How to Avoid Peer Pressure after Addiction Treatment

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Returning from addiction treatment can be a difficult process with its own set of challenges. The work done to achieve sobriety and a healthy life is far from over, despite the substantial progress made. 

Those exiting rehab and reintegrating themselves into society will face various temptations that threaten all that has been achieved. This temptation can come from many sources, including peers and those who encouraged previous destructive behavior. Although it certainly won’t be easy, those coming back from addiction treatment can avoid succumbing to peer pressure with a rational, firm approach. 

Don’t Be Afraid to Say No

It’s never easy to say no to friends and peers, especially when they ask you to do something. However, when it comes to drug and substance use, you must be firm and forcefully say no. 

Don’t be afraid to show conviction by standing tall and looking the other person in the eye when making your declaration. This will tell them that you are serious about this issue and that they won’t break your resolve.  

Avoid Triggering Places and Situations

To give yourself the best possible chance at success, avoid putting yourself in positions that lead to relapse. Try not to go to places where you’ve previously used or settings that are known for drug use. Being in these locations could trigger fond memories of previous drug use experiences and tempt you to use again. 

Let your friends and family know about any locations that should be avoided so they can accommodate you in the future when selecting places to socialize.  

Highlight the Likelihood of Relapse

Relapse is prevalent amongst cases of substance abuse disorder. At some point in their recovery, many will revert to old habits due to many factors like peer pressure. 

Help your peers recognize that addiction is a serious disease and that relapse is common, especially when there is pressure from friends. Those who care about you will realize the potential consequences of their actions and modify their behavior to help prevent a relapse. 

Bring Someone You Trust Along

If you’re a person who struggles with peer pressure, it could be helpful to bring along someone you trust to have with you when you’re out in social settings. 

This trusted companion can support and prevent you from making any mistakes. Ideally, the person you select to come along with you should not be someone who uses.  

Recovering from drug addiction is a long, complex process filled with its share of obstacles and challenges like peer pressure. People whose lives have been affected by substance abuse require immense support and guidance throughout their recovery journey. This level of support can be found at Twin Town Treatment Centers and our five drug addiction treatment centers throughout Orange County and the Los Angeles metropolitan area. Our drug and alcohol rehabilitation centers help those recovering from addiction by providing individualized outpatient programs and drug addiction treatments. Get in touch today by calling us at (866) 594-8844 or filling out our online form to get started. Our team of drug addiction treatment professionals will provide you with a no-cost interview and assessment for alcohol and drug issues.

What is “Stepping Up” and “Stepping Down” in Addiction Treatment?

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Those suffering from substance use disorder and exploring addiction treatment options have likely encountered terms like “stepping up” and “stepping down.” But what exactly do these terms mean, and what is their relevance to the treatment process? 

There isn’t a universal approach to addiction treatment; there are many options varying in methods used and intensity. In the context of addiction treatment, “stepping up” means to transition from low-intensity treatment to a more intense program, while the opposite is true for the term “stepping down.” 

The Right Time to Step Up vs. Step Down

There are several levels of addiction treatment, ranging from low-intensity outpatient treatment, where patients meet for a few hours each week, to higher-intensity 24/7 inpatient treatment.

During the addiction treatment process, patients are allowed to move up and down through different levels of treatment based on their needs and circumstances.  

An instance where a patient may want to “step up” is if they are struggling with their addiction while attending an outpatient treatment program and require additional attention. They may find more success with an inpatient program, which will work with and support them for 24 hours each day of the week. 

“Stepping down” usually involves receiving addiction treatment from an inpatient program. After an extended amount of time in the program, a person who is comfortable enough with their progress and state of mind can move down a level to intensive outpatient treatment. They can continue “stepping down” as they make more strides toward living a healthy, sober life. 

The Right Treatment For You

There are many levels of treatment available because everyone’s needs are unique, and there isn’t one true solution. The proper treatment for one patient can differ significantly from another. A person’s circumstances ultimately dictate the level of support and guidance they need. 

