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

Thinking Errors

Loss of sobriety can often be linked to Cognitive Distortions which are also called thinking errors. A cognition is a thought. A distortion is a misrepresentation of an object, situation, or thought. For example, when you stand in front of a mirror in a fun house it reflects a distorted image of yourself. A Cognitive Distortion, or think error, is also a distorted reflection of a situation.
"All or Nothing" thinking is a Cognitive Distortion. An example is when some says: "I am always late" when they arrive after the start time of their work schdeule. They may be late occassionally they may be late frequently; but, it is doubtful they are late every day and still have a job.
Recognizing thinking errors is often part of the treatment for addiction in the best alcohol rehabs and the best drug rehabs.

Independence Day

Here we are at the early days of July and, like the rest of the nation, we turn our eyes towards fireworks and flags, hot coals and park activities. All this celebration and it centers on freedom. An opportunity for all Americans to celebrate the vision of our founding fathers who knew that all people yearn to be free--out from under the yoke of tyranny, able to make their own decisions about their lives and beliefs, able to do what they want.

Statistically at least one in ten Americans suffers from a drug or alcohol problem. This is a population that has little reason to celebrate (although in all likelihood they will be taking the three day weekend as an opportunity to celebrate with a vengeance).

Alcoholism and addiction are the opposite of freedom. Once under the spell of substances, addicts lose any independence they might have had. Drugs and alcohol begin to shape their decisions. They no longer have the ability to direct their lives. They have to do what the substance wants them to do. Addiction becomes the tyrant, the substance king. The addict becomes the slave.

With treatment however, freedom is possible. If you or a loved one are enslaved by alcohol or drugs, know that support is available. Paradise recovery offers premier addiction treatment, we can help remove the yoke and begin a path with you towards true Independence. Please contact us at 1-866-478-9898

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.

Help for Alcoholics

The internet is abundant with self-help articles, recommendations, treatment groups, therapies, etc. for alcoholics and drug addicts.

The truth is, alcoholism and drug addiction are diseases of isolation. Human nature being what it is, we usually try to find the "easiest" solution to our problems. It would be great if we could just stop drinking on our own or if we could just read a book that would make us stop. Maybe there is a pill or something we could take that would make us stop.

Well, unfortunately, it is not that easy. However, there is help for alcoholics and drug addicts out there. Isolation is not the answer. Addiction treatment does work. If you are thinking about inpatient treatment (and you should be.... this is a deadly disease!), the best alcohol rehabs and drug rehabs are those that take a holistic approach to the treatment of the disease. That is to say, they take a treatment approach that hits the disease from multiple angles, but in a carefully coordinated and integrated way.

If you are looking for alcohol or drug treatment, just know that treatment works. It takes time and effort on your part. But it is well worth every single thing that you put into it.

Changing Everything

In some addiction circles, the adage has developed,"Recovery is easy, I just need to change everything about myself."

Seems strange to say, but it carries with it some truth. By everything (what needs to get changed), people think about what makes them an alcoholic or addict. And what makes a person an alcoholic or an addict is how they think, feel and act. So if a person truly wants to recover, they have to change how they think, feel, and act--that is they have to change everything.

The best rehabs focus on helping an addict take those initial steps in changing these areas. therapies are designed to assist the addict in better understanding their own emotional life and to develop those skills that will allow them to better manage their emotional displays. Group work is often dedicated to exposing to the addict the errors they may have in their thinking, defenses they've developed (like denial) that might make them think that their drinking is still okay. And recreational opportunities help the addict learn new and different behaviors that might help replace the old using standard.

Of course, a great deal of recovery focuses on developing or reestablishing a spiritual life as well. And to a large extent this is a shift in thinking, feeling, and doing as well. Connecting with a higher power involves a shift in thought processes, general feelings, and how we behave in displaying new faith patterns.

The best rehabs take a very holistic approach to recovery. It's true that the addict, to recover, has to change everything.

