Christian-Based Alcohol Abuse Treatment Vs Traditional 12-Step Programs

Christian-Based Alcohol Abuse Treatment Vs Traditional 12-Step Programs

Alcoholism and drug addiction can afflict anyone. It knows no discrimination when it comes to age, gender, social status, or location. Most people have experienced it in some form or another, whether directly going through treatment on their own or by helping someone else deal with their own indiscretion. For the devout Christian, though, this can be a very difficult process because it can often feel a bit like failing to live in God's word. However, it is important to remember that mortals are fallible and can receive God's forgiveness by making things right. For the Christian dealing with alcoholism, though, getting Christian-based alcohol abuse treatment can be very effective.

Christian-based alcohol abuse treatment works, first of all, because addiction is often considered a spiritual disease. Regardless of the program, it is very common for counselors to describe that addiction is a deficiency of spirit or a lack of soul. This seems to be something that many people who deal with addiction can relate to. The process of recovery is indeed a spiritual awakening of sorts, helping people to find a spiritual base where they can lay their personal problems and shortcomings. As the old adage goes, everyone has their cross to bear, but in a Christian recovery program, Jesus becomes the bearer, allowing a patient to be fully filled with the Holy Spirit.

It is very easy for alcohol abuse treatment in the Christian vein to follow this spiritual program because the original 12 step program, Alcoholics Anonymous, is based in the understanding that faith is the key to successful recovery. In fact, the main principle to success in AA is found in the second of the twelve steps, which states that "only a Power greater than ourselves will restore us to sanity." Indeed, this concept of faith is what allows alcoholics and addicts to continue progressing through the steps on their way to full recovery.

While the 12 step program is indeed very well suited for Christian-based alcohol abuse treatment, many treatment centers utilize every treatment method that is at their disposal. While all of their patients may have religion in common, though, not all of them will respond equally to 12 step programs. There are several other disciplines that can be implemented along with or in place of the traditional 12 step program, which equips counselors and practitioners with as many tools as possible to help everyone who walks through their days to the best of their ability.

Christian-based alcohol abuse treatment is not only appropriate for people who follow the Western religion, but for people of many different persuasions. Indeed, classes and counseling can cater to patients of any religion or to those who have no religious affiliation at all. Addiction happens to people of all races, creeds, and familial background. It does not discriminate against gender or age or religious affiliation, and neither does recovery, so why should a good recovery program discriminateall The truth is, it doesn't have to if it is done the right way.   

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Alcoholism Addiction Treatment

Alcoholism Addiction Treatment

Finding the Best Treatment Options

You have reached the point that you have determined that you need some sort of alcoholism addiction treatment.  However, although you may have seen a great deal about alcoholism on television and in the movies, you may not really know what your options are when it comes to alcoholism addiction treatment in your own life.  There really are a number different approaches to alcoholism addiction treatment.  Nonetheless, most of the approaches to alcoholism addiction treatment are based two primary types of alcoholism addiction treatment that have become accepted by treatment professionals the world over.

*    There is the 12-step alcoholism addiction treatment regimen.

*    There is what commonly now is known as the rational recovery alcoholism addiction treatment program.

12-Step Alcoholism Addiction Treatment Options Overview:

The 12-step approach to alcoholism addiction treatment has gained favor around the world over the course of the past few generations.  The fundamental underpinning of this approach to alcoholism addiction treatment is that as individual is powerless over alcoholism, that alcoholism is a disease.

The disease of alcoholism can be managed by undertaking the 12-step process of Alcoholics Anonymous that is incorporated into inpatient and outpatient alcoholism addiction treatment programs alike in this day and age.

Rational Recovery Alcoholism Addiction Treatment Options:

Over the course of the last decade and a half, what many consider a new school of alcoholism addiction treatment has started to gain wider acceptance in some sectors.  This treatment plan commonly is called "Rational Recovery."

In Rational Recovery, the concept that a person is powerless of alcoholism is rejected.   The idea that alcoholism is a disease over which a person has no control is also called into question.  Through the general philosophy of Rational Recovery, a person who "has alcoholism" is thought to be able to overcome his or her alcoholism be retraining the way he or she thinks.  By invoking rational thought to his or her alcohol use and abuse the individual is said to be able to bring an end to his or her alcohol abuse and is then able to restore a sense of order to his or her life.   

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Alcohol Abuse Treatment Center - Factors You Must Consider Before Checking Into One

Alcohol Abuse Treatment Center

Registering with an alcohol abuse treatment center must not be the first choice for someone experiencing alcoholism. Not at all, it must be the last option. This indicate that every drinker should have taken some primary steps to relinquish. It is when he or she is not successful that attending a treatment center should be taken into consideration. Initial steps like obtaining a tough cravings to renounce, getting rid of every alcoholic drink and contacts around you are necessary to wining the confrontation against booze. It is when these are not adequate that you should request external support in a treatment center.

