People often neglect their physical health when they are in active addiction. Instead of going for a run or using another healthy medium to clear their mind, they’d rather use drugs. Whether for physical pleasure or to unwind and relax, for most people, their drug of choice satisfies them both physically and mentally. Using a substance offers brief but instant gratification for the body while potentially causing long-term damage that can be fatal, whereas physical fitness and proper nutrition offer a lifetime of physical gratification.

Taking care of yourself physically can provide you with ongoing fulfillment as you’ll start to see improvements in your appearance, an increase in energy level, a decrease in pain level, emotional balance, and much more.

Repairing Your Body through Physical Exercise

When I was in rehab, I was able to reengage my body in exercise with a personal trainer as well as through group fitness activities. Not only did I start to feel better physically, but my attitude shifted in a positive way, which decreased my desire to self-medicate. Exercise became my healthier emotional outlet.

Physical change does take time. Most people do not reach their physical peak overnight. However, with consistent work toward regaining strength and energy, subtle improvements will begin to appear. By setting exercise goals for yourself you can provide more structure in your daily routine. This can help with increased self-esteem and emotional balance. Through implementing structure and routine and finding an overall healthier you, the chance for relapse decreases because you start thinking more clearly and with purpose.

In addition to physical exercise, therapeutic massage and practicing yoga offer the body a release in muscle tension and a detoxification of internal organs, not to mention relaxation and reflection for the body, mind, and soul.

Nurturing Your Body with Proper Nutrition

Healing the body combines the aspects of physical activity as well as proper nutrition. It’s important that recovering addicts pay particularly close attention to what they eat in order to restore any nutritional deficiencies they may have developed during active addiction.

In this fast-paced society, we often lean toward convenience rather than dietetic needs when considering meal options. Building a diet around foods with high nutritional value, including minimally to non-processed foods, can improve everything from your body shape to your mood and even your skin complexion. Look for nutrient-dense foods to incorporate into your diet, as they offer powerful changes for your body, inside and out.

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<iframe width="640" height="480" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/FObypBh-NRI" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>Video By <a title="Video Infographic by Clarity Way" href="http://www.clarityway.com">Clarity Way</a>

The “War on Drugs” has and still is one of America’s longest ideological wars ever fought. But American citizens have grown tired of policy and debate surrounding the failing war. Since it’s official beginnings in 1971, the costs of the “War on Drugs” have far outweighed the gains. After 42 years, it’s become clear that the war has been waged on a faceless enemy, making it difficult to pinpoint the root of the problem. In America, victims of the drug war are those who have taken their own initiatives to partake. Unfortunately, outside our borders, there couldn’t be anything further from the truth.

This video takes a look at two regions, in Afghanistan and Columbia, who are responsible for some of the world’s largest drug productions, and the adverse effect’s the drug trade has had on those families and communities. All due to the monetary incentive of the drug trade to males in these regions, families are torn apart, children are malnourished, environments are ruined, and violence is at its highest. Help us fight the war and spread the word.

Sources:
Business Insider
Colombia Reports
Common Sense for Drug Policy
Congressional Research Service
Cultural Survival
Global Finance
International Socialist Review
The New York Times
Newsweek
Society of American Foresters
United Nations News Centre
United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime
United Nations Research Institute for Social Development
The Wall Street Journal
Yale Center for the Study of Globalization

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Photo: Sweet Beet and Green Bean

I have to admit, I’m excited. With the publication of “No More Vodka in My Orange Juice” I’m finally getting a chance to tell my own story of addiction, recovery, and redemption. It’s a story many addicts will find familiar, and one I hope inspires others to find their own path to clarity.

My addiction to alcohol almost cost me everything: my career, my financial health, and, most importantly, my family. The road to recovery wasn’t easy. My first experience with rehab was overwhelmingly negative: the facility resembled a prison more than a place of healing. All I learned was how to hide my addiction to avoid going back.

My second experience in an inpatient alcohol rehab clinic changed my life. I had the opportunity to recover in relaxing, calm surroundings where I took an active part in my own treatment. Recovery took time. It took effort. And it was worth every obstacle and every setback.

You’re Not Alone

When you’re in the grip of addiction, you feel isolated and hopeless. It’s easy to believe no one else has ever experienced the pain, shame, and guilt you’re feeling. I hope by sharing my story in No More Vodka in My Orange Juice, I can help you realize you’re not alone. Thousands of people have lived through your struggle — and gone on to find sobriety and renewed purpose in their lives.

