Find Recovery Editorial Team, Author at Find Recovery

7 Tips on How to Host the Ultimate Sober Friendsgiving

The holiday season can be challenging for those on the path to sobriety. Thanksgiving, in particular, often revolves around communal drinking, making it a potential minefield for those avoiding alcohol. Enter Friendsgiving – a modern twist on the traditional holiday gathering tailored to fit your sober lifestyle.

A Supportive Twist on Traditional Celebrations

Gather your friends who support your sobriety journey or are on a similar path themselves, and celebrate with a sumptuous feast, alcohol-free mocktails, and engaging activities. Here are some tips to make your sober Friendsgiving a memorable one.

1. Choose the Right Venue

The venue sets the stage for your gathering, influencing the overall vibe and comfort level. Whether it’s your home, a friend’s place, or even an outdoor setting, make sure it’s a space where everyone can feel relaxed and at ease. An outdoor venue can offer a tranquil, natural atmosphere, while a home setting provides warmth and familiarity.

At the same time, it’s crucial to avoid venues that could be triggering for those in recovery. Bars, restaurants focusing on alcohol, or even family homes where drinking was once a norm can evoke memories or temptations that could be counterproductive to the event’s purpose.

2. Invite the Right People

The beauty of hosting your own Friendsgiving is the freedom to choose your company. Invite friends who support your sobriety journey or who are navigating their own. This could include friends from rehab or support groups like AA, ensuring a supportive environment for everyone involved.

3. Set the Ground Rules

Once your guest list is finalized, it’s crucial to communicate the event’s sober nature. Make it clear that the gathering will be free of alcohol and substances. Encourage everyone, even those not in recovery, to respect this by not questioning or commenting on others’ choices to abstain. The goal is to foster a supportive, judgment-free zone.

4. Organize Sober Activities and Games

A successful Friendsgiving isn’t just about the food and drinks; it’s also about enjoyment and bonding. Consider organizing a pumpkin decorating contest to embrace the fall spirit. Give guests small pumpkins, paint, markers, and stickers, and let their creativity run wild. Other group activities could include Thanksgiving-themed trivia, Pictionary, or charades.

5. Get Creative with Mocktails

Mocktails can be a delightful addition to your event, but ensuring they don’t become a trigger is essential. Avoid using mocktail recipes that closely mimic the taste or presentation of popular alcoholic drinks.

Instead, focus on unique, flavorful combinations that stand on their own. For those who might find mocktails triggering, offer a variety of herbal teas, flavored waters, or fresh fruit juices as alternatives.

6. Foster a Gratitude-Focused Atmosphere

Take some time during the gathering to focus on gratitude. A “Gratitude Jar” can be a heartfelt activity – guests write down what they’re thankful for and place the notes in a jar. At the end of the evening, read the notes aloud to share in the collective gratitude and reflection.

7. Have a Support Plan in Place

Even in a sober environment, the holidays can bring up emotions that may be challenging for some. Have a quiet space where people can step away if they need a moment to themselves. Also, consider having a list of support resources or contacts for anyone needing extra help during the event.

Benefits of Sober Friendsgiving

Hosting or attending a sober Friendsgiving offers numerous advantages:

Less Exposure to Triggers: In a sober setting, you’re less likely to face uncomfortable questions or temptations related to drinking.
A Clear Mind During the Holidays: Without the distractions of alcohol, you can fully engage in meaningful conversations and activities.
Create Lasting Memories: A sober Friendsgiving allows you to build new, positive memories reinforcing your sobriety commitment.
Strengthen Your Sobriety: Successfully navigating a sober holiday gathering boosts your confidence and resolve to maintain your sobriety.
Deepening Friendships: A sober environment allows for more genuine connections, deepening friendships that can be crucial support networks in your sobriety journey.
Personal Growth: Taking the initiative to host a sober event can be empowering, giving you a sense of accomplishment and control over your social life.

The Bottom Line

Hosting or attending a sober Friendsgiving is about more than just avoiding alcohol; it’s about creating a safe, supportive environment that enriches your life and strengthens your journey to sobriety. If you find the holidays challenging, remember that support is available. You’re not alone, and resources are at hand to help you maintain your sobriety and find joy in the season.

Should I Go to Rehab? When 12-Step Meetings Just Aren’t Enough

While 12-step programs like Alcoholics Anonymous boast a nearly 50% success rate, what about the other half who find these programs insufficient for their recovery journey? Studies suggest that rehab can offer a more comprehensive and tailored approach, often resulting in higher long-term success rates. If you or a loved one are among those questioning the effectiveness of a 12-step approach, it may be time to consider rehab as an alternative.

1. When Your Physical Health Needs Care

Recovery is a holistic process that involves both your mental and physical well-being. While 12-step programs like AA focus primarily on emotional and spiritual healing, they often overlook the physical aspect. If you’re dealing with poor nutrition, lack of exercise, or worsening preexisting conditions, rehab offers a more rounded approach to health.

2. When You’re Having Trouble Quitting

Achieving sobriety is a monumental task that often requires professional guidance. If you’re struggling to quit despite attending 12-step meetings, a rehab facility can provide the medical supervision and supportive care you need for a safer and more effective detox process.

