Acknowledging that you have a drinking problem is a great first step down the road to recovery but it is not always easy. People batting alcohol use disorder struggle to admit they have a problem not only due to the stigma that surrounds alcohol addiction but also because it might be difficult for them to believe they can function in life without drinking alcohol. 

Alcohol abuse takes place when a person begins to use alcohol compulsively. They may continue to use the substance despite any negative effects in their lives, such as issues at home, work or school or with the law. 

Alcohol abuse is the most common form of substance abuse, affecting between 8 and 9 percent of adults in the United States. 

Heavy drinking has a large impact on your physical health. Alcohol acts as a depressant and it slows the brain’s function. The body learns to adapt to the alcohol in the body in people who drink frequently, making the body work harder to keep the body’s functions going to keep you alive. Eventually the body becomes dependent on drinking and when a person quits drinking, symptoms can arise that can be quite uncomfortable. Medical detoxification is necessary for many people who drink heavily to keep them as comfortable and safe as possible during this process.

Alcohol abuse also affects your emotional and mental health. Some form of therapy at a rehab or rehabilitation center is also typically required for people who are ready to quit drinking, such as an Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP).

What Is an IOP?

An IOP is a form of rehabilitation for people battling substance abuse in which the person attends IOP alcohol treatment several times a week for a few hours at a time and may last about 90 days. Attendees can return home after each session. 

IOP alcohol programs are more time-intensive than standard outpatient treatment programs. Treatment typically consists of group therapy and may include individual counseling, medication management, psychiatric screenings, case management and vocational training. These programs are ideal for those who have less severe addictions and a solid support base. 

How Can IOP Help With an Alcohol Addiction?

During an IOP alcohol treatment program, clients typically undergo counseling and group meetings to explore the root of their alcohol and any other substance abuse problems. The program aims to equip people with skills to cope with any underlying issues while encouraging people to actively practice implementing these skills in a supportive environment. Skills taught in IOP alcohol programs aim to prevent relapse while teaching people to live life without turning to alcohol.

It is important that clients with substance use disorder also address any underlying mental health conditions. Many people with substance abuse disorders experience co-occurring disorders, such as Anxiety, Depression, Bipolar Disorder, Schizophrenia, etc. Psychoeducational teaching at IOP alcohol programs educate people on any co-occurring conditions they may have and equip them to better manage any underlying mental illness as well. 

Clients can expect to learn all of the necessary skills to cope with alcohol cravings or withdrawal in addition to learning to identify and address triggers. Learning to control one’s impulses to drink is paramount in recovery. Lifestyle alternatives are also identified so people can learn to focus on positive distractions so they can cope with cravings in a positive way.

It can be difficult for those suffering from alcohol addiction to communicate with and explain their condition to loved ones. Communication skills are also taught in IOP alcohol programs, equipping clients to effectively communicate with those around them in a positive way as well as learning to set boundaries in relationships and how to perform a positive role in one’s family. 

Physical health education is also often offered, teaching clients about physical activity and nutrition to encourage a healthy lifestyle. When a person feels healthier, they are less likely to feel the need to drink alcohol. 

Choosing an IOP is a commitment that should not be taken lightly. If you or your loved one is ready to give up alcohol, the Intensive Alcohol Program at Atlanta Recovery Place might be for you. Our IOP program enables you to make your way through your recovery at a pace that suits you best. We work with you so you can get the treatment you need while still making it possible for you to have independence while maintaining a normal life outside.   

If you are ready to get started on the path to recovery from alcohol abuse, reach out to us to talk to one of our caring professionals.

It is natural for people to want to help their loved ones. Isn’t part of being family and friends offering the  compassion and support they need – especially when times are difficult. After all, when someone you care about is sick or needing help, isn’t your first instinct to help them in any way you can?

Sometimes, however, when a person is struggling with drug or alcohol addiction, family members may not realize they are enabling behavior for their loved one when they think they are helping them. How can you know if your efforts to help are truly helping your loved one or enabling behavior that is harmful to him or her?

What Does It Mean to Enable Someone’s Behavior?

Understanding what defines helping vs. enabling is the first step to stopping. If you learn you are enabling your loved one’s addiction, you can take steps to stop enabling them. 

