Gathering a support network, getting your finances in order, practicing self-care, and setting new goals are just a few of the many ways to help you get your life back on track. There may be a few bumps in the road, but staying positive and continuing to grow will only benefit you in the long run. If you’re wondering what’s next, below are four helpful ways to start fresh and continue on your sobriety journey.

Gather a Support Network

Building a supportive network of people around you is one of the best ways to help you stay accountable. Whether you navigated outpatient or inpatient treatment, you more than likely had support from others in the same program. After treatment, it may be more challenging to face the triggers, stressors, and temptations alone. This is why it’s crucial to have a supportive group of people that you can trust and lean on.

Before you took the steps to gain back control of your life, you may have not had the best circle of friends. If they’re not supportive of your recovery, you may want to consider finding a new group of friends that are trustworthy and cheer you on. Making amends with those you’ve hurt is also a great step in your sobriety journey. When struggling with your sobriety the most, you might want to consider exploring resources to help you through the tough times. A great resource to download is a sobriety app as an additional tool for strengthening your recovery commitment and assisting you during your weak points. This interactive app helps reduce relapse and allows you to monitor your success along with personal development. The last thing you want is to be alone during tough times, so building a supportive circle and finding the necessary tools to help you is key.

Get Your Finances in Order

According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, drugs interfere with the way neurons send, receive, and process signals via neurotransmitters. Drugs can alter important brain areas that are necessary for life-sustaining functions and can drive the compulsive drug use that marks addiction. For this reason, people may spend most or all of their money purchasing drugs or alcohol.

When starting over, learning how to be financially stable and smart with your money is vital. Start by creating a weekly and monthly budget. This could include things like groceries, transportation, hobbies, and entertainment. Monthly items to include in your budget are insurance, phone bills, subscriptions, debt you might owe, and rent or mortgage payments. If your current living situation is not helping your sobriety, you may want to consider moving to a new place. This can feel overwhelming especially if your current financial situation is not the best. Start by being realistic about what you can afford. The first step is to estimate how much you can afford to pay for a house. To determine your price range, enter your location, yearly income, monthly debts, and how much money you have for the down payment and closing costs into a mortgage calculator. Knowing your budget and sticking to it will make the process of searching for a new home much easier. The last thing you need is to add more stressors to your daily life, so getting your finances in order is important to help you become more financially responsible.

Practice Self-Care

Now that you’re sober, it’s important to find new ways to keep yourself motivated, nurtured, and happy. Practicing self-care is one of the most beneficial things you can do in your sobriety journey. It’s also a great way to help you prioritize your mental and physical health. Eating healthy, getting plenty of rest, and setting new routines for yourself are all great ways to help your physical and mental health. You should also explore new hobbies that you enjoy, such as yoga, painting, music, baking, cooking, reading, or journaling. Journaling for your mental health is a great way to write down your feelings, thoughts, and worries to help you better understand them more clearly. It can also help you gain back control of your emotions and improve your health.

To avoid temptations, try avoiding social gatherings or outings for a while. Instead, do things for yourself such as cooking a nice meal, going for a walk, watching a new series, or taking a relaxing bath. Prioritizing yourself is the first step to taking care of yourself and taking back control of your life.

Set and Accomplish New Goals

To help hold yourself accountable, try setting goals to accomplish and big milestones to work towards. By having something in your life to look forward to, you’ll feel a sense of achievement and accomplishment once you get close to reaching your goals. Bucket lists are also a great way to keep yourself motivated by working towards exciting things that you hope to do someday. Although you may want to achieve every goal right away, it’s important to take each day one step at a time. Accomplishments won’t just happen overnight and will take time to work towards. Although things take time, don’t forget to celebrate every accomplishment with your support network, loved ones, or even find a group celebration location near you.

For more help with your recovery management, find a sober coach to help guide and improve the quality of your life.

What Does it Take to Detox From Meth?

A meth addiction is a serious challenge and recovery can seem overwhelming. The first step of recovery will nearly always be detox or the cessation of meth consumption. Learn more about what it takes to detox from meth and how to begin the process safely and with the greatest chance of lifelong success.

The Desire to Make a Change

Arguably the most important thing that individuals need when trying to detox from meth is the desire to make a change. Detox can be difficult, and only those who want to commit to recovery will be able to complete it successfully. It is worth noting that in some cases, the desire to make a change can come from others, as well.

When a detox from meth begins, individuals will face a number of withdrawal symptoms. These can range from mildly unpleasant to painful, and cravings are common as a result. Deciding to accept this challenge is only likely when individuals are really, truly eager to make a change in their lives.

Sometimes, the desire to change comes from loved ones. An intervention, for example, might encourage someone who is struggling with meth addiction to seek help. Often, the dedication and work of a family member can be the catalyst to start down the road to recovery.

Medical Professionals With Addiction Experience

Detoxing from meth isn’t easy, but trying to do it solo can be nearly impossible. Not only will there be a greater chance of relapse, but there are far more health risks involved. To detox successfully from meth, you need the help of medical professionals who have experience in addiction treatment and recovery.

