Best Sobriety Books: What You Should Be Reading Now

Best Sobriety Books: What You Should Be Reading Now

Reading can be great medicine and if you’re here, reading this post, we take it that you’re a fan of diving into a good book. Is there anything quite like coming across a book that you connect with so deeply that its power becomes transformative in your life?

There are a whole host of incredible books on sobriety out there that might do just that. Here are some of our recommendations:

Nonfiction Books 

These have a way of guiding our direction in sobriety:

The Big Book by Bill W.

Literally the manual for recovering from alcoholism, it was written by one of the founders of Alcoholics Anonymous, Bill W., in 1939. Not surprisingly this is one of the best-selling books of all time and Time Magazine has it on its list of 100 best/most influential books in English since 1923. Makes sense for a book that originated the 12-step method.

Drop the Rock by Bill P., Todd W. and Sara S.

Picking up from The Big Book, Drop the Rock dives deep into steps 6 and 7 of the twelve-steps:

    • Step 6: We’re entirely ready to have God remove all our defects of character.
  • Step 7: Humbly asked God to remove our shortcomings.

The idea of dropping the rock is to learn to part with the defects in our character that will eventually drown us if we don’t free ourselves from their weight.

Twenty-Four Hours A Day by Richmond Walker

Thoughts, meditations, and prayers are what this one is filled with and it’s been a beacon for recovering alcoholics the world over. It also has the Serenity Prayer, the 12 steps and the 12 traditions of Alcoholics Anonymous to round out a truly strong collection.

With over 9 million copies in print, it has clearly resonated with a lot of people. The beauty of this book is that it’s pocket-sized so it’s easy to bring along anywhere. If that’s not your cup of tea, you can always download the app.

Memoirs

Always nice to know what you’re going through is something someone has gone through before:

A Million Little Pieces by James Frey

Though some controversy surrounds this one and some of its details, the essence of the story is formidably moving. The harrowing experience James goes through in getting to the other side of rehab, from start to finish, is a gripping tale.

It was recently turned into a movie as well.

Dry By Augusten Burroughs

Perhaps best known for the book that preceded this one, Running with Scissors, Augusten Burroughs’s memoir on dealing with his alcoholism is a great read. Similar to A Million Little Pieces, in it he tells his tale of rehab and sobriety. The difference is that Burroughs suffuses his storytelling with light and humor so it’s not as dark.

The Unexpected Joy of Being Sober by Catherine Gray

The perception of getting sober to the drinker sounds like a whole lot of boredom. We’ve all heard someone utter that famous phrase, “you can have fun without alcohol” and wondered how. In actuality, our drinking is keeping us from finding joy in our real selves and as she notes, “I discovered that I was about a million times happier sober than I ever had been while drinking. As were the hundreds of sober pals I picked up along the way”.

Need Help With Addiction? All American Detox Is Here for You

If some of these recommendations don’t suit your fancy or pique your interest, don’t worry, the world of self-help and “quit lit” books is so rich and deep. With a little research, you’ll no doubt find something up your alley. We’re pretty voracious readers at All American Detox so feel free to call us and we tell you more of our faves.

Oxycodone Addiction Signs & Symptoms

oxycodone addiction signs

One pill turns into substance abuse which eventually metastasizes into a full-blown addiction.

It’s said that drug addiction isn’t something that appears overnight, that while it may feel that way it’s often a slower descent for both the user and the family and friends that surround them. With oxycodone, it actually is closer to overnight. Addiction to opioids happens unforgivingly fast however, there are nonetheless telltale signs that tell the story. 

It’s easy to be in denial about addiction, tempting to kind of ignore the little hints here and there as if they’re just not happening. Hoping your friend, son, daughter, parent, etc. is strong enough to get through.

That can be the kiss of death though and a gamble not worth taking, particularly with a drug as intensely addictive as oxycodone.

Paying attention and reacting to the many signs and symptoms of oxy abuse and addiction can be the difference between saving a life and planning a funeral.

What Is Oxycodone?

Oxycodone is an opioid meant to treat moderate to severe pain. In a word, it is powerful.

Like other opioids, Oxycodone does serve a very legitimate medical purpose. There’s a certain level of pain that just requires another level of medication to subdue. Pain from surgery or a serious injury and the agony of cancer are notable examples of when something like oxy is necessary.

The sad reality of drug addiction is that sometimes it stems from perfectly reasonable uses. The even sadder reality is that often other factors are at play. Opioids were routinely overprescribed for a handsome profit, though that has been getting better over the years, and promoted in marketing campaigns.

All of that led to the opioid epidemic that the United States are currently in the midst of and Oxycodone has played a large role.