Research indicates that alcohol withdrawal needs to be supervised with supportive care to be effective. Suden quitting or an unsupervised detox from drugs or alcohol can negatively affect your healing and overall health. For example, alcohol or benzodiazepine detox can cause seizures or psychosis. Similarly, opioid detoxification can result in intense withdrawal symptoms, increasing the likelihood of relapse.

3. When You’re Dealing with a Co-occurring Mental Illness

Approximately 9.2 million adults in the United States have a co-occurring disorder. Substance use disorder often co-occurs with anxiety, mood disorders, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), bipolarity and other serious mental illnesses.

While 12-step programs offer emotional support, they lack the expertise to diagnose or treat mental illnesses. Rehab facilities, on the other hand, provide professional assessments and tailored treatment plans that address both addiction and mental health.

4. When You’re Dealing with a Challenging Detox

Detoxification is a critical phase in any recovery journey, and it can be particularly challenging for substances like alcohol, benzodiazepines, or opioids. Rehab facilities offer specialized interventions and medical supervision to manage severe withdrawal symptoms, reducing the risk of complications and relapse.

5. When the AA Program Doesn’t Fit You

Not every recovery journey fits the 12-step mold. If the traditional 12-step program doesn’t resonate with your personal beliefs or needs, don’t worry.

Rehab centers offer various alternative treatment options, such as cognitive behavioral therapy, holistic therapies, and medication-assisted treatment tailored to your unique challenges and preferences. With the help of these specialized interventions, you can achieve a successful recovery journey that aligns with your values and goals.

Factors to Consider Before Making a Decision

Studies suggest that rehab can offer a more comprehensive and tailored approach, often resulting in higher long-term success rates. Nonetheless, choosing to enter rehab is a significant life decision that shouldn’t be taken lightly. Here are some key considerations to weigh:

Financial Aspects: Rehab can be costly, so explore payment options like insurance coverage, employee assistance programs, or financial aid offered by the facility.
Treatment Modalities: Different rehab centers offer various treatment approaches. Make sure to choose a facility that aligns with your needs and preferences. Many facilities offer virtual tours and consultations to help you make an informed decision.
Location: Proximity to loved ones can be both a benefit and a drawback, depending on your situation. Consider whether you’d do better with or without easy access to your regular environment.
Duration: Treatment lengths can vary. While some programs last 30 days, others may require a more extended commitment. Assess what duration is most suitable for your recovery journey.

Take the Next Step

Recovery is a deeply personal journey, and what works for one person may not be effective for another. If you find that 12-step meetings aren’t fully addressing your needs, rehab could offer the comprehensive care you’re seeking.

Remember: Your path to recovery is yours to define, but you don’t have to walk it alone. Reach out to experts and trusted loved ones for guidance and support as you make this crucial decision. Many rehab facilities offer free assessments to help you determine if their program is the right fit for you.

Do I Need Al-Anon?

Alcoholism doesn’t just affect the individual struggling with addiction; it has a ripple effect on their family and loved ones. If you constantly worry about an alcoholic loved one and it’s taking a toll on your well-being, Al-Anon could be the support system you need. Here’s how to know if Al-Anon is right for you.

1. You’re Feeling Isolated and Alone

If you find yourself avoiding social gatherings or hesitating to talk openly about your situation, you may be isolating yourself. This self-imposed isolation can lead to feelings of loneliness and depression. Al-Anon provides a safe, confidential environment where you can share your experiences and feelings without judgment, helping you break the cycle of isolation.

2. You’re Struggling to Set Boundaries

It’s easy to become so entangled in your loved one’s addiction that you lose sight of your needs and boundaries. You might constantly worry, make sacrifices, or even ignore your well-being. Al-Anon teaches you how to establish and maintain healthier emotional and physical boundaries, allowing you to take better care of yourself.

3. You May Be Enhancing Enabling Behavior Patterns

With the best intentions at heart, you might find yourself covering for your loved one, taking over their responsibilities, or providing financial support. While these actions may seem helpful, they often perpetuate the addiction. Al-Anon helps you recognize these enabling behaviors and provides tools to change them.

4. You’re Experiencing Emotional Turmoil

Living with an alcoholic can be an emotional rollercoaster. You might feel various emotions, from anger and resentment to guilt and shame. Society often stigmatizes these feelings, making you feel like you shouldn’t express them. Al-Anon offers a space where your emotions are validated, and you can learn healthier ways to cope with them.

5. You’re Overwhelmed by Caregiver Fatigue

If you’re constantly caring for an alcoholic loved one to the point where it’s affecting your own health and well-being, you might be experiencing caregiver fatigue. Al-Anon can help you understand the importance of self-care and provide strategies to manage your responsibilities without sacrificing your own needs.

6. You’re Experiencing a Loss of Personal Identity

If your life revolves entirely around your loved one’s addiction to the point where you’ve lost sight of your interests, hobbies, and goals, it’s a sign you might benefit from Al-Anon. The program can help you regain a sense of self and remind you that your life is meaningful, too.

7. You Have Strained Relationships with Other Family Members

Addiction often causes tension and conflict within families. If you find that your relationship with other family members is suffering because of disagreements about how to handle the addicted loved one, Al-Anon can provide a forum for the family to come together and learn constructive ways to address the issue.

8. You’re Feeling Trapped or Hopeless

If you’ve reached a point where you feel there’s no way out of your current situation, it’s a strong indicator that you could benefit from external support. Al-Anon can give you the hope and tools you need to improve your life.