It can sound overwhelming. But it starts simply. Ask for some help. Make a single call. We're here at Paradise Recovery to help you begin these changes. And you can reach us at 1-866-478-9898.

The Addiction Cure

No one has the "cure" for addiction, even though some claim that they do. Let's be realistic. If there were a cure for addiction, we would no longer see it in our society. This is far from the truth.

The reality is that addiction recovery requires a lot of work and focus. That is as close to a cure as we can get. It is very possible, with the right treatment program and focus on your part, to have a sustained recovery from addiction. Hopefully, forever. But it requires an ongoing effort.

Seeking the best addiction recovery program is the other part of the equation. The best drug rehab or alcohol rehab can put you on the path of recovery and give you a road map. Once the map to recovery is laid out, your consistent efforts and passion to remain in recovery are what will allow you to prevail over addiction.

Meditation and Recovery, Part 2

Many of those who are in the earliest stages of recovery have a horrible time simply slowing their thoughts; moreover they find that their addictive minds are constantly on the go. Addiction is at its core suggestive of discomfort with oneself--sitting still is difficult enough, and most addicts don't like the company they have when left alone with their own thoughts. despite this really solid and meaningful recovery has at its core the developed capacity to meditate with regularity. The reasons are multiple--some feel that by slowing we have more of an opportunity to identify our core selves, that deeper issues arise when we are still. Others feel the practice is part of the discipline of the twelve steps, a piece that brings us closer to God. Some find that the only reprieve they get from their overactive minds is through meditation.

Mindful breathing is one of the most basic forms of meditation and is easily accessible to the new practitioner. Hence it is one of the first taught to the newly sober.

But there are other forms that help slow one's experience. For example, once a week at Paradise Recovery, everyone sits together and experiences a silent meal. On occasion this is accompanied by some quiet background music. Rarely there is a CD of an AA speaker. But the clients are not supposed to speak to one another. the purpose is to experience Communion with one another in silence. To attend only to food being eaten

When is the last time you had a meal in silence? Have you ever? You might want to try it. Think, as you eat, only of the sensation of eating. Attend to the smells of the food, the sensation as each bite glides across the tongue as your mouth reduces it to a fine grade, as it descends your throat. If you can work to slow your experience, you may find that for a very short period, your thinking stops.

For the addict and alcoholic, these moments can be bliss.

If you are currently suffering from an addiction, please seek help for yourself (and all those around you). thinks can be better. You can be taught how to live a different life. You can achieve these moments of bliss.

Paradise Recovery is here to help. Call 1-866-478-9898.

Is Drug Rehab for me?

Allow me to ask, "do you want to save your life? Do you want to stop the suffering that your addiction has caused and begin to turn that suffering into joy?" If the answer is "yes" to either of those questions, then drug rehab or alcohol rehab is for you.

If you truly want recovery, going to one of the best drug treatment centers offers you a chance at recovery that no other level of treatment can provide. The integrated, holistic approach of the best drug or alcohol rehabs is going to be one of the keys to your success. You are the other key to success.

Make the call today for help.

Dual Diagnosis Treatment: Not to be Overlooked!

Dual diagnosis (co-occurring illness) is often overlooked in primary treatment. Dually diagnosed individuals, those who have both an addiction and a co-occurring psychiatric disorder, don't fit neatly in the "program" for most rehabs. That's because they use a cookie-cutter treatment approach that does not lend itself to looking at individual issues that are important in the treatment of that person.

Fact is, most people with addiction have significant issues besides their addiction. Many of them have a bona fide anxiety disorder, depression, or history of trauma that warrants specific treatment in conjunction with the addiction. To overlook the individual issues dooms the person to a much higher risk of relapse when they leave treatment.

