Category: Understanding Addiction

Cannabis, or marijuana is the most commonly used drug in the 12-17 year old age group. Research consistently demonstrates that the younger the user, the greater the chances of developing addictive disorders. This is why cannabis is often referred to as a “gateway drug”.

For this reason, For this reason, users will often experiment with other “harder drugs” once they have tried cannabis.

It’s therefore important to address any concerns about marijuana use and addictive behaviours before someone begins to explore other illicit drug use.

About Cannabis

Cannabis, colloquially known as weed, hash, dope, grass or pot, can be smoked or vaped, but also used in food and drinks.

It is used mostly for pleasure or recreation and to improve mood and reduce anxiety. It works by increasing stimulation of certain neurotransmitters in the brain, for example, dopamine, that are involved with pleasure, relaxation and euphoria.

How exactly does it work?

The chemical structure of THC is similar to anandamide, a chemical in the brain which functions as a neurotransmitter, sending chemical messages between nerve cells throughout the nervous system. Anandamide is an endogenous cannabinoid, which affects parts of the brain that influence pleasure, memory, concentration, movement and coordination, and sensory and time perception.

The similarity in THC and anandamide’s structures causes the body to recognise the THC and to alter normal brain communication. THC attaches to cannabinoid receptors and disrupts various mental and physical functions. Through cannabinoid receptors, THC also activates the brain’s reward system, releasing dopamine at higher levels than usual. This surge in dopamine encourages the brain to repeat the rewarding behaviour, which contributes to cannabis’s addictive properties.

Certain forms of cannabis have been refined to be able to be prescribed by medical doctors to provide pain relief and treat medical ailments such as epilepsy. It’s important to note that medicinal cannabis behaves differently to illicit forms of the drug. (THC)

The physical effects of cannabis on your body may vary depending on the way the drug is ingested.

If inhaled, the drug enters the bloodstream immediately and makes its way to your internal organs, including your brain. This can happen in seconds or minutes.

If you eat or drink products that contain cannabis, it first has to be processed by your digestive system and liver, before making it into your bloodstream, which usually takes longer.

Cannabis’s main active ingredient is THC (delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol) which stimulates the part of the brain which responds to pleasure. As a result, dopamine is released, which creates a relaxed and euphoric state, known as a “high”.

Physical Effects of Cannabis

Cannabis has the ability to significantly change brain function and affect bodily functions. With continued use, these changes can promote addiction.

Physically, cannabis can:

• affect your ability to form new memories
• increase your appetite
• slow your reaction times and cloud your judgement
• irritate your lungs, burn your mouth or throat, and increase your risk of bronchitis
• affect your circulation by increasing your heart rate and dilating your blood vessels, causing bloodshot eyes
• release the neurotransmitter, dopamine, to trigger euphoric feelings and heighten your sensory perception
• alter your ability to process information and impair your judgement/decision making
• weaken your immune system and make you vulnerable to infection
• if pregnant, affect your unborn child, by reducing their memory, concentration, and problem-solving abilities
• change your sex drive
• impact ability to form memories
• result in addiction

Psychological Effects of Cannabis

As cannabis is a psychoactive substance it can have serious negative impact on a user’s mental health in the medium to long term. Cannabis negatively impacts mental health by increasing the chances of experiencing depressive disorders, or worsening previously existing mental health issues.

Often these effects are more severe than with other ‘harder’ drugs. The psychological health effects of cannabis include:

• feeling unusually happy
• feeling restless
• feeling confused
• experiencing a change in your perception of time, sound, sight, touch, and distance
• experiencing hallucinations
• feeling anxious or panicked
• feeling distant from reality
• having difficulty concentrating

Long Term Effects on Mental and Physical Health

Long term use of cannabis can negatively impact both a user’s mental and physical health. Long term cannabis use is associated with worsening symptoms of:

• anxiety
• depression
• paranoia
• nervousness
• aggression
• anger

Physically long term effects of cannabis use can include:

• physical dependence
• upper respiratory tract cancers and chronic bronchitis
• cardiovascular system damage
• mental health conditions including depression
• poor adolescent psychosocial development

Cannabis Addiction

Roughly, one in ten individuals who use cannabis are at risk of becoming addicted. Becoming addicted to cannabis means you will continue to use the drug even if it negatively affects your health, work life, home life, finances or relationships.

