Effects of Alcohol Abuse on the BrainDespite alcohol being a drug, and a potentially lethal one, most Americans still drink. While moderate alcohol consumption may have some health benefits, excessive drinking and binge drinking can damage the brain. Alcohol makes it harder for the brain to control speech, memory, balance, and judgment, resulting in injury or other adverse outcomes. Long-term, heavy drinking causes alterations to the brain’s neurons and the brain structure. But the good news is that studies have shown that the brain can at least partially heal from alcohol abuse. Some have even entirely recovered to the performance level of healthy participants who never had alcohol use disorder. Studies are showing that the brain can most definitely heal from alcohol abuse. The first step is to stop drinking, preferably through an alcohol abuse program at an addiction treatment center to ensure long-term sobriety. The earlier someone gets addicted, the better their chances of reversing brain damage. As much as the brain has incredible capabilities to heal itself, some brain damage may be irreversible if the addiction is too severe and for too long. The area most affected is the frontal lobe, which regulates decision-making, problem-solving, and reasoning. Several studies have shown that years of sobriety can allow the brain regions affected to return to their original volume and repair connections across different areas. However, other reports have demonstrated sustained injury in certain areas, mainly the hippocampus, which is responsible for long-term memory and spatial navigation. Alcohol has many effects on the brain, both short-term and long-term. The short-term effects can result in people losing control of their impulses or craving other harmful substances. Alcohol can stimulate the brain’s reward system, and it can then crave the same effect. If the person continuously drinks heavy amounts of alcohol, it alters the brain physically, and can no longer function without the substance. If and when the person significantly reduces or stops drinking, the body starts withdrawing. The person has now developed an alcohol addiction, and long-term addiction can have severe outcomes, such as brain damage or death. The whole body absorbs alcohol, but the brain takes the heaviest hit. Alcohol interferes with the brain’s communication pathways, memory, and how it processes information. Here are the effects of alcohol abuse on the brain:
Short term effectsShort-term effects of consuming excess alcohol can cause loss of coordination, a lapse in judgment, impaired memory, and slurred speech, resulting in bodily harm from falling, getting in physical fights, or deciding to drive under the influence. Alcohol immediately alters brain chemistry by increasing the activity of GABA (Gamma-aminobutyric acid), a major inhibitory neurotransmitter in the brain. People may blackout caused by heavy drinking, meaning they cannot remember what happened. This loss in memory results from alcohol temporarily blocking the transfer of memories from short-term to long-term storage, known as memory consolidation. It occurs in the area of the brain called the hippocampus. The changes alcohol causes in brain chemistry may cause a person to have fluctuating moods, including depression, mania, aggression, euphoria, confusion, and anger. Excessive drinking in a short period can result in alcohol overdose. Symptoms of alcohol overdose include slow heart rate and breathing, vomiting, seizure, mental confusion, difficulty remaining conscious, dulled response such as a no gag reflex (which prevents choking), and extremely low body temperature. Alcohol overdose can lead to coma, permanent brain damage, or death. Long term effectsMany of the long-term effects of excessive alcohol use can cause permanent damage to the brain and various organs. Heavy drinking over a long period can cause changes in neurotransmitter activity and even structural abnormalities. Imaging the brains of patients with alcoholism has shown atrophy in the regions responsible for short- and long-term memory, emotions, and balance. Some other long-term effects of alcohol abuse include:
The developing brain is especially vulnerable to damage from alcohol abuse. Chronic alcohol exposure in babies and children may stunt brain development. Drinking while pregnant can cause fetal alcohol syndrome, a complex group of symptoms. Ways the Brain Can Recover from Alcohol AbuseBy quitting alcohol, even those who have spent years under the grip of addiction can begin to heal and restore the brain’s natural function. Here are some ways the brain can recover from alcohol abuse: Frontal Lobe RegenerationThe frontal lobe is one of the most affected regions by alcohol abuse and can lead to various issues, including memory loss and the inability to think rationally. Early in recovery, people may still suffer from these symptoms and have difficulty processing large amounts of information. But as time passes and they maintain their sobriety, new cell growth will eventually begin to repair the damage. The brain can also return to rational decision-making and impulse control as it heals, which can be crucial in fighting sobriety. Serotonin Levels IncreaseLong-term alcohol abuse decreases natural serotonin production. Quitting alcohol will eventually bring back normal serotonin production and reduce depressive symptoms during recovery. Normalization of Dopamine LevelsAlcohol abuse causes an imbalance in dopamine levels. After quitting drinking, the lack of dopamine causes feelings of sadness and hopelessness. Over time though, the brain will begin to normalize dopamine levels on its own. Motivation ReturnsAgain, right after quitting drinking, you may struggle with mood regulation and overall mental wellness, but as your brain heals, you will experience a renewed motivation toward healthy habits. You will feel motivated to take on new activities that boost your mood and stimulate more brain cell growth, such as daily exercises. Discover more about the chances of staying clean after rehab in our blog below: https://musetreatment.com/blog/what-percentage-of-addicts-stay-clean-after-rehab/ Ways the Brain May Not Be Able to RecoverSome studies show there are still areas that may not recover after alcohol abuse. Some of the ways the brain may not be able to recover are: Wernicke-Korsakoff Syndrome (WKS)This is a common condition related to alcohol abuse and is sometimes called “wet brain.” WKS is caused by thiamine (vitamin B1) deficiency and includes such symptoms as disorientation, poor balance, mood imbalances, memory problems, and confusion. Cognitive ImpairmentAlcoholism can cause alcohol-related dementia from damage to areas of the brain related to problem-solving and impulse control. It may affect mental processing, memory, learning, impulse control, concentration, and verbalization. Neurotransmitter DamageAlcoholism has been shown to slow down communication between different brain areas and reduce energy levels. Brain ShrinkageAlcohol abuse can cause a loss of gray matter, which contains cell bodies, and white matter, which controls cell pathways. The brain is more likely to recover fully after the first time of abstinence. The more times someone relapses, the more lasting brain damage can be. Alcohol withdrawals can also cause brain damage when severe symptoms such as delirium tremens and seizures. How Long Does it Take for the Brain to Heal From Alcohol Abuse?Addiction recovery takes time, discipline, and patience. The body must first clean itself of any remaining alcohol, and detox can take several days to several weeks. The brain will begin to recover lost gray matter within one week of the last drink of alcohol, and other areas of the brain and white matter in the prefrontal cortex may take several months or longer to recover. Rebuilding neural pathways that reinforce healthier choices depends on the individual. The longer alcohol was abused, the longer it takes to build new neural pathways. It also takes about 90 days as a general estimate for dopamine levels to recover. The brain’s ability to heal and how long it takes depends on various factors, including a person’s age, genetics, mental health, and how much and how long alcohol was abused. Healing the Brain in Alcohol Detox and RehabThe sooner you get help for alcohol addiction, the better your chances are of reversing any brain damage. Your best bet to stop drinking is to get help at a recovery center like Muse Treatment Center. At Muse, we offer all levels of treatment options for alcohol addiction. With our medically assisted alcohol detox program, you are more likely to follow through with alcohol detox than on your own. We can ensure you withdraw from alcohol safely and comfortably. With our inpatient, outpatient, and intensive outpatient alcohol rehab programs, you will have access to a wide range of treatments to help you heal your brain faster and reduce the chances of a relapse. Call us at (800) 426-1818 today. Our team of specialists is available 24/7 to answer any questions you may have and are always happy to help get you started on your road to recovery. The post Can the Brain Heal from Alcohol Abuse? appeared first on Muse Treatment. Via https://musetreatment.com/blog/can-the-brain-heal-from-alcohol-abuse/
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What Is a DUI?A DUI is legally defined as an individual driving a motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or drugs, more commonly known as “drunk driving.” Individuals can incur criminal charges should they be pulled over by a police officer and have a blood alcohol content of 0.08 to .10% depending on what state they live in and the specific laws surrounding levels of intoxication from the blood alcohol content. Once you have been formally charged with a DUI, it opens up a world of trouble and challenges within your day-to-day life. This can include issues with your employment, criminal charges, consequences, and loss of license causing disruptions in your ability to continue a social life and maintain your family commitments. A DUI has significant impacts that go far beyond the initial offense and incident of being caught driving drunk; it creates long-term consequences and effects that you will have to live with for years following the incident.