One of the immediate ways that medical professionals can help during a detox from meth is with an initial intake assessment. This evaluates the overall health of an incoming patient, and it can determine whether any additional medical attention is necessary. Patients with a weakened immune system or cardiac problems, for example, can get the right help before the stress of detox weakens them further. Mental health screenings can also point out whether patients need ongoing treatment for mental illness or disorder, both of which can impact recovery.

Medical professionals can also recommend weaning, if that is necessary for some patients. Weaning is when a meth addict slowly reduces their consumption. In some cases, weaning can result in fewer withdrawal symptoms than quitting cold turkey. However, this can only be safely done with the guidance and supervision of a medical professional who understands the addiction process.

In other cases, those struggling with a meth addiction can benefit from synthetic drug replacements that mimic the chemical response of meth. If patients rely on these alternatives for a short period of time in a detox facility, they may be able to avoid some of the worst withdrawal symptoms. These medications, if and when they are used, have to be carefully monitored to prevent further addictions.

Medical professionals are also necessary for a detox from meth because they can monitor the health of patients, particularly when it comes to withdrawal. Withdrawal symptoms typical during a meth detox can include extreme fatigue, anxiety, hallucinations, mood swings, paranoia and headaches.

Individuals don’t just have to grin and bear it while detoxing from meth. Instead, they can utilize a range of resources made possible through medical experts. Certain non-narcotic medications can be administered that reduce discomfort and encourage sleep, for example, which can make the entire process easier.

Finally, medical professionals will be able to tell the difference between discomfort and a medical emergency. In a detox from meth, patients can feel like it is the end of the world, but only a medical professional can determine whether pain is normal or whether it necessitates emergency treatment.

A Secure and Drug-Free Environment

A detox from meth can take up to two weeks, depending on the severity of the addiction. Trying to abstain from such an addictive substance at home and without help for that long is certainly a serious challenge. To successfully detox from meth, having a secure and drug-free environment is a tremendous advantage.

The best way to detox is in a closed facility. This means that there won’t be any illicit drugs brought in or out. The primary reason for this arrangement is because it eliminates the potential for patients to get hold of meth. In addition, it makes it easier to resist cravings when patients access to meth simply isn’t an option.

Understanding About the Road to Recovery Ahead

To detox from meth successfully, it may be necessary to have a complete understanding of what the road to recovery actually looks like. In most cases, the detox portion is just a week or two in duration, but it will need to be followed by rehab or intensive addiction treatment, ongoing care and abstinence for a lifetime.

Detox is a critical part of recovering from a meth addiction. On its own, however, it may not be adequate. Once a person has broken free from the chemical dependence that meth can have on the brain, they can start to explore the root causes of their addiction and how to prevent it from taking hold.

In rehab programs, patients can explore a range of treatment methods designed to counter meth addiction. Things like group therapy or individual behavioral therapy are all evidence-based approaches with a history of success.

After detox and rehab, patients should also be prepared for continuing care. Very few people are able to complete treatment and then move on as if nothing happened. Ongoing care could be regular therapy sessions or group meetings.Those can help provide support and accountability when temptation or stress approaches.

To detox from meth, it is also important to understand that moderate drug use will never be an option. This slippery slope has to be avoided and drug abstinence is key.

A detox from meth is undoubtedly a challenge, but it is possible when individuals have the desire, access to medical professionals, a secure environment and an understanding of what lies ahead.

Deciding to take the first step toward recovery through drug and alcohol rehab is an important milestone, and one that should be applauded. Sadly, however, a staggering number of individuals decide against this treatment because they are worried about things like cost and insurance acceptance. For those with Humana health insurance, there are a number of options available. Understanding more about rehab and insurance coverage can make it easier for prospective patients to commit to recovery.

The Role of the ACA on Health Insurance and Rehab

Before diving into the specifics of what a Humana health insurance policy might cover, it is important to understand how the Affordable Care Act has changed rehab coverage across the board. The Affordable Care Act, better known as the ACA, mandates that all health insurance providers offer minimum benefits to their policyholders. This impacts things like the treatment of addiction as a disease, no discrimination against those with pre-existing conditions, and a mandatory minimum level of rehab support and payment.

For individuals struggling with addiction who want to seek help, the ACA has made things much easier than ever before. To start, Humana can’t deny any patients rehabilitation treatment. Substance abuse is now legally defined as an illness, and it has to be treated in the same way that a diagnosis of heart disease or asthma might be.

In addition, patients who have already struggled with addiction in the past can’t be denied more treatment because of a so-called pre-existing condition. These same patients can’t be denied health insurance from Humana, or from any other provider, just because they have a history of addiction or any other physical or mental health problems.

The ACA has forced the answer to the question of whether a Humana health insurance policy will cover rehab. In short, the answer is now a resounding yes. Of course, there are limitations on what kind of coverage is available, and those details will depend on the individual health insurance policy.

Individual Humana Health Insurance Policies

Health insurance policies from Humana can vary significantly, and each will have different limitations and restrictions on what kind of addiction treatment is covered and what isn’t. Things like duration, network and deductible are the three main things to keep in mind.

