How Debt, Depression and Addiction Reinforce One Another

Credit card debt can contribute to depression, which can then lead addiction as people seek relief. Inversely, depression may contribute to or be a result of addiction; also, addiction often leads to financial instability which may include credit card debt. Drug addicts have altered thought processes, impaired judgment, make poor choices and tend to put the needs of their addiction above all else. Addiction takes over the mind and compels addicts to attend to their cravings. When an addict needs drugs she will do whatever it takes to get them, regardless of the consequences. If the addict has access to a line of credit he or she will access it to buy drugs. Eventually the drugs run out but the debt is still there, which causes more depression and further desire to escape in drug use.

Cravings for the drug can be overwhelming, and if credit is still available it is likely to be used to buy more drugs. Incapacitated by addiction and depression, people may not see a way out of debt, or may not have the energy to reduce debt and get back on a solid financial footing.

Regardless of the causes of these problems, they result in cycle of increased debt, depression and addiction. The possible consequences of this are almost limitless. An addict may lose all of his assets and become encumbered with insurmountable debt, which may cause him to lose his home and be forced to live homeless. These problems can also create divorce and estrangement from children. In extreme cases an addict may be driven to suicide.

How to Treat Debt, Depression and Addiction

Regardless of which came first, depression and addiction often go together. Depression is a major risk factor for addiction, and is also a very common side effect of addiction. Addiction and depression are both debilitating and possibly dangerous conditions that require professional treatment.

Treating the behavioral elements of addiction without treating any underlying causes may alter addictive behavior for a while, but this leaves the recovering addict extremely susceptible to relapse, especially when events trigger depressive episodes.

Therapy that treats addiction along with co-occurring disorders is integrated treatment. This offers a much greater chance of a successful recovery from both the addiction and the depression.
Finally, once a person is sober and has been treated for depression, she is much more likely to put the situation in perspective. She will see a way out of debt and will have the energy to recover.

Help with Debt, Depression and Addiction

If you are suffering from debt, addiction and depression, call our 24 hour, toll-free helpline today for immediate help.

Benefit from Medically Supervised Detoxification during Rehabilitation

The first step in recovery is detox. You must detoxify your body from a substance on which it has become dependent. Many addictive drugs produce withdrawal symptoms that can be so unpleasant that they make it hard for even the most strong-willed person to maintain his or her resolve to stop using. When the misery of withdrawal sets in most people will do whatever they need to do to make the pain and discomfort go away. Usually this means relapsing into drug use. However severe depression and suicidal thoughts are withdrawal symptoms of some drugs, and in extreme cases a particularly harrowing withdrawal can end in a suicide attempt. Withdrawal symptoms can be dangerous and even life threatening in and of themselves, so quitting “cold turkey” on your own without the support of professionals is both physically harmful and likely to fail.

A high quality rehab center will include medically supervised detox services. The patient will be made as comfortable as possible during the detox process. Medical staff will be on hand to monitor the patient’s condition and address any medical situations that arise. In some cases medication can be administered that will alleviate the symptoms of withdrawal. The patient will be in the care of trained professionals with experience handling detox and withdrawal symptoms and will be in a secure environment in which it will be impossible to procure the drug of choice and suffer a relapse.

Benefit from Drug Addiction Counseling during Rehabilitation

Once detoxification is complete, patients will address psychological and situational factors that contributed to the addiction. They will learn to form new habits that will allow them to live a healthy drug-free lifestyle. Addressing psychological issues, forming new habits and learning to live new lifestyle on your own with no assistance may be possible, but it is exceedingly challenging. Old habits are hard to break, stress factors emerge that can threaten your recovery and old friends who still use drugs can lead you into relapse.

A quality rehab center will have qualified, certified counselors with training and experience treating people with addiction and substance abuse issues. Patients will benefit from individual and group counseling that will help them know themselves better and recognize the destructive patterns that led to their addiction. Many facilities also include psychiatric counseling to address any co-occurring mental health issues that may have contributed to the addiction. Long-term follow-up counseling will provide support for the patient’s continued recovery, once he or she has left treatment. A rehab center can be an ongoing source of support should the patient ever feel that his or her recovery is in danger. Patients can find empathy and support for their recovery in fellow patients who are struggling with similar issues.