A patient with a mild substance abuse disorder may only need a low-intensity outpatient treatment program that meets for a few hours a week, while someone suffering from a more severe case of addiction requires intensive 24/7 inpatient treatment.  

Addiction is a serious disease that requires extensive support and guidance no matter what level of treatment a patient needs. At Twin Town Treatment Centers and our five drug rehab treatment centers throughout the Los Angeles and Orange County area, we offer proper, evidence-based help to patients. Our individualized outpatient programs and drug addiction treatments have been personalized to account for our patients’ unique needs and circumstances. Get in touch today by calling us at (866) 594-8844 or filling out our online form to get started. Our team of drug and alcohol treatment professionals will provide you with a no-cost interview and assessment for alcohol and drug issues. 

How to Prepare for Life After Addiction Treatment

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For those about to return home from addiction treatment, it’s perfectly fine to feel overwhelmed and uncertain about what’s ahead. You don’t have to have it all figured out immediately. For both you and your loved ones, the best approach is to be patient with one another and focus on the present. Life after addiction treatment is undoubtedly challenging, but with the right mindset and realistic expectations, you’ll begin your transition to a new positive chapter in your life. 

Pink Cloud Experience

Many returning from addiction treatment are at their highest point in confidence, having just made significant progress in their recovery. There’s no longer a feeling of dependency on a substance, and it seems as though nothing can go wrong. 

While we’re all for you celebrating your milestones, we also urge you to be diligent and to continue working hard to maintain the progress that you’ve made.

Returning from addiction treatment can have many thoughts come and go, resulting in overconfidence and complacency. A person’s mind can become occupied elsewhere, causing them to forget how difficult it is to stay sober, leading to a setback and relapse. 

Balancing Relationships and Recovery

You may feel like you want to make up for lost time with your friends and family by spending every moment with them. Maintaining a proper balance in devoting time to loved ones and recovery is essential.

Find time to socialize with friends and family between attending therapy and meetings as they are an important part of your recovery. 

Don’t ever feel pressured to skip your recovery obligations because you feel like you have to hang out with a friend or loved one. It’s okay to tell them that you’re busy with your recovery. If they have questions about it, feel free to educate them on what recovery entails and how much time needs to be committed to it. 

Staying On Top of Everything

The period after coming back from addiction treatment is undoubtedly a hectic time. From rekindling relationships with loved ones to juggling work responsibilities and finding time for recovery, there’s a lot on your plate that you’ll have to deal with.

Those who struggle to manage their time will find it challenging to keep up with everything. This can lead to several things being neglected and tossed aside.

Staying organized and on schedule can help you avoid getting overwhelmed by your many responsibilities. Start planning out your days and sticking to your plans, so you’re able to fulfill all of your commitments. 

Addiction is always present, even after treatment. Recovering from addiction requires the right kind of support and guidance. Get the proper help by reaching out to Twin Town Treatment Centers and our five drug rehab treatment centers throughout the Los Angeles and Orange County area. Our individualized outpatient programs and drug addiction treatments have been personalized to account for our patients’ unique needs and circumstances. Get in touch today by calling us at (866) 594-8844 or filling out our online form to get started. Our team of drug and alcohol treatment professionals will provide you with a no-cost interview and assessment for alcohol and drug issues.

How Do Drugs Affect the Brain?

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There’s a general acknowledgement that constant drug use will impact the user’s brain, but not many people understand the exact effect that it can have on a person. No matter how the drug is consumed, it can negatively alter the brain causing short and long-term effects that can be permanent. As the brain plays a significant role in our body’s operation, a person with a drug addiction will be affected physically and mentally. 

Drug Use and its Effects

The human brain is a complex communicative system composed of billions of neurons that work together to direct your body on how to feel and think and what to do. It’s involved in everything from our breathing to our emotions. 

When a person begins to heavily use drugs, one of the most affected areas is the brain. 

Drugs can interfere with our brain’s neurons and disrupt their regular operation of sending, receiving, and processing signals.

