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Adult Children of Alcoholics

The acknowledgment and acceptance of addiction today has given people a new perspective on how the growth process had been affected by those with parents in disease. Adult children of alcoholics or ACOA, is a group of people who work through a laundry list of traits that had been ingrained into their personalities at a young age. These traits include emotions based on fear. Then there is a flip to the laundry list which more on the fearless side. Acknowledging why these beliefs were put upon adult children of alcoholics is crucial in healing the body, mind, and soul.

Similarly to Alcoholics Anonymous, the first step is to admit a powerlessness over the effects of alcoholism and that life had become unmanageable. However, in this case the powerlessness is geared towards family dysfunction. The following eleven steps also follow the guidance of the the original steps of Alcoholics Anonymous which is a guide to living with the disease. Accepting the disease and using the tools laid out in the steps, offers its members hope and assist in preventing alcoholism from taking control over each person’s life.

One of the facts about adult children of alcoholics, is that genetics play a major role in alcoholism being passed down from generation to generation. Therefore, it is common that adult children of alcoholics also have the disease of alcoholism. The idea that these people are attempting to break the chain that was the dysfunction of their families is courageous. If genetics do not end up forcing addiction upon a person’s life, perhaps this method of healing will prevent potential future family members from the struggle.

Family dysfunction is nothing anyone should be ashamed of. Just like alcoholism, there is an easier, softer way. These people who have decided to heal this way will look at how codependency affected each family member separately. Each member had their own role in the family and eventually played this role subconsciously throughout life. The effects on their life may or may not have been huge. It differs from each person, but nevertheless, it’s someone’s life and it matters.

If you are struggling with addiction, alcoholism, and/or mental health, there is hope for you. Do not give up faith and call us here in New Jersey today! Enlightened Solutions clinical, holistic, and 12-step approach will help you heal from the inside out. Let your transformation begin as you trudge the road to happy destiny! Call today for more information: 833-801-5483.

Planting the Seed of Sobriety

All people approaching recovery have a story of their own. There are often times when the people have a hard time accepting the reality of the disease. There may be multiple rehab stints and there are also those who are lucky enough to get it the first time around. Throughout the years, the rooms of AA have gladly held open the swinging doors to its millions of members. No one is forced to belong to the fellowship. The only requirement is a desire to stop drinking. Unfortunately, addiction is a progressive disease and each person needs to make the decision on their own if the time has come to do the work.

Even though many people might come into treatment with the determination and willingness to stay sober, it takes a daily reprieve continue with recovery. Sometimes sobriety simply doesn’t stick and that’s okay. It takes what it takes for people to realize it’s over. However, the suffering and pain in addiction doesn’t have to be life’s existence anymore. There is an easier, softer way and that is sobriety.

Whether or not the person initially knew where to go to get help, it takes a strong willingness to take the suggestions of others to stay on track. If the person gives into temptation, there will always be that annoying gut feeling that it might not be the best path to take. Often times, people will not be able to stay sober until they reach a low bottom. The fight will persist until addiction finally beats the person into submission. People sometimes need to feel the desperation for sobriety to surrender.

One thing is for sure, once a person knows where to go when he/she decides to sober up, AA always welcomes back it’s members. Treatment centers will always be there for those who continue to fight against the disease. No one should ever feel judged for having to do more research about their disease. Sobriety is a gift, it takes some people longer than others to accept what it really means. Life will never be perfect, but in sobriety, there is hope for a new found happiness and gratitude.

If you are desperately looking for help staying sober, do not waste another day! Call us here at Enlightened Solutions to get your life back. Our partial program’s clinical, holistic, and 12-step approach reaches addicts from all angles for the most effective recovery. Call for more information: 833-801-5483.

Glorifying and Romanticizing Alcohol

When people find themselves sobering up, it’s almost impossible not to have any temptations. Depending on which state people live in, there can be alcohol at every corner and sprawled throughout stores. Americans love their alcohol and love a good party. For someone with addiction, there’s already any old reason to drink, but there is a massive amount of help by advertisers and traditions that pile on top. It’s no wonder alcohol has taken such a large role in our society.

