideration emotional, social, physical, spiritual, and mental factors
• Avoid unnecessary side effects by choosing the right medication
• Find the correct therapy for the addict
• Provides the patient with the right relapse prevention tools

How to Get A Personalized Addiction Treatment Program?

When it comes to treating addiction, time is of the essence. The more time you wait to find effective treatment, the more control the addiction has over your life. 

Finding the right addiction treatment can be difficult in it itself, but choosing the right treatment center doesn’t have to be.

If you or someone you know is in need of personalized addiction treatment then you can get in touch with us and one of our admission experts can help.

Elysium Healthcare is an expert in addiction treatments and offers individualized substance abuse treatment programs for patients who seek our help.

Contact Elysium today and see which personalized addiction treatment program is right for you.

Getting someone we love into rehab might be easier said than done. Unfortunately, addiction is a disease that overcomes self-will and leads those who suffer from it down a path of self-inflicted destruction that they can rarely gain control over.

For this reason, the help of friends and family is critical in guiding the misguided on to the road of recovery.

But what can you actually do to get a loved one into drug rehab? Let’s take a look.

Admission

You might be familiar with the first step of a 12-step program even if you’ve never attended a meeting before.

The media has famously made known the admission of one’s addiction as the first step toward recovery. 

It’s no coincidence that the first step is at the beginning, after all you can’t fix what you don’t know it’s broken.

If addicts can’t come to the mere realization that there is an issue, then it’s likely they will fail to pull the strength needed to stick around when the challenges of recovery become evident.

If you think that your loved one might be suffering from drug or alcohol abuse, then trying to reason with them and showing them the signs and symptoms of their problem could help them recognize the problem.

However, don’t be surprised if they don’t accept their condition right away. More times than not, most addicts will fail to recognize the problem.

Addiction causes stubbornness and difficulties with honesty, particularly being honest with themselves. This is part of how drugs and alcohol affect the way an addict thinks and behaves.

If that’s the case, have patience and don’t give up! This is normal. 

At the very least you will plant a seed that will help them ease into it. 

Education

Part of the reason why an addict might not accept their condition right away is due to the fact that they might just not know enough about it.

They might not fully understand what are the consequences of their actions or the secondary problems that could arise from abusing drugs and alcohol. 

Educating ourselves and in turn, passing that education on to the addict could be a way to open their eyes to the problem and get them to seek professional help.

Many times, there can also be other underlying causes for their addiction. For example, co-occurring disorders or social factors like peer pressure or excessive stress.

Educating the addict about underlying conditions might also help them understand why they are behaving the way they are and what’s actually causing the problem.

Here are some helpful topics to study:

• How drugs and alcohol affect their body and mind
• What kind of treatments are available for them
• Demystifying any misconceptions they may have about recovery or addiction
• Looking into areas of their life that have been affected or into finances and see how that can be improved with sobriety
• How substance abuse could lead to irreparable damage or death

You can browse our content library, which covers a variety of useful topics if you are unsure of where to get the best information to educate yourself.

In short, addicts may seek help if they are aware of the risks associated with substance abuse. Giving them the facts can empower them to make the right decisions.

Call a Professional

Stating the obvious here, yet many fail to take the right approach despite it being just a phone call away.

Contacting a rehab center and asking for help could be the quickest route to getting your loved ones in recovery. Rehab centers are equipped with experienced staff that can guide you through the necessary steps to get help for those you love.

A professional might offer to do an intervention that could help your loved one get into rehab.

Many people might shy away from professional help or put it off for fear of costs, unaware that costs are in many instances covered by insurance.

Ultimately a professional is trained to deal with these situations and can offer the best possible help.

How to Get in Contact With a Professional

The best way to get a loved one into drug rehab is by seeking out professional help.

Elysium Healthcare can offer you and your loved ones the support needed to get that special person into recovery.Contact Elysium today and one of our admissions professionals will guide you through the process.