Long-term drug use can permanently alter a brain’s chemistry, and a person’s thoughts and feelings can be affected as a result. Someone who is suffering from drug addiction will see physical and mental changes such as: 

  • Motor function decline
  • Increased anxiety and depressed thoughts
  • Irregular heartbeat
  • Loss of motivation
  • Decreased respiratory function
  • Cognitive impairment
  • Constant feelings of distress and sadness 

Drugs, Your Brain, and Dependency 

Under normal circumstances, the brain releases endorphins while running or exercising. This is the natural way to release these pleasant chemicals and encourage healthy behavior.

Part of why drugs can be so addicting is the euphoric effect they produce. Users often feel good when using a substance because their brain releases endorphins in response to this effect.

As drug use can trigger the release of endorphins, many become addicted to these substances and the high they produce. They chase after this pleasant feeling and become dependent on drugs to help them obtain it once more. 

Drug addiction is an illness that requires serious attention. The effects that continued drug use can have on a person’s brain can be significant. At Twin Town Treatment Centers, we offer help for those in need of drug addiction treatment. People whose lives have been affected by substance abuse require immense support and guidance, all of which are provided at our five drug addiction treatment centers throughout Orange County and the Los Angeles metropolitan area. Our drug and alcohol rehabilitation centers help those recovering from addiction by providing individualized outpatient programs and drug addiction treatments. Get in touch today by calling us at (866) 594-8844 or filling out our online form to get started. Our team of drug addiction treatment professionals will provide you with a no-cost interview and assessment for alcohol and drug issues.

Do’s and Don’ts for a Loved One Returning from Drug Addiction Treatment

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Friends and family members are instrumental in the recovery of a loved one with an addiction. A strong support circle can keep a person with an addiction on track and focused on their recovery. However, missteps from friends and family can also cause unintended harm to their loved one’s recovery, especially during their return from drug addiction treatment. While it is entirely understandable that you want to support and help your loved one during their time of need in any way possible, you must also be considerate of what to do — and don’t do — when a loved one comes home from their drug addiction treatment. 

Do:

  • Get Informed About Recovery: Inform yourself about recovery and what it entails. Learn more about addiction and common recovery pitfalls so you and the person you’re supporting can try to avoid them. Doing all of this will allow you to know what to expect and to have realistic expectations. Having a greater understanding of recovery will also help you better support your loved one.
  • Ensure a Sober Environment: One of the best things that you can do for a loved one returning from drug addiction treatment is have them come home to an environment free of alcohol and addictive substances. This includes medications, which should be secured and kept away from the person in recovery. In place of drugs and alcohol, you should also look to fill your home with items that give off positive energy. This can be plants or even motivational books. Establishing an environment that encourages sober behavior reduces the chances of a relapse. 
  • Find New Interests: To prevent your loved one from reverting to old habits and behaviors, you want to help them find new interests. Occupying their mind with unique attractions and activities will divert their attention from cravings and pessimistic thoughts. Hobbies are a great way to keep your loved one busy and focused on achieving a goal. You may even want to join them and have a shared experience in learning something new together. 

Don’t:

  • Drink or Use Substances around Your Loved One: It is imperative that you and those around the person in recovery do not drink or use any substances when in their presence; it sets a bad example and can even tempt them into relapse. Instead, focus on finding new activities and hobbies that will keep your loved one’s mind away from substance use.  
  • Enable Bad Behavior: The desire to accommodate your loved one, especially upon their return from drug rehab, is entirely understandable. However, you cannot allow yourself to enable bad behavior. You must hold your loved one accountable for their mistakes and help them realize the error of their ways. This is the only way a person in recovery will learn from their mistakes and not repeat them in the future. 
  • Make Them Feel Left Out: Feeling left out and excluded can make it more difficult for someone returning from drug addiction treatment to stay on the right path. Make your loved one feel supported and include them in as many social activities as possible. This helps ease their transition to their new, healthier lifestyle and helps keep them on track toward recovery. The last thing that your loved one needs is to feel alienated and different because of their past behaviors. 

