Parents Need to Discuss Drug Abuse With Children

Preventing drug abuse starts at home, and it’s the responsibility of the parents to initiate conversations about drug abuse with their kids. An increasing number of parents don’t discuss drugs at all, and if kids aren’t getting any information from home, they’re more likely to experiment. Some of the most important topics to hit on in discussions include:

• What types of drugs are abused and what they may be called
• Negative physical effects of using drugs
• Legal consequences of underage drug use or use of illegal drugs
• Parental expectations about the child’s use of drugs, alcohol, and tobacco
• How to say no when drugs are being offered
• Alternatives to drug use, like sports teams, after-school activities, and finding other circles of friends

A one-time discussion isn’t enough. Parents should begin discussions in late elementary school, which is when most children are old enough to understand drugs but hopefully have not been exposed to them yet. In fact, most children between 8 and 12 years old naturally condemn drug use. However, discussions need to continue all the way through middle school and high school as children are exposed to peers who are using drugs.

When discussing drugs with teens, it’s especially helpful to have a conversation rather than making teens feel like they are being lectured. Parents should ask their teens how they feel about drugs, what they have heard about them from their friends, and what media messages they have been exposed to. Getting the teen talking gives the parent a better idea of how to approach the topic and what guidance may be most helpful for the teen.

Parents Need to be Involved as Positive Role Models

Children notice what their parents are doing, and they’re often more likely to follow this than what their parents are saying. That’s why it’s so important to not only discuss not using drugs, but also to follow this in practice. Children should never see their parents using illegal drugs. Parents who use legal drugs, like tobacco and alcohol, should so so in moderation around the children. Parents can also discuss the importance of waiting until the legal age and managing use to avoid being out of control while under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

The parent-child relationship will be most influential if the children actually trust their parents. Communication is key, and parents should always be involved in their children’s lives, talking with them and offering suggestions to issues that come up. It’s much better if youth feel free to tell their parents about ways they have been exposed to drugs and have the chance to talk about the topic than if youth don’t feel comfortable discussing the issue at all.

Children and teens who respect their parents will also be much less likely to turn to drugs and alcohol just for the sake of engaging in rebellious behavior. Rapport goes a long way in giving the parents credibility and encouraging kids to follow in their parents’ footsteps rather than contradicting household guidelines.

Communities Need Drug Awareness Programs

Not all parents will be involved in preventing drug abuse in youth, which is why communities and schools need to do their part as well. Many national programs have been successful over the years, including D.A.R.E. lessons in elementary schools and ATLAS and ATHENA programs targeted at teen athletes. Studies have repeatedly shown that students who go through substance abuse prevention programs in school are less likely to drink, smoke, and use marijuana than similar students who do not go through programs.

Communities where drug use is especially prevalent need to do their part to tackle the problem on a local level. Community organizations should sponsor programs to educate youth about the negative effects of using drugs. If the problem is something the community cares about and takes ownership over, a successful solution is much more likely to come about. The “broken window theory” suggests that responding immediately to a problem is the most effective way to deal with it, so communities should not be ignoring the drug abuse within their boundaries.

Youth Need Reduced Access to Drugs

Media Needs to Portray Drugs in Negative Light

Even if all of these local influences are steering young people away from drugs, the media often presents the opposite message. Celebrity drug use is all over the tabloids, and when kids see their idols binge drinking, smoking, or using drugs, they’re going to get the idea that drugs are appealing. Television and movies also often portray drugs in a positive light, showing the glamorous side of drug use at parties, without showing the real-world repercussions.

Teach Youth the Consequences of Drug Abuse

Drug abuse has real consequences. Parents need to teach their children that using drugs can cause severe harm. Show them eye-catching infographics that illustrate the effects of drugs like crack cocaine, heroin, and binge drinking so they can understand what they are doing to their bodies with drug abuse.

Although parents can do their part to screen the media their children are exposed to, the culture as a whole has a responsibility to accurately portray the dangers of drug use. If young people are hearing that drug abuse is unacceptable from their parents, peers, teachers, mentors, coaches, celebrities, and political figures, they’ll be much more likely to believe this message. The prevention of drug abuse in young people will be most successful when it is carried out from all angles.

