Lindsey Clennell has posted a fim she made on “How people have used yoga as part of their journey in recovery programs from serious addiction problems to a new life of well-being and emotional stability“.

You hear it all the time, that it just takes a few drinks – maybe even just one – to change your life, to have an addiction and become an alcoholic. It’s the same with drugs. One day you’re smoking weed and the next thing you know you’re taking your chances with speed. How does addiction happen? And why is it that some people get addicted so fast, while others don’t get addicted to drugs even though they abuse them all the time?

Addiction, like so many things in life, is complicated. It takes its toll on a person both physically and mentally. In a TIME magazine article, Dr. Nora Volkow (Director of the National Institute of Drug Abuse) explained, “Some people have a genetic predisposition to addiction, but because it involves these basic brain functions, everyone will become an addict if sufficiently exposed to drugs or alcohol.” This explains why sometimes addiction seems to set in really quickly for some people. If a predisposition to addiction is a part of your genetic code, then you are naturally likely to become addicted. As the article further explains, for someone who is inclined to become addicted, that person isn’t just more likely to develop an addiction to illegal drugs or alcohol. An addiction can be defined as any behavior a person feels compelled to conduct and cannot discontinue without traumatic effects. It’s possible for someone to become addicted to their work, to cleaning, to gambling or eating – anything, really. Any addiction is unhealthy, and is truly a disease, but the danger level is significantly higher when someone is addicted to substance abuse, because it can kill them.

Of course, sometimes the drug is to blame for causing addiction to set in quickly. Different drugs affect people differently, but there are some drugs – like heroin – that are extremely addictive for just about everyone. Breaking the physical addiction that comes along with those drugs makes detox and rehab very challenging for both the doctors and the addict.

Genetics and drug strength aren’t the only reasons why people become addicted to drugs. Studies show that people with psychological disorders or some form of mental illness are more likely to suffer from drug addiction. New studies are showing that people who start abusing drugs at an early age or as a teenager are more likely to trigger an addiction that can last a lifetime.

Finally, perhaps one of the most prevalent reasons why people get addicted to drugs, and why they start abusing drugs in the first place, is due to social acceptance. It’s all about “the company you keep.” If you hang out with people who enjoy smoking pot, drinking beers, or shooting heroin, then you’re more likely to start using drugs or drinking alcohol because of that environment.

Knowing and understanding why addiction happens can help someone understand their own struggle with addiction. What is even better is that by learning about the triggers of addiction, it can increase a person’s awareness of what addiction is and help prevent it altogether.

An addict’s acknowledgment of the need for help is a major first step in a path towards recovery. Knowing which treatment method to pursue can be just as influential of a decision in the process of overcoming addiction. The withdrawal effects of substances vary, and the severity and duration of detox is often the deciding factor in one’s recovery route.

Health Day News recently reported that extended therapy combined with detox medications have shown to produce noticeable results for opioid addiction in young adults. Detox medications buprenorphine (Suboxone) and naloxone relieve withdrawal symptoms and prevent the physical effects of injected opioids, and have proven more successful in treating addiction when administered over an extended period as compared to short-term treatment programs. The study compared 12 week and  2 week-long treatment programs with the defined drugs, and found that extended treatment patients reported less use of opioids, cocaine and marijuana, less injecting, and less need for additional addiction treatment after 12 weeks. The researchers also found that patients in the long-term program tested positive for opioid use in urine tests more times in weeks four and eight, than at week 12.

This information demonstrates the benefits of prolonged use of detox medications in transforming deep-rooted lifestyle habits. Medication coupled with continuous counseling aids addicts in reaching their long-term goals. Although the administration of such detox medications is controversial due to the risk of dependence, this report reinstates the necessity of viewing addiction recovery as a lifelong process that can’t be wiped clean of the body instantaneously. When considering treatment methods, addicts shouldn’t follow a method that they consider a quick fix; rather, look at treatment as an ever-evolving self-healing process that requires patience and constant care.

