Tag Archives: alcoholism

An Explanation to Behavioral Health

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Behavioral health is indistinguishable with the term “mental health”. It involves the practice of treating, preventing and alleviating illnesses such as anxiety, depression, addiction, or insomnia.

We can look at behavioral health as the practice of taking care of the mind.

 

Your Options for Help

The most common practice for helping those concerned with their behavioral health is that of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). This is also known as “talk therapy” as it involves a laid back situation in which a patient has a discussion with a professional in this regard.

It is a very popular choice considering it allows an individual to keep their privacy. This holds the potential of someone revealing important factors of their life they may not be comfortable sharing in a group setting.

However, group therapy shouldn’t be overlooked as it is also an option for treatment. Likewise, the 12-Step Approach and Drug & Alcohol Rehabilitation are other alternatives to consider.

The positive aspect of group therapy is it allows you to relate to others who may be in a similar situation as yours. They also provide counselors, therapists, psychologists, and psychiatrists to ensure that the individual and the group are discussing concerns that help resolve their behavioral health.

 

Therapy’s Length

One of the biggest questions many people ask is how long therapy will last. The easy answer is it depends on the individual. Some may feel satisfied after a few sessions while others may need a more intensive treatment.

However, it should be stated that the length of the therapy shouldn’t be a concern. Though some may not like the idea of needing treatment for their behavioral health, it’s important to do all you can to ensure you are treated. Therefore, don’t focus on the length of therapy. Rather, on how much you’re getting out of it.

Even still, there are instances where individual’s don’t need therapy anymore, yet, continue working with their behavioral health. For instance, people with anxiety may still get anxious after treatment. What’s important is if they came out of treatment understanding how to work with their anxiety.

 

Looking Down Upon Oneself

As unfortunate as it is, there are individuals who feel as though the necessity for therapy makes them a weaker person. This is one area in which we struggle to change. Needing professional guidance for behavioral health is nothing to be ashamed of. Rather, it should be embraced.

Mental health holds the potential of debilitating an individual just as physical health can. In some situations, even more so. This is why it’s important to make treatment a priority.

 

We at Stonewall Institute Treatment Center hope you don’t look down upon yourself for needing a priority other individuals might not need. We’re all built differently and what is a problem for one individual is always going to be dissimilar to another.

If you or someone you love is in need of behavioral health treatment, or if you just have any questions on the subject, please give us a call at 602-535-6468 or email us at [email protected]. We’re always glad to help.

Marijuana Addiction

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With a cultural movement happening across America where the legalization of marijuana is taking its effect, many are ignoring the notion that THC is addictive. This is partly due to its medical benefits and partly due to the idea that marijuana is harmless. Yet, recent studies have concluded otherwise.

For one, the THC levels have risen dramatically. About ten years ago, a marijuana plant contained 10% THC. Nowadays, that number has risen to around 30%. With such higher THC levels, we are finding that there are many incidents of excessive doses, toxic reactions, and medical emergency events spawned by consumption of marijuana.

Symptoms for Marijuana Dependence

It should be noted that many signs of addiction are similar to that of other substances. For example, if you’re finding yourself building a strong tolerance to the weed, there’s a potential for addiction. Often, people smoke more and more in order to feel the effects of THC.

A question that is important to consider; is marijuana conflicting with your interpersonal relationships, your job, and/or your education? Studies have shown that chronic smokers are often unmotivated and lack productivity in their daily lives which results in the intake of more marijuana.

Have you ever attempted to quit marijuana, but found it rather difficult? Being that marijuana is perceived as nonaddictive, many users try to quit on their own terms. Though there are those who come out successful, there’s also the flip side of the coin. Continued unsuccessful attempts at quitting marijuana is a sign of dependence.

Maybe you’ve attempted to quit, but found yourself feeling strange. Marijuana comes with its own set of withdrawal symptoms.