The first is duration, and that is important to consider because it can impact the kind of rehab patients seek. In some cases, a Humana health insurance policy will clearly state that it will cover up to 21, 30 or 60 days of rehab. In other cases, a policy will cover 100 percent of outpatient programs, but only 60 percent of inpatient programs. Learning the specifics of an individual policy can make it easier to select the right rehab program.

Network refers to the range of suppliers that are accepted by or compatible with the insurance provider, which in this case would be Humana. Some policies specifically cover only rehab providers that are within their network. Alternatively, they may only reimburse patients for completed out-of-network programs after the fact, or they may cover only a set percentage of total costs.

Finally, deductible is a crucial element in determining coverage eligibility for drug & alcohol rehab with Humana insurance. The deductible is the amount that policyholders will pay before coverage can begin. This deductible is clearly stated for every individual Humana health insurance policy, and it typically ranges from $0 to $5,000. In some cases, patients will need to pay the amount of the deductible before rehab coverage kicks in.

Type of Rehab Program May Impact Coverage

While most prospective patients look specifically at the Humana health insurance policy when determining eligibility for rehab coverage, it is just as important to take a look at the specific type of rehab program. After all, rehab programs for the treatment of drug and alcohol addiction can vary in terms of cost, luxury, duration and method.

Often, Humana and other major health insurance providers only cover rehab when it is offered at an accredited facility. Programs that are verified by the Joint Commission, in particular, meet the high standards set by most health insurance companies.

It is also common for individual health insurance policies to stipulate that rehab must be a certain type of program in order to be covered. Often, policies only cover outpatient rehab. This is because inpatient or residential care is often more expensive, thanks to the additional costs of accommodation for patients.

Paying for What Humana Insurance Won’t

Even if Humana health insurance policies can’t cover the full cost of a specific drug and alcohol addiction program, there are still ways to get the necessary help for sobriety. Many patients seek out loans from friends or family members, and even banks offer specific treatment loans for those in need of rehab. Prospective patients should also ask rehab facilities what opportunities they offer, since many programs will allow patients to pay in installments, receive need-based scholarships or offer in-house financing options.

Verifying Humana Coverage for a Specific Rehab Program

Ultimately, coverage can’t be guaranteed until prospective patients have looked at their individual policy, spoken with representatives of the health insurance company and also contacted the rehab provider. It is always important to verify and confirm coverage before enrolling in a rehab program. By guaranteeing a minimum level of coverage up front, patients can focus on their recovery rather than their finances.

Once coverage from Humana is confirmed, it is time to prepare for rehab. In some cases, patients will begin with a drug or alcohol detox program before moving to a formal rehab facility. In other instances, these two services may be provided together in a single facility.

Thanks in large part to the enactment of the Affordable Care Act, drug and alcohol rehab is now a standard feature of health insurance coverage from Humana and other health insurance providers. Since there are so many variables with individual policies, it is important to take a look and see what is covered with regard to rehab type, duration of treatment and network.

There are countless tips and tricks to help patients through rehab, but among them will be a commitment to success, a desire to improve and the willingness to put in the work. Achieving those goals may be easier with a quote or two. Focusing on an inspirational or motivational quote is common during rehab, and doing so can be beneficial for ongoing sobriety and relapse prevention.

Knowing That Others Have Felt the Same Way

Motivational quotes help individuals in all walks of life, but they are especially relevant to those dealing with addiction. Battling a drug or an alcohol addiction is isolating, and many individuals feel lonely and misunderstood. Something as simple as a poignant quote, however, can help patients understand that they are not alone.

Quotes about addiction may drive home the fact that individuals are not the first to have struggled with addiction, nor will they be the last. Simply knowing that there are others who understand the situation, and who can articulate it with a meaningful quote, can be tremendously helpful for patients in rehab.

Addiction quotes might discuss those feelings of isolation, or they might tackle the frustration of being different. Quotes can highlight the unique character of patients, and they can underline the importance of sticking to a chosen path in order to reap the benefits of recovery. Whatever the subject matter, the right quote can truly help patients feel understood and less alone.

Using Quotes as a Mantra or Credo

A mantra is a set of words that gets repeated frequently. Mantras can be used in meditation, helping to clear the mind and eliminate stress and worry. Mantras can also be instrumental in identifying a clear goal and brushing past other concerns that aren’t as important as the primary objective.

In addiction treatment and rehab, sobriety is the main goal, and the primary objective is learning how to maintain and preserve that sobriety for a lifetime. As a result, a mantra can be especially helpful during this period of life.

Short, relevant quotes can quickly become mantras or credos for those in recovery. These mantras might be written on journals, taped to the walls or repeated daily as a part of a meditation exercise. They become second nature for patients, which can help keep them in the forefront when things are tough or temptations are strong.

For example, Nelson Mandela is famously known for his quote, “It always seems impossible until it is done.” This can become a mantra for patients in drug and alcohol rehab that inspires and encourages, and it is short enough to easily commit to memory for lasting impact.

Quotes Can be Sobriety Reminders

The biggest risk to addiction rehabilitation is relapse. Anywhere from 40 to 60 percent of those individuals who receive some kind of addiction treatment ultimately relapse. While there are many ways to prevent relapse, a minimal but most effective option is to be reminded about sobriety through a quote.