No one sets out to acquire a DUI charge, but the unfortunate truth is that individuals engaging in drunk driving are at an alarmingly high rate. In 2016, over 1 million Americans were arrested for driving while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Most people are aware of the potential dangers of driving under the influence, such as causing harm to yourself or causing damage to others through car accidents, hit and runs, or hitting an innocent bystander walking. However, the use of alcohol and drugs often produces feelings of invincibility and the mentality of “that would never happen to me,” causing many to engage in the high-risk behavior of drinking and driving even if they are aware of the potential dangers and consequences. While no one has the intention of causing harm to others, it can easily happen when alcohol and drugs are combined with the operation of a motor vehicle. In 2016 alone, there were over 10,000 Americans who lost their lives to alcohol impairment-related motor vehicle accidents. The rising concern of individuals impacted by impaired driving highlights the need for support within an alcohol or drug treatment program. This treatment will support individuals in understanding what has been fuelling their substance abuse while impacting their decision-making abilities and high-risk behavior involvement. How Much Does a DUI Cost?It is primarily known that the financial repercussions of a DUI can come with a high financial cost. However, the exact price varies from state to state, leading many to not fully grasp the economic impact of being convicted of a DUI. Due to each DUI being unique to each individual that it impacts, its costs will vary depending on the individual circumstances surrounding your DUI charge. Often, the cost is quite high. For first-time offenders, the estimated cost of a DUI is approximately $13,000. However, the costs can significantly increase to up to $27,000 for accrual of the expenses for the following items:
The costs of a conviction for driving under the influence continue to increase as your number of offenses increases. For individuals that have been convicted of their second or third offense, the fines, and fees associated with a DUI charge increase dramatically. Additionally, the cost of insurance after incurring a second or third DUI offense will substantially increase, causing individuals to pay through the roof in insurance costs that often last for years after the offense and having your license reinstated. Other factors that will impact the financial costs of a DUI include if you were involved in a DUI-related motor vehicle accident that caused injury or death to another person or severe property damage occurred. This often leads to lawsuits, paying for victim hospital bills, and costs associated with reparation for damages caused by your DUI. Individuals may also experience loss of employment due to their DUI convictions leading to loss of income and difficulties obtaining employment. How a DUI Affects Your LifeBeing convicted of a DUI can significantly impact a person’s emotional and mental health. After experiencing the devastating financial effects of a DUI, many are left attempting to put back the pieces in their life and recover from the damages done. This can take a toll on someone’s mental health as you process the losses of employment and trust within your relationships and negatively impact your reputation or social status. There is a negative stigma associated with being convicted of a DUI, and this societal stigma affects a person’s current relationships and the ability to form new, trusting relationships. Many will lose trust in you and your ability to handle yourself within public settings if alcohol or drugs are involved. Some close friends and family will begin to distance themselves from the relationship for fear of their safety or lack of trust. For anyone going through a DUI conviction, it is essential to have a support system by your side to give you the emotional support and guidance you need to get through this challenging process. The Mental and Emotional Costs of A DUIThe use of drugs and alcohol has been shown to impact a person’s behavior in the following ways:
Signs Alcohol Is Becoming a ProblemCommon signs of a drug or alcohol addiction are:
Life After a DUIAlthough there are consequences for your actions for a felony DUI, there is hope to regain your day-to-day life again through the support of alcohol or drug treatment. It would be best to address what has been at the root of your addiction and what is causing the negative consequences while under the influence of drugs and alcohol. With the support of addiction therapy methods, you will have the opportunity to learn how to heal from your alcohol addiction and develop trust again with your loved ones. Addiction treatment allows patients to reconnect with loved ones through family therapy and build trust by healing from their past to create a positive path for the future. Addiction Treatment for Drugs and Alcohol at MuseMuse Treatment Center provides patients with a drug and alcohol addiction treatment program that empowers them to rediscover their true authentic selves free of alcohol and drugs by supporting them in achieving their goals for sobriety. With the support of our dedicated team, patients are provided with individualized addiction treatment programs that help them address the root causes of their alcohol addiction while removing the stigma of addiction and DUIs through behavioral and addiction therapy methods. Addiction is a multifaceted disease requiring a whole-person integrated approach to addiction treatment that supports healing from co-occurring disorders with dual diagnosis, holistic treatment methods, and behavioral therapy. Patients will be placed on the road to recovery, equipped with the tools to remain sober and overcome potential triggers in the future. Contact Muse Treatment Center at (800) 426-1818 to hear more about how you can heal from the impacts of a DUI and your alcohol or drug addiction to ensure that you can live a life of sober living and health. The post The True Cost of a DUI appeared first on Muse Treatment. Via https://musetreatment.com/blog/the-true-cost-of-a-dui/ Why Knowing Which Celebrities Have Been to Rehab MattersSubstance abuse is an issue that can impact any person at seemingly any part of their life. Although we view celebrities as individuals who appear to have it all, the reality is that countless celebrities have found themselves struggling with drug and alcohol addiction simply because they don’t know how to manage the stress or pressure that comes with fame. The people around them are usually always expecting or wanting more. Therefore, celebrities take substances such as alcohol and cocaine or other types of drugs in a mistaken effort to maintain their careers.