9. You’re Experiencing Financial Strain

Supporting an alcoholic loved one can often lead to financial difficulties. The financial burden can be overwhelming, whether paying for their rehab, covering their share of the bills, or even bailing them out of legal trouble. Al-Anon can offer insights into how to handle financial issues without enabling addiction.

10. You Keep Minimizing the Problem

At last, if you find yourself downplaying the severity of your loved one’s addiction or its impact on your life, you might be in denial. This coping mechanism can be harmful in the long run, as it prevents you from taking necessary actions to improve your situation. Al-Anon can help you confront the reality of your circumstances, offering a clearer perspective and actionable steps to take.

Taking the First Step Toward Support and Healing

Recognizing that you need help is the first and often the most challenging step. If you’ve identified with any of the above signs, it may be time to consider joining Al-Anon.

How to Get Started:

Find a Meeting: Use the Al-Anon website or app to locate meetings in your area or online.
Reach Out: Don’t hesitate to contact the group beforehand if you have questions or concerns.
Attend a Meeting: Take the plunge and go to a meeting. You don’t have to speak if you’re uncomfortable; you’re welcome to listen.
Consider a Sponsor: Once you’re more familiar with the group, you might consider getting a sponsor—a member who can offer additional guidance and support.

Only let another day go by if you seek the help you deserve. Reach to your nearest Al-Anon group and take the first step toward a healthier, happier life.

Court Ordered Alcohol Monitoring Bracelets: What You Should Know

Alcohol monitoring bracelets are an increasingly common punishment for DUI arrests as an alternative to jail time. These wearable alcohol detectors can identify even just teensy amounts of alcohol in the body. Here’s a complete guide to how they work, the consequences of drinking alcohol while court-ordered to wear one, and how much trouble you could get into if you tampered with one.

What is an alcohol monitoring bracelet?

Alcohol monitoring bracelets are wearables that measure a person’s alcohol consumption. They’re often court-ordered to individuals who have been arrested on DUI charges, though they can be worn voluntarily by someone looking for increased accountability to help them maintain their sobriety. Most court-ordered bracelets are issued to be worn for 90 consecutive days.

These monitoring bracelets measure alcohol blood concentration through contact with the wearer’s skin — or, more precisely, the wearer’s sweat. Some alcohol monitors are worn on the wrist, while the majority, like the popular SCRAM alcohol monitor, are ankle monitors worn just above the foot. In either style, alcohol monitoring bracelets are meant to be unobtrusive and allow for all normal activities like exercising and swimming.

How do alcohol monitoring bracelets work?

Alcohol monitor bracelets are semi-permanent wearables that a court-ordered individual can only remove with the court’s permission. Unlike the older breathalyzer tests, these bracelets check a person’s insensible perspiration, which is on the skin at all times, whether we feel sweaty or not.

The automatic tests look for alcohol metabolites, the leftover traces of alcohol that are excreted through the skin and are extremely sensitive. The SCRAM alcohol monitor can detect a blood alcohol concentration of as low as 0.02%.

Wearable alcohol monitors typically test every 30 minutes, 24 hours a day. There’s no sound to indicate that a test is occurring, though some may make a light buzzing noise. These test results are then sent to a monitoring center via GPS signal. There, trained professionals analyze the transmitted data for evidence of alcohol consumption. If no alcohol is detected, nothing happens. If alcohol is detected in your sweat while wearing an alcohol monitor.

What happens when SCRAM detects alcohol?

When alcohol is detected in an alcohol monitor, the monitoring personnel can locate the precise location and then alert the local authorities. The consequences can vary and are up to the judge’s discretion. These can include:

Altered bond terms
Fines
Probation or parole
Revoke the person’s bond and send them to jail
Revoked driving privileges
Required counseling and community service initiatives

However, alcohol isn’t all that court-issued alcohol monitors monitor. Those 30-minute tests also check for tampering. Any of the below acts can result in similar consequences as violating the court order and consuming alcohol.

Breaking the device
Interfering with body temperature to prevent sweating
Putting a barrier between the monitor and the skin

Avoiding false positives

As mentioned earlier, modern alcohol monitors are highly sensitive, which can leave some people concerned about everyday products like perfume, mouthwash, hand sanitizer, lotion, and hairspray which contain alcohol.

The good news is that it’s very unlikely that any personal hygiene products would be enough to generate an alert just by using them. However, using them near your monitor or in high quantities could generate a false positive. For this reason, alcohol monitoring bracelets typically require users to agree to avoid these products to be on the safe side.

Similarly, spilling alcohol directly on your monitor would certainly be captured by your device. However, the device is sophisticated enough to detect a rapid spike in alcohol content and attribute it to something external rather than alcohol consumption.

Is there such a thing as secondhand alcohol exposure?

Kissing or other intimate acts with someone who has been consuming alcohol won’t trigger an alarm on your monitor. The monitor can distinguish between ingested alcohol and exposure to something — or someone — containing alcohol.

How far back can a SCRAM bracelet detect alcohol?

Unlike drugs such as marijuana, cocaine, or methamphetamine, which leave long-lasting traces of their substances in the body (think: saliva, hair, urine), alcohol does not leave any lasting trace. So, if you have alcohol in your system even an hour before having an alcohol detection bracelet installed, you likely won’t have to worry about immediately setting off your monitor.

