A Family History of Drug Abuse Can Affect Susceptibility to Addiction

If addiction has occurred in your close family, you have a greater chance of becoming addicted to drugs or alcohol yourself. Underlying genetic causes can be present, even if a person doesn’t grow up in New Jersey with an addicted relative. There is never a certainty of developing addiction, but it is more probably with a family history of the disease.

Unhealthy Lifestyle Choices Can Increase the Chance of Developing Addiction

Just as a healthy diet and consistent sleep schedule can help prevent addiction, an unhealthy lifestyle with a large consumption of caffeine and nicotine can increase a person’s chances of developing a more serious addiction. A high level of stress combined with unhealthy eating and sleeping habits will eventually take its toll, and a person may find themselves turning to drugs to keep up the pace. While weaker than heroin or cocaine, nicotine works in a similar way, and using large amounts of tobacco changes the brain in the same way harder drugs do.

Serious Illness or Injury Can Increase Odds of Addiction in New Jersey

If you have had a serious injury or illness in the past that caused emotional stress, this can affect your chances of developing addiction. New Jersey residents who may have unintentionally misused painkillers after an injury may develop an addiction at the time or may seek them out recreationally later. When stress and pain due to past medical issues are not dealt with a person may turn to drugs for relief if they don’t know how else to deal. Stress can hasten the onset of health issues such as anxiety or depression that can lead to drug abuse and addiction.

History of Mental Illness or Mood Disorders Often Coincides with Addiction

Addiction often occurs in those with a history of mental illness or mood disorders. Schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, depression and obsessive compulsive disorder are difficult to deal with on their own, but these illnesses also have neurological similarities to addiction. There are similarities in the brain of an addict and a brain of someone with schizophrenia. New Jersey residents who deal with neurological disorders have a high chance of developing addiction, often due to self-treatment with drugs or alcohol.

Serious Illness May Increase the Negative Health Consequences of Addiction

People with a genetic predisposition to serious illnesses such as heart disease, epilepsy or stroke may increase their chances of developing these diseases by abusing drugs. Drugs and alcohol can have devastating effects on their own when abused, but when combined with other medical conditions the results can be even worse. Alcoholism can damage a person’s health and eventually cause diabetes or other health consequences. Cocaine increases the risk of heart attack even for healthy people, but those with a risk of heart attack are more susceptible. The physical toll that addiction takes on a person can lower the natural immune system and increase the odds of developing other illnesses.

New Jersey Residents Can Begin Recovery from Addiction Today

Medical history may make addiction worse, but it can still be treated. Call us today at our toll-free 24 hour helpline to find out about treatment options. Begin the recovery process now, we can help you achieve long-term sobriety.

What Are the Benefits of Detoxing at Home in New Jersey?

There are several at-home detox methods and over-the-counter medications and supplements to aid solo recovery attempts. Cost is the only advantage of an at-home detox approach. While these medications and supplements may cost less, they are usually ineffective and unsuccessful in putting an end to addiction. Detoxing from drugs at home in New Jersey can be dangerous, if the addiction is severe. Drugs have a powerful effect on the mind and body, which is why people become addicted in the first place. At-home detox methods are not the route to go when a person is serious about putting an end to drug or alcohol use.

Why Are at Home Detox Methods So Dangerous for New Jersey Residents?

Depending upon the individual, the drug being used and the severity of the addiction the detox process can be complicated. Quitting drug use abruptly causes immense stress on the body and is what triggers symptoms of withdrawal. Withdrawal can be unpleasant and life-threatening if done without medical supervision. Certain complications may arise such as heart failure, fatal seizures or delirium tremens. These conditions can arise without warning, and without help a person may not complete the process without experiencing physical harm. There is no sure way to predict how the body will react to detox which is why at home detox methods are risky for New Jersey residents. Withdrawal symptoms can also be psychological and may result in uncontrollable behavior.

Why Detoxing from Drugs at Home in New Jersey Is Not a Long-Term Solution

At home detox methods usually prove to be unsuccessful, because many addicts are unable to withstand the pain and discomfort of withdrawal. The process of detox can be exhausting and wear on an individual, and resorting back to drug use seems like the only option. In many cases addicts are used to turning to drugs to deal with stress or cope with emotional or physical pain, so it is a habit to turn to substances when facing any difficulties. Without any guidance or motivation from others it is easy for a New Jersey resident to give up and return to drug use.

