Author Archives: 11661015

Motivational Thoughts to Get You Through Your Recovery

3If you are struggling with pain, overcoming addiction can be an incredibly tough road. The good news is there are pain management clinics in Pinellas Park that can assist you on your journey. Having the right attitude and outlook is also an extremely important part of recovery, and the following motivational thoughts can help.

Take It One Day at a Time

Just as the journey of a thousand miles begins with one step, the road to recovery begins with one day. Contemplating years, months, or even just weeks without pain may seem like staring down an impossible goal. However, taking recovery one day, or even just one moment at a time is a doable. Remember, you’ll always be recovering.

Your Greatest Struggles Become Your Greatest Strengths

Muscles become stronger when you use them. Our character and personal strength are the same way. No one ever got stronger from an easy life. What you are going through now will help shape you into the stronger person you want to be.

We Are What We Think

This wisdom from Buddha applies to everyone but is particularly true if you’re battling addiction. Thoughts become action and action affects your life and those around you. If you think can’t do something, then you can’t. However, the flip side is also true that if you think you can do something, you can. Tell yourself, “I can do this!” Keep telling yourself that and it will be true.

Talk to Yourself Like You Talk to Your Best Friend

On the topic of self-talk, think about the things you tell yourself. Do you belittle and berate yourself? Now imagine your best friend is in your position. Would you say the same things to your friend that you say to yourself? Hopefully not. Become your own best friend and start being kind to yourself. It will help as you recover.

 

As with anything, just remember that this, too, shall pass. You will make it.

What Does Drug Addiction Look Like?

2When you think of drug addiction in St. Petersburg, what comes to mind? Back alleys and shady characters? Maybe even gang members or homeless people? It might surprise you to know that drug addiction is something that virtually anyone at any socioeconomic level can suffer from. Drug addiction doesn’t just look like what you’ve seen on TV and in movies; it looks like a soccer mom, a college student, your next door neighbor, and your best friend.

Drug addiction often hides in plain sight, because it’s the last thing you expect to see. The good news is if you know what to look for, you can spot drug addiction and get your friend or family member the help they need. Here’s what to look for:

Changes in Physical Appearance

Bloodshot eyes, pupils that are larger or smaller than usual, sudden weight loss or weight gain, and changes in appetite and sleep patterns are all warning signs. Additionally, a deterioration of grooming habits and appearance as well as unusual smells on the breath, body, or clothing are also indications that something is wrong.

Difficulties at Work or School

People struggling with addiction may be able to function at work or school for a time, but eventually their addiction will make performing at school or work difficult, if not impossible. Problems at work or school in conjunction with physical indications often point to addiction.

Money Problems

Drug addiction is expensive. Someone who develops sudden money issues for no apparent reason may be struggling to pay for their habit. If a friend or family member asks to borrow money on a regular basis that may be an indication of an addiction.

While it’s a good idea to remember that all of these indications may have explanations other than addiction, it’s also important to make sure that if you see any of the above, you help your friend or family member get the help they need.

What Does Alcohol Abuse Look Like?

1Like drug abuse, alcohol abuse is not always obvious at first. While the word, “alcoholic” generally conjures images of sloppy drunks at a bar or someone passed out at a party, many times someone dealing with alcohol addiction looks like anyone else is able to appearing functioning for a while. Eventually though you will notice something is wrong. The following are common signs of alcohol abuse and are definitely a cause for concern:

A High Tolerance for Alcohol

Over time, someone who drinks heavily will develop a “tolerance” for alcohol. In other words, it takes more alcohol for that person to feel the same level of intoxication. If you’re at a party or social event and you see someone drinking far more than anyone else, that could be an indication of high tolerance.

Someone Who Has At Least 4 or 5 Drinks a Day

A glass of wine with dinner isn’t a cause for concern but drinking every day of the week is. Five drinks in a day is considered binge drinking and a problem, as is anything over 15 drinks a week for a man and 12 drinks a week for a woman.

Neglect of Obligations, Including Parenting

Some signs of alcohol abuse are obvious, such as morning drinking and frequent blackouts. However, others are more subtle. Often an alcoholic can rationalize their problem by insisting they never drink before 5 p.m. or they never seem to feel intoxicated. However, alcohol abuse can cause people to become neglectful of their relationships and responsibilities, especially with their children. If you see a family member or loved one spending more time drinking than doing anything else, there’s definitely a problem and you should step in and help, if possible.

Keep in mind that alcohol abuse isn’t always obvious. Look for the above signs and if you think you know someone in need of help, alcohol abuse treatment in Pinellas Park is available.

