What is a Holistic Therapy Treatment?

Holistic therapy centers are popping up everywhere nowadays and are fast becoming an accepted part of the rehabilitation process for addicts. This is mostly due to the belief that addicts do not only need treatment for their physical addiction, but for their entire body, mind, and soul.  Relaxation, exercise, and meditation can greatly reduce levels of stress and provide a boost of self-esteem for a recovering addict, while also keeping the physical body in a healthier state.

Here, we will look at five different types of holistic treatments and how they can help. Keep in mind, however, these are recommended as healthy additions to a regular drug addiction treatment program that should be administered by trained and licensed professionals.

1. Acupuncture.  

   This is suitable for aiding in the treatment of any type of addiction. Acupuncture was formerly used as a treatment method together with methadone, but this was soon dropped in favor of acupuncture alone. Methadone, itself, is a highly addictive substance, whereas acupuncture is completely natural with no negative side effects. It works by raising the level of endorphin’s, which are natural painkillers, in the nervous system and has shown to reduce the symptoms of withdrawal.

2. Acupressure.

   This is another holistic treatment that is suitable for all addictions and can be carried out either at a clinic or in the home. Acupressure is applied by using the index finger and the thumb on specific areas of the body called acupoints.  If the acupoints on a person’s body can be located, it is perfectly possible for addicts to carry out this type of treatment themselves.

3. Reiki.

   This is an ancient Japanese Spiritual practice that is designed to relax the mid and the body. When carried out correctly, the procedure can reduce stress levels and stabilize emotions to a tolerable state. Reiki can also encourage self-healing within the body and faster removal of toxins from the system. This is a helpful form of therapy for the recovering addict, as it can help to ease withdrawal symptoms and stabilize neurotic behaviors and/or thought patterns.

4. Reflexology.

   This is a form of holistic treatment that promotes a reduction in levels of stress and aids relaxation.  There are pressure points on the hands and feet that directly correlate to other parts of the body. Reflexologists locate and gently manipulate these points to stimulate specific areas of the body. Some of the benefits include stress reduction, an increase in blood flow (which assists the body in relieving itself of toxins much faster), and pain relief. These effects are all highly beneficial to an addict in rehabilitation and can reduce the symptoms of withdrawal.

Massage Therapy

This has long been used as a form of relaxation and to help alleviate stress. Massage can be particularly helpful to those in rehabilitation, as it is said to cease deterioration in the flow of energy. This is said to be achieved through means of pressure along any of the 12 main energy channels in the body. It can also help to increase the flow of blood, thus speeding up the process of ridding toxins from the body. Massage also helps the body to release endorphins, helping to ease the symptoms of withdrawal.

Reiki and the Power of Positive Energy

Hospitals recognized “Holistic Approach” – In the News

Stuff.co.nz reports that Holistic Therapy or Approach is now recognized in the hospitals. Yoga, pet and music therapy are being offered at public hospitals, with one district health board spending hundreds of thousands of dollars on alternative treatments for mental health patients.

Capital & Coast DHB spent $270,389 in the past two financial years on providing alternative therapies, according to information released to the Sunday Star-Times under the Official Information Act. Learn more about Holistic Therapy here…

Holistic Healing or Therapy – From the Web

WeKnowAbout.org recently posted about Natural Health. People often confuse holistic healing or therapy with alternative, complimentary or integrative medicine. However, it is not true as those medicines focuses upon your physical illness while holistic healing takes care of integrity of your wholeness considering mind, body and soul. You start, of course, with a physical illness or discomfort.

However, once you start believing in holistic healing therapies and practicing them, you and your one time illness with a feeling of all time freshness, wellness and completeness. See entire post by clicking this link…

If you or someone you know suffers from substance abuse or addiction, please call Hawaii Island Recovery at 866-515-5032 for help or more information.