My New Clarity and Purpose

Sobriety gave me a new sense of clarity and purpose. I have been given a second chance at life, and I wanted to give others the same opportunity. That’s why I built Clarity Way, an inpatient alcohol rehab center dedicated to individualized holistic care and long-term recovery.

Let me share my journey with you. You may recognize yourself as you read. You may see reflections of a family member or friend struggling with addiction. You’ll also find hope. As addicts, we can change our fate and regain control of our lives. I know this because I lived it.

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Prescription opioid abuse is an epidemic in theUnited States. Prescription painkillers are easily accessible, with over 209.4 million prescriptions written for opioid analgesics in 2010, according to the National Institute of Drug Abuse. Introduced in 2012, the STOPP (Stop Tampering of Prescription Pills) Act could help prevent abuse of prescription opioids.

Two Roads to Addiction

In medical circumstances, the risk of opioid addiction must be balanced against the need for the painkiller. Long-term use of prescription painkillers often leads to addiction, even under a doctor’s care. This road to addiction is usually unintentional.

Others intentionally tamper with opioid medication before abusing the drugs. Pills may be crushed, melted or dissolved so they can be snorted or injected. Administering opioids in these manners increases the drugs’ potency and the risk of addiction or overdose.

STOPP and Anti-Tampering Pills

When it comes to drug abuse, prevention is more desirable than treatment. Drug intervention programs work well, but preventing drug abuse before it cascades into addiction is ideal. This is precisely what STOPP hopes to accomplish.

The STOPP Act encourages pharmaceutical companies to pursue the research and development of tamper-resistant medication. Such medication resists dissolving or crushing and is more difficult to abuse than older drug formulations.

If STOPP passes, the Act would cover all medication containing controlled substances, including painkillers, stimulants, sedatives and tranquilizers. Sales of older drug formulations would be prohibited if the FDA approves a safer, tamper-resistant version of the medication. STOPP would also require the FDA to refuse approval of new formulations without tamper resistant formulas.

Could it Work?

No one’s suggesting the STOPP Act will end prescription abuse. By making pill tampering more difficult, however, the ACT may dissuade people from experimenting with potentially dangerous medication, a move that could potentially save lives.

While the STOPP Act languishes in Congress, pharmaceutical companies are recognizing the need for tamper-resistant medication. Purdue, for instance, now manufactures a tamper-resistant version of Oxycontin, while Endo does the same for Opana.

Solving the nation’s prescription abuse problem requires a multi-disciplinary approach, including drug prevention and intervention programs, education, and initiatives such as STOPP. Tamper-resistant pills are a step in the right direction.

Photo: David Shankbone

In 2004, New Jersey Governor Jim McGreevey announced he was a gay American engaged in an extramarital affair and submitted his resignation. McGreevey’s governorship had been controversial, dogged by charges of political fundraising extortion. His appointment of Golan Cipel to the position of homeland security advisor was met with criticism that Cipel was unqualified for the position, especially as Cipel, not being an American citizen, could not receive Federal security approval. The announcement Cipel was the man with whom McGreevey had the affair only added to Jim’s political downfall.

Ten years later, Jim McGreevey has little in common with the man who left political life in disgrace. Today, he’s the driving force behind the Exodus Transitional Community, a volunteer program helping female prison inmates seek drug and alcohol rehab. His transformation from politician to rehabilitation advocate is the subject of Alexandra Pelosi’s Fall to Grace HBO documentary.

Rehabilitation or Imprisonment?

Jim’s work has had an amazing effect. By offering long term drug rehab to female inmates, the program reduces recidivism by more than half, and it is recognized by the Justice Department as one of the best re-entry programs in the nation. In addition to rehab therapy, the program offers transitional housing, job training, and other services to support a successful re-entry into society.

Such programs are important. Drug-related offenses account for approximately 51.5 percent of incarcerations, costing the nation $64,338 to house an inmate for 25 months. Drug courts and rehab programs such as Exodus Transitional Community help break the cycle of re-incarceration — at much lower cost. The typical drug court program costs $32,974 per person, half the amount required for a prison term. (Check out our infographic to learn more about the Financial Cost of Drug Addiction).