Recovering from addiction is no easy task, and it requires support and guidance to happen. Ensure that your loved one gets proper help by reaching out to Twin Town Treatment Centers and our five drug and alcohol rehabilitation centers throughout the Los Angeles and Orange County area. Our individualized outpatient programs and drug addiction treatments have been personalized to account for our patients’ unique needs and circumstances. Get in touch today by calling us at (866) 594-8844 or filling out our online form to get started. Our team of drug and alcohol treatment professionals will provide you with a no-cost interview and assessment for alcohol and drug issues.

Recognizing the Signs of Substance Abuse at Work

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Working with someone you suspect may be suffering from substance abuse issues can be a stressful experience. Any relationship with a co-worker with addiction can negatively affect the workplace environment and spur emotional distress for everyone involved, which is why it’s necessary to recognize the signs of substance abuse while you’re at work. Once you can determine if someone is suffering from substance abuse disorder, you can guide them toward an appropriate drug alcohol treatment. 

Signs of Substance Abuse At Work

Various signs and behaviors indicate substance addiction in a coworker; work performance is one of the more apparent indicators you must keep an eye on. Someone who is suffering from substance abuse will display these changes in work performance:

  • Negative shift in attitude and drop in morale regarding work and employer
  • Being prone to mistakes in their work
  • Frequently calling out of work on Mondays and Fridays
  • Increase in complaints about work that they didn’t have before

Physical Signs of Substance Abuse

With substance abuse disorder, a person will begin to exhibit physical signs of the disease. Some signs will be subtle, while others are more obvious:  

  • Needle marks on their arm
  • Sudden negative change in appearance and poor hygiene 
  • Bloodshot eyes or unusual pupils
  • Sudden downward shift in health
  • Frequent coughing, sniffling, or runny nose
  • Constant bouts of illnesses like colds 

Changes to Personality

Along with physical changes, there will also be sudden personality shifts with a person experiencing substance abuse. You should be on the lookout for these personality changes:

  • Increase in irritation and anger
  • Deterioration of current relationships with family, friends, and colleagues; forming relationships with new individuals and strangers
  • Secretive behavior and desire for more privacy about what they do and their whereabouts
  • Change in their habits and exhibiting uncharacteristic behaviors

If you recognize the signs of substance abuse with someone you know at work, make sure they get the help they need. At Twin Town Treatment Centers, we support those suffering from substance abuse disorder who need addiction treatment. Those addicted to a substance require immense support and guidance, which can be found at our five drug and alcohol rehabilitation centers throughout Orange County and the Los Angeles metropolitan area, including West Hollywood and surrounding neighborhoods. Our drug and alcohol rehabilitation centers help those recovering from addiction by providing individualized outpatient programs and drug addiction treatments. Get in touch today by calling us at (866) 594-8844 or filling out our online form to get started. Our team of drug and alcohol treatment professionals will provide you with a no-cost interview and assessment for alcohol and drug issues.

Understanding the Stages of Drug Addiction Withdrawal

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Drug addiction can be difficult to manage, not only because of the physical and mental strain that it puts on a person but also due to the withdrawal symptoms that come with it. Withdrawal occurs when a person stops using a drug after a long period of addiction and their body now has to adapt to be without it. The longer a person uses a drug, the more intense their withdrawal symptoms will likely be. The withdrawal process can be challenging and uncomfortable, which is why many those recovering from drug addiction revert to their old habits. While withdrawal is undoubtedly a tough experience, learning about its several phases and knowing what to expect can ease the recovery process. 

First Phase

The first phase of withdrawal tends to occur within the first 12 hours. The initial phase of withdrawal generally lasts up to 10 days and is described as the most difficult stage to deal with. However, the duration of this phase is dependent on the drug that the person in recovery has previously taken. Symptoms like depression, diarrhea, and vomiting will arise and peak after around three days. After the fifth day, the symptoms should subside and become easier to handle. Getting past the first phase of withdrawal is a good sign and signals that long-term recovery is achievable. 

Second Phase

While the second phase of withdrawal may not match the intensity of the first, the symptoms that arise during this stage will last longer. Some of the symptoms that those in recovery will experience during this phase include leg cramps, chills, and goosebumps. It is important to remember this phase, as this is when your brain will try to normalize endorphin levels and return them to their initial state. 