Helping is doing something for an addicted person that he or she could not do for himself if sober. It also does not protect the person from any consequences associated with the actions they take as an addict.

Enabling is different than helping. Enabling behavior is performing acts for a person who has a substance abuse problem that they could do on their own if they were sober. If anything you do is protecting the addict or alcoholic from the consequences of his actions, you might be enabling him to continue making poor decisions and continue using drugs or alcohol rather than getting treatment.

Examples of Enabling Behavior Towards an Addict

There are several signs you can watch for that show someone might be enabling an addict.

• Ignoring potentially dangerous or negative behavior, ranging from overlooking problems to denying the fact that a problem exists. 
• Prioritizing the needs of an addict before their own, taking helping a step so far that the enabler’s needs are not met. 
• Experiencing difficulty expressing emotions – especially if the enabler feels there might be negative repercussions.
• Covering the addict’s behavior by lying or making excuses for them. Covering behavior can also include taking on their share of duties or chores or loaning them money or paying bills for them.
• Blaming situations or other people for the consequences the addict experiences.
• Resenting the addicted person.
• Believing the addict will overcome addiction alone.

How to Get Your Loved One Help With Their Drug Addiction

One thing you should do if you have been enabling your loved one is to take steps to stop enabling them. Some steps you can take to stop enabling behavior of your loved one include:

• Set boundaries: Rather than hindering your loved one from experiencing the negative effects of addiction, don’t interfere so they can experience the consequences of their actions. 
• Follow through: If you plan to stop giving them money or ask them to move out of your home for a time, stick to your word. If you make plans to do something with them and they are too intoxicated to join you, do it without them.
• Be honest: If you find you are lying to support the addicted person or ignoring signs, you are enabling them. Don’t keep their secrets and be honest. 
• Get help: Not only does the addicted person need help, but you do too. Consider looking for therapy for yourself to help you stop enabling your loved one. Talking to others at a support group can make a huge impact and offer you the necessary support system to stop enabling your loved one.

Atlanta Recovery Place has a professional team of compassionate counselors who are ready to help you and your loved one through the difficult road of addiction. Contact us today to get your loved one on the path to recovery as well as to find support for yourself. 

Drug use is all too prevalent in the United States. We often hear stories about overdoses, fatalities and other drug related issues that reduce quality of life. Although alcohol and prescription drugs are legal, they are proving time and time again to be just as dangerous as illegal drugs. The stereotypical image of a person addicted to drugs (not being able to hold a job, not having a home, etc) aren’t always true. There are plenty of people battling substance abuse issues that appear to be “normal”. But how bad is the problem actually? This article shares drug use statistics in America, giving you an idea of the big picture. 

Alcohol Use Statistics

It is not uncommon for people to drink alcohol, but for some, it can get out of hand. Here are some eye-opening numbers that reveal how many people are drinking and how many are drinking heavily.

How Many Americans Drink?

The 2019 National Survey on Drug Use and Health reports that 85.6% of people of at least 18 years of age drank during some point in their lives. 

How Many Americans Drink Heavily?

25.8% of people 18 and older reported engaging in binge drinking during the month prior to the survey. 6.3% reported engaging in heavy alcohol use during the month prior to the survey. 

How Many Americans Engage in High Intensity Drinking?

High intensity drinking is an emerging trend. It is defined as drinking levels of alcohol that are twice or more than the drinking thresholds, as defined according to gender. People who engaged in high intensity drinking at twice the gender specific threshold were 70 times more likely to experience an alcohol related visit to the emergency room. 

Opioid Use Statistics

Opioids are commonly prescribed for pain but their ability to activate the rewards section of the brain makes them highly addictive. Here are some stats on opioid use in America.

How Many People Have Died from Opioid Use?

More than 760,000 people have died from a drug overdose since 1999. Two out of three overdose deaths that occurred in 2018 involved an opioid. 

How Many People are Misusing Opioids?

In 2019, about 10.1 million people 12 or over reported misusing opioids in the past year. 9.7 million people misused prescription pain relievers and 745,000 used heroin. 