Perhaps in the “glory days,” someone might be able to handle the bad habit, but things had clearly progressed to complete destruction by alcohol and/or drugs. However, there will forever be the chase of that first high, that first numbing feeling, the happiest moment to date. Therefore the mind constantly tell the person they can do it! They can drink or use like a gentleman! Just keep trying! The person must keep in mind the consequences while staying spiritually fit to ward off the minds justifications. After all, it might start off fun, but the person will never know where it can be taken. It’s a gamble and it’s dangerous.

People with addiction and/or alcoholism must take it day by day. It’s too overwhelming to commit to forever at that time. As long as the person stays sober that day, its progression. It can become too much to think about the loss of the relief produced by the substance, for an entire lifetime. This is when the tools tools learned in treatment and therapy should be utilized. There are ways out of these mind games. It helps to think the situation all the way through. The drink or drug might sound good at the moment, but then what? By attending 12-step meetings and focusing on spirituality, there will be more consistent focus on living sober and staying connected to God. Soon life’s highs will be associated with running towards the beauty of life, rather than running away from uncomfortable feelings and into the bottle.

Enlightened Solutions offers a clinical, holistic and 12-step approach to the road to recovery.  If you’re struggling with addiction and/or mental illness, our program is specialized in dual-diagnosis treatments. Don’t hesitate and call today: 833-801-5483.

Signs of a High-Functioning Alcoholic

A high-functioning alcoholic hides their addiction to alcohol and maintains a successful career, family life, and relationships with friends. The signs of a high-functioning alcoholic are not always obvious and can be hard to detect. If your loved one drinks regularly, he or she might be a high-functioning alcoholic.

Functional alcoholics seem to have control, but put themselves and others at risk. A person who is a high-functioning alcoholic might drive while intoxicated or experience blackouts. A blackout is a temporary condition that affects your memory when blood alcohol levels are high. Blackouts are a form of amnesia.

A high-functioning alcoholic disguises their drinking problem because they are usually in denial because he or she must maintain a successful appearance. An alcoholic is not a failure. Many successful people are alcoholics and come from different backgrounds, races, and levels of intelligence. A high-functioning alcoholic leads two lives. He or she must maintain their public identity whether they are a doctor, lawyer, or business executive to his or her private life of excessive drinking.

Here are signs that your loved one is a high-functioning alcoholic:

More drinks.

He or she has more drinks than everyone else does. In a social setting with friends or acquaintances, the high-functioning alcoholic might have several drinks while others have just one.

Stomach problems.

He or she could experience bloating, nausea, and other stomach issues with excessive drinking.

Insomnia.

If your loved one drinks heavily, he or she can experience disruptive sleep patterns or insomnia.

Binges.

The functional alcoholic may go for extended periods without alcohol but then binge drink or drink heavily.

Changes mood and behavior.

Alcohol affects a person’s mood and behavior. Sometimes alcohol causes depression and anxiety, and can also lead to impulsive behavior.

Blackouts.

A blackout is a temporary condition that causes memory loss. This can happen to your loved one when he or she has high blood alcohol levels.

Daily drinking patterns.

If your loved one talks frequently about drinking or plans daily activities around times they want to drink, they might be a high-functioning alcoholic.

There is hope for high-functioning alcoholics. Treatment is available and recovery is possible. A person with an alcohol abuse disorder can get help for their drinking problem and live a healthy, substance-free life.

Treatment is the beginning of a beautiful journey of healing, transformation, discovery, and more. Enlightened Recovery Solutions offers partial care programs for substance abuse and co-occurring disorders, bringing together a harmonious balance of clinical, holistic, and 12-step philosophy. Contact us today for information.

How Alcohol Abuse Affects the Human Body

Alcohol affects the human body physically and mentally. When you drink alcohol, your brain builds up a tolerance level, which causes you to drink more and more to get the initial euphoric effects. Excessive drinking leads to a dependence on alcohol and puts you at high-risk for many serious health problems. Alcohol consumption can cause liver damage, kidney failure, lung infections, and even cancer.

Alcohol affects normal brain function. The brain controls how you move, talk, walk, and think. Alcohol interferes with the brain’s neurotransmitters, releases more dopamine and causes pleasurable feelings. The euphoric feelings are short-term and sometimes cause a person to drink more to reach the same level of pleasure. The brain builds up a tolerance to the amounts of alcohol consumed.