Need Help Finding a Rehab Center?

If you are looking for a quality rehab center, we can help you find the best treatment options available for you. We can match you, your needs and your insurance coverage with the right rehab program. Our number is toll free, and we are available 24 hours a day. Please give us a call.

Living a Drug-Free Life

Drug use is prevalent in our society and the chances are that you will encounter it. You need to be secure enough in your recovery that you can witness drug use and not succumb to the temptation to participate. Being able to walk away from drugs while others are using will give you confidence that your recovery is succeeding.

You may fear that you won’t be able to have fun without using drugs. If you are new to recovery, you may not have a clear idea of what a sober life can be like and how much fun you can have without drugs. You may have used drugs for years and have many memories of good times associated with drug use, but drugs alter brain chemistry so that you come to depend on them to feel good. Once your recovery has progressed to the point that your brain chemistry has returned to normal, you will no longer need drugs to feel good. Dopamine is released in the brain in response to pleasurable and rewarding activities just as it is as a result of drug use. You will be surprised how good you can feel and how much fun you can have while sober.

Strategies for Avoiding Drug Use

The following are strategies for attending parties and socializing without using drugs:

• Make up your mind in advance that you are not going to use drugs
• If possible attend the party with someone who supports your recovery
• Let people know that you are in recovery and do not want to use drugs
• Do not be ashamed of being a recovering addict, as addiction is a disease and your efforts to recover are something you can be proud of
• Participate in the non-drug related activities of the party
• Engage in conversations and get to know people
• Remember why you wanted to quit using drugs in the first place, why your recovery is so important to you and how much work you have done to get this far

Need Help Avoiding Relapse?

Call our toll-free number for help getting clean or staying clean. We can provide information and advice on finding recovery resources or resisting temptations to return to drug use. We are here 24 hours a day, so please call any time you need support or information.

How Does 12-step Treatment Work?

12-step programs are used for a number of addiction situations including addiction to alcohol or drugs, relationship addiction, gambling, sex addiction and more. 12-step treatment remains popular because there is evidence that they work. While 12-step programs are not for everyone, they can offer benefits including the following:

• A secure and private environment of like-minded people
• A safe place to discuss addiction and addiction-related issues
• A place to meet new people who understand what you are going through
• A place to find supportive contacts who can help you maintain your sobriety
• A plan and a path that takes some of the anxiety out of recovery
• A plan that is structured and easily accessible to everyone

What you may not know is that not all 12-step groups are the same. Some groups feature speakers, while others have a more community feel; there are also groups for various ages, career areas, genders, backgrounds, specific addictions and more. If one group does not work for you, chances are that there will be another group that will work for you and fit your needs.

What Happens in Inpatient Addiction Rehabilitation?

Rehab is much more than 12-step meetings. For instance, if you choose a reputable integrated rehab program, you will find more than meetings and simple treatment. Our integrated treatment centers have developed an in-depth treatment program that treats each person individually. Integrated treatment offers you some important extras including the following benefits:

• By integrating (combining) traditional substance abuse treatment with leading-edge counseling practices, you gain both addiction treatment and mental health care
• Integrated treatment helps you deal with the underlying causes of addiction, including depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety, trauma and other mental illness
• By uncovering and treating the root of your addiction in a safe and welcoming environment, you will be better able to withstand temptation for a lifetime of wellness
• While some integrated treatment programs offer 12-step meetings, our treatment partners work with you to create a personalized treatment plan that meets your needs and personality
• Individualized treatment allows you to have greater control over your rehab experience. Inpatient rehab treatment should be pleasant and helpful. Although recovery is challenging and you may have days that make you struggle, your treatment team should be available to listen to your needs and help you face your challenges with a solid support system

Addiction Rehabilitation Help

Please call us now and speak to us about our free phone addiction support services. We can help you find an inpatient rehab that suits your needs and even help you find family resources, family rehab programs, family therapy and more. We will be happy to tell you more about the 12-step process and alternatives to 12-step programs. We can even work with your insurance provider to help you arrange coverage for treatment. Call our 24 hour toll-free helpline now and speak confidentially with one of our recovery professionals today.

