Addiction Recovery Tips

How can Addiction Recovery in South Florida Change Your Life for the Better?

We all have different addictions from, smoking cigarettes, overeating, doing drugs, drinking, gambling, and sex.

Statistics from the National Institute of Health show that 47% of the population suffers from an addiction.

The best approach for addressing these issues is to go to addiction recovery in South Florida. You will feel better and gain more control over events unfolding around you and how you handle these situations. Here are some of the positive effects addiction recovery will have in your life and make things better.

 Improve Your Health

Addictions are one of those things that destroy your health with the activities you choose, creating an imbalance. If you engage in things that are dangerous and excessive, your body will lose flexibility and strength.

For example, someone who drinks excessively and smokes cigarettes will claim that they are dealing with tension. However, both of these activities will destroy their liver, heart, lungs, and mental health. The person cannot focus and is constantly turning to these substances as an escape from reality. Going to addiction treatment creates avenues where you can talk about the addiction and make positive changes.

Your health improves, and you live longer by stopping those things that place stress on your body.

The Sands Treatment Center specializes in treating addiction, and we can help you to overcome these challenges. We know what you are going through, and our trained staff will teach you new and more empowering ways of coping. You are not alone, and help is just a phone call or email away towards making better decisions.

You Address the Root Causes of the Issues

An addiction is an offshoot of other problems that are hidden beneath the surface. The abuse hides what is happening and a mechanism to help you to feel better.

For instance, a soldier has PTSD and cannot talk about what is occurring with them. These professionals are supposed to be strong and not have any issues such as PTSD. The expectations are that nothing is wrong, which leads to dangerous activities to hide the stress. Drinking, smoking, and other activities make the situation at home unstable and destroy relationships. The moment you admit there is a problem is when things will become better by dealing with issues such as PTSD.

Addiction recovery in South Florida helps you see what is happening and learn how to address the issues. You gain more control of your life and don’t feel like you are dealing with these things alone. We all need someone who understands and can help you address the causes of your problems.

The Sands Treatment Center treats the underlying causes of the addiction using holistic cognitive behavioral therapy. Our approach looks at how your behavior creates these challenges and what you can do to change things. We teach you how to cope and build a support network you can rely on for help.

Improve Your Relationships

Addiction recovery leads to better relationships with your friends, coworkers, and loved ones. You are no longer hiding a secret you can’t talk about with anyone and feel relief in lifting these burdens. Everyone understands what is affecting you and plays a role in making things better in your life.

You see closer and strong relationships by being open and honest about what is happening to you. For example, as you are recovering from an addiction, your spouse and children know why your behavior changed. They show more compassion, support, and understanding so you can become a better person. You are closer and experience feelings of love that you never felt before from being open about what is happening.

Not everything will be perfect, but letting people know about the issues makes things easier on you.

We see this happen with those recovering from an addiction and how their lives change for the better. Admitting to a problem and getting treatment creates a beautiful life that is filled with possibilities.

The Sands Treatment Center is the one place where you can feel better and repair your relationships. Your addiction recovery will lead to new and more empowering relationships to help you live a happier life.

Beat Addiction Now and Live a Better Life

These are a few ways that addiction recovery will change your life for the better. Call The Sands Treatment Center today at 844-200-2509 and see how dealing with your addiction will create positive changes. We are the number one addiction treatment center in South Florida and ready to change your life.

We can help and are on Park Central Boulevard, near the Amazon fulfillment warehouse. 

How To Stay Sober And Still Have Fun After Rehab

Addiction recovery in South Florida does not end once you are out of rehab. Nevertheless, if you have completed your program, we applaud your hard work and dedication in getting this far. Not everyone reaches this step, but you have. Now that your program is over, it’s time to apply what you have learned at The Sands Treatment Center (or another rehab facility) in the real world.

Your sobriety is important, but it is also important to have fun and enjoy life. This may be difficult in the beginning, so to help you get started, we have listed these four tips for a fun, sober life.

Join A Support Group

A support group is designed to help you throughout your recovery, but it can be especially beneficial during the early days. After rehab, you may not know how to have fun because you can’t do the activities you once enjoyed, like partying, bar hopping, and going to clubs. This can be an especially vulnerable moment and a support group can help you make a smooth transition back to life.

Not only is a support group a way to connect with other people who have the same struggles as you, but many groups host activities, such as weekend hiking, bowling, cooking classes, and other fun, sober activities. We recommend having an open mind because there will be a lot of useful information to learn from seasoned attendees. This way, it will be less likely to forget the numerous coping skills you learned in rehab, as variants of these skills will be reinforced on a weekly basis.