Oxycodone Addiction Symptoms

Addiction to oxy comes with a broad swath of symptoms that run the gamut of physical, psychological and behavioral.

Physical Signs & Symptoms

  • Dilated pupils
  • Vomiting and nausea
  • Headaches
  • Drowsiness
  • Itchiness 
  • Muscle and body aches
  • Diarrhea
  • Shaking and tremors

Psychological Signs & Symptoms

  • Anxiety
  • Irritability
  • Fatigue
  • Mood swings
  • Emotional numbness
  • Depression
  • Withdrawn

Behavioral Signs & Symptoms

  • Lying about the dosage amount
  • Increasing the dosage amount as tolerance grows
  • Stealing to get money for oxy
  • Switching doctors to get more prescriptions
  • Forging prescriptions
  • Declining performance at work or school and generally disregarding responsibilities

What to Do If You Think Someone Shows Signs of Oxy Use

It’s a touchy subject, no doubt. The last thing people want is to be confronted and told they have a problem. Not only that, but the problem is so out of their control that you believe it requires outside help. It’s tough but starting a conversation is vital in getting them to move in the direction of beating this.

The key is to create the trust that you have their best interests in mind and respect that they have the autonomy to choose to get help.  It’s important not to attack, threaten or criticize, you’ll just bury them further into a black hole. There will be hurdles and pushback in those conversations, they’ll implore you to believe they have it under control. You’ve seen the signs though, so be persistent while maintaining compassion. 

In the main, the goal is to get them into treatment because kicking an addiction to something as potent as Oxycodone requires professional help. The detox and withdrawal from opioids like oxy is hard to go through, at All American Detox we know that hardship well and offer safe and effective medical detoxification to make the process easier and lower the chance of relapse.

If you think someone is showing signs of addiction, get in touch with us ASAP and we’ll talk through the next steps, what your possible options are and offer advice to get your loved one on the road to recovery.

Is Addiction a Choice or a Disease?

Is Addiction a Choice or a Disease?

Addiction; is it really a choice or a chronic brain disease as the medical community puts it? The old stereotype that individuals dealing with addiction brought it upon themselves and lack self control is still prevalent. Many people are yet to come to the terms with the fact that addiction is beyond choice. Researchers have found that drug addiction is a progressive disease – it begins early and advances gradually. Anyone is technically susceptible to addiction depending on their age, environmental and biological influences. Genetic risks also play a role in determining whether an individual can develop addiction. But before we go further, let’s first define addiction.

What Is Addiction?

Addiction is a complex brain disease that involves compulsive use of one or several substances despite them having serious health, social and mental consequences. The disease affects the standard functionality of the body and brain. Addiction significantly disrupts vast regions of the brain that are responsible for judging, learning, rewarding and memory. It also damages relationships, schools, families, neighborhoods and workplaces.

People with drug abuse disorders can be described as people dealing with drug addiction. Drug addiction is a strong compulsion to find and use drugs even though they come with a variety of undesirable properties and dangerous consequences. Drug addiction can also be defined as a chronic health disorder that impacts one’s brain and physical behavior. Illicit drugs, alcohol prescription drugs and even some over the counter medications can fuel addiction. That is to mean that we are all vulnerable to addiction.

How Substance Use Affects the Brain

We have already established that no one chooses to be an addict. You can choose to take a specific substance, but when addiction kicks in, the choice of whether you will take or not is not there. When a drug is taken, it releases various chemicals to the brain. Highly addictive drugs, when taken more than the required dose, which we refer to as drug abuse, release more chemicals to the brain and start affecting the normal functionality of the brain.

Brain systems such as memory, motivation and reward are usually the most affected. When such changes start to develop, the person may not feel normal without the drugs. The person may  experience an intense desire for the addictive substance and may continue using it despite its harmful consequences. These changes in the brain may remain for a long time even after the individual has started their addiction treatment.

People dealing with drug abuse disorders need more compassion and support like any other person with a mental illness as they are more vulnerable to environmental cues. Instead of pointing and blaming them, we should help them seek addiction treatment in order to recover and get back to their normal lives.

Signs of Addiction

Anyone can get addicted to drugs or alcohol. The addiction comes with both mental, social and physical symptoms. However, these symptoms differ depending on the individual and how long they have been on substance abuse.

Psychological Changes 

  • Loss of motivation 
  • Increased aggression, anger and irritability
  • Rapid mood changes
  • Hallucinations including hearing, smelling, feeling or tasting things that are actually not there
  • Bizarre thoughts

Physical Changes 

  • Changes in appearance especially hygiene
  • Red swollen eyes
  • Drastic weight gain or loss
  • Constricted or dilated pupils
  • Slurred speech

Social Changes

  • Sudden involvement in criminal activities 
  • Increased conflict with family members and other support systems
  • Spending more time alone or with a new group of friends
  • Secretiveness and lying
  • Sudden violent behavior
  • Using strange terms when speaking

Is Addiction a Chronic Disease or Choice?

