5 Ways to Stay Sober During the Covid-19 Pandemic

5 Ways to Stay Sober During the Covid-19 Pandemic

For many, Covid-19 conjures up images of sleepless nights of Netflix binging, baren shelves of toilet paper, and routine headaches with the unemployment office––the quintessential lockdown experience. For those struggling with addiction and other mental health issues, sheltering in place has been especially hard.

As the world shut down, those who relied on their work and daily routines were suddenly unemployed and forced to shelter in place. To make matters worse, social distancing restrictions forced counseling programs online leaving thousands struggling to maintain their support systems at a time when feelings of isolation, anxiety, and depression were at an all-time high. You can take quick guidance by calling on our addiction recovery hotline number.

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So, what does the new normal look like for somebody in recovery?

Last year the conditions of quarantine had caused the rates of relapse to sharply rise. For those that relapsed during Covid-19, it is important not to lose heart. According to AddictionCenter.com “40% to 60% of people in recovery have at least one relapse before reaching sobriety” (Hudson 2020).

Fortunately, with vaccines widely available– the worst of the pandemic is behind us. According to the CDC, those that are vaccinated and have passed the two-week period can resume pre-pandemic activities without having to wear a mask or observe social distancing guidelines (2021). Mass vaccination will no doubt improve the quality of inpatient treatment and outpatient care programs and allow for the return of in-person counseling.

If you feel like Covid-19 is affecting your road to recovery here is what you can do about it:

5 Ways to Stay Sober During the Covid-19 Pandemic

1. Spend more time talking to friends. Even if it isn’t in person, supportive friendships are good for your mental health. A recent study published in Human Behavior and Emerging Technologies found that those who used mediated communication: such as phones, video calling, and texting to regularly keep in touch with friends reported a greater frequency of emotions associated with “satisfaction with life” and “wellness” (Brown &Greenfield, 2021)
onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/hbe2.246

2. Utilize online recovery resources. Even though Covid-19 has limited the availability of in-person resources, there are plenty of organizations offering assistance on the web.

  • 12 Step.org(informational and social resources including Online, face-to-face, and phone meetings) 12step.org/social
  • The Addiction Recovery Guide(Wealth of information about addiction and recovery) addictionrecoveryguide.org/resources/recovery
  • In the Rooms Global Recovery Community (Online and face to face meetings as well as blogs and articles) https://www.intherooms.com/home/category/community-and-meetings/
  • Narcotics Anonymous World Services. Video chat meetings, local meeting finder news and bulletins na.org
  • Never Alone Club (NA Chatroom Meetings and other recovery resources) neveraloneclub.org
  • Online Token Shop AA Meetings (hosts free online AA Meetings and seminars) (thetokenshop.com/Online_AA_Meetings)

3. Spend More Time Outdoors. Getting in touch with nature can be a great excuse to get out of the house as well as a great way to be around others while reducing exposure. According to an article by the American Psychological Association, a few hours of strolling through the park, or a modest hike can reduce anxiety, improve mood and lower the risk of mental disorders(2020). The article also mentions two studies: One which found that connectedness to nature led to feelings of an overall connectedness(Zelenski & Nisbet 2012) and another which suggests that “nature might help to buffer the effects of loneliness or social isolation(Cartwright et al., 2018)

4. Stay Occupied. Staying idle for long periods of time can be about addictive thoughts and urges. Activities such as reading, writing, working out, or engaging in a hobby can help puta troubled mind at ease. Planning daily activities that promote a healthy and sober lifestyle can make up for holes in your routine.

5. Know What Your Treatment Options Are. If you find yourself on a treatment plan, knowing what options are available to you can help you maintain your sobriety.

5 ways to stay sober during covid-19

Addiction Treatment Centers

An addiction treatment center or a rehabilitation facility is the first step on the road to recovery. As part of inpatient care, specialized medical staff administers a detox to cleanse the body of harmful substances. In the interest of preventing relapse, the patient is given around-the-clock medical care. Once the detox phase has been completed, clinical specialists design a treatment plan tailored to the needs of the individual. During their stay inpatients also benefit from daily on-site individual and group therapy.

Sober Living Programs.

For those that have found themselves in need of rehabilitation during the pandemic and are questioning what to do next, a sober living program can help ease the transition back into independent living.

There are Options for All Levels of Outpatient Care

A Sober Living Program takes place in a sober living facility. This is usually a Halfway House or a Sober Living House (SLH).

A Halfway Home benefits those who have completed a drug detox program, inpatient, or other kinds of outpatient rehabilitation but still need tools and guidance on their journey towards recovery. This option is a good choice for those who need treatment but are of moderate-income as it prices similarly to the monthly rent of a basic apartment.