Some Causes of Eating Disorders

Eating disorders are on the rise in America today. In a recent report from the National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse, (CASA), it was reported that there’s a link between eating disorders, substance abuse, alcohol and illicit drug use. Apparently, at least half of reported individuals with eating disorders also have an addiction to some type of substance. Additionally, about thirty-five percent of those that have addictions to alcohol or illicit drugs also have eating disorders. This is comparative to three percent of the general public.

The findings showed that young women with eating disorders were more apt to also becoming addicted to substances. These reports have nothing new, regarding the eating disorders, since it is widely known that young women are the ones’ that are most likely to become anorexic or bulimics. In the past decade though more young men, in the high school years, are being diagnosed with these eating disorders. They have just been known to hide it under the baggy pants and hoodies they wear.

Studies have shown that young women seemed to be attracted to substances that suppresses appetites helps rid their bodies of excess calories to help keep weight off, and helps alleviate anxiety and any negative emotions.

Substances most often used by individuals with eating disorders are:

1)    Alcohol

2)    Laxatives

3)    Caffeine

4)    Nicotine

5)    Emetics (water pills0

6)    Amphetamines

7)    Heroin

8)    Cocaine

The eight substances above are known to be connecting abusers with people that have substance addictionsand eating disorders. Anorexia nervosa and bulimia, the two major types of eating disorders, affect mostly young women. From what researchers have gathered, young women with these disorders are also known to smoke, drink alcohol, or take some type of illegal drug.

A representative from CASA stated that having the link between eating disorders and substance abuse can hopefully send a signal to parents, educators, and health professionals. And the signal to reads: “Where you see the smoke of eating disorders, look for the fire of substance abuse; and vice versa”.

Although research has shown there is a fine line on how substance abuse and eating disorders are related, the report is not stating that every person that has an eating disorder is also on drugs or alcohol. It is also not saying that anyone addicted to a substance has an eating disorder. The reports is simply stating that there is a link. This can help loved ones, of those with addictions or disorders, to obtain appropriate help.

If one problem is treated and the other is not even known about, or undiagnosed, it can cause a relapse of both. This may be the reason so many people relapse back into drug addiction after successful treatment in a rehabilitation center.

Becoming totally free from a substance can be a wonderful thing. Individuals that are in these centers are in a controlled environment with other people going through the same thing. Once they are released, and issues with their self-esteem and body image have not been diagnosed or addressed, they are more apt to become self-conscious regarding how they look to others outside of the rehab center. They are now more prone to jump start their eating disorder again which in turn can steer them right back into using substances to control their weight.

Learning how eating disorders and substance abuse are connected will help many young women, and other individuals, become clean and sober. If someone you know has either one of these it doesn’t mean they have the other. Just knowing there is a possibility can help. Knowing there is a link can help their success.

Eating Disorders on the news

Documentary on eating disorders to screen at UNCW. StarNewsOnline.com. WILMINGTON Project HEAL a nonprofit organization that funds scholarships for eating disorder treatment is hosting a screening of the documentary Someday Melissa. Someday Melissa was created by Judy Avrin Danna Markson and director Jeffrey.…Learn more about eating disorders here..

If you or someone you know suffers from addiction and/or a psychological disorder call Hawaii Island Recovery at 866-515-5032.

Recovering Alcoholic Holiday Celebration Guide

Recovering alcoholics who are in their first year of sobriety have a huge challenge. Staying sober can be especially difficult for the people in recovery while friends and family gather to celebrate each holiday.

Alcohol addiction does not only affect the addict. Families and friends ought to support addicts during their recovery, despite the fact that there will always be parties, family gatherings, company events, and other holiday related get-togethers.

While some people may be able to have a few drinks around the holidays and carry on with their lives without any challenge, alcoholics ought to be weary of this and avoid this trap. Before considering that first drink, make sure you are able to exercise self-control. So many people believe, especially if they have been sober for a while, that they can partake in the festivities and toast to happiness with a single drink. For many however, the reality is that this single drink can lead them back to an alcohol rehabilitation center.