● Lack of sleep

● Loss of appetite

● Anxiety and/or depression

● Irritability (usually caused by a lack of sleep)

● Loss of focus/constant fatigue

● Gastrointestinal distress

● Strong cravings (which gives the chance of relapse)

The reason your body withdrawals in this regard is because THC stays in the system for months after quitting. Being that the chemical is still floating around, your body often expects for you to get high again.

 

Solution

Since marijuana withdrawals are not as powerful or dangerous as that of other drugs, medical supervision isn’t quite necessary. However, there are instances where individuals seek out some medical assistance. Usually because of their lack of sleep. Due to the fact that anxiety and depression are also factors of withdrawal, it’s important to keep a positive mindset when quitting any substance. Therefore, if you find yourself with either or, therapeutic help is recommended.

The most important element to remember when quitting marijuana (or any substance, for the matter) is that you must stay motivated to do so. Many people don’t quit simply because they aren’t motivated enough to face the unpleasant withdrawals. Keeping a positive mindset while taking this journey is the key to successful sobriety.

 

 

Stonewall Institute Treatment Center offers an Intensive Outpatient Program for addiction to any substance, including marijuana. If you’d like more information about this and/or questions about marijuana addiction, please call us at 602-535-6468 or email us at [email protected].

 

Detoxing From Alcohol

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Have you ever wondered how long it will take to detox from alcohol? With nearly 17.5 million Americans currently abusing alcohol (according to National Survey on Drug Use and Health), you are not alone on the question.

Before undergoing recovery, it’s understandable to feel some sort of anxiety. The most important knowledge to remember is that the road to sobriety is never easy, but always gratifying by the end.

Detoxing is your first step on this road to recovery. Due to the fact that your body is so accustomed to intaking alcohol, it has adjusted all of its systems and maintenance to coincide with the substance’s chemicals. Now that you’ve decided to rid yourself of these toxins, your body must adjust back to a sober lifestyle.

The first week of detoxing is when you’ll experience the most chemical changes. Admittedly, this is will most likely be the most physically painful step you’ll have to make. But after around ten days, the body usually completely detoxes itself and afterward, you’ll be on your way to sober living.

It should be noted that it’s very important you detox under medical supervision. This assures not only the successfulness of the detox but also your life. With heavy alcohol use, there’s a chance of fatality when detoxing. Being that your body is accustomed to the chemicals, a sudden withdrawal can lead to a seizure, heart arrhythmias, and kidney/liver dysfunction. All of which have lethal potential.

On top of this, you want to make sure your body is getting proper medical care. With a professional’s attention, you can assure yourself that your body will be treated back to its healthy state.

 

What Happens After You Detox?

There are multiple decisions you can make that are completely up to you. However, it should be noted that just because you’ve detoxed doesn’t mean you’ve completely recovered. Though the chemicals are out of your system and your body is feeling normality once again, there’s always the chance of relapse.

To seek out further treatment is to continue on this road towards sobriety. Rehabilitation treatment offers prior addicts to get a sense of who they are and why they’ve made such a strong decision. Most importantly, it’s been proven to eliminate many of the urges telling you to go back to a substance.

If you decide on rehab then you’ll be greatly diminishing your chances of relapsing. The program you find yourself in will have to do with a number of factors:

● Co-occurring conditions you may have

● Your history (and/or family’s history) with addiction

● Other personal needs

● Insurance/payment methods

 

Stonewall Institute Treatment Center

If you have any questions in regards to detoxing or are looking for more resources on where and how to detox, please give us a call today at 602-535-6468 or email us at [email protected]. We’d be more than happy to help.

 

Opioid Epidemic Triggers Arizona into Statewide Emergency

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The Arizona Department of Health Services just released a set of data that shows in 2016, there were 790 opioid-related deaths across the state. This calculates to an average of more than two deaths per day.

The opium trend has seen a nationwide increase in recent years. The New York Times reported a 39% increase in American heroin deaths between 2012 and 2013. In the state of Arizona, the opium market has seen a distressing increase of 74% in the four years.

Out of concern over where this all can lead, Governor Doug Ducey signed an emergency declaration on June 5th, 2017 to address the issue. This declaration directs the Arizona Department of Health Services to quickly make a response to the growing epidemic.