Make New Friends

You cannot return to your old way of life, or the friends you used to drink or do drugs with. Completely remove the people who will negatively influence your life and consider getting a new phone number so those old friends cannot contact you. This does not mean you shouldn’t have any friends. Isolating yourself can lead to boredom and boredom is one of the first ingredients to abusing substances.

Now is the time to meet new people and establish friendships with sober individuals. A group of sober, like-minded people won’t coerce you into making bad choices. Instead, you will look forward to finding new activities and hobbies to pursue, such as exercising, yoga, paddle boarding, painting, and more. There are unlimited possibilities. Additionally, this new group will become the support system that will encourage you throughout your life of sobriety.

Keep Busy

People who have just left a drug treatment center in South Florida must learn how to fill up their free time with activities. Boredom is an enemy you want to avoid. Even if you have a full-time job, it is important to know what you will do the rest of the time. Otherwise, you may return to your old thoughts, which will soon morph into old behaviors. Some activities to consider are:

• School – a great way to pursue your hobbies and passions and turn them into a career.
• Volunteer – very little is more rewarding than spending your free time helping others.
• Hobbies – if you plan on continuing your sober life in South Florida, the sunshine state has plenty to offer by way of hobbies.
• Part-time job

While it’s important to stay active, just be careful not to run yourself ragged. If your extracurricular activities start to get stressful, cut them loose. Their purpose is to help you remain sober, not trigger old behaviors.

Focus On Your Health

Even if you are no longer at The Sands Treatment Center, that does not mean you should completely stop going to therapy. You are encouraged to go to therapy and join our 12-step program after rehab. By continuing therapy, you will continue to grow and learn more skills to manage unique and difficult situations. With each session, you will learn how to take back control until your life is completely yours again.

In addition to therapy, there are other ways to be proactive about your mental health. Boredom may drive you back to old habits, but so can feelings of isolation, anxiety, and depression. Whenever you feel overwhelmed by your situation, take a moment for yourself. Look into therapeutic activities, like meditation and exercise. Exercise, good sleep, and a healthy diet make up the three pillars of mental health. You should also schedule monthly check-ups with your general practitioner to stay on track.

Again, you are not alone even if you have left our program. For addiction recovery in South Florida, contact The Sands Treatment Center. Call (844)200-2509 today.

When Is It A Good Idea To Become A Sponsor?

You have completed your addiction recovery in South Florida and have had many successful years of recovery. When you think about your years of successful recovery, you know you could never have gotten this far without hard work and the guidance of your sponsor. Now, you are considering becoming a sponsor to someone else. 

This is a big responsibility, and you may not be sure if you have the characteristics that it takes to guide someone down a path of sobriety. If you don’t know where to begin, here are some questions to ask yourself to help you make a decision.

Have I Completed All The Steps?

Some people think it’s important for a sponsor to have completed all 12 steps of the program before becoming a sponsor. Being well-versed in the steps will never be enough – you must have worked the steps, as well. However, if you have at least one year of sobriety and have gone through significantly more steps than the person you may be sponsoring, you will have experience and knowledge to share with them and that may be enough. However, if you don’t feel comfortable becoming a sponsor until you have completed all 12 steps, don’t be afraid to suggest another person as a sponsor.

What Are The Risks?

When you sponsor someone, it is likely that they will contact you when they want to use. You should be in a comfortable position in your sobriety to navigate temptation even when it’s directly in front of you.  

Can You Handle Their Relapse?

You can’t make decisions for this person. All you can do is offer suggestions and guidance. In the end, the decision is ultimately theirs. If your sponsee relapses, it’s important to ask yourself how this could affect you. You should be in a good enough place to understand that you did your job in trying to lead them away from substance abuse. Furthermore, just because your sponsee has relapsed does not mean they have failed. Relapse is a common part of recovery. The most important thing is to get back on the horse and try again.

Are You Attracted To The Person?

You shouldn’t let anything affect your judgment when it comes time to effectively getting your point across to your sponsee. As a result, you should have no romantic feelings for or be attracted to this person in any way. This will be a long-term relationship and it’s important that you feel comfortable working closely with this person in a constructive manner.

Should They Follow In Your Footsteps?

Your sponsee may look to your daily activities as an example of how to live sober. There are many tasks that people must commit to in order to ensure sobriety, like daily readings, meditation, prayers, and regular meeting attendance. If you are not doing these things yourself, it may be difficult to suggest another person do them.

Are You Afraid To Tell The Truth?