The best drug rehabs and best alcohol rehabs treat the individual. This means treating the dually diagnosed as well. Trouble is, many programs say that they treat dual diagnosis, but in reality, they don't. The best way to see if a program is set up to treat dually diagnosed people is to first see if they say they do, then look at their staffing page. Is the staffing page filled mostly with therapists that have Master's level education and below? If so, they are not likely going to be a place that is going to have the skillset necessary to effectively diagnose and treat dual diagnosis. Look for programs that are more heavily weighted with PhD and MD level treatment providers. That's the best place to start.

Crystal Meth addiction treatment

The treatment for crystal meth (crystal methamphetamine, "ice", "batu", or "Tina") addiction is not a lot different than other forms of addiction. There are, however, some promising medications that look like they may have some benefit in terms of reducing craving and risk of relapse. Crystal meth addiction is highly treatable.

Hawaii, unfortunately, was the gateway to the rest of the US for crystal meth. This is true because crystal meth had been an asian drug before it came to the US. When I came to Hawaii in the early 90's, I was seeing patients who had been addicted to crystal meth for 10 years or more! Most of the patients that we saw were men who were experiencing fairly severe paranoia and psychosis. We were also involved in some of the first studies with brain PET scanning in long-standing crystal meth addicts. Crystal meth has unfortunately evolved to become a problem across the US and through all age and socio-economic classes, including young women who use crystal meth as a weight loss drug.

The crystal meth addicted brain looks like Swiss cheese on the PET scans. No joke. Crystal meth is a horrible substance. It is made from a conglomeration of horrible household and over the counter products that cause serious brain damage. It is highly addictive and it is cheap. Not a good combination! However, with abstinence and treatment, the brain has the possibility of recovering its function.

I strongly recommend a good, holistic drug rehab for those suffering from crystal meth addiction. One that has experience in the treatment of crystal meth addiction. With the right addiction treatment, you or a loved one can get much better. You can have your life back again.

John Neuhaus, M.D.

Narcotics Anonymous - Why Are We Here?

For many drug addicts, they find lasting recovery with the program of Narcotics Anonymous. Many drug addicts will in some way or another, identify with the excerpt below, taken from the Basic Text of Narcotics Anonymous.

Chapter Three
Why Are We Here?
"Before coming to the Fellowship of N.A., we could not manage our own lives. We could not live and enjoy life as other people do. We had to have something different and we thought we had found it in drugs. We placed their use ahead of the welfare of our families, our wives, husbands, and our children. We had to have drugs at all costs. We did many people great harm, but most of all we harmed ourselves. Through our inability to accept personal responsibilities we were actually creating our own problems. We seemed to be incapable of facing life on its own terms.
Most of us realized that in our addiction we were slowly committing suicide, but addiction is such a cunning enemy of life that we had lost the power to do anything about it. Many of us ended up in jail, or sought help through medicine, religion and psychiatry. None of these methods was sufficient for us. Our disease always resurfaced or continued to progress until in desperation, we sought help from each other in Narcotics Anonymous.
After coming to N.A. we realized we were sick people. We suffered from a disease from which there is no known cure. It can, however, be arrested at some point, and recovery is then possible."

If you or a loved one suffers from drug addiction, there is hope. Please call our 24 hour help line at 1-866-478-9898.

Gary Dourdan, "CSI" star caught with drugs

Gary Dourdan was recently caught with cocaine, heroin, ecstasy, miscellaneous prescription drugs and paraphernalia. Appears that drug addiction has once again hit Hollywood! The disease of drug addiction can be so cunning, baffling and powerful, even Hollywood stars, who appear to have it made, with money, glamour and the like, are prey to it. One hopes that Gary Dourdan will seek the best drug rehab treatment for his addiction to drugs.

Need help with drug treatment? Call our 24 hour help line at 1-866-478-9898, we're here to help!

Is Drug Rehab easy?

Drug rehab is easy. Is that what you wanted to hear? How about this: "we have the cure for addiction, and it is located in a posh drug rehab in Honolulu, Hawaii!" Isn't that great? I have seen other rehabs say that they have "the cure". Well, if it sounds too good to be true.... you know the rest.