Though it is excellent news that there are lots of alcohol abuse treatment centers out there for you to take from, there is still need for you to be very vigilant. The rationale is because not all the centers out there are fine for you. There are several factors you need to take into account while in search of a fine and reliable center. There are many spots you can inspect when seeking for one. Yellow pages, the mass media and the web are fine locations to inspect.

One of the several reasons that have to be taken into consideration when seeking for a excellent and dependable alcohol abuse treatment center is duration. A lot of individuals frequently overlook this all principal thing. The reason majority of alcoholics frequently have a relapse is because they did not expend an adequate amount of time in the center. They went for short term treatment. The fact is that you need no less than 6 months or more to be able to deal with the problem of alcoholism. This interval presents you the chance to not only relinquish the menace; it also offers you the opportunity to adjust to your new way of life under the close supervision of experts in the treatment center.

Another thing you must take into account is gender. A few centers are excellent at treating male addicts than female alcohol addicts and vice-versa. Besides, a number of centers are age specific. While some of them are fine at assisting youngsters refrain from alcohol, majority of others are excellent at helping older human beings overcome their alcohol addiction. So, you must look for a center that can truly deal with your requirements.

Location is one feature that should not be left out when in search of an alcohol abuse treatment center. You should make sure that the center is to be found in big acres of land and far-off from the hustling and bustling of the city life. It suppose to be a peaceful location that will let you take in hand the problem sufficiently. Despite the fact that some of them are very pricey, you should not allow this to dishearten you. If you rummage around well, you will encounter a number of reasonably priced centers that do not compromise quality.           

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Alcohol Abuse Treatment - A Nutritious Diet to Heal

Alcohol Abuse Treatment - A Nutritious Diet to Heal

Alcohol acts on the brain giving a relaxed feeling and induces a person to go in for more. If a man is in control and limits himself all is fine. Things begin to go wrong when he drinks more and more and then goes out of orbit. Turning into a chronic alcoholic is no fun for a person and certainly not for those around him. An alcoholic gets into such a state that he neglects everything, depending on alcohol to survive. Alcohol gives a feeling of fullness due to the empty calories it contains and this kills appetite. It is not surprising that an alcoholic is malnourished and emaciated.

One of the first things that is done when he is admitted to an alcohol abuse treatment center is to detox him and give him a nutritious diet based on fruits and vegetables which flush out toxins and revitalize tissues and organs. Detox is important and a nutritious diet is just as important to bring about a healing of the body and mind because food also affects mood, chocolate being a well known mood improver. An alcoholic is given food which is rich in amino acids, vitamins(especially B complex group), calcium and phosphorus which is necessary for efficient brain functioning. Amino acids are found in proteins and amino acids like tyrosine, tryptophan are responsible for production of dopamine and serotonin the feel good neurotransmitters. Since an alcohol neglects nutritious food there is a deficiency of these vital amino acids and this also increases his craving. A diet rich in proteins like turkey meat, bananas and milk reduce cravings.

Citrus fruits are known to cleanse the system and revitalize the body organs. So a morning breakfast of fruit juice is a must. As far as possible a recovering addict is kept away from caffeine, bread, butter and such foods which are heavy to digest.

Fruits and vegetables contain nutrients and vitamins in a form which is easily assimilated by the body. They also contain fiber which is essential to clean the colon. So a patient may take in plenty of fruits, vegetables and nuts to get his daily requirement of all essential elements.

During detox a person may either choose fruit and vegetable diet or he may go in for nature cure way in which he is given only fruit juices and boiled extracts of vegetables and herbs which are known cleansing agents which also revitalize the body and mind at the same time. Then he graduates to solid food, again based on vegetables, grains, pulses and fruits.

A typical recovery diet will have 25% protein, 45% carbohydrate, 30% fats. Milk products are specially recommended since they contain a high percentage of proteins and calcium along with other vitamins and minerals. In fact a recovering person would be better off with eating plenty of yogurt. If necessary a doctor may prescribe vitamins and mineral supplements.

A person who is recovering is given plenty of food -3 snacks, 3 meals - at regular intervals, coupled with physical exercise. Heavy to digest foods like red meats and fried stuff are a No-No.

Benefits of such a wholesome diet can be observed in as little as 15 days. This diet is not something that is restricted for alcohol recovery, it can be made a lifestyle for healthy living and thinking.       