Even though it’s an addict’s duty to abstain from alcohol, they should tell family, friends and coworkers that they are on their way to recovery. Being open about this will help one’s peers consider their presence at parties and plan for refreshments that are fit for someone living a sober life.

5 helpful tips that will help you to stay sober during holiday parties and get-togethers:

1)    Be selective about party invitations:

Being invited to a party does not automatically obligate you to be there. For recovering alcoholics, making the rounds to several parties and knowing many of the people that throw these parties, was a way of life. Even if you are in recovery, these people may still invite you. They may out of habit or may worry they will hurt your feelings if you are not invited. It does not mean they do not care about your sobriety, so do not fret. Turning down parties that are extremely toxic to your recovery is acceptable.

2)    Take your own vehicle:

If there is more drinking involved than you had anticipated at an event, or if things become out of hand, it is ideal to have your own transportation to get out of the situation. Riding with someone can mean becoming stranded somewhere that jeopardizes sobriety. Drive yourself or take public transportation, if available.

3)    Use the twelve steps:

The twelve step program does not take a holiday. If the thought of attending gatherings with alcohol starts to become stressful, implement all available support, using your twelve steps. They work during the rest of the year and they will work now.

4)    Take you own drink:

Most people that throw a party make it a point to include non-alcoholic beverages, but one should not always count on it. Even if they happen to serve other drink options, it might not be something you particularly like. Taking your favorite beverage, soda, juice, sparkling water, or any other drink can help you survive the party.

5) Most importantly, relax:

Facing the holidays with too much stress can push a person to finally have that drink. This can be a nightmare coming true, due to overactive thoughts of it happening.

Tips For Recovering Alcoholics – In The News

To predict whether a recovering addict will hit the bottle again, ignore what they say and watch their body language for displays of shame, a University of British Columbia study finds. The study which explored drinking and.…Read more>>

If you or someone you know suffers from addiction call Hawaii Island Recovery at 866-515-5032.

Jewish Addiction Solution Tips

Jewish Addiction is on the rise. Addiction can happen to anyone. A person’s  race, religion or ethnicity is not a factor leading to addiction.

Research shows that ten percent of the United States population is addicted to at least one drug. With the United States being a home to people from various countries and nationalities, many Jews residing here are embarrassed to seek help. Jewish addiction affects about 5.5 million Jewish residents in the United States. Many of these Jewish Americans are addicted to more than one drug.

Many Jewish nationalities are, however, getting help after admitting their addiction predicaments. With so many Jewish addiction cases, substance treatment centers are now being established in order to provide the help they need, in a safe and comfortable environment.

These treatment facilities, designed to treat alcohol and drug addiction along with mental health issues, have been established around Jewish beliefs. Recovery programs utilize Jewish traditional spirituality, twelve step programs based on the Torah, psychotherapy, behavior modification, harm reduction, and other techniques for treating addictions and mental health issues.

Although these treatment centers are established around the Jewish beliefs and principles, lack of awareness may keep many Jewish addiction victims from getting rehabilitation. from their addiction. Fear of being disowned or ridiculed by fellow Jewish people can determine whether someone needing professional help actually reaches out for it or not.

As more and more Jews are suffering from addictions, the stigma surrounding addiction needs a solution and possible ways of encouraging them to seek help. The truth is the lack of knowledge surrounding what causes an addiction or mental illness. This, in turn, holds many that are affected by addiction back from seeking treatment when that is their only option of getting well.

In order to receive help for substance addiction, a Jewish person needs to be in an environment with people in the same position as they are. Going to a facility where they are the minority may not be an option for them. Being safe and un-judged in a Jewish addiction based facility will make them feel at ease and open them up to their path of recovery.

2 ways to encourage Jewish addicts suffering with addiction to seek help are:

1)   Educating the Jewish communities regarding drug and alcohol addiction, as well as mental health issues

2)   Advertising the availability of Jewish based treatment centers to the Jewish people that are addicted to a substance or have a mental disorder

Being addicted to any type of substance and having a mental health disorder should not be an embarrassment.. Addicts should focus on their recovery and not what others will say about their situation.