What Are the Advantages of Medically Supervised Detox Services?

The best way to detox from a drug is to get medically supervised treatment from a rehab center. There are several advantages of medically supervised detox services including the following:

• Safety. Medical professionals are able to supervise and monitor a patient’s progress 24 hours a day.
• Comfort. Rehab professionals can alleviate the symptoms of withdrawal and minimize any possible complications.
• Drug-free environment. Patients are able to get away from outside influences. It is easier to quit using when not surrounded by temptation. A rehab environment encourages and supports recovering New Jersey residents.
• Success. Rehab professionals know what they’re doing. Getting proper treatment allows for a faster and more successful recovery. Patients have the opportunity to detox and to treat their addiction as a whole. This can prevent a person from returning to drug use shortly after detoxing.

Help Me Detoxify from Drugs

If you or a loved one is ready to put an end to drug abuse or addiction, please call our toll-free helpline today. Our rehab counselors are standing by 24 hours a day to talk with you about your detox and recovery options.

How Your Friends and Family Affect Your Wellness in New Jersey

Your friends are an important part of your life. Friends and family can influence your decisions, can set the pace for your life, can impact your emotions and can aid in your recovery. However, New Jersey friends and family can also make your addiction problems worse. No man is an island, and we all are impacted by the people around us. It’s important to take a careful inventory and seek out friends and family that support your wellness. Friends and family that DO support your wellness will take the following actions:

• Encourage you in your sobriety and recovery
• Never insult you or make fun of you for your addiction or your recovery
• Never offer you drugs, alcohol or temptation
• Listen to learn more about what your addiction treatment means to you
• Love you even if they do not always approve of your past behavior
• Possibly be dealing with the emotional effects of your addiction
• Cheer you on or support you through your tough days

Friends and family that DO NOT support your recovery will behave in the following ways:

• Continue to offer you tempting substances
• Ignore or make fun of your recovery process
• Continue to use addictive substances in your presence

How Addiction Rehabilitation Works for New Jersey Residents

So how do you find a supportive environment and a way to encourage your friends to help you? Consider seeking a licensed detox and rehab program. There are a number of options available for New Jersey residents. We work with a wide network of rehab programs and professionals to help callers get real information immediately.

We can help you find a rehab center that best fits your needs. Rehab is your path to a better life, it is a way to meet new people and begin anew. You will receive professional guidance from experienced counselors who understand what you are going through. You owe it to yourself to learn more about your addiction treatment options. New Jersey addicts can get clean.

Find Addiction Recovery Support for New Jersey Residents

We offer a completely confidential and toll-free helpline for any New Jersey addict. Please call us and find out more about your treatment options for yourself or someone you love. Call us now; we are open 24 hours a day.

The Relationship between Addiction and Unemployment in New Jersey

Addiction is a large problem in the workplace. In 2009, the Hazelden Foundation reported the results of a survey of more than 1,000 workers in human resources: over two-thirds of them stated that substance abuse and addiction were among the most serious issues their companies faced. Survey respondents also reported a large number of addiction-related workplace problems. These included absenteeism, missed deadlines, increased health care costs and reduced productivity. They also noted addiction’s negative effects on interpersonal relations, trust and the company’s reputation. They should think again if New Jersey residents think they can keep their addictions from the workplace.

Although they recognize the extent of the problem, most supervisors and human resource professionals don’t feel prepared to address addiction. They cited a number of obstacles in dealing with the issue of addiction, including lack of experience, lack of information about treatment, personal discomfort and time constraints. In the face of the workplace problems that addiction can cause, it isn’t surprising if a New Jersey boss chooses to fire addicted employees.

Not only can addiction lead to unemployment, but the reverse is also true. The stress associated with being jobless can lead New Jersey residents to abuse drugs or alcohol, which can, in turn, lead to addiction. This becomes a self-perpetuating problem, and can make it difficult to get a job.

The co-existing problems of addiction and joblessness can lead to more difficulties. Addiction is always hard financially, as supporting the drug or alcohol habit saps and drains financial resources. Unemployment intensifies the problem. This can lead people to steal or to begin to sell drugs or engage in other illegal activities in order to get the money they need to maintain their addiction.