How Many People are Hospitalized for Opium Use?

In 2016, 297 people were hospitalized for opium use per 100,000 of the population. 

Overdose Statistics

When people use drugs carelessly, they may take more than their bodies can handle. This can result in a fatal overdose. Here are statistics on how many Americans are dying from the misuse of drugs. 

How Many Overdose Deaths Occur a Year?

In 2019, more than 70,000 people died of a drug overdose, according to drug use statistics. 

How Many People Die of Opioid Related Overdoses?

Opioids are responsible for many drug related deaths. Fatal opioid overdoses rose from 21,088 in 2010 to 47,600 in 2017. Numbers rose to 46,802 deaths in 2018 and 49,860 deaths in 2019. 

How Many People Die of Cocaine Overdoses? 

Cocaine related fatal overdoses are also on the rise. In 1999, death rates were at 3,822. They rose to 15,883 by 2019. 

Let Atlanta Recovery Place Help You With Addiction Today 

If you or someone you love suffers from addiction, do not wait to reach out for help. At Atlanta Recovery Place we provide end to end care including detox, therapy and outpatient treatment. We help patients avoid relapse and prepare them for sober living. 

Don’t become another drug use statistic. Pick up the phone and take the first step to sober living today. 

Addiction is a debilitating disease that not only affects the individual but can impact the whole family. Parents of addicts may experience strong feelings including pain, agony, doubt, fear, regret and more while watching their child struggle with a substance abuse problem. Watching your child spiral out of control is especially difficult when you don’t know what you can do or how you can help. 

Most parents do not have any form of training in addiction recovery methods, which is why help from a professional is important. But therapists, counselors and doctors are not always around and kids still need their parents, whether they receive addiction recovery treatment in a residential program where they stay 24/7 or they undergo outpatient addiction treatment. One of the best ways to educate yourself on how you can help your child through addiction is to find support groups for parents of addicts so you can also help yourself. 

What Is a Support Group for Parents of Addicts?

Family support groups are designed to help parents and other family members involved in the patient’s recovery process by educating them about addiction while teaching them how to best express their thoughts, emotions and concerns in a way that is beneficial for the adolescent. Support groups for parents of addicts are also a safe space to share experiences with other families in similar situations. Sometimes parents respond unknowingly in ways that are unhealthy for the child battling addiction and can learn at these groups by listening to stories from parents who have developed more effective ways of dealing with their own emotions and helping their addicted children.

Why Should I Go to a Support Group if My Child Is an Addict?

Any parent or family member who wants to help their loved ones during the difficult phases of addiction treatment and recovery would benefit from support groups for parents of addicts. The strength of the support system surrounding the adolescent in need can play a role in recovery. Parents who attend support groups can have an enormous impact on their child’s recovery by learning to show themselves available and be supportive.

Another reason support groups for parents of addicts are beneficial is because parents and caregivers go to great lengths to protect their children from injury and illness. Often, when a young person succumbs to the disease of addiction, it can be very hard for parents to deal with and can be emotionally taxing. Many parents blame themselves or each other for their child’s substance use disorder or resent the child himself for disobeying rules or hanging with the wrong crowd.  

Parents may also need to go through the recovery process themselves. Just as in the recovery process for an addict, parents must learn to acknowledge the problem, learn about the disease that leads the child to the dysfunction and to adopt coping skills not only for parents but to learn how to be a better support system for their kids.

Groups that are designed for parents of addicts are pivotal in supporting positive outcomes for those affected by addiction. 

What Is the Best Way to Get My Child Help With an Addiction?

If you suspect your child is battling with drug use and addiction, one of the first things you should remember is to talk with your child calmly and carefully. Try to avoid using harsh words or making accusations. Speak compassionately and share your observations. 

Professional intervention may be necessary for your child. Arranging a meeting with the addicted adolescent with the help of a substance abuse treatment professional is also important – even if you don’t know if your teen needs intervention. Here the parents and any other concerned people in the adolescent’s life can express their concerns with the help of a counselor, therapist or other professional who can offer objectivity to the situation while helping the family carry through with any goals of the meeting, including entering the child into an addiction treatment program for the adolescent. 