An inspirational or motivational quote might not seem like enough to prevent individuals from pursuing their cravings, but a meaningful quote can make a difference. Rather than focusing on the cravings or the potential short-term pleasure of falling to temptation and relapsing, patients can focus on the words of their particular quote. Repetition can be meditational, but the words themselves can also be important reminders about the importance of sobriety and how hard individuals have worked to get this far in sobriety.

Some Quotes Can Inspire Goals

Not all quotes are necessarily about addiction. In fact, some of the most effective quotes used in rehab are about goals. Patients are diverse, and so are their life goals and objectives. They might run the gamut from starting a family, to finding purpose, to feeling redeemed in the eyes of parents and loved ones.

Many quotes strike a chord with patients in rehab because they touch on these personal goals. A quote about family, for instance, might remind some patients about their goal of becoming role models for their children. A spiritual quote could encourage other patients to find inner purpose and pursue their passion of helping others through charitable work.

Acknowledging the Tough Times With a Quote

Sometimes, the best way that a quote can help during rehab is by showing the light at the end of the tunnel. There is no way around the fact that addiction treatment, while overall an important and beneficial process, can sometimes be hard. Many of the most inspiring quotes are ones that tackle the lowest points in life and remind individuals that those hard things are worth the struggle.

Henry Ford, for example, famously said, “When everything seems to be going against you, remember that the airplane takes off against the wind, not with it.” Although recovering from an addiction to drugs or alcohol can feel like an unending battle, there will eventually be a time when it all makes sense and sobriety feels like the default setting for life.

Changing Problematic Behaviors With an Appropriate Quote

A significant portion of addiction treatment focuses on how to change harmful behaviors into helpful, healthy behaviors. Drug and alcohol use, of course, fits firmly into the harmful category. There are also many other behaviors that encourage bad habits, low self esteem and internal distress.

Changing these negative feelings, emotions and behaviors is tricky, but things like cognitive behavioral therapy seek to establish new patterns of behavior that point to health rather than addiction. Certain quotes can help patients see beauty, confidence and appeal in themselves, which might help eliminate destructive behavior. Some quotes can even serve as reminders to act in a positive, uplifting way.

Something as simple as a quote can make it easier for patients to get through rehab. A motivational quote can help to change behaviors, get through tough times, keep focused on important goals, feel less alone and meditate on the new positive changes in life.

You may find yourself among the many prospective patients asking themselves, “Does insurance cover rehab?” If so, find out more about the types of health insurance available, what kind of rehab might be covered and how to get treatment without paying out of pocket.

Types of Health Insurance Plans

The first thing to consider when determining whether health insurance can cover drug rehab costs is what kind of health insurance is available. There are three major categories of health insurance, and these are an HMO, a PPO and a POS.

An HMO is a Health Maintenance Organization plan, and it means that any rehab care will first need to be recommended by a primary care physician. HMOs are popular because they tend to come with lower premiums and lower deductibles, but they can have some drawbacks when it comes to addiction treatment. Patients with a HMO health insurance plan will nearly always need to attend a rehab facility within their HMO’s network. Coverage is likely, but options might seem limited.

A PPO is a Preferred Provider Organization plan, which means that insurance holders can visit in-network health providers without first getting an appointment and subsequent referral from a primary care physician. When addiction is self-evident, and waiting times to get an appointment can be long, having a PPO can be a major advantage. With a PPO, patients can contact rehab facilities directly and find out if total or partial coverage is possible. Keep in mind that for many PPO health insurance plans, there are both co-pays and deductibles that will need to be considered.

The third and final category of health insurance plans is the POS, or the Point of Service plan. These health insurance policies require patients to coordinate all rehab services through their primary care physician. Rehab, if patients want it to be covered, may need to be found within the plan’s network.

The ACA and Rehab Coverage

Prior to 2008, health insurance providers could opt not to provide care for patients with pre-existing conditions. For many individuals struggling with addiction, this meant that rehab would rarely be covered. Thankfully, that is no longer allowed among health insurance plans sold through federal or state marketplaces.

Under the ACA, or the Affordable Care Act, mental health and substance abuse disorders are regarded as key pillars of health care. This means that no health insurance plan is legally allowed to withhold rehab, counseling, therapy or prescription medication if it could be beneficial to the sobriety or mental health of patients. However, there can be limitations put on the coverage provided, which can range from available facilities to duration of treatment.

Addiction Treatment That Insurance Typically Covers

The kind of health insurance held by patients can play a significant role in how much coverage is available for addiction treatment. Patients with excellent health insurance, for instance, might have more options than a person who purchased a very affordable policy. Regardless, there are some key elements of treatment that are nearly universally assured among those with health insurance.

Virtually every health insurance policy will cover an initial assessment, whether that’s through a primary care physician or a specialist. This assessment will confirm a drug addiction, detail the severity of addiction and then recommend the best course of action for patients. The overwhelming majority of health insurance plans will also cover detox for those addicted to drugs, although there may be some restrictions on the type of facility or the duration of treatment.