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Addiction Treatment Services - Short Term Expense For Long Term Benefit

Addiction Treatment Services - Short Term Expense For Long Term Benefit

Inpatient or outpatientall That one simple question determines the amount of money that is spent on addiction treatment. Inpatient programs cost more. Doctors believe, and research backs them, that an inpatient program is much more likely to be successful. The cost of inpatient can range to $40,000. The average cost of treatment estimated by the National Substance Abuse Treatment Services Survey (N-SATSS) is a mere $7,000 monthly. Inpatient programs regularly last more than a single month. Public funding pays a large part of all spending in the area of substance abuse treatment. Its estimated 80 percent of the money for these programs comes from the public treasury.

Regimentation is the largest benefit of inpatient programs. Patients are put through a program of detoxification. The withdrawal symptoms and associated discomfort is best managed within a hospital environment. The inability of the patient to quit when the detox gets tough is a major benefit for inpatient therapy. Medication can be used in the hospital environment to help patients through the withdrawal symptoms. Psychotherapy can help speed the process of understanding the addiction and triggers to use on the part of the patient.

Inpatient therapy stops the "leak in the system" that has been associated with outpatient programs. Getting the patient to stop using an addictive substance in an outpatient basis can be a large problem. Normal outpatient treatment includes social support, like the 12 step programs. Medication to reduce dependency and psychotherapy are also used in outpatient programs.

The length of treatment with an inpatient program can be 30 to 60 days of intense treatment. Research shows the recovery rate for a biophysical drug rehab program, a long way of describing inpatient detoxification, often is three times higher than most other drug addiction treatments.

Outpatient programs last typically from six to eight weeks, with regular long term follow up efforts to help the patient stay clean.

A Florida study shows the need for these addiction treatment services is growing. More drug related deaths occurred in Florida in 2007 from prescription drug abuse, than from the street drugs we normally associate with addictions. Over-the-counter drugs, like cough medicines, are becoming a problem also.

The benefits of living drug free, and the health and well being of the recovered addict, while expensive are worth the expense. The biggest problem is not the money. Its the number of hospital beds that are needed to help.           

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What Is SECAD ? (And Who Are NAATP, NAADAC, ASID, SATVA Professionals)?

What Is SECAD ?

SECAD is a conference that is spearheaded by NAADAC, known to be the Association for Addiction Professionals, as well as NAATP or the National Association of Addiction Treatment Providers. The program aims to provide the latest concepts when it comes to the intervention, prevention and treatment of several substance abuse disorders. Apart from that, it also aims at helping come up with facility design that can create an impact on a patient's healing process. Furthermore, SECAD is of great help especially in conceptualizing processes and solutions that can improve patient care.

Aside from the NAADAC and NAATP, there are two more organizations behind the success of each SECAD conference. These are the American Association of Interior Designers or ASID and the Software and Technology Vendors' Association or SATVA. These associations are of great help in the sessions were designs and technologies are being introduced.

More on the roles of NAADAC and NAATP professionals in substance abuse treatment

The NAATP is an association that aims to assist, enhance and promote the delivery of research-based and effective treatment for drug and alcohol addiction. The professionals behind this association deliver results to the public by way of increasing access to the treatments as well as working with other organizations with the same goals. The NAADAC, on the other hand, is an organization that works for the benefits of counselors who specialize in substance abuse treatment.

Who are usually invited to attend the SECADall

SECAD is open to treatment facility owners, administrators, attorneys, executives and managers as well as to counselors, pastors, therapists, social workers, educators and case managers. Psychologists, nurses, psychiatrists and physicians are also encouraged to attend the conference. Add to that, the SECAD also welcomes software and technology vendors, IT professionals, interior designers, contractors, architects and engineers.

The main objectives of SECAD

This is divided into three core concerns namely:

1. Prevention, treatment and intervention of substance abuse disorders. This includes integrating some forms of treatment for co-occurring substance abuse disorders. It also includes updates on ethics and confidentiality in the substance abuse profession. Furthermore, it involves updates on a series of treatment programs such as family programs and application of virtues. It also deals with sex addiction as well as eating disorders.

2. Technological solutions that help improve patient care. This includes application of information technology to achieve excellence within the organization. It also includes discussions on electronic exchange of information pertaining to health. Reports and record keeping, system integration and other business processes are also being tackled in this regard.

3. Facility design and how it affects patient care. SECAD also has the responsibility to present case studies and samples for facility design. Likewise, it also presents clinical implications of the new healthcare design. Other matters included in this part of the conference's core concern are: (a) impact of design on transitional healing; (b) effects of the environment on patient stress; (c) factors that may affect the expansion or renovation of facilities; and (d) sustainability's impact on healing.