Jewish Americans remain more reluctant to seek help compared to other American races, but they deserve help as much as the next person. Awareness and education can bring them this help.

Jewish Addiction – In The News

For Jewish Addicts Dry Seders are a Life-Saver. JTA. wine. It’s rare that an Orthodox rabbi chooses to omit an important Jewish ritual in his holiday celebrations. But in the spring of 2000 Rabbi Yosef Lipsker cleared his living.…Learn More about Jewish Addiction here>>

If you or someone you know is suffering from addiction call Hawaii Island Recovery at 866-515-5032. They are a non-denominational treatment facility which can help guide you into the right program.

So Why Don’t Relationships Work During the First Twelve Months?

Sobriety can be difficult enough to achieve alone. It is a well-known fact that intimate relationships are not widely encouraged. Unfortunately, some recovering addicts fail to acknowledge this and go ahead anyway, sometimes with disastrous consequences. For many that become sober it seems that the world is now wide open to them and they can achieve anything they want to.

While this is an admirable quality there are several reasons why relationships are a big no-no for the first year.

• The first priority of any recovering alcoholic is to remain sober,

and this will take all of their concentration. While a relationship may seem like a wonderful thing, it is all added stress that is not needed.

• A recovering alcoholic must learn to know themselves

again before choosing a partner.  A newly sober person is likely to make bad choices in many things to start off with. Entering a relationship within the first year of sobriety may be merely swapping one addiction for another as they seek to replace alcohol with romance.

•  Relationships invoke strong emotions, and

during the first year of sobriety a recovering addict is unlikely to be able to cope properly with this.  Recovery is an emotional roller coaster in itself and adding a relationship to the mix is a recipe for disaster.

• Recovering addicts are unable to see things objectively in the first year, and

what may seem like a small argument will, to them, be a major issue and will send them on a further rush of emotions that they cannot cope with, at least not without their crutch of choice.

• For a recovering addict the first year of sobriety is,

quite literally, a fight for life. This takes up a lot of mental, spiritual and physical strength and there really isn’t anything left over for a relationship.

• This is a huge learning curve for the recovering addict,

they must learn how to live again without fear of falling backwards and to do this successfully they need all of their wits about them. Getting involved in a relationship at an early stage takes away the concentration they need and makes them focus on something other than sobriety.  This is highly dangerous as the chances of a relapse for sobriety at this stage are very high.

• Relationships often lead to disappointment and,

while most people can cope with this, the recovering addict cannot. To them it is just another reason why they are not good enough for the world and a good reason to sink back into the world of addiction. It is a way to forget the pain; therefore, avoiding relationships for the first year takes away the potential for that pain to strike.

These are just some of the reasons why a recovering addict should not enter an intimate relationship during the first year of sobriety. For some, a very small percentage, a relationship may be the best thing that ever happened to them but on the whole it is likely to turn out to be a mistake and will set them on a dangerous path with terrible consequences.

What is Sobriety - From the Web

According to Wikipedia.com, Sobriety is the condition of not having any measurable levels, or effects from mood-altering drugs. According to WHO “Lexicon of alcohol and drug terms…” sobriety is continued abstinence from psychoactive drug use. Sobriety is also considered to be the natural state of a human being given at a birth. In a treatment setting, sobriety is the achieved goal of independence from consuming or craving mind-altering substances. As such, sustained abstinence is a prerequisite for sobriety. Early in abstinence, residual effects of mind-altering substances can preclude sobriety. These effects are labeled “PAWS”, or “post acute withdrawal syndrome”.