When someone has a long-lasting condition that cannot be cured or controlled, we refer to the status as a chronic illness. Typically, chronic illnesses begin without showing symptoms and gradually develop into prolonged-lasting diseases. People dealing with addiction may use drugs or alcohol for a long time without experiencing symptoms. At this point, taking drugs is a choice.

However, as the drug intake progresses, the individual may start depending on drugs for survival, and that is when we say someone is addicted. It is also essential to understand that addiction is a chronic illness as it has a long term impact on the individual’s brain and body. It is the same reason why relapses happen, and drug rehabs have to use personalized treatment plans to restore the person’s normal behavior as well as sobriety.

What Treatment Options Are There for Addiction 

If you or your loved ones are abusing drugs and alcohol, it is never too late to get help. The most significant step towards addiction recovery is realizing the damage that the drugs are causing to your brain and how your behavior has impacted those surrounding you. If you have made up your mind to put a stop to addiction, then you must be willing to speak up about your struggles. There are many addiction rehabilitation centers with resources and environment to help make your healing process as natural as possible.

Depending on your age, the substance you have been using and how long you have been using it, you may need a personal treatment as different clients come with different symptoms and needs. However, most drug or alcohol clients need to undergo detoxification to flush out the drug toxins in the body. Detoxification is the first step in helping a client deal with cravings and prevent relapse. Medication may be required to help a client deal with withdrawal symptoms. A detox plan usually takes between 4 to 14 days, depending on the length of alcohol or drug abuse. From there, other treatment plans will take over including proper diet, counselling and exercises.

Let Us Help You

Now that you know how serious addiction is, it is time to seek help. At All American Detox, we offer different addiction treatment plans, including: Detoxification, residential inpatient, outpatient, and aftercare services. When you visit us for the first time, our expert doctors will check your medical history and also ask a few questions regarding your addiction journey. Next, we will create a treatment plan or routine to help you get back to sobriety and completely recover from a drug or alcohol addiction. Contact us and begin your drug-free journey!

How to Deal With the Emotions of Early Sobriety

How to Deal With the Emotions of Early Sobriety

Early sobriety can be one of the most challenging parts of addiction recovery. Learning how to live a sober life can be intimidating because it will be unfamiliar to you, but have no fear! Early sobriety is only temporary.  Learn here how to deal with emotions of early sobriety.

At All American Detox, we want to help prepare you for the challenges that come with early sobriety. With knowledge and awareness, we’re confident that you can navigate through these times safely and smoothly. 

Emotions You’ll Experience 

Your emotions are probably going to be a little difficult to control when you first enter recovery. Some people even develop an addiction because they feel like they need help handling their emotions. Drugs and alcohol have a numbing effect on emotions; when you’re high and inebriated, you aren’t aware of how you’re actually feeling. 

By bringing awareness to the fact that you will feel uncomfortable at times in early sobriety, you’ll be able to better handle your emotions. Most people in early recovery experience various emotions such as sadness, depression, anger, anxiety, and confusion at one point or another. This is all common. 

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Other Feelings to Expect

Knowing what to expect will help you deal with the challenges you may face in early sobriety. Regardless of the severity of your addiction, below are some common feelings recovering addicts experience:

  • Cravings:
    Also known as the urge to use drugs or alcohol. When your body is used to consuming drugs or alcohol, it will continue to want them when you stop taking them. A healthy distraction like going for a run or writing in a journal is a great way to fight off cravings. You can also confide in a sober companion that you’re experiencing cravings. Talking about it will help you get through it.
  • Heightened emotions:
    Now that you’re sober and in recovery, you are going to feel things again, like the emotions mentioned above. If you completed inpatient treatment, you can continue to use the tools you learned there in early recovery. If you haven’t completed an addiction treatment program, individual and group therapy are utilized to help addicts manage their emotions during life in recovery. Finding a local therapist or attending 12-step meetings are two great ways to help combat negative emotions.
  • Irritability:
    Also known as being cranky. You may not be in the best mood during early sobriety and a lot of that will be due to the fact that you don’t feel like yourself. It may seem daunting at first to have to refigure out who you are and what you like to do now that you’re sober and living in recovery, but it should also be exciting! Now that you’re no longer numbing yourself with drugs or alcohol, you can find joy in life again. You can use your irritability and uncomfortability to motivate you to find a hobby or a job you’re passionate about. 