When your brain is impaired, your coordination and critical thinking are affected. Fatal accidents occur when a person who is under the influence, operates a motor vehicle or other heavy equipment. Judgment is impaired and reactive senses slow down. Speech becomes slurred and balance is impacted. Alcohol interferes with memory and results in blackouts. The blackouts are short-term forms of amnesia.

Excessive alcohol use can cause cancer in different areas of the body. Alcohol causes cirrhosis of the liver and if you do not stop drinking, it can lead to liver failure, which is fatal. Alcohol is toxic to your body and negatively alters the stomach, heart, intestines, nervous system, and bones. The detrimental effects of alcohol on your body far outweigh the short-term moments of pleasure received with the first drink.

Many people drink alcohol because of emotional stress. Since alcohol is a depressant, it can heighten depression, anxiety, and emotional distress. Drinking alcohol can disrupt normal sleep patterns, cause insomnia, and result in a restless sleep. Lack of restful sleep can influence poor performance or frequent absences at your job, and lead to termination.

The effects of alcohol on the human body are dangerous and deadly. Alcohol abuse impacts family relationships and causes couples to break up, divorce, or separate. Excessive alcohol use changes interactions with your loved ones and your financial stability. If you are addicted to alcohol, go to a detox facility and check out treatment programs that are available for recovery. There is hope to recover and live a healthy, substance-free life.   

Recovery begins with you. You have to make the decision, now, to call and ask for help, get to treatment, and start a transformational, life-changing journey. The power to heal is yours. Let Enlightened Recovery Solutions show you the path of holistic treatment, bringing together the best practices of evidence-based clinical care, proven alternative healing practices, and trusted 12-step philosophy. Call 833-801-5483 today for information on our partial care programs.

 

Helping a Loved One With a Drinking Problem

When a person drinks excessive amounts of alcohol despite the negative consequences that it causes, he or she might have a drinking problem. A person with a drinking problem cannot control how much they drink or continues to drink after having too much.

The signs of having a drinking problem are:

  • Drinking more than intended
  • Inability to cut back on drinking
  • A lot of time spent thinking about alcohol and the next drink
  • Missing work, school, or other important activities
  • Having relationship problems due to drinking alcohol
  • A lot of time recovering from the effects of alcohol

If you want to help a loved one who has a drinking problem, there are some important “Do’s” and “Don’ts” to be aware of before approaching him or her with your concerns.

  • Never use shameful, demeaning, or negative language
  • Do not threaten or plead
  • Do not lecture
  • Do not use labels when talking about the problem
  • Express your concern for his or her health
  • Offer to see an addiction counselor with him or her
  • Use “I” statements to express how his or her drinking affects you

A person might not be aware he or she has a drinking problem and could have an underlying mental health issue that needs to be addressed. Many people with depression, anxiety, or PTSD turn to alcohol as a way to escape the symptoms of their mental health condition. The individual can feel guilty, shamed, or have low self-esteem.

Join a support group with your loved one and talk to others in similar situations. Learn about the struggles that other members have with alcohol and listen to people share their stories with alcohol addiction. Connect with others in the group who can be a positive influence on you and your loved one.

Encourage your loved one to get help and offer to go with him or her to see a counselor or therapist who specializes in alcohol addiction. Attend group meetings with him or her and show your loved one that you care about his or her well-being.

Recovery begins with you. You have to make the decision, now, to call and ask for help, get to treatment, and start a transformational, life-changing journey. The power to heal is yours. Let Enlightened Recovery Solutions show you the path of holistic treatment, bringing together the best practices of evidence-based clinical care, proven alternative healing practices, and trusted 12-step philosophy. Call 833-801-5483 today for information on our partial care programs.

Alcohol-Induced Blackouts

Blackouts were once associated with alcoholism but can happen when a person drinks a lot of alcohol too fast. Blackouts cause long-term damage. High levels of alcohol impair the part of the brain that forms new memories. A blackout is characterized by amnesia during intoxication. A person does not forget what happened when he or she has a blackout because the memories never existed.