The chances of becoming addicted to cannabis are higher the younger you are. Addiction rates also increase if you use the drug heavily.

If you become physically dependent on marijuana, you will experience withdrawal symptoms that may include:

• anxiety
• loss of appetite
• upset stomach and digestive system
• insomnia
• nightmares
• irritability
• depression

Detoxing from Cannabis

The first step of cannabis addiction treatment is detoxing – the process of allowing the body to metabolise and excrete the drug. The detox process should be professionally supervised to safely manage the withdrawal symptoms that occur with sustained cannabis use.

Depending on the addiction history of the individual, and especially when other drugs of addiction are being used, a medically supervised hospital drug detox is recommended.

A hospital detox is necessary where polydrug use (concurrent use of multiple substances) is present.

Because there are both physical and psychological components that define cannabis addiction, a psychosocial recovery program should be used in tandem with hospital detox for the best outcome.

Sources:

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/10575775/
https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamapediatrics/article-abstract/2777817

When it comes to detoxing from drugs or alcohol, should you choose to self-detox or undergo a medically supervised detox and withdrawal program? 

There is only one answer; detoxing and withdrawing from drug use should only be done under a specialist medically supervised program.

Choosing to self-detox or trying to stop “cold turkey” (meaning you simply stop using drugs and/or drinking) can lead to drug and alcohol users putting themselves at serious risk of harm, both physically and mentally.

When a person has used alcohol or drugs over a sustained period of time, sudden withdrawal can send the body into shock, which can lead to life-threatening seizures and cause permanent brain damage.

Addiction is a disease

To understand why self-detox is a bad idea, you have to understand how addiction works.

Addiction is a disease that affects users mentally and physically; they become dependent of their substance of choice to function normally.

Sustained substance abuse means the user’s body becomes accustomed to a certain level of toxicity and adjusts its workings accordingly.

So, when you self-detox there are several physical risks as your body tries to cope with the sudden change.

Common withdrawal symptoms

Common symptoms experienced by users going through acute drug and alcohol withdrawal in the early stages of detox include:

• Uncontrollable shaking
• Vomiting
• Severe headaches
• Seizures
• Hallucinations
• Joint pain
• Feelings of despair, depression, fear

These symptoms occur when the body attempts to regain a state known as homeostasis.

Attempting to self-detox can be gruelling on you and anyone who might share your home. In fact, the experience can be so jarring that many users are reluctant to try detox again should they relapse after unsupported withdrawal.

Why choose a detox program

• Specialist detox facilities are prepared to deal with the dangers of withdrawal and their detoxification programs are designed to minimise the risk of permanent damage and ease the discomfort of early withdrawal.
• They also provide abstinence-based programs that focuses on patients’ long term recovery free of alcohol and drugs.
• The detox programs are supervised 24 hours a day, 7 days a week by a medical team.
• The Hader Clinic’s detox and withdrawal program is covered by all leading private health care funds.
• Access to mental health support
• Quick admission
• Pathways to long term addiction recovery treatment

Getting help

Remember, no one chooses to develop a substance abuse problem and everyone is worthy of help. While you may have good intentions to try self-detoxing, it is always recommended to detox safely under medical supervision.

For more information on detoxing and available detox programs please contact the Hader Clinic Queensland on 1300 856 847.

It takes a lot of willpower and strength to begin the journey into drug and alcohol addiction treatment.

Often, multiple roadblocks will arise that make it difficult to continue down the road to recovery. Let’s explore some of the common roadblocks and how to overcome them:

The cost of rehab

Many people will be deterred by the cost of rehab. It is an assumption that insurance does not cover rehab costs, however most private health insurance providers do provide some cover for alcohol and drug rehab services, and at the Hader Clinic Queensland, we provide an obligation-free initial consultation that is completely free of charge.

It is also important to consider that the cost of a drug addiction is much higher than the cost of a rehab program. There are fees associated with court, theft and property damages, healthcare, decreased productivity and cost of the drugs themselves that can all culminate in a very expensive addiction. There are also personal costs involved such as emotional, social and physical tolls on you and your loved ones as a result of a drug addiction.