What can I do if I don’t want to wear an alcohol monitor bracelet?

If you’ve been court ordered to wear an alcohol monitor, sorry, you don’t have much choice. Something you do have control over is whether you view this monitor as a burden or an opportunity to get sober. If you’re struggling to abstain from alcohol, visit a local Alcoholics Anonymous group to get practical tips and advice from others who have been in your shoes.

What is an alcohol monitoring bracelet?

How do alcohol monitoring bracelets work?

What happens when SCRAM detects alcohol?

Altered bond terms
Fines
Probation or parole
Revoke the person’s bond and send them to jail
Revoked driving privileges
Required counseling and community service initiatives

Breaking the device
Interfering with body temperature to prevent sweating
Putting a barrier between the monitor and the skin

Avoiding false positives

Is there such a thing as secondhand alcohol exposure?

How far back can a SCRAM bracelet detect alcohol?

What can I do if I don’t want to wear an alcohol monitor bracelet?

Can you get a DUI on a Bike?

The law is very clear about the consequences of being intoxicated while operating a vehicle with four wheels, but what about when that “vehicle” only has two of them? We’re talking about bikes, the non-motorized kinds, and whether or not it’s possible to get into legal trouble for riding one with a BAC (blood alcohol concentration) of 0.08% or higher. If you’ve ever wondered “can you get a DUI on a bike?” strap on your helmet, the answer is one wild ride.

Can you get a DUI on a bicycle?

Depending on the state, it’s absolutely possible for a cyclist to get pulled over by law enforcement and charged with driving under the influence. In fact, a drunk bicyclist could even be arrested and detained because of it.

Understandably, many people aren’t aware that getting a DUI on a bicycle is even a remote possibility. The ‘D’ in DUI stands for driving after all, a term used almost exclusively to describe the act of operating gas or electric-powered vehicles. So, how can such a charge be applicable to someone on a set of wheels that are operated by pushing pedals?

The reason boils down to DUI law and what the statute says — or doesn’t say. Specifically, the legal definition of what’s considered a vehicle. DUI statutes vary from state to state, with some only having vague wording about what counts as a vehicle while others are more specific.

Some states specify that DUIs can only apply to motor vehicles or may explicitly exclude bicycles from these statutes altogether. Other states are much more general, referring to vehicles as anything capable of transporting people. It is these latter types of statutes that allow law enforcement the ability to dictate whether your mode of transportation is eligible to earn you a DUI.

Additionally, motorized bikes are typically lumped in with other motorized vehicles.

What are the penalties for getting a DUI on a bike?

The wording of these statutes can also affect the severity of such a charge. Some states have a separate set of penalties for cyclists — but this isn’t common. Most states treat intoxicated bicyclists with the same charges as if they were operating a car.

Common penalties can include:

Fines ranging from a few hundred to a few thousand dollars
Jail time of up to a year or more depending on if it’s a felony DUI)
License suspension for a few months to a few years
Put on probation
Substance abuse evaluation and treatment

If a bicycle DUI case ends up in court, these offenses are typically treated with a bit more leniency since a bicycle poses much less danger on the road than a motor vehicle. However, this is not the case if a person has multiple DUI charges.

A person’s first DUI is considered a misdemeanor in most states. It isn’t until a person has had multiple DUI convictions that it would be classified as a felony, regardless of vehicle type.

Why you got pulled over: Is it illegal to ride a bike drunk?

So, we know that it’s possible to get a DUI on a bike, but what grounds would an officer have to pull someone over in the first place? Once again, the answer is “it depends”, and can vary based on a state’s DUI laws.

Certain states explicitly say that riding a bicycle while drunk is a crime. In other instances where the law isn’t as straightforward, DUI law allows officers to stop people who are behaving in a way that shows that they’re clearly intoxicated.

However, there’s another reason why a person could get a DUI on a bike that falls outside of DUI law: public intoxication. It’s a broad offense that every single state has some degree of regulation on. In addition to possibly disruptive behavior in public, an officer may stop someone who’s intoxicated in a public place for potentially being a danger to others or themselves.

Through this general, catch-all charge, someone who’s drunk on a bicycle could legally be stopped at an officer’s discretion. Public intoxication rules are also the reason why it’s not just bicycling that can earn someone a DUI but walking while intoxicated can get a person in trouble as well.

It might seem like you’re doing the responsible thing by not drinking and driving, but traveling in any form can be extremely dangerous if you’re inebriated. If you or a loved one has had their driving rights revoked due to driving under the influence, it’s time to get help. Find an Alcoholics Anonymous group near you today and put yourself back in the driver’s seat of your life.

Understanding Alcohol Brain Fog

We’ve all heard the term “brain fog” thrown around, but when it comes to alcohol, this fog can become a lingering haze that disrupts your life. Understanding what alcohol brain fog is, its causes, and how to overcome it is crucial for anyone grappling with alcohol-related issues. This article aims to shed light on this often-overlooked aspect of alcohol consumption and its long-term effects on cognitive function.

What is Alcohol Brain Frog?

Alcohol brain fog refers to a range of cognitive impairments that occur during alcohol consumption or in the aftermath. While “brain fog” is not a medical term, it’s widely used to describe symptoms like confusion, forgetfulness, lack of focus, and mental clarity. In the context of alcohol, these symptoms can be acute (occurring shortly after drinking) and chronic, lasting long after the alcohol has left your system.