Motivational Thoughts to Get You Through Your Recovery

1

If you are struggling with pain, overcoming addiction can be an incredibly tough road. The good news is there are pain management clinics in Pinellas Park that can assist you on your journey. Having the right attitude and outlook is also an extremely important part of recovery, and the following motivational thoughts can help.

Take It One Day at a Time

Just as the journey of a thousand miles begins with one step, the road to recovery begins with one day. Contemplating years, months, or even just weeks without pain may seem like staring down an impossible goal. However, taking recovery one day, or even just one moment at a time is a doable. Remember, you’ll always be recovering.

Your Greatest Struggles Become Your Greatest Strengths

Muscles become stronger when you use them. Our character and personal strength are the same way. No one ever got stronger from an easy life. What you are going through now will help shape you into the stronger person you want to be.

We Are What We Think

This wisdom from Buddha applies to everyone but is particularly true if you’re battling addiction. Thoughts become action and action affects your life and those around you. If you think can’t do something, then you can’t. However, the flip side is also true that if you think you can do something, you can. Tell yourself, “I can do this!” Keep telling yourself that and it will be true.

Talk to Yourself Like You Talk to Your Best Friend

On the topic of self-talk, think about the things you tell yourself. Do you belittle and berate yourself? Now imagine your best friend is in your position. Would you say the same things to your friend that you say to yourself? Hopefully not. Become your own best friend and start being kind to yourself. It will help as you recover.

As with anything, just remember that this, too, shall pass. You will make it.

How to Tell If You May Be Suffering an Addiction

 

1

Addiction is often something you think will never happen to you but the fact is that it can happen to anyone regardless of age, gender, or socioeconomic status. If you think you may have a problem, addiction recovery in St. Petersburg can be a tremendous help. If you’re not sure whether or not you have an addiction, read on to see if the following sounds familiar:

1. You Feel Guilty About the Drugs You’re Taking

If you’re taking a prescription drug for a particular condition, for example, blood pressure medication, there’s obviously no reason to feel guilty or defensive about it. However, if you’re taking pain-relieving drugs and feel guilty or ashamed before doing so, there’s probably a reason why.

2. Your Performance at School or Work Is Suffering

Any time a doctor prescribes drugs, it’s in an effort to improve your health and well-being. If a drug you’re taking is having an adverse effect on your ability to attend school or complete work, yet you feel compelled to continue taking it, you may have an addiction.

3. You’ve Tried to Cut Back or Stop But Can’t

If reducing the amount of drugs you are taking or stopping altogether makes you feel sick, you are most likely experiencing withdrawal symptoms. If you are not only physically unable to stop taking a drug but also psychologically unable to do so, that is a clear sign to seek help.

4. You Feel Like It’s Impossible to Live Without Drugs

When struggling with addiction, it’s easy to forget that at one time, you lived successfully without drugs. If the thought of running out of a particular drug terrifies you or if you’ve done things you normally wouldn’t (such as stealing or lying) to get more of a drug, there is definitely a problem.

If any of the above applies to you, you may be struggling with addiction. The good news is that help is available and you don’t have to be alone as you seek assistance in quitting.

Asking for Help in Your Recovery

 

1

 

Admitting that you’re facing an addiction is the very first step in your recovery and if you’re reading this, you’re in the right place. Congratulations! You’re on your way there. When it comes to drug and alcohol dependence, reaching out for help is perhaps the hardest challenge, especially if you’re not quite sure where to turn. If you’re hesitant to reach out to somebody you trust, consider these vital components:

Asking for Help Shows No Sign of Weakness

On the contrary, asking for help shows that you’re stronger than you realize and that you’re brave enough to take on recovery.

There’s No Reason to be Embarrassed
Many times, we avoid asking for help because we’re too ashamed to ask. Don’t be! Reaching out for help shows just how strong you are, and if you’re asking somebody you trust, chances are, they won’t pass any judgments whatsoever.

Now is Always the Right Time
You may feel that you’re too far along in your dependency and that there’s nothing to be done. No matter how far along in your addiction you may be – whether it’s a newly rooted dependency or has been in effect for years, there’s always hope and there is also help to be offered.

Fear is common in recovery, especially in the very beginning phases. Keep these vital thoughts in mind as you begin to consider reaching out for help!

 

Should You Intervene?

1

Does alcohol play a vital part in the daily life of your loved one? Distinguishing a line between occasional healthy recreation and an unhealthy habit can be a challenge. However, there are some very clear signs that their once healthy intake is turning into an unhealthy addiction. If you’re unsure of whether or not your loved one may be suffering with an alcohol addiction ask yourself these questions:

  • Are their daily social habits changing? Are they becoming more and more withdrawn?
  • Are usual interests and hobbies being put on the back-burner?
  • Do they seem unable to manage daily responsibilities that they once managed with ease?
  • Is their drinking having a negative effect on their relationships, including with relatives, friends, or their spouse?
  • Do they continue to drink despite the fact that they may have been put into a dangerous situation in the past as a result of drinking?
  • Are they facing legal issues as a result of their drinking, such as public intoxication, driving while under the influence, or for being involved in physical or verbal fights?
  • Are they spending more money on drinks than they previously had?