When you are ready to choose an addiction rehab program, Atlanta Recovery Place offers comprehensive care for your loved one battling substance abuse while helping to alleviate your suffering as you watch him or her go through the throes of addiction as well. Reach out to us today to find out how we can help address your child’s addiction problem with a goal of lasting recovery while we help with your aching heart as a parent too. 

According to the American Society of Addiction Medicine, addiction is a chronic brain disease that includes biological, behavioral, emotional, physical and social aspects in combination with the inability to control substance abuse. According to the National Survey on Drug Use and Health, 19.7 million Americans struggle with some form of substance use disorder. 

Because addiction is a chronic condition, relapse is a common part of the disease. Relapse rates are higher for addiction in comparison to those of other relapsing and chronic diseases, such as hypertension, type 1 diabetes and asthma. Relapse rates to drug and alcohol use are estimated to be between 40 and 60 percent of people who were previously addicted. Because rates are so high and relapse is a common struggle, having an understanding of relapse prevention skills is vital. 

What Is a Drug or Alcohol Relapse?

Relapse is the return to drug or alcohol use after an attempt to stop. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, about 40 to 60 percent of people once addicted to drugs will relapse at some point. 

Relapse is a common aspect of the disease and is often a form of self-medication. Brain chemistry and pathways are changed during repeated substance use and dependency is built on the substance. Once physical dependency is established, symptoms of withdrawal and drug cravings are established and side effects may develop if the drug is suddenly removed or stopped. A person struggling with substance dependency may not feel well or normal without the substance’s interaction in the brain and a return to the substance may feel like a good way to what seems to feel normal and combat cravings. 

Why Are Relapse Prevention Skills Important?

The rate of relapse is high, so it is important to be informed and prepared about the signs of and how to combat relapse. Many overdose related deaths occur right after relapse. Being equipped with relapse prevention skills can equip a person dealing with drug or alcohol abuse to be better able to prevent relapse from occurring while helping them to stay on track with their recovery. 

Relapse prevention therapy is a form of treatment designed to identify the behaviors, reasons and outcomes of relapse in a person after the initial stage of addiction treatment. Learning relapse prevention skills can be helpful in equipping people who are newly sober with the knowledge and self-confidence necessary to live out normal lives without living under the fear of relapse.

What Is the Best Way To Learn Relapse Prevention Skills?

The best way to learn relapse prevention skills is through a relapse prevention program. Relapse prevention skills can be obtained in relapse prevention programs that teach skills such as:

• How to identify stressful objects and situations in relapse-triggering environments
• How to identify and change unhealthy habits for those that are healthier
• How to identify positive and fulfilling activities of sobriety and to participate in those that can fill time that was previously devoted to drugs or alcohol use 
• How to cope with stressful situations, people, places or things to help one to avoid or diffuse the situation so it does not trigger relapse

Often, getting a person who is dependent on drugs or alcohol to identify and eradicate items, situations or people that are triggering from their lives is not adequate to prevent engaging with temptation. It is also vital to teach people to find ways to fill their time with substitutes that are healthy. Programs that teach relapse prevention skills are designed to teach how to fill free time with healthy substitutes while equipping people with time management and healthier ways to use their time. 

If you or a loved one are ready to reach the end of suffering from substance abuse, reach out to our caring and equipped team at Atlanta Recovery Place to help. The agonizing road of substance abuse does not have to continue. 

Stigma is a term that represents the complex attitudes, beliefs, behaviors, and structures that interact and may manifest prejudicial attitudes and discriminatory behaviors. Stigmas exist across the board when it comes to groups of people, types of professional industries, etc. One particular group of people who constantly face a stigma are addicts.

While there is an abundance of accurate information available about substance use disorders, there is still an abundance of inaccurate information floating around as well. Today we’d like to discuss what addiction actually is, why there is a stigma surrounding addiction, and how we can help you or your loved one today at Atlanta Recovery Place.

What Is Addiction?

Addiction is a chronic, but treatable medical disease that involves complex interaction and genetics brain circuits, the environment, and individual life experiences. In simpler terms, addiction is a brain disorder, also known as an illness, that can take over many aspects in your life. 