If you only want to be the good guy, becoming a sponsor may not be right for you. As a sponsor, it’s important to tell people what they need to hear even if it isn’t what they want to hear. Some people are less receptive to hearing the truth than others. If your sponsee is not cooperating with you, let them know that you can no longer be their sponsor and explain the reasons why.

Talk To Your Sponsor

If someone has asked you to become their sponsor and you’re questioning this decision, talk to your own sponsor. They may know your strengths better than you – the same goes for your weaknesses. Find out if they think it’s a good idea to encourage another person on a life of sobriety. If they think you can, but you don’t, you may be selling yourself short.

The Sands Treatment Center

If there is someone you know who will benefit from addiction recovery in South Florida, contact The Sands Treatment Center. Using one-on-one counseling and group therapy, we help patients develop relapse prevention skills. Our professionals are dedicated to getting you on the right track as quickly and effectively as possible. To learn more about the areas we specialize in, call (844)200-2509.

Challenges of PTSD

A person who experiences a stressful or catastrophic incident, or sequence of events, may develop post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) has traditionally been associated with military and emergency service events, although PTSD may develop in any profession. Keep reading to learn more!

Mental Disorder

PTSD is a mental disorder in which someone feels overwhelmed and traumatized after experiencing a very distressing, traumatic, or shocking event. The unexpected event often occurs, and the person believes he or she has no control over the result. Many cases of PTSD are triggered by the fear of imminent death or harm. Incidents such as conflict, a natural catastrophe, a vehicle accident, or an attack may all be categorized as this kind of occurrence.

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) may be difficult to detect and diagnose. While some individuals who have PTSD may have an acute start, others may experience PTSD over an extended period of time. Flashbacks are the most common symptoms of PTSD.

Intense fear, recurring nightmares, and feelings of dreaded feel

Workplace PTSD

Serious safety incidents in the workplace have the potential to result in PTSD. Those with the greatest risk of PTSD include members of the military, first responders, dispatchers, correction officers, physicians, and nurses. In addition, everyone may acquire PTSD in the event of a severe danger or serious injury. Workplace bullying is just as harmful as a manufacturing disaster when it comes to causing post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

PTSD is a severe mental disease, and an understanding of the symptoms of PTSD is crucial for any job. All workers and management should be trained about the indications and symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), how to provide assistance to others, and how to destigmatize the disease. If you believe that a co-worker is suffering from PTS, employers should also consider offering access to employee help programs, such as a workers’ mental health aid program, as well as the time off necessary to use these services.

Occupational Injury

PTSD does not always occur just in the professions in which there is a higher risk of occupational injury. PTSD may occur in any job. Employers should include mental health education for PTSD in all their regular workplace training. It is crucial to identify and analyze possible risks and hazards. A risk assessment should occur, and policies, procedures, and programs that address PTSD specifically should be implemented.

Understanding PTSD

Post-traumatic stress disorder impairs communication. Many survivors find it difficult to find the words to convey their emotions. Even if they do, it’s pretty standard for individuals to be reticent about opening out about their own experiences. Shame, anxiety, wrath, guilt, and sorrow may cause a calm and focused conversation to deteriorate.

Those who are not the cause of the PTSD, such as friends and family, require a communication method to understand the PTSD language being used. To help your loved one with PTSD in the recovery process, armed with information, insight, and awareness, you will have an easier time understanding how to react, respond, and connect to your loved one. We’ll all be better for it when we appreciate things from the PTSD viewpoint. Empathy, compassion, and patience are essential now.

Knowledge is a powerful asset. Knowing the stages of trauma, the symptoms, and warning signs, as well as treatment choices available for PTSD, enables you to support, identify, and assist your loved one get the diagnosis, therapy, and recovery they need.

Be Well Informed

Be alert and well-informed. PTSD is more common than you might think. Allow The Sands Treatment Center in Pompano Beach works with you to navigate these issues. Call 844-200-2509 today for more information or connect with us online.

How To Talk To A Loved One About Alcohol Addiction

It is never easy seeing someone you love struggle with alcohol addiction. Although you want to talk to them about it, you may not know how to approach the subject. You’re wondering if there is a right and a wrong way of starting a conversation. If you currently find yourself in this situation, the first thing you should do is educate yourself about addiction. It’s important to know as much as you can about the disease and why it’s taking over your loved one’s life. Learning and understanding will ensure a productive conversation, free of judgement and misinformation. It will take time, but soon, you will be able to encourage your loved one to seek professional addiction recovery in South Florida.