Often, patients who want to have rehab that’s fully covered by health insurance may need to choose outpatient care. This includes all the treatment and therapy of inpatient rehab, but without the accommodation and 24/7 accountability. Some health insurance plans, of course, do cover inpatient rehab programs, or they may be partially covered. This allows patients to choose the best kind of care for their recovery, but it might also require supplemental payments.

Factors to Consider When Exploring Coverage

There are several individual factors to consider when determining the level of coverage for drug rehab that a health insurance policy might provide. The scope of the network is incredibly important, since it can determine where patients are able to seek treatment. The best option will be a large network, because it gives patients a variety of choices without the need for going out of network and paying higher costs.

Some policies will also outline specifics about the duration of rehab treatment, or these limitations might be suggested by a primary care physician, depending on the severity of the addiction. This means that a health insurance plan might cover 30 days of rehab, but not 60. Patients should also be aware that they may have to pay deductibles before coverage kicks in, co-pays for initial physician and specialist visits or any costs that exceed annual or lifetime limits on their policies.

Alternative Means of Payment

Some prospective patients may not have health insurance, or their plans may not provide for the level of care or rehab location they prefer. In these cases, it’s important to be aware of alternative means of payment.

Medicaid and Medicare are two options for low-income or older individuals who want to attend rehab but don’t have private insurance. Individuals might also ask rehab facilities about the availability of payment plans, which spreads the financial cost over months or years to make it easier to manage. Scholarships are also sometimes available, both through rehab facilities and through government or charitable organizations.

No one should ever feel that they can’t attend rehab for financial reasons. Health insurance will often cover the cost of rehab, although there are typically some restrictions with regard to network, facility and type of treatment.

The Need for Holistic Drug Rehab

First, it’s important to understand why holistic rehab exists at all. The emergence of holistic rehab is due directly to the high relapse rates seen among those addicted to drugs or alcohol. As many as 60% of patients who achieve sobriety will go on to use drugs again, and it’s the goal of every reputable, accredited rehab facility to reduce that number whenever possible.

Not all holistic rehab methods work for every patient. Some patients might respond well to some type of physical therapy, while others could get frustrated by it entirely. However, the goal is to offer as many different types of therapies to patients as possible. They can then choose from these alternative methods, selecting the therapeutic approach that fits their personalities and lifestyle and can best help them maintain their sobriety over the long term.

Holistic Rehab Complements Evidence-based Treatment

Some prospective rehab patients, as well as their loved ones, feel that they have to decide between traditional, evidence-based treatment and a holistic rehab. Thankfully, that couldn’t be further from the truth. Holistic rehab therapies don’t need to replace evidence-based treatments. Instead, they complement one another, thereby approaching addiction from all angles and doing more to help patients.

At a holistic rehab, patients are still provided with the key elements of treatment that have been proven most effective to work. Traditional treatment might include group counseling, where patients can share their experiences and feelings with others in a similar situation. It could also include the prescribing of certain medications to address mental health disorders or the use of cognitive behavioral therapy to foster changes to harmful behavior. However, these evidence-based methods can be supplemented with holistic approaches to recovery that may have less extensive research behind them, but certainly have the potential to help patients in a number of different ways.

Creates Stronger Coping Mechanisms for Patients

One of the biggest benefits of using holistic rehab to treat addiction is that it can help patients create stronger coping mechanisms. In the world of addiction treatment, coping mechanisms are those tools and resources that patients have at their disposal to prevent relapse and resist cravings. These coping mechanisms are unique to every individual, and holistic therapy can often highlight the most effective means of relapse prevention for patients.

Some patients, for example, might find that fitness is an incredibly helpful coping mechanism. Fitness, whether it comes in the form of a brisk jog or some weight lifting, has the potential to create endorphins in the brain and lift the mood, which is integral in the battle against recovery depression. Furthermore, regular exercise can reduce stress, which is a common trigger that leads to relapse. If fitness programs are available in holistic rehab, then patients can incorporate them into their daily routine, learn new skills and use fitness as a coping mechanism for the rest of their lives.

Meditation, as well as a similar activity like yoga, can also be an integral part of a holistic rehab program. Meditating, and thinking carefully about actions and their consequences, can be a coping mechanism for patients, as well as a way to avoid relapse. Music, art, horseback riding and countless other therapies may also have the same positive impact on individuals battling with a drug or alcohol addiction.

Improves Overall Health and Well-being

It may be important to note that virtually everything that goes on at a holistic rehab facility should be beneficial to the overall health of patients. Not only will patients be improving their chance at lasting sobriety, they will also be improving their own health and well-being.

Motivational therapy, for instance, can give people the confidence and self-esteem needed to secure a career after rehab and help them feel that they can make a difference in the world. Nutritional therapy can help patients learn to eat better, targeting problems like low energy or weight problems, both of which can lead to worsened health.

There is some evidence to suggest that holistic rehab works, in part, by focusing on the positive rather than the negative. Some rehab approaches emphasize the bad things that happen if patients use again. Holistic rehab, however, may instead focus on the positive things that can happen when patients live sober lives. These positive reinforcements may be an important factor in reduced stress, more happiness and longer periods of sobriety.