The post How to Prevent Drug Abuse From a Young Age appeared first on Best Drug Rehabilitation.

Drug Rehab Centers Are Not One Size Fits All

When it comes to seeking treatment at a recovery center, an abuser cannot simply just look in the phone book, pick somewhere to go, and achieve success. There are many different types of rehab centers out there and they are not all created equal. When abusers are looking to go to treatment, it is vital that they research each facility to make sure that the drug rehab center is a good fit for them. When a good match is made, the chances of a successful recovery improve dramatically. So how are abusers supposed to know if a specific facility is a good match for them? They can begin by asking these five questions.

Are the Treatments Used Backed by Science?

There are many different kinds of treatment programs available; however, not all of them are scientifically proven to work. It is important that abusers choose a facility that uses techniques and strategies that are proven so that they have a higher chance of success. Sure, some treatments without scientific backing may work occasionally, but abusers are better off using proven methods so they are not wasting their time.

There are many different types of behavioral therapies that are proven to work.

Is the Program Individualized for Each Patient?

As previously mentioned, no two patients are alike. They each have their own back story, their own addiction problem, and, consequently, their own road to recovery. When abuser are trying to find the best treatment center for them, it is crucial that they choose one that will tailor the treatment program to meet the abuser’s specific needs. If they do suffer from a mental health disorder as well, they need to make sure the treatment center will treat both issues simultaneously. If one condition is treated but the other is not, relapse is very likely. They may also want to find a recovery center that caters to their specific gender, ethnicity, culture, and even age. When patients are surrounded by people similar to them, they feel more comfortable and are more likely to fully commit themselves to the recovery process.

Is the Treatment Center Willing to Adjust the Treatment Plan as Needed?

Even if a recovery center takes time to set up entire treatment plans around their patients, things change. Along the way, the treatment center may realize that what they thought would work in the beginning is no longer as effective as it should be. A good treatment center will perform drug monitoring throughout the process to make sure a relapse has not occurred. If a relapse does occur, the treatment center needs to be willing to reevaluate and update that patient’s treatment plan. Relapse is not a sign that the person cannot recover, it is simply an indication that the treatment plan in progress is not working like it is supposed to. If a treatment center only sets up an initial treatment plan and never reevaluates, the patient is not receiving the best care possible.

How Long is the Treatment Program?

In order to ensure success, the abuser needs to make sure that the treatment center they want to attend has a program that is long enough for them. Of course, the length of time that is needed will vary from person to person, but science shows that most patients will need at least 90 days of treatment to achieve the results they desire. Any less than this and they will not have time to learn all of the skills needed to stay sober after leaving treatment. The longer abusers are willing to stay at the recovery center, the better outcome they will have.

Does the Recovery Center Offer Continuing Care?

In addition to a sufficient length of time in recovery, abusers need to make sure that the treatment center offers care options once the abusers completes their initial program.

• Do they have follow-up appointments to monitor the patient’s continued success after leaving treatment?
• Do they arm their patients with tools to help them avoid relapse by dealing with temptation in another way?
• Do they work with the families of their patients to make sure that everyone is on the same page?

Many treatment centers will also have psychologist appointments set up for the abuser in their hometown that they can attend on a regular basis.

A good drug rehab center does not forget about the patient as soon as they leave the facility. They are constantly making sure that the patient is on the right track and offers an open-door policy should the patient ever need to return. They will understand that every patient is different and each one will require different forms and levels of treatment. They will make their patients feel comfortable as they aid them through the recovery process. Above all, they will care about their patients as if they were their own family members and really demonstrate a commitment for each patient to succeed.

The post How to Find a Drug Rehab Center That is Best for You appeared first on Best Drug Rehabilitation.