Time commitments of rehab

The time commitment required for rehab is another roadblock that may cause setbacks. Many individuals believe rehab will take up a significant amount of time away from their work or loved ones.

When you think about the time required for rehab, it is important to remember that you need to put some time in to recover. Addictions require professional help and constant management, and cannot be resolved without putting in time to heal. Consider that you will use up more time neglecting a treatment plan, and that your overall quality of life will be improved as a result of the time sacrifice.

Career responsibilities

Job responsibilities are a big reason why individuals may reject addiction treatment. It can be the fear of missing out on work or career goals, or the fear of getting fired due to the drug addiction. You must remember that your addiction will be more damaging to your career than addiction treatment will be. Outpatient treatment options can also be considered that don’t require you to be present in a professional facility 24/7.

Fear of losing friends

Many people who are addicted to drugs often find themselves surrounded with others who contribute to their addiction. You may consider these people your friends, but you shouldn’t fear losing people who are negatively impacting your life.

You may not realise it now, but these people are enabling your addiction. Seeking treatment may require you to cut off some of these ‘friends’ and instead rely on a healthier support system. You may also be the positive example your addicted friends need to seek treatment themselves.

Denial

Denial is the hardest obstacle to overcome if you are trying to seek treatment. There are many turning points that may help you overcome denial, such as losing a job, having a conversation with a loved one, receiving an injury or being arrested. It can be helpful to learn about the science of addiction and the help resources available to you.

If you are struggling to overcome roadblocks to treatment, the Hader Clinic Queensland can offer suggestions for how to get back on track with your life and overcome these obstacles.

Is addiction a disease? Yes it is, but unfortunately it is still a popular opinion that addiction is a choice rather than a chronic disease.

This adds to the considerable social stigma addicts and their friends and families face every day, which sometimes acts a barrier for those seeking addiction treatment.

How is addiction a disease?

It is absolutely true that you can’t “catch” addiction like a common cold or virus nor is it a moral failing. Addiction will always start from a decision to experiment with drugs or alcohol, however, when we look at the way addiction works, this is the only major difference between addiction and what we accept to be a disease.

While the act of using a substance is a choice, the process of becoming an addict is not.

No one chooses to develop a substance abuse disorder; addictions evolve over time, changing the brain function and even the brain structure of the user, until quitting is no longer simply a matter of will power.

Most addictive substances overstimulate the production of chemicals that occur naturally in the brain – such as dopamine, adrenalin, endorphins, serotonin – thus giving the user feelings of euphoria and heightened confidence.

Once the effects of the drugs or alcohol wear off, the user is left with a deficit of these chemicals, leading to a steep decline in well-being and subsequent cravings for more drugs to re-establish the sensation of being high and happy.

Depending on how susceptible a person is to the effects of a substance, and depending on their natural capacity to produce these chemicals, the brain will, over time, change in order to accommodate the effects of frequent drug or alcohol use.

Once an addiction has taken hold, it is bound to have negative effects on most areas of the addicts life, much like chronic diseases which lower the quality of the sufferers’ lives significantly.

Addicts are likely to experience physical changes, health problems, social problems and mental health issues as a result of their substance abuse.

Once substance abuse has moved past a person’s control, which is one of the defining characteristics of an addiction, they are going to require professional help in order to be able to break the cycle of addiction.

What difference does it make to treat addiction like a disease?

The biggest upside of recognising addiction as a disease is the instant removal of social stigma.

Addicts are often reluctant to admit their substance abuse issues to themselves or their loved ones, because they fear harsh judgement.

If we understand addiction as a chronic disease, seeking help becomes less daunting and this empowers addicts to take steps towards recovery.

Addiction is not just a physical condition, it is also heavily impacting the users’ mental health, which is why holistic treatments for substance abuse disorders are required for successful treatment.

Addicts beginning the recovery process require not just medical supervision in order to manage their physical withdrawal symptoms, they also need in-depth therapy and mental-health support in order to beat their cravings, break destructive behaviour patterns and understand the triggers that might lead to relapse.

Can addiction be “cured”?

Addiction, much like chronic disease, can not be cured in the traditional sense, however a successful addiction treatment program will address not only the physical, but the emotional, social, psychological, and spiritual aspects of recovery. This helps the recovered addict manage their addictive behaviours and prevent relapse.