When first consuming a substance, it may make people feel good, but after a while they may have to take the substance just to feel normal again. When continuing to use drugs to make you feel normal, this can cause negative consequences. The dependency on a substance can cause biological, psychological, emotional, social, and socioeconomic problems. Addiction can affect anyone regardless of the age, race, or gender. Addiction does not discriminate. 

Drugs and alcohol can change how one’s brain works and these changes can last for a long time. The changes in the brain can cause problems in a person’s behavior and/or emotional state. People suffering from addiction can be moody, have trouble thinking, have memory loss, and have difficulty making decisions.

Why Is There a Stigma Surrounding Addiction?

Unfortunately, there is a stigma surrounding addiction, especially in regards to addiction medicine. It’s taken many years for society to accept and understand addiction as a chronic brain disease and that there is a possibility of remission and recovery. 

The public, healthcare providers, and even the justice system have continued to view addiction as a result of moral weakness and flawed character. Healthcare providers may even see their patient’s drug or alcohol problem as their own fault and may even reject individuals who are seeking treatment. People who show intoxication or withdrawal symptoms are sometimes removed/expelled from emergency rooms by staff because they are fearful that these individuals are only seeking drugs. People with addiction may internalize this stigma, and feel shame and refuse to seek treatment as a result. Due to the current COVID-19 Pandemic, the stigmatization of people with addiction may even be more problematic. 

There are numerous factors that influence stigma about mental disorders and substance use disorders. These factors are:

• Blame: Others may blame the individual for their addiction and not take into account any other factors. 
• Stereotypes of dangerousness and unpredictability: Individuals may believe that those with substance abuse disorders and mental health disorders are dangerous. These stereotypes can influence public policy in terms of restricting the rights of those with behavioral disorders. 
• Knowledge about mental and substance use disorders: Knowledge about these disorders as brain diseases may produce mixed attitudes and behaviors toward those with mental health and substance use disorders.
• Contact and experience: Increased contact with those who have a mental illness or substance abuse problems does not mean that this will reduce stigmatizing beliefs. Some have found this may even increase the stigma due to the confirmation bias.
• Media portrayals: The media portrays mental illness and substance abuse disorders in negative perceptions. This may stoke fear and intensify the perceived dangers of those who have the disorders. 
• Race, ethnicity, and culture:  Several factors may influence stigma and this could be a bias or discrimination. 

How Atlanta Recovery Place Can Help You Today With Addiction

Here at Atlanta Recovery Place, we understand the consequences of stigma and how it affects those recovering from an addiction. We also know the stigma can discourage addicts from seeking help. We hope that the stigma surrounding addiction can one day be removed. In the meantime, our staff is working tirelessly to help all of our clients achieve long term sobriety.

If you or someone you know is struggling with addiction, please reach out to us today. A member from our team will be happy to answer any questions you may have regarding addiction and treatment!  

When thinking about life during or after addiction treatment, it may be crucial for your recovery to find an environment that promotes 100% sober living. When looking for a safe space to live that promotes sobriety post treatment, sober living homes are a great option to pursue. 

Here at Atlanta Recovery Place, we know the importance of continuing recovery after leaving addiction treatment. The more you focus on sobriety after treatment, the less likely you will relapse. Today we’ll discuss what sober living homes are, what the benefits are, and how we can help you overcome addiction at Atlanta Recovery Place. 

What Is a Sober Living Home?

Sober living homes are alcohol-free and drug-free living environments that provide individuals the ability to abstain from alcohol, drugs, and other substances. These sober living homes offer no formal addiction treatment but often have rules and guidelines the residents need to follow. For example at some sober living homes, all residents must attend some sort of 12 step recovery group in order to live at the house.

