When looking for and evaluating rehabilitation centers, some of the things you naturally first assess are what kinds of treatment they offer, how their programs are designed and who are the professionals that run the facilities.

Another important point of consideration is of course location. This is relevant when you have to decide between going for treatment in or outside the state. Both options have their own advantages and disadvantages. But more than that, you may also want to look at the facility’s immediate environment and how conducive the surroundings are for rehabilitation.

In a holistic approach to drug and alcohol recovery, location is as significant a factor to the healing process as the other aspects you would normally evaluate. It does not take much to see the difference between receiving intensive in-patient treatment in a facility in the middle of an urban area and getting the same in one that has a more secluded and peaceful location. If you had to choose among drug and alcohol treatment centers in PA, wouldn’t you logically pick one that has acres and acres of scenic nature views?

The inspiration is to go through recovery in a safe haven. Our drug and alcohol rehab Pennsylvania facility offers open spaces, fresh air and privacy. There is, however, a balance that has to be maintained between seclusion and accessibility.

Recovering from drug or alcohol abuse should be a very private and personal experience. That’s why our facility is committed to protecting the privacy of our clients, whether you’re a businessman or a celebrity living a very public life. And our holistic approach also understands the importance of family involvement and incorporates it in the rehab program.

At Clarity Way, you will be far enough from the environmental triggers of your addiction while being surrounded by the positive atmosphere you need for recovery.

Getting to that point of admitting you have a drug or alcohol problem can be reached through various routes. It could be the result of a significant personal event, which many call “hitting bottom.” It may be due to an intervention by a close friend or relative. Once you identify the problem, the next step is doing something about it. Often the best course of action is inpatient drug rehab.

American Psychological Association Quiz

Identifying the problem and its magnitude is a step in the right direction. The APA has an “Are You Addicted?” test composed of 7 questions that can help you self-diagnose. The questions are designed to outline substance abuse behaviors. The mechanics are as follows: If you answer “yes” to three or more of the questions, then you likely have an addiction issue and if you answer “yes” to two or less of the questions, then you have an abuse issue.

Distinction between Addiction and Abuse

The APA test is based on the principle that addiction and abuse are two distinct levels of substance abuse. Addiction is more severe than abuse, but it is important to note that within each general category there are also specific levels of risk.

While substance abuse is threatening and damaging, it defines a person who takes part in reckless behaviors associated with drugs and alcohol, which can cause financial and legal issues as well as relationship strains. On the other hand, addiction refers to the condition in which a person has shown psychological or physical signs of dependency, and a definite tolerance for the drug or alcohol. Withdrawal symptoms are also common to addiction.

At the addiction level, there already exists a chemical dependency, which means that you have significantly less control of your actions. When you come to the honest conclusion that you have indeed reached such a stage, you have to understand that extensive rehabilitation such as inpatient alcohol rehabs and the equivalent treatment for drugs are imperative. Even if you consider your case an abuse level, getting inpatient help now can prevent serious issues later. With drug and alcohol, it is never too early to seek treatment.

Certainly one of the more important factors to be considered in a diagnosis for substance abuse treatment is how long the person has been afflicted with addiction. A recent study reported in the Archives of General Psychiatry shows that substance abuse can begin at a far younger age than was previously assumed. The research uncovers that 15% of high school seniors in the U.S. who abuse alcohol or drugs started the habit sometime at the age of 14 or 15.

The lead author of the study, Joel Swendsen, underlines the importance of applying intervention and prevention methods during those critical early years. It seems that by the time the problem becomes obvious and rehabilitation is finally considered as a solution, the person may have already undergone years of addiction. Imagine someone in their twenties who fits this early use/abuse profile. His or her particular situation may have acquired complications that would likely require more extensive treatment.

According to intervention experts, one of the more common misconceptions about addiction is the overemphasis on the substance being abused. Whether it’s MDMA or caffeinated alcoholic beverages, the addict isn’t specifically enamored by the substance. He or she may even sincerely dislike it. But the drugs and alcohol provide a way to escape or cope with emotional, psychological and or physical turmoil, and that is ultimately what the substance abuser seeks. This could be any type of pain sustained by family or social circumstances.

An inherently complex problem such as addiction can only be made more difficult by a lengthy history, especially one that begins at young volatile age. Substance abuse treatment can only be effective if it takes into account the totality of the person rather than narrowly treating the addiction. There is always hope for rehabilitation.

There have been six studies from as far back as the 1960s that present lysergic acid diethylamide, more commonly known as LSD, as a solution for alcoholism. The drug was used in various alcohol treatment programs, and the subjects were mostly men. The findings showed that even a small single dosage, ranging from 210 to 800 micrograms, was adequate to help the patients abstain from alcohol consumption. Around 59% of those given LSD showed smaller chances of relapse as compared to 38% of those that weren’t administered the drug.

