Emotional Reasoning

Often feelings regarding substance abuse are disconnected from the facts. While one may FEEL like "everyone is mad at me for drinking" there are people in your life who are not mad at you. These people want to see you get help. Even the people who are "mad" at you want to see you get help! Help can be in the form of 12 step meetings such as Alcoholics Anonymous and residential rehabilitation treatment. Thinking that others are going to treat you a certain way, based on your emotions at the time, is called emotional reasoning. You may actually be basing how you imagine people are thinking about you due to thoughts that you are having about yourself! For example, you may think that people are mad at you for your drinking when, in fact, it is you who is mad at yourself for your drinking. It may have nothing to do with how other people personally view you. In any case, you need to get help. There is help for alcoholics out there that is life-changing.

Holistic Drug Rehab

What does a holistic drug rehab really mean? It should mean a drug rehab that takes a multi-faceted, integrated approach to the treatment of addiction.

You know the saying "man does not live by bread alone"? Well, addiction is not overcome by just one method alone. The latest studies show that a more broad and varied approach is needed to treat addiction. Why is this? Because addiction is multi-factorial. That means it has many different causes. Addiction also has many different factors that keep it going. That's what is called the "fuel" behind the addiction. Addiction is expert at keeping you off-balance and off-track. A disease that has many different causes and which fuels itself in many different ways, requires a combination of multiple types of treatments.

Thus, for most people group therapy or the 12-steps alone is not the answer. Individual therapy is not the answer. Neither is family therapy, medication, yoga, acupuncture, education, nutrition, or exercise. Actually, the answer lies in a unique combination of many of the above elements. Just one without another can't treat a disease that has so many different faces. The elements that you will need in your treatment may not be quite the same as the elements another person might need. The unique combination and differing intensities of these treatments that is tailored to what you need is what produces a truly individualized addiction treatment approach.

That's why it is important to select a holistic drug or alcohol treatment program for yourself or a loved one. And not just one that says they are holistic. Select one that has a truly integrated approach, one with many facets that work in a harmonious way to help you overcome the disease of addiction.

Gratitude as a tool for recovery: Wisdom from the Rehab

Today, we often hear in recovery circles how we should develop an "attitude of gratitude". I wonder if many people know what that is, let alone putting it into practice on a daily basis to fight the spiritual ravages of addiction. Gratitude comes from the Latin grates, or habere, meaning to feel gratitude. When people think of gratitude, they think of thankfulness, or the response when you receive something of value from someone. However, it is much, much more.

Practicing gratitude is acknowledging that you are vulnerable and able to receive and be aware, intimately, of the person giving or exchanging with you. You may just have a thought of gratitude, while not receiving anything other than the overwhelming sense of gratitude for living, breathing, loving, etc. A person in this state most likely seeks what is good and right for themselves and others.

If you, or someone you love is struggling with an addiction. Please call our Call Center and speak with one of our recovery counselors at (866) 478-9898.

Primoris,
Dr. Bill Heran

At times our own light goes out and is rekindled by the spark of another person. Each of us has cause to think with deep gratitude of those who have lighted the flame within us. Albert Schweitzer

Paradise Recovery: The Graduate School of Alcohol and Drug Rehabs

When choosing the right treatment center you need to determine what are your needs and what can a program offer you and more importantly, what are you prepared to offer yourself!

A Graduate Program in any University is an opportunity for a student to dedicate time and efforts to furthering their knowledge, experience and being able to articulate their learning with others. A typical Graduate program is not interested in "passive learners". They are seeking individuals who actively participate in their learning and are beginning to contribute to their chosen profession (e.g. nursing, social work, psychology, or computer science). Also, a good Graduate Program gives you more individual attention, more than your undergraduate program.

Our program was described as the "Graduate School of all Rehabs" by one of our former clients and after several re-admissions to a program in California, he came to Paradise! At Paradise Recovery, we expect a great deal from our clients and our clients hopefully expect a lot from us and themselves. Our program offers personalized care, which helps you to work on YOUR core issues that contributes to your disease of addiction.

If you, or someone you know is seriously considering recovery from addiction, please speak with one of our recovery counselors at (866)478-9898.

"The meeting of two personalities is like the contact of two chemical substances: if there is any reaction, both are transformed." Carl Jung

Recuperatio Primoris!

Dr. Bill Heran

A Power Greater Than Yourself

To give one's will and life over to the care of something unseen, how difficult is that? And yet this is specifically what addicts and alcoholics are asked to do in Step 3 of the 12 Steps of Alcoholics (of Narcotics) Anonymous. To make a decision to turn their will over.