Sober living homes provide important resources and support to their residents. Sober living homes are a safe, healthy, family-like, and substance-free living environment. This environment grants support from addiction within a widely structured home while promoting peer support, connection, and long-term recovery. This is reinforced through mutual support groups and recovery support services. There are numerous different standards that a sober living home should meet. These standards and best practices include (but are not limited to):

• Having a clear operational definition – This means that the sober living home should accurately describe the type and intensity of services that are offered within the home. 
• Recognizes that a substance use disorder is a chronic condition that requires a range of different recovery supports. 
• Understand that co-occurring disorders (mental health disorders) often accompany substance abuse disorders. 
• Assesses the needs of each client/resident and comes to a conclusion on how to appropriately meet their needs.
• Promote the usage of evidence-based practices and receiving outside treatment/support. 
• Residents have to follow the written policies, procedures, and expectations.
• Ensures that each client/resident has quality, integrity, and safety.
• Learn and practice cultural competency because the disease of addiction does not discriminate among racial, cultural, or socioeconomic lines.
• Maintains ongoing communication with care specialists and interest parties.
• Evaluates the programs effectiveness and the success of the residents.

What Are the Benefits of Living in a Sober House?

There are many different advantages/benefits to living in a sober home. These advantages and benefits include:

•  Removes individuals from destructive living conditions/environment.
• Creates new social support systems within the residents’ recovery process. 
• The strong encouragement to join a 12-step program or other self-help groups.
• There is a required compliance with house rules. This can provide each client with a form of structure. Some of the house rules consist of participating in house chores,  attending house meetings, paying rent and other fees, etc. 
• Residents are invited to stay within the house as long as they wish as long as they comply with house rules.  This allows residents to decide when they are mentally and emotionally ready to live on their own without fear of a relapse.
• The encouragement of providing mutual support and encouragement for recovery with fellow residents inside the house. 
• Provides autonomy and support with residents while granting them the ability to take personal responsibility for their recovery.

Anyone who is interested in living in a sober living home can do so during outpatient treatment or after they complete addiction treatment.  

How Atlanta Recovery Place Can Help You Get Sober

Here at Atlanta Recovery Places, we want our clients to maintain long term sobriety. One of the best ways to ensure recovery for the long run is to live in a sober living home after treatment. This type of housing is also a great place to live while you complete different forms of outpatient treatment.

Our facility offers partial hospitalization programs, intensive outpatient, and outpatient, all with the option of living in our sober housing.  It is important that our clients receive support not only during treatment but also after treatment/during aftercare. Reach out to us today to find out more information about our addiction treatment facility. 

Due to Adderall’s addiction potential, someone can easily move from recreational use to substance abuse or addiction. Here at Atlanta Recovery Place, we want our clients to understand the dangers of abusing adderall. Within this article, we describe what adderall is, the signs and symptoms of Adderall addiction, how to treat an Adderall addiction, and how we can help at Atlanta Recovery Place!

What Is Adderall?

Adderall is a prescription amphetamine. It is a drug of abuse among those who are seeking a stimulant high and / or a decreased appetite. This drug is primarily used in the treatment of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and narcolepsy. Individuals who abuse Adderall can be subdivided into at least two different groups. The first group consists of individuals who have obtained the drug from having a medical condition. This group is less likely to develop a substance disorder as long as they follow the doctor’s order of the prescription. The second group consists of individuals who do not have a medical condition and obtain the pills through different means. This leads to abusing the Adderall and could even be manipulated to potentiate their high (such as snorting the pills for the receiving a faster high and more intensive euphoric rush).

Adderall Addiction Symptoms

Adderall addiction symptoms can be broken down into three main categories: physical, psychological, and behavioral symptoms.

Physical Symptoms: 

• Dry mouth
• Vomiting
• Increased blood pressure
• Increased heart rate
• Chest pain
• Slowed speech
• Verbal or muscular tics
• High body temperature
• Irregular heartbeat
• Heart failure
• Seizures

Psychological Symptoms: 

• Anxiety, nervousness, and panic
• Being fearful of the idea of not having Adderall
• Have a sense of grandiosity, wellbeing, and invincibility
• Developing insights to the meaning of life

Behavioral Symptoms:

• Doctor shopping
• Manipulating Adderalls format such as crushing and snorting the pill
• Actively seeking out the drug and using it

Some of the Signs of Adderall Abuse to Watch Out for Include:

• Continuing to abuse Adderall even with the negative consequences including psychological and physical problems
• Consuming higher doses of Adderall or consuming it too frequently in order to receive a high from it
• Having to consume more Adderall to receive the similar high that they had previously experienced
• Having withdrawal symptoms when the familiar amount of Adderall consumption drops

How to Get Help With an Adderall Addiction

The best way to get help with an Adderall addiction is to seek professional help. Depending on the length of abuse and how much of the drug was consistently abused, you may need to detox at a facility. Please do not try to detox on your own without consulting a medical professional first. Detox is not necessary in all drug addiction cases.