Unlike Halfway Homes which limit residency to around 3-12 months, Sober Living Homes generally do not restrict the length of stay. It however is required that the resident stay sober and keep monthly payments on time

Detoxification: The Benefits And Why It’s So Important

What is Detoxification and it's importance - All American

You must know this, if you aim for recovery and sobriety from any form of addiction, the first step is detoxification. It involves the flushing out of drugs or alcohol from the physical body before moving towards counseling sessions, relapse prevention courses, continued education, and other social activities. Detoxification is a hard nut to crack! During detox, the individual is invariably trying to survive without drugs/alcohol. Also, this process demands physical and psychological pain endurance caused due to withdrawal. Let’s understand the importance of drug detoxification.

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Did you know about detoxification?

Who needs detox? What are the drug detox process and its side effects? Detox is most effective for individuals with addictions to heroin, alcohol, opioids, and benzodiazepines.

The withdrawal symptoms for detox include:

  • crippling anxiety

  • cold sweats

  • intense drug cravings

  • crawling skin

  • nausea

  • muscle spasms

  • goosebumps

  • vomiting

  • irrational thoughts

Planning on Detox in California? Can we look into the types of detox you could choose from?

You have three options for drug or alcohol detox:

  • Cold-turkey detox

  • Medically-supervised inpatient detox

  • Medically-supervised outpatient detox

Wanna know more about these detoxes? Here you go…

In a cold-turkey detox, the addicts typically attempt to detox at home independently without either proper medication or supervision from skilled medical professionals at the Alcohol detox center.

In a medically supervised inpatient detox, the addicts undergo detoxification by living in a staffed residential facility. Also known as residential treatment, in this medical intervention, you sleep, eat, and live on the residential campus even as you undergo detoxification and other interventions such as counseling sessions, and relapse prevention courses. Some good drug detox centers/alcohol detox centers offer highly customized, comprehensive, and holistic medical interventions for detoxification which include vitamin and supplement intake, drug therapy, and 24/7 supervision.

In a medically supervised outpatient detox, the addicts undergo detoxification and other medical interventions through customized and timely medical supervision of the skilled personnel at the drug detox center California. However, you don’t live on the campus. Instead, you are free to return to work or home upon completion of the treatment session.

Detoxification from drugs or alcohol comes with mild to acute mental and physical stressors. Hence, chances of quitting or relapse are higher with cold-turkey detox. We strongly advise you to undertake the detox under skilled medical assistance to ensure higher success rates. Especially for benzos detox prescription-pill detox or benzodiazepines detox, the chances of grand-mal seizure along with other fatal symptoms are higher when conducted without medical supervision. So pick up your phone and search for an Alcohol detox center near me and you will find plenty of options to choose from.

Detoxification - benefits and why its so important

Importance of Drug Detoxification:

Detox and Live Sober

You will agree that detox is not a cakewalk! Of course, detoxing puts you at the end of your comfort zone. You will crave more alcohol/drugs. You may want to give up. You may have muscle spasms and much more! But when you detox under medical supervision (inpatient/outpatient), even in your weakest moment, you have support from the medical staff that will boost your morale to recovery. Imagine living a life of long-term sobriety. Sober living is a happier living because you are no more craving for drugs/alcohol- you need not be stressed about an anxiety attack or muscle spasm! Detox is the first step to sobriety

Detox and Gain a Healthy Body

Trying to detox? The withdrawal symptoms and the desire to quit are given! But, hey, it is temporary! Detoxing will flush out all dangerous substances from your body. What you will be left with is a healthy body. Who better than a detox center to guide you in this process of transforming your body?

Detox and Boost Your Energy

Being under the influence of a drug/alcohol will surely give you an instant spike in energy and a pleasurable kick. This is so true about stimulants such as cocaine, crack, or amphetamines. But this energy is temporary and extremely dependent. The inability to get these drugs can make you go crazy, anxious, depressed, and whatnot! Instead, a medically supervised successful detox can help you stay energetic, independent, active, and cheerful through each day without depending on drugs or alcohol.

Detox and Boost Your Immune System

Being under the influence of drugs/alcohol can make you weak emotionally as well as physically. Detoxing via medical supervision is the first step to recovery from addiction. When the body has successfully cleansed the toxic addictive substances from the system, the immune system starts getting stronger by the day. Control over impulses and emotions also leads to better health of the immune system.

Detox and Have Healthy Relationships

Addiction can hamper you not just emotionally and physically, it can take a toll on your social life too. A known fact, addicts generally have strained relationships with their family, friends, and co-workers too. But, detoxing and sober living ensures a healthy social life. Sober living gradually prepares you for independent living, healthy relationships with family and friends, better work-life, and larger accountability for your own actions. Just imagine, detoxing can help you start afresh with your everyday activities such as participating in household chores, housekeeping, and socializing with friends and family!