Developing an understanding of which celebrities sought treatment after their struggles with alcohol or drugs can help a person who isn’t a celebrity realize that they may need to get help for their substance abuse. When a fan is struggling with their own addiction, they may find it encouraging to be able to follow the model of their favorite celebrity and reach out for their assistance. These 7 Celebrities Had the Courage to Seek Addiction TreatmentThe reality is that the list of celebrities with their own rehab stints could go on endlessly. Many celebrities sought treatment and successfully overcame their addiction issues, while many others succumbed to it. Here are seven stars who sought addiction treatment to overcome their addiction: Drew BarrymoreDrew Barrymore was part of the illustrious Barrymore family who had already made their mark in Hollywood. When she showed an interest in acting at a young age, her family encouraged her, which resulted in her own Hollywood successes. However, with this notoriety and success also came the exposure to drug and alcohol abuse which Barrymore engaged in incredibly young. Thankfully, Barrymore recognized the problem and entered rehab, and would go on to enjoy her successful career. Demi LovatoDemi Lovato is another example of a celebrity who began to gain attention when she was younger. She had considerable acting skills, but she had an incredible singing voice to match it. Demi’s struggles, however, were deep-rooted. She would struggle with an eating disorder, and she would also turn to drugs and alcohol to cope with how she was feeling. She would seek treatment multiple times. However, she would come to a place in her life where she almost died due to an overdose. Today, she speaks openly about struggling with addiction to encourage others not to make the same choices that she did. Amy WinehouseAmy Winehouse is an example of a celebrity who could never overcome her substance abuse issues. The world fell in love with Winehouse’s smooth style and voice. However, Winehouse was also struggling with a severe alcohol addiction. Like her famous song, “Rehab,” her family encouraged her to enter a rehab facility, but these pleas were rebuffed. Unfortunately, Winehouse would pass away as a result of her alcohol addiction. Zac EfronZac Efron originally gained notoriety due to being part of the incredibly popular Disney series, “High School Musical.” From there, Efron would start to establish himself as an actor. But what no one realized is that he was an example of a celebrity who had battled addiction. In fact, he turned to alcohol to manage the fame that he had gained during his childhood. He came to a place in his life and career where he realized that he would ruin his career if he did not address his substance abuse issues. He ultimately got the help he needed and continues to thrive in the industry. Kelly OsbourneKelly Osbourne is the daughter of famous rocker Ozzy Osbourne. Ozzy Osbourne has publicly struggled with addiction issues related to both drugs and alcohol. Kelly started to gain her own fame when she starred alongside her family in their reality television show. Unfortunately, the celebrity would be too much for her to manage, and she found herself checking into rehab. One of the things about Kelly Osbourne that makes her so relatable is that she has been open and honest about having relapses. This is a possibility for any person. Kelly has been open about her alcoholism and drug addiction and does everything she can to encourage people to get the help they need and her own experiences as she battled addiction. Lindsay LohanLindsay Lohan is an example of one of a famous person who had a very public meltdown as a result of her substance abuse. She was arrested multiple times for driving while intoxicated and would ultimately be jailed. However, Lohan has gotten her life together and talks about the benefits of addictions counseling on her life. Today, she is an example of one of a famous person who makes her boundaries very clear and does everything that she can to maintain her sobriety. Ben AffleckBen Affleck is widely respected in Hollywood for his acting talents and his director and production skills. However, it’s well known in Hollywood and around the world that Ben Affleck has struggled with severe alcohol addiction issues throughout his life. He has gone to treatment several times, and he is honest about his relapses. However, every day he continues to try to raise awareness of addiction and maintain his sobriety to continue to have success in his career. See why Colin Farrell needed to attend rehab multiple times in our blog below:
Addiction Treatment in Los Angeles at MuseWhen you’re ready to commit to taking back your life after you’ve battled with alcoholism and drug addiction, you can rest assured that the addiction specialists at Muse Treatment Center are here and ready to help you. We offer a myriad of treatment programs that have helped those struggling with drug and alcohol addictions in Los Angeles and throughout the country. Regardless of whether you have had other stints in rehab or this is your first time addressing your drug or alcohol abuse issues, you can comfort that our recovery team will be there for you every step of the way. Similar to what a celebrity experiences, however, before you can commit to addiction treatment, there is a strong probability that you will need to work through a detox program first. This is because within just a few hours from the time that you cease taking your drug or drink of choice, you will experience specific withdrawal symptoms, which will make it all but impossible for you to care for yourself. Withdrawal symptoms could be potentially deadly, which is another reason you should never attempt to go through this process on your own. After detox, you will be able to commit more meaningfully to your addiction treatment program. You will be able to commit to either an inpatient or an outpatient recovery program. If you opt to work through an inpatient program, you will have the opportunity to live on the campus of the addiction treatment facility that you select. Further, you will have the peace of mind of knowing that your addiction treatment team is there with you and for you every step of the way when you’re in treatment. Also, you will be able to regularly interact with other people who are working through their own addiction treatment programs, which can come as a great comfort. However, some people cannot commit to this type of treatment because they need to work or go to school. In cases like this, you would greatly benefit from an outpatient program. At Muse Addiction Treatment Center, we offer intensive outpatient and general outpatient addiction treatment. These two options revolve around the number of hours you will need to make to treatment each week. Keep in mind that you can always transition from an inpatient treatment program into one of the outpatient treatments at any point. This flexibility can help you make the most out of your recovery plan. Our treatment team will continue to check in with you to assess how you’re transitioning through your recovery. At Muse Addiction Treatment Center, we recognize the importance of providing our clients with the individualized care they need as they transition through their addiction recovery journey. We take the opportunity to get to know each one of our clients on a personal level so that we can help them achieve the goals that they have for themselves and their sobriety. If you would like to follow the model of your favorite celebrity and overcome your drug or alcohol addiction, we encourage you to get in touch with us today at (800) 426-1818 for more information. The post 7 Celebrities Who’ve Been to Rehab appeared first on Muse Treatment. Via https://musetreatment.com/blog/7-celebrities-whove-been-to-rehab/ When a person is engaged in active drug or alcohol addiction, nutrition often falls by the wayside along with other personal hygiene and self-care routines. As your drug or alcohol addiction progresses, your attention and focus shift to fuelling your addiction rather than maintaining positive per... Read Morevia Muse Treatment - Addiction Treatment Center in Los Angeles https://muse-treatment.business.site/posts/3815159257456213551?hl=en A physical addiction happens when your body becomes used to the substance being in your system and changes physiologically to accommodate the drug. This makes it so your body or brain cannot function normally without the drug. Psychological addiction happens when you believe you need the drug to ... Read Morevia Muse Treatment - Addiction Treatment Center in Los Angeles https://muse-treatment.business.site/posts/5301141050170670767?hl=en What Is