Methods Used in Holistic Rehab

Trying to define holistic rehab exactly can be tricky, because there are so many different methods used. That is all part of the success of holistic rehab, because it ensures that patients can pick and choose the alternative therapies that work best for them. On a physical level, things like massage, acupuncture and chiropractic work have been known to relieve stress and help patients feel healthier and more capable.

Nutritional therapy can include healthy, nutritious meals, but it can also focus on helping patients to shop for and prepare their own meals. This can set up individuals for a lifetime of healthy eating, boosting their health profiles and eliminating any potential vitamin or mineral deficiencies. The use of saunas, certain herbs and even light therapy have also proven to be effective among some patients.

Hobby therapy is also important in holistic rehab, and it gives patients the opportunity to get rid of stress in a healthy way, stave off boredom and develop new skills and social opportunities. Things like art, music, yoga or dancing can all have a place in holistic rehab.

Holistic rehab can be an incredible resource in the battle for recovery from addiction. By complementing evidence-based treatment, rather than replacing it, holistic approaches can target the needs of patients and help them to be as healthy, motivated and purpose-driven as possible.

Rehab Delivers Accountability

An alcohol rehab program offers accountability to patients in both a physical sense and a medical one. A rehab facility is one that’s free from alcohol or drugs, which means that patients in a rehab center simply won’t have access to these substances. The physical limitation and separation from alcohol can make it mentally easier to resist temptations and cravings during rehab.

Rehab also delivers accountability through regular alcohol testing. This ensures that even for outpatients, there’s a strict adherence to the protocol and the necessity of sobriety. When patients know that there are frequent or even daily tests, they are far more likely to avoid temptation and continue with their goal of abstinence from alcohol.

Rehab Offers 24/7 Medical Supervision

During detox and rehab, 24/7 medical supervision is an advantage for patients. During alcohol rehab, it’s common for patients to deal with lingering withdrawal symptoms. While the timeline for alcohol rehabilitation often includes just a week for withdrawal, there can be a protracted withdrawal phase weeks or even months later. Some of the symptoms that patients could struggle with include the following:

• Headaches
• Nausea and vomiting
• Increased heart rate
• Increased blood pressure
• Insomnia
• Extreme sweating and dehydration

With proper medical supervision, the discomfort and potential health risks of these symptoms can be greatly reduced. Furthermore, medical care can make it easier to stick to the rehab program and enjoy longer periods of sobriety in a positive environment. Without medical supervision, quitting alcohol consumption cold turkey could come with substantial health risks and even the potential for death.

Rehab Treats More Than Just the Physical Aspects of Addiction

Alcohol addiction is an illness, just like diabetes or asthma. However, addiction can’t be treated as an exclusively physical condition. Through rehab, patients can receive comprehensive treatment for their affliction, which might include dual diagnosis treatments or therapy to address mental illness.

As many as half of those individuals who struggle with an alcohol addiction are also struggling with a mental illness. It isn’t enough, therefore, simply to treat the addiction. Through therapy or targeted medications, it may be possible to improve mental health, which could in turn limit the risks of future relapse and ongoing addiction.

Rehab is an Official Commitment to Sobriety

Through an alcohol rehab, patients will be formally committing to an attempt at sobriety. This is important for a number of reasons, but psychologically it can help to create a goal that needs to be met. Without the structure and format of an alcohol rehab, some individuals may not commit to abstinence from alcohol. Instead, they may make nonspecific goals about cutting back or limiting regular consumption.

Unfortunately, this may result in delaying the inevitable rather than tackling sobriety head on. Through rehab, patients are forced to confront their addictions and demonstrate a cessation of alcohol altogether. In many ways, this may be beneficial, and it’s more likely to result in lasting sobriety than a general plan to be weaned off of alcoholic substances slowly.

Rehab May Integrate Pharmacological Treatment

Self-treating an alcohol addiction with over-the-counter medications is ill-advised, but medical professionals in a rehab center can effectively prescribe pharmacological treatment to certain patients. In a medically supervised environment, led by medical professionals who are familiar with alcohol addiction, the use of certain medications can ease the discomfort of detox and the initial stages of rehab. Medications may also be helpful when treating mental illness, a contributing factor for addiction.

However, it can be dangerous for individuals to attempt to self-diagnose or choose their own medications from home. Patients who want to take advantage of the pharmacological benefits of treatment should head for an alcohol rehab program for the right help.

Rehab Can Integrate Family and Loved Ones Into the Recovery Process

When loved ones want to help alcoholics, rehab may be best answer, even if that means temporary separation. Friends and family with good intentions may want to help their loved ones who struggle with addiction, and they may feel that they can orchestrate an effective detox or rehab center at home. In reality, however, this will almost certainly be a mistake. There simply won’t be the right level of medical care for patients dealing with addiction, and it could result in ineffective care or even the risk for potential health damage.

Rehab Focuses on Relapse Prevention

Relapse is the biggest challenge to lasting sobriety, and alcohol rehab centers will spend a large portion of the program focused on how to prevent relapse from occurring. To achieve that goal of uninterrupted sobriety, patients may discuss relapse prevention in group therapy or individual therapy. They may also develop lifelong passions and habits that can eliminate stress and reduce tension.