The Signs Of Addiction

Alcohol addiction can sometimes be hard to recognize. How do you know if your loved one has a problem or if their drinking habit is ordinary? With no specific amount that constitutes as an alcohol problem, you may struggle to recognize the signs. If your intuition is telling you that there is a problem, and you feel your loved one will benefit from professional addiction recovery in South Florida, look for the following warning signs. In most cases, your loved one will:

• Drink more frequently
• Switch to a stronger drink (i.e., wine to liquor)
• Neglect their hobbies and interests
• Neglect their work and responsibilities
• Change their mood/behavior 
• Often be hungover or sick from drinking
• Get in trouble with the law
• Lie to you about their drinking
• Hide the fact that they drink

Essentially, you know there is a problem if their alcohol consumption starts to affect their life. And, despute the negative consequences, your loved one continues to drink. Sometimes, they continue because they simply can’t stop. When you see these signs, understand that there is a problem. 

The good news is alcohol addiction is a treatable disease. There are many programs available for individuals to relinquish their addiction and get on the road to recovery.

At The Sands Treatment Center, we offer the following programs that your loved one may benefit from.   

• Regular outpatient treatment (OP) and intensive outpatient treatment (IOP)
• Outpatient rehab
• 12 step program
• 12 step therapy for professionals
• Holistic cognitive behavior therapy (CBT)

The program you choose will depend on the extent of your loved one’s problem, their finances, and schedule flexibility. You can talk to a member of our staff to learn more about each program. 

How To Start A Conversation

Once you have researched the disease and have a better understanding of what your loved one is going through, it may be time to have a conversation. When you talk to them, it’s important to choose your words carefully, as you don’t want them to get angry and lash out or deny that they have a problem. Plan out what you want to say and even how to say it. Some helpful tips are:

• Think about your main concerns with your loved one’s drinking habit. Write down all the ways that it affects you.
• Talk about their health and how their drinking habit is detrimental to their physical and emotional wellbeing.
• Don’t use labels like “alcoholic” or “addict.” People get defensive with labels.  
• Remember to sympathize and don’t place blame or point the finger at your loved one.
• Don’t make demands. You want them to go somewhere for addiction recovery in South Florida, but you don’t want to force them into it.

Other important considerations: timing is everything. Talk to them when they are sober and not planning to drink soon. Location is also important, as you don’t want to be surrounded by distractions or interrupted during your conversation.

How To Encourage Someone To Seek Help

Very few people have the ability and willpower to overcome their alcohol problem on their own. The best recourse is to visit an addiction treatment center in South Florida, like The Sands Treatment Center. Let your loved one know all the benefits of receiving professional help, such as medical guidance and support. Remind them that they aren’t alone and that you (and our staff) will be with them every step of the way.

It won’t be easy for either of you, as this is a long journey that may have lots of road bumps along the way. However, with hard work and commitment, your loved one will be able to overcome their addiction and start a life of sobriety. For addiction recovery in South Florida, contact The Sands Treatment Center. Call (844) 200-2509 for 24/7 support.

The 4 Stages Of Addiction Recovery

If you suffer from addiction, one of the hardest things to do is admit you have a problem. This is usually followed by another difficult step: getting the right treatment. However, finding treatment for addiction recovery in South Florida will set you on your journey to sobriety. You will take this journey in stages, known as the four stages of recovery. These are:

• Treatment initiation
• Early abstinence
• Maintaining abstinence
• Advanced recovery

The four stages of addiction were created by the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA). When you become a patient at The Sands Treatment Center you, too, will go through these stages. Everyone handles it in their own way, so it won’t look the same as the other patients around you. Each stage will bring you one step closer to a healthy life.

Treatment Initiation

The first stage is to admit yourself into a rehab program. When you contact our drug treatment center in South Florida, you are beginning the first stage. During this time, it is normal to have feelings of doubt. You may ask yourself if you really need to be here, and whether the problem is as serious as you initially thought. This is called denial. These feelings can be very detrimental if you allow yourself to give in to them. Our professional staff will work with you to get rid of these feelings and recognize the difficult truth of your situation. Only then will you have an open mind to complete the work that is necessary to get better.

Early Abstinence

During early abstinence, you will undergo a medically supervised detox. This will be the hardest stage physically, as it involves unpleasant and sometimes dangerous ailments from withdrawal. Don’t be alarmed. Our staff will be there to ensure your detox goes smoothly and will be available for unexpected complications.  

Early abstinence may also include emotional distress because you will have moments when you crave the substance your body has become accustomed to. This is a difficult part of the stage once you have completed your detox, but you will get through it. During early abstinence, you will learn many skills and techniques to navigate life outside of The Sands Treatment Center. You will learn what your triggers are and how to avoid them. You will discover the importance of therapy and having a supportive group around. You will learn healthy activities to pursue rather than go back to your old habits.