Redemption through Service

Jim earnestly believes he’s been redeemed through his work, and he wants to give others the same opportunity. I’m sure some critics out there are unwilling to believe he’s changed and will hold his past against him no matter what he does. In the eyes of the women he helps, however, Jim is a life-changing force.

I can understand his motivation. I struggled for years with alcoholism, and the effect my drinking had on those around me. I went through rehab, undergoing the mental pain and self-examination necessary for healing. Rehab gave me my life back, and in turn, encouraged me to found Clarity Way. Like Jim, I want to offer others the second chance I received, whether they need alcoholism detox or long term drug rehab.

Redemption can be a powerful force for good. Just ask Jim McGreevey.

This month marks the 27th Annual NCADD Alcohol Awareness Month. Sponsored by the National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence, Inc., Alcohol Awareness Month was founded in 1987 and is held every April. The purpose is to spread awareness and understanding about alcoholism in order to erase the negative stigma attached to the disease, which prevents so many individuals from seeking help.

To help the NCADD raise awareness about alcoholism this month, we’ve created an infographic that discusses alcoholism and how people become alcoholics. At Clarity Way we are committed to helping anyone who’s suffering from an addiction understand how and why their addiction started: Are people more likely to become alcoholics because of nature or nurture? The following data and statistics break down the reasons and situations in which people turn to alcohol for comfort, along with the role that genetics play.

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Privacy and discretion are important considerations when entering drug or alcohol rehab. Substance abuse, while a recognized mental disorder, still carries a social stigma. You don’t want the world to know about your personal struggles, and you have a right to privacy.

When you enter a drug rehab center, your only concerns should be healing and recovery. Worrying whether your boss, parents, or business clients know where you are distracts you from your most important task: healing.

Anonymous drug rehab takes away these worries so you can focus on your path to recovery.

Confidentiality and Anonymous Drug Rehab

Privacy is, of course, one of the key benefits of discreet drug rehab. All doctor-client relationships are confidential, and any communication or treatment agreed upon between you and drug rehab staff is also a matter of strict privacy.

Unless you authorize contact, a discreet rehab center refuses to give out any information in response to inquiries. The center will politely explain that their clients are protected by strict confidentiality and staff cannot give information on who is or is not receiving treatment.

Putting Yourself First

Knowing drug rehab staff respect and ensure your privacy allows you to focus entirely on what’s important. At Clarity Way, we offer complete confidentiality.

We can arrange for your arrival and departure at our local airport that has a private runway. We can also arrange for a discrete limo ride to and from the airport. For those wanting the maximum amount of privacy, we offer individual rooms for the duration of your stay at our rural and secure treatment center.

After inpatient treatment, privacy remains important. There’s a reason most 12-Step programs and support groups are anonymous: your struggle with substance abuse is your concern. You decide who should or should not know about this very personal aspect of your life.

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Sometimes dramatic events convince people they need help. For Billie Joe Armstrong, lead singer of Green Day, that event was a public meltdown on stage at the September 2012 iHeartRadio Music Festival. Believing the band’s act was cut short, Armstrong exploded into an expletive-filled rant, smashed his guitar, and stormed offstage.

The moment convinced Armstrong he needed help for his substance abuse problems. In a 2013 interview with Rolling Stone, the singer recalls waking up the next morning and asking his wife how bad the previous night was, to which she responded, “It’s bad.” Two days later he was in rehab.

Facing Demons

Making the decision to enter long-term rehab centers scares many. You may worry about withdrawal symptoms, your reputation, or living without alcohol or drugs. These are valid fears, but they stand in the way of seeking help. Armstrong’s honesty and willingness to share his story demonstrates it is possible to overcome those fears and seek out the help you need.

In the Rolling Stone interview, Armstrong notes how far he fell before he sought help. He describes blackouts and waking up in strange houses with no idea how he got there. Armstrong abused alcohol and prescription drugs for anxiety and insomnia, a potentially dangerous combination with a serious risk of overdose.

Secret Addiction

Armstrong’s on-stage outburst and entry into rehab surprised many because he exhibited few indications of substance abuse. He had admitted to drug problems in the past, but, at least in the public eye, there was no evidence he needed help.

Many addicts are in similar situations. You may feel that if you can still function at work or socially you don’t have a substance abuse problem. In reality, the problem is simply building in intensity until it reaches critical mass, at which point, like Armstrong’s outburst, it suddenly explodes. Seeking help before this happens makes treatment easier, and it also helps avoid damage to your career and relationships.