Some of the therapies incorporated in rehab are designed to reduce the risk of relapse. These methods might include art therapy, yoga therapy or fitness therapy, among many others.

Rehab Offers Emotional Support to Patients Dealing With Addiction

Alcohol rehab is a comprehensive treatment program for patients who want to turn away from their personal history of alcoholism. One of its key objectives, as a result, is to offer emotional support to patients.

Many patients in rehab feel misunderstood, under-appreciated and victimized. Through group therapy and cognitive behavioral therapy, patients can overcome these strong feelings and better understand their worth and their productive place in society. Doing this, and feeling fulfilled and positive, is an incredibly beneficial tool in the fight for sobriety.

To end an addiction to alcohol, professional rehab at a reputable treatment center is a non-negotiable component of recovery. By focusing on physical health, relapse prevention, emotional health and mental health, rehab is designed to comprehensively improve the health and sobriety of patients.

The Medical Uses for Painkillers

Although drugs like cocaine and methamphetamine are also dangerous and addictive, they differ from painkillers in one major way—reputation. Having painkillers in a bathroom cabinet isn’t a sign of a problem to many people, because these medications have perfectly legitimate uses. Doctors may prescribe painkillers to their patients who have been involved in accidents or who are undergoing recovery from surgery. In specific doses over short time periods, painkillers can be an effective way of limiting pain for many patients.

The Addiction Properties of Painkillers

While painkillers may have a legitimate medical purpose, they are still highly addictive. Many painkillers contain opiates, which are the same primary ingredients found in drugs like heroin. After taking painkillers for a few days or weeks, some patients may not be able to live without them. Even stopping for a day or two can cause incredible discomfort and a renewal of pain, which means that patients continue to crave and take the painkillers long after they should have ceased consumption.

What it Means to be Addicted to Opiate Painkillers

Sometimes, an opioid painkiller can deliver a short high to patients who are prescribed the medication. This will probably be a time when there’s no pain present at all, and there may be a sense of euphoria or contentment that is unusual following an accident or a surgery. As a result, the brain and body begin to crave the ingredients found in the painkillers, and the opiates in particular. After a while, the painkillers aren’t taken just to dull the pain, but also to make it possible to function without withdrawal symptoms.

Individuals who try to wean themselves from opiate painkillers may feel weak, lethargic or unhappy. It can lead to depression, and trying to quit cold turkey can wreak havoc on the body and the mind. After making such an attempt, many individuals addicted to painkillers don’t attempt to skip a dose again, instead resigning themselves to the fact that this is a necessary medication. Worse still, individuals may need to increase the dosage in order to feel the same impact, which only strengthens the severity of the addiction over time.

Reasons Behind the Rise of Painkiller Addictions

There are many reasons behind the rise of painkiller addictions across the globe, including:

• The ease of obtaining a prescription
• Availability of these medications on the market
• A lack of education about the danger and potency of painkillers

Many addiction specialists believe that physicians are writing too many prescriptions for opiate painkillers when other, less addictive medications might be just as effective. By limiting the number of prescriptions that are written, it may be harder to obtain these drugs and harder to take enough to lead to an addiction.

The widespread availability of painkillers also spurs the rising addiction rates. Unlike illegal or illicit substances, painkillers are rarely hidden away. Instead, they are placed in purses and bathroom cabinets, and extra doses are saved rather than thrown away or properly disposed of. All of this means that it can be easy to obtain painkillers, even if they weren’t specifically prescribed to you.

Another issue that is contributing to rising addiction numbers is the idea that prescription painkillers aren’t something that patients need to worry about. While children and teens learn in school that certain drugs are incredibly addictive and can lead to major health concerns, they aren’t necessarily learning the same thing about prescription medications. Better education and awareness about the risks and addictive properties of painkillers may help reduce overdoses and addiction numbers around the world.

The Strength of an Opioid Addiction

Being addicted to painkillers is already a tremendous challenge that requires proper treatment. However, some individuals who are addicted to opiates eventually run out of the prescription medications. When this happens, it’s natural to seek out any available source of opiates that can prevent withdrawal from occurring and limit discomfort. Unfortunately, many of the people who are addicted to opiate painkillers will go on to use heroin.

Heroin is opiate-based, just like many prescription painkillers, and it’s often more readily available and much cheaper than medication painkillers. Sadly, heroin is often more concentrated, which increases the severity of the addiction while also increasing the likelihood of an overdose.

The Challenges of an Opiate Withdrawal

It’s vital to remember that an addiction to painkillers, heroin or any other opiate isn’t just a matter of self control or willpower. It’s an illness, and it requires medical intervention just like any other disease. Some individuals who struggle with this addiction want to break free, but managing the incredible challenge of an opiate withdrawal is often too much to bear alone.

Trying to withdraw from opiate painkillers can result in far more than just discomfort. Pain, aches, depression and extreme dehydration are all common, and there are also risks for less common but still problematic health issues to arise. For this reason, seeking to withdraw without professional health is usually ineffective and potentially dangerous.