The truth is, drug rehab is not easy. Any transformative process takes effort. It is hard work. Emotional work. However, surrounded by caring professional people, who involve significant others and your loved ones in your treatment, you are able be on the road to recovery. You can do it! We are here to support you through the difficult recovery process. Remember, though, the beginning is the most difficult. Things get easier with time! As your life and perspective transform into that of a person in early recovery, joy will return to your life.

Roll up your sleeves, and let's get to work. Give Paradise Recovery a call: 866-478-9898. Let the transformation begin!

Resistance to Alcohol Rehab

For many practicing alcoholics, the last thing on their mind is going to alcohol rehab. The disease tells the alcoholic, "You don't need help! You're not the problem, they are!" They, meaning the significant other, co-worker, employer, children, parents, society, the list goes on and on.

After all who wants to go to alcohol rehab to admit that they are, through their drinking, the main source of the problem? Checking into an alcohol rehab is a BIG step, oftentimes, the hardest step to make. Humility and surrender are key components to recovery, one's that the disease of alcoholism is very resistant to.

Once that BIG step is taken, however, the transformation will begin. Recovery is an inside job and being admitted to an alcohol rehab will assist in healing from within.

At Paradise Recovery, we help the alcoholic in the transformation process to a healthier, spirited soul. Not only do we offer top-notch therapy, we also introduce you to an array of healing techniques, which include Yoga, Acupuncture, Qi Gong (Movement Therapy), Fitness Training, Meditation. We are the New Generation of Rehabs, combining traditional with new age techniques to be able to offer the best an alcohol rehab can offer.

If you or a loved one needs help, please contact us, Paradise Recovery on our 24 hour help line at
1-866-478-9898.

CNN reporter Richard Quest in Rehab

You might ask yourself why a high-profile person such as Richard Quest of CNN would have been caught in Central Park engaged in questionable activities and in possession of crystal methamphetamine.

I have the answer for you. It is called the disease of addiction. Addiction is something that you don't have control over. You need help to overcome addiction. If you don't get help, addiction will overcome you. It is that simple.

Somewhere Richard Quest may have realized that he was nearing the end of his rope but could not bring himself to get help (addiction is a cruel disease that is unbelievably cunning when it comes to putting barriers up against the addict getting help. Addiction always wants to preserve itself). Maybe this was his cry for help. After all, he was "caught" in Central Park in the middle of New York City. I don't know about you, but if you are a high-profile person trying to not get caught doing something illegal and embarrassing, Central Park is not the place to do it. Yet, that is exactly the place that Richard Quest was arrested.

The judge in the case ordered him into treatment. Mr. Quest's cry for help was heard. Addiction can not use its cunning ways to stop him from getting treatment anymore. Now, he has no choice. When you think about it, it was his choice to have no choice. It may have been the only way that he felt he could be in a position to get the help he needs.

Let's hope he has entered into a drug rehab that has a holistic treatment program, one that will tackle the addiction from all angles and give him a great shot at success. We wish you the best on your road to recovery.

The Disease of Addiction

What makes the addict is the disease of addiction - not the drugs, not the alcohol, not the behavior, but the disease. There is "something" within the alcoholic/drug addict that makes it impossible to control the use of drugs or alcohol. This same "something" also makes them prone to obsession and compulsion in other areas of their lives. How can one tell when the disease is active? When the alcoholic/drug addict becomes trapped in obsessive, compulsive, self-centered routines, endless loops that lead nowhere but to physical, mental, spiritual, and emotional decay.

The disease of addiction can manifest itself in many ways. When the alcoholic/drug addict first realizes their problem, they think it's just the drugs or alcohol that is the culprit of their problems. Later to find out that their addiction is wreaking havoc in their lives in any number of ways.

It is suggested that working through the twelve steps of Alcoholics Anonymous or Narcotics Anonymous can help the addict/alcoholic identify and understand their disease. Help the addict/alcoholic find freedom from active addiction.