Getting the Holistic Drug Rehab Right Treatment

Fighting an addiction requires the right type of treatment approach. The search for the right treatment facility starts with understanding the options. When a treatment program suggests that holistic drug rehabilitation is available to fight drug abuse, it is referring to alternative solutions to overcome the challenges of fighting an addiction.

Meaning of Holistic

Before it is possible to understand how the holistic drug rehab program works, it is important to recognize what the term actually means. When the term holistic is used for medical or treatment needs, it refers to a treatment approach that addresses the needs of the whole person.

Holistic treatment means that the program will not limit the solutions to only one part of the problem. The rehabilitation will provide treatments that address other human needs, including emotional comfort and mental health concerns.

Treating the Physical Body

Drug abuse is often related to physical needs or challenges. In some cases, addiction develops as a direct result of physical pain, such as opiate addiction. Others will develop physical health problems due to the drug abuse. Regardless of whether the health concern arose first or the drug abuse caused physical problems, a holistic approach to drug rehab will provide physical care.

Doctors and nurses are available in any holistic drug rehab program to ensure that a patient is getting proper treatment to solve the health problems. Depending on the situation and the problem, the amount of care provided and the solutions will vary.

Treating the physical body helps remove certain distractions, such as physical pain or general illness. Although addiction treatment is not limited to just the physical side, it is a vital element of treating the underlying causes. It is hard to recover when withdrawal symptoms are causing pain or the body is so ill that drug abuse seems tempting. The physical treatment focuses on overcoming the cravings and feeling more comfortable over time.

Psychiatric Treatments

Mental health and emotional health play a significant role in the ability to fight substance abuse. When the mind is focused on emotional problems or a mental health challenge makes it hard to give up the drugs, it can make the process of recovery much longer.

Even if it is not necessary to work through emotional pain, trauma or similar problems, counseling is still an effective way to improve mental health and ensure that the emotions are as stable as possible. Substance abuse can cause many problems and some issues are not related to physical well-being. The counseling will address the issues so that the mind and body are both getting proper treatment.

Alternative Methods of Relieving Stress or Emotional Pain

Since stress and emotional pain can contribute to substance abuse, holistic programs will provide alternative solutions to alleviate the stress. The exact programs and solutions that are available will depend on the specific rehab program, but focus on healthier ways of expressing emotion or reducing stress levels.

The alternative solutions that can help and are often available in holistic treatment programs include:

• Music therapy
• Dance therapy
• Art therapy
• Martial arts
• Tai Chi
• Exercise or fitness programs
• Massage therapy
• Yoga

The recreational activities might not seem effective, but it can help reduce stress and provides alternative ways to handle cravings for drugs. Depending on the therapy and program, the method of recovery will vary.

Alternative approaches to treatment are not limited to only the physical and mental health. That relief from stress can potentially provide a stable mind, a healthier body and a spiritual experience.

Spiritual Development or Teachings

Since holistic rehab focuses on the whole person, it does not leave out spirituality. Depending on the program, the method of spiritual development and growth will vary. For some individuals, the spiritual side will take on the form of religious beliefs and education. Other individuals will find that yoga, tai chi and deep breathing will provide a spiritual experience that is not related to a specific religious belief.

The growth and development of the spirit will depend on personal belief systems. A holistic program strives to help improve growth, but only within the realm of personal beliefs. The professionals working with individuals in the program will never push aside personal beliefs or try to force other beliefs on an individual. The goal is growth, so a discussion about personal beliefs will provide the foundation to develop a personalized program.

Cultural Development

Although cultural awareness and development will depend on individuals, holistic approaches can provide educational tools that focus on cultural development.

This type of treatment can help if an individual has a strong cultural identity, but it is not always part of treatment if individuals do not follow or identify with specific cultural backgrounds.

Developing Skills or Improving Education

Educational tools and skills development is another aspect of holistic treatment that is available. The rehab program can provide workshops or training programs to help develop basic life skills that are useful after leaving the program.

The life skills that are provided will depend on personal needs and the situation that caused substance abuse. The skills that the program might teach include:

• Basic money management
• Basic reading or math skills
• Balancing checkbooks

Life skills are the necessities that make it possible to improve in life. Depending on the situation and the skills that are necessary to improve overall quality of life, the rehab program might offer educational workshops or programs to help improve the necessary skills.