In fact, brain fog related to alcohol use can also be a symptom of withdrawal for those who have developed alcohol dependence. In such cases, the brain has become accustomed to the presence of alcohol and may struggle to function normally without it, leading to feelings of confusion or disorientation.

Causes of Alcohol Brain Fog

There isn’t a single cause directly associated with alcohol brain fog. This cognitive impairment is often the result of the following:

Alcohol Abuse: Alcohol is a central nervous system depressant, which means it slows down brain function and neural activity. This impairment can lead to temporary cognitive dysfunction, often called brain fog.
Withdrawal Symptoms: For those who have developed an alcohol dependence, brain fog can also be a withdrawal symptom. In such cases, the brain struggles to function normally without alcohol, leading to cognitive impairments.
Nutrition Deficiencies: Chronic alcohol use can lead to nutritional deficiencies, such as a lack of B vitamins, which are crucial for cognitive function. This deficiency can exacerbate symptoms of brain fog.

Signs and Symptoms

Alcohol brain fog varies depending on the individual’s consumption frequency, tolerance and overall health. Recognizing the signs of alcohol brain fog is the first step toward addressing it. Symptoms can include:

Lack of concentration. People with alcohol brain fog find concentrating on tasks and following conversations hard. This difficulty can disrupt work, social interactions and overall productivity.
Memory problems. Short-term memory problems like forgetting people’s names and recent events are frequent in an individual suffering from brain fog. More severe issues include blackouts and amnesia.
Exhaustion. Alcohol can disrupt standard sleep patterns. The lack of restorative sleep contributes to cognitive impairment and brain fog.
Exacerbation of the need for alcohol. The individual may start to notice the symptoms of alcohol brain fog and feel like their brain is “damaged” and they “need alcohol to think.” This can lead to misuse and addiction.

Long-term Effects

If not addressed, alcohol brain fog can lead to more severe cognitive impairments over time. Chronic alcohol use has been linked to long-term memory issues, decreased attention span, and even conditions like Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome, a severe form of cognitive impairment related to vitamin B1 deficiency.

Brain fog and long-term alcohol misuse can increase vulnerability to mental health disorders such as anxiety and depression. The impact of alcohol on neurotransmitters and brain chemistry can disrupt mood regulation and contribute to the development or worsening of these conditions.

How to Overcome Alcohol Brain Fog

There are plenty of ways to recover from alcohol brain fog.

Medical Evaluation: The first step in overcoming alcohol brain fog is to consult a healthcare provider for a comprehensive diagnosis and treatment plan, which may include detoxification and other medical interventions.
Medical Detox: Abruptly stopping the ingestion of alcohol can be challenging and potentially dangerous. Professional detox will help you or your loved one to cut down alcohol drinking step by step. This way, your brain and body can readjust in a measured way.
Mental Health Support: Research shows that brain fog is already a symptom of severe mental illnesses and, when exacerbated, can worsen the symptoms of anxiety and depression. When seeking professional help, ensure the treatment center or the healthcare provider offers dual diagnosis and treatment.
Alcohol Addiction Treatment: Behavioral treatments, medications and mutual support groups like Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) are some of the most effective treatments for alcohol addiction. Behavioral therapies will help you recognize your patterns and triggers and develop the skills to reduce or stop drinking.
Healthy Habits: Once you get control of your alcohol consumption, the way to steady sobriety can be achieved through healthy habits. Drinking 2-3L of water daily, maintaining a nutritious diet, creating a self-care plan and developing a support network can nurture your body and mind on the path to wellness.
Abstinence or Moderation: Depending on the severity of the symptoms and the underlying causes, reducing alcohol intake or abstaining entirely is often necessary to clear the fog.

The Bottom Line

According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, people who get treated for their alcohol problems have no further mental or physical symptoms one year later. Understanding alcohol brain fog is crucial for anyone dealing with alcohol-related cognitive impairments. By recognizing the signs and taking proactive steps, it’s possible to lift the fog and improve your cognitive function.

10 Job Tips for Recovering Addicts

Navigating the job market is challenging for anyone, but the journey can feel like an uphill battle for those in recovery from addiction. Let’s explore some tips to help you land that job and make a fresh start.

1. Explore Career Development Opportunities in Your Rehab Center

Your journey to employment can start right where your recovery did. Many rehab centers offer career development services, from vocational training to job placement assistance. Take advantage of these resources to set the stage for your job search.

2. Conduct an Honest Self-Assessment

Before diving into the job search, take some time to assess your skills, interests, and strengths. Knowing what you bring can help you target roles that align with your abilities. Consider taking online courses or workshops to fill in any skill gaps.

3. Master the Art of Resume Building

Crafting a compelling resume is crucial. If you have employment gaps due to your recovery journey, consider using a functional resume that focuses on your skills rather than a chronological work history. Be prepared to discuss your experience in a positive light, emphasizing what you’ve learned and how it makes you a stronger candidate.

A resume is your first impression on paper, and it needs to be a good one. Some rehab centers offer resume-building workshops to help you address employment gaps and highlight your skills. Utilize these services to create a resume that speaks to your strengths.

4. Know Where to Look

Some industries are more understanding and supportive than others when hiring people in recovery. Research companies are known for their inclusive cultures and don’t overlook job boards that specialize in opportunities for those with a history of addiction.