Tall order, of course.

The question is why? Why do the twelve steps so fervently require the submission to a higher power? Why must we give our wills and lives over?

It's rare that a satisfactory answer can be offered to these questions. Some say that the drug or alcohol had become a higher power and hence a substitution is necessary. Others feel that the addicted mind has become so misguided that really sound decision making is no longer possible, hence some external guidance becomes essential.

I'm uncertain whether it matters. Looking around the gatherings of people in recovery and most have developed some form of belief. And most are working on a path that allows them to live in a way that contributes to others.

And most that have done this step feel better about themselves and the world. Feel better.

Tall order, but it would seem worthwhile.

The True Cure of Addiction

A rehab in Malibu, California, falsely advertises they have a "cure" for addiction. Their processes and interventions, most people would agree, are helpful and would aid someone with an authentic desire to stay clean and sober from addictions of any kind. However, their program does NOT offer a cure. I know this. I've treated individuals who have completed this particular program, and they were far from "cured!"

What is the cure from addiction? The cure, in my opinion, is your daily surrender that you are not in control of your addiction and when you relapse you and your life becomes chaotic and unmanageable. Ever heard that logic in the past? I hope so. It is the First Step of Alcoholics Anonymous. You don't have to subscribe to AA or NA to benefit from its wisdom.

To surrender, submit, make humble yourself and believe that if you do not drink, pop pills, snort, or shoot up today then you life will be less chaotic and more manageable. Now, for the addict that is a BIG STEP, since the drug of choice has "helped" them through some tough times. Believe me, I've been to too many funerals of addicts and alcoholics, including my 42 year-old brother's, to deny the effects of prolonged addictive behaviors.

What is the TRUE cure of addiction? Transformation. Addiction requires your full attention and wants nothing less than your total destruction and death (whatever that means and looks like in your life). In turn, recovery requires nothing less than your full attention towards health and recovery! So, there is a cure, but its not in some book or in some "passage" in Malibu.

If you, or someone you know is in need of quality private rehab services, then please call our 24-Hour HelpLine and speak with one of our recovery counselors today. Call (866) 478-9898 today!


Recuperatio Primoris!

Meditation and Recovery

On of the most difficult aspects of developing a program of long term sobriety is to develop a practice of meditation. Despite this meditation is integral to most addiction treatment and certainly to a meaningful 12-step program. The purpose of mediation is quite clear--the alcoholic/addict in early (and sustained recovery) has a tricky and ever active mind. The discipline of meditation (and it is a discipline)allows for the addict mind to be still, quiet, and contemplative. And it is this stillness that some relief can be obtained--perhaps some peace.

And what addict wants to know some sense of peace--isn't that what the galloping after a substance is all about?

Over the course of the last decades, a wide variety of meditation practices have become westernized and are readily available to those that seek. The most common method is to simply sit still and attend to one's breath. This form of mindfulness--focusing only on the air coming into one's lungs and then attending to each exhale is a simple method of centering one's attention, focusing one's mind, and increasing awareness of a simple bodily function.

If you're so inclined, try a few simple breaths right now. Go ahead, close your eyes and simply feel your breath. It's easy to start, but hard to sustain.

With practice, most can expand this practice to more than a few breaths, some can do it for minutes, even large portions of an hour.

At Paradise Recovery, we work to help the addict learn simple tools that can help them in recovery. Mindful breathing is simply one method of meditation we strive to impart to the newly sober. It's one way we try to help the undisciplined addict learn discipline

Watch here for further discussion of other methods.

Private Rehab: What should you expect and not expect

Choosing a private rehab for your alcohol and drug addiction recovery needs is a smart choice. However, there are considerations you should be aware of prior to and upon admission to the program.

1) Be aware of spa programs: Being in early recovery, there is so much to learn and so much to purge in order to move forward with a recovery that is sustaining. To integrate massage, acupuncture, movement therapy, aroma therapy, etc. into your treatment is recommended for a holistic program attending to a mind, body, spirit approach. The program should offer several individual psychotherapy per week, family/loved ones sessions, traditional and complimentary medical staff, and relapse prevention training. These critical services are a MUST, in conjunction with spa services.

2) Be aware of a penitential model: Some programs have a heavy emphasis on being punitive and punishing their clients. Often these programs have "gurus" who have answers for all your recovery needs. You have punished yourself way too much, you don't need someone allegedly in recovery, playing power games with you and pretending to know you and what your needs are in a matter of days. The staff at the private rehab should respect you and attempt to approach your issues with a solution-focus, resiliency approach.