 

“As the number of opioid overdoses and deaths increase at an alarming rate, we must take action. It’s time to call this what it is – an emergency,” proclaimed Governor Ducey. “Most of us know someone impacted by substance abuse – our family, our friends, our neighbors. Our hearts ache for them, but that isn’t enough. We must do more. I’m declaring a statewide health emergency because we need to know more about the epidemic, including enhanced data that illustrates when and where these overdoses occur so that we can develop real, targeted solutions.”

 

Stonewall Institute Treatment Center understands the Governor’s concern and the necessity of a statewide emergency. Being that we’re a facility aimed to care for those looking to come off these sort of substances, we assure that we are going to do all in our power to help with this epidemic.

 

“The only way we will be able to make an impact in the opioid epidemic is to come together as a community, and this declaration helps us move forward quickly,” assured Dr. Cara Christ, director of the Arizona Department of Health Services. “We will look into improving prescription practices, addressing polydrug use, and analyzing raw data on overdose deaths that occur to see where the problem areas are and learn how we can make changes to save lives.”

 

This declaration will give Arizona the capability of coordinating with a variety of different public health efforts, whether statewide, local, or even private. The goal of this to allow the state to employ all its public health resources.

The idea is to prevent:

● the epidemic from spreading even further.

● more drug overdose deaths.

The declaration articulates enhanced reporting from doctors and hospitals, in terms of opioid overdoses. This declaration has been passed in a time when change is absolutely needed. If you or anyone you know has been victim to this opioid epidemic, please help us make that change.

To schedule a tour of our facility, make an appointment for an Evaluation, or just have questions about your options, call Stonewall Institute Treatment Center today: 602-535-6468 or email us at [email protected].

How to Properly Determine if a Loved One Needs Help

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Have you noticed any changes in your loved one’s behaviors? Are their physicalities slowly changing without explanation? These are the two general questions to ask when someone in your life is acting in a way that’s unfamiliar to you.

Be careful of misguided beliefs. A person’s behavior is viable to change with or without the use of substances. There are many forces in our lives that can control our behaviors and physical appearances. The goal of this blog is to pinpoint the forces related to drugs and alcohol and to clear up those questions you’re asking for the sake of helping the person you love.

The Physical Signs

Due to the fact that each drug works differently on the body, it’s going to be difficult to accurately determine the exact substance you may be skeptical of. The information below is based upon what common physical impacts the majority of drugs have.

Addicts commonly have irregular schedules. Since drugs cause an internal physical change, the way one’s daily agenda goes tends to circle around when they’re high or not. For example, an individual most likely isn’t going to sleep unless the high’s over. Likewise, with their appetite, a person might not eat if the substance helps them ignore hunger. If you find any irregularities in your loved one’s sleep and/or eating patterns, you have reasonable superstition.

To follow this up, you can observe their physical health. Though it tends to take some time before these signs have their impact, there’s a variety of hints you can monitor.

● A change in the eyes; a redder tone, watery, enlarged or decreased pupil size.

● Unable to properly coordinate average physical movements.

● Poor hygiene and/or health (as if one’s sick with a virus).

● Overly active or underly active.

These changes may or may not be noticeable unless one is under the influence while you’re making the observations. You’re going to want to keep a keen eye out for this because when an individual is high, their behavior will usually show it.

The Behavioral Signs

An intoxicated person will often show off differences in their mood. However, even when an addict is sober, there are indications to look out for. First, there are changes usually made in their private lives (though this may depend on the person’s age).

● More often taking to solitude (secretive) or frequently trying to stay away from home.

● A fall in school grades or work performance.

● A change in outfits and/or styles.

● A decline in one’s self-esteem and/or motivation.

Secondly, you’ll want to observe the way this person interacts with others. Whether it be you, other loved ones, friends, or even strangers.

● Are relationships damaging around the individual?

● Are they often asking for money?

● Are they noticeably forgetful or dishonest?

● Have they lost interest in other loved ones?