How New Jersey Residents Can Manage Unemployment and Addiction

Whether New Jersey addicts are employed or unemployed, the proper course of action is to treat the addiction as soon as possible, and then focus on employment issues. It’s normal to be concerned about the costs of rehab, but there are treatment choices for people with limited financial means. Many treatment programs offer affordable financing options that spread payments out over time. There are also government programs that help many people. Rehab is a one-time cost, after which time people can return to gainful employment. Addiction has long-term, ongoing costs that continue to mount.

Many rehab programs include vocational counseling and other job-related services as part of their offerings. There are also non-profit programs that help find employment for New Jersey residents with addiction histories. America in Recovery links job seekers and employers. For those whose addiction has gotten them in legal trouble, the National H.I.R.E Network (Helping Individuals with criminal records Reenter through Employment) can be of help.

Help with Employment and Addiction for New Jersey Residents

If you live in New Jersey and are struggling with addiction, give us a call and let us discuss treatment options with you. Our 24 hour helpline is toll free. Our knowledgeable phone counselors can answer your questions and even check any insurance coverage you may have, if you wish. Treat your addiction and reclaim your life. Call now.

What Addiction Can Do for New Jersey Residents

The question of whether an addiction defines a person can be answered by looking at some of the things addiction does and doesn’t do. Addiction does the following for New Jersey residents:

• Changes priorities. As addiction grows, use of the substance of choice increases in importance. As it does, other aspects of life are neglected.
• Affects behavior. There are physical consequences of the abuse of alcohol or drugs. Emotional effects like depression, irritability and anxiety are common and can affect behavior. There are also secondary behavioral effects. For example people may become more secretive or more defensive.
• Influences choices of social activities and peer groups. People who are addicted to a substance often feel most comfortable in groups of people who share the addiction. They may begin to associate substance use with relaxing and having a good time and avoid activities where they can’t indulge their habit.
• Impacts the fulfilling of basic needs. Addicted people tend to spend a larger and larger portion of their financial resources on their substance of choice, leaving a smaller amount for basic needs such as food, clothing, and housing.

The following are things addiction can’t do to a New Jersey resident:

• Alter a person’s essence. People who are addicted to drugs or alcohol have been enslaved by their addiction. Like someone enslaved by a kidnapper, the experience changes them in many ways, but it doesn’t alter their essential personality. When free from addiction a person’s intelligence, compassion, sense of humor, goals and dreams can all flourish again.
• Change a person’s intrinsic worth. A single human life has great value. No matter how far down addiction has taken people, a sober life is always worth fighting for.

Define Yourself without Addiction

People grow and change throughout their lives. The circumstances we encounter and the choices we make shape us, but they don’t have to define us. We can make the decision to confront an addiction and take steps to break free from its grip. If you are caught in addiction, take a step toward freedom today. By calling our toll-free helpline you can make a choice to reclaim your life in New Jersey. The call is free, and we are available 24 hours a day. We can answer your questions and check your insurance coverage, if you wish, at no cost or obligation. Define yourself as a person who recognizes your own worth and is willing to fight hard to find a better life. Call today.

Questions about Alcohol Use

Answers to the following questions can help you explore your alcohol use and determine if you are struggling with alcohol abuse or addiction:

• Do you actively seek out activities where you know alcohol will be served and avoid those where it won’t be? Planning activities around the availability of alcohol is a sign of alcohol’s importance to you.
• When you face a stressful situation, is your first instinct to drink? New Jersey residents who drink to alleviate negative feelings are more likely to become addicted.
• Do you have withdrawal symptoms, such as nausea, insomnia, or irritability when you don’t drink regularly?
• This is a sign of physical dependence, which is a significant part of alcoholism for most New Jersey residents.
• Do you often drink in the morning? This may be another sign of physical dependence and of drinking to avoid withdrawal.
• Are the drinks you most often consume the ones that are highest in alcohol content? This may be a sign that your preference is due to physical dependence rather than enjoyment.
• Do you have to drink more than you did in the past to achieve previous effects? This indicates tolerance, and that your body has changed in response to alcohol. It is a step on the road to addiction for many New Jersey alcoholics.
• Have others confronted you about your drinking behavior? Denial is a strong part of alcoholism. Often others will be aware of a problem before you are.
• Has drinking caused you problems at work or school? When people become addicted, often times their priorities change. Alcohol use may interfere with other responsibilities.
• Does alcohol use cause you to do things you later regret? If alcohol use causes you to get into legal trouble or otherwise behave in ways you wouldn’t when sober, it’s a sign that you’re continuing to drink despite negative consequences.
• Do you have blackouts or times when you can’t remember what you were doing while you were drinking? New Jersey alcoholics may ignore this problem, but it can indicate alcoholism.
• Have you told yourself that you’ll stop drinking or cut down the amount you drink, but have been unable to do so? If you’re unable to control the amount of alcohol you drink, it’s a clear sign that help is needed.