Recovery is not possible until a person can recognise the triggers for their addictive behaviour. Identifying and eliminating or minimising triggers is an important step in the journey of recovery.

Sources

https://healthblog.uofmhealth.org/brain-health/science-says-addiction-a-chronic-disease-not-a-moral-failing
https://www.samhsa.gov/sites/default/files/programs_campaigns/02._webcast_2_resources.pdf
https://www.drugabuse.gov/drug-topics/addiction-science

So how effective is rehab for drug and alcohol addiction? Put simply, very. Residential addiction treatment is the most effective form of drug and alcohol rehabilitation.

Drug and alcohol rehab is considered successful when the person is abstinent from drug and alcohol use, and they can manage their addictive behaviours. The person’s quality of life will improve as they are able to live their life normally and free from addiction.

How we assess how effective addiction treatment is

There are several criteria to be considered when assessing the effectiveness of addiction treatment for drugs and alcohol, including:

• Abstinence from drug and alcohol use
• Improved and sustained employment
• Higher performance in studies
• Healing relationships with friends and family
• Cessation of criminal activity
• Improved mental health
• Improved emotional state
• Improved physical health

Addiction recovery is a life-long process and unrealistic expectations can lead to frustration and feelings of defeat and hopelessness. It is important to understand that every day of sobriety and every improvement, no matter how small, constitutes a win.

How to maximise the effectiveness of addiction treatment?

Long-term recovery and behavioural changes are significantly more likely if the complete rehabilitation process is completed. This process includes:

• Medical detox – the process of removing the substance from the body and managing the acute withdrawal symptoms safely under medical supervision.
• Psychosocial education program – a range of psychological therapies, including counselling, cognitive behavioural therapy, and strategies on how to manage the person’s addiction.
• Residential treatment – a period of 30 to 60 additional days spent at a treatment facility, where the education, counselling and therapy program is continued, equipping the person with the life skills necessary to live a normal life free of drugs and alcohol.
• Transitional housing – a safe, secure, and supportive living environment designed to help the person integrate into normal life. The person is supported through regular group meetings, individual counselling sessions, and daily AA and NA meetings.
• Aftercare – support is always important for a recovering addict, so aftercare still involves regular meetings and check-ups with GPs and counsellors.

Relapse does not mean failure

Recovery is a process and, unfortunately, sometimes a relapse can occur. However, a relapse does not mean the recovery process has failed.

A relapse can occur as an isolated incident or involve several weeks of engaging in addictive behaviours. It is important to recognise the signs of relapse and act quickly.

This could involve medical detox, and readmission into residential rehab.

Even though relapse can occur, long-term recovery is possible. Recovery isn’t easy – but it’s possible

Support and help is essential

If drug and alcohol use is impacting your ability to live a fulfilling life, support and treatment is available. To find out what help is available, please get in touch.

Sources

https://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/principles-drug-addiction-treatment-research-based-guide-third-edition/frequently-asked-questions/how-effective-drug-addiction-treatment

Spotting the warning signs of unhealthy alcohol consumption can be difficult; because alcohol is everywhere and drinking is not just socially accepted but somewhat expected in Australian culture.

It is easy to find a good excuse to have a drink. Knock-off drinks on a Tuesday, big nights out on the weekend, birthdays, engagements, work functions, Sunday afternoon barbeques… the list goes on.

There is a fine like between social drinking and habitual drinking; and while it can be confronting to take an honest look at your drinking habits, it is nonetheless an important thing to do.

If you are suspecting that your drinking habits are getting out of control, or if you feel like you are developing an alcohol dependency, it might be time to re-think your drinking behaviour. It’s never easy to address uncomfortable truths, in fact, it can be hard to know where to start the process.

The following questions are designed to kick-start your introspective – take your time and answer honestly. Remember, you are not the only one going through this; and it’s never too late to get help and change.

How much are you actually drinking?
When we talk about alcoholism, we usually distinguish between heavy drinkers and binge drinkers. Per current definition, heavy drinking constitutes more than four standard drinks per day/fourteen standard drinks per week for men and three standard drinks per day/seven standard drinks per week for women. The term binge drinking describes less frequent but very hard drinking behaviour; more than five standard drinks within two hours for men, four or more for women.
If you exceed the weekly or daily limits, you might be at risk.