How to deal with the emotions of early sobriety - All American

How to Overcome These Challenges

There are a few things you can do to overcome the challenges of life in sobriety. One suggestion we have is finding support in others. Attending a 12-step group or having a sober friend you can call at any time who understands what you’re going through will help immensely with all of the uncomfortable feelings and emotions. Setting goals and developing healthy coping skills are also important. When you actively try to achieve a goal, you have something to look forward to. It will also give you a sense of purpose. Feelings of loneliness and crankiness will diminish when you have self-worth and feel like you matter. Some healthy coping skills you can utilize are meditation, yoga, talk therapy, and exercise which will help you in How to Deal With the Emotions of Early Sobriety.

Get Help At All American Detox

At All American Detox, we offer residential inpatient treatment in Woodland Hills, CA. Our services include a variety of addiction treatments, including detox, inpatient programs, outpatient programs, and aftercare rehab services. We work hard to help you get sober and maintain sobriety. One way we do this is by emphasizing the challenges you may face in early sobriety. Call now: (844) 570-1301 learn more about how you can get sober with our help at All American Detox. 

Medical Detox: What to Expect During Detox

rehab center in woodland hills

The first stage of most addiction treatment plans is detox. This is where you actually break your body’s physical reliance on drugs and/or alcohol and allow yourself to go through withdrawal. Because physical dependency plays such a big role in drug abuse, detox is crucial to moving forward and entering recovery. The medical detox process is not necessarily an easy one, but it can be done when the right steps are taken.

It all starts with having professional help at your side. While it may be tempting for some people to just quit cold turkey or to try detoxing in the comfort of their home, both of these can actually be quite dangerous (much less ineffective). It is important to be monitored by professionals who will help ease you off the substance as smoothly as possible. This is where medical detox comes in. 

All American Detox Center Can Help!

At All American Detox, we believe everyone can recover from addiction when given the right treatment and coping tools. Our state-of-the-art facility in Woodland Hills, California offers a variety of programs to suit different needs, including drug detox, residential inpatient treatment, and outpatient treatment.

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We also offer ongoing aftercare services to help you maintain sobriety long into the future. When you’re ready to take back control from drug abuse and gain the healthy life you deserve.

What Is Medical Detox? 

Medical detox is the clearance of toxic addictive substances from the body under the guidance of a team of licensed medical professionals. Unlike traditional medical detox, which involves cutting the addicted person off from all substances (including standard medication), medical detox acknowledges the dangers of forcing the body to just up and cut off the substance. Trained medical staff members supervise the patient and even administer medication as needed.

Furthermore, any form of detox results in withdrawal symptoms, but more severe symptoms can occur when patients do not have medical intervention. Withdrawal symptoms here can be more than unpleasant — in some cases, the body can even go into shock or cardiac arrest. Medical detox can stop this from happening by easing symptoms more gradually through medication. Naturally, it’s also worth noting that having trained medical staff members on hand can instantly intervene if there are any dangerous physical reactions. 

Who Is Medical Detox Recommended For?

Almost anyone who engages in heavy drug abuse and has a strong physical addiction is a candidate for medical detox. With that said, certain kinds of addictions may benefit more than others:

People using any of the following drugs may need medically managed/supervised detox:

  • Alcohol – Alcohol withdrawal symptoms can be extreme, and they have been known to be life-threatening in certain cases of long-term heavy use (singer Amy Winehouse is a famous case of a person passing away from alcohol withdrawal).  There are several Benefits of Medical Detox for Alcohol Withdrawal
  • Benzodiazepines – Benzodiazepines (often seen in the form of Xanax or valium) can result in life-threatening withdrawal symptoms if use is suddenly cut off. It is strongly recommended that people with these kinds of addictions never attempt to detox on their own without medical supervision.
  • Heroin and opiate prescription pills – Opiate withdrawal is usually not life-threatening, but symptoms can be painful and extremely uncomfortable.
  • Cocaine – Detoxification from cocaine can result in extreme mood swings and may even lead to violent tendencies.
  • Methamphetamine – Similar to cocaine withdrawal, detoxification from other stimulants like methamphetamine can lead to mood imbalances that are challenging to manage without medical intervention. 

What to Expect During Medical Detox?