Don’t underestimate the power of your rehab center in your job search. Many centers have partnerships with local businesses and can help you find opportunities that fit your skills and background well.

5. Leverage Your Network

Your support network can be valuable in your job search. Groups like Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) and Narcotics Anonymous (NA) often have members who can provide job leads or offer advice on navigating the job market.

Contact friends, family, and acquaintances who might know of suitable job openings. Networking events and LinkedIn are also excellent platforms for making professional connections.

6. Prepare for Interviews

Interviews can be nerve-wracking, especially if you’re concerned about discussing your recovery. Many rehab centers and even halfway houses offer mock interviews and coaching to help you prepare. Use these resources to build your confidence and hone your interview skills.

7. To Disclose or not to Disclose?

When disclosing your recovery status, you may wonder what you’re legally required to share. The answer varies by jurisdiction and job type. Still, generally, you’re not obligated to disclose your medical history, including addiction recovery, unless it directly impacts your ability to perform the job.

Weigh the pros and cons carefully. If you choose to disclose, be straightforward but professional, focusing on how your journey has equipped you with unique skills and perspectives.

8. Consider Part-Time and Flexible Jobs

If you’re in early recovery or enrolled in an outpatient program. Consider part-time or flexible job opportunities that allow you to maintain a healthy work-life balance while focusing on your recovery.

9. Know Your Rights

You have legal protections against discrimination based on your recovery status. Familiarize yourself with these laws so you can advocate for yourself if needed. The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) does offer specific protections for individuals recovering from substance abuse, including drug and alcohol addiction.

Under the ADA, recovering addicts may be entitled to “reasonable accommodations” to help them perform the essential functions of their job. This could include schedule flexibility for attending AA or NA meetings, for example.

10. Never Stop Learning and Growing

The job market is ever-changing, and continuous learning is key to long-term success. Keep updating your skills and stay adaptable. Your journey doesn’t end when you get the job; it’s a new beginning.

Bonus: Focus On the Best Jobs for Recovering Addicts

When choosing a career path, consider roles conducive to your recovery. Jobs with a stable work environment, low stress, and a supportive community can be ideal.

Jobs to Consider:

Skilled Trades: Jobs in carpentry, plumbing, or electrical work often provide a stable work environment and the satisfaction of tangible results.
Animal Care: Working with animals can be therapeutic and offers a lower-stress environment than many other jobs.
Administrative Roles: Office jobs provide a structured routine without the high-stress environment of sales or customer service roles.
Library Assistant: A calm environment and the opportunity to work independently can make this a good option.
Non-Profit Organizations: The sense of purpose that comes from doing meaningful work can strongly influence recovery.

Jobs to Avoid:

Bars/Nightclubs: The availability of alcohol or drugs can make these environments risky.
High-Stress Jobs: Roles in finance, law enforcement, or emergency healthcare can be triggering due to stress.
Sales Roles Involving Commission: The pressure to meet quotas can be stressful and destabilizing.
Isolated or Unsupervised Jobs: Lack of a support network or accountability can be risky for some people in recovery.
Competitive Fields: High-pressure, competitive environments can be stressful and not conducive to recovery.

Remember, the road to employment may have challenges, but your recovery journey has already shown you have the resilience and determination to overcome obstacles.

Ecstasy: What are the effects it has on the brain?

Ecstasy, also known as MDMA, Molly, or “E”, is one of the most popular recreational drugs in America, commonly used among partygoers and young adults. Side effects include energy and alertness, pleasurable feelings, and sociability.

While its euphoria-inducing effects may seem enticing, ecstasy is far from a harmless party drug. It poses significant dangers to both physical and mental health and even just a single use can forever warp the functioning of our brain.

5 Effects of Ecstacy/MDMA on the Brain

When a person takes ecstasy, it is rapidly absorbed into the bloodstream by the digestive system and then distributed throughout the body, eventually reaching the brain. Once in the brain, ecstasy primarily affects three key neurotransmitters: serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine. Responsible for a range of crucial bodily functions, the resulting imbalances in these neurotransmitters can trigger a host of issues, some of which can be long-standing in the face of repeated use.

Increased sensory sensitivity

Ecstasy increases the release of serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine into the synaptic cleft, leading to increased signaling between neurons. Neurons are the receptors in the brain that help us to process everything we interact with like sights and smells, as well as our perception of intangible things like time.

Heightened sensory sensitivity can make users more susceptible to overstimulation and can lead to sensory overload, anxiety, and panic attacks. It can also potentially lead to cell damage or death.

Depletes serotonin levels

Ecstasy has a high potential for neurotoxicity due to the nature of how it works. The reason why ecstasy might feel so enjoyable in the moment is because it causes a tremendous surge in serotonin — one of the key feel-good neurotransmitters. This high comes at a cost, however, and the brain finds itself depleted of serotonin afterward. In this “comedown” phase, ecstasy users may feel depression, fatigue, and irritability in the days following use

Impaired cognitive function

Using ecstasy can hurt cognitive function both during and after its use, particularly memory and attention. This is primarily due to ecstasy’s impact on serotonin, which has a direct relationship with memory. Simple tasks like driving or operating machinery after using ecstasy can be extremely risky.