Are you drinking on your own?
If you no longer require company to drink and have started drinking regularly on your own at home, it might be time to start monitoring your intake more closely. There is nothing wrong with a quiet beer or wine on the deck after a hard week; however, if you feel you can’t unwind without alcohol, this could mean you are developing a dependency.

Are you drinking secretly?
Secrets are never a good thing when it comes to alcohol consumption. If you feel you must lie about how much and how frequently you drink to avoid judgement, it’s time to put on the breaks and rethink your behaviour.

You might think you are protecting your loved ones, friends, and colleagues by bending the truth about your drinking habits; but at the end of the day, transparency it always the best policy.

Do you feel guilty about drinking?
Problem drinkers are usually in denial about their unhealthy habits; however, even the most powerful denial can’t keep feelings of guilt at bay.

While some might describe drinking as a ‘guilty pleasure’, once the guilt takes over there is nothing pleasurable left – and if you’re not drinking for pleasure, you might be drinking for the wrong reasons.

Is your drinking causing problems?
To be clear, you don’t have to be a rock-bottom level alcoholic to acknowledge that your drinking habits are problematic. Even seemingly small things can be red flags for alcohol abuse.

Do you spend more money on alcohol than you should? Are your drinking habits causing arguments with your partner? Have you missed work or school because you drank too much the night before? Have you engaged in unsafe behaviour while intoxicated?

There is no shame in admitting that things have spun out of control; but the sooner you acknowledge these issues the sooner you can address them.

How often do you think about alcohol?
Are you spending a disproportionate amount of time thinking about when you will have your next drink/where you will procure your next drink/how soon it will be socially acceptable to have a drink? Do you think about having a drink as soon as you wake up? Do you worry about not being able to have a drink until much later in the day?

If alcohol is a source of anxiety and rumination, you might need to consider seeking help to adjust your drinking behaviours.

Are you experiencing extreme mood swings?
Alcohol abuse doesn’t just impact your physical health, it also destabilises your mental health.

If you find yourself getting snappy and agitated over small things, impatient with loved ones and generally unable to cope with life’s little annoyances, your drinking habits could be part of the problem.

Even high-functioning alcoholics – who are holding down a job, paying the mortgage and maintaining relationships – aren’t immune to mood swings; so, if you’re reactions are out of character and out of your control, it might be time to seek help.

Do you drink first thing in the morning?
Feeling the need to have a drink as soon as you wake up and being unable to resist this need is a huge red flag. Drinking in the morning often translates to ‘drinking to feel normal’, which is the very definition of alcohol dependency.

Can you stop yourself from having ‘just one more’?
Drinking alcohol becomes a problem when you are no longer in control of your intake. Often this means going out for ‘a drink’ and staying until the bar runs dry or the money runs out.

If you can’t stop drinking once you have started, it can be a sign that your alcohol consumption has moved outside your control; and that professional help might be needed to change your habits.

Are you neglecting your responsibilities?
Alcohol dependency tends to get in the way of fulfilling your responsibilities.

You might be late to pick up the kids because you got waylaid at the pub. Perhaps you missed an important meeting because you overslept with a hangover. It could be something as simple as not contributing to the housework because you are too busy having a relaxing drink (and then some) on the couch.

If you find that you prioritise drinking over everyday tasks, it is time to examine your behaviour and get help.

Is the fun gone?
Can you still enjoy yourself without having to drink alcohol? Do you still get pleasure from simple things, like hanging out with your partner on the sofa or having a quiet coffee or walk with a friend? Or are ever-present cravings and thoughts of alcohol getting in the way of having a good time sober?

No one deserves a joyless existence; and there are many options available to help you break this cycle of misery. The Hader Clinic Queensland can help you with Alcohol Addiction Treatment today.

Addiction is a serious issue, whether it be to alcohol or drugs. It can be difficult to recognise if you or someone you know has an addiction problem, and when they need residential addiction treatment.

Addiction is defined as a chronic disease which affects many of the brain’s functions such as reward, motivation and memory. If you have an addiction, you will crave a substance or type of behaviour, and you will ignore the other areas of your life to maintain your desire.

