Intervention Specialist

Do We Need an Intervention Specialist?

Well, the short answer is not necessarily. In fact, if you are living with or know a friend or family member who is suffering from addiction, you've probably already intervened several times before and not even known it. Anytime you have stepped in and asked the addict to stop their addiction disorder, you have technically intervened. The problem, however, lies with the results.

What happened with the addict? Did they stop? Did you offer a solution? Was there sufficient support from family and friends? These, and many more questions, need to be asked and resolved following an informal alcohol intervention approach.

What about the case where family/friends have not made any realistic efforts to get help for the addict or where the family/friends have unsuccessfully tried an informal approach, but would like a more structured and informed attempt.

Does the family need to hire an intervention specialist? Again, the answer is not necessarily. There are some great intervention books out there designed to help families through the intervention process. Perhaps the best is from the pioneer of interventions, Vernon Johnson entitled, appropriately, Intervention. Another favorite of mine is Love First, by Jeff and Debra Jay. The internet has a wealth of information on the subject and you can even see the process of a drug intervention unfold on the television screen with A & E s show Intervention and Fuse Network s Rock Bottom.

The bottom line is that you can orchestrate your own drug intervention. Now, having given you the motivation and resources to begin the process on your own, there are some MAJOR factors to consider.

Perhaps the first item of concern is the fact that when it comes to addiction disorders, you are dealing with life and death. Period. I know that sounds dramatic, but that is the reality of the situation. Drug addiction is a disease that is progressive and is designed to kill. The decision to hire an intervention specialist oftentimes is predicated on the notion that the family may very well have only one chance to face their addicted loved one regarding their drug addiction and that it should be done with a seasoned specialist.

Another factor is emotions. If not properly coached, an intervention team runs the risk of an anger based intervention. Think of past attempts confronting the addict. Were you angry, frustrated and/or volatile during your attempt? Did you end the process wanting to pull your hair out, or, worse yet, ring the addict s neck? A properly trained intervention specialist will not only be emotionally removed from the event, but also will have prepared the team on how to conduct themselves throughout the process.

The defense mechanisms and objections hurled at the intervention team by the addict will come often and with great precision. Count on it! Addicts are brilliant with their persuasion and protestations. And every fiber of your body will want to believe them. Will you be strong enough to hold your ground? Will you be able to see that what is happening is that their addictive mind has taken over their rational thinking and that the addict is doing everything he can to protect his disease and perpetuate his drinking/using.

There are many other considerations including logistics, treatment facility, family treatment and aftercare. The advantage of hiring an intervention specialist is that you will be counseled on all issues throughout the process. I realize that as an intervention specialist, my opinion may come across as being completely biased, but I believe the best approach when dealing with an addict is to hire a professional. There is simply too much at stake, namely life.

I can tell you from personal experience that had I not been intervened, with a professional intervention specialist present, I would not be alive today. My disease was too strong for my family. They had no chance against my addictive defense mechanisms. It was only through the persistance and conviction of the intervention specialist that I made it to treatment and came out the other end a vibrant, healthy and functioning human being.

First Steps To End Gambling addiction

The two words gambling addiction are possibly not alien to most people. Even if you have not tried to gamble, or you are not a self confessed gambling addict, you must have heard of people who tried it at least once in their lifetime or those who have been overruled by it. Whatever the case may be, gambling addiction is surely something important.

Most people think that gambling addiction is something that one should be embarrassed about. This is possibly the cause of why a good number of gambling addicts attempt to deny that they are one or at least try to cover up their addiction with gambling by convincing others and even themselves that their act of gambling is simply a way to pass time. Even these people know that they are lying to themselves, but can you blame them? Other than being discounted by society, gambling addicts would much rather deny the obvious truth about themselves and fit in other than accepting and being considered an outcast in the society.

Of course, those of them who are courageous enough to come forward and admit that they are addicted to gambling are doing themselves a big favour. True, everyone in the society, or even worse, even their own family members might think and look at them in a different way, but fact of the matter is, accepting that you are indeed a gambling addict is one of the greatest things you can do to yourself in this situation. For a gambling addict to be able to treat this serious condition, the first thing that they should do is to accept that they are indeed gambling addicts.

As foolish as it may seem, admission can be equated to giving up. If a gambling addict is able to accept his addiction, this usually means that he is ready to do something about it.

Remember, there is no rush in preparing oneself to turn the wheel around. When you are ready to accept that you are addicted to gambling, and by the time you are ready to do something about it, keep in mind that everyone is ready to accept you. Take these friendly tips on treating your gambling addiction and create a better life for yourself and your loved ones.