Someone who abstains, but has a latent desire to resume use, is not considered truly sober. An abstainer may be subconsciously motivated to resume drug use, but for a variety of reasons, abstains (e.g. such as a medical or legal concern precluding use). Sobriety has more specific meanings within specific contexts, such as the culture of Alcoholics Anonymous, other 12 step programs, law enforcement, and some schools of psychology. In some cases, sobriety implies achieving “life balance.” See more Sobriety posts…

Sobriety requires Support – In the News

Hccommunityjournal.com recently reports about Sobriety that requires support. Sobriety is difficult to attain without a tremendous support system. One Kerr County woman hopes to make a difference with the opening of her outpatient treatment center. Marion K. Watson is administrative director and owner of Archway Recovery Center alcohol and drug abuse treatment center, and they will be moving in about a month to become a new tenant of the renovated Schreiner Building downtown. Watson said she’s the only woman outpatient treatment center owner here, and when she goes to conferences, she’s often the only woman on a stage full of men.

Her staff includes three counselors. She said their new offices will be on the second floor of the Schreiner Building, over the Bank of the Hills branch. The approximately 2,500 square feet will include four counselors’ offices, an administrative office, a group meeting room, and a secure file room since their records fall under state and HIPPA laws about privacy. Read the complete article…

If you or your loved one are trying to get sober, call Hawaii Island Recovery at 866-515-5032.

Facts About An Alcohol & Drug Detox

So you want to quit your drug of choice but you are afraid of the detox. If you decide that you want to get your life back from addiction then make sure you detox in a safe medically supervised environment. The video will explains what you will expect during a typical detoxification. In todays world there are many options to help take the edge off and even be comfortable during the first few days.

If you or a loved one wants to get their life back on track call Hawaii Island Recovery at 866-515-5032.

4 Facts on Ecstasy Addiction

Ecstasy Addiction: The Culprit

Ecstasy addiction or MDMA addiction is also known on the streets as “molly”, “E”, or “X”. Some people think this is a harmless drug. Ecstasy is highly addictive and can be tough to recover from. Find out more information about the drug below.

Signs of Addiction

MDMA or Ecstasy is addictive. Know the signs of addiction to this club drug known as the love drug.

Ecstasy Addiction Signs | BoostMood.com

http://www.boostmood.comFri, 02 Nov 2012 23:38:30 GMT

Ecstasy Addiction Signs – Find out what the common ecstasy addiction signs are at Boostmood.com.

Mixing It Up

Ecstasy is being mixed with other drugs nowadays, thus the term polydrug. Little do party-goers know that the effect of these drugs are more lethal. They may give you a party-high but the long-term addictive effects to the body and the brain is permanent.

Clubbers mix former legal high mephedrone with ecstasy, despite ban – The Guardian

http://news.google.comSun, 28 Apr 2013 00:39:42 GMT

The GuardianClubbers mix former legal high mephedrone with ecstasy, despite banThe GuardianHowever, a new survey of more than 300 clubbers, conducted in south-east London shortly after the ban was introduced and published in the academic journal Euro …

Have you seen Molly? The “club drug” popping up in SWFL – Fox 4

http://news.google.comFri, 26 Apr 2013 01:48:33 GMT

Have you seen Molly? The “club drug” popping up in SWFLFox 4If Molly, the so called “pure” form of MDMA or Ecstasy rings a bell, it is because she’s been popping up in club scenes and in popular music across the country. Emily Naranjo is a substance …

For The Teens

Teenagers are the most susceptible victims of ecstasy and its addictive properties as most of the party people come from the youth. Read on to learn about the effects it has on your kids.

8 Significant Facts Teens should know About MDMA | Health Testing …

http://abouttesting.testcountry.comThu, 08 Dec 2011 15:50:47 GMT

8 Significant Facts Teens should know About MDMA. MDMA, short for 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine is a synthetic and highly addictive psychoactive drug that is now one of the most commonly abused type of drugs by …

Meet Molly: The Truth About MDMA | NIDA for Teens

http://teens.drugabuse.govTue, 01 May 2012 07:00:00 GMT

NIDA Teens mobile logo · NIDA for Teens: The Science Behind Drug Abuse …. To learn more about the facts of MDMA visit: http://teens.drugabuse.gov/drug-facts/ecstasy-mdma. There are many ways to have fun with your …

The Consequences

Apart from the obvious effects of drug addiction, ecstasy addiction can cause affect one’s memory. Not only will one become addicted to it, one can also get so entangled into pushing Molly to other party goers as well.