3) Be aware of "The Cure" model: The current scientific literature on addiction is clear that there is no cure for addictions of any kind. However, we have many strategies on managing our illness. We have medications, self-help groups, personal transformation, spiritual support, physical fitness and improved self-esteem is all aids in sustaining a recovery and managing your lifelong illness. Some programs will tell you they have a "cure" with unscientific research findings. Some would say, its unethical.

Overall, you need to interview key staff prior to admitting to a private rehab. If key staff (clinical director, program manager, etc.) are not available to you, then you may want to move on to another program. There are many choices...choose the right one for you!

If you, or a loved one needs rehab services, please contact one of our recovery counselors on our 24 Hour HelpLine at (866) 478-9898.

Always direct your thoughts to those truths that will give you confidence, hope, joy, love, thanksgiving, and turn away your mind from those that inspire you with fear, sadness, depression.
- Bertrand Wilbertforce

Recuperatio Primoris!

The Importance of Place: Choosing the right Rehab

It's been quite a ride! Dealing with the personal, interpersonal, emotional and spiritual fall out of alcohol and/or drug addiction. There's been a lot of judgment, blaming, attacks, and loss!

Now, you need a place that provides you with both the right healing environment and treatment philosophy that fits your goals and provides you with the education and tools to move forward in your life without altering your mood with alcohol and drugs. When choosing a rehab you need to remember a few things.

1) Location. Not all rehabs have taken the time, effort and resources to make sure that your rehab experience is linked with locations in the world that are rejuvenating! Some feel that all rehabs should be on Skid Row. That addicts should suffer! Well, to be honest. There's been enough suffering had by the addict and their loved ones. Now it's time for healing, big time!

2) Positive Psychology. Make sure when you are shopping around for rehabs that you ask the admissions personnel about their treatment philosophy. This is critical. Their staff have been trained by people who have a certain bias, or philosophy. The program that focuses on resiliency, protective traits and development of character (Positive Psychology) seems to be best practice in private run rehabs. However, watch out for, what I call, "the Penitential Model" programs. The philosophy of these programs is to make you feel terrible before you feel better. It is kind of like the old Quaker tradition of incarceration...we called them Penitentiaries.

3) Holistic Approach. Alcohol and drugs attacks the whole person. As an addict, you have been totally focused on your addiction. Now, in rehab you need to totally focus on recovery and health! It is important that the rehab you choose offers a multi-disciplinary, traditional and non-traditional forms of healing. For example, in a holistic rehab your day may include: morning meditation, acupuncture, massage, group therapy, individual therapy, personal fitness session, nutritional meals and community AA/NA 12-Step meetings.

4)Aftercare and follow-up. It is critical that you continue your goals and life-changing strategies after you leave rehab. Choose a rehab that provides at least a comprehensive aftercare program and follow-up with your primary therapist from the rehab. Accountability and dedication to your recovery plan will ensure greater success and sustained recovery!

I hope this has been helpful. If you have any questions, please call our 24-Hour HelpLine at (866) 478-9898 and speak with one of our recovery counselors today!


Recuperatio Primoris,
Dr. Bill

"Sorrow looks down, Worry looks around, Faith looks up." Anonymous

Who are the best drug rehabs?

Simply, the best drug rehabs are those that are able to provide a holistic approach to your treatment. They will tackle addiction from every angle. They don't overly focus on just one aspect of the addiction.

Imagine if you took your car to the mechanic's garage because the engine was running too hot. The mechanics feel that the radiator is the problem because that's what they usually do if the car is running hot. They replace the radiator, the fluids, the hoses. A lot of time and money is poured into fixing the radiator. You take the car home and it is still running hot. There is no improvement.

You take it back, and they determine that it must be a faulty radiator or hose, so they replace everything again. But still to no avail. The engine still runs hot. You later find out that the mechanics only know how to change radiators. They don't know any other fixes. They never checked the thermostat or the oil level, which were the actual problems behind the engine overheating.

Many drug rehabs have one approach to treating addiction. They hammer away at that one approach. This is usually a group approach, often solely of a 12-step model. Often it is just not enough. Not enough of what you actually needed. It's not that the approach isn't good. Just like the mechanics who put in a perfectly good brand new radiator. It's just that your car didn't really need a new radiator. Of course, a new radiator is always good, but it didn't work for your car's particular problem that it was having.

The best drug rehabs tackle addiction from every facet. This is what is known as a holistic treatment approach: Group therapy. Individual therapy. Psychiatric intervention. Eastern medicine. Western medicine. 12-steps. Non 12-steps. Core issue work. Inner child work. Addiction is a deadly disease. It is best to have a strong team in your corner who knows how to fight the disease on all fronts.