Treatment Works

Holistic drug rehabilitation is designed to fight substance abuse by involving every area of an individual’s needs. By addressing the emotional, mental, spiritual and physical needs, it is possible to find the primary causes of addiction and fight back. The best holistic drug rehab program uses alternative and traditional approaches to addiction treatment so that it is possible to live a drug-free lifestyle in the future.

The post How Holistic Drug Rehab Programs Works appeared first on Best Drug Rehabilitation.

A Hard Commitment to Make

Moral Models Vs. Medical Models

Drug rehabilitation programs typically swing from two opposing viewpoints. One group upholds the theoretical perspectives of moral responsibility. The second group polarizes the popular and theoretical viewpoints of addiction and sickness.

Moral Addiction Rehabilitation Programs

These programs focus on drug abuse as a chosen lifestyle. The core argument establishes the user as an irresponsible individual who purposefully determines to live a life of crime, drug abuse and other careless behavior patterns. Having the ability to choose an alternative lifestyle makes the user accountable and responsible for any drug consumption, related injuries to self or others and violations of legal perimeters.

Medical Addiction Rehabilitation Programs

Ten Reasons Drug Abusers Fear Addiction Rehabilitation

Fear is a personal emotion. It springs forth from the wells of yesterday’s memories and from the as yet unseen possibilities of tomorrow’s changes. Yet learning to face fear can bring about the joy of personal freedom. Here are some of the common fears that can prevent drug abusers from seeking professional addiction rehabilitation help:

Long-Term Goals of Drug Treatment Programs

New Perspectives and New Life

Along with providing long-term freedom from the consequences of drug abuse, rehab treatment programs also help drug abusers gain new perspectives on current problems. Trained counselors are always on hand and ready to walk each individual through his or her unique set of fears, environmental obstacles and social consequences. Likewise, trained medical personnel are available to ensure the safety of pregnant women and their infants.

When drug rehabilitation is applied correctly, withdrawal pains and withdrawal symptoms can be minimized and controlled. Troublesome memories become manageable. Initial fears begin to crumble before the confidence that accumulates in the wake of achievable recovery. Healing replaces fear.

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A Wonderful Event

There is nothing more precious than helping a child escape – if but for a moment – from the illness or disease that confines him or her to a children’s hospital. Imagination Heals is an inspiring organization that seeks to deliver respite to ill children via entertainment, such as live presentations and musical performances. On the evening of February 22, 2013, Imagination Heals held its official launch celebration at the Beverly Hilton – a gala that Best Drug Rehabilitation was proud to be a sponsor of.

The evening called attention to the importance of the arts in the lives of sick children, who are often inspired and encouraged by the book readings, song performances and theater arts synonymous with the Imagination Heals organization.

Best Drug Rehabilitation Working With Pacha’s Pajamas

It was especially exciting to work with Pacha’s Pajamas, a nature-themed children’s pop musical that performed live at the event. Pacha’s Pajamas travels to children’s hospitals for live performances of age-appropriate educational music. The performances are centered around a young girl named Pacha who battles asthma through a dream to a festival organized by plants and animals. The Agape Youth Choir and Lester Chambers are just some of the featured performers in Pacha’s Pajamas, and both were on hand at the event.

Many people were honored for their generosity and ground-breaking contributions that make Imagination Heals a possibility. Sponsor Per Wickstrom and Best Drug Rehabilitation were greatly appreciated for making this event possible.  The party carried on for hours into the night in celebration of the milestones Imagination Heals has achieved up until now.

Celebrity Appearances and Guests

A special thanks goes out to all of the people that came to the celebration and helped make it a hit. We also appreciated the attendance of our special guests, including NFL Hall of Famer, Jim Brown and his wife, Monique, as well as retired NFL Detroit Lions wide receiver, Herman Moore. Thank you to also to former Olympic gymnast and actress, Cathy Rigby, as well as Nickelodeon actor, Kendall Schmidt. We cannot express our gratitude for everyone’s part in making the evening a success.