Mood disturbances

Repeated ecstasy use can cause longer-term neurochemical imbalances. After experiencing such intense highs and lows, the brain no longer knows what “normal” levels should be. As a result, ecstasy can cause mood disorders such as depression and anxiety, in addition to other long-term changes to brain function.

Sends signals to stimulate the body

Unlike serotonin or dopamine which can make a person feel good, the other key neurotransmitter targeted by ecstasy is norepinephrine. Norepinephrine is a counterpart of adrenaline that helps prepare the body’s fight-or-flight response. Ecstasy signals this hormone to be released, which leads to many of ecstasy’s physically stimulating effects such as increased heart rate, blood pressure, and alertness. This can be dangerous with increases in heart rate and blood pressure potentially leading to heart complications, heat stroke, and even death.

Are ecstasy’s effects on the brain permanent?

Science isn’t sure if brain damage caused by ecstasy is permanent. Research into methamphetamine, another stimulant, has been shown to have some permanent effects, but there have been no such findings for ecstasy in particular. One study looked into individuals who stopped using ecstasy for 20 weeks and found indications that their brain was recovering.

How does ecstasy cause the high?

One of the main effects of ecstasy in the body is that it causes a massive release of serotonin. This important neurotransmitter deals with mood regulation, pleasure, and feelings of well-being. As a result, this temporary surge will make a person feel a rush of positive emotions, empathy, and increased sociability. These effects typically last between 3 and 6 hours. The comedown period, however, can take several days.

How addictive is ecstasy?

Ecstasy is a stimulant drug, like that of cocaine and meth. It’s not nearly as addictive as either substance but can still get someone hooked quickly. Some of the most common signs of ecstasy addiction or withdrawal are:

Anxiety or depression
Difficulty concentrating
Fatigue
Headache
Loss of appetite
Nausea
Teeth clenching

There are no FDA-approved medications for treating ecstasy addiction. Instead, treatment typically includes detox and a focus on behavioral therapies like cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT). If you or someone you know has been dabbling with ecstasy, get free help near you at local Narcotics Anonymous meetings. There you can learn more about treatment options that have worked for others and get judgment-free support.

https://nida.nih.gov/publications/research-reports/mdma-ecstasy-abuse/what-are-mdmas-effects-on-brain

Embracing Sobriety: One Day at a Time with AA

Focusing your energy and attention on the present is essential to recovery. Instead of worrying about the possibility of a relapse or mulling over past mistakes, concentrate on the next 24 hours and what you can do to recover within that time. It sounds simple, but it has helped many people embrace their sobriety. Let’s explore the infamous “one day at a time” mindset and how it can help you stay on track with your recovery goals.

What is “One Day at a Time”?

Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) offers different mantras and affirmations to remind you that you’re making progress every day, little by little.

“One day at a time” is one of those mantras. While not unique to the 12-Step Program, it aims to make the long process of maintaining sobriety achievable when it can feel impossible.

Many people recovering from alcoholism find it impossible to picture a life without addiction or drinking, especially in the beginning. This saying is a reminder to stay in the present, leave the past behind, and not obsess over the future.

“One day at a time” helps by giving them a task they can achieve right now: avoid drinking for the next 24 hours. Don’t think about tomorrow. It doesn’t matter if you drank yesterday. What you should be focusing on is the here and now.

The Benefits of Living “One Day at a Time” in Recovery

Studies have shown that alcoholism significantly changes the way the brain works. Managing cravings is not a matter of willpower or a moral flaw when your brain has rearranged itself around addiction. But you can reverse this rearrangement by following the 24-Hour Rule.

Promotes Self-Awareness in Recovery

When you only think about the end goal of “someday I’ll be fully sober,” you’re not really experiencing your recovery journey. For many, it’s not as cut and dry as quitting cold turkey and going on with their lives as if nothing happened.

Instead, it’s a lifelong process.

By focusing only on the future, you fail to see the progress you make every day. The 24-hour Rule makes you think about everything you’ve accomplished in just one day – big or small, it all adds up.

Encourages Mindfulness Throughout Recovery

The “one day at a time” approach helps you stay in the moment and connect with yourself, which can be especially useful during stressful situations or when you are overwhelmed by complex emotions. In those cases, coming “back to earth” can turn your day around for the better.

You can control feelings of anxiety by focusing on physical sensations. If you find yourself overwhelmed by everything that needs to be done at home or have a backlog of unfinished tasks at work, try to tune in to your senses first. List things you can see, feel, hear, smell, or taste. Even out loud if you think it will help.

Don’t spend your time and energy catastrophizing. Instead, try to calm down first and then return to your tasks.

Makes Recovery Seem More Manageable

How do you ensure you’ll stay sober for the rest of your life? Can you be sure that you will never relapse? That you will never have a bad day and fall back on old habits?

It can be daunting to think of recovery like this, but you can make the process more manageable by focusing on what you can do right now. One day at a time means you can learn to focus on managing the small aspects of life instead of constantly worrying about the future and what you can’t control.

“One day at a time” asks you to take your recovery day by day instead of planning out the rest of your life. There’s a place for long-term plans, but executing them requires a “day-by-day” approach.

How to Practice Living One Day At a Time?