New Jersey Alcoholism Help

If you live in New Jersey and have developed an addiction to alcohol, we can help you regain control. Call our toll-free, 24 hour helpline and let us discuss treatment options with you. We can answer whatever questions you have, including checking your insurance coverage, if you wish. We’re available around the clock, so there’s no need to delay. Take the first step toward reclaiming your life today.

What to Expect during Drug Treatment Admissions

Rehab facilities will offer an addiction assessment to learn more about a New Jersey resident’s addiction history, personal life, recovery goals, underlying health issues and willingness to change. This information is crucial in determining the program that best suits the patient’s recovery needs. Some rehab facilities will offer a facility tour and meeting with a rehab specialist to give the patient a good idea of what to expect and to make sure the facility is the right fit for them.

What Happens during Drug Detoxification

The first step in drug rehab is detox or the cleansing of the body from all toxins and drug residues. Getting rid of this waste clears patients’ minds, stabilizes their health and brings emotional clarity. The length of detox time varies upon the individual, the length and depth of his or her addiction, the drug of choice and the detox method chosen. Drug detox can last anywhere from several days to two weeks.

Many New Jersey residents fear drug detox because of the associated withdrawal symptoms. Withdrawal is the body’s natural response to the removal of drugs and chemicals it has become accustomed to or reliant on to function. Withdrawal symptoms vary for each addiction but are felt physically, mentally and emotionally. Withdrawal symptoms can range from uncomfortable to excruciating to dangerous. Because of this it is highly recommended that a person only undergo drug detox with the supervision of a medical professional.

Addiction Therapy or Counseling after Drug Detoxification

Drug detox is only the beginning of the addiction rehab experience. The next step involves counseling and therapy. This part of the rehab process is designed to heal the psychological aspects of addiction. Therapy and counseling can help patients discover any underlying causes that trigger addictive behavior or cravings. Understanding these deep-rooted causes can help New Jersey residents learn how to avoid them in the future.

Drug Treatment Services Offered to New Jersey Residents

The majority of patients who struggle with substance abuse or addiction problems also experience a co-occurring disorder such as the following:

• Eating disorder
• Mental health illness
• Chronic illness
• Injury
• Emotional trauma

These issues will have to be addressed along with the addiction for lasting recovery success. Rehab is a place designed for healing and treatment, so drug treatment programs a variety of therapeutic services and activities such as the following:

• Arts and crafts
• Church services
• Field trips
• Family and community socials
• Hobbies and leisure activities
• Life skills training
• Nutritional counseling
• Fitness training
• Equestrian therapy
• Behavioral therapy
• Pool or beachside amenities

New Jersey Residents Can Learn What to Expect in Drug Treatment

Drug treatment provides new feelings of liveliness, motivation and satisfaction. It provides physical health and emotional wellbeing. If you are ready to learn more about the best drug treatment options for you or a loved one, call our toll-free helpline. We are here 24 hours a day to help you find a drug-free life in New Jersey.

Drug Admissions Counselors for New Jersey Residents

Admissions counselors will decipher insurance information and plan transportation for New Jersey patients if necessary, and many times a patient can be in treatment within two days of asking for help. Quality rehab counselors will ensure that patients are admitted in a timely manner. Admissions counselors are trained and experienced. They are a reliable resource and can direct struggling individuals to the best and most effective care.