Resentments, alcoholics, and rehabilitation

Spend much time with alcoholics in recovery and inevitably the issue of resentments will arise. In most 12 step meetings and throughout the literature, resentments are discussed as the "number one offender" in driving alcoholics towards inappropriate if not fully insane behavior and on occasion directly back to the drink. The un-fully-recovered alcoholic is susceptible to resentments, the tendency to allow personal slights or earlier harms to fester and grow. At a certain point, previous hurts get disproportionate to their origins, they become all-consuming, attacking the alcoholic's resolve to live a serene and sober lifestyle.

"Resentments" really means what it's syllables break into--re--sentiment. The concept is one of having a feeling that remains re felt repeatedly and that doesn't diminish in intensity over time. Quite the opposite, these feelings seem to grow over time. Unfortunately, for alcoholics the prevalent feeling that grow is not positive--it's never a matter of burgeoning joy.

This is not just a problem for alcoholics, non-alcoholics (or normies) also can have resentments--but for non-alcoholics, the overwhelming feelings generally don't lead to life threatening behaviors. Good alcohol rehabilitation allows the alcoholic to examine their resentments, to process through their earlier harms and slights, and to develop coping strategies that will prevent these feelings from leading to catastrophic results. It's possible to live a life free of this pattern. Consider if this a freedom you want.

Addiction Treatment and Children: The Problem of Cheese

Another newly evolving trend in abusable substances includes the introduction of what is called "cheese." It derives its name from its look, given that it resembles grated Parmesan cheese--the type that is shaken over servings of spaghetti and meat sauce. Cheese is made up of low grade heroin mixed with ground up Tylenol PM. It has been recently discovered in parts of Texas where it is ingested by snorting.

Sadly, many of the users are children. Hospitals in parts of South Texas have reported numerous youth in their teens admitted to drug treatment centers for detoxification. And there has recently been reported an addict at the age of nine. Not yet an epidemic, clearly, but frightening nonetheless. At this young an age, state of the art treatment does not yet exist.

The field of substance abuse treatment has some sense of how to go about treating the adult alcoholic/addict. We have an awareness that a combination of individual therapy, group therapy, and recovery based exercises along with a thorough understanding of the 12 steps of Alcoholic or Narcotics Anonymous can lead to a fulfilling lifetime of abstinence and recovery from addictive substances and behaviors. But we don't know if this applies to children. We may be at an unfortunate juncture where our ability to treat substance dependence has fallen behind. Regardless, nine year old addicts are a scary prospect.

When Choosing an Executive-Style Rehab: A Few Considerations

When shopping for an executive-style treatment rehab center for your alcohol and drug addiction, you want want to consider a few significant factors

1) Does the program offer individual therapy?

In recent years, the literature and specifically, the HBO Special Presentation, Addiction, speak about the importance of treating addictive behaviors, as well as, the underlying issues helping to maintain the addiction. Many programs still only offer group therapy as their ONLY mode of therapy. You can gain skills from group therapy, there is no question, but the individual therapy offers another set of experiences that can assist you in a long lasting recovery!

It is recommended that a rehab client see their individual therapist (a licensed therapist) at least three times per week during primary treatment.

2) Does the program offer an aftercare program?

Practically speaking, when you are investing the amount of time and money in alcohol and drug rehab work, it is equally important that the program offer continuing contact after you leave them. An effective addiction counselor would be most interested how a client is doing once they are away from the protective environment of the rehab, back home in their day-to-day routine. Programs may offer different style programs, but there should be at least a one-year aftercare program offered.

3) Does the program offer attention to a dual diagnosis?

Most clients entering drug rehab or alcohol rehab have significant mental health issues. If you are experiencing depression, anxiety, panic, suicidal thoughts, rage, psychosis you need a program that can offer you the psychiatric attention that these conditions require. You can treat both conditions at the same time, with the possible exception of a psychotic episode. If you have any affective disorder, you should be able to be treated in a rehab while attending to your recovery needs.

4) Are there considerations that include multiple ways to recovery?

Some programs are strictly a 12-Step approach, other programs are strictly non 12-Step designed. You want to make sure that the "philosophical bias" of the program is not fixed and strict. You need to work with a professional addiction treatment team, and with them decide your way towards recovery. Be careful of programs that proselytize and push an agenda outside health. Don't waste your energy fighting it!

These are just some considerations when shopping for a rehab and hoping for a good match for a most important and needed investment you are planning to make towards your future and your family's future.