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Best Drug Rehabilitation CEO Per Wickstrom, to Launch Program “Imagination Heals” Feb. 22 at Beverly Hilton

The launch of “Imagination Heals” is expected to inspire children around the country to maintain their hope regardless of their situation. Per Wickstrom, the CEO of Best Drug Rehabilitation, is planning to launch the program on February 22, 2013 at Beverly Hilton Hotel in the Wilshire Ballroom.

The Program

“Imagination Heals” is a program that celebrates the profound effect of music and the arts on human health. Best Drug Rehabilitation offers holistic healing and has the top experts in the field of healing through alternative medicine. The CEO, Per Wickstrom, has noticed the effects on the lives of those who are struggling with illness and the event promises to celebrate the successes, hope and happiness that art brings to others.

How “Imagination Heals” Helps Children

Although the February 22, 2013 event will celebrate the successes of the arts and music on the lives of children, the program is not limited to short-term successes. The goal of “Imagination Heals” is bringing art and music into the lives of children.

Children’s hospitals are seeing a large number of problems that afflict families each day. The diseases that children face are often debilitating and shocking. From problems like asthma to severe forms of cancer, children are struggling to keep a positive attitude while undergoing treatment.

“Imagination Heals” is a program that is focused on bringing music and art into the lives of children in the hospitals around the country. Music and art provide children with positive reinforcement during challenging times in their lives and helps reduce feelings of depression or anxiety that might impact a child’s life.

The music and art go beyond just helping children through the challenging times. It is also a form of alternative medicine with music or art therapy that helps distract children from pain or discomfort during their treatment. The program is also educational and entertaining to help children learn, grow and laugh while spending time in a hospital.

Donations and Opening

The “Imagination Heals” sponsors are not limiting the involvement to a night of celebration. The event is only the launch of helpful programs. Best Drug Rehabilitation and other sponsors are donating 10,000 copies of Pacha’s Pajamas soundtracks and books to different children’s hospitals around the country. The books and soundtracks will provide children with entertainment and music while they are undergoing treatment.

The launch of “Imagination Heals” will begin on February 22, 2013 at 6:00 PM. During the opening of the event and program, media interviews and the arrival of guests are expected. The entertainment will begin at 6:45 PM and will continue through the different events that are planned for the night.

The CEO of Best Drug Rehabilitation, Per Wickstrom, understands the profound effect of music and art on the lives of others. With the launch of “Imagination Heals,” more children will have access to music, books and the arts during times when life is full of challenges.

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Sheldon graduated from Best Drug Rehab in November. I sat down with Sheldon to discuss his recovery and his experience at BDR.

How is Best Drug Rehab different?

Why did Best Drug Rehabilitation work for you?

What was the relationship between the staff and the clients?

It was excellent. I absolutely loved it. I got along with everybody. It was just an overall friendly place where everybody helped me in one way or another. If I was ever having a bad day, I’d go talk to Nurse Kelly or somebody on staff — everyone at BDR was there to support me. Or, if I was just not recognizing what I was supposed to be doing in that moment, they’d give me a little space. They would take me outside, talk with me to figure out what was going on, and try to work through it instead of just punishing me.

How do you feel now that you are sober?

I have more energy. I have more motivation. I get along better with my family. I get along better with my son. My days are productive; they go by faster. I feel youthful again, like I have a purpose.

Would you recommend Best Drug Rehabilitation to other people?

Yes, I would.

Join Other Successful Drug Rehab Graduates

Contact us today to start your journey to recovery and join our other successful graduates. You can take back control of your life.

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Learn more about the Best Drug Rehabilitation facility and the people who run the center in the video above.  Our goal is to help all those in need recovery from their addiction.  Our CEO has been there and understands what it takes to fully recover and heal from the downward spiral that is drug or alcohol addiction.  Our methods have proven success and we hope that you’ll reach out to us to learn more about how we can help you.

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