That was the sentiment expressed by David Sheff, a father whose son suffered from the self-destructive effects of substance abuse. David Sheff came to Arizona last week with his son, Nic as part of their book tour for Beautiful Boy and Tweak, written by father and son, respectively. Hearing a first-hand account of their experiences – their journey through addiction and into recovery – was both cathartic and eye-opening.

Perhaps one of the most interesting topics that David Sheff brought up was how parents can be in denial of their child’s drug addiction. It was stirring to hear the description of Nic in his teenage years – he was doing well in school, had friends, participated in sports, and was recognized as a young talent in journalism. His son certainly did not look like a drug addict, but sadly, he was.

It’s unfortunate that in our society, have a stereotypical image of what addicts are like. We don’t realize, or maybe we are just wary to accept the fact, that the teens getting high are the sons and daughters of people from all walks of life. Addiction is a disease that can harm anyone, it doesn’t discriminate.

It was easy to see just how true that is after being introduced to Nic Sheff. He candidly expressed how he started smoking pot to numb his sensitivity and emotions. As he further explained, his tolerance for pot became very high and he sought out stronger drugs. When he goes on to describe the raw severity of the self-destruction that came as a consequence of his addiction, it becomes easy to see how lucky he was to survive. Through it all he describes the loneliness, confusion, and fear he experienced. In these moments, Nic shares with us how “normal” you can be and still suffer from addiction.

Despite all the difficulties that both the son and father have faced, and the challenges that are still ahead, it was heartwarming to see how far they have come to share their story with us.

Addiction is riddled with complexities, and drug and alcohol rehabilitation programs are intended to help drug users gain clarity of the power to which it controls actions, thoughts and choices. For those of us without drug and alcohol addiction, understanding the behavior of those who do is a difficult process.
“Why won’t they just stop using?”,”How long until they’re clean?”, “Why do they chose to hurt themselves and the people closest to them?” Questions such as these often go unanswered for relatives, spouses and friends of addicts. Reasoning is ineffective and relating is impossible; many soon realize that they can’t fix the problems of their addicted loved ones.

Dealing with an addicted companion can lead to negative pathologies for non-addicts. Guilt, confusion, frustration, co-dependency, and a weighing sense of obligation can deteriorate individuals who are overwhelmed by their loved one’s disease. To heal the wounds inflicted by addiction, it is important for family members to attend group therapy meetings and share their personal struggles with others who’ve had common experiences. Groups like Al-Anon and Nar-Anon, the counterparts to Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous, are 12-step programs that address the role of addiction and recovery in family members’ lives.

To better grasp the battle of an addicted loved one, communication is essential. Relay your feelings about your partner’s decisions and behaviors, and encourage them to discuss their inner struggle. Let go of the idea that you can shield your loved one from the disease and that you can control their actions. Learn more about the effects of drug and alcohol abuse, as well as the addiction recovery process.

You may never fully empathize with what your loved one is going through, but taking charge to educate yourself about addiction and conversing with non-addicts in similar circumstances will set you on a path to understanding.

September is National Alcohol and Drug Addiction Recovery Month. It’s a time to educate and inform people about the benefits of alcohol and drug rehab programs, and it is the perfect time for people who are suffering from addiction to make a commitment to recovery.

This year’s theme is: “Real People. Real Recovery.” Every day at Gatehouse Academy we see real addiction recovery in young adults as they progress through their individualized treatment programs. Recovering from addiction is no easy task, but it’s refreshing to see professionals, volunteers, families, friends and neighbors support one another throughout the process. Bringing people together to support one another during the recovery process is really what Recovery Month is all about.

Show your support for the people recovering in your community by attending a drug and alcohol addiction recovery event. Many events are going on nationwide, providing people with information and support. This month only comes around once a year, so make the most of it by bringing someone you know who needs help, and don’t forget to invite their families and friends.