Third Phase

The third phase is the most tedious and will typically last between a week to two months. During this phase, you will go through symptoms like restlessness, anxiety, and insomnia. Because of the prolonged length of this phase, many patients seek out long-term addiction treatment to help them overcome their addiction. While there tends to be a sense of relief after completing this phase, drug addiction treatment is needed to help sustain healthy practices and behavior. 

How Addiction Treatment Centers Can Help

Withdrawal can be a difficult and drawn-out process for a person to experience alone. Being in a welcoming environment like a drug rehab treatment center can help the person in recovery easily work past their withdrawal symptoms, while also facilitating their healing and development. At a drug rehab treatment center, a patient will get the attention and support that they need, whether it’s addiction detox services or a drug addiction treatment program relating to their specific substance. 

At Twin Town Treatment Centers, we support those seeking addiction treatment and going through withdrawal. We know that withdrawal symptoms can be difficult, which is why our six drug and alcohol rehabilitation centers throughout the Los Angeles and Orange County area, including one in Laguna Hills, work to help those recovering from their addiction by providing many effective outpatient programs and drug addiction treatments that have been individualized to best fit our patients and their unique needs and circumstances. Get in touch today by calling us at (866) 594-8844 or filling out our online form to get started. Our team of drug and alcohol treatment professionals will provide you with a no-cost interview and assessment for alcohol and drug issues.

Using CBT and DBT for Drug and Substance Addiction Treatment

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When researching treatments for drug and substance addiction, two of the most commonly-used options are cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and dialectical behavior therapy (DBT). These two treatment options have been studied and proven to be effective in helping with long-term recovery and facilitating the healing and development of patients. While CBT and DBT share some similarities, there are also key differences that exist between the two. Learning about these differences will help you discover the treatment option that works best for you.

Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy

Cognitive-behavioral therapy empowers patients to discuss the issues that affect them most, based on the belief that the thoughts we have can impact how we feel. The thoughts that accompany a patient’s issues are often pessimistic, with a focus on what could happen in the future. With the guidance of their therapist, a patient is given a new perspective on the problems that they are facing by focusing on what is happening in the present moment and not on what has happened or what could be. By changing how a patient thinks and approaches their issues, it can help them maintain a more positive outlook. This perspective is more logical and reasonable, which allows the patient to better control their thoughts and how they react to their issues.

Dialectical Behavior Therapy

Dialectical behavior therapy is a type of CBT treatment that is most often directed to helping those with extreme emotional reactions. While DBT is a form of cognitive-behavioral therapy, it differs in its focus on a patient’s emotions and all of the development that occurs with it. It is intended to teach patients healthier ways to react to what is going on around them. Dialectical behavior therapy is about both acceptance and mindfulness. Patients go through a process that sees them accept the emotions they experience and learn to better regulate them.

Determining Which Treatment Is Best for You

When deciding which treatment is right for those suffering from drug and substance addiction, it’s best to discuss it with a therapist who is well-versed in substance use disorders. Everybody’s circumstances and situation are different, which means that some will respond more effectively to cognitive-behavioral therapy while others are more suited for dialectical behavior therapy. This makes it crucial for those starting their journey toward recovery to consult with a therapist or a rehab center before making a decision to see which treatment best fits their needs and circumstances.

Finding the right drug alcohol treatment can help put a person on the road to long-term recovery. At Twin Town Treatment Centers, we provide addiction treatment options like cognitive-behavioral therapy for those suffering from the disease. We operate six drug and alcohol rehabilitation centers throughout the Los Angeles and Orange County area, including one in Laguna Hills, where we support those recovering from their addiction with outpatient programs and resources designed to foster healing and development. Get in touch with us by calling us at (866) 594-8844 or filling out our online form to get started today. Our team of drug and alcohol treatment professionals will provide you with a no-cost interview and assessment for alcohol and drug issues.