If you answered yes to one or more of these questions, your loved one may be in need of the help. Pain management clinics can assist in the acknowledgement and the resolution of your loved one’s addiction!

What to Expect During Your Treatment

1

When making that first step and deciding that you need treatment, your mind floods with a variety of thoughts about how treatment will be. There are many expectations, fears, and maybe even some hesitation.  Having some insight into what exactly is entailed in recovery can help to keep your doubts at bay. While every recovery is different, let us alleviate some of those thoughts to give you some advice on what you can expect in treatment. After all, at our Largo drug addiction treatment center, we want to ensure you comfort and the best treatment for your addiction!

Your progress begins with heading in with a positive mindset, which might be the hardest part. You have to have the right mentality in order to go through any treatment process. In treatment, you will be offered a number of services that will be personally targeted for you and your treatment. The first steps will be the evaluation process in order to start you off on the right track.

In addition to mentally being prepared and undergoing a personalized evaluation, our Largo drug addiction treatment will go through a medically assisted detoxification. This process will depend on the individual and his or her specific circumstances. However, these steps are essential to begin a clean and healthy lifestyle.

The first few steps of treatment are always the hardest, but think of what you will gain! Throughout your entire recovery process, staff members, doctors, and therapists will be available to help.

How to Support Your Loved One’s Addiction Recovery

Encouragement from family members and close friends is one of the primary factors that make many addicts decide to finally seek treatment. Whether your loved one is struggling with alcoholism or addiction to opiates or other drugs, it’s important that support them throughout the treatment process.

Speaking to a Loved One About Their Substance Abuse Problem

If you think a loved one has a problem with alcohol or drugs, express your concerns without passing judgment. Avoid bring religion or philosophy into the discussion. Instead, talk to your loved one about how his or her addiction hurts you and others they care about.

If you choose to stage an intervention, make sure you have plans in place to transport the addict directly to a rehab facility if he or she agrees to treatment. You may want to involve a professional interventionist, or call our St. Petersburg opiate addiction treatment facility for advice on staging an intervention and getting your loved one into a rehab center.

Once Your Loved One Is in Treatment

Once your loved one has entered treatment, comply with the rules of his or her program. Your loved one may not be allowed any contact with family members or friends outside of a residential facility. However, many residential facilities strive to get families involved in the recovery process. Attend family counseling sessions and educational meetings whenever possible.

Educate yourself about St. Petersburg opiate addiction and recovery while your loved one is in treatment. You’ll learn more about what your loved one is going through and what you can expect once their St. Petersburg opiate addiction treatment ends. You’ll also find out how to best support your loved one in the vulnerable weeks and months of early recovery, when the risk of relapse is highest.

Your loved one’s addiction will have affected your entire family’s dynamic. It may be beneficial for your family to seek group and individual therapy separately from the addict to heal from the damage done by addiction.

Twelve-step meetings are beneficial for recovering addicts, but these meetings exist for the benefit of loved ones, too. Attending Al-Anon or Nar-Anon meetings can help you get support from others who understand what you’re going through, so your entire family can recover together.

Contact Us

If you or a loved one needs help with their drug addiction, please call Recovery Resources of Florida at 855-443-0213 or fill out our contact form.

Finding a Treatment Center Fit For You

1

There’s no denying that pain management is a stressful process! Finding a great treatment center, fitting for your needs, is one way to make the process as painless and as quick as possible. Unfortunately, it can be a challenge to find just the treatment center for you, but there are some things to consider, making the search a bit easier.

Location: When looking for pain management, the first thing to consider is location. Location is imperative because everyone is at a different step in his or her recovery. Perhaps you would benefit from leaving your hometown and starting off completely fresh. Or, perhaps the thought of leaving familiarity produces great anxiety. In that case, you would want to look for a center that is close to where you are currently living.  Having the courage to go face your addiction is amazing and you deserve to feel as comfortable as possible!

Services: Another factor to consider is what type of services are offered. Many treatment centers offer similar services such as outpatient programs, family counseling, evaluations, and chronic pain management. Consider what you most need out of your recovery and look for centers that offer those kinds of services. Consider writing a list of everything you want to accomplish with treatment and find a center that will offer the best resources to do that.

Keeping these factors in mind will ensure that you find a treatment center perfectly suited for your needs!