Sign up for an alcohol/drug addiction detox program:

Detox is not a cakewalk! Detox is not impossible! Choose the right companion to help you detox. Choose All American Detox. You can reach out to us by clicking on this number +1-844-570-1301.

For Dual Diagnosis substance abuse and mental health see the Dual diagnosis treatment program: What you need to know. 

What is Addiction?

What is drug addiction?

Addiction is a complex condition. In the most basic terms, it is an overwhelming drive to use repeatedly use something in order to experience the desired result despite adverse consequences.

Symptoms of Addiction

Addiction leads to a physical, mental, and emotional reliance on that thing whether it be drugs, sex, gambling, food, porn, or any number of activities or substances.

It occurs at these three levels of mental, physical, and emotional because of the prolonged use or exposure which creates repeated results and a resulting dependence.

It begins with a pleasant effect when one engages in the behavior:

  • The mind goes calm
  • The body relaxes
  • Positive emotions are felt.

There is a release of dopamine and serotonin creating a euphoric effect. As a result of this pleasing experience, the user will repeat the behavior over and over to the point where the body and mind become accustomed to it.

Then, when not receiving this stimulation, the body and mind will struggle to perform even at a basic level. The same goes for emotions. A person will get used to having their emotions managed by using their addiction to the point where, when they don’t engage in the addictive behavior, their emotions feel overwhelming because they’ve gotten used to them being managed synthetically.

The distinction between an Addiction and a Dependency

Addiction implies that there are significant ramifications involved as it is a step above abuse or problematic behavior.

Although dependency does become present once an addiction is developed, a dependency can exist alone without an addiction. When someone develops a dependency on something it is typically in one isolated area of their lives, usually on something related to a physical aspect.

For example, someone can develop a dependency on opioid medication if they suffer from chronic pain, free from any real obsession, fixation, or improper use with it.

This isn’t the case with addiction. Addiction becomes an extreme mental battle and the individual craves and thinks about their fix almost constantly. Addictions move from a desire to a need. No longer is this engagement a mere preference or enjoyment, it’s an insatiable craving that cannot be released. Addiction is when you’ve made the shift from using something to enjoy yourself to needing something to sustain yourself.

How do we know if someone is falling into addiction?

There are many indicators to look out for when asking this difficult question.

When someone is experiencing addiction,

  • They begin to neglect various areas of their life in order to support their habit.
  • They may begin to drop obligations and responsibilities and their relationships will begin to suffer.

This is because, as stated earlier, addiction leads to extreme mental preoccupation and physical dependence. Therefore, nothing is more important than obtaining the fix for their addiction.

Warning signs of addiction include:

  • Change in one’s moods or behavior.
  • The person can become very irritable or exhibit mood swings.

When coming off of their fix, they may find it harder to function, concentrate, and to be patient and amenable towards others. Once they’ve re-engaged in the addictive behavior, they could become much more relaxed and seemingly present and focused. This is a very dangerous and exhausting cycle.

Another key component of addiction is that someone continues engaging in a behavior despite experiencing severe adverse effects of the substance use yet continuing to engage in the behavior regardless. This is when we would diagnose an addiction. Family, friends, and partners will begin to express concern regarding the change in behavior and possibly physically including weight gain/loss, poor hygiene, dull skin tone, and many other undesirable symptoms. 

Get Your Life Back

If you or someone you care about is showing any of these signs, it may be time to consult a professional team for an drug rehab center like All American Detox and seek treatment. You can reach out to us by calling our addiction recovery helpline number.  Resources for addiction treatment can be found at https://www.samhsa.gov/find-help/national-helpline.

Seek Recovery at a Calabasas Drug Rehab Center

seek recovery at calabasas drug rehab center

Recovery is a process. A journey.

It’s incremental daily change en route to what will feel like a miraculous, instant transformation when looking back. It’s changing the entire way in which you perceive and interact with the world.

Seeking recovery – and, crucially, accepting help – is about regaining control of your life. Changing the story and writing new chapters you can feel proud of.

But not everyone can get there on their own, and that’s ok, drug rehab centers Calabasas like All American Detox Center are here for that very reason. Addiction is an incredibly powerful disease and there’s no need to be a hero trying to fight it alone. The destination may be the same but the road you take to get there doesn’t have to be so rough and lonely.

What Is a Rehab Center?

In a nutshell, a  drug rehab center calabasas is a place you go to receive specialized treatment for substance use disorders.

They mainly vary in the scope of what they treat and the methods they utilize to achieve those results so it’s imperative to do your research before committing to one.