When a person passes out, he or she loses consciousness and cannot wake up. An individual who has alcohol-poisoning can pass out or blackout. Passing out and blackouts result in negative consequences, but blackouts cause long-term damage.

Not everyone who drinks rapidly and excessively will have a blackout. Some people are more susceptible to alcohol-induced memory impairment. Many people with alcoholism experience blackouts in the early part of addiction. Alcohol poisoning and blackouts are very harmful and lead to serious mental and physical impairment.

If a person experiences a blackout once, he or she is at risk of having more blackouts. Most people who consume large amounts of alcohol will develop memory problems and brain damage. A person can have a genetic predisposition to blackouts. His or her family members might have trouble with alcohol or alcoholism.

Chronic heavy drinkers have significant memory issues and their brains can deteriorate. Teens who blackout from drinking alcohol incur long-term, irreversible damage. Excessive drinking leads to severe memory problems. A person who drinks alcohol and the people around him or her do not realize the person is blacking out. Some individuals who drink alcohol engage in risky and dangerous behaviors and cannot remember the next day.

During a blackout, the memory storage process shuts down. Blackouts are caused by a chemical disruption in the brain’s hippocampus, which is where memories are developed. Alcohol interferes with the receptors that carry signals to that part of the brain and disrupts the memory-making process. A person who experiences a blackout can still have the ability to maintain language and motor skills, but his or her brain loses the capability to form new memories.

Blackouts are dangerous because when a person is drunk, he or she is at risk of making poor decisions such as driving or having unprotected sex. Over time, heavy drinking can damage vital organs. Excessive drinking causes liver failure, a heart attack, and severe brain damage. If you or someone you know experienced an alcohol-induced blackout, get help before the problem becomes an addiction.

If your drinking has become a problem, don’t let the problem worsen. The best move to make for recovery from alcohol abuse is the quickest move by calling and asking for help immediately. Recovery is possible and healing will take place in mind, body, and spirit. Enlightened Recovery Solutions offers a holistic based, 12-step inspired, clinically proven program for alcoholism and co-occurring disorders. Call 833-801-5483 today for information on our partial care programs.

8 Tips to Safely Quit Alcohol

Excessive alcohol use can lead to harmful mental and physical changes in the body. Over time, the alcohol takes control of the brain’s normal functions and creates a physical dependency. When a person drinks alcohol, neurotransmitters release dopamine, which causes him or her to experience temporary euphoric feelings. A person should never detox on his or her own. Quitting alcohol cold turkey is not safe and not recommended.

There are ways to safely quit alcohol. A medical professional can supervise the detox process and administer medication if needed. Sometimes people who have an alcohol addiction will go through very uncomfortable withdrawals. The body craves more alcohol and the brain is tricked into thinking it needs the alcohol to function. Medication-assisted detox helps to subdue any of the intense cravings while in detox.

Each person can go through a different experience with alcohol addiction so each treatment varies. Some people may need short-term treatment, which lasts about 30 days, while others might require long-term treatment lasting 90 days or more. Every treatment option depends on the duration and amount of alcohol used and the person’s physical and mental health.

Here are 8 tips to safely quit alcohol:

  1. Acknowledge your drinking is a problem and that you need to make lifestyle changes. Go to a medical professional who can help you through detox and find the right treatment program. Do not try to detox on your own.
  2. Get help from a professional to evaluate your mental health. Most addictions are linked to underlying mental health conditions such as anxiety or depression.
  3. Tell family and friends about your plans to live substance-free. When they know your plans to avoid alcohol, they will be less likely to encourage your drinking.
  4. Avoid triggers that could lead to relapse. Stay away from old friends who you would drink with and any places that may remind you of drinking alcohol.
  5. Attend group meetings and meet other people in the group. Learn from others and share your experience. Find new friends in group meetings.
  6. Discover new healthy activities and hobbies to keep busy. Adjusting to a new, sober life can be very difficult. Occupy your time with things to avoid thinking about alcohol.
  7. Keep a journal. Going through detox and treatment will be hard work. Write down your accomplishments in a journal so you can reflect on your success when times are challenging.
  8. Work on rebuilding relationships. Mending relationships takes time. Talk to your loved ones and rebuild any broken trust.

When quitting alcohol is done safely, a person can enjoy the benefits of living a healthy, sober life in recovery.