Emotional Support

Armstrong’s friends and family proved how important emotional support is during rehab, either from family, friends, or therapists at drug rehab centers. His band cancelled their tour so he could get help while his manager insisted he enter rehab as soon as possible. Perhaps the most poignant part of Armstrong’s story, however, is his wife’s simple, honest response.

“It’s bad.” Yes, it was. But thanks to Armstrong’s courage, it’s getting better. What are your thoughts on Armstrong’s struggle with substance abuse?

Photo: paperpariah

Once your loved one agrees to alcohol or drug rehab, he or she may have concerns with the length of rehab. Such concerns are especially common among active professionals who worry spending time away from work will adversely affect their productivity and professional reputation. Parents also worry rehab will take them away from children for long periods. Most likely, your loved one just wants to finish rehab as quickly as possible, and the idea of months of treatment seems overwhelming.

It’s best not to dwell on the length of time your family member or friend will spend in rehab, as doing so may cause them to avoid seeking the help they need. Instead, let rehab staff discuss short and long-term drug rehab options with your loved one.

Individualized Care

Each person entering a drug or alcohol treatment center has a unique set of needs, issues, and concerns, and treatment should be tailored to match these. Some clients only require 14 to 30-day stays with continuing out- outpatient support.

Others, however, require long-term alcohol rehab, with stays extending to 60 days or more. The therapists have training and experience needed to help your loved one determine the best length of stay and then accept it.

Long-Term Rehab and Treatment Success

According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, long-term rehab tends to be more successful than shorter periods of treatment. Longer clinic stays isolate your loved one from the temptation of drugs or alcohol while giving him or her time to identify and address the emotional or psychological issues underlying addiction.

In addition, longer rehab stays give people more time to learn new habits and ways of thinking. These new habits replace established behavior and thoughts that encourage substance abuse. In cases where underlying mental illness causes substance abuse, longer rehab periods allow effective treatment of both conditions.

Ultimately, the length of time someone spends in rehab is not as important as the treatment outcome. Whether your loved one needs a short term, 30-day stay, or 90-days of long-term care, what’s important is their recovery and ability to function without drugs or alcohol after leaving the clinic. Your loved one is a complex, unique individual, and his or her care should reflect this.

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On February 17, 2013, country singer Mindy McCready was found dead on her front porch, the victim of an apparently self-inflicted gunshot wound. For years, McCready struggled with mental illness and addiction before her tragic end. Her death is a stark reminder that recovering addicts often need continued support for successful recovery.

McCready, Fame and Addiction

McCready burst onto the country music scene in 1996 with her album Ten Thousand Angels, which sold over two million copies. By the end of her career, 14 of her songs and six of her albums appeared on the Billboard country charts.

Sadly, success did not come as easily in her personal life. She was convicted of fraudulently attempting to secure the prescription painkiller OxyContin in 2004, and she was placed on three-year probation. 2005 brought a DUI arrest in Nashville, two drug overdoses, and another arrest on drug charges. At this point authorities report McCready attempted suicide.

A second suicide attempt occurred in 2008, followed by another drug overdose in 2010. McCready then joined the cast of Celebrity Rehab with Dr. Drew, a reality show chronicling the lives of celebrities struggling with drug and alcohol abuse.

A month before her death, McCready’s boyfriend David Wilson was found dead on her porch, in another apparent suicide. Drew Pinsky of Celebrity Rehab says he contacted McCready after Wilson’s death. He reported she was despondent and feared the social stigma of asking for help.

Celebrity Rehab

McCready’s death marked the fifth death of a Celebrity Rehab guest over three seasons. This is not, perhaps, surprising. A drug and alcohol recovery center needs to be safe, peaceful, and calming. Reality television, however, relies on bad behavior, drama, and emotional outbursts. Playing out the painful process of drug rehab on national television hardly seems like an ideal healing venue.

Addiction Recovery and Support

Mindy McCready’s death reminds us of the need for continuing support for recovering addicts. A stay at an alcohol addiction treatment center, while beneficial, is not always enough. Ongoing therapy and family support help prevent relapse and catch early warning signs of depression. Continuing therapy helps you monitor yourself, increasing the chance you’ll seek help before relapse or suicidal actions.

Unfortunately, it’s too late for Mindy McCready. It’s not too late for thousands of others fighting the same battle. Do you agree?