Ecstasy Pills Cause Memory Problems – WebMD

http://www.webmd.comFri, 27 Jul 2012 22:04:17 GMT

Ecstasy is also highly addictive, Goldman says. Research from the National Institute on Drug Abuse showed that 43% of teens and young adults who use ecstasy are addicted. “Use of ecstasy is dangerous even if it’s done …

Ecstasy ring member gets jail, public service – Naperville Sun

http://news.google.comWed, 24 Apr 2013 00:39:12 GMT

Ecstasy ring member gets jail, public serviceNaperville SunAhmad S. Willingham, 20, of Romeoville, was convicted of a felony charge of the manufacture or delivery of a controlled substance, specifically, 15 but fewer than 200 Ecstasy pills, according …

Ecstasy addiction is life-threatening. Hawaii Island Recovery is a state-of-the-art drug addiction rehabilitation and detox center located in the Big Island of Hawaii, Kona. Call 866-515-5032 if you or a loved one is suffering from addiction. Life doesn’t have to be this way.

What You Need To Know About Bipolar Disorder

The Ups and Downs of Bipolar Disorder

Bipolar disorder or bipolar affective disorder is a mood disorder. It is also commonly referred to as  manic-depression. It is a psychological disorder that may co-occur with addiction and substance abuse. Individuals who suffer from bipolar disorder generally have periods of mania or hypomania followed by periods of depression. Learn more about this disorder below.

A Disease We Do Not Talk About: Bipolar Disorder | HealthStatus …

http://www.healthstatus.comWed, 03 Apr 2013 17:00:22 GMT

According to the recent study , 4.4 percents of Americans have been diagnosed with…at some point in their lives. Most of them (83 percents) have a severe version of the disease. Many people are not diagnosed properly and …

Substance Abuse and Bipolar I and II Disorder

Medication for this disorder is often abused, causing more complications and introducing addiction into the life of an already suffering individual. Drug abuse will always worsen the condition of the individual that is suffering from bipolar disorder.

Bipolar disorder emerges in college students – The Hullabaloo Online

http://news.google.com

Bipolar disorder emerges in college students – The Hullabaloo Online – Substance abuse is common with bipolar disorder. Some people may try to self-medicate with drugs or alcohol in an attempt to normalize their mood. The impulsive nature of mania can also …

Susceptibility to Marijuana Use

According to the following study, people suffering from bipolar I or II disorder and other psychological disorders are said to be more succeptible to cannabis use. Substance abuse would be considered a co-morbid disorder, along with bipolar disorder in an individual. This is very common amongst those suffering from psychological disorders, and it does not stop at marijuana.

People with mental illness more than 7 times likelier to use pot, says study – 89.3 KPCC (blog)

http://news.google.com

89.3 KPCC (blog)People with mental illness more than 7 times likelier to use pot, says study89.3 KPCC (blog)The Canadian study found that among mentally ill people who reported weekly marijuana use, rates were particularly high among those with bipol…

Substance Abuse as a Co-morbid Disorder

Co-occurring Disorders

Co-occurring disorders or COD is a condition when a person suffers from two psychological disorders at once, such as bipolar I or II disorder in concurrence with addiction, such as prescription drug abuse. It is very important to diagnose both conditions in order to have a successful treatment process.

What Are “Co-Occurring” Disorders? | NIDA for Teens

http://teens.drugabuse.govThu, 08 Mar 2012 08:00:00 GMT

As many as 6 in 10 people with a substance use disorder also suffer from a mental health condition such as depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, or bipolar disorder, to name a few. When this happens, the person has…

Dual Diagnosis

When a person suffering from bipolar I or II disorder abuses drugs and alcohol, it is imperative that a dual diagnosis be done. This means that both conditions are taken into consideration when assessing the individual and deciding upon method of treatment.