Meditation?Addiction recovery treatments are constantly evolving. A continuing trend in addiction recovery has been incorporating complementary, holistic, or alternative therapies in addition to more standard treatments. These complementary therapies include practices like yoga, acupuncture, and meditation. Addiction is a biological disease directly connected to mental health, so it only makes sense that incorporating various types of practices that aid in mental health will help with addiction treatment. It is necessary for a person recovering from addiction to heal all aspects of addiction. Meditation and mindfulness have been proven effective tools in addiction recovery and relapse prevention. The practice of meditation has been around for thousands of years, and historic records find it may date back to as early as 5000 BC. Initially, it was meant to help deepen understanding of life’s mystical and sacred forces. Many spiritual traditions and religions use meditation as part of their teachings and practices. It is still practiced today in cultures worldwide to create a sense of inner peace, calm, and harmony. Meditation is commonly used for relaxation and to reduce stress. Meditation is to synchronize the body and mind to improve mental well-being and quality of life. It can produce a deep state of relaxation and a tranquil mind. Meditation is a set of techniques that encourage a heightened state of awareness and focused attention. It can involve sharpening focus and concentration, developing acceptance of difficult emotions, connecting the body and breath, and even altering consciousness. There is no right or wrong way to meditate, and there are several types of meditation, including:
How Does Meditation Work?Meditation can clear away information overload that builds up every day and contributes to stress. Focusing your attention on one thing can help create a sense of inner calm. Meditation works through several distinct mechanisms, including body awareness, emotion regulation, attention regulation, and a change in perspective on the self. Each part helps us in various aspects of our lives and aids in enhancing our ability to control our behaviors, attention, and thoughts. Regular meditation can help develop a more robust command over mind, body, and thought processes, including controlling anxious or depressive thoughts. It can change your brain, creating new neural pathways for optimism, well-being, and self-observation, resulting in self-awareness and mood stability and decreasing harsh judgments of ourselves and others. It is easy to see how these benefits can improve addiction recovery. Benefits of Meditation For Addiction RecoveryThere are many benefits to regular mindfulness practices, but the value maybe even more significant for someone recovering from drug addiction and substance abuse. Here are some of the primary benefits of addiction recovery: Reduce StressAll stages of recovery can be stressful. After recovery, there are still the same life stressors you may go back to that may be triggers for relapse. Meditating in active addiction recovery helps set time aside to stop and relax, and it can even help you be less reactive to stress and recover from stress more efficiently. Physical BenefitsMeditation can help lower blood pressure, increase energy, decrease tension-related pain, and increase serotonin. These can all be issues in drug addiction treatment. The body learns to make serotonin during withdrawals without drugs or alcohol present naturally, and meditation can help speed up this process and decrease withdrawal symptoms. Improve SleepFor those in recovery, they may struggle with getting good sleep as the body adjusts to no longer having the substance in their system. Meditation in recovery can help with insomnia and fatigue by calming the nervous system. It is also helpful to know how to focus your mind away from intrusive thoughts that may keep you awake. Manage PainMindfulness meditation has been shown to reduce pain significantly. For those in opiate addiction treatment which can no longer rely on opioid painkillers for their pain, meditation may be a good alternative. Boost Mental Well-BeingIncreasing self-awareness can better control emotions or triggers that may lead to anxiety and depression symptoms. Addiction is often part of a co-occurring disorder, and meditation can help manage those symptoms, including those associated with obsessive-compulsive disorder and posttraumatic stress disorder. Reconnect Neural PathwaysDrug and alcohol addiction can physically alter the brain’s communication system. When the addictive substance is taken away, the brain must form new neural pathways to function without it. This can be very uncomfortable, but mediation can speed up the process of addiction treatment. Meditation creates new neural connections associated with positive feelings, which the brain once relied on drugs or alcohol for. As you practice meditating and repeatedly engage with those positive emotions, you reinforce the pathways, making it easier to reach those emotions outside of meditating. Reduces Cravings and Relapse PreventionBeing able to control your thoughts and emotions can also be used to control impulses, such as cravings. Meditation can help reduce reactivity to emotions and triggers that may cause a relapse. Getting Started With MeditationThere are many ways to get started with meditation, and even just five minutes a day can be incredibly beneficial. Meditation is very similar to exercise in that there are various ways to do it, and it takes practice to build up endurance for longer sessions. Many treatment centers offer meditation as part of their inpatient rehab and outpatient rehab programs, which may be an excellent place to try it out. 5 Meditation Classes in Los AngelesThere are a variety of free online guides to get you started with meditation and guided meditation videos that are just a search engine click away. But the most beneficial way to find the right type of meditation for you is to experience some live classes. Los Angeles, California is a mecca for various holistic practices and meditation centers, and here are just a few that you may want to visit: Kadampa MeditationKadampa Meditation is beginner-friendly, with plenty of room to grow as you build your meditation practice. You can also find a kind community and a great place to meet new and interesting people or just learn about the benefits of meditation. Even though they are a Buddhist temple, they welcome everyone from all walks of life and offer many classes, events, and guided meditations that fit all individual needs and inclinations. Their primary purpose is to help their community experience peace of mind through meditation. 4953 Franklin Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90027 Hancock Park MeditationYou can experience one-on-one or group meditation classes both in-person and online with Hancock Park Meditation. Many of their members attest to overcoming past traumas, anxiety, and depression with their help, all issues that are pretty common co-occurring disorders with addiction. They are also familiar with the struggles most in addiction recovery suffer from and help treat addiction through reducing emotional triggers with meditation. 221 S Manhattan Pl, Los Angeles, CA 90004 Transcendental Meditation Los AngelesTranscendental meditation is a technique brought to the west in 1959 by Maharishi Mahesh Yogi and is a technique that is easy to learn. It is practiced for 20 minutes twice a day and does not involve focusing or monitoring thoughts. Instead, it uses methods to automatically draw your attention inward through quieter and quieter levels of thought. Many of their members have found inner peace and relief from many mental health issues like anxiety and insomnia. 1655 Hillhurst Ave #102, Los Angeles, CA 90027 InsightLA MeditationInsight LA is a non-profit meditation community that offers mindfulness meditations. They have classes in person and online and offer retreats for those who want to immerse themselves in the practice completely. InsightLA truly wants to help anyone that walks through its doors by providing financial support. 4300 W Melrose Ave E, Los Angeles, CA 90029 Body and Brain Yoga Tai ChiThis yoga and Tai Chi studio offers a variety of meditative practices, including traditional meditation, breathwork, and bodywork meditations like yoga and Tai Chi. This is an excellent option for those who feel regular meditation may not be a good fit for them and may benefit more from moving meditation practices. 