Using Addictive Drugs to Cure Addiction

LSD has been tested for effectiveness in various psychiatric treatments in the first half of the 20th century. It was only in the late ‘60s, when there was already rampant abuse in the decade’s youth culture, that the drug was finally classified as illegal. It now belongs in the same category as heroin and MDMA, or “ecstasy”. The use of highly potent and addictive pharmaceuticals for treating mental disorders is nothing new. What needs to be gravely considered is this recurring idea that addictive drugs could actually cure addiction.

Holistic Rehab Centers and Multiple Modes of Treatment

A drug rehabilitation center that promotes a holistic approach uses varied treatment modalities because it understands that addiction is not simply a medical problem. The reason why a holistic drug rehab program involves counselors and life coaches as much as doctors and psychiatrists is because the afflicted person has emotional and spiritual issues that need to be addressed along with the medical component of addiction.

Addiction is a problem that has many facets to it, with factors that come from outside as well as inside the person. An approach that considers all aspects is thus the most effective way to get someone to sober up and avoid relapses. The statistics on those studies are accurate. But a drug as dangerous as LSD doesn’t really reach the roots of the problem. It can complicate it as using one drug to quit another can pose greater risks than the original addiction itself.

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<img src="http://www.clarityway.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/Celebrity-Addictions-and-Recoveries-Infographic.jpg" alt="Celebrity Addictions and Recoveries"> <br /> <a href="http://www.clarityway.com">Infographic by Clarity Way</a>

In recent years, Celebrity Addictions have quickly gained the attention of the public, and the media has taken full advantage of this new niche, as they look to exploit and dramatize the situations surrounding some of Hollywood’s most popular celebrities. Fortunately for them, these celebrities can find safety and support in some stellar rehab facilities, but not without a cost. Here’s a look at those celebrities, the form their vices take on, the price they pay to get clean, as well as the rehabilitation programs that are their saving grace.

It is known that negative social experiences are some of the most common triggers that may lead to addiction. A recent study involving fruit flies conducted by scientists from the University of California reveals more information on the matter.

It was observed that male fruit flies rejected sexually by females have a greater tendency to consume alcohol than those that were able to successfully mate. A specific brain molecule in these insects, called neuropeptide F, was identified as the link between the negative experience and the resulting behavior.

During the experiment, one group of male fruit flies was placed with a set of virgin female flies, while another was mixed with a female set that had already mated. Female fruit flies lose their sex drive after mating. The two male groups were then presented with two types of food, one plain and one containing 15% alcohol. The second male group, which was naturally rejected, went for the alcohol-laced food.

The levels of neuropeptide F in the male flies were measured. The significant difference in quantity between the two groups led to the conclusion this molecule was the key factor that determined reward-seeking behavior. A similar functioning molecule, called neuropeptide Y, exists in human brains. The study points to this as the biochemical switch that connects social experience with psychological states.

This new knowledge is certainly a major contribution that can increase our understanding of human addiction. Perhaps future applications based on such findings will be devised and incorporated in drug rehab programs that offer multiple methods of treatment. Among those that would particularly benefit would be the dedicated doctors and therapists of drug rehab facilities. Research such as this lays down the path for development of new techniques that would better help those that suffer addiction find their own path to recovery.

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There are cases of drug addiction where substance abuse is accompanied with mental health disorder. This is what is known as co-occurring disorders or dual diagnosis. The two problems can easily overlap and often one contributes to or causes the other.

The types of drugs that are often abused have properties that significantly affect the brain’s normal function, and chronic abuse eventually leads to mental impairment and imbalance. On the other hand, certain medications prescribed for mental illness share some similar psychoactive properties with these drugs. They’re beneficial as long as they are correctly prescribed and used, however they can be very risky because many are highly addictive.

This is the situation that some recent war veterans face. Those that suffer from physical pain and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) are prescribed with highly addictive and powerful painkillers, such as morphine. According to a government study on the matter, they’re actually twice more likely to be given such medication than those just dealing with physical pain. That fact, in turn, increases the danger of drug abuse.

Doctors treating veterans are always performing a balancing act. How does one relieve the pain and stress without risking dependence and abuse? Some of the solutions involve putting the use of medication only within a broader treatment plan that includes, among other methods, physical therapy and counseling. Veterans already suffering from addiction can utilize dual diagnosis recovery programs.

This effective drug rehab method considers the complications of dual diagnosis. Mental disorders and substance abuse are two separate but related issues. Such a recovery program must first accurately establish that a dual diagnosis case does exist. From there a customized treatment plan can be made where medication is just one carefully monitored aspect.