Initial Stages of Addiction Rehabilitation for New Jersey Residents

One of the first hurdles of addiction rehab is detox. Medical professionals will wean New Jersey residents off of his or her drug of choice and will reduce or even eliminate withdrawal symptoms. Attempting to stop use by yourself without professional resources can be fruitless or even dangerous. After the beginning stages of medical detox your counselor will begin teaching you methods and practices for coping with withdrawal symptoms and cravings.

Quick and Informed Addiction Rehabilitation Admission

While it is important to enter into a professional program as soon as possible, it is not wise to rush the rehab process itself. Different forms of addiction and different addicts take varying amounts of time for recovery. Remember that the first program that you encounter may not be the best program for you. Consider the facility’s environment, staff to patient ratio and success rates. Do not select a program, because it can be completed expediently. Choose an addiction recovery program because it is successful.

New Jersey Residents Can Get Admitted to Addiction Rehabilitation

Please use our trained and experienced counselors who are operating our 24 hour toll-free helpline as a resource. They will be able to answer your questions and to help with the search for the appropriate facility. They can get you into the right addiction recovery program for you, and they can do it as soon as possible.

The CARF Accreditation Process

CARF is a non-profit and independent accrediting agency. Their mission is to accredit health and human service providers who meet quality standards. The organization was founded in 1966 and has developed standards with input from service providers, policy-makers, patients and their families.

To become certified by CARF, rehab centers must undergo a comprehensive evaluation. They begin by comparing their practices against CARF standards and making changes wherever necessary. After the center has at least six months of full compliance with the standards, CARF will conduct an on-site survey.

After the evaluation, CARF will make their decision and provide a report that details the program’s strengths and weaknesses. The agency may choose not to issue accreditation or may issue accreditation that is provisional, preliminary, or full, with a one-year or three-year term of certification. After it is accredited, a rehab center must complete a Quality Improvement Plan and each year of the accreditation term they must submit an Annual Conformance to Quality Report. New Jersey residents can rest assured that CARF certification comes with work and diligence.

What Are CARF Standards?

CARF sets standards in a wide variety of areas. Some of the areas of evaluation include the following:

• Health and safety issues
• Patient rights
• Facility accessibility
• Legal issues
• Financial management
• Screening and assessment
• Individual treatment plans
• Quality of record-keeping
• Staffing structure and program offerings

It’s wise for New Jersey residents to look for a CARF-certified rehab center, not only because of the higher quality of care that is likely to be received, but because insurance companies are more likely to cover services offered in an accredited program.

CARF-certified Addiction Rehabilitation Help for New Jersey Residents

If you’re looking for a CARF-certified rehab center, we can help you find one that meets your needs. Give us a call and let us provide you with information and answers. The call is toll free, and we are ready to help 24 hours a day. Our phone counselors can also check your insurance coverage, if you wish. Rehab centers vary. We can help you find one with high standards and quality care.

Physical Signs of Alcohol Addiction in New Jersey Residents

New Jersey alcoholics do not always fit the stereotype of a person sitting on a street corner drinking from a brown paper bag. In fact many alcoholics have steady jobs, live in good neighborhoods and attend community events. It is important to look for the physical signs of alcohol abuse to determine if alcohol rehab help is needed. Signs include the following:

• Being distracted or unfocused
• Bloodshot eyes
• Dilated pupils
• Tremors in the hands
• Exaggerated or slurred speech
• Gaining or losing a significant amount of weight
• Lethargy

These physical signs are observable, but the internal damage is often much more significant. Alcohol damages the liver which can lead to cirrhosis, liver failure, liver cancer and death. Alcohol can also cause inflammation and infections in the internal organs leading to pneumonia, kidney and urinary tract infections and kidney failure. Alcohol increases your blood pressure, can damage your cardiovascular system and puts you at risk for heart failure or stroke.

Benefits of Alcohol Rehabilitation for New Jersey Residents

A quality alcohol rehab center can help New Jersey residents restore their health. Rehab will include medically supervised detox in a restful environment, healthy food and exercise programs and individual and group therapy that focuses on the underlying causes of alcohol abuse.

Alcohol Treatment Resources for New Jersey Residents

Learning about all of the rehab options that are available to you can be overwhelming, and we want to help you determine the most appropriate alcohol rehabilitation services for you. Call our toll-free number any time; we are available 24 hours a day to answer any questions you might have about alcohol rehab. We are here to help.