Nonetheless, the goals are the same; to get you clean and equip you with the tools to healthily deal with whatever life throws your way rather than resorting to drugs or alcohol to cope.

As far as scope, while addiction is a chronic brain disorder with some similar manifestations across all people, the substance you or a loved one is addicted to matters when seeking treatment. That’s because some treatment facilities will specialize in working with patients that are addicted to specific substances. Why? There are several reasons but think of it this way, perhaps it’s helpful for those in rehab to be surrounded by others who genuinely understand the exact thing they’re going through with respect to opioids, for example.

Some rehab centers will strictly adhere to more evidence-based methods. Generally, that means talk therapy in both group and individual settings where you work with trained addiction specialists, counselors, psychiatrists, and/or psychologists to dig deep into how you came to be addicted and work to change the thought patterns associated with that. The most well-researched type of psychotherapy is known as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and given its reputation as being the gold standard, many rehabs utilize it. On the other hand, there are treatment centers in Calabasas that lean more heavily on alternative therapies.

Additionally, some rehabs can be gender-specific, others may focus on particular age groups and of course, they can vary in terms of the level of luxury and location.

Drug Rehab Center in Calabasas

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Without addiction treatment at a Calabasas rehab center, chronic, regular drug and alcohol use can lead to dangerous and sometimes irreversible physical and psychological health effects. Although attending treatment is a challenging decision, obtaining expert assistance and counselling from the therapy team at Inneractions in Calabasas may help you overcome addiction safely.

All American Detox Center is one of the best drug & alcohol rehab center based in Woodland Hills, California providing detoxification and residential inpatient treatment services. All American Detox works with most major PPO & PSO insurance policies.

How Calabasas Rehab Centers Can Help You Overcome Your Drug or Alcohol Addiction

cabasas rehab center

As far as how rehab centers in Calabasas and elsewhere can help you overcome addiction, broadly speaking the steps are these:

Detox at Calabasas

Addiction may be classed as a brain disorder but before treating the mental part, you have to break the body’s dependency. That’s what detox is, it’s the process of getting the drug detoxification done.

Residential Inpatient Care at Calabasas

The next step depends on the severity of your addiction, if it’s on the more intense side, residential inpatient rehab is the route for you. With this type of rehab, you live at the treatment center and devote all your energy and focus to your customized rehab program.

Outpatient Care

You can transition to outpatient rehab after finishing inpatient care or you can start with it if your addiction isn’t quite that severe. It’s all the same types of treatment you’d find with inpatient care but without the requirement to live in.

Aftercare & Sober Living 

Aftercare is what comes after your time in outpatient care and it’s essentially ongoing care. It can be anything from alumni clubs that some rehabs have to continued therapy or support groups. Sober living homes are places you can live after treatment that function as something of a transition back to your day-to-day life. There are rules to living in them and often a requirement to attend support group meetings, as well they can be great options for meeting sober-minded people to build out your support network.

Get More Information About All American Detox Today

If you’re ready to embark on your own journey of recovery or have questions for a friend/family member, reach out to us at All American Detox Center and get help with calabasas evidence based rehab.

Let Us Be Your Rehab Center in Thousand Oaks, California

Rehab Center in Thousand Oaks, CA

There’s an understandable reluctance to seek treatment for addiction. Perhaps you see it as an admission of defeat or that having a problem you can’t control feels embarrassing to acknowledge.

In reality, rehab for alcoholism is empowering and it’s the opposite of losing control. In fact, conceding that you need help in overcoming an addiction is the first step in regaining control of your life and charting a new, sober path forward.

Alcohol rehab in Thousand Oaks, California is the place to start that journey.

Signs I Need to Go to an Alcohol Rehab in Thousand Oaks, CA

How do you know when is the right time to go?

When does your drinking go from recreational to problematic?

While there is no clear line in the sand, there are plenty of signs to look for that would clue you in to a need for professional help:

Health problems related to drinking

Heavy drinking over a prolonged period can lead to significant health issues, most notably liver damage but it doesn’t end there. Alcohol affects your entire body, the brain, heart and pancreas as well as being linked to various types of cancer.

Your main priority is alcohol

If you’re spending a disproportionate amount of time getting or drinking alcohol, to the point that it’s all-consuming, that’s a clear sign it’s taken over your life.

Alcohol is creating problems with friends and family.

If alcohol has indeed become your core interest, there’s a likelihood it has put a strain on your relations with your family and friends. Whether that arises in the form of arguments about your drinking and how you think you have it in control or just tension from dealing with things like hangovers. The more you prioritize the drink, the deeper the rift becomes. 

Work, school and/or home responsibilities are suffering

As you fall further into alcoholism, the consequences seep further into your life and affect your professional life and responsibilities. If your ability to make a living or get through class is suffering, it may be time to ask for help.