Afflicted veterans have a better chance at finding their path to recovery with a program that considers their mental, physical, emotional and spiritual needs, or in other words, a holistic approach to rehabilitation.

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Here is some good news for those struggling with or affected by addiction. A recent survey has found that 10% of Americans have successfully overcome their drug and alcohol problems. 1 out of 10 may not seem like an impressive statistic at first glance but in real numbers that amounts to around 23.5 million people. If ever you harbored any doubts, this finding should at least offer more hope. Drug rehab works and recovery is very possible. Millions of people have achieved it.

You may have heard some truly amazing stories of individuals who have sobered up on their own. For most people though, finding the right path to recovery requires the professional and comprehensive support that can only come from a drug recovery center.

If you have read books and other materials regarding substance abuse then you know there are a lot of sides to this problem. Drug rehabilitation is effective if it can cover all the bases. Medical doctors, nurses, therapists, counselors, nutritionists, trainers — each of these professionals have a significant role to play in your recovery. Their personal support, as well as expertise, is what you can count on through inpatient treatment.

Drug or alcohol addiction is not merely a medical problem or a psychological problem. It’s both and also involves several other aspects. There are no generic approaches to recovery because every person undergoing the difficulties of addiction has his or her own particular needs, strengths and weaknesses. A customized treatment program is the kind of solution that can lead you all the way to recovery and life-lasting success.

The process of recovery begins with your own willingness to change. To have a successful recovery, there has to be a solid support system in place that will help you make progress to lasting recovery.

St. Patrick’s Day does not have to be synonymous with drinking alcohol. Celebrating the Irish tradition sober is a great way to become closer to your heritage, friends, and family members. To give you some ideas on what you can do on St. Patty’s day that doesn’t involve drinking, here are 5 activities. Chances are, you will have more fun staying sober than those who drink!

Go (Or Be In) a Parade

Attending a St. Patrick’s Day parade is a great way to spend a few hours during the day with your friends and family. Watch Irish floats pass by as you listen to Celtic music being played. Are you Irish? If so, join in on the parade and dress up in Celtic attire and ride on one of the floats.

Everything Green

If you have to go to work on St. Patrick’s Day, have fun and dress up in different shades of green. Want to take the color green to the next level? Spray your hair green, wear lime green fashion contacts or paint your skin a lovely shade of green.

Eat Irish Food

Invite your friends and family members over for an Irish feast, and enjoy corned beef and cabbage, potato dishes, Irish stew, and currant cake. Have a little fun with the food by dying it green. Drink lime green juice or dye soda pop green for guests to drink.

Hunt for Four-Leaf Clovers

Bring your family to a field and search for the infamous four-leaf clover. Finding one might just bring you hope, love and a little luck!

Read an Irish Legend

The Irish have many myths and urban legends that have been passed down from generation to generation. Gather up friends and family members around the fireplace and take turns in reading an Irish legend. This is a great way to finish the day celebrating St. Patrick’s with people you love while staying sober.

Photo: Bill Bly

Demi Moore has struggled with addiction throughout her career. She joins the many celebrities who have turned to drugs and alcohol as the pressures of their very public life become overwhelming.

After a 911 call was placed from Moore’s house, she was admitted into the hospital and speculations reached a frenzy. Some reports said she was doing whip-its, which is compressed nitrous oxide people use to get a temporary high. Other reports were blaming exhaustion.

Whatever the cause, it’s clear now as Moore seeks treatment at a celebrity drug rehab she buckled under the many pressures of her life: a crumbling marriage, aging in an industry defined by youth, and living her life under the microscope of public opinion.

What can you learn from Moore’s experience?

Sometimes You Just Need to Get Away

If you’re struggling with the pressures of everyday life and find yourself turning to drugs or alcohol to cope, you should consider getting away. By removing yourself from these pressures, you can focus on the issues that are holding you back from living a fulfilling and healthy life.

Being Concerned about your Image could Harm it Even More

If you’re hesitant about seeking treatment because you live your life in the public eye or are concerned with what others would think, you’re not alone. However, by putting off recovery because of this, you’re letting issues go unaddressed. These issues can easily spiral out of control and the damage control needed in the end can be greater than you expected. “The world can be a difficult place to navigate at times,” states Justin Daniels, Founder of Clarity Way, “Giving yourself the space to properly breathe, examine the situation and work through its underlying causes can all be key components along the road to recovery.”

If you’d like to keep your struggles and treatment from the public, Clarity Way offers an exclusive addiction treatment designed to provide our clients with a way to get the help they need without worrying about their personal struggles leaking to the public. From our secluded grounds to our private arrival and departure procedures, there is no reason not to seek treatment because of worry about how you’ll appear to others. We’ll honor your privacy and promise confidentiality.

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