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

Tropical Alcohol and Drug Rehab: Whats the importance of location when choosing a rehab?

When choosing a rehab for your recovery needs, there are dozens of high quality programs in the U.S. Some of these programs are located in cold, harsh climates with environments that resemble a hospital or institutional setting.

We at Paradise Recovery capture the importance of "location" and "environment" when designing our program here in Hawaii. Many of our clients have commented that our location has helped them tremendously in this early phase of treatment!Imagine if your environment was rejuvenating how that could affect your recovery in the early phases of your work. Often, at best we are ambivalent about changing our lives, but if the environment and location is ideal, then you may find yourself benefiting from the climate, floral smells, or the soft, feelings of "Aloha" in a tropical rehab setting.

Paradise offers a sun-drenched, tropical and comfortable environment. However, we also offer best-practice, medical and psychological interventions and support for you to move from an addictive state to a clean and sober life...being FULLY ALIVE!

If you, or anyone you love are experiencing struggle with addiction, please call our 24-Hour HelpLine at (866) 478-9898 and speak with one of our recovery counselors. Make sure you factor in location when you are choosing a rehab for your recovery needs.


Recuperatio Primoris!

"Physician, don't heal thyself" The impaired physician in treatment

In recent surveys, physicians are being asked about their colleagues and how they would respond if a physician they knew was addicted to alcohol or drugs and their judgment was impaired. Surprisingly, only 65% of the physicians responded said they would report a colleague to the state medical board or hospital administration.

No one wants to imagine that their physician's judgment may be impaired by drugs or alcohol. However, the disease of addiction cuts across all professions, ages, socio-economic classes, races, sexual identities and religious affiliations. Doctors have an advantage and a disadvantage, most people assume that their doctor is healthy and is not addicted to substances or processes. The socialization of physicians as "the elite" and their training experiences, do not lend itself to immediate acknowledgement of their disease and seeking help.

There are committees in each state medical boards that work with Doctors needing treatment and monitoring secondary to an addiction problem. A physician often is required by the board to seek treatment and begin a process of accountability. Their recovery is important not only for themselves, but for all the patients whose lives depend on their sound analytical skills and judgment. Of course, when you are in the throws of your addiction, most cognitive abilities are not performing well.

The physician needs to seek out a residential program that is both respectful to her or him and also provides the difficult challenge to get through the active phase of using and begin to practice recovery in a holistic and integrative manner. A physician should not be treated any differently than another addict, but their resistances and barriers may be different and may require certain therapeutic interventions to assist them in their early phase of recovery.

If you, or someone you know is struggling with addiction. Please call our 24-Hour HelpLine at (866) 478-9898 and speak with one of our recovery specialists.

“God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference.” Author Unknown

Recuperatio Primoris,

Bill Heran, PhD

What makes private rehabs work?

The term "rehab" has become quite sexy in the past year. From the Spears to the Lohans, from most members of the Baldwin Family to dozens of trust fund babies across the country. We even have award-winning Amy Winehouse singing about rehabs! Rehab has become "cool".
Imagine not even ten years ago when the social stigma attached to rehabs, otherwise known as primary treatment were "low life" or "down and out" or "weak". Today, people from all segments of society are checking-in to rehabs with less of a stigma. Their families are hiring interventionists, in some cases forking out big bucks, and taking more of a total family approach to the disease of addiction, instead of merely blaming the alcoholic/addict of their flaws and infirmities.
Studies are showing that the 'ole 28-Day model is becoming a preferred treatment of the past. Today, we are seeing people staying in rehabs from 30 to 60 to 90+ days. They are extending their experience of "stopping to smell recovery" much longer than there alcoholic and addict predecessors. Why is that? Is it because there is a new way to treat alcoholics and drug addicts? Are alcoholics and addicts more patient than addicts in the past?
The private rehab experience ensures that the client will receive individualized care and begin to touch on the core issues that may be maintaining their drinking or using. I don't believe there's been independent studies that look at the outcomes of private rehabs vs. state operated rehabs, but I wouldn't be surprised that the outcomes would be similar.
The purpose of rehabs, in general, is to introduce the client to many tools, ways, or therapies that they may continue after their relatively brief stay in primary treatment. The rehab experience is sort of a retreat, a calming of the chaos, insanity that has affected their loved ones and families.
What makes rehab work? YOU! If you feel you may have an addiction of some kind, please contact a trusted friend or family member...someone who will not judge you, but support you in making a courageous move to get the help you need and want.


Recuperatio Primoris!


Aloha,

Dr. Bill Heran
Honolulu, Hawaii
March 14, 2008

Paradise Recovery Addiction Treatment in Paradise

Aloha From Paradise

Welcome to Paradise Recovery

We are a licensed, private drug & alcohol rehab center providing addiction recovery and health rejuvenation on the island of Oahu in Hawaii. We treat all kinds of addictions with effective traditional and complimentary interventions supporting you with the insight and strategies for a sustained recovery. We accept individuals with co-occurring depression, anxiety, traumatic loss and other stressful emotional difficulties making life hard to manage. Additionally, we offer effective and specialized staff and programming to treat: Attorneys & Judges, Clergy, Physicians, persons with sexual addictions and disordered eating.
Designed with exclusivity and privacy in mind, anyone requiring a strictly confidential environment and treatment experience will find Paradise Recovery a dream come true. Unlike other treatment programs, we believe in customized, high quality care that addresses all aspects of an individual's need for a transformative and sustained recovery to achieve a life that is prosperous and flourishing!