You’ve tried to quit before with no success

This is a big one, if you were able to recognize before that you had a problem with your alcohol consumption but couldn’t get it under control on your own, that’s a surefire indication you need outside help to overcome it.

Other indicators to look out for are:

  • Skipping activities of all types so you can drink
  • Having strong cravings for alcohol
  • Finding yourself in dangerous situations like drunk driving
  • Needing to drink more to get the same effect
  • Experiencing withdrawal when you stop drinking 

What Happens When You Go to an Alcohol Rehab?

The first thing that happens is detoxification.

Addiction may be classified as a disorder and to treat the mental side, you must first break the physical dependency and detox is the process of ridding your body of alcohol to do just that.

Once you’ve gotten through withdrawal, it’s time to tackle the underlying cause of your addiction in rehab. Depending on the severity of your addiction that’s either done in residential inpatient treatment Los Angeles or outpatient care.

The difference is that with inpatient care, you live at the facility which eliminates all distractions and allows you to focus squarely on defeating your alcohol use disorder. Outpatient care is meant for less serious addiction and involves coming into rehab for scheduled sessions while you live at home.

How All American Detox Can Help You With Your Alcohol Addiction

At All American Detox in Woodland Hills, California our personalized, evidence-based programs are administered in our luxurious Southern California treatment center.

We can help you find freedom from alcoholism by being an all-in-one solution that takes you from detox through to aftercare planning services that ensure you’re able to safely transition into your newly achieved sober life.

Don’t hesitate to contact us to learn more about what we offer. 

How to Find a Rehab Center for Your Loved One

How to Find a Rehab Center for Your Loved One

You don’t have to be a bystander.

There are few things harder than watching a loved one fall deeper and deeper into addiction, it’s crushing in ways that words can adequately capture.

Hope most often comes in the form of treatment and finding a rehab center that caters to the needs of your friend or family member is an important step.

As a side note, you may experience pushback when trying to get them to commit, the classic denialism that can accompany substance use disorders, but having a drug rehab center chosen for when they are ready to commit to changing their life makes a world of difference.

How to Find a Rehab Center

It’s not as simple as picking the first option you see on Google. Each treatment center operates differently, they have different specializations, focus on a different part of the rehab process, utilize different methods of treatment, and more.

Knowing what your loved one truly needs is imperative.

Some rehabs, for instance, are specialized in treating addiction to particular substances like alcohol or opioids.

And if the person in your life is struggling with a substance use disorder and a co-occurring mental illness like depression, PTSD, anxiety disorder or the like you would need to seek dual diagnosis treatment in order to tackle both issues and set them up for success going forward.

Consider what they would respond best to as well. Some rehabs focus more on alternative therapies while others stick more strictly to evidence-based modalities.

It’s worthwhile to reach out to places and have a conversation with an addiction specialist as well, to really dig deep. At the end of the day, research is your friend, and investing the time in finding the right rehab goes a long way in laying the firm foundation on which your loved ones will build the rest of their lives.

Different Types of Rehab Centers

Despite all of the aforementioned variables, rehab breaks down into two types; inpatient and outpatient. Once completing the all-important detox, you can treat the mental aspects of addiction until you’ve broken the physical side of it, every kind of treatment falls under one of those umbrellas.

Inpatient Care

The hallmark of inpatient, or residential inpatient, treatment is that you live at the rehab facility, are removed from all distractions and all triggers, and focus all your energy and attention on the task at hand; recovery.

Every treatment plan is tailored made to suit the needs of your loved one and it’s immersive and regimented by design.

At the core of most programs is psychotherapy or talk therapy, and at Inpatient Drug Rehab that includes, among other therapies:

  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
  • Dialectic Behavioral Therapy
  • Individual & Group Sessions
  • Family Program

Inpatient care is meant more for those suffering from more severe and heavy addiction that need supervision, attention, and a rigid schedule.

Outpatient Care

Outpatient care utilizes all the same tools of inpatient care with the key difference that you don’t live at the treatment center. It affords you much more flexibility and allows you to take care of family, school, or work responsibilities and integrating rehab into your schedule.

This type of treatment is either used as a transition from inpatient care or can be started directly after detox for those with a less severe addiction.

Aftercare

Treatment doesn’t end when you no longer have a therapy session on your schedule and participating in aftercare is an important, ongoing part of recovery. It encompasses everything from support groups like AA & NA, to 12-step meetings to sober living homes and more. It’s about creating a supportive community that understands what you’re going through and can be there for you when it counts.

If you’re struggling to find a rehab center for your loved one, reach out to us at All American Detox, and let’s chat.

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Looking for a Drug Rehab Center in Los Angeles?