How Do I Know If I Have A Drinking Problem?

How do you know when you have a drinking problem? Well, you more than likely have a drinking problem if you notice that you continue to promise yourself or your family that you will stop drinking and within a few days you are drinking excessively again.

This shows that your drinking is controlling you because you cannot stop.

Another sign that you have a problem is if you continually need more and more alcohol to get you "buzzed". Many people will try to justify there problem by saying that it relaxes them or eases tension and stress. Eventually you will realize that drinking does not solve any problems you have or stress that you feel.

As a matter of fact, as you continue to drink, you become dependent on the alcohol which results in another problem for you to deal with in addition to your stress or nervousness.

When you realize that you cannot control your drinking, what is the next step?

Well, the first thing you should do is contact your doctor and set a time to go in and get a full physical examination and to evaluate your drinking issues. If in fact your doctor thinks you have a problem, alcohol counseling will more than likely be suggested.

Are there any other alternatives?

You can choose to not see a doctor and just continue with your drinking. Well it is pretty obvious that this is not a good choice because out of control drinking leads to all sorts of problems in your life and can also end your life prematurely.

You are obviously better off facing your problem and getting the necessary help you need. Now this does not mean that every single person will need to seek professional help. Some people will be able to cut back on the drinking on their own when they see signs of a drinking problem developing. But others will need to get help from a professional.

Probably the best way to come to grips with a drinking problem is by realizing that the drinking is effecting your daily life. It may also be causing problems with your health, job, marriage, money & all sorts of other things in your life. All of these things will eventually make you feel as though your life is spinning out of control.

The bottom line is, if you have a drinking problem, face this issue head on and get help if you need it.

Opiate Detox and Heroin Facts

Opiate detox and what to expect. Heroin facts, effects and dealing with opiate withdrawal symptoms. Drug addiction resources and information.

The process of opiate detox can be extremely unpleasant for someone who is not prepared. Proper eduction about such drugs as heroin and other opiates can help in dealing with a variety of opiate withdrawal symptoms. Knowing the heroin fact and the effects of opiate addiction can give insight and enable a smoother recovery. Below are heroin facts as well as other opiate detox facts that can provide someone with some comfort when dealing with the various opiate withdrawal symptoms.

1. Opiate Detox The process of opiate detoxification varies from person to person. Generally, opiates stay in your system for just a couple of days. The hardest part of the opiate detox as far as opiate withdrawal symptoms are concerned are usually the worst during the first 3 days. For those attempting to detox at home, it is highly suggested that you clear your calendar for up to four or five days at the least. During this time, it is extremely important that one stay hydrated and sleep as much as possible, although sleep may be harder at times. The key to recovery is rest. what happens more often than not is that while a user in on an opiate, they tend to rely on that opiate more than they realize, pushing themselves further and further, getting less sleep, less calorie intake and letting the drugs take the place of good health habits. When an individual gets off of the drugs, they no longer can rely on that drug to push them further, thus can increase the negative opiate withdrawal symptoms beyond what would normally take place.

2. Heroin Facts If you are a heroin addict, or even an opium addict for that matter. The manner in which you take the drugs is going to affect the longevity of opiate detox and the severity as well. Those who shoot the drugs are going to suffer probably the strongest withdrawal symptoms, smoking second strongest and ingestion third. It may be a good idea to switch the manner in which you currently use sometime before the detox to ensure a smoother heroin detox. Also before the detox, get plenty of sleep, eat well and stay hydrated. The better you take care of yourself now, the better you ll be during the withdrawal symptoms.

3. When going to a outpatient clinic, you may be required to pass positive on a drug test before you are prescribed any medication for recovery. Keep this in mind beforehand as it may be a useful resource to have rather than quiting cold turkey. There are a few methods used to help those during a period of detox and most of them work quite well. Get a doctors opinion on which method is best for you.

4. Get a list of resources before hand. Visit websites, print information, get phone numbers and so on. If you are going through this alone, it is an excellent idea to have phone numbers, websites and a number of resources ready in case you need to contact them. At the bottom of this article is a link to an opiate addiction help website that may be able to give you such phone numbers and information as well as at home programs that are guaranteed to help.

5. Get a book or home program to help you through your heroin detox or any other kind of opiate detox you may be going through. Programs or books such as these provide you with on demand information and resources fro experts who can really help you make it through the rougher times. They may cost some money, but will save you thousands in the long run. Don t take a chance on doing it a worse way. Make the transition as easy for you as possible, you deserve it. Having a book or program might just give you the insight and inspiration you need to really make a change.