Common signs of addiction are:

• You have a lack of control or an inability to stay away from the substance or behaviour
• You experience decreased socialisation or you pull out of commitments or ignore your relationships
• You ignore other risk factors such as sharing needles despite being aware of consequences
• There are physical effects such as withdrawal symptoms or requiring a higher dosage to feel the effect

The intensity of your addiction may depend on how long it has been going on or the type and amount of the substance you use. Individuals without addictions can often identify a negative behaviour and remove it from their life, however if you have an addiction, you will find a way to justify the addiction rather than getting rid of it.

In order to get help, you must recognise the signs of addictions. These may be physical, mental or emotional. For example, you may experience changes in your personality, your weight, or how your loved ones act around you.

There are many types of substances you can be addicted to. It may include one or multiple of these:

• Nicotine
• Tobacco
• Alcohol
• Inhalants such as deodorant
• Cannabis
• Ice
• Heroin
• Cocaine
• GHB
• Prescription drugs

There are also various behavioural addictions, such as:

• Gambling
• Shopping
• Video games
• Internet
• Sex
• Working

Whatever it is that you are addicted to, it is important to recognise the signs early on and seek help if required.

Often, individuals with addictions show signs, such as:

• Lacking interest in previously enjoyed hobbies
• Neglecting loved ones
• Missing important events
• Taking risks
• Ignoring consequences of actions
• Keeping secrets
• Bloodshot eyes
• Change in weight
• Memory loss
• Changes in mood
• Aggression

Addictions can severely impact your life. For this reason, it is important to reach out and get help, so you can begin to move forward with your life and go down a healthier path.

If you’re struggling with an addiction, The Hader Clinic Queensland can help you understand how you can get on the road to recovery.

Wherever there’s an addict in the family, there’s often a sea of conflict within that family occurring behind the scenes.

The family home can be a soft place for the addict to land, yet, for the family, it means bearing the weight of their loved one’s addiction.

Family life with a member in active addiction is a rollercoaster – and many of us, when faced with this situation don’t know which way to jump. Should we be compassionate, deal out tough love, kick them out of home or set a healthy boundary?

Often other family members will feel like they’re caught between a rock and a hard place – they want to help the person with their addiction, yet conscious to not become an enabler.

Addiction reroutes rational thinking patterns in the brain, moving them from the rational frontal cortex to the ancient limbic system which is responsible for urgent impulses like flight or fight or immediate gratification.

It’s often worth remembering that addiction is a disease that can coerce an addict to behave in ways that are incongruent with a stable family life – they will steal, lie, threaten and manipulate you in any way possible so that they can access what they think they need to fulfil their urge to use.

Like wishful thinking will not cure cancer, you cannot love your addicted family member well. Often, loving your addicted family member involves letting them know that you unconditionally love them, but that you are not going to support their active addiction, and the accompanying behaviours that occur as a result.

This is where seeking professional help can help family members establish firm boundaries with their loved one, yet retain a sense of compassion and love.

Here are a few tips for families who want to help a loved one in active addiction.

Educate yourself about the disease of addiction and how it can play out in family life

Addiction thrives in isolation and secrecy, so getting things out in the open can help initiate change. By learning about addiction, families are better able to encourage and support an addict in recovery, rather than enabling their addiction or persecuting them for their disease. Understanding the disease of addiction is the first step towards improving dysfunction that can develop within family relationships as a result.

Seek treatment before they do

This may sound odd, but by attending a program that focuses on the role of the family in addiction, you can learn what helps and what hinders. Seek individual therapy for yourself or attend a Family Drug Support group.

By doing this, you will have the support of other families who are experiencing similar situation with their loved ones. Changing your own behaviours around addiction can assist in eliciting change in your loved one.

Contact Hader Clinic Queensland for information about Family Support Groups in your area such as Al-Anon and Nar-Anon.

Learn to set appropriate boundaries

An individual in active addiction will engage in temper tantrums, emotional blackmail and threats to get their own way. Even though it can be painful, it’s important to let an addict experience the consequences of their own behaviour – whether that’s dismissal from a university course or employment all the way through to a few nights without shelter or money on the streets. No addict will ever recover without experiencing consequences of addiction, boundary setting or being told “no”.