Find a Treatment Program that Fits Your Needs

There are many different types of treatment programs available; finding one that fits your particular needs can be critical to the success of your recovery. Many programs will specialize in treating addiction to certain types of drugs. For instance, one rehab center may have experience primarily in treating alcoholics while another will specialize in opiate addiction. One may treat severe cases of addiction coupled with co-occurring psychological disorders while another will treat less severe cases that are primarily situational or behavioral. Some are strongly faith based while others are more secular and human centered in their approach. Some cater exclusively to men while others cater exclusively to women. There are intensive inpatient programs that include medically supervised detox and less intensive outpatient programs that utilize counseling. There are outward-bound programs that base their treatment on a wilderness experience and programs that feature equine therapy. With so many options available it is important to do your research.

What to Look for in a Treatment Facility

Once you have found a rehab center that seems to fit your needs it is an excellent idea to visit the facility. Observe the facility and consider the following questions:

• Is the facility clean, comfortable and well-maintained?
• Does the facility create a relaxed atmosphere?
• If it is an inpatient facility, will you feel comfortable staying there for the duration of treatment?

Talk with the director or public relations representative and ask questions; a reputable professional will be happy to answer any questions. Observe the staff in action and consider the following:

• Are staff members friendly, professional and well-informed?
• Are all patients treated with respect by all staff members?
• Does the program include medically supervised detox?
• Is the program CARF certified?
• Does the program have a good record of success?

When observing the facilities and talking with the staff, you should trust your instincts. If something doesn’t measure up to your expectations, or even if something just doesn’t feel right, it may be a good idea to keep looking. Remember that choosing a rehab facility may very well be the most important decision you ever make. It is crucial to the success of your recovery to choose a high quality program that fits your specific needs.

Help Finding a Rehab Center

If you need help finding rehab we will be happy to direct you to the best treatment options for your particular case. Our helpline is toll free and we are available 24 hours a day.

When trying to recover from substance abuse, people usually attempts to do so all on their own. But, in most cases, it is highly discouraged to try recovering from drug or alcohol abuse alone. Heavy drug and alcohol use can diminish a person’s self-control and leave one feeling powerless against quitting.
Before choosing a recovery plan, assess your abuse situation; is it really just social use, or has it grown to substance abuse, alcoholism or addiction? Anyone who is abusing drugs or alcohol needs at least some form of treatment. For those who find that they have an addiction or dependency, getting quality treatment help is the only option that can guarantee the possibility of recovery.

How Long Does Drug or Alcohol Recovery Take?

People must understand that abstinence is different than recovery. Abstinence means that a person has quit using drugs or drinking, but this is not a permanent solution. Addiction is a disease, and without proper holistic treatment, people are unable to recover. When a person has a problem with drug or alcohol abuse, quitting does not teach him how to avoid future temptations to relapse. Addiction is both physical and psychological and without treating the many underlying causes of addiction or substance abuse, a person will never eliminate the root cause of addictive behavior.

What Happens during Drug Treatment or Alcohol Rehab?

There are hundreds of different treatment or rehab programs available for drug or alcohol abuse. Each situation is different and recovery programs are dedicated to providing treatment that suits their patients’ exact recovery needs. For example, specific treatment can be designed for pain-management, behavioral therapy, eating disorders etc. All quality treatment programs should include the following basic elements:

• Medically supervised detox. Detox is the physical removal of all toxins (drugs or alcohol) from the body. Withdrawal symptoms, such as nausea or delirium, are present during this step of treatment. This process can be painful and dangerous if not handled under the care of a physician.
• Psychological treatment. Substance abuse and addiction are largely psychological. People must learn what causes their addictions, and then find solutions to avoid or deal with these problems. People, places, objects, events and emotions can all trigger substance abuse. Learning to deal with these triggers without the using drugs or alcohol is the goal of treatment.
• Aftercare, which is a plan or program that will help recovering addicts stay sober after rehab. This can be continued counseling, therapy, a 12-step program or other support group or even speaking with a sponsor. Someone needs to make sure the patient stays on track while in recovery.