Hawaiian Addiction Treatment and the Family: Ho'oponopono

Addiction hurts many people. Not just the addicted person themselves, but also their family, friends, and loved ones. When beginning treatment for addiction, one has many aspects that need healing. There is a type of Hawaiian therapy which is called Ho'oponopono. This powerful word literally means "to make things right". The Hawaiians believe that it is important to make things right, not only with those whom you have current relationships (family, friends and loved ones), but also with your ancestors. Ho'oponopono is a process by which the family is brought together and the things that are not "right" are worked through in a highly experiential session. It is a powerful and moving experience. It is also the beginning of healing for the addicted person and their family.

The only drug rehab in the world with an offering of this ancient Hawaiian therapy is Paradise Recovery, located on the island of Oahu. It's time for all of us to make things right.

Fun In Recovery

Some folk have a difficult time getting into recovery because of their concerns that "I don't know if I can have fun in recovery." Strange thought but not totally foreign. After all, when addicts first start using and drinkers first start drinking, the alcohol or drug feels good. It's fun to get stoned, baked, high, or drunk. And part of the denial in addiction is to hold on to the idea that fun can only be had when using.

It's largely not until later, when the physical pain begins, when the losses occur, when the finances are threatened, when family members are distraught, when jobs are lost, when friends disappear, when the arrests lead to incarceration, that the addict or alcoholic experiences the consequences of use and the fun stops.

But still even after all this, the addict continues to feel, "I can't have fun if I'm sober.

But recovery is fun. Ask anyone in recovery. Friendships formed in recovery lead to a great deal of joy and laughter. Previous activities take on the same gleam of positivity they had when first tried. The world takes on a polish and shine that has been missing, or at least clouded over by use.

This is not to say that recovery is easy. It's not. But it can be fun. It should be fun. And you won't know this unless you try.

Addiction not a personal failure

I read an article recently about a high profile religious figure who admitted he was an alcoholic and sought treatment in a 28-day rehab. He stated, "I've known I had a drinking problem for years, but just felt that I didn't have enough will power to stop myself. I saw it as a personal failure!"

Many people, until they admit they have an addiction, make their addiction a personal battle within themselves. This struggle is lonely, full of conflicts, and is most of all a losing battle! Addiction is complicated, with many core issues, needing professional and peer support to achieve success and sustained recovery. It is not a personal failure, but a disease that requires medical attention. Many diseases have stigmas: AIDS, Cancer, STDs, etc. Addiction is a disease with social stigma. We need not play into the stigma. Instead, seek help and manage the condition with persistence and courage.

Confronting your addiction and adopting an attitude of personal responsibility is the first step in fighting this progressive and deadly disease. Admitting you are an alcoholic, drug addict, sex addict, etc. will hopefully motivate you to seek the help necessary to stop the insanity of conflicts, lies and self-destruction. Making this disease your own and plowing through the issues that help to maintain your addiction will make all the difference. This is NOT failure!

To proceed in this personal battle will only reap self-hatred, loathing and possibly death! The failure would be neglecting the avenues of help in the community for you to address this disease affecting your life and the life of your loved ones. The failure would be doing nothing to stop the progression of this disease and participate in your own death.

Therefore, addiction is not the failure. The choice not to act and remain in denial and distorted in the addiction is the failure. If you, or a loved one has an addiction and needs help, please call our 24-hour HelpLine at (866) 478-9898 today!

Life is difficult. It is a great truth because once we truly see this, we transcend it. Once we truly know that life is difficult – once we truly understand and accept it – then life is no longer difficult. Because once it is accepted, the fact that life is difficult no longer matters.

M. Scott Peck, M.D., The Road Less Traveled

When is the best time to enter drug treatment?