After the body detoxes from Adderall, it’s time to start healing the mind. Rehab programs such as inpatient, intensive outpatient, and outpatient, are all great ways to learn how to live without Adderall. During this time you will attend individual therapy, group therapy, and develop new coping strategies and life skills. 

Once treatment is complete it’s always recommended to put together an aftercare plan. At Atlanta Recovery Place we want to make sure all of our clients who leave us are being set up for success post treatment. Some examples of aftercare include living in a sober living home, continuing outpatient treatment, attending weekly 12-step groups like Narcotics Anonymous, and continuing therapy on your own. 

How Atlanta Recovery Place Can Help

Here at Atlanta Recovery Place, we help our clients to receive addiction treatment that is individualized to fit their unique needs. We know no two addictions are alike. At our facility we provide ways for our clients to develop a coping strategy to deal with life during and after treatment. We also provide resources, information, and continuing support for those who are going through the recovery process. Reach out to us today to find a treatment program that works for you, your needs, and your schedule!

There are numerous types of rehab centers that provide inpatient rehab, intensive outpatient, and detoxification. But when it comes to looking for addiction treatment there are also other defining factors including genders, the type of substance being abused, whether or not you suffer from mental illness, and more. Here at Atlanta Recovery Place, we think it’s important for anyone looking to pursue recovery to take all of these factors into account before choosing a rehab. Today we’ll discuss the benefits of attending a co-ed rehab. 

Co-Ed Rehabs Explained

Rehab is designed to provide individuals with the right tools and coping skills needed when recovering from an addiction to drugs or alcohol.  Co-ed rehabs provide a space where men and women can share their experiences during the recovery process in a professional environment. 

It’s important to note there are biological differences between men and women. There are also gender differences when it comes to characteristics, roles, and expectations on masculine or feminine behavior. These gender and sex differences present themsevles in substance use and the addiction recovery process. This is important to know when understanding the differences to improve in healthcare services for both men and women. 

When going to a co-ed rehab, recovering addicts can help each other see the perspective of gender and sex differences when it comes to the recovery process and overcoming addiction. This can help make the recovery process more relatable between men and women and also assist in giving ideas on how to overcome their addiction. Going to a co-ed rehab also assists in diversifying the recovery process.

Benefits of Attending a Co- Ed Rehab Near Me

Rehab addiction treatment includes individualized treatment plans that help people when identifying and overcoming their underlying issues that may have started their addiction. Although some individuals may feel more comfortable within a gender-specific rehab (and that’s completely OK), there can be many benefits for joining a treatment program that includes both male and females, if you or your loved one is open to it. The benefits of co-ed addiction treatment include: 

Broader Range of Programs and Treatments 

This includes a variety of treatments for certain drugs of abuse, and different options when it comes to inpatient living or outpatient treatment. It may also look different when it comes to social support within that facility.

Diverse Interactions With the Opposite Sex

It’s not uncommon for somones starting point of addiction to begin with relationships with the opposite sex. This could be a friend or romantic partner for example. In co-ed rehab facilities, clients can find new ways to deal with the opposite sex in a more efficient, professional, and even healthier ways. 

Provides a More Real World Experience

Because there’s not a separation of genders in real life, it can be important within your recovery to have a natural environment. A co-ed rehab is able to emulate this.  

Heals Preconceived Notions About the Opposite Sex

If you’ve had negavtive interactions with the opposite sex in the past, or havn’t been able to sustain a healthy relationship with the opposite sex, attending a co-ed rehab can help with this. Through daily interactions and group therapy sessions, you will be exposed to having friendly & platonic relationships with the opposite sex. You may also have the opportunity to learn something new about the opposite gender from you. 