● Have they become oversensitive and/or sporadic?

We understand that it may seem more convenient to sit down with your loved one and properly talk out any concern. Or, better yet, have them take a drug test for safe measure. Although these tactics may give us peace of mind, many individuals struggling with addiction are unwilling to admit to their habits and will go great lengths to hide it.

This has a multitude of reasons. The prime cause being guilt. That’s why we at Stonewall Institute Treatment Center make it our goal to give you all the information sustainable for handling addiction and properly caring for it.

If your concern has discovered an addiction in a loved one, we encourage you to call us for assistance at 602-535-6468 or email us at [email protected].

Do I Have A Drinking Problem?

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When people think of a person who has a drinking problem, they usually will think of someone who drinks every single day, drinks and gets sloppy, drinks and starts slurring their words, drinks and gets sick, or drinks alone.  While these scenarios may be relevant to some who have drinking problems, a large percentage of alcoholics do not exhibit all of these behaviors.

Alcohol dependence or abuse may not be apparent to those who have a drinking problem.  Some may not even think that their drinking habits are to be of any concern.  The nature of the disease, however, is to tell you that you don’t have a disease. 

Denial is one of the biggest obstacles to getting help for alcohol abuse and alcoholism.  The desire to drink is so strong that the mind finds many ways to rationalize drinking, even when the consequences are obvious.  By keeping you from looking honestly at your behavior and its negative effects, denial also exacerbates alcohol-related problems with work, finances, and relationships.

How Can I Tell If I Have A Problem?

There are a few ways to gauge your drinking habits to see if there’s a problem.  The CAGE test is a quick assessment tool that helps clinicians identify alcoholism signs in patients.  The CAGE test is comprised of four brief questions designed to detect alcohol abuse or dependence.  Answering yes to any CAGE question suggests a possible alcohol problem.  Answering yes to two or more questions indicates a high risk of alcohol abuse or dependence.   *(Note that CAGE questions are only guidelines – not diagnostic criteria).

CAGE Test Questions:

  1. Have you ever felt the need to Cut down on alcohol consumption?
  2. Are you Annoyed when people question your drinking habits?
  3. Do you feel Guilty about your alcohol use?
  4. Have you ever used alcohol as an Eye opener (drink or shot) in the morning to recover from a hangover?

The National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence (NCADD) has also devised a self-assessment intended to help you determine if you or someone you know needs to find out more about alcoholism. 

Some examples of the questions asked are:

  • Do you drink heavily when you are disappointed, under pressure or have had a quarrel with someone?
  • Do you sometimes feel uncomfortable is alcohol is not available?
  • Are you more in a hurry to get your first drink of the day than you used to be?
  • Have you been having more memory “blackouts” recently?
  • When you’re sober, do you sometimes regret things you did or said while drinking?
  • Have any of your blood relatives ever had a problem with alcohol? 

To take the full test, click here.

Please note that these self-assessments are intended only to provide insight into possible drinking problems and alcohol dependence or abuse.  These self-assessments are not to be used as criteria in diagnosing someone as alcohol dependent.  Rather, these self-assessments can be used to determine if further steps need to be made. 

If you answered ‘yes’ to the questions above, you may have a problem or may start to be having a problem.  If your drinking or a loved one’s drinking is becoming a concern, Stonewall Institute Treatment Center can help.  By scheduling a Clinical Evaluation, our licensed professionals will conduct a thorough analysis of your circumstance and provide you with objective results related to your individual needs.

You don’t need to deal with this alone. 

Call us today:  (602) 535-6468

5 Common Myths about Alcoholism

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There are many myths and misconceptions about alcoholism and who alcoholics are.  Those who are not in the recovery community contribute to the perpetuation of these myths via stereotypes and being generally unaware of what addiction actually consists of.   These myths may also contribute to the stigmatization of alcoholism.

Here, we’ve listed 5 common myths associated with alcoholism and alcoholic behavior.