Learn more about the role you play in your loved one’s addiction by requesting a copy of the Free book, ‘Am I Living with an Addict?’

Involve the experts

If you’re having trouble saying “no” to your addicted family member, then you may be feeling guilty about saying “yes” because it’s “just too hard” or you want to give them “one last chance”.  In this scenario, you’ve been manipulated by your loved one’s addiction to keep enabling it.  Involving professionals such as The Hader Clinic Queensland, can help you stay the course when the going gets tough – because often the disease of addiction presents unexpected challenges.

Look after yourself first

Loving someone with an addiction can be exhausting, heartbreaking and mentally draining which makes it easy to feel hopeless and adrift. Ensure that you’re engaging in self care activities that fill your cup – like coffee with a friend, a movie or a weekend away. Setting healthy boundaries with your loved ones will ensure you get time to look after yourself as well.

Consistency is important, and the message to your loved one should always start with, “I love you. Because I love you, I can only support your recovery and I will not support your addiction”.

Showing love for yourself and setting healthy and appropriate limitations lets your loved one know where they can go to seek help, whilst maintaining your personal agency and health.

Want more information? Contact the Hader Clinic Queensland on 1300 856 147 for further help. Ask about our free book, “Are you living with an addict”?

Christmas can be one of the best times to get addiction treatment. Here are some good reasons to consider spending Christmas in rehab.

Although the Christmas season is usually promoted as being happy and joy filled, for many people, it can be anything but. Christmas can highlight family wounds, disappointments, depression and dysfunctional relationships.

Christmas can be particularly tough on those who are suffering from addiction – the season can amplify the shame of the disease, trigger relapse or excessive use of addictive substances, especially if the addict is exposed to environments that contributed to the addiction in the first place.

Choosing to be admitted into rehab during Christmas doesn’t initially appear to make the most of the festive season, however, it can be one of the best times to tackle the disease of addiction.

It may not be the most joyous time of year for a family

A dysfunctional, unstable family environment often contributes to substance abuse. Fractured and strained family relationships may be a trigger to use excessively – and the guilt and shame that an addict may feel about not being able to control their addiction can often bubble up to the surface and create tension.

From the family point of view, other family members can be angry at the addict’s lack of drive to seek treatment, and also be angry with the addict for creating unnecessary drama due to their addiction.

For an addict, although rehab doesn’t sound exactly celebratory, it is a far better alternative than being passed out under the family Christmas tree.

An addict can get away from a trigger fuelled environment

Heading into rehab over Christmas means that an addict can successfully remove themselves from a trigger fuelled environment – the places, people and times that may propel someone deeper into addiction.

For many addicts, removing these barriers to recovery, provides welcome psychological relief from their struggles.

A quieter environment and personalised attention

Rehabilitation centres are traditionally quieter during the holiday period. However, the number of staff remains the same. This means that there is typically a higher staff to patient ratio at this time, which means an addiction sufferer will receive more individual attention and potentially get better help.

A therapeutic community to support addiction sufferers at the most stressful time of year

Christmas can often amplify the feelings of isolation and disconnection an addiction sufferer can experience.

In rehab, the addict is enveloped by the support of a therapeutic community, whose sole aim is to support a lifestyle that is free from drugs and alcohol, not to mention the associated behaviours that go with addiction.

Plus, the staff at The Hader Clinic Queensland are keen to teach clients the tools they need to maintain a life of sobriety.

Residential rehab provides a safe haven for the addict and their family

Residential rehab can provide a safe environment for an addict, particularly over the Christmas break. In rehab, there is no one to tempt them with a drink or other illicit drugs. They have uninterrupted time to focus on themselves and their recovery, free from the distractions of the outside world.

For families, admission of their addicted loved one into rehab can provide a sense of relief, knowing that they are safe and well cared for – that they don’t have to be “on guard” or worried about the trouble their loved one may potentially be in.

The most precious gift of all

Freedom from the chains of addiction is arguably the best gift of all – the freedom of sobriety is a gift that money can’t buy.

Starting treatment before the New Year can help provide the “fresh start” that many sufferers of addiction crave, but cannot achieve (without the right help).

The Hader Clinic Queensland has availability for Christmas admissions in 2020. Please call us on 1300 856 847 for a confidential chat about how we can help you or your loved one.