Drug rehab center in Los Angeles

Palm trees swaying in the cool sea breeze. Endless, pristine beaches. Perfect temperatures year-round. World-class museums and dining.

Los Angeles is a wonder of a city.

But there’s another reason people come to LA; top-tier addiction treatment.

Drug rehab centers in Los Angeles have been helping people defeat their substance abuse demons for decades and with 30 plus years of experience treating addiction, All American Detox is well equipped to lead you on your journey of recovery.

What Is a Drug Rehab Center?

Stating the obvious, but “rehab” is short for “rehabilitation”, which is defined by the Cambridge Dictionary as “the process of returning to a healthy or good way of life, or the process of helping someone to do this after they have been in prison, been very ill, etc.”

A drug rehab center then is a place where a person goes for dedicated and focused treatment for a substance abuse disorder with the aim of getting them back to a healthy way of life.

Not all rehabs are the same either and each facility takes a unique approach to treatment. Some will specialize in targeted treatment for particular groups, offer different therapeutic methods and modalities, others might be gender-specific, etc. 

Additionally, certain rehabs might only offer outpatient care or inpatient care while others extend to cover more of the process by taking you in at the beginning. From detox through to inpatient care and making outpatient care as well as aftercare services available.

Whichever you’re considering, a reputable and quality drug rehab center will always create a program tailored to your particular needs.

What Are the Benefits of Drug Rehab Centers in Los Angeles?

Back to Los Angeles. La La Land.

There are some distinct benefits to drug treatment in the City of Angels.

Access to Experts and Support

With Southern California being the home to so many drug and alcohol treatment centers, you’ll be in close proximity to plenty of caring and expert addiction specialists that bring peace of mind to the process. On top of that, given the sheer number of rehabs and people on a similar journey as you, you’ll find plenty of support in the form of everything from sober living homes to Narcotics Anonymous, Alcoholics Anonymous, and other groups.

Getting Away from It All

One factor that gives you a better shot at sustained success is being able to remove yourself from the temptations and triggers of your old life. Being able to focus fully on recovery without distraction is huge. 

There’s also a comfort in the anonymity and the sense of truly being able to start fresh.

And even if LA is your home, the city is big enough that you can get away while still being here.

Location, Location, Location

As mentioned at the top, there is just an unrivaled beauty to SoCal.

Our Los Angeles rehab center, for example, is nestled right at the foothills of the Santa Monica Mountains, the other side of which is the majestic Pacific Ocean. Gorgeous and rejuvenating scenery abounds in this particularly special and spectacular part of the city (and country).

And the weather, seemingly always pleasantly warm, ain’t bad either.

How All American Detox Helps With Drug Addiction

At All American Detox, we’re dedicated to helping you overcome addiction and it starts from the day you commit to making a sea change in your life.

You can begin your detox with us and transition to our residential inpatient care. Upon finishing that you can move to outpatient and aftercare and finally we can assist with finding a sober living option that’s right for you.

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In other words, we’re a treatment center that you can count on every step of the way and that’s with you along with all parts of the journey.

Get in touch with us today by calling our recovery helpline number to learn more.

How To Get Help During the California Opioid Epidemic

How To Get Help During the California Opioid Epidemic

The ongoing opioid crisis is a nationwide dilemma that’s still raging. The coverage may have declined recently, and reasonably, due to the coronavirus pandemic but opioids continue to ravage the country.

With overdose deaths still 4 times higher in 2018 than they were in 1999 – translating to 128 people dying per day from an opioid overdose – it was declared a public health emergency in 2017. While the trends are moving in a positive direction however there is much work that remains to be done and in getting this fully under control.

No state has gone untouched throughout the era, the California opioid epidemic taking 2,400 lives in 2018 with 45% of drug overdose deaths involving an opioid with that number jumping to 3,244 in 2019.

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Additionally, in 2019, California had over 17.5 million prescriptions for opioids written and nearly 12,000 emergency department visits for an opioid overdose.

What Are Opioids?

Opioids are a class of drugs that are meant to treat mild to severe pain. They interact with opioid receptors in the body/brain. Due to the euphoria, they produce in addition to the pain relief, even when prescribed by a doctor and used as directed there is a potential for abuse which can lead to dependency and addiction.

The most commonly known opioids are OxyContin®, Vicodin®, and morphine, as well as the synthetic opioid Fentanyl. Heroin, completely illegal and with no medicinal value, is also an opioid.

Why Is There an Opioid Epidemic?

How To Get Help During the California Opioid Epidemic

As per the Department of Health and Human Services, the root cause of the opioid epidemic dates back to the late 1990s when “pharmaceutical companies reassured the medical community that patients would not become addicted to opioid pain relievers and healthcare providers began to prescribe them at greater rates.