7619 White Oak Ave, Reseda, CA 91335 Muse Drug Rehab Los Angeles, CaliforniaMeditation is just one of the many complementary tools that have helped many with dual diagnoses of addiction. Still, it is not a replacement for traditional drug abuse and alcohol addiction recovery treatment. At Muse Treatment Center in Los Angeles, we combine holistic treatments with evidence-based addiction recovery treatments, like cognitive behavioral therapy, to give every client a tailor-made program that fits their needs. Addiction is a chronic and progressive disease that requires professional help in a recovery center to achieve long-term sobriety. If you or someone you love is struggling, please get in touch with us at (800) 426-1818 today. We are always ready to answer any questions you may have. The post Benefits of Meditation for Addiction Recovery and How to Get Started appeared first on Muse Treatment. Via https://musetreatment.com/blog/benefits-of-meditation-for-addiction-recovery-and-how-to-get-started/ Nutrition in Active AddictionThe need for healthy, balanced nutrition is vital for any human being to have a normal, healthy brain and body functioning. Fuelling your body with essential nutrients and vitamins supported through proper nutrition for addiction recovery ensures that your body receives enough glucose, which is then released into the bloodstream and used for energy later. Essential nutrition provides healthy brain functioning by improving neurotransmitter levels and supporting regulated emotional functioning. When a person is engaged in active drug or alcohol addiction, nutrition often falls by the wayside along with other personal hygiene and self-care routines. As your drug or alcohol addiction progresses, your attention and focus shift to fuelling your addiction rather than maintaining positive personal health routines. Including proper diet and exercise, sleep hygiene, and maintaining healthy emotional regulation. Depending on your specific drug of choice, it may impact your ability to get adequate sleep as stimulants such as meth will often keep users awake for prolonged periods. During this time, many will not feel hungry as their adrenaline and energy levels are high from stimulants, often causing individuals to go for days without eating at a time. This creates significant malnutrition within long-term users resulting in physical health challenges due to the lack of nutrition and sustenance being provided to your body. As a person begins to come down from their stimulant use, many will engage in binge eating episodes due to a lack of eating and often engaging in unhealthy food options that lack the essential vitamins and nutrients your body needs for essential brain and body functioning. Additionally, while you are in active addiction, most of your money will often fund your drug or alcohol addiction, leaving little money left to buy healthy grocery and food options. Due to limited funds remaining for individuals, it is easy to turn to fast food or junk food that is cheap and accessible to sustain yourself.
Individuals engaging in alcohol or drug addiction and unhealthy eating habits will experience negative physical functioning and side effects due to a lack of nutrients or vitamins. As you experience malnutrition from your substance abuse, individuals may begin to exhibit some of the following side effects:
Certain substances will impact your ability to retain certain nutrients and absorb the sustenance needed to function healthily.
How Good Nutrition Benefits Addiction RecoveryAddiction treatment often incorporates a healthy balanced diet that includes a well-balanced meal plan rich in vitamins, nutrients, and sustenance to sufficiently support and fuel your body to overcome the powerful hold that drug or alcohol addiction can have on you. When good nutrition is paired with other effective addiction treatment methods, it provides a stable, balanced addiction recovery plan that supports patients in healing from addiction physically, mentally, and emotionally. Nutrition provides the following benefits for individuals in addiction recovery:
Discover which foods are helpful with withdrawal from opiates: https://musetreatment.com/blog/10-foods-that-help-with-opiate-withdrawal/ Creating a Healthy Diet Plan During RecoveryChanging your diet plan to support a natural replenishment of essential vitamins and nutrients within an addiction treatment program is highly recommended. While you go through the various addiction therapy methods of behavioral therapy, dual diagnosis treatment, and medication-assisted treatment, your addiction recovery program will complement supplemental and nutritional therapy. Addiction treatment centers make a significant effort to provide patients with opportunities to have a healthy, balanced diet offered to support positive physical and emotional growth while also teaching patients the essential life skills for sober living. For individuals going through drug or alcohol withdrawal, your body needs to receive enough vitamin C, B vitamins, and magnesium which support healing from the damage of addiction and overcoming any painful withdrawal symptoms. Throughout your addiction recovery program, it is essential to incorporate the following foods into your diet plan to ensure you are getting the proper nutrients and vitamins in your daily intake:
As you go through drug or alcohol withdrawal, you must absorb and retain sufficient vitamins and nutrients. While changing your diet to include foods rich in vitamins and minerals will bring up your deficiency levels, individuals often need additional supplementation by taking vitamin and mineral supplements to ensure that their body receives the sustenance it needs. 5 Los Angeles NutritionistsBamboo Nutrition Therapy, IncBamboo Nutrition Therapy offers support for Los Angeles residents to address their mental health concerns, substance abuse, eating disorders, and physical health management. 619 S Olive St Ste 403, Los Angeles, CA 90014 My LA TherapyReceive one-on-one nutrition counseling at My LA therapy and functional and holistic therapy that will support you in healing from your addiction and mental health concerns within your body, mind, and soul. 12100 Wilshire Blvd 8th Floor, Los Angeles, CA 90025 Lauren Cornell NutritionistsWork with Lauren Cornell Nutritionists to provide you with individualized care and treatment plans centered around your specific needs for healing and stabilization. 2001 S Barrington Ave Suite 103, Los Angeles, CA 90025 Rad NutritionRad Nutrition offers a comprehensive approach to nutrition counseling and treatment that provides one-on-one support, education about effective grocery shopping techniques that promote healthy eating, and nutritional therapy sessions. 1512 11th St Suite 201, Santa Monica, CA 90401 Alyson Roux Nutrition, Inc.Alyson Roux has worked with many celebrities and stars on healthy, nourishing nutrition plans that promote health and wellness. You will have the support in creating a new healthy routine of proper diet, exercise, and holistic practices that will support you in reaching your goals of living a balanced, stable life. 3171 Los Feliz Blvd Ste 209, Los Angeles, CA 90039 Whole Person Addiction Treatment at Muse in Los AngelesMuse Treatment Center offers residents of Los Angeles an addiction treatment program that focuses on promoting positive nutrition in recovery. Through various addiction treatment methods and nutrition education and treatment, patients will be able to restore the damage created by drugs and alcohol while developing positive daily habits and routines that will continue to foster life in sobriety and optimal health. Los Angeles residents can reside within our treatment center to have consistent access to on-site counselors, nutritionists, and medical professionals to provide the whole-person integrated approach to healing that promotes personal growth and healing within your body, mind, and soul. Contact Muse Treatment Center at (800) 426-1818 today to hear more about how our team incorporates healthy nutrition plans into our addiction recovery programs and supports patients in healing from addiction from the inside out. The post Nutrition for Addiction Recovery: 5 Los Angeles Nutritionists appeared first on Muse Treatment. Via https://musetreatment.com/blog/nutrition-for-addiction-recovery-5-los-angeles-nutritionists/ Encouraging Words for Someone in RehabDeciding to reach out for help due to a drug or alcohol addiction is one of the most challenging decisions a person will need to make. Several emotions come along with this decision. For example, people in recovery or thinking about recovery often feel a certain level of embarrassment or shame as a result of the choices that they made during the time that they were in active addiction. Therefore, once your loved one chooses to commit to an addiction recovery process, you must find the right words to say to them as they begin to work through their recovery journey.