A child’s introduction to drugs will sometimes be a story of being in the wrong place at the wrong time with the wrong people. For other kids, interactions with illegal drugs are a part of their environment – whether it comes from their parents, other family members, neighbors, local gangs, or peers at school. Once trapped in the vicious cycle of drug abuse, it’s a real challenge for addicts to get out. Drugs cost a great deal of money and selling drugs makes a great deal of money. A struggling economy can make turning down dealing even harder for some – this is especially true if allowances are cut or if young adults cannot find jobs.

Peer pressure, from gangs, friends or classmates is probably one of the strongest factors in substance abuse and drug trafficking at a young age. KSL TV ran a news report about Ramon Cairo, now 25, who ended up in a gang at the age of 10 and sold drugs growing up in Santa Rosa. Cairo became a success story against drugs and gangs for the area. He wanted to make a change in his life and a city-sponsored program gave him the opportunity to change his ways, become educated and start a career. It just goes to show the power of public prevention and intervention programs designed to stamp out gangs and drugs, replacing them with more positive alternatives. Some of the programs implemented by the city include a service animal training program and martial arts for the youth.

If you, or someone you care about, are seeking drug rehab then you are already well on your way to a brighter future. When looking at drug rehabilitation centers or other drug rehab programs, don’t be surprised that there are admission requirements. But don’t think that the admission process is out to stop people from getting help – that’s not true at all. Treatment for addictions and substance abuse is a highly personalized process. To help everyone succeed it is important for the professionals to know why you are there and what kind of mental and physical condition you are in.

Each drug rehab center and program is different, but most will want to know what the person is suffering from – whether it’s alcohol and drug addiction or substance abuse. They will also need to evaluate your physical condition. Any recent physical exam that has been completed by a doctor will be valuable to them, but many rehab programs do their own exams as well. Persons with complex psychological problems or physical handicaps may need to find specialized rehab programs. Some centers perform on-site detox, but not all do. It’s important to find out if you need detoxification and if that is something the rehab will provide.

Some rehab facilities may require that you know how to speak English well and have a social security number, and there may be different programs for people of different ages.

The most important requirement for admission into a drug rehab program is an open-mind and willingness to complete the program. The person seeking help can only be successful and change their life if they want to.

A new study that was sponsored by the National Institute on Drug Abuse NIDA) found that addicts that saw images of drugs, such as cocaine, and drug paraphernalia began to have cravings. And what is amazing about this is that the images were only shown for 33 milliseconds–not enough time for the person to be aware that he or she even saw the image. The limbic systems of the addicts became stimulated, which was observed through  fMRI, functional magnetic resonance imaging. This system is deeply involved with emotions, such as pleasure.

What this means is that we understand addiction, cravings and triggers better. Drug rehabs can better prepare their clients for life outside of drug and alcohol treatment. And the addict can at least be aware of one of his or her triggers. In addition to these reason, addicts often cannot figure out what happened to them to cause a craving. This can help them with their recovery.

When a person is in treatment for alcohol, methamphetamine or any other substance, receiving therapy and counseling is very important to recovery. Besides the dual-diagnosing aspect, many addicts have low self-esteem and feel very poorly about themselves. A lack of confidence combined with self-hatred can make the recovery process difficult. One of the things that individual and group therapy do to help those in recovery is help the addict to try to understand why she started to use in the first place. Often there is a combination of poor self-esteem and several other factors.

By increasing a person’s self-worth, the addict will begin to see hope instead of feeling despair. The guilt that is felt will start to go away and the addict will have a better chance at sobriety outside of treatment. Many studies have found that even young children, 11 years old, have a greater chance of using drugs if they have poor self-esteem. Being unhappy with oneself can lead to many problem and drug abuse and addiction is one of the main ones.

Increasing the self-esteem of users will help them in their battle against addiction. If the user feels that he or she can stay sober, the chances of success increase.