If you are wondering, the answer is probably "right now!" Addiction is a disease that insidiously kills you, your family, your friends, your life as you know it. If your life has begun to erode in front of your eyes, it is time to get treatment. It is actually past time to get treatment because damage is already being done. The sooner you start treatment, the faster you will be able to begin the healing process.

Even though addiction causes so much damage, it is still difficult to commit to coming in for drug rehab or alcohol rehab. It is a very brave move. However, it is the best move you will ever make.

Imagine if you had cancer. You ask the doctor and family "when do you think I should start treatment?" Of course, the family and doctor says "right now!!". You have to start a treatment course as soon as possible because the cancer is not going away. It will only get worse with time. Not to say that it doesn't feel scarey to start treatment or that you won't have anxiety or apprehension about what it is going to be like. Of course you will. That's only natural. But that is not going to stop you from saving your life.

Alcoholism and drug addiction are diseases that are also deadly. They don't just go away. Engaging in an intensive drug or alcohol treatment program might feel scarey or anxiety-provoking. But please don't let that stand in the way of saving your own life.

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.

A Genetic Link to Cigarette Smoking: Considerations for Treatment

In a recent New York Times article, the topic of cigarette smoking and a genetic pre-disposition was reported. Some scientists are calling it the "double-whammy" gene, because the gene makes you more likely to smoke heavily and it also makes it less likely for you to quit! Smokers who inherit this gene from both parents have an 80 percent greater chance of lung cancer than individuals who did not have the gene.

Genetics and addiction is becoming a hot topic for research. We know clinically that addiction often is passed on in families, but so far, we haven't had hard science to prove that there were genes identified with the disease of addiction. When we find this gene, it could help us understand the behavior of chain smoking, nocotine addiction and even lung cancer. Eventually, this science could assist us in understanding all types of addictions and developing treatments to address this disease.

Even when we find all the genetic markers for addiction, we will still need to work on the psychological contributors toward addiction. We will continue to need ongoing supports to prevent relapses and self-esteem concerns secondary to addiction.

The good news is that science is taking addiction seriously! We need their help, as well as the tens of thousands women and men who try to fight smoking addiction and other addictions on a daily basis!

Recuperatio Primoris.

Addiction is Killing Your Loved One. What do you do?

For some reason, addiction is a very cruel disease. It is a disease that often breeds denial with the addict and a refusal to get treatment.

Imagine if your loved one had cancer but it was still treatable. Yet, they denied they had cancer and refused to get treatment. Each day brought them closer to death, yet they continued to deny their illness. In fact, they would get angry at any mention of getting help. The slow descent to death would be so heartbreaking to watch.

This is exactly what thousands of families are experiencing right now. Not with cancer but with another deadly disease: addiction. There is help available. And hope. Paradise Recovery has a HelpLine that is toll-free: 1-866-478-9898. Sometimes
something called an intervention is needed. An intervention is a method in which a professional person, the interventionist, uses special techniques to work with the family and the addicted person to convince them to come into drug rehab or alcohol rehab. They have very high success rates with the most difficult of cases. The HelpLine can refer you to an excellent interventionist. Help is just a phone call away.

Double Trouble: Treating the Dually Diagnosed in Rehab

More often than not, people suffering from an addiction will have co-occuring emotional stress (depression, anxiety, panic, etc.). It is hard to determine whether the emotional difficulty, or the addiction comes first. They certainly influence each other and acts as a risk factor for the addiction and the mental illness.

It used to be thought that a person could not receive psychotropic medications and be treated for mental illness and be considered "sober". Today, most clinicians and community leaders in recovery understand the need to treat the mental illness and they take medications as prescribed.

More and more AA and NA meetings are welcoming of people who are recovering from both an addiction and mental illness without judgment. The stigma that comes along with both an addiction and mental illness can seem extremely challenging for anyone seeking help. One way to diminish the fear is to connect with a professional who treats both addictions and mental illness. To locate meetings in the community that welcome dually-diagnosed folks.

Above all, keep the recovery lens focused on