Something that is always strongly recommended is that you work closely with the addiction treatment team of the person in recovery. Although you may think that you know every detail about drug addiction or alcohol addiction, it’s important to remember that during the early stages of recovery, what you say to a person in recovery can make all the difference in the world as to whether they continue in their recovery or they resort back to their addictive ways. What to Say to Someone in RehabYou can say many things to a friend or a loved one to encourage them to remain on the path they have chosen when navigating through the addiction treatment process. Here are a few examples:
Any one of these positive affirmations can help a person to remember that the steps that they are taking in their addiction recovery journey are all things that will help them in the long run. It’s important to remember that your loved one is going through a unique and life-changing journey. Once they have come to a place where they are finally taking steps to address their addiction, you should always do everything you can to encourage them and help them continue moving forward in their recovery journey. See how rehab can also help people deal with anger management in our blog below: https://musetreatment.com/blog/anger-management-addiction-recovery/
What NOT to Say to Someone in RehabAlthough there are several things that you can say to a person to encourage them to go to addiction treatment, there are countless things that you should always avoid saying. Here are a few examples: Are you sure that you really need to go to rehab?In many cases, a person may still be on the edge of whether or not their addiction warrants them going to formal treatment. If a person has decided to seek treatment, this is never something you should question, and instead, you should encourage them to do what they feel is right for them. So you mean you can never get drunk or high again?Yes. When a person commits to going through an addiction treatment program to get sober, that is precisely what rehab means. One of the fatal and dangerous steps that a person can take when it comes to their own recovery is trying to romanticize their addiction. They tend to remember only the “good” times instead of all of the chaos that their addiction caused. Therefore, asking them whether or not they will ever be able to get high or get drunk again goes directly against the goal that they are trying to accomplish by going to treatment. What was your rock bottom?The rock bottom for every person is different. In most cases, it is a particularly painful memory, especially during their initial treatment. Therefore, unless a person offers this information, it’s best not to ask. If and when they feel comfortable sharing about it, they will. I know exactly how you’re feeling.Even if you have struggled with your own addiction, it’s impossible to know exactly what another person is feeling through the treatment process. Remember, addiction impacts every person differently. As a result, the response to dependence and addiction recovery will differ for every person. Stating that you know how that person is feeling undercuts the emotions that that person may actually be feeling and can lead them to question the steps they are taking. Addiction Treatment at MuseWhen your loved one is ready to commit to addiction treatment, there is no better option than the treatment programs available through Muse Treatment Center. Before you or your loved one can consider an alcohol or drug rehab program, you may need to work through a detox program. Medical detox can provide you with the initial foundation to begin your recovery journey. Depending on the severity of your addiction, it’s likely that you will start to experience specific withdrawal symptoms, which will make it all but impossible for you to care for yourself. Our top-rated addiction treatment centers offer a medical detox program for every type of substance use disorder. The treatment center’s team will quickly ensure that you have the help and support you need during this stage of your treatment. Drug or alcohol detox also comes with the added advantage of having access to certain types of medications that can help you better manage your cravings and help keep you focused on your overall recovery. Once you complete a medical detox program, you will be in a much better frame of mind to absorb the essential tools you will learn when you’re in alcohol or drug rehab. Many people want to continue in the same type of setting that a detox program provides, and therefore, they decide to commit to a residential treatment program. Residential treatment will provide you with the same round-the-clock care that you received while you were in detox. You will have unlimited access to your treatment team, and you will also interact with other people who are working through their own recovery journey. During this time, you will take a deep dive into the events in your life that may have triggered your drug abuse and learn what you can do to overcome and heal from them. Many people cannot commit to residential treatment for one reason or another. If you find yourself in this position, you would still be a suitable candidate for outpatient addiction treatment. During outpatient treatment programs such as intensive outpatient or general outpatient treatment, you will have the flexibility that you may need to work or go to school. Your treatment team will still work closely with you during your time in drug abuse treatment and will always make any changes or adjustments that may be needed to your program. Regardless of whether you decide to work through a residential treatment program, an intensive outpatient program, or a general outpatient treatment plan, any person in rehab will need to participate in different forms of addiction therapy. Although the premise of treatment may sound scary or overwhelming, the holistic therapies that we offer at Muse Treatment Center will help you heal from the events in your life that may have contributed to your addiction. Just a few examples of the different types of addiction therapy that you will experience during your time in addiction treatment include:
Combining all of these forms of therapy will help you better understand the events in your life that led to your addiction. At Muse Treatment Center, we will help you through the therapy process in such a way as to address these events while avoiding causing you any further trauma. We will also take the time to explain to you what you will experience during these forms of therapy so that you feel completely comfortable and at ease with the process. If you or your loved one has hit rock bottom and are ready to commit to an addiction treatment program, Muse Treatment Center is to help. We offer comprehensive substance abuse treatment programs that can help any person tackle the root cause of their addiction issues. Our treatment programs will help you understand that addiction is a disease and requires a unique level of care. Our addiction treatment programs also incorporate relapse prevention techniques that can help you avoid relapse issues as you make strides in your recovery journey. We encourage you to get in touch with us today and meet our team so that you can learn more about how our staff can help you to work through your drug or alcohol addiction. For more information, please get in touch with us at (800) 426-1818. The post Helpful Things to Say to Someone in Rehab appeared first on Muse Treatment. Via https://musetreatment.com/blog/helpful-things-to-say-to-someone-in-rehab/ How Addiction Develops in the BrainThe human brain is the control center of your body and is the organ that allows your body to function correctly. It is the place where thinking happens and is the place where “you” exist. It is the organ that enables you to have a personality and keeps you alive and functioning throughout your entire life. The brain runs on a delicate balance of chemicals and electrical impulses (neurons firing), and this balance can quickly be interrupted by drug abuse. Substance abuse and addiction happen when chemical compounds found in drugs like opioids, stimulants, alcohol, and sedatives enter the bloodstream and the brain and change the brain’s reward system. They interfere with the brain’s routine tasks and can, over time, cause irreparable damage. These chemical changes cause the brain to crave the substance because it stops producing important neurotransmitters and other chemicals like dopamine and serotonin on its own. This process means that a person who has been using drugs will begin to need to take the drug just to be able to feel normal and avoid withdrawal symptoms. Once these changes occur, the drug user begins to lose control over their impulses and will crave the harmful substance, using it even when it causes issues in their health and life, and they no longer wish to use the drug anymore. This is known as addiction, a devastating brain disease.