The process of detoxification can begin soon after you check-in for your addiction treatment program. You will receive a standard examination from a medical professional who will take your vitals and go over your health history. Depending on the kind of drug abuse and the severity of the addiction, your body will naturally start to exhibit withdrawal symptoms within several hours (though again, the exact amount of time will vary from patient to patient and depends on the addiction). 

medical detox

Withdrawal symptoms can include the following:

  • Sweating
  • Fever / flu-like symptoms
  • Headaches
  • Muscle pains
  • Gastrointestinal issues
  • Insomnia/difficulty sleeping
  • Eye irritation
  • Confusion / disorientation
  • Anxiety/depression

The drug detox center California team will supervise you throughout the process and work to keep you safe and as comfortable as possible. They will also administer medication to help manage your symptoms and keep your detox more gradual rather than abrupt. How long detox lasts will vary greatly between patients, but once it is over, you will be free to move forward into counseling and other important components of addiction recovery. 

How Medical Detoxification Leads to Long-Term Sobriety

The likelihood of relapse can be significantly lowered when medical detox is chosen. The body is allowed to move away from physical drug dependency more gradually, letting you gently ease into sobriety. Many patients leave medical detox feeling healthier and better with themselves physically than they have in months or even years, decreasing the urge to start using again. 

Another important component of medical detox is the hands-on help that surrounds it. Many people go into addiction treatment reluctant to rely on others for help. But the success of medical detox shows that the best results often come when accepting help from other people. This in turn allows patients to enter into counseling with greater positivity and receptiveness. 

You can also read:  5 Benefits of Medical Detox for Alcohol Withdrawal

 

What Things To Do in Los Angeles When You’re Sober

What To Do in Los Angeles When You’re Sober

The journey toward addiction recovery is a long road filled with numerous twists and turns and happens to be different for everyone. The ultimate goal of sobriety is less of a destination and more of an experience. At All American Detox, we’re here to tell you Los Angeles is a great city to seek addiction treatment in, and even a better city to live in afterward. The LA community has a lot to offer for a post-treatment life. Let’s read below about What to do in Los Angeles when you are sober?

At All American Detox, we are a caring drug & alcohol treatment service located in the beautiful setting of Woodland Hills, CA. We offer drug alcohol detoxification, residential inpatient treatment for drug abuse and addiction.

Sobriety in Los Angeles

Los Angeles is one of the biggest cities in the country. Second in population only to New York City, you can find your niche on the West Coast. With a massive community composed of all different kinds of people, you’ll have the opportunity to start fresh here sobriety in Los Angeles. You can make new friends in sobriety and find support groups that will help you maintain your sobriety and enjoy your life ahead.

Why You Should Get Sober in Los Angeles

what to do in los angeles when you are sober

There are a number of benefits that come with getting sober in Los Angeles. Some of the biggest benefits include:

  • Distance:
    Distance is an important part of the recovery process. When people seek addiction treatment, they naturally look close to home at first. This is because people are afraid of change and like familiar settings; however, when it comes to addiction recovery, distance is exactly what people need. They need to separate themselves from the environment that led to addiction. By traveling to LA, people can do exactly that.
  • Weather:
    While it is often overlooked, the weather is one of the most important factors in the recovery process. When someone is trying to focus on themselves, the other stressors need to fall by the wayside. Without extreme cold or heat, people are likely going to feel comfortable in LA. This makes it easier to focus on the recovery process.
  • Professionals:
    Finally, Los Angeles is home to some of the country’s leading professionals in the world of addiction and mental health. Addiction can impact anyone, including celebrities. This has led to a burgeoning community that can use both modern therapies and innovative treatment methods to help people recover.

Sober Things To Do in Los Angeles

Los Angeles is the perfect place to enjoy your new sober life. Some fun activities that don’t involve drugs or alcohol are:

  • Hiking:
    Los Angeles is home to some of the country’s most beautiful scenery. There is an endless expanse of hiking trails for those who love the outdoors. Because the weather is so beautiful and ranged from about 60-80 degrees Fahrenheit, these trails are accessible during the entire year.
  • Tourism:
    Tourism is one of the biggest industries in Los Angeles and there is plenty for people to see. Between Hollywood, Dodger Stadium, Disneyland, Universal Studios, Griffith Observatory, and all of the beaches, you’ll have plenty of things to do in Los Angeles when you are sober.
  • Focus on wellness:
    LA definitely focuses on wellness. There is plenty of organic grocery stores, yoga and meditation studios, gyms, and vegan restaurants. A big part of sobriety is taking care of your health so you can feel your best. LA makes it very easy to be healthy. So these are the things to do in Los Angeles when you are sober and also want to stay sober in your life ahead.

Let All American Detox Center Help You!

All American Detox is a detox center in California. our comprehensive program is created to work with people who are recovering from addiction from start to finish. Our program blends traditional treatment techniques with modern therapies and we tailor our treatments to meet the individual needs of our clients. Call us today to learn more about our addiction and substance abuse treatment programs!