Treating a Painkiller Addiction

Since a solo withdrawal is rarely successful when battling a painkiller addiction, it’s important to seek out proper medical treatment. A detox and then a subsequent rehab program can use pharmacological treatment to wean patients from their opiate dependence, which reduces the symptoms and pain of withdrawal. Proper treatment can also get to the heart of the addiction and prevent the development of new addictions moving forward.

Painkiller addiction is a serious and growing problem in America and beyond. Availability, lack of awareness and incredibly addictive properties are contributing to the increased reliance on painkillers by millions, and professional detox and rehab is often the only way to combat this strong and devastating addiction.

Sober housing, or living, is drug or alcohol-free accommodation that can help bridge the gap between rehab and independent living. While not strictly necessary for recovery, sober housing can make a significant difference for patients struggling with an addiction.

Defining Sober Housing

Sober housing can go by many different names, including dry housing, halfway homes, supportive housing and sober-living facilities. Sober housing can be privately owned, run by the state, city or federal government or it can be connected and partnered with successful rehab facilities. Sober housing can be small in size, accommodating just a few individuals at a time, or it can be a dormitory where dozens of people live with shared rooms and communal living spaces.

Whatever the size, location or management style of sober housing, the primary goal is always the same: to encourage sobriety among residents. This can be accomplished in a number of different ways, including:

• Establishing curfew rules to eliminate temptation
• Holding residents accountable through drug testing
• Assign chores to make residents accountable
• Establish a schedule to help create daily routines
• Encourage or even require attendance at local 12-step meetings
• Help with employment opportunities

Sober Housing Maintains a Necessary Accountability

An important role of sober housing is providing individuals with a level of accountability that can’t be obtained when living independently. In a closed rehab facility, drugs and alcohol simply aren’t available. Patients are restricted in what they can and can’t access, and sobriety is an assumption.

Once outside of rehab, it can be challenging to deal with a whole new set of rules. Temptations abound, whether in familiar environments or just because of physical and psychological cravings. Sober housing can be instrumental in preventing relapse by ensuring that all residents know they are accountable to others.

Sober housing may require residents to partake in daily or weekly drug tests, or staff and other residents may be on the lookout for signs of intoxication or inebriation. Curfews may also be in place to limit nightlife activities, when relapses are most likely to occur. Many sober houses have a no-strikes policy, which means that any relapse requires you to pack up and leave right away. This level of accountability encourages sobriety, because residents don’t want to leave their home or their support system during recovery.

Opportunities to Develop Healthy Friendships with Peers

Two common reasons people relapse are boredom and loneliness. To reduce the chance of this happening, sober housing addresses both of these important issues.

To combat boredom, sober housing provides the opportunity for 24/7 companionship. Even with family visits and work obligations, there are many hours in a day to fill. Many sober housing facilities encourage dining in groups, organize outings for residents, and create daily schedules to help provide structure.

Such amenities and structure can go a long way in combating loneliness. Instead of feeling isolated from society—an issue noted by many individuals who are recovering from addiction—sober housing offers a group of peers who understand and are going through the same thing as everyone else. This shared connection may encourage true conversation and lasting bonds.

Encouragement to Attend 12-Step Meetings and Support Groups

Participating in 12-step meetings and support groups such as Alcoholics Anonymous can be instrumental in retaining sobriety and preventing relapse. Although all alumni of rehab programs should know and understand the effectiveness of something like 12-step meetings, gathering the willpower and desire to attend on a regular basis isn’t always easy.

Sober housing may encourage residents to attend meetings, or they may require it. Either way, they will supply locations and times to eliminate missed opportunities, and many residents will attend meetings together. Having this continued support, education and outlet for sharing can greatly lessen the chance of relapse because ongoing support and help is always available.

Ease the Transition Between Rehab and Independent Living

Some say that the hardest part of recovery is taking the first step to attend a detox or a rehab program. That may be true, but it’s just as tough transitioning from the structure, support and defined boundaries of residential rehab to independent living. To bridge the gap between rehab and living alone, sober housing is crucial.

There are logistical advantages that sober housing can offer to residents. Trying to rent an apartment after rehab, for instance, may be nearly impossible without a proven income or recent rental history. Sober housing eliminates this worry and rejection. In the same vein, sober housing may have recommendations for employment, which makes it easier for residents to re-enter society, contribute in a meaningful way, feel productive, and earn an income.

Statistical Evidence Supporting Sober Housing After Rehab

Clearly, sober housing can be beneficial to patients. More importantly, sober housing can make a difference in terms of lasting sobriety.

Some studies indicate that remission rates (the duration of sobriety) are higher among those who reside in sober housing immediately following rehab program. Equally important, the overall rates of relapse, whether six months down the line or a decade in the future, are lower for those residents who live in sober housing compared to rehab graduates who immediately begin living independently. This reveals that while sober housing may not be a necessity, it certainly gives those struggling with addiction an advantage when pursuing the goal of lasting sobriety without relapse.

Following rehab, sober living can be highly advantageous to residents who are able to gain companionship, an antidote to boredom, assistance with the logistical side of accommodation and employment opportunities. Sober living provides an easier transition to independent living and the accountability it takes to stay sober for the long term.