Dual Diagnosis: Alcoholism and Mental Illness | Health Eagle

http://www.healtheagle.comTue, 16 Apr 2013 14:00:08 GMT

This month is Alcohol Awareness Month, and there has been a lot of discussion involving alcohol and alcohol treatment. One of the major issues in treating and…

8 Most Common Dual Diagnosis Disorders Infographic | For The …

http://www.forthefirsttimer.comFri, 05 Apr 2013 02:14:00 GMT

8 Most Common Dual Diagnosis Disorders Infographic. Thursday, April 4, 2013. 8 most common dual diagnosis disorders infographic. Via Lakeview Health View More Drug Rehab…

If you or someone you know is suffering from any co-morbid disorder, please call Hawaii Island Recovery at 866-515-5032 for help or more information.

Links Between Mental Health and Drug Addiction

 Mental health disorders have many causes and correlative disorders. One  prominent correlative disorder is drug abuse. The focus of this article is trying to establish the link between psychological disorders and drug addiction as well as the link between holiday parties and addiction.

It is a daunting task for an addict to fight their drug addiction or alcohol abuse during holiday season, even more so for people in their first year of sobriety.

The holidays are most often a time for gathering of friends and family.  Many of these family reunions and parties are littered with alcoholic beverages and spirits of all kinds. This can be an awkward and uncomfortable environment for someone who is  recovering from drugs and other substances.

These parties can be an avenue to introduction to other drugs and create temptation to the addicts during their track to full recovery.

During the first year of sobriety, an alcoholic or drug addict might have better luck staying away from such parties and other people or events in which drugs or alcohol may become present. When an addict is faced with an invitation to go out during the first year of sobriety, it is a wise decision to decline.

To avoid the temptation caused when attending parties, addicts and their loved ones  can make arrangements for non-alcoholic beverages and even areas of the gathering in which alcohol is off limits. If this isn’t an option, first make sure you prepare yourself to face people that might make an issue if someone isn’t as into the “spirits” as they are.

Many recovering addicts and alcoholics will choose to have their own party around the holidays if they have nowhere else to go. For those that are not currently living around family or do not have a family, holidays can become excruciatingly stressful. Many recovering alcoholics and drug addicts turn to their drug of choice to get the through. Yet, with so many consequences to their actions, why would they jeopardize their hard work for a couple of months?

While going through the season where everyone is enjoying family and other festivities, a recovering addict or alcoholic can become extremely depressed. Being sober is not the reason for this mood change, but this depression can be a major cause of relapse.

People with a psychological disorder or chemical imbalance tend to self-medicate themselves with drugs instead of seeking professional help. More often than not, these people do not know there is a hidden message or underlying issue to their drug use. All they know is certain drugs can make them feel “normal” in their thinking, and may be indirectly correct.

There are two classifications of this type of individual, and these two groups tend to lean towards different types of drugs when trying to self-medicate.

1. Under-active brains: These people tend to abuse any stimulating drug to feel good, such as cocaine or methamphetamine. Although these drugs have major side effects, people that have attention-deficit disorder can gravitate towards their usage if not on the proper prescribed medication along with proper counseling.
2. Over-active brains: People in this category use drugs such as alcohol, marijuana, opiates, prescription medication, or heroin to calm brain activity down. Mental health issues related to this type of drug abuse are anxiety disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and various forms of depressive disorders, including bipolar disorder.

Unless these issues are treated, and the patient receives and applies treatment, as determined by a mental health expert, they will have a tendency to relapse or fall into a drug addiction. The holidays can be an especially crucial time for these individuals. One should not be afraid to seek out help during a particularly stressful or emotional time.

Not all people with mental health problems become addicted to a substance and not all substances are illegal. There are actually many more people using controlled substances to feel “normal” than documented.

Be kind to yourself and seek help for any addiction now. If you or someone you know suffers from addiction call Hawaii Island Recovery at 866-515-5032.