Help Recovering from Drug or Alcohol Abuse

Has substance abuse become a problem in your or a loved one’s life? Are you ready to recover from your addictive behavior, but are not sure how to go about it? Substance abuse recovery can be overwhelming and even scary, which is why there are caring professionals dedicated to helping those like you. To learn more about your options for substance abuse recovery, you can call our toll-free helpline to speak with one of our highly-trained rehab counselors. We are here 24 hours a day to help answer any questions or concerns you may have. Recovery begins here, so please call today.

• Feeling inferior and developing low self-esteem
• Feeling isolated or lonely because they are not in a particular group
• Feeling failure and not knowing how to increase their personal success
• Feeling frustrated about not knowing how to overcome their perceived insufficiencies

These negative emotions can cause an older child to be more receptive to taking chances, making poor choices, succumbing to peer pressure and seeking relief from their negative feelings by self medicating.

Helpful Hints for Talking to Your Older Child about Addiction

It is important that you speak with your older child about your addiction and the dangers of drug use to ensure his or her understanding. As you become more open and vulnerable in front of your child, you may be setting the stage for your older child to become more open and vulnerable to you. The following are hints and tips for talking to your older child about addiction:

• They know more. Older children think they have all the answers, and this perceived knowledge may come with many misconceptions which you will patiently have to address.
• They expect more. You let your children know what you expect from them, and they have come to expect things from you. Speaking about your addiction may not match these expectations, and you will need to help your children find balance that incorporates this information.
• They resist more. You will have to find the time, space and atmosphere for these conversations with your older child, and they will resist engaging in a meaningful talk.
• They accept less. This age group questions more, challenges more and pushes the boundary further. Patience and persistence are going to serve you well when discussing your addiction with your older child.

Get Help Explaining Addiction and Addressing Addiction

Addiction is a difficult concept for most adults to understand, and helping a child understand addiction requires even more care and attention. We can help by giving you resources for sharing addiction with others or for helping yourself overcome drug use. Please call our toll-free helpline today. We are available 24 hours a day to answer any questions you might have about substance abuse and addiction. We are here to help.

When Do I Need Drug Abuse Help?

There are several signs that indicate you need help with your drug abuse problem. These include the following:

• Do you think about obtaining drugs regularly?
• When you do not have a supply of your drug ready do you get nervous?
• Do you find that you cannot function normally, feel happy or enjoy life without using drugs?
• Are you using drugs despite negative effects on your health, relationships or finances?
• Are you breaking the law, lying or associating with dangerous people regularly?
• Are you defensive when approached by loved ones about your drug use?
• Have you traded healthy loving relationships for connections with other drug users?

If any of these apply to your situation or to that of a loved one, find abuse and addiction recovery help.

What Does It Take to Get Clean from Drugs?

Getting clean involves allowing all of the toxins related to drug use to get out of your system. It is an important first step in abuse and addiction recovery and is referred to as the detox process. Medically supervised detox services allow this process to be completed with maximum safety and minimum discomfort. This must be followed with a comprehensive rehab program that addresses your psychological addiction. Drug addiction rehab involves a wide array of therapeutic tools including the following:

• Private counseling
• Support groups
• Relaxation techniques
• 12-step programs
• Experimental or alternative treatments like meditation and yoga

Psychological addiction is powerful and long-lasting. Detox may take several days to multiple weeks to complete, whereas some of the effects of psychological addiction can take years or even a lifetime to manage. The goal of rehab is to give you the tools necessary to stay clean for life.