Alcohol and Drug Use Escalates Death and Disability to Highest Point

Alcohol and Drug Use Escalates Death and Disability to Highest Point

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Fentanyl in a Fake Prescription Pill

The DEA has issued a Public Safety Alert warning the public of fake “prescription” pills which contain potentially lethal doses of fentanyl and methamphetamine.

The DEA’s Public Safety Alert, the first in six years, seeks to raise public awareness of a significant nationwide surge in counterfeit pills that are mass-produced by criminal drug networks in labs, deceptively marketed as legitimate prescription pills, and are killing unsuspecting Americans at an unprecedented rate.

Overdose Spike

In 2020, drug overdose deaths rose by 29.4%. 93,331 people died from overdose and 69,710 of those deaths were related to opioids, according to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. African American and Hispanic populations were hit harder than White and Asian communities.

Approximately 21 million Americans have substance use disorders but only 10% of them access drug or alcohol addiction treatment or rehab. 50% of those with substance use disorders also have a co-occuring mental health condition such as anxiety, depression, ADHD, bipolar disorder, personality disorders, schizophrenia, etc.

15 million Americans have alcohol addiction but only 7% receive treatment.

Starting or increasing alcohol and/or drug use to attept to cope with stress or other emotions related to COVID-19 was reported by 13% of Americans. The pandemic disrupted accessibility to addiction treatment and recovery support.

Treatment and recovery from alcohol or drug addiction was also complicated by increased anxiety and social isolation.

Stimulants Kill More Californians than Does Fentanyl or Other Opioids

No-Cost Pilot Treatment for Stimulant Addiction

Twin Town Treatment Center, West Hollywood provides a no-cost UCLA, SAMHSA supported demonstration treatment of stimulant use disorder referred to as “TRUST”. The goal of the stimulant addiction treatment program is to create drug addiction treatment best-practices. Information may be accessed at http://www.uclaisap.org/oasis-tta/html/projects/stimulant-use-disorder-project.html

Call (866) 594-8844– Twin Town can help find the right resources.

Answering Whether or Not Addiction Is a Disease

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Society’s view on addiction has gradually evolved over the years. For a long time, addiction was viewed as an indictment of one’s character and a perceived sign of their lack of self-control. However, as our understanding of addiction has grown over time, so has our perception of it. We now see addiction for what it is: a mental health condition that requires serious attention. Here’s more on how and why addiction is considered a disease.

Why Addiction is a Disease

Extensive research has shown that those who suffer from addiction aren’t that much different from those who don’t. Addiction is not a reflection of a person’s morality or mental strength. Instead, like other diseases, addiction can overwhelm a person and take away their free will. No matter the consequences or the harm that it does, a person suffering from addiction will continue their behavior and seek out the thing that they desire. This is why addiction is seen as a chronic brain disease by those who specialize in the field. 

Addiction and its Effects on the Brain

Addiction can affect a brain’s chemical balance. Our brain naturally makes dopamine when we partake in an enjoyable activity, such as eating something pleasant. The use of drugs or alcohol can also produce dopamine. When a person uses substances, an overload of dopamine occurs as it’s now coming from two different sources. An overabundance of dopamine can lead to various issues. Producing too much dopamine will make a person more aggressive and impulsive, which can cause poor behavior and decision-making.

Why Some People Become Addicted While Others Don’t

There’s still a lot of research to be done on why some suffer from addiction while others don’t. Although we have come a long way, there’s still much to learn about addiction. It’s currently believed by many experts that addiction is genetic and that some have a greater chance of becoming addicted due to a family history of addiction. Along with genetics, it’s said that social factors and a person’s environments are also significant in the development of addiction.

Addiction and substance abuse is a disease that requires support and serious treatment. At Twin Town Treatment Centers, we provide support for those suffering from the disease. We operate six drug and alcohol treatment centers throughout the Los Angeles and Orange County area, including one in Laguna Hills, where our certified staff helps those recovering from their addiction with programs and resources meant to facilitate healing and development. Get in touch with us by calling us at (866) 594-8844 or filling out our online form to get started today. Our team of drug and alcohol treatment professionals will provide you with a no-cost interview and assessment for alcohol and drug issues.