6. Stay positive. This may be harder at times, but having a positive attitude can really make a difference when dealing with addiction recovery, withdrawal symptoms and opiate detox. Try to be the best person you can and free yourself of those negative self defeating thoughts that make life so hard.

These tips are just a few ideas to get you through the hardest of times during opiate detox and withdrawal symptoms. Knowing the heroin facts and heroin effects among various other opiates can make the change as less painful as possible and you will come out a better person.

Resources to Help With Opioid and Opiate Addiction Withdrawals and Symptoms From Home

Valuable resources and information for beating opiate addiction withdrawal symptoms. Tips for those wanting to get clean from opiate drug addictions such as Vicodin, Heroin, Opium, Morhpine, Oxycotton and other types of opioids.

Breaking free from a drug addiction can be extremely hard. It can be both scary and intimidating for those wanting to beat their opiate addictions. Herion addicts can face some of the most excrutiating withdrawal symptoms. For some, in patient rehabilitation isn t an option or may not be affordable and can cost thousands of dollars to go through. Although rehab clinics are the best way for someone to overcome a drug addiction, an at home solution is both discrete and from the comfort of you own home.

Although illicit opiates addictions such as heroin addictions and opium addictions are often the stronger of the withdrawal symptoms, even pharmecuetical opiate addictions can be almost as hard to kick.

Below are some tips for those wanting to beat their opiate addiction from home to enjoy a drug free clean lifestyle.

1. Get a book or program to help you understand your addiction and aid in your ability to fight the withdrawal symptoms. At the bottom of this article is a website that offers such programs designed to help you from the comfort of your own home. In addiction they cost much less than going in to a rehab clinic and can save you a lot of money. Even a hundred dollar program which is guaranteed to work cost much much less than a in patient clinic. This is highly advised.

2. All too often people rely on their drug addiction to keep them going. This is one of the biggest mistakes one could make. If you are currently using drugs it is important to do the necessary steps to keep yourself healthy. Eating right, taking vitamin supplements, getting lots of sleep, staying hydrated and making healthy decisions are crucial when you decide to quit or if you are in a position where you can t maintain your drug habit. Don t push yourself simply because a drug makes you feel that you can. Instead make every effort to keep yourself healthy, you ll be thankful when the opiate withdrawal symptoms come around.

3. Take it seriously. Don t plan on your withdrawal symptoms to be easy. Make sure you are fully prepared both mentally, physically and socially to handle such a process. Opiate withdrawal symptoms don t last very long but you may be in a position where you have to miss work, family occasions and other possible committments you may have. Again, getting a book or program beforehand is a smart way to play it safe, and you will find such resources at the bottom of this article.

4. Mind over matter. You may get some anxiety when the withdrawal symptoms start to occur. Try to think positive and think of it as your body trying to heal itself and that it is long overdue. The symptoms won t last forever and the first two days are always the hardest. Do your best to ignore limiting attitudes and keep in mind that every day, every second, and every minute you are getting better and better and closer to feeling better.

5. Rest as much as you can. Most opiate addicts don t realize that they don t get nearly as much sleep because they are not used to feeling bad from a lack of sleep. In other words sleep equals healing. The more you rest and drink plenty of fluids the more your body gets a chance to heal itself thoroughly.

6. Treat yourself as if you have the flu. Whether you are an opium addict, heroin addict, or addicted to methadone, when the withdrawal symptoms hit, it always resembles the flu. So what is the best thing to do? Treat your withdrawl symptoms as the flu. By this I mean, take vitamin supplements, vitamin c, drink plenty of juices, electrolyte sports drinks, lots of water, chicken noodles soups and other brothy soups, rest plenty, stay warm, if possible, take a warm bath and soak for a long period of time (this will calm your nerves) and sometimes a little bit of acetaminophen will help the body aches and pains.

7. Create a plan Having a well thought out plan will minimize the risk of severely uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms from a severe opiate addiction. For example if you are addicted to opium, the reading about it online or knowing what to expect can prep your mind for the rather uncomfortable experience you are about to encounter.

No matter where you live whether its in Portland Oregon, Las Angeles California, Austin Texas or New York New York, there are countless people going through what you may be going through, and thousands have been able to overcome such addictions. If possible, seek professional advice from a doctor, counselor, friends and family you trust. There are many programs all throughout the world that offer free or inexpensive solutions to drug addiction rehabilitation. Know your options and keep your convictions strong, have a positive attitude and you can succeed at any trial you may be faced with.