Get Help for Drug Abuse

If you are worried about your or a loved one’s drug abuse or would like to get help for addiction, please call our toll-free helpline today. We can help you find the treatment options that will meet your needs and provide the solutions you need and can verify insurance benefits for these options. All calls are confidential, and we are here to help 24 hours a day. Call us today, and let your drug-free future begin.

How to Get into Rehabilitation if You Have Insurance Coverage

Health insurance can cut the cost of your rehab treatment or even cover it completely. Many people who use insurance to help with the cost of rehab only pay a deductible or copay instead of the full cost of treatment. However not every insurance policy will cover detox and rehab services. There are two ways to determine if insurance coverage for treatment is an option for you. You can call your insurance company to learn more, or you can call our helpline and one of our recovery admissions counselors will work with your insurance company to verify coverage. You pay for your health insurance just for this purpose. Addiction treatment can save your life, your career and your family.

Working with your insurance company is the first step to entering rehab treatment. You want to verify that the treatment program of your choice is covered under your insurance policy. You also want to find out how long insurance will cover your rehab stay and how much you will have to pay out of pocket. We can help you avoid payment surprises by working with your insurance policy on your behalf.

How to Get Into Rehabilitation without Insurance Coverage

If you don’t have insurance coverage or don’t want to use your insurance, there are still ways to get into treatment. Many treatment providers can help you develop a payment plan or can provide alternative treatment plans based on your needs. Friends and family members are also often willing to contribute to the costs of addiction recovery. There is hope for recovery, and rehab is in reach of every individual.

Learn More about Getting into Rehabilitation

If you would like to learn more about getting into rehab, call our toll-free helpline. When you call us, you will speak with a live recovery counselor who will help you learn more about your options. We are available 24 hours a day to help you do the following:

• Find a licensed, reputable addiction treatment program covered under your insurance plan
• Learn more about deductibles and out-of-pocket expenses of addiction care
• Find a specialty program that meets your needs
• Find detox services or medical care as needed
• Find family counseling and family support along with rehab care
• Understand your rehab rights under insurance

Call, and find out how we can help you today.

If You Feel You Cannot Take Time off for Rehabilitation

It is normal to feel anxious about entering drug treatment. Rehab is new and unfamiliar territory for many people. Often, when we are anxious about new experiences, we make excuses for avoiding anxiety and stress. One particular area of concern for executives is employment. Common fears that executives face surrounding rehab include the following:

• Fear that your employer will fire you or will judge you for entering treatment
• Concern about the amount of time off work that rehab requires
• Concern about coworker responses

Analyze the costs versus the benefits of going to rehab. The costs of not going to rehab are steep. Even if you are hiding your addiction well now, you face serious consequences of an untreated addiction, including the following:

• Job loss
• On the job accidents or mistakes
• Legal troubles, arrest or jail time
• Expressing the effects of a drug at work or at work functions
• Loss of your full potential and self-control
• The risk of overdose and death or permanent illness

The costs of addiction are much higher than the cost of rehab. Addiction can ruin your life. Time away from work may be what saves your family, your career and your wellbeing.

Filing to Take a Leave of Absence for Drug Treatment

In most cases, addiction is considered a disability. Check your employee handbook and verify the regulations of the state you live in to make sure this applies to you. If your company considers addiction a disability, you will need a note from a doctor stating that you need to take a medical leave of absence. Your doctor is not required to state why you need to take a leave of absence, only that a leave is necessary. You may be covered under the Family Leave Act, which allows you to take up to twelve weeks off of work for documented medical reasons.

Need Help Taking Time off for Rehabilitation?

We offer assistance for executives who are seeking drug treatment. When you call our toll-free number, you will be connected directly with a counselor who can do the following:

• Work with your company or your doctor to arrange a leave of absence
• Help you obtain insurance coverage
• Help you find proven, licensed and effective treatment programs
• Help you find specialty executive programs, luxury rehab, mental health care and more

Let us help you discover your options. Make an informed decision about your rehab treatment. Call us today.