These coping skills will help you overcome obstacles to living a healthy life outside of rehab.

Maintaining Abstinence

The third stage comes after you have completed your treatment with us. The program may be over, but we encourage you to stay connected with our team and the other patients you met while you were in rehab. You should continue the remaining steps in the 12 step program, such as making amends to the people you wronged in the past, self-evaluation, and meditation. We invite you to pursue our holistic cognitive behavior therapy (CBT), where you will address your life in its entirety, such as your career, family, and spiritual aspects.

We also encourage you to join a support group or group therapy because it is important to stay connected with individuals who have similar experiences.

Advanced Recovery

Several years into your abstinence, you will reach stage four. Advanced recovery means that you have applied the coping skills you learned to abstain from drugs and/or alcohol over the years and you now live a life of sobriety. During the fourth and final stage, you have become a productive member of society. You will have a job and healthy relationships. You may even be giving back to your community, or have become a sponsor, teaching someone else how to be sober.

We are confident that you will reach stage four and beyond. It takes hard work and motivation, but you won’t be alone. Our center is equipped with knowledgeable professionals who will support you throughout all stages. If you’re ready to get help, contact us to begin your addiction recovery in South Florida. Call (844)200-2509 to get started.

Secrets to Getting the Most Out of the 12-Step Program

Since it began in the 1930s, the 12-step program has changed millions of lives for the better. This set of guidelines has helped many individuals overcome their addiction, whether it be drugs, alcohol, or other vices. The 12 step program goes beyond advising individuals to attend an outpatient program, such as Alcoholics Anonymous; but emphasizes the importance of attendance, working with a sponsor, and going through the steps completely. 

People who are early in their recovery and don’t know what their next step should be may benefit most from joining a 12-step program for recovery maintenance. Many treatment facilities incorporate some model of the 12-step program, including our drug treatment center in South Florida.

Although the program is a push in the right direction, attending meetings does not guarantee success. It’s important that you work hard to accomplish your personal goals. 

So, how can you make the most out of the program? Here, we provide a few suggestions that we have seen work for other individuals.

Participation 

When you attend the meetings, it’s important to listen to others and hear their stories. It will show that you are not alone in your struggle. Sobriety is a battle, but in these meetings, you have an army. 

However, to get the most out of the program, it’s important to give back to the group. Share your own story of addiction. Not only will you better connect with the other members, but participation can also help you to grow. The medical staff at our drug treatment center in South Florida understands that recovery is difficult: spiritually, mentally, and physically. But if you don’t put in the work, you can significantly lessen your chance of success.

Find a Sponsor 

Sponsorship is a fundamental part of the 12-step program. You need someone who has been in your shoes and is patient, compassionate, and can provide hope that better days will come. Much like in the meetings, your sponsor will share his/her personal story and experience, and you will do the same. The goal is that, with time, you will feel more confident about recovery and realize that you are not alone.

The sponsor/beneficiary exchange is a relationship, and like with every relationship, you must build trust and be supportive. We have found that the best way to find a good sponsor is to look for someone who has the following attributes:

• Has experience helping others and has been sober for at least one year.
• Is respectful and supportive with a positive attitude.
• Can meet your expectations and can work with you during any time of the day.
• Is not physically attractive to you, and vice versa.

Before you have found a sponsor, and during your sponsorship, remember that the medical staff at our drug treatment center in South Florida will also be there to help you.

Good Attendance 

Another part of putting in the work to get the most out of the program is to attend meetings consistently. Don’t show up only when you feel like it, as this can result in missing several meetings. You need to participate fully and completely, and that includes having good attendance.

Always Apply the Steps 

Every day during your addiction recovery in South Florida, work the 12 steps. This won’t be so hard but it is necessary. Just consider the 12 steps: it talks about faith (whether in a higher power or your fellow man), soul searching, acceptance and humility. We can all benefit from these principles daily so there is no harm in implementing them, even when you are feeling better. If you want to create a few of your own steps, do so. It can only make your recovery more successful.  

Help Others 

Those who know, teach. As you go through the 12-step program, you will learn a lot along the way. If you see someone who is new to the program, help to guide them along the right path. Encourage them along their journey. You can also help others outside of the program. You can volunteer or donate to a charity. By helping others, you can find happiness and fulfillment.

The Sands Treatment Center 

If you are in recovery from substance addiction or behavioral addiction, contact our drug treatment center in South Florida. Here at The Sands Treatment Center, we have knowledgeable staff available around the clock who have years of experience dealing with addiction treatment and solutions.