How Atlanta Recovery Place Can Help

At Atlanta Recovery Place, we are a co-ed outpatient rehab program. We currently offer partial hospitalization, intensive outpatient, and outpatient for addiction treatment and co-occurring disorders. We individualize each of our clients treatment plans to fit their unique needs. 

We believe the co-ed rehabs can be a great way for individuals to understand more about how others experienced addiction and find recovery. This can help each client find different ways to cope with addiction and give them ideas on how to overcome the addiction to prevent a future relapse. Reach out to us today to find a treatment program that works for you and for your schedule!

Battling an addiction can be a struggle for the individual experiencing the substance abuse problem, but it can also be hard on their family. Addiction is considered to be a family disease. Unfortunately addiction affects almost anyone who is involved with the addict.

Family therapy is an important way to mend relationships with the ones you love who have also struggled throughout your substance abuse disorder. Family therapy is a time for families to heal. Here at Atlanta Recovery Place, we want to provide information about addiction and how families can be affected. Within this article, we describe how an addiction affects the family, why it’s important for families to get therapy when one is in need of addiction treatment, and how we can help at Atlanta Recovery Place! 

Does Addiction Affect the Entire Family? 

Addiction can and does affect a family, and these effects may extend beyond past the nuclear family. Friends, co-workers, and significant others can all be affected by someone’s addiction. When having an addict member of the family, Some of the other family members may experience feelings of guilt, abandonment, fear, anxiety, anger, concern, and embarrassment. Other family members may even wish to ignore or cut off the family member(s) who is an addict. The effects of substance abuse and addiction can continue to have a negative impact for generations if not treated. The intergenerational effects of addiction on family and friends include a negative impact on role modeling, trust, and conceptions of normative behavior. 

People who are suffering from a substance abuse disorder or addiction may find themselves to become increasingly isolated from their families and may even prefer to not associate with them all together. There are several characteristic patterns of interaction that may be present in a family who either has parents or children who are abusing alcohol or illicit drugs. These characteristic patterns of interaction include:

•  Negativism –  Communication that occurs among family members that are negative. This includes complaints, criticism, or other expressions of displeasure. In short, the overall mood within the house would be considered down beat. This negativity may even reinforce substance abuse.
• Parental inconsistency –  Rule-setting may be erratic, enforcement may be inconsistent, and the family structure may be inadequate. This causes children to become confused when they can’t figure out if their boundaries are right or wrong and as a result, this may reinforce the wrong behavior.
• Parental denial –  Parents may avoid the warning signs when their child is experiencing a substance abuse disorder. They may even say things such as that they don’t see a drug problem or that their child does not have a drug problem when someone confronts them about it.
• Miscarried expression of anger – Children and/or parents who resent their emotionally deprived home may repress their anger. To manage that anger they abuse drugs/alcohol instead.
• Self-medication –  A family member will use drugs/alcohol in order to cope with certain things such as intolerable thoughts or feelings. They may even use it to medicate for mental disorders such as depression or anxiety.

Why It’s Important for Families to Undergo Therapy When One Person Is in Addiction Treatment

It’s important for families to undergo therapy when one of its members suffer from addiction because family work has become a strong and central theme in many successful treatment approaches. The family plays a role in helping the addicted individual overcome their addiction. It’s important to understand that families play a complex role in substance abuse treatment and that they can be a source of help to the treatment process. 

Family therapy within addiction treatment has two main purposes. The first is that it seeks to use the family’s strengths and resources to help find ways to live without the substances of abuse. The second is that it dissipates the impact of chemical dependency on the addicted individual and on the family. Not only does family therapy help the addicted individual but it also helps the family grow within their relationship. One of the major goals of family therapy when it comes to substance abuse treatment is prevention, especially when preventing substance abuse from transferring from generation to generation. 

How Atlanta Recovery Place Can Help

Here at Atlanta Recovery Place, we provide a family-oriented approach to unify and bring families together through addiction. We work with your loved ones to repair the relationships that matter to you. We want to help our clients in many different ways including tailoring their treatment program to their specific needs, providing the best healthcare experts, family healing, and developing lifelong lasting friendships through recovery. Reach out to us today to learn more about our addiction treatment programs!