Living one day at a time is easier than you think. Here are some strategies to help you get started:

Repeat Mantras: You’ll hear a few common phrases in group meetings and recovery circles. Mantras and slogans that help you keep the core beliefs of the 12-Step Program in mind when you need them. Feel free to pick and memorize your favorites or write them down somewhere you’ll see them daily, like a whiteboard, journal, or bathroom mirror.
Use Affirmations: Telling yourself you are strong in your weakest moments might initially feel insincere, but this isn’t about lying to yourself. Affirmations are promises you make to yourself, reminders of your worth and progress. Remember, affirmations aren’t goals. It’s not “I will be strong” but “I AM strong!” Being kind to yourself in this way while trying to do your best goes a long way.
Reflect/Journal: Living in the now doesn’t mean you never spare a thought for the past or future. Planning is still important, and looking back on your efforts toward sobriety lets you see just how far you’ve come, no matter where you are in your journey. Try to make time to meditate or simply sit in silence and check in with yourself occasionally. Journaling is also a powerful, fulfilling tool.

Living One Day at a Time Benefits Your Recovery

Addiction is a complex condition with many factors. It’s not shameful to recognize how powerful and easily it gets overwhelming. Thinking about perceived past failures or future challenges can be paralyzing, which is why taking things “one day at a time” helps you focus on what you can do now rather than overthink what was or could be.

Try to take your recovery 24 hours at a time, and you will eventually notice how being in the moment helps you be more mindful and appreciate the small daily victories.

Subutex vs. Suboxone

Despite some pretty major similarities, including sharing the same first syllable, Subutex and Suboxone are not the same drug. They cannot be used interchangeably or substituted for one another (unless designated by a medical professional). Join us as we dive into the differences between Subutex and Suboxone, how they work, and which one is better to use for opioid addiction.

What is Subutex?

Subutex is the brand name of a prescription medication used in the treatment of opioid use disorder. Its active ingredient is buprenorphine, a very weak opioid, which is used as a pain reliever and to reduce the intensity of withdrawal symptoms.

Subutex is typically prescribed during the induction phase of treatment (i.e. the beginning of treatment), but after they have already gone through the initial withdrawal phase from other opioids. It may not be suitable for long-term maintenance therapy for some individuals

What is Suboxone?

Suboxone, on the other hand, is a combination medication. It too contains buprenorphine (though it is not the same as buprenorphine), which means suboxone is able to safely activate opioid receptors and make opioid withdrawal a lot less uncomfortable. However, the key to suboxone’s success is its other active ingredient: naloxone, an opioid antagonist.

Opioid antagonists are the opposite of opioid agonists and prevent opioid receptors from being activated. Suboxone has both, which makes it uniquely equipped to deal with some of the key challenges that can occur in medically assisted opioid addiction treatment.

Suboxone is used during both the induction stages of treatment as well as ongoing maintenance phases.

How Subutex and Suboxone are similar

Both Subutex and Suboxone are FDA-approved medications used in opioid addiction treatment. They belong to a class of drugs known as partial opioid agonists which means that they’re technically opioids, but extremely weak ones — a key factor to why they’re so effective and their use is so widespread.

Being opioids, Subutex and Suboxone are able to bind to opioid receptors in the brain, fulfilling the body’s physical dependence on opioids and thereby reducing cravings and withdrawal symptoms. And since they’re only partial opioids, they don’t cause euphoric highs like their predecessor, methadone, which is a full opioid agonist. As partial opioid agonists, these drugs carry a low risk of abuse or addiction.

The biggest difference between Subutex and Suboxone

The main difference between Subutex and Suboxone comes down to what they’re made of: Subutex’s only active ingredient is buprenorphine while Suboxone is a combination of buprenorphine and naloxone.

Buprenorphine is a key ingredient in both Subutex and Suboxone which enables both medications to be so effective at treating opioid addiction, and the presence of naloxone in Suboxone doesn’t change that. What it does affect is the potential for long-term use of a buprenorphine-based medicine and that is why suboxone is preferred for the long-term maintenance treatment of opioid dependence over Subutex.

What does naloxone do?

Naloxone is an opioid antagonist that blocks the effects of opioids at the receptor level. It’s the same active ingredient in the brand name medication, Narcan, that’s used to reverse an opioid overdose quickly.

Its purpose as part of a buprenorphine duo is to discourage misuse of the medication. If Suboxone is taken sublingually (placed under the tongue) as it’s supposed to be, the naloxone component has little to no effect. However, if someone tries to misuse Suboxone by injecting it, the naloxone becomes active and initiates some very unpleasant withdrawal symptoms very quickly. This makes suboxone much better equipped to deter misuse than subutex, which has no chemical safeguard.

What does buprenorphine do?

Buprenorphine is the key component in medication-assisted treatment (MAT) for opioid dependence and opioid use disorder. It’s a partial opioid agonist that activates opioid receptors enough to alleviate withdrawal discomfort without producing intense euphoria. In addition to being an effective treatment for opioid addiction, buprenorphine is also used for pain relief and as an anesthetic.

Buprenorphine is a controlled substance due to its opioid nature. It should always be used under the supervision and guidance of a qualified healthcare provider. While the potential for abuse and addiction is low, all opioids carry some risk and should be used cautiously.

Even though it’s only a partial opioid, buprenorphine has a long duration of action and half-life (between 25 to 70 hours). This is great for addiction recovery patients because it means that the medication’s effects provide relief for a long time and don’t require frequent dosages.

If you or a loved one are looking for relief from opioid dependence, you can talk to someone for free at an NA meeting near you.