How Drugs Change the BrainThe truth of the matter is that at first, drugs feel good. People would not become addicted to drugs if this were not the case. The chemicals found in various substances create sensations of pleasure, euphoria, sedation, or other feelings that people enjoy in the brain that controls pleasure and motivation. The brain provides a short but intense burst of endorphins and dopamine that causes the drug user to want more. The chemical compounds provided by drinking, smoking, injecting, or inhaling drugs change how the brain processes information. Some drugs overstimulate the “reward circuit” of the brain, while others imitate the brain’s natural chemistry. These changes alter brain function and cause issues with the parts of the brain that allow a person to use drugs to control their impulses and make sound decisions. The impulse to use more drugs grows stronger as the brain adjusts the “feel-good” chemical dopamine production. The dopamine receptors are also reduced in the brain, making the user rely on the drug to feel any amount of pleasure, joy, or happiness. They will need to take the drug just to feel normal, an effect known as “building a tolerance.” Drugs also affect the limbic system, causing the brain to “remember” that drugs are what makes you feel good and creating a habit, a reinforced, intense motivation to get more. This process is because our brains are wired to reinforce beneficial behaviors, and the brain mistakenly files drug use alongside “important survival activities,” like social interactions, eating, or creative pursuits. The reward system is activated at a much higher level than healthy actions can produce, and drug use is reinforced on a deeper level, teaching the brain that drugs are more important than healthy activities and goals. Over time, substance abuse becomes an addiction as the person becomes obsessed with the substance, acting in unrecognizable ways to maintain their habit, continuously seeking and using the drug or drinking, no matter the consequences. Addiction is a powerful disease. Even after years of treatment, drug cravings and other addiction-related reflexes may persist. In most cases, addiction is a chronic brain disease with no cure, but it can be managed with the right help and support. See which household items can be used to get high here: https://musetreatment.com/blog/household-items-used-to-get-high/ Effects of Drug Addiction on the Brain StemOne of the three principal areas of the brain that addiction and drug abuse affects is the brain stem. This is the brain area that controls the main functions that keep the body alive, from breathing to digesting food to the circulatory system. The brain stem also connects the brain to the spinal cord, which is the “control center” that allows muscles and limbs to move and tells the brain what is happening in the rest of the body via nerve impulses. Drugs can disrupt the normal functions of the brain stem and can cause issues with essential things the brain controls: breathing, heart rate, and sleeping. Therefore, overdosing on drugs can lead to permanent damage, coma, and even death because of the interference drugs cause to the brain stem. Effects of Drug Addiction on the Limbic SystemThe limbic system is a complex system of brain chemistry, neurons, and brain functions that control emotional responses, good feelings, motivation, and the formation of habits and routines. It provides the brain with good feelings that motivate us to repeat good behaviors for the body, like eating, sleeping, or creating something. When a person takes drugs that make them feel good, the limbic system becomes confused as the brain releases dopamine and other feel-good chemicals, causing the drug user to continue taking the drugs, reinforcing the habit through this “reward circuit.” Over time, the brain adapts to the presence of the drug and stops making the chemicals that make them feel good, or the dopamine receptors in the brain are reduced or damaged, making it impossible to feel pleasure without more of the drug. Soon, the drug user will need the substance just to feel normal and will otherwise experience unpleasant withdrawal symptoms, including physical illness and flu-like symptoms, irritability, unease, anxiety, and intense cravings for the drug. This behavior leads to an uncontrollable addiction. Effects of Drug Addiction on the Cerebral CortexThe cerebral cortex is the “gray matter” of the brain with four lobes that control specific functions in the body. In humans, the cerebral cortex takes up ¾ of the brain, and chemical messengers in these areas are responsible for everything from sight and hearing to thinking, tasting, and feeling. When a person uses drugs, the balance between the impulses in various brain parts reduces impulse control while simultaneously allowing for compulsive drug seeking and addictive behaviors to develop. The prefrontal cortex, the part of the brain responsible for planning, problem-solving, self-control, and making decisions, is the last part of the brain to mature, usually in a person’s early twenties. This slower development makes teens who use drugs more vulnerable to developing an addiction and to drug overdoses than older adults. Drug Withdrawal and the BrainWhen a person is affected by drug use and addiction to a substance and their brain has become accustomed to having the drug in its system, the brain and body produce harsh physical, mental, and emotional consequences when they try to quit. Withdrawal symptoms are different depending on factors like the length and intensity of the addiction, which substance(s) the person was addicted to, and which method of drug use they were employing. Drug cravings, distress, depression and anxiety, flu-like symptoms, pain, and other challenging physical symptoms are common, and in the case of alcohol, benzodiazepines, and other severe addictions, withdrawal without medical supervision can become dangerous and even deadly due to the risk of stroke, heart attack, delirium tremens, or seizures. Healing the Brain with Addiction TreatmentStarting an integrated addiction treatment program as soon as possible will give a person with drug addiction the best chance of healing the brain and regaining their health. Standard therapies for drug abuse and addiction recovery include:
Addiction is a chronic condition that may not ever be “cured” in an individual. Still, it can certainly be treated and managed with proper “brain training” therapy, support, mental health treatment, medication, groups, coping mechanisms, and relapse prevention strategies. Drug Rehab at Muse Treatment Center in Los AngelesMuse Addiction Treatment Center in Los Angeles offers drug rehab treatments that include: Medical detoxMedical care and professional assistance in an integrated detox program that provides medications and treatment to keep patients safe and comfortable as the drugs leave their system and provides therapy, counseling, and groups that help support the patient emotionally. Dual diagnosis programs may also begin at this time for mental health care. Inpatient Rehabilitation ProgramsThese programs are customized 30- to 90-day residential rehab addiction recovery programs. The patient stays in the rehab facility full-time, with structured days full of a group and individual therapy and other treatment, along with relapse prevention programs and life skills training. The purpose of inpatient rehab is to ensure the patient has begun to address mental health issues and the underlying causes of addiction while receiving all the medical care they need in a structured sober environment. Outpatient RehabThere are diverse types of customizable outpatient rehab programs available at our addiction treatment facility to help people with mild addictions who need a more flexible form of support. To find out more about what we have to offer at Muse Addiction Treatment Center, please get in touch with us at (800) 426-1818 today. We can help you with detox, rehabilitation, substance use disorders, and help you quit drug use for good. The post 3 Ways Drug Addiction Changes the Brain appeared first on Muse Treatment. Via https://musetreatment.com/blog/3-ways-drug-addiction-changes-the-brain/ Alcohol Abuse in AmericaAlcohol is a widely abused substance in the United States, with approximately 95,000 Americans dying each year from alcohol-related issues. It is a drug that contributes to over two hundred afflictions, diseases, and injuries, and alcohol abuse directly correlates to reckless behavior like drunk driving, sexual assault, falls, drownings, and violence. In fact, impairment due to alcohol was responsible for 31% of all driving fatalities in 2018. Alcoholism and alcohol addiction is a chronic substance use disorder. According to the National Survey of Drug Use and Health Data (2018), there are over 14 million alcoholics in the USA, with over 400,000 of them under the age of 18, a fact that is especially disturbing because of data showing that those who drink heavily as an adolescent may suffer permanent brain damage. Because alcohol is so prevalent in America, it is legal and is readily available wherever you go. There are myths and misunderstandings surrounding this substance, and it has been shown that education surrounding drinking and addiction is the best substance use disorder prevention method for alcohol. For this reason, Alcohol Awareness Month exists to provide correct information about the disease of alcoholism and the effects alcohol abuse can have on a person.