Increased prescription of opioid medications led to widespread misuse of both prescription and non-prescription opioids before it became clear that these medications could indeed be highly addictive.”

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention add that “providers in the highest prescribing state, Alabama, wrote almost three times as many of these prescriptions per person as those in the lowest prescribing state, Hawaii” with studies suggesting that the underlying health status of the population is not an explanation for the regional disparity.

What Is the Best Way To Treat an Opioid Addiction?

There’s no silver bullet in the fight against any addiction, let alone one as serious as opioid use disorder, but among the best ways to treat opioid addiction is through immersive residential inpatient rehab.

For opioids, in particular, medication-assisted therapy incorporating something like methadone or buprenorphine goes a long way towards increasing the odds of a successful and lasting recovery. These drugs help to mitigate cravings and reduce the symptoms of withdrawal without creating those feelings of euphoria that a user desires.

Once the withdrawal symptoms are under control and the body is in the process of detoxing, work on the mental side of addiction can begin.

A dedicated inpatient program works well because it allows a person to focus completely on recovery. All distractions are removed by design so you can be fully engaged and enveloped in treatment. You won’t be going to work or school or dealing with the stresses at home. Many of the triggers that once motivated your using will also be gone.

Through talk therapy, both in group and individual settings, with a trained addiction specialist, you’ll delve deep into the why of your substance abuse.

Reach Out To All American Detox Today 

Recovery doesn’t end with inpatient care though. Treatment for opioid addiction is always a work in progress so having a plan for transitioning back to your daily life is critical, which is where outpatient and aftercare come into play.

Opioids are tough to beat on your own. Fortunately, you don’t have to do it alone.

Get in touch with us at All American Detox for the best drug detox center in Los Angeles and let’s work together towards creating a better and brighter future for you or a loved one. You can just click on the following number to know more +1-844-570-1301.

How Do I Know if I Am Addicted to Xanax?

How Do I Know if I Am Addicted to Xanax?

Xanax, among the most commonly prescribed benzodiazepines, is a potent sedative used to treat things like generalized anxiety disorder, insomnia, seizures, social phobia, and panic disorder. Alprazolam, the generic name for the drug, isn’t just a regularly prescribed benzo, it’s the most prescribed psychotropic drug, period, in the United States. In 2013 alone there were 48 million prescriptions filled. 

As a central nervous system depressant, Xanax works by increasing the activity of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), a chemical that inhibits brain activity. This action causes drowsy and calming effects that make the medicine effective for anxiety and sleep disorders.

That’s the basic science, what makes it so addictive though?

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Why Xanax Is Addictive

The sedation and calm that washes over a user is a powerful feeling. For someone struggling with panic or anxiety especially, an intense wave of comparative relaxation becomes hard to give up and the same goes for anyone taking Xanax recreationally.

Sedatives extremely swiftly create a sort of “new normal”, to the point that a person will quickly start to feel like they need Xanax to function. 

Aside from the high risk of addiction, Xanax presents other unique hazards. The dangers of mixing it with alcohol are profound as both are depressants and they amplify the effect of the other which means taking them together can have very real and very life-threatening consequences. 

Additionally, over 30% of overdoses involving opioids also involve benzos like Xanax according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA).

Signs of a Xanax Addiction

For any user, when the use becomes problematic, the question becomes “how do I know if I am addicted to Xanax?”. 

When does using as directed or recreationally turn into something different? When does dependency transform and shift into a full-blown addiction?

The symptoms of an addiction to Xanax, or another benzo for that matter, can manifest in these ways:

  • Developing a tolerance and needing to take ever-larger doses to achieve the same feeling or high
  • Inability to control the amount or how often you take Xanax
  • Visiting multiple doctors to obtain additional prescriptions
  • Spending an inordinate amount of time getting, taking, and recovering from Xanax
  • Purchasing it illegally on the street
  • Financial problems
  • Slurred speech
  • Memory problems
  • Borrowing or stealing Xanax from a friend or loved one
  • Unable to maintain responsibilities at work, home, or school
  • Strained relationships
  • Avoiding or losing interest in activities, events, or people you once enjoyed spending time with in order to take the drug
  • Continuing to use despite clear negative consequences
  • Experiencing withdrawal symptoms when not taking Xanax

The Best Way to Get Help With Addiction

After recognizing that you need help, the first step in overcoming an addiction is safely dealing with the withdrawal symptoms. With respect to Xanax and other central nervous system depressants, they can start within just a few hours after the last dose and as NIDA notes, “people addicted to prescription CNS depressants should not attempt to stop taking them on their own. Withdrawal symptoms from these drugs can be severe and—in the case of certain medications-potentially life-threatening”.