SECAD always partners with NAADAC, NAATP, SATVA and ASID professionals to be able to come up with the yearly concerns of the agenda. Schedules of the conference may vary from time to time. To keep posted on the activities behind the conference, you may check via http://www.naatp.org/secad/.           

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Addiction Treatment Programs

Addiction Treatment Programs

It is believed that expanding access to treatment will help marginalized people both recover from addiction and develop the skills, resources and zeal to participate more fully in community life.

There are many paths to recovery from addiction. Some drug dependent people stop using on their own, others use religious activities or self-help groups. Others require treatment in one of the four general modalities described below. Treatment can include behavioral approaches, medications or, in many cases, both.

Outpatient Drug-Free Programs provide individual, group and family counseling. Patients served are typically dependent on cocaine and/or alcohol. Programs employ a wide variety of counseling styles. They appropriately use medication combined with behavioral therapies to maximize therapeutic response. These medication-based therapies include psychiatric treatment and outpatient detoxification.

Opioid Agonist Programs treat people dependent on heroin. They provide counseling and either methadone or Levo-Alpha Acetyl Methadol (LAAM), two medications that block the withdrawal, craving and euphoric effects of heroin.

Inpatient Rehabilitation Programs are designed for people dependent on alcohol or drugs. They may last several days to weeks and often use counseling techniques based on self-help programs. Medical and psychiatric screening may be available. Discharged patients are usually referred to outpatient programs and self-help groups.

Therapeutic Communities are long-term residential treatments for people who are unable to discontinue drug use through other treatments. Lasting six months or longer, they offer a highly structured program, which uses behavior modification and assigns increasingly responsible tasks to resocialize residents.

Drug addiction treatment is as effective as treatment for other chronic disorders. For example, a recent study demonstrated a reduction in alcohol and drug use (52% and 69%, respectively) one year after treatment. Another study showed a 64% reduction in arrests one year after treatment. Further, drug treatment prevents the spread of HIV. Patients enrolled in methadone maintenance were five times less likely to contract HIV than drug injecting people not in treatment.   

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Types of Addiction Treatment Programs

Types of Addiction Treatment Programs

 

 

 

Addiction treatment programs are the most effective solutions for individuals who have developed dependency on alcohol or drugs. There are different types of treatment programs based upon the severity of the problem as well as lifestyle circumstances of an addict. The primary target of these treatment programs is to eradicate dependency in drugs or alcohol and stop further abuse. Some of them though provide a rather short term help, aiming at breaking usage immediately, and is applied in severe cases where life threatening danger is obvious or present like overdoses and illnesses.

Outpatient Care

Outpatient programs offer individuals, groups and families counseling. Addicts served are usually dependent on drugs or alcohol. This programs use a wide range of counseling styles. They employ medication in conjunction with behavioral therapies to increase therapeutic response. This medication-based therapy encompasses psychiatric treatment as well as outpatient detoxification.

Inpatient Short Term Treatment Program

This type of program is quite different from other kinds of programs. Addicts who attend inpatient short-term treatment facilities are offered substance abuse treatment for one month. Usually this form of addiction treatment program is run by medical experts. The prime focus of this program is abstinence, medical stabilization, as well as lifestyle changes. Care at inpatient short term treatment offers an addict with a concentrated aid that is found in a 12 step approach.

Inpatient Long Term Treatment program

Care at this form of treatment is offered 24 hours a day. Addiction recovery in residential place comprises of counselors and other caregivers who are attending the program. This kind of program usually runs from a few months to one year or even longer. Residential care is done in a non-clinical setting which is also called therapeutic community. These kinds of addiction treatment programs might also include other aspects to their treatment plans such as social education.

12 Step Treatment

Although 12 step treatment programs are designed to assist addicts, most substance abusers find it very helpful as well. This type of program helps addicts break isolation and shows them that they aren't alone. The 12-step groups see addiction and substance abuse as the lifelong problem requiring a lifelong help. Individuals entering this program choose a sponsor who will assist them in their recovery process and work through the twelve steps of recovery at their own speed.

Psychotherapy

Physiotherapy is an element of virtually any drug abuse treatment. Although cognitive behavioral therapy is the recommended type of therapy, other kinds of therapy can effectively treat substance abuse. Psychotherapy assists individuals change their attitudes as well as behaviors and maximizes their coping techniques to deal with circumstances that triggers drug use. Psychotherapy can take place in a context of inpatient or outpatient treatment program. In less severe cases, it may consist of treatment on its own or with the 12-step program.

Addiction treatment is meant for individuals who are willing to come out of addiction. Therefore, finding the best program that will suit your needs is important, and is often the difference between the life saved and the life lost.   

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