If your drinking has become a problem, don’t let the problem worsen. The best move to make for recovery from alcohol abuse is the quickest move by calling and asking for help immediately. Recovery is possible and healing will take place in mind, body, and spirit. Enlightened Recovery Solutions offers a holistic based, 12-step inspired, clinically proven program for alcoholism and co-occurring disorders. Call 833-801-5483 today for information on our partial care programs.

Stay Away From Trigger Drinks

Those with the disease of addiction have many habits that must be broken to move forward in recovery. There may be the need to pick up a non-alcoholic beverage that acts as the replacement to fill the void. This might work at first, but eventually, the void needs to get filled with love and acceptance. However, the mind of addiction has been chemically altered to prioritize drugs and alcohol. As a result, addiction can seemingly sneak around corners to pounce on those with addiction or alcoholism at vulnerable moment. The addicted mind will quickly rationalize and justify an excuse to fall into old behaviors. Those in recovery are suggested to stay away from any practice that gives off any similar feelings which portray old obsessions- namely, self-sabotaging behaviors.

There are beverages such as non-alcoholic beers and wines, which some might find to be a safe option. Although these beverage choices might work for some people, experimenting with them is not recommended. The very action of pouring a glass of beer or wine can be a trigger for the addicted mind. Even if the substance itself doesn’t give the same reaction, the mind begins to act as if it does. This can be the start to a mental or a subconscious relapse- meaning, the brain begins the process of obsessing and craving. If anyone in recovery finds a desire for a faux cocktail, it might be a good time to look at what’s really going on inside. This behavior is too risky in early recovery. Its likely that if this is avoided, there would be less of an urge to partake later in sobriety. Kicking this ritual to the curb will be better in the long run couple possibly give the person more of a chance at staying sober.

Drinks containing 0.5% alcohol are considered to many, to be non-alcoholic. Beverages such as kombucha, have been taken off of shelves and put back on with a 21 and over age limit label- due to this specific alcoholic content. All legalities aside, if there is any trace of alcohol at all in any drink, those with addiction will want to stay away. Any action that allows for the people to act as if they are engaging in addictive behavior can lead to relapse if that person is not well enough equipped to act without relapse.

Enlightened Solutions clinical, holistic, and 12-step approach to addiction can help you! If you are ready to take back your life and understand the root of the cause of addiction don’t waste any more time. Call today for more information: 833-801-5483.

The Rooms of AA

Becoming sober means more than getting the substance out of the someone’s system. To be given the gift of sobriety comes with a balance of giving back to those still in the disease. While someone is still abusing substances, there is a fair amount of disregard for others. Whether or not a person has the disease of addiction, there must be respect for all humankind alike if true happiness will ever exist. It is taught in the rooms of Alcoholics Anonymous how to begin down this path.

When people come into the AA program in all walks of life. Some have been beaten down to the core, while others unscathed. What all of its members have in common is the way the mind justifies and rationalizes its self-sabotaging actions. Often times, those with mental health also struggle with addiction. There are millions of personalities who come together in the rooms and relate to one another. There is a saying, “some are sicker than others.” This is true to some extent. However, all members are the same in the capacity that they seek the same solution.

Although different groups have different rules, there are one set of traditions. One of the more common rules is asking members to refrain from crosstalk. Unsolicited advice will not be tolerated in the group to help with conflicting personalities. Everyone has the right to their own opinion and there is no need to have members arguing about various matters. Despite members being asked to share experience, strength, and hope, people do get off topic. Having compassion for others is all apart of the process.

Members of AA who frequent meetings, will often find a group of friends who can relate on a deeper level. This is part of the reason to keep coming back. Seeing that it works for others who are going through similar circumstances, can spread hope and wisdom. When there are new members, it’s imperative for them that it is a comforting and welcoming experience. While learning how to live sober, members of AA will find themselves living more functioning and peaceful lives. Sobrieties a gift but a gift that must be reciprocated.

Enlightened Solutions clinical, holistic, and 12-step approach is a life-changing experience for people struggling with addiction, alcoholism and/or mental health. Come begin transforming your life in our partial program in New Jersey. Call now for more information and take back your life today! 833-801-5483.

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