Given that, it’s critical to detox under the watchful supervision of medical professionals who can guide you through the entire process while mitigating discomfort as much as possible. 

After the physical addiction is broken, the important work on the mental side of addiction can truly get underway. Whether residential inpatient treatment or outpatient care is better for you is full dependent on the severity of your personal addiction to Xanax. At All American Detox, we offer both as well aftercare services because support doesn’t end when the rehab does. You can reach out to us by calling us on +1-844-570-1301.

The critical thing to know is that recovery is a process and a journey, not a destination. Reach out to us if you or a loved one is ready to start theirs.

The Health Benefits of Quitting Drinking Alcohol – Physical & Mental

ealth Benefits of Quitting Drinking Alcohol - Physical & Mental

The phrase “game-changer” gets tossed around a lot and often it’s with gross exaggeration or hyperbole. Like guac at Chipotle is great but is it a game-changer? Maybe for your lunch, it is but for your life, not so much. Now quitting alcohol, on the other hand, is something that truly deserves the mantle of game-changer. It’s not always simple to stop drinking, especially if you’ve been abusing alcohol for a long time. However, there are many health benefits of quitting drinking alcohol both mental and physical.

It’s the kind of all-around big deal that makes you look back at the hard and arduous work of getting to the promised land of sobriety and know it was completely worth the effort.

At All American Detox – Detox in California, we know that firsthand. With 30 plus years of treating substance abuse and a team of dedicated staff to motivate you to reach your goals, we understand what it takes to get you free from the hold of alcohol.

There are several ways to relax without alcohol and the benefits of quitting drinking alcohol are downright plentiful and touch everything, both physically and mentally, in your life. After getting through the process of withdrawal and detox and going through treatment, they add up fast. Let’s discuss the Health Benefits of Quitting Drinking Alcohol for mental and physical.

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Benefits of Quitting Drinking Alcohol for Your Physical Health

Honestly, this list could on and on, on benefits of quitting drinking alcohol for your physical health, but we’ll exercise some restraint and share a few of the highlights:

Feeling Better:
Alcohol is essentially a toxin and it’s tough on the body so, on a sort of basic, all-encompassing level, you’ll feel better and have a higher level of energy to work with.

Weight Loss:
Drinking isn’t exactly a calorie-free vice. Depending on what you drink, alcohol is loaded with carbs, sugars, and empty calories that turn to fat. Often eating goes hand in hand with drinking. Without the drinks and the excess food, there’s a good chance you’ll slim down.

Better Skin and a More Youthful Look:
Alcohol ages you. It pulls moisture from the skin and dehydrates the body which causes inflammation, flushed skin, puffiness, wrinkles. Simply put, if you want to look younger, drop the drink. Sobriety, quite literally, looks good on you.

Quality Sleep :
When you pass out from drinking, you’re not actually getting good sleep. Alcohol interferes with your sleep-wake cycle and without it, you’ll get deeper, more restful snoozing.

Benefits of Quitting Drinking Alcohol for Your Mental Health

As with the physical benefits of quitting alcohol, there are plenty of positives to quitting alcohol on your mental well-being as well:

Improved Mental Health:
Alcoholism often co-occurs with other mental illnesses, working through a dual diagnosis in rehab allows you to tackle both substance abuse and the comorbidity which ultimately sets you up with significantly improved mental health and coping strategies.

Better Memory and Cognition:
Blacking out obviously creates gaps in your memory but beyond that, excessive alcohol use can damage the hippocampus, a part of the brain crucial to memory and thinking. Quitting the drink helps restore that.

Emotional Stability:
Alcohol changes your mood. Every night drinking can be a rollercoaster, what starts as a few drinks to lift the spirit or gain some confidence, can easily swing into anger, impulsiveness, violence, and more. Without booze, you can operate on an even keel at all times.

Know Yourself Better:
Without the crutch of alcohol, you’re forced to meet yourself again. Heavy alcohol use is related to all sorts of things, like avoidance of thoughts/feelings, a coping mechanism, something to calm the nerves, etc. What it’s not used for is understanding yourself and healthily dealing with issues. Quitting alcohol means you’re able to finally get comfortable in your own skin and feel like you’re fully in control of your own life again.

How All American Detox Can Help You With an Alcohol Problem

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Quitting alcohol drinking problems aren’t easy to overcome on your own. The pull of the drink is just that strong and withdrawal symptoms when you try to stop, are just that overpowering. So, you go back for more.

From alcohol detox to residential inpatient treatment, you can achieve the sobriety you long for at All American Detox. Get in touch with us today, take the weight of alcohol off your shoulders and live all the benefits of an alcohol-free life that you or a loved one so richly deserves. You can reach out to us by clicking on the following number +1-844-570-1301.

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