Myth #1:   All Alcoholics Are The Same

Many people believe that all alcoholics are the same.  Common stereotypes about alcoholics include being unemployed, not having much money, drinking only hard alcohol, drink alone, getting sloppy while drinking, don’t have strong family relationships, etc. 

These stereotypes can be true in some cases, but in many other cases, the opposite is true.  Highly functioning alcoholics exist, and it can lead to a stronger denial that they have a problem. Addiction does not discriminate and people from all backgrounds are affected. 

Myth #2:   Alcoholism Can Be Cured

Many believe that once you complete an addiction treatment program, you are then cured of your alcoholism.  This is not the case.  Once somebody is an alcoholic, they will always be one.  One drink will never be enough, and their drinking habits will never be considered normal.

Alcoholism is a lifelong disease, and addiction treatment is one that must be continually maintained.  After residential treatment, outpatient treatment, sober living, etc., it’s extremely important to begin involvement in a 12-step program and aftercare services.  Getting a sponsor and being accountable will help keep your alcoholism in check.  Alcohol recovery is a continuous process.

Myth #3:   Alcoholism is a Choice, not a Disease

A common belief about alcoholism is that alcoholics bring their condition on themselves and that they can stop drinking whenever they want. 

Alcoholics are unable to control their drinking and they cannot stop drinking after one or two drinks.  They are powerless over alcohol.  Alcoholism is not a lifestyle choice somebody makes, it’s a vicious and deadly disease that needs to be treated as such.  Many factors may contribute to alcoholism:  genetics, environmental factors, stress levels, other mental illnesses, etc. 

Myth #4:   Relapsing is Failure

When somebody relapses, some will equate this to failing.  Relapse does not equal failure, relapse is simply a part of that person’s journey to recovery.  Yes, relapsing is painful, frustrating, and disappointing.  It can make you feel as though you’ve failed, but know that relapse, albeit unwelcome, is very common.  In fact, studies show that more than half of newly recovering addicts will relapse within 1 year of sobriety. 

Myth #5:   Once Alcohol is Eliminated from an Addict’s Life, All Problems Go Away

When an alcoholic experienced stress, frustration, insomnia, anger, sadness, etc. while active in their disease, they turned to drinking.  Drinking was their coping mechanism and the quick-fix for their problems.  The alcohol gave immediate relief, but when you eliminate that relief method, you need to find a healthier and more long-term way of coping. 

Alcohol use can create more problems in ones life, but simply eliminating alcohol will not make all of their problems go away.  The same problems exist with or without alcohol.  However, instead of escaping their problems, they must learn to manage them in a healthy and positive way.

Stonewall Institute Treatment Center provides world-class addiction treatment care in Phoenix, AZ.   In just 10 weeks, our Intensive Outpatient Treatment program can help you establish a solid foundation for achieving and maintaining a meaningful life of sobriety.  We will help you make purposeful life changes in a supportive, non-judgmental setting.

If you or someone you love is struggling with a drug or alcohol issue, we can help. Call Stonewall Institute Treatment Center today to schedule a confidential clinical evaluation with one of our qualified professionals at 602-535-6468.

Importance of 12-Step Meetings

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12-Step programs, such as Alcoholics Anonymous, are designed for individuals who share a common desire to stop drinking and using.  There are many misconceptions about 12-step meetings, but their importance within the recovery community is significant. 

Typically, when an addicted individual completes residential treatment and/or outpatient treatment for addiction, they will start attending 12-step meetings.  Alcoholics Anonymous (“AA”) has chapters in 180 countries around the world.  The organization doesn’t keep a list of members’ names, but estimates that it has 2 million members who come from all backgrounds.  Members who suffer from alcoholism range in age from young adults to seniors adults. 

Other 12-Step meetings include Al-Anon, Narcotics Anonymous, Cocaine Anonymous, Crystal Meth Anonymous, and Marijuana Anonymous.  Although these meetings have different topics, the structure is the same.  All 12-Step programs use a set of guiding principles outlining a course of action for recovery from addiction, compulsion, or other behavioral problems.