The History of Alcohol Awareness MonthAlcohol Awareness Month was created by the National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence (NCADD) in 1987 to spread awareness to college students about the risks of alcohol misuse but has grown over time to help people of all ages. Medical, political, scientific, and social experts work together every April to advocate for accessible alcohol addiction treatment resources, make information available to everybody, and fight the stigma of alcoholism, so more people reach out for help. This organization also helps those struggling with alcohol addiction through the National Network of Affiliates, removing barriers to treatment in these community resource centers. Getting Involved With Alcohol Awareness MonthAnybody can be involved with Alcohol Awareness Month. Team up with local organizations, function as an individual, or work with local substance abuse treatment centers to provide information about alcohol abuse and treatments to your community. Learn the facts about alcohol abuse and addiction, and spread the word through:
For more information on ways to get involved with Alcohol Awareness month, you may wish to check out: The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) underage drinking prevention campaign. This campaign is aimed at parents and other adults, providing talking points to bring up when discussing substance use with children as young as nine years old. The Community of Anti-Drug Coalitions of America (CADCA) has also worked with the Center on Alcohol Marketing and Youth (CAMY) to create actionable alcohol consumption prevention strategies. Some sober-friendly places to go in the Los Angeles area for Alcohol Awareness Month include: Pacific ParkBetween Disneyland, Knott’s Berry Farm, and Six Flags, there is no shortage of amusement park fun in the Los Angeles area. A lesser-known, historical, and admission-free amusement park you may also want to visit is found at the Santa Monica Pier: Pacific Park. Visit the pier for fishing, food, the arcade, and the incredible atmosphere. 380 Santa Monica Pier, Santa Monica, CA 90401 ChinatownChinatown in LA is a popular shopping and dining destination, with traditional Chinese restaurants, dim sum houses, Asian Fusion restaurants, Chinese bakeries, gift shops, art galleries, and specialty grocery stores. Chinatown Summer Nights is an exciting annual cultural event with a block party feel, with food from gourmet food trucks, Chinese cooking demonstrations, hands-on lessons, and Chinese cultural activities during the warm summer evenings. 713n N Hill St, Los Angeles, CA 90012 Hollywood Forever CemeteryLos Angeles shows do not all happen in dingy bars. There are plenty of sober-friendly plays, comedy shows, movies, musicals, and concerts to enjoy at various indoor and outdoor venues throughout the city. See a film screening at Hollywood Forever Cemetery for a night you will not soon forget. 6000 Santa Monica Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90038 When to Seek Treatment for Alcohol AbuseKnowing when to seek treatment for alcohol addiction can be difficult, so here is how alcohol abuse is defined:
It is essential to seek treatment for alcohol misuse as soon as possible, as even short-term binge drinking or heavy drinking can have devastating health effects that can affect your quality of life. When your alcohol abuse begins to cause problems in your life, affecting relationships, work, health, and overall well-being, but you cannot stop drinking, you may have an addiction. The definition of an alcoholic is a person with a substance use disorder (SUD), experiencing withdrawal symptoms and intense cravings when they try to cut back or quit drinking, with compulsions to drink that are extremely strong, accompanied by disordered thinking and a loss of control over drinking. Common signs of alcoholism include:
If these signs sound familiar, it may be time to seek professional help to stop drinking. Over time, heavy alcohol abuse may lead to issues such as:
It is not advisable to quit drinking independently, as relapse is likely. The withdrawal symptoms can quickly escalate to dangerous and even deadly levels, with flu-like symptoms evolving into seizures and delirium tremens. Medical care is recommended, with a medically assisted detox program, followed by rehabilitation being the safest and most effective way to quit drinking. Muse Treatment Center Los Angeles Alcohol RehabAt Muse Treatment Center in Los Angeles, we can help you stop drinking safely and address mental health issues and trauma to find the underlying causes of your addiction. We can help you move forward in your life with help from our life skills and case management coaches. Our medically assisted treatment (MAT) detox program provides you with a safe, sober place to stay as you detox, with doctors and nursing staff, 24-hour clinical care, medications to keep you comfortable and avoid seizures and other health issues, therapy, and counseling. We also provide the means to move directly from detox into a rehabilitation program created to suit your unique needs as a person. Rehab at Muse Treatment Center is an integrated treatment program with therapy and treatments like: • Behavioral therapy or other one-on-one therapy • Nutrition and physical fitness counseling • Educational programs and lectures • Group therapy and process groups • Mindfulness • Art therapy • Family therapy • Life skills/vocational skills programs • Spirituality and 12-step methodologies We have inpatient and outpatient programs, including a transitional Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP) that provides full days of treatments as you live outside our facility. Our Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) is given during evenings and weekends so you can return to your life after inpatient rehab while still receiving complete treatment and support through medical care, therapy, groups, and case management. In all of our addiction treatment programs, our non-judgmental staff, doctors, and therapists can help you address the underlying causes of addiction. We can provide dual diagnosis treatments for mental health issues, assist you in regaining your physical health and spiritual wellness, and move forward in life as the alcohol-free person you want to be. From detox to rehabilitation, our fully integrated continuum of care is here to help you begin and maintain your recovery journey from alcohol and drug abuse, with aftercare programs that will keep you connected to a sober community for a lifetime. Contact our team at (800) 426-1818 today; you are only a phone call away from finding out more about Muse Treatment Center and how we can help you. The post How to Get Involved in Alcohol Awareness Month in Los Angeles appeared first on Muse Treatment. Via https://musetreatment.com/blog/how-to-get-involved-in-alcohol-awareness-month-in-los-angeles/ |
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