What makes 12-Step programs so important?  First, addiction recovery works much better in a group environment.  Although some people choose to work through their addiction individually, working the Steps has been proven to be essential in an addict’s recovery. 

12-Step programs provide accountability and constant support.  The meetings focus on members supporting each other and it’s been shown that simply belonging to such a group can help the member stay free of addiction. 

Although being a part of a group is essential to recovery, many members of AA also benefit from a one-to-one relationship with a sponsor.  A sponsor in AA is somebody who is there to offer guidance and support to a sponsee.  They’re there to listen and hold the sponsee accountable.   Sponsors will take their sponsee’s through the 12 steps and offer encouragement and praise for achievements.

A common misconception about AA is that once you work the steps, you’re done.  This way of thinking may prove to be detrimental to an addict’s recovery.  Continuing to go to meetings is extremely important, as meetings keep you connected to your recovery.  Recovery doesn’t stop after 1 year of sobriety, 5 years of sobriety, or 20 years of sobriety.  Recovery is life-long, and to maintain that commitment you must be active and connected to that part of your life.

Getting sober and staying sober is challenging, but participation in 12-Step meetings and sponsorship will be extremely beneficial to one’s recovery process.  For information about AA meetings in your area or to learn more about AA, visit http://www.aa.org/ . 

If you or a loved one is struggling with addiction, Stonewall Institute Treatment Center can help.  Call or visit us today and talk to one of our intake coordinators.  602-535-6468 , www.stonewallinstitute.com .

LGBT Community & Addiction

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Although addiction does not discriminate against race, gender, age, economic status, sexual orientation, ethnicity, or religion, the LGBT population is more susceptible to falling victim to the disease than the heterosexual population.  Why?  Some studies show that because of previous and current traumas in their lives surrounding bullying, stigma, and self-esteem, this population may turn to mood and mind altering substances for relief.

 

Many avoid care because of perceived or real stigma and discrimination by health care providers and institutions, as well.  Studies also show that many gay individuals will use alcohol and/or drugs for sexual purposes.  Many gay men, when they become sober, will have to learn not only how to be in social settings without alcohol and/or drugs, but also how to have sex without being under the influence.

 

The need for specialized LGBT addiction treatment in the community is obvious.  That’s why at Stonewall Institute Treatment Center, we are fully trained to treat LGBT clients.  Our agency delivers both community and internal education/training to raise awareness on LGBT issues.  Our priority is to make our LGBT clients feel as welcomed and as comfortable as possible as we embrace the distinct needs and positive attributes of LGBT clients.  We are a Safe Space that anybody, regardless of sexual orientation, will feel safe and welcomed at.  With us, nobody will render judgement, nor will anybody discriminate against you.

 

Our 10-week Intensive Outpatient Program will help you establish a solid foundation for achieving and maintaining a meaningful life of sobriety.  The group program emphasizes that regardless of personal background: be it sexual orientation, gender identity, race, economic status, or religious background, everyone shares the commonality of addiction.  

 

For just 3 nights a week, we’ll help provide the structure, guidance, and support you need to develop the skills that can keep you on track.  This life-long journey starts with the courage to face your vulnerabilities and embrace your potential.

 

Call us today, we will help get your life back.

 

(602) 535-6468

 

 

Best Alcohol Treatment Program in Arizona

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Stonewall Institute offers the best alcohol treatment program in Arizona.  We all know that alcohol abuse can turn into alcohol addiction or alcoholism, but our attitude is if you feel you need help no matter how serious your alcohol use has become, we can help you.  During the Holiday Season, it is especially important to address any issues you may have drinking alcohol.  Our Intensive Outpatient Program for alcohol abuse can help in this stressful time without taking you from your work and family.  We can help teach you how to cope in an environment that is alcohol fueled.  Our renowned relapse prevention program can keep you comfortable in your recovery from alcohol abuse or alcohol addiction by teaching you the signs to look for if you start to crave a drink.  Our alcohol treatment program is affordable and nonjudgmental.  For more information, check out the website